Tokyo: From Lawless Madpolice to Minister

As 1996 came to an end with Xiu Xin celebrating his 30th birthday, 1997 brought forth many unforgettable and thought-provoking events around the world.

But for Japan, the most talked-about event was undoubtedly in early February 1997, just after the Chinese New Year, when Heisei's No.1 Detective, the Tiger of the Police Headquarters, and the man who had made decisive contributions to Japan's social security since 1992, Police Department Director Xiu Xin, announced his resignation.

On February 8th, the first day of work after the New Year, Xiu Xin held a press conference in his personal capacity.

As a prominent figure in Japan, even under his personal name, all media across the country sent personnel to attend the press conference.

Faced with hundreds of reporters and dozens of cameras.

Wearing a black suit and slicked-back hair, Xiu Xin remained silent for a long time, which made all the reporters realize that the news he was about to announce was bound to be major. They couldn't help but get nervous.

"Thank you all for coming and bringing my words to the entire nation." After a long silence, Xiu Xin finally spoke slowly, then bowed in gratitude, raised his head with a steady expression, and said, "Here, I want to inform all citizens that I officially resigned from the position of Police Department Director three days ago, and it has been approved."

Boom! A stone stirred up a thousand waves.

The reporters exploded instantly; they couldn't care about manners or order anymore, and they all crowded forward, throwing out one question after another.

"Resign? Why did Commissioner Aoyama resign?"

"Is it because you are too honest and were marginalized at work? Oppressed by superiors?"

"What are the next plans for Commissioner Aoyama?"

"Quiet! Please, everyone, be quiet!" Xiu Xin shouted twice, and only when the noise gradually subsided did he say: "First of all, thank you all for your concern. My resignation this time is entirely my personal decision, not due to marginalization or oppression. On the contrary, the National Public Security Committee repeatedly tried to persuade me to stay."

"But I still decided to resign! Because in my seven-year police career, although I made some minor contributions to the country and the citizens, it also made me realize one thing: being a police officer can't save the Japanese people!"

The Japanese people are quite familiar with Mr. Lu Xun, so Xiu Xin's statement "being a police officer can't save the Japanese people" made all the reporters on site passionate, realizing that his resignation was not a withdrawal from officialdom but a brand-new beginning.

"Our country is sick, our citizens are also sick, and as a police officer, I can only treat some visible symptoms, but I am powerless against the real causes that have brought the nation to the brink of collapse. I love my country dearly, and for a patriot, nothing is more painful than watching the country's decline, feeling helpless."

"So I chose to resign and enter politics. Next, I will choose the right time to run for the appropriate position and serve the citizens in a different way, using my methods to heal this critically ill nation."

"Today's press conference is a farewell to my past, but it is not a goodbye to those supporters among the citizens. I will always be here. Citizens can always believe in me; you are the ones who put me on the pedestal. If one day I change for the worse, I hope you will personally bring me down! Finally, please allow me to offer belated wishes: Happy New Year to everyone."

As he finished speaking, he bowed deeply.

"Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap!"

Thunderous applause erupted at the scene.

"Commissioner Aoyama, are you resigning now because you plan to run in next year's House of Councilors election?"

The House of Representatives was elected last year; the upcoming election is next year's 20th House of Councilors election.

And Xiu Xin announced his resignation just as he turned 30, making it inevitable for people to consider this direction.

"I have no such plans for now; I might wait a bit longer." Xiu Xin replied calmly.

.........…

Early the next day, the news of Xiu Xin announcing his resignation to enter politics was reported. His speech from that day was largely unedited.

It quickly sparked a huge reaction among the public.

"Wonderful! Support Commissioner Aoyama! If he becomes a member of parliament, a Cabinet Minister, or even the Prime Minister, the country will definitely improve!"

"Indeed, Commissioner Aoyama was excellent as a police officer; he will surely do even better in politics!"

"Only with more power in his hands can he do more for the country and its citizens."

Most citizens were excited, as Xiu Xin had always been considered a beacon of light in everyone's hearts. Xiu Xin's impeccable record as a police officer gave everyone the illusion that Japan's current problems could be solved once he was in power.

At that moment, Xiu Xin was at the Police Department handing over duties to the new director succeeding him, who was his original deputy, named Nozaki Osato.

Nozaki Osato, 40 years old, had previously received considerable care from the Asakai family, and when Asai Youki resigned from the position of Deputy Director at the Police Headquarters, he promoted him.

Xiu Xin was able to quickly control the situation after becoming Director because of his support and cooperation.

After nearly a year of interaction and observation, Xiu Xin recognized this person's ability and loyalty.

In the director's office, wearing a suit, Xiu Xin sat behind the desk, while Nozaki Osato, in a police uniform, stood with his head down on the other side of the desk.

"Mr. Nobita is someone who my father-in-law left for me, and this year has been a pleasant collaboration. I won't say more; just do your best." Xiu Xin said.

"Yes!" Nozaki Osato responded respectfully: "Please rest assured, sir, I will not let you down or disgrace you. Although you have resigned, in my heart, you will always be my Director. I believe my colleagues think the same; we are always ready to serve you!"

His words weren't entirely flattery; he knew that even if he became Director, he couldn't match the status of Director held by Xiu Xin—nobody could.

Even if Xiu Xin were not Director, if he issued an order, there would still be police officers eager to execute it.

This was the absolute prestige he established with power and interests. For at least the next decade, no one could replace his position in the hearts of all police officers.

Xiu Xin stood up, nostalgically touched the surface of the desk, walked beside Nozaki Osato, and patted his shoulder, "You don't need to see me off."

With those words, he strode out of the door.

"Yes! Take care, Director!" Nozaki Osato turned and deeply bowed toward his back, shouting aloud.

Xiu Xin didn't respond; he was smoking a cigarette he had lit, and as he walked, he found it strange not to encounter anyone, until he walked out of the office building and saw that the empty space outside was packed with people.

At a glance, the pressure was palpable.

"Salute!" someone shouted hoarsely.

"Swish!" Hundreds of people simultaneously raised their hands in salute.

Xiu Xin couldn't help but smile slightly, saluted in return, and nonchalantly made his way through the crowd, got into his car, and drove away with everyone's eyes on him, as the car window closed slowly.

And all the officers present held the salute posture until they watched the vehicle disappear from view, then gradually lowered their hands.

Xiu Xin's police career had come to an end.