Side One Hundred And Sixty-Five – Detective Kato Reiji

Side One Hundred And Sixty-Five – Detective Kato Reiji

“We have to do something about this. It is not a matter that we can just sit on. While I hardly care about the approval of the sitting party in the Diet, we all agreed stability was needed, now more than ever, and unrest is brewing.” Morita Yuna-sama, the head of the Ministry Reiji now worked for was saying urgently to the group of police, investigators and specialists... his lips curled into a slightly bitter smile as he glanced across at a couple of his comrades... was saying. It does hurt my principles a little to work with known criminals, but unfortunately there’s a distinct shortage of upright fellows or Police which are part of this new order.

Morita-sama was in her early thirties, and had a very neat, tidy and efficient air, her hair in an impeccable bun and black-framed glasses giving her eyes an inquisitive look. She would pass for a teacher or a secretary, except for the fact she was wearing a skirt suit from one of the most expensive tailors in Tokyo, and Reiji wasn’t the sort to miss details like that, even when it didn’t matter. After all, I was the one to crack the case and expose Oshiro-san, although what that nearly cost... He resisted the urge to glance over at his trainee, Officer Usui, who was listening beside him, outwardly appearing attentive, but he knew her well enough to know she was bored. Or is she a trainee anymore? I still have a mentoring role, but she’s officially transferred to this Ministry.

“The recent spate of attacks on the rich and influential are drawing the eyes of many. Fortunately, or unfortunately, if you hold that view...” Morita-sama was no lover of the vested interests that had long held sway in Japan, but she wasn’t a revolutionary or a radical, so she knew they were required for Japan to function. “...none of the major power centres of Japan have been attacked, but wealthy small businessmen and women, as well as philanthropists, altruists and similar high-profile folk, have bene targeted. You all remember the business with Shinohara-san, which was all over the news? She was very popular with the public, her charitable Foundation does many good deeds, and the average man and woman on the street likes to see the wealthy contributing to society.”

“A question, if I may?” One of the other Officers recruited by the Ministry, this one from a military background, judging by the fact he nearly saluted as he asked his question, spoke up. “Since these attacks are under our purview, do you suspect a more... mystical... motive?”

“The motive might simply be to make money.” Morita-sama clicked her tongue. “But the means and methods... they reek of Chosen matters. So yes, we are best placed to intervene, and even if not...” She pushed up the frames of her glasses with one finger, peering down at them all from her podium. “...the Ministry is paid for by hardworking taxpayers and is a bottomless pit of money. So we should deliver commensurate results, ladies and gentlemen. I don’t want excuses, I want the perpetrators caught. Japan is a country of law and peace, and that isn’t going to change, despite everything that’s happening!”

“If it’s a Chosen, then...” the Detective glanced at the small, wiry, rodentlike man Bunta-san, who was also a Chosen, and sadly also a criminal. Though his crimes were white-collar, and his thefts were from criminal enterprises. Still, a crime is a crime, and he was also party to the death of Oguro Daizen, though apparently the actual killer was one Shiratori Himeko... no, that’s not strictly true. It was supposedly a Goddess controlling her body. Ugh, there’s simply no precedent for dealing with a lot of these crimes, even now. Too much has been swept under the rug for my peace of mind, but... Looking at Usui, remembering her not even realising she had been shot, a gun pointed at her by a treasonous American spy... I pay my debts. That’s the essence of law enforcement.

“I know. I can trap them, my powers are more useful here on the Material.” he promised. “Though it’s better suited for...” He trailed off, and Officer Usui snickered, a habit the Detective was trying to break her of. If she’s going to be a Detective, rise up the ranks, as a woman she’ll need to have presence and dignity. Although... Putting aside the thought of a number of distinctly undignified women of power he had met recently, he agreed with Usui, having seen Bunta-san demonstrate his talents.

“While we are allowed to use proportionate force in our duties, and yes, against Chosen with lethal skills even fatal force to save the lives of other Officers or civilians is warranted, that should always be the last resort.”

“Are we even sure it’s a Chosen?” another Detective asked, a question Reiji was also pondering. “It could easily be some spiritual being, I’d say? At least it’s not impossible.”

“Is that likely though?” Officer Usui spoke up lazily. “From what we know, the vast majority of those are coming from around Shirohebizumi shrine, and I don’t think any of Akio-kun’s lot are going to be robbing and murdering. Although...” she cocked her head, thinking. “...since none of the nobility have been targeted, we can’t rule it out just yet.”

At least you’re thinking clearly, but... “You shouldn’t be so familiar with Oshiro-san. Conflicts of interest are what led to corruption in the force...”

It was then Morita-sama slapped the podium, the noise echoing, and everyone paused for her to speak, as she pursed her lips, irritated. “I’m glad you are all so eager, but allow me to finish. I’m just as busy as you, likely more so, I assure you. At least you only have to worry about law enforcement.” There was a nervous laugh that passed around the room at her quip. “Yes, as far as we are aware...” She clicked a button on her podium, and the screen behind her lit up, displaying some charts and infographics. “...when it comes to those with abnormal powers, there are the Chosen at the head, each with one or more dangerous powers that defy belief. Weaker here in the reality we call the Material, thankfully...” Her tone was professional, reinforcing her appearance as a strict schoolteacher. “...but from information we have gathered, this is slowly starting to even out. The process might take years or even decades or centuries, we hardly have enough empirical data, but Ministry scientists are confident there’s been a noticeable uptick.”

“Ask the rat. He’d know.” Officer Usui murmured, almost too quiet for anyone to hear, as Morita-sama continued.

“Below the Chosen, there are the mentioned spiritual beings. Their powers and providence vary, but there seem to be two types. Those called Chosen Heroes, or the Enthroned. They can freely come and go, but their numbers seem to be highly limited. We certainly cannot rule them out as a possible culprit. The second type is indeed those we see from Shirohebizumi shrine. Those brought forth by the powers of a Chosen. They cannot maintain their presence long, but can freely come and go for a while. It is quite the chore registering each one, but...” She pressed a button, and the display behind her morphed into a database. “...each entrant is logged and given official identification. So it is unlikely one of those are to blame. Besides...”

“The timeline doesn’t match. Incidents which we think fit this pattern were happening before they started appearing.” Reiji mused. “However, that misses one important point. What can happen once can happen again. Who is to say some unknown Chosen can’t do what another can.”

“Precisely.” Morita-sama agreed. “Anyway, the final type... is the majority of us here.” She said, her tone dry. “Ordinary people who have enhanced abilities. Many of us have received Chirurgery as part of our duties and remuneration, and while I could never claim to be robust, I would have little trouble subduing a strong man.”

“It’s mostly you women.” one of the recruits from the Police complained. “I’m still waiting my turn!”

“It can’t be helped. Shaeula hates touching other men.” Usui grinned. “You’ll have to wait for Akio-kun to be free. He’s a busy man.”

“As are we, but you are correct, Usui-san.” Morita-sama nodded. “I am told a day will be made free soon for Chirurgery for those of you who have not received it yet, as well as your family members, as promised. But the point stands. While those who have had Chirurgery have also been registered with the Ministry, we know of other methods, such as...” she sneered a little, hardly able to believe what she was talking about. “...Chinese Cultivators, and Western Warrior Priests and Nuns. We are unaware of the specifics, but we can assume they do not fall behind us in capability.”

“So, we can make some assumptions, but not truly know anything.” one man said, and Reiji nodded.

“Yes, that’s why it’s so important we start gathering best practices and refining our policing methods. I don’t like it, but it’s inevitable that we have to integrate spiritual techniques into policework.”

“I don’t care how you achieve results, ladies and gentlemen.” Morita-sama reiterated. “But we do need these attacks to stop! Give us a culprit so we can soothe the public. There’s already an undercurrent of unrest, we had the demonstrations and riots after Kyoto, and a resurgence after London. Sadly... we have word there will be another international incident any day now. The last thing we need is further chaos. All right, you’re dismissed!”

With that Morita-sama hurried off, likely to meet with another branch of the already sprawling Ministry. Education maybe... or the Military? Science... Culture... it makes me glad I’m a simple Detective.Updated chapters at novelhall.com

“So, let’s cut to the chase.” Usui rubbed her hands, looking at him and Bunta-san, as the three of them made up one team. “We need to get some expert help on this one. What’s the point of connections, if we can’t make use of them? Right, Bunta-kun?”

The rat-like man nodded. “Yes, it’s true. It seems counterproductive not to take advice from others.”

Reiji held in a sigh. Every day is a learning day. These pair are as stubborn as my daughters. “While I do agree that since Suzuki Haru-sama and the Diviner-sama are high up in the Ministry, and Oshiro-san is an honorary advisor, using their resources is counterproductive in the long term. If we don’t develop the skills we need now, then what do we do in the future, if... such resources are no longer available?”

Officer Usui understood, but Bunta-san merely shrugged. “Those monsters... if something happens to them, we don’t stand a chance. You don’t know Arisugawa-sama or White-sama like I do, and even they defer to... no, maybe they’ll know I’m talking about them.” As he clammed up, and Usui started teasing him, Reiji frowned. Even so, today’s friends can be tomorrow’s foes. And even if we had detectives along the lines of the great fictional ones, Sherlock Holmes, Kindaichi Kōsuke, Arsène Lupin... they won’t live forever, and can’t be everywhere at once. No, we have to lay the foundation for success. I just hope one day soon they understand the need...

********

“It’s been a real pain.” Officer Usui was sighing as she clutched a mug of warm tea. “Even the most recent crime scene doesn’t tell us a lot. No fingerprints or DNA... but whoever the perp is, either they’ve got lazier, or more careless, or...”

“That sounds rough.” Watanabe Karen-san, the secretary of Oshiro-san, was saying. She had struck up a friendship with Usui since we visited Shirohebizumi shrine a significant amount for work purposes. Yes, it is rough. But I’m proud of her. Officer Usui is thinking like a Detective... “Is there anything I can do to help? I’m busy, but...”

“The thought is what counts. And it helps to vent.” Officer Usui shook her head. She glanced around, seeing the shrine being exceptionally busy. Bunta-san had noticed too, and was crouched in one corner warily, especially cautious of the little Fae, Shaeula, who despite her small frame was a being of great power. Though personally I am far more wary of her... The beautiful maid behind her, another non-human, despite having striking eyes that shifted from shimmering silver to brilliant violet depending on the light, filled him with unease. I know that look she gives sometimes. Like someone who wants to make others suffer. But...

Reiji’s gloomy thoughts were interrupted by several people entering the room. One was a young man, who on seeing Watanabe-san brightened, suddenly holding the heavy and very bulky box he was carrying higher, showing off. “Hey, Karen-chan babe, what’s up?”

“Work.” She snorted, rolling her eyes at his familiar tone, but she didn’t seem too displeased to Reiji’s eyes. “Speaking of, is that...”

“Oh, the poor girl who got into the art scam. Yeah, if I ever get off duty, I’d love to unwind.” Usui sighed. “Just us girls, right?”

“Yes, it seems so.” Shaeula agreed. “But for that, I see we must-must aid your endeavours. Besides...I was most-most offended that my kin and allies would be suspected of murder most foul. In battle, yes. We fight to kill, but we are not-not Unseelie or the Wild Hunt.” As Shaeula pouted, Reiji winced. Yes, she was greatly offended. But assuming I can take her at her word, every single being is brought over by the Chinese immigrant, if she can be called that, Nie Ling. And only for certain purposes, such as work and other tasks. So we have alibis for all of them, assuming Shaeula can be trusted, and if she can’t... there’s nothing I can do about any of this. No. That way is a dead end. But...

“I think we should change the subject.” Hayato-san said, steering the topic back to safety. “Okay, I get that you don’t want to leak classified investigative details, but... we need some basic parameters. What area are you looking at? A district of Tokyo? The whole thing? Japan as a whole? The world? Sadly we aren’t just using a map and picking spots, it’s far more complicated than that, so with our current level of processing power, Tokyo is about as much as we can manage.”

“Getting the satellite data from the maps to scale wasn’t trivial.” Yasu-san boasted, and his friend, another man, this one more smartly dressed, agreed.

“Yeah, the re-gridding algorithm was murder, splitting it up into ever-decreasing chunks. But then, Akio-kun’s paying us, and he’s our friend, so we don’t want to let him down. Besides, Shiro will kill us if we waste all his money. But converting the map data to a proprietary format that links with the potential randomness, and allows for other non-map data sets... it’s a real headache.”

At the mention of Shiro, Bunta-san shivered. He was increasingly on edge here, perhaps having people he had no wish to meet again.

“Bunta-san, Officer, what do you think?” Reiji asked.

“I think...the crimes are scattered all over Tokyo. So we need the wider search area.” Bunta-san said, while Usui scratched her chin, thinking.

“Hey, so... this works by probabilities, just like the dice, right? But... how does your Fortune affect a machine?”

“It still works.” Shaeula grinned. “I do still-still enjoy playing those gambling games.”

“No confessing to criminal activity in front of me.” Reiji pinched his nose, annoyed. “However, a little illegal gambling is out of my jurisdiction.”

“Yeah, we think it’s because it’s her who wishes the outcomes. We’ve done some experiments with some others with a Fortune stat, and while it’s not as pronounced, the results indicate it needs to be personally related. If the person wants someone else to win in a game of chance they aren’t playing, for example, the effects seem largely reduced, though not statistically non-existent.” Hayato-san explained. “So the user of the Oracle Engine needs significant Fortune currently. Akio-kun could do it, but apparently Shaeula’s is even stronger with her ring.”

“Yes, I very rarely lose-lose.” Shaeula paused, suddenly pouting. “Though most-most of the online accounts I use have now been suspended. Perhaps being too fortunate is not-not always a good thing.”

“I’m curious.” Officer Usui piped up. She had lost interest when they talked about complicated software matters, but back on the subject of chance her interest was piqued. “Does your luck affect each dice individually, or as a whole set? If so, the outcome would be very different?”

That’s a good question, and one a Detective would ask. Reiji nodded, equally curious.

“It depends. When playing cards, the hand I get dealt is not-not taken as a whole, each individual card is better than one would expect.” Shaeula said, and Hori-san let out a pleased giggle.

“Yes, you don’t want to play games of chance with Shaeula or Akio. Losing is nearly inevitable.”

“Of course, harder feats of Fortune are not-not always in my favour. I would not-not have you expect I can produce results, especially with this machine, but perhaps it will be indicative.”

“Most of the processing power goes towards an AI system.” Yasu-san said proudly. “Though honestly, it’s not Artificial Intelligence in the way we talk about normally, it’s all predictive modelling and statistical analysis of established datasets. But... this is the core.” He grinned at Watanabe-san, who was looking on fondly. “When we scale up to a supercomputer, it’ll blow everyone’s minds!”

“Akio-kun put a lot of faith in us.” Hayato-san agreed. “We asked to help, and help we will. Besides, this is the first of its kind. We couldn’t have done it without the help of Ixitt, though.”

The Fae nodded. “Yes. Well, it does rather align with my own experimental goals. I am still very much a novice at branches of Mortal Engineering such as Computing and AI, but... I have someone I can ask as well. She would be most interested in the outcome of this experiment.”

“All right. Currently, the loaded data sets won’t understand what you want, but Shaeula needs to input it anyway, and we’ll rely on her Fortune.” Hayato-san said, and asked what they wanted to know.

“This is all very irregular. I admit to being curious, but I was simply here to try and eliminate the possibility of spiritual beings from this camp being involved.” Reiji frowned. “Besides, it isn’t like we can act on this data. We would never get a warrant for a search or similar. We have no probable cause or need to enter private property. And while the case is murder... a retroactive warrant will be tricky.”

“Is that true?” Usui asked. “You’re forgetting that magic and spiritual power is currently legally enshrined in our laws, thanks to the Ministry. I think we could swing probable cause at least. We might be embarrassed if things go wrong, but...”

“I don’t like relying on such methods. It will degrade our investigative skills, and Shaeula won’t always be around to operate the device.”

“Yes, having things be operated by anyone is the key.” Hayato-san agreed. Shaeula was waiting eagerly, ready to type. “Which is why with greater processing power and AI, the level of Fortune required to get tangible results should decrease. More Fortune is always better, but... eventually it will be a device that can be used to produce Oracles by all. Or so we hope. It’s a lot of cash for it to fail.”

“In that case...” Reiji conceded defeat. It certainly couldn’t hurt to try. “We are looking for where we can find evidence to the culprits of the recent cases...” He gave them the details, and Shaeula typed away, the map displayed on the monitor unchanging.

“All right then. Shaeula, can you concentrate on wanting to know the answers, then start it?” Hina-san said, and Shaeula nodded. Moments later, dots in multiple colours appeared. Six colours.

“The first randomised figure is how many places to look for. Seems it picked six. Currently the AI can only handle between one and forty. But eventually we are hoping it can run searches into the millions.” Hayato-san explained, and as dots appeared rapidly, they were scattered all over Tokyo, but... No, there’s a pattern...

Six different blobs of colour were slowly forming. Specs of other colours were mixed in, and it was more a diffuse cloud, but in six spots, the density of single colour dots was significantly abnormal. “Huh, that’s Chiyoda ward. That can’t be right...” Reiji mused. “Then there’s Minato ward... huh. Isn’t that the area that Shinohara-san lives and was attacked? That’s one hell of a coincidence...”

As Shaeula smirked proudly, her finger on the keyboard of the so-called Oracle Engine, Reiji’s eyes widened, and he looked to see if Bunta-san and Officer Usui had noticed what he had as well.

“There’s only two places that correspond to the victims, and... they were the pair of attacks that seemed far clumsier and more haphazard.” Usui muttered. Bunta-san followed up, agreeing.

“I don’t want to believe in coincidence, but... three of the other spots, including Chiyoda ward all have one thing in common.”

What does he mean? Wait... I see it. It’s obvious now I know what to look for. Is there something to this after all? Fortunately they were in the right place to enquire further about the matter, and Reiji’s intuition was tingling, just as it had when he picked up a minor case involving some thugs harassing a woman. All right then. This may all be mystical nonsense, but with what I’ve seen, and our current lack of leads... might as well at least check it out...