Tokyo Detective

Chapter 574 The Milk Dragon Attempts to Pounce on the Locust Chamber
At the semi-powered armor factory in Fuchu City, Tokyo, Kurokihara is introducing the features of his masterpiece to his new boss.

Start with a large storage room.

"This is the materials storage area, where titanium alloy and carbon fiber rolls are stored at a constant temperature."

Looking at the warehouse full of materials, Naoki Hanyu couldn't help but ask a question out of curiosity.

"Why are you buying so much material? And you're going to go bankrupt anyway, why not sell it all?"

Kurokihara gave a shy smile.

"At the time, we thought we were going to mass-produce, so we bought a lot of goods. We didn't expect that the raw material company was in cahoots with Mitsubishi. In order to win the defense team's business, the company bought it at 150% of the market price, and now we can't find a buyer for a while."

"."

Good heavens, this is how business is done. If he hadn't appeared, it would have been inevitable that he would have been ripped off by his competitors.

If they're not stupid, they're taking kickbacks; we'll find out once we investigate.

Continue on to the next department.

"The machining workshop is responsible for manufacturing high-precision parts, and it is equipped with CNC and laser cutting equipment and a dust removal system."

Naoki Hanyu nodded. He had to admit that the factory was really big. He had also visited the core subsidiary factory of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries as a police representative. In terms of the scale of machinery alone, it was a bit inferior to the mechanical company. No wonder it was a factory that was built even if it was borrowed 1500 billion yen.

However, due to impending bankruptcy, most of its production lines were shut down.

As for the workers' contracts, they have not been terminated. They will have to wait until after the bankruptcy, when the bank and the court have completed the liquidation and paid their wages before the workers can completely end their employment relationship with the factory. They have not left yet.

Next are various production lines, all for different parts of semi-powered armor.

Finally, the group arrived at the warehouse where the semi-powered armor was stored, where the two presidents and vice presidents enthusiastically introduced their masterpiece.

"Dawn Robot, Mr. Yuzuru, please take a close look. It is absolutely no worse than any semi-powered armor in the world."

"The aluminum alloy main frame is CNC machined from 8000 series aerospace aluminum."

"The drive unit consists of 12 custom servo motors."

"Control module, the latest military-grade anti-jamming computer"

The battery system is a 2.5kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Every material is of world-class quality; it's practically a work of art.

Naoki Hanyu carefully examined the semi-powered armor and felt that it was better than Mitsubishi's and no worse than America's. Although it had many advantages, the most important stats had not yet been mentioned.

"How much does it cost?"

"."

Kurokihara opened his mouth but was speechless, so Eguchi Sawa had to explain.

"2.3."

What are the costs for Mitsubishi?

"Estimated at 1 million to 1.5 million."

Alright, with a difference of 1 million, the defense force certainly has an excuse not to use yours. Anyway, they don't need the best; practicality is the most important thing.

"Can costs be reduced?"

"If we buy the materials at the normal price, we can reduce the cost to 1.8 million to 2 million. However, it's not without its advantages that we are a little more expensive. In addition to the fact that the fuselage is better than Mitsubishi's, the assembly of each component is also faster. We can produce 7 sets of semi-powered armor per week. As the technology matures, we can increase production."

Naoki Hanyu squeezed the armor, and as his strength increased, he made a deep mark, which made the two technicians next to him feel extremely distressed.

Naoki Hanyu didn't know how much production capacity other semi-powered and powered armor could produce in a week, but if it were a main battle tank, multiple production lines could produce 4 to 6 vehicles a week, so the quantity was definitely worth the factory's scale.

"By the way, how many sets can you produce with your material inventory?"

"200 sets."

Naoki Hanyu looked at the two of them in surprise. Two hundred sets would have been enough for half a year. No wonder their cash flow had dried up. These two were running their business without any way out.

Fortunately, he does need the factory to continue production.

"I'll call the workers back and get the production back on track. I'll try to find some customers, and if all else fails, I'll sell it overseas. I'll handle the paperwork."

"Yes."

Eguchi Sawa hesitated for a moment, then finally made up his mind to speak.

"Mr. Yuzuru, I have something to show you."

"Oh, what?"

"nice one."

Naoki Hanyu was very curious about the two of them suddenly becoming mysterious, until he entered a secluded room and immediately understood what was going on.

Inside the room stood a 2.5-meter-tall powered armor, entirely black with gold thread patterns. Regardless of its functionality, it certainly looked impressive.

"Is this power armor?"

Eguchi Sawa said proudly.

"It can only be described as a near-complete semi-finished product, the God of War I. It is somewhat lacking in terms of power and some minor details. If compared with the data of the Thor Power Armor I, it is only 80% as good. For example, its endurance during operation is only 5 hours."

Five hours is indeed quite low. Currently, the lowest of the four types of power armor on the market is eight hours, and Thor has already released version 2.0, yet he still uses version 1 for comparison.

"How fast is the construction going, and what are the costs?"

Eguchi Sawa instantly became dejected.

"We can produce one unit every two weeks, and the finished product costs 80 billion."

"That's really expensive."

"."

America bought the Thor 1 for only 6 billion, which is about the same as a brand-new M1A2 main battle tank. A system like this, costing 8 billion, is not competitive enough.

However, it doesn't matter if it's a bit expensive. Power armor has only been on the market for a little over a year, and it's still a scarce commodity. You can't buy it even if you have the money.

"Can you produce it now?"

"It's possible, but I'd like to refine it further, perhaps to reach 90% or even 100% of Thor 1."

Naoki Hanyu didn't want to waste time; he needed it soon.

"You continue refining it, while the Martial God is produced simultaneously."

"This isn't good; we'll need to adjust the data later."

"Let's decide."

Kurokihara and the other two couldn't argue with Naoki Hanyu, since their combined shares only amounted to 16%, while someone with 60% could kick them out of management with a single move.

As for their initial reluctance to reveal their true intentions, Naoki Hanyu guessed it.

Don't be fooled by the fact that one of them is the president and the other is the vice president.

However, the materials used to create this power armor should all be from the company. Strictly speaking, it is an invention made in the course of employment and belongs to the company, since all three conditions are met: utilizing company resources (funds/equipment/technological accumulation).

If the existence of the power armor is exposed, they may not be able to save the bank when it is liquidated by the court.

Now that the company has been saved, they can enjoy the right to be credited and receive reasonable compensation.

Naoki Hanyu called over Eri Miyabashi, who had been acting as his secretary.

"Gentlemen, Ms. Miyazaki will be my representative as vice president. From now on, any major moves will have to be discussed with her, understand?"

"This"

"Ms. Miyazaki is a business expert, and many companies on the verge of bankruptcy have been brought back to life with her advice."

Ultimately, the two lowered their heads; they admitted their lack of professionalism. Since the major shareholder wouldn't revoke their positions as president, they would accept it. The discussion quickly ended, and Naoki Hanyu immediately contacted his associates to buy shares in the powered exoskeleton company. As for himself, he had already reached his limit.

That evening, Naoki Hanyu approached Koichi Uemura, the incoming Commissioner of the National Police Agency, and Ten'ei Shiratori, the incoming Superintendent General of the Metropolitan Police Department, to discuss the matter. They said that as long as they could take down the current cabinet, they could immediately assume their posts.

With the heads of both the National Police Agency and the Metropolitan Police Department being his own people, Naoki Hanyu will be an absolute ruler in the police system.

The next morning, during a meeting of the National Public Safety Commission, Terashima Makoto, a member of Hanyu's faction, suddenly proposed a plan.

"Gentlemen, given the increasingly serious security situation in Japan, I think we should purchase new equipment for the police, considering the YMCA's unbridled behavior."

"New equipment?"

The Minister of the Interior, who also served as chairman of the committee, flipped through the documents, his expression gradually turning grim.

"Committee member Terashima, look at what you're trying to add: semi-powered armor. Is this a weapon that police officers should have? Have you forgotten the provisions of the Police Law? Police officers are not allowed to be equipped with heavy weapons."

Terashima Makoto retorted calmly, knowing that no one could stop him today anyway.

"Chairman, don't forget that after four years of revisions to the Special Security Act, the police's counter-terrorism forces are now equipped with armored units with muzzle diameters of 105mm or less. Semi-powered armor only enhances individual soldier defense and mobility, and shoulder cannons and weapons are only a few tens of millimeters in diameter."

"."

Two committee members belonging to the Yuzuru faction chimed in.

"Chairman, you're making a big fuss over nothing. It's just increasing security, not enhancing lethality. It's still within the scope of the Police Law."

"What's all the fuss about? A single set of semi-powered armor costs 3 million, and they want to buy 50 sets, which is a whopping 150 billion."

Mitsubishi was also sold to the Ministry of Defense for 300 million yen. In order to successfully complete the plan, Naoki Hanyu had no choice but to sell it at a loss.

Seeing the committee members start arguing again, the remaining opposition members spoke up.

"Everyone, stop arguing and let's vote."

Although the opposition party members didn't want to agree, did the committee have any room to refuse?

The meeting ended quickly, and the purchase of weapons was approved, totaling 300 billion.

Don't ask why the amount was increased by 300 billion. The Public Safety Commission is a one-man show run by the Yuzuru faction; whatever they say goes.

Of course, the opposition party and the cabinet were not without a chance to fight back. In less than an hour, news that the National Police Agency was going to purchase semi-powered armor spread throughout Japan, and even the fact that someone was a major shareholder was revealed.

The incident sparked heated discussions online. Many felt that purchasing 300 billion worth of equipment was extravagant and wasteful, while others believed that the police should indeed upgrade their equipment to deal with serious incidents such as those involving the YMCA, otherwise the attackers would have already disappeared by the time the defense force arrived.

A few people believe that Naoki Hanyu has a vested interest in this and hope that the Special Investigation Department will investigate.

In fact, the doubts raised online are not without merit.

The total budget for the Japanese police system is 6 trillion yen, which is approximately 400 billion US dollars or 3000 billion RMB.

Local police budgets total 4.8 trillion yen (including 47 prefectures, such as the Metropolitan Police Department, Osaka Headquarters, etc.).

The remaining funds consist of the National Police Agency's budget of 1.2 trillion won, of which 3000 billion won is for personnel expenses (staff salaries/pensions) and 1300 billion won is for special investigations into counterterrorism, corruption, and transnational crime.

The equipment procurement involved in this incident amounted to 240 billion yuan, and one-eighth of it was used up at once, which many netizens felt was too extravagant.

Five years ago, the budget was 4.18 trillion yuan, and five years later it has increased by half. It is conceivable that in the eyes of the government and the people, public security has become a major problem.

Naoki Hanyu didn't have time to deal with these things, because police from other prefectures came to plead poverty and wanted to take one or two sets of semi-powered armor back with them, but Naoki Hanyu had his men send them away.

Don't you local police have funds? If you want it, pay for it yourself. Don't try to come to headquarters and beg for it.

"It just so happens that the Powered Exoskeleton Company is delivering semi-powered armor today. You can go and talk to someone there."

Many local police leaders were speechless. Did they really need semi-powered armor? Usually, accidents happen in Tokyo. Wouldn't it be better to use the money to give their subordinates more benefits and bonuses?
Naoki Hanyu completely ignored their complaints. They could stay as long as they wanted; he wouldn't play along. He'd let the head of the General Affairs Bureau talk to them, since the head of the General Affairs Bureau had surrendered a month ago anyway.

In the powered armor equipment room, a group of volunteers, special forces, special mobile teams, and special response teams surrounded 32 sets of semi-powered armor (7 sets were stolen from the Assassin Alliance).

Thousands of people showed their desire; what policeman wouldn't want his own set of semi-powered armor?

Naoki Hanyu stood on the podium and spoke loudly.

"I know you all want it, but I'm sorry we can't supply it to you for the time being. The police department has decided to form a special armored unit under the Special Operations Bureau. All members will be equipped with semi-powered armor, and the captain will not be wearing ordinary semi-powered armor, but real powered armor."

As Naoki Hanyu clapped his hands, Natsumi Senbon pushed out a 1.5-ton power armor, its black and gold patterned appearance attracting everyone's attention.

"I want to state in advance that I will only select the elite of the elite. Marksmanship, skill, sparring, etc. are all factors that will be considered. Of course, the premise is that you can withstand this armor. The person with the highest score can wear this God of War No. 1 power armor worth 80 billion."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone's expression changed slightly. This was no different from what was expected. Who could beat Senbon Natsumi?

As for the policewoman, Senbon Natsumi, she smiled happily and charmingly, even secretly winking at someone.

Soon after, Natsumi Senbon easily subdued the last person, and the selection officially ended.

The captain of the armored unit was, without a doubt, Natsumi Senbon, Naoki Hanyu's true core confidant. Only Ryosuke Shiraishi barely passed the selection; everyone else was eliminated.

As for Akimoto Seiko, who has become a swordsmanship master, she did not come. She is a member of the Metropolitan Police Department, and in principle, even if equipment is needed, it should be the responsibility of the Metropolitan Police Department.

The Metropolitan Police Department is indeed making preparations and has already placed an order with the Power Exoskeleton Company for 15 sets at 3.3 million yen each.

Putting aside online opinions, with the addition of new customers, Power Exoskeleton Company has returned to healthy development, with multiple production lines in the factory operating at full capacity, and its stock price immediately hit the daily limit.

From the director's office, a series of coquettish voices could be heard.

"Senior, senior, I really want it too, please give it to me."

When faced with this display of coquettishness, Naoki Hanyu felt goosebumps and quickly flicked the forehead of Mai Fujiwara, who was clinging to his arm.

"Did you take the wrong medicine?"

Fujiwara Mai covered her forehead, looking pitiful.

"I hate my senior. Can't you give me a semi-powered armor? Natsumi already has a semi-powered armor, and now there's a new powered armor. You're being unfair."

Naoki Hanyu was speechless looking at the self-righteous policewoman.

"Xia Shi got it through her own abilities, and you can't get it because you're not capable enough."

Fujiwara Mai puffed up like a purple-furred hamster.

"It's not that I'm incompetent. I was only one point behind 50th place. It's just that my seniors were unwilling to give me that one point."

Naoki Hanyu pinched and rubbed the policewoman's cheeks.

"You want me to cheat? Where's your pride?"

"The Zizun You Bunun Party Fanchi, in dealing with people, one must be thick-skinned and shameless, these are all things taught by our predecessors."

Naoki Hanyu was speechless for a moment. They had all become shameless; what else could he accuse them of?

Fujiwara Mai hugged the man again.

"Please say yes, okay? Okay, okay, my dear senior, my dear mentor, my dear husband, my dear brother, okay?"

Naoki Hanyu stopped Mai Fujiwara from rambling on, rubbing his head as if it were throbbing with a headache.

"Alright, go and arrest Tomoko Masakawa and Oboro Uemura. Regardless of the outcome, I'll give you a set of semi-powered armor."

Fujiwara Mai was overjoyed.

"Senior, are you really going to give it to me?"

"Why would I lie to you? Just consider it a birthday present."

"I love you the most. I'll go arrange the manpower right now."

Fujiwara Mai kissed the man and hurriedly went out to arrange manpower, leaving Hanyu Naoki, who had just taken out the documents, standing aside.

"Hey, haven't you looked at the suspect's information yet? That's Princess Locust and her husband."

"."

Soon after, without even needing to drive, dozens of Special Operations Bureau officers in suits rushed to the neighboring residence, which was only 500 meters away.

(End of this chapter)