Tokyo: From Lawless Madpolice to Minister

After nine o'clock in the evening, when Tokyo's nightlife is at its peak, a group of people gathered in the reception room of Xiu Xin's private club.

The Head of the Maritime Security Bureau, Oda Seisui; the Deputy Chief, Matsushima Nobutake; the Councillor, Beike Yongwu; the Minister of the Guard Rescue Department, Yagyu Tomon; and the Sea Guard's second-class Sea Captain, Yagyu Bingyong, all stared at Xiu Xin, waiting to hear the reason for the sudden meeting tonight.

Xiu Xin slowly swept his gaze over the five people, and said in a steady voice, "Since the smuggling business has been on track, haven't we all profited quite a bit from it?"

Everyone nodded in agreement, even Yagyu Bingyong, who was usually aloof, had to acknowledge this fact.

At first, he refused because, after all, he had a soldier's pride and despised using warships meant for national defense to engage in activities that harm the national interest.

But since his younger brother was too deeply involved and indeed made a lot of money from it, coupled with their father's tacit approval, the Yagyu family inevitably became a smuggling kinship, a law-breaking father-son duo.

"In the past two years, we've made plenty, and although there were occasional minor disturbances, we've always dealt with them together before they could grow. But now, we face a major crisis," Xiu Xin said gravely.

These words caused everyone to exchange worried glances, knowing that if Xiu Xin thought it was a major crisis, it was undoubtedly severe.

Yagyu Tomon urged, "What exactly is it, Commissioner Aoyama? Just tell us straight. We all rise and fall together in this, and none can abandon ship midway. No matter how big the crisis is, we must face it together and strive to overcome it."

Yagyu Bingyong glanced at his brother; he had changed a lot after meeting Xiu Xin.

Previously, all he did was indulge in vices, relying on his status and background to bully others, but could not say such things.

"Indeed, Mr. Aoyama, please just tell us what's going on," Oda Seisui agreed.

Matsushima Nobutake flicked his cigarette ash, showing his yellow teeth as he said, "It's nothing but soldiers coming to block it, and earth to cover water; as long as the sky doesn't fall, we'll be fine."

"Good, with your readiness, I'm more confident about overcoming this disaster," Xiu Xin laughed heartily before discussing tonight's matter, "The newly appointed Defense Minister Ozawa Hideomi may have noticed some clues while being acquainted with the Sea Guard, and traced it to discover the Yagyu family and the Maritime Security Bureau's involvement in smuggling. He has reported it to my grandfather, though he hasn't gathered concrete evidence yet, and my grandfather instructed him to investigate thoroughly."

He deliberately omitted that Ozawa Hideomi's report also implicated him in the smuggling.

Listening to Xiu Xin, the five people's faces turned grave. The Defense Hall being responsible for supervising all military affairs, backed by the Prime Minister, was poised to investigate them thoroughly.

After all, their smuggling was not particularly secret; they merely involved everyone from top to bottom in profit-sharing and ostracized those who wouldn't join, thus evading exposure. This couldn't withstand a high-level scrutiny.

"This is troublesome," Beike Yongwu furrowed his brows tightly, pinning hopes on Xiu Xin, "Can't you persuade the Prime Minister..."

"Can I dare to admit to my grandfather that I am also involved in this matter? If I don't admit it, how can I persuade him to drop the investigation? If I confess, he might only protect me, but can he also let you all go? Am I someone who can stand alone and disregard your fates?" Xiu Xin cut him off.

Matsushima Nobutake hastily said, "Mr. Aoyama, you are truly loyal and righteous. I will remember this. Since you are unwilling to stand alone and wish to advance and retreat with everyone, we will never let you down in the future!"

"Indeed, true feelings are seen in adversity. If we can get through this, saying we live or die together wouldn't be an exaggeration!" Oda Seisui nodded heavily.

Xiu Xin was indeed very loyal this time.

Yagyu Bingyong said calmly, "Let us first discuss how to deal with this investigation."

"If it comes to it, kill Ozawa Hideomi," Yagyu Tomon said fiercely, his eyes shining with brutality.

Several people were shocked, "Absolutely not!"

"Ozawa Hideomi is a Cabinet Minister, investigating this matter on the Prime Minister's order. Killing him would force a major purge from above, which we absolutely cannot do," Beike Yongwu said, shaking his head.

Xiu Xin hadn't expected Yagyu Tomon to be so aggressive, considering killing the Minister of Defense; my goodness, in the future during a coup, he would certainly be willing.

He was practically born with a rebel disposition.

Oda Seisui said, "Being reckless won't work, but we also can't sit and wait for death. My idea is that the Maritime Security Bureau and the Sea Guard each push out a few fall guys."

"But I'm worried that Ozawa Hideomi has too great of an appetite, and the fall guys won't satisfy him," Xiu Xin said with a sigh.

Ozawa Hideomi isn't the problem; it's Koizumi Ichiro behind him who is. But Koizumi Ichiro clearly doesn't intend to let things slide, or he would have given me some advance notice instead of directly reporting to Yanchuan Shilang.

He looked at the five of them and said, "On the way here, I organized my thoughts. It's no good to go head-to-head with Ozawa Hideomi. My idea is to use both hard and soft tactics."

"On one side, pick a few scapegoats to take the blame for smuggling, and on the other side, find a way to get hold of Ozawa Hideomi's weakness. Using that weakness and a large amount of benefit to coerce and entice him to use the scapegoats we select to report to my grandfather; this way, not only can we weather this crisis, but also pull him onto our boat for a more stable future."

Although Ozawa Hideomi's attitude towards handling this matter is mainly guided by Koizumi Ichiro, Ozawa Hideomi is still an individual. As long as his weakness is threatened and he is lured with substantial benefits, will he truly risk it all for Koizumi Ichiro?

"Mr. Aoyama has thought of everything; let's do it," Oda Seisui quickly expressed his support.

Others also chimed in, and Yagyu Bingyong added, "However, we must also prepare for the worst in case he doesn't budge at all."

"Then we'll have no choice but to strike mercilessly, even if just to gain some time," Xiu Xin said coldly.

It's an unavoidable measure.

At this point, the others fell into silence. Although the consequences of killing Ozawa Hideomi would be severe, if truly forced to that point, it might be the only option; after all, no one was willing to sit and wait, becoming prisoners.

Matsushima Nobutake broke the silence, "The scapegoat needs to be someone with enough weight; otherwise, even if Ozawa Hideomi accepts, others might not believe it."

"You should discuss this among yourselves. I won't interfere, but there is one thing: make sure the scapegoat is willing and won't turn on us, or it'll cause greater trouble," Xiu Xin carefully advised.

The six conspired until midnight before dispersing, dividing the tasks. The Yagyu family and the Maritime Security Bureau looked for their own scapegoats while responding to the investigation, and Xiu Xin was in charge of finding Ozawa Hideomi's weakness. They also agreed that the bribe money for Ozawa Hideomi would be handled separately by the Maritime Security Bureau.