Tokyo: From Lawless Madpolice to Minister

After thinking he had reached an agreement with Aoyama Xiu Xin, Ozawa Hideomi officially began to investigate the smuggling issue involving the Sea Guard and the Maritime Security Bureau. However, he quickly discovered that there were numerous obstructions during the investigation; it was clear that the Maritime Security Bureau and Sea Guard had been tipped off and were prepared.

Ozawa Hideomi suspected that Aoyama Xiu Xin had let the news slip, but he wasn't discouraged because it was impossible for such a large-scale smuggling operation to be flawless.

Faced with the Defense Hall's investigation, the Maritime Security Bureau and Sea Guard's resistance was just their death throes; it was merely a difference between dying quickly or slowly.

On April 10th, the Head of the Maritime Security Bureau, Oda Seisui, invited Ozawa Hideomi for a meeting. Ozawa Hideomi was well aware of the purpose of the meeting at this critical juncture but agreed to meet regardless, as it might provide more information to help speed up the investigation.

The meeting was set for that evening at a tavern.

In an elegantly decorated private room, the two sat facing each other.

Although Ozawa Hideomi looked unremarkable, in comparison to Oda Seisui, who was plump with slick features, he appeared more refined and elegant.

"In principle, the Maritime Security Bureau is not under the Defense Hall's jurisdiction, so I'm quite baffled as to the purpose of Mr. Oda's meeting with me." Ozawa feigned ignorance.

Though the Maritime Security Bureau is part of the armed forces and well-armed, with a large staff, it is not part of the military sequence. It is not managed by the Defense Hall but by the Ministry of Land, which hasn't been integrated into the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism yet.

Oda Seisui grinned, downed his drink, wiped his mouth, and said, "We're all smart people here, so there's no need to beat around the bush. Let's be frank. I know Chief Ozawa needs achievements now that he's newly appointed; I can give you that. I'm willing to turn over a group of people to give you some credit, and I'm also willing to offer 15 million US Dollars as congratulations for your promotion, as long as you lend us a hand."

Although the other party's rank was higher, he wasn't under Oda's jurisdiction, and they were in a confrontational state now, so his demeanor and tone were not particularly respectful.

"Mr. Oda is indeed forthright. Fifteen million US Dollars is quite a gesture; it seems smuggling is truly lucrative!" Ozawa Hideomi laughed insincerely.

Oda Seisui laughed heartily, "As long as Chief Ozawa nods and gives a hand, you can earn a share too. Isn't that good? Why go for the throat when it's better to let things go when possible?"

"You bastard!" Seeing Oda's shameless demeanor, Ozawa Hideomi angrily slammed the table and reprimanded, "The money you earn is draining the country dry. I won't go for the throat, but I will definitely pursue you to the end, and let the law punish you severely!"

"So, Chief Ozawa insists on battling us to the end? Want to enjoy the profits, but beware, you might chip a tooth on the bones." Oda Seisui's constantly smiling face turned grim as he stared directly at Ozawa Hideomi, "Do you know how many people are involved? Do you understand the consequences of this investigation? Can you withstand the backlash?"

"Laughable indeed, that criminals threaten the enforcers." Ozawa Hideomi laughed in anger, his face turned cold, and said word by word, "I've got strong teeth; let's see how hard your bone is. Thanks for the meal, Mr. Oda. It was a feast. Goodbye."

With these words, he stood up to leave, but his face turned serious and heavy as he walked out. From Oda Seisui's reaction earlier, the smuggling issue was more serious than he imagined; likely, more than just a few individuals from the Maritime Security Bureau were involved—perhaps it was the whole organization.

If the entire Maritime Security Bureau was participating, then what about the Sea Guard? If many personnel from the Sea Guard were involved as well, then the issue was indeed significant.

In the private room, Oda Seisui called Aoyama Xiu Xin, "Mr. Aoyama, I just had a meeting with Ozawa Hideomi. He's stubborn and completely uninterested in negotiating. He's determined to fight us to the bitter end."

"I understand. Just proceed with your matters." Aoyama Xiu Xin replied calmly.

Oda Seisui sensed something deeper in these words and his eyes brightened immediately, eagerly asking, "Has there been progress on your end, Mr. Aoyama?"

"My people have discovered that Ozawa Hideomi has a mistress. I'll communicate with you once there are new developments." Aoyama Xiu Xin said calmly.

Having a mistress isn't a big deal; it only implies an impure private life, which wouldn't threaten someone of Ozawa Hideomi's level. But having a mistress could mean having an illegitimate child, economic issues, or abuse of power, and these are the real vulnerabilities.

This is a very important breakthrough.

The dark clouds in Oda Seisui's heart dissipated considerably, "Then I'll wait for your good news, Mr. Aoyama."

...

After parting ways with Oda Seisui, Ozawa Hideomi felt very agitated, so he didn't return home that night and went to his mistress's house instead. Facing his nagging wife would only aggravate him further; only with his young, fair-skinned mistress could he find complete relaxation.

He met this mistress during a lecture at a university. Every time he saw the admiration in her eyes, Ozawa felt utterly fulfilled as if he were a god in her world.

"Pick me up at the usual time tomorrow." The car stopped in front of a villa, and Ozawa Hideomi routinely instructed the driver before getting out and ringing the doorbell.

Soon, the door opened, and a woman in her twenties, with a voluptuous figure, was momentarily shocked and confused upon seeing him. Then she threw herself into his arms with joy, "Ah! Why didn't you tell me you were coming, Mr. Ozawa? Didn't you say you were busy tonight and wouldn't be coming? Have you eaten?"

"I've eaten. Let's go inside first; it's not good if someone sees us here." Looking at his mistress's joyful, girlish demeanor, Ozawa Hideomi couldn't help but show a smile of affection on his face.

Beihai Ling's smile gradually faded, and she spoke in a resentful tone, "Yes, we can only sneak around forever, never letting others see."

"I know I owe you; I can't give you a proper status..." Ozawa Hideomi was somewhat impatient but chose to patiently console her.

Beihai Ling sensitively sensed the man in front of her was in a bad mood today, quickly brightening up and leaning into his embrace, "But since I love you, I am willing to stay with you forever, even without a name or status."

"Ling, I love you too; sorry for the grievances."

The impatience in Ozawa Hideomi's heart vanished immediately, replaced by satisfaction, tenderness, and sweetness. He held Beihai Ling, indulging in affectionate kisses and caresses.

"How come it's so smooth so quickly."

"It's because you're so charming. Quickly, kiss me and carry me upstairs; I can't wait."

The two completely failed to notice that their intimate moments at the door were being photographed from a distance.

In the early morning, the lights in the villa were extinguished, but the door quietly opened, and a youth in his twenties stuck his head out, looking around surreptitiously as he sneaked out, careful not to make a sound, closing the door behind him hastily.

The person tasked with surveillance had almost fallen asleep but immediately became alert upon witnessing this, quickly taking out a camera to capture photos, while waking his companion to follow him in their car.

Tracking the youth, he also called colleagues for shift change to continue the surveillance on Ozawa Hideomi.

This is what you call professionalism.