Chapter 57 Power Barrier_1

Words : 1324 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 57: Chapter 57 Power Barrier_1Phoenix Academy Maggie was aware of the murder case at Shinjuku Ishida Financial Services. She also knew the Metropolitan Police Department had established a special investigation unit in response. But she couldn’t understand why the special investigation unit wanted to find her. She didn’t even know where the main gate of Ishita Financial Company was located. If they suspected her of being the murderer, she could only say the head of the special investigation unit was out of their mind. Kochou relayed the message, "They said they want to ask you about the details of the kidnapping case." "Mother, I have no interest in meeting them," Phoenix Academy Maggie flatly refused. She couldn’t refuse an investigation by the CIA, but couldn’t she refuse the Metropolitan Police Department’s special investigation unit? In her eyes, it was definitely problematic for the special investigation unit to seek her out at this sensitive time and ask about a case that was already closed. Besides, she had nothing to do with the Shinjuku case and didn’t need to waste time seeing them. "Alright, I will turn them away," Kochou said. She didn’t force her daughter to cooperate with the Metropolitan Police Department’s investigation. The Phoenix Academy held enormous sway in Japan. Even the Police Director of the Metropolitan Police Department needed to make an appointment in advance to see them. Refusing a mere special investigation unit was no big deal, as the family didn’t have to see anyone they didn’t want to. 「...」 The reception room of the Phoenix Academy residence was extravagantly decorated. A massive floor-to-ceiling window allowed guests to view the central courtyard’s large lawn, causing one to wonder if it was a golf course outside. Emily sat on the soft leather sofa, her blue eyes surveying the room’s decor. Van Gogh paintings hung on the walls. On the table sat an incredibly expensive-looking white jade teapot, and even the teacups were made of white jade. The teapot contained Xihu Longjing tea. "It seems we won’t be able to meet the person we came to see." Emily’s brow furrowed slightly as she lifted her teacup. Upon hearing this, the tall Katerina quickly finished the tea in her cup, then picked up the pot to pour another, and continued drinking. A curious expression appeared on Okayama Buji’s face. "Why do you say that?" "The furnishings in a room can reveal a person’s character. I can’t find a single hint of traditional Japanese decor in this reception room. It’s all either Western or from the mainland East. This shows Phoenix Academy Kochou has a preference for the powerful and looks down on domestic things. As for the Metropolitan Police Department, hmph, she probably doesn’t care about them either." Reaching this point, Emily spread her small hands. "Want to make a bet?" Okayama Buji wouldn’t do something so foolish. He laughed and said, "You’re right. Considering the way those conglomerates operate, it’s quite normal for them not to receive a special investigation unit like ours, especially one with almost no connection to her." Emily sipped her tea, moistening her throat, and corrected him, "It’s not that there’s no connection. In my view, this recent series of cases are all linked; they’re not isolated incidents. I just haven’t been able to determine the exact connection yet. Ultimately, it’s because those people like to cover up the slightest issue. They’re terrified that anything amiss will be discovered, which makes investigating these cases so troublesome. It’s truly exasperating. No matter how well you cover up the shit in the toilet, it’s still a pile of shit." "Don’t tell me these things; I’m not part of any conglomerate," Okayama Buji grumbled. He was fully aware that the prevailing atmosphere in Japan was problematic, but he was also powerless to resolve it. The culture of shame was deeply ingrained in every Japanese citizen, especially those within the conglomerates. For the sake of face, reputation, and profit, they would willingly engage in falsification: academic fraud, data manipulation, misrepresentation of origin, and so on. As long as it wasn’t discovered, there was no problem. Even if someone did find something amiss, a deep bow and an apology were often enough to smooth things over. In Japan, the cost of such deception was far too low, and the potential benefits too great, making the temptation hard to resist. As they conversed, Katerina had already finished the entire pot of Xihu Longjing tea. The reception room door opened quietly. An elderly man in a tailcoat stepped in with an elegant gait and said warmly, "I apologize, but the Young Lady has some urgent matters and cannot meet with you. Please come again when you have free time." Emily looked up and asked, "And when would that be?" The old man smiled. "That would be when you are, indeed, free." His implication was clear: don’t come back and disturb us again. Expecting this answer, Emily sighed inwardly. She stood up and said, "Let’s go." With those words, she picked up the small parasol beside her and walked towards the exit of the Phoenix Academy residence. Palatial and luxurious—that was her impression of the Phoenix Academy estate. Emily had to walk some distance before she finally stepped out of the main gate. Bright sunlight streamed down from the sky. She opened her crimson parasol, shielding herself. Okayama Buji slowed his pace to match hers and asked, "Where should we direct our investigation next?" Emily fell into deep thought. She had wanted to ask about some details of Phoenix Academy Maggie’s kidnapping but had been met with a closed door. The Hayakawa Finance Company, a suspect just a few days ago, had already been dismantled thanks to her efforts. Her investigation hadn’t linked Hayakawa Finance Company to any high-tech firms; instead, she’d uncovered their smuggling operations. She had sent the executives of Hayakawa Finance Company straight to prison. The Metropolitan Police Department had touted it as a major achievement. But it had nothing to do with the actual case she was trying to solve. "Since Phoenix Academy Maggie is unwilling to cooperate, we’ll have to refocus on the high-tech companies." Emily paused, a new line of thought forming. She smiled. "The kind of materials used in those robotic arms aren’t something just anyone can acquire. We’ll start by checking legitimate companies, then move on to the less reputable ones. If there’s any trace, we’ll definitely unearth the person who purchased those materials." Her words brimmed with confidence. As a renowned detective, she had solved countless cases since her debut, and she carried the quiet pride of her profession. No criminal could escape her pursuit! A hint of helplessness flickered across Okayama Buji’s face. He scratched his head. "Please try not to turn all of Japan upside down investigating this one case." "You didn’t invite me here just to get paid for chatting with you, did you?" Emily retorted sharply. At this point, it was no longer about the money for her. The culprit had piqued her interest, and she was determined to catch this intelligent criminal. Whether they could actually be brought to justice was of little concern to her. Exceptionally intelligent criminals like this were often noticed by the CIA and subsequently recruited. All their past crimes could be erased. In some respects, the United States truly did value talent. Okayama Buji sighed. "I’m just worried you’ll end up shot, made to look like a suicide, without you even realizing it." "With me around, unless they deploy an entire company of soldiers, we can handle it," Katerina finally broke her silence. Emily’s face lit up with a smile. "Thank you, Katerina. That’s the most reassuring thing I’ve heard." Okayama Buji shook his head. He privately wished they could stir things up significantly in their own country, though he was uncertain how much disruption those in charge would tolerate.Hopefully, for quite a while.

Chapter 57 Power Barrier_1

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