Chapter Sixteen: Transfer Her to Otsuka Precinct.

One day later, at the Department of Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University Hospital, VIP ward.

Next to the pristine white hospital bed, the bedside table was filled with fresh flowers. Sunshine streamed through the transparent glass, flooding the room. The air was filled with the scent of disinfectant, and the air conditioning hummed steadily. Several ropes dangled from the railings above. Sōsetsu Uesugi lay on the bed, undergoing a personal examination by Director Hiyaku.

Behind the director stood a dense crowd: Professor Ōkouchi from Pathology, Professor Zaizen from the First Surgery Department, Professor Imazu from the Second Surgery Department, Professor Nosaka from Plastic Surgery, and other department professors all present.

The grand assembly made Sōsetsu slightly uncomfortable. Seemingly sensing his unease, Director Hiyaku chuckled warmly, “No need to worry, Uesugi-kun. We just finished this week’s meeting and dropped by to see you. Let me take a look… Ah, what a relief! No bone damage, no nerve injury—just some flesh wounds. A few days’ rest and you’ll be fine.”

“Thank you for your trouble, Director Hiyaku. I truly appreciate you coming personally,” Sōsetsu replied, masking his disdain for the director’s standard fake smile and the hollow politeness of the conversation. He pressed on, “What about the police? Have they caught the female suspect?”

“I heard they have. Uesugi-kun, don’t worry. When they heard you were injured, Chief Kanazawa and Section Chief Sudō from the police station personally led a team, gathering over thirty officers from various police boxes for a comprehensive search. It took them a day, but they caught the female suspect—no, she should be called a criminal,” Director Hiyaku said casually, smiling. “But for the details, you should ask the police station.”

“Professor Ōkouchi, you’ve truly raised a fine student,” Director Hiyaku squinted, relieved that Sōsetsu had only superficial injuries, his smile blooming like a flower.

The hospital and police station worked together, with the police as the dominant party and the hospital in a subordinate role. Usually, the hospital was at a disadvantage, but this time, since the police clearly erred, the dynamic shifted. It was foreseeable that the Ōtsuka Police Station would now defer to Tokyo Medical and Dental University.

“Uesugi-kun, take good care of yourself,” Professor Ōkouchi said briefly, nodding and patting Sōsetsu’s left leg, “You’ve worked hard.”

At that moment, a commotion echoed down the corridor. A resonant baritone shouted hoarsely, “Where is he? My beloved son, Sōsetsu Uesugi, where is he?!”

“Darling, don’t rush!” A soprano voice followed closely, the clicking of high heels marking her arrival.

Upon hearing these voices, Sōsetsu immediately closed his eyes.

They had arrived.

The VIP room door was roughly pushed open. Sōetsu’s father, Hironori Uesugi, stormed in wearing a black kimono patterned with white bamboo and sparrow motifs, gripping a large crocodile leather bag. He pushed through the crowd in a few strides. “Yukimatsumaru, don’t be afraid! Dad’s here! Mom and Dad came to see you! How are you feeling? The doctors say your hand function isn’t affected, that’s wonderful. I brought your favorite Sendai grilled beef tongue; Mom made sea bream tempura and fried shrimp!”

After his outpouring, tears welled in Hironori’s eyes.

“Father, I’m fine!” Sōsetsu wanted to pretend he didn’t know this man. “It’s just flesh wounds; a few days’ rest will heal it.”

“Is that so? That’s good,” Hironori had likely consulted the doctors beforehand. Seeing his younger son in good spirits, his expression shifted from bright sunshine to a gloomy cloud. He turned with a mixture of anger and resentment. “Director Hiyaku, what on earth is going on at your hospital?!”

“Apologies,” Director Hiyaku made no attempt to defend himself. Over a dozen professors bowed in unison, from the director to Professor Iwata outside the door, all apologizing deeply.

Lying in bed, Sōsetsu understood perfectly.

Director Hiyaku and all the professors appeared because they knew his father would come—and his father would come because the professors would be here.

Two old foxes indeed!

As expected, both sides exchanged polite, measured gestures before the professors dispersed, leaving Director Hiyaku and Hironori to talk privately.

Hironori pulled the director aside, whispering, “This won’t be easy, Hiyaku-kun. I have only two sons. Yukimatsumaru has finally made some achievements, and the Metropolitan Police have a report now. Hiyaku-kun, as Medical Director, your words carry weight.”

“The police station called to apologize and promised to cover all medical expenses. This was truly due to the negligence of female officer Kōsaka. Our hospital is in a difficult position as well,” Director Hiyaku replied calmly. “Ultimately, it’s unavoidable that a forensic doctor goes to a crime scene; there’s inherent risk. The police simply failed to provide proper protection, right?”

“Exactly. So if you want, we can let this rest. But what about elevating Yukimatsumaru from intern to full forensic doctor? Our Uesugi family ranks high among the 1,103 noble families in Kasumigaseki. The hospital owes us some explanation, don’t you think?” Hironori smiled slyly, “Make friends with us; it won’t hurt you.”

“Heh, as expected of the Chairman of the Tokyo Metropolitan Cultural Exchange Association, you’re good at applying pressure,” Director Hiyaku gave a resigned smile. “Alright, I understand your request.”

The two old foxes concluded their negotiations, and Hironori beamed.

“Hey! Yukimatsumaru! Your training is over! Come thank Director Hiyaku!”

“Much appreciated!” Sōsetsu immediately got out of bed to express his gratitude.

Thus, Sōsetsu Uesugi became the fastest physician in Tokyo Medical and Dental University’s history to complete his internship—just three months, compared to the usual two years.

“So, what about the police station? What’s your plan?” With the deal sealed, Director Hiyaku and Hironori shifted topics. The old fox said ambiguously, “Fair treatment all around.”

“The police need to change their approach… Yukimatsumaru, rest easy. Your blood was not shed in vain. Your father will fight for every benefit you deserve,” Hironori gave Sōsetsu a reassuring look. “See you in the Asahi Shimbun.”

———— News Scene Divider ————

The next day, Ōtsuka Police Station, Bunkyō Ward, Tokyo.

Section Chief Sudō of the Criminal Division had just finished leading an exhaustive all-day operation to capture the suspect. Exhausted and ready to rest after the arrest, he received a call from the Metropolitan Police Department.

“Hello, Tōdō? Thanks for yesterday,” came the voice.

“Sudō, bad news. Have you seen the news on Yahoo?”

“News?”

Sudō quickly opened Yahoo, where a headline caught his eye:

“Bunkyō Ward Ōtsuka Police Detective Injured New Forensic Doctor Due to Poor Arrest Handling.”

Cold sweat trickled down Sudō’s spine, quickly turning into a hailstorm of dread.

This was bad.

Thirty minutes later, at the Metropolitan Police Department headquarters in Chiyoda Ward near Sakuradamon.

A large round table filled half the room. Five police inspectors sat on one side; on the other side were Sudō, veteran officer Tanaka, Inspector Kuwahara, and female officer Kōsaka.

The lead inspector pulled out a printed news article. “Two days ago, officers at Bunkyō Ward Ōtsuka Station—Sergeant Tanaka, Inspector Kuwahara, and Inspector Kōsaka—while arresting a female suspect, allowed her to retrieve a knife from the kitchen after she was already subdued. She stabbed the attending forensic doctor. During the second arrest attempt, she escaped due to carelessness.”

The inspector’s eyes widened, hands slammed the table as he leaned forward, expressionless. “Is this true?”

Sudō felt immense pressure, wiping sweat from his forehead. “Please allow us to explain…”

“I’m asking you a question!” The inspector’s fingers interlaced, each word deliberate. “Did you fail to stop her from fetching the knife? Did you let the woman stab the forensic doctor right in front of you?”

“…” Sudō was not present at the scene, but when he glanced at Tanaka’s pale face, he knew they were done for.

“Answer me!” The inspector struck the table in anger, making the carpet shake and the ceiling echo. “We are the police, protectors of the nation’s lives and interests. We are different! You have no right to remain silent here!”

“We wanted to enter the apartment, but the suspect had many personal belongings inside,” Tanaka said with difficulty. “Under the regulations, male officers avoid involvement to prevent gender issues, so…”

“So you let Kōsaka enter alone?” The inspector dragged out the words. “Kōsaka, you just watched the suspect go get a knife and stab someone?”

“I… it happened too fast. I didn’t know what was going on; I thought she was just going to get water,” Officer Kōsaka lowered her head nervously. “It’s all Uesugi’s fault! When he entered, he suddenly described the crime method without evidence. The suspect’s reaction was normal!”

“No evidence? Ha!I'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.