Detective Conan: Is Miss Haibara planning to assault a police officer again today?

"Inspector, are you aware that the investigation next door is targeting Councilor Tunkou?"

Inspector Megure was still yawning when he wiped away his tears. "Hmm, a massive bribery case. The House of Representatives might even be reshuffled this time."

Higashino Ning casually pulled up a chair. "Inspector, there's a group of people trying to get rid of Councilor Tunkou. I'm requesting the First Investigation Division to intervene and investigate, and to provide him with protection."

This news was a bit too noisy in the early morning.

Inspector Megure paused for a moment, then widened his eyes. "Where did you get this information? Is it reliable?!"

At that moment, the office door was pushed open again.

Holding a stack of documents, Shiratori Ninzaburo patiently closed the door, then lowered his voice, "Yesterday, Higashino-kun already asked me to confirm and investigate."

He placed the documents on the table. "I spoke with Inspector Morishima of the Second Investigation Division. It turns out that Representative Tomoguchi was indeed hiding something besides accepting bribes. He seemed quite fearful, and there is indeed a possibility that he was being threatened."

As he spoke, he pulled over another chair and sat down. "Afterwards, I did some simple investigation on my own, and the surveillance cameras near the residence of Congressman Tunkou captured several instances of suspicious individuals lurking and spying on people."

Higashino Ning had already discussed these matters with Shiratori Ninzaburo on his way to work.

Higashino Ning was quite surprised when he first heard this news, but then he felt that it made perfect sense.

Shigehiko Tobuchi was, after all, human. He had something on his mind and was also facing the risk of death. It was virtually impossible for the police to not notice anything amiss when they were investigating him.

And those suspicious individuals captured by surveillance cameras are even more plausible.

The person who does these things could not possibly be a codenamed member like Gin, and would naturally leave traces if they lack the ability.

In a normal case, this would be one thing, but this time the police investigation targeted Shigehiko Toguchi. They not only investigated thoroughly and intensively, but also repeatedly compared the investigation results based on the principle of caution.

This also shows that the simple rhetoric Shiratori Ninzaburo gave him yesterday afternoon was not fabricated out of thin air, but rather targeted.

The police are portrayed as trash, but they shouldn't be underestimated.

...

After listening to Shiratori Ninzaburo's words, Inspector Megure began to ponder with a serious expression.

He quickly picked up the documents and flipped through them. "Since even you, Brother Shiratori, say so, it seems this matter really needs to be taken seriously."

"Alright, I'll report this to them now and also check in with Inspector Morishima."

Megure Juzo looked at Higashino Ning, "Brother Higashino, there aren't many cases lately, so we have enough manpower."

"If we really have to get involved in the investigation into Representative Tunkuchi's protection later, then you can come with me. We'll leave the ongoing protection to you and Takagi-kun."

Higashino Ning nodded, "Okay, no problem."

Things were arranged quickly. As always, Inspector Megure was efficient and went straight out to find his superiors.

Higashino Ning and Shiratori Ninzaburo exchanged a glance and then parted ways.

Aside from private meetings, the two relied more on tacit understanding and cooperation, and it was best to avoid even cell phone communication.

Higashino Ning hadn't expected that Takagi Wataru would also be included.

Logically speaking, Inspector Megure should have kept a backup brother by his side for easier police work, and since he has worked with Wataru Takagi for many years, Wataru Takagi should have been the best candidate.

But now Inspector Megure plans to have Wataru Takagi join him in protecting Shigehiko Tobuchi.

"Maybe they want Sheshe to advance alongside me. It's definitely beneficial to get more exposure in these high-level activities."

But... there are also many dangers lurking here.

From a purely objective standpoint, the risks of this operation far outweigh the benefits.

Without a system in place and without reaching an agreement with Shiratori Ninzaburo, Takagi Wataru cannot possibly get promoted through this operation.

Higashino Ning still preferred to wait until he climbed up himself before helping his good brother.

Unfortunately, he didn't even have the right to make suggestions regarding personnel arrangements, which was truly unfortunate.

I waited at my workstation for almost two hours, and finally, around noon, Inspector Megure arrived with the message.

"Brother Higashino, this afternoon I led a team to Congressman Tunkou's house. Starting tonight, the actual responsibility for security will be entirely handed over to you. Can you accept that?"

Higashino Ning naturally wouldn't refuse and nodded firmly.

A relieved smile appeared on Inspector Megure's face as he lowered his voice to a minimum. "Very good, I can't completely leave my post either."

"If things get out of hand, remember not to rush in too recklessly. Protecting yourself is the most important thing. The First Investigation Division cannot afford to lose an excellent officer like you."

"As for Representative Tunkou... he's dead, so be it. Anyway, more than 90% of the members of the House of Representatives are no good."

Higashino Ning exclaimed that the boss saw things very clearly.

But Shigehiko Tobuchi absolutely cannot die; whether or not he gets promoted depends entirely on him.

Higashino Ning nodded, but also became curious, "What about Takagi?"

Megure coughed twice. "Let's stick to the original plan: you take the lead, and he plays the supporting role."

"I always feel that Takagi isn't as reliable as you are. If something really goes wrong, he might just rush in headfirst. Keep an eye on him."

Ok?

Without that last sentence, Higashino Ning would have assumed that Megure Juzo had also heard rumors that he was going to be promoted while Takagi Wataru had no chance of being promoted.

But now it seems... Inspector Megure had no idea at all.

"Oh... so Inspector Morishima is also from the Shiratori family?"

"And then the day before yesterday, when they told me I was being transferred to the Second Investigation Division, was they implying that I should seize the opportunity and get on board?"

Damn it... no one involved in politics is a simple guy.

He still needs more practice...

He only just realized how good it was now.

After Inspector Megure left, Higashino Ning took out his phone and sent a text message to Ai Haibara.

[I have missions today and for the next week so I can't go home. Be good while you're home alone, okay? If you're scared, go stay at the professor's house for a few days.]

At this time, Ai Haibara should be in class.

Speaking of which, it's Friday again today. Ai Haibara will be on holiday after this class.

pity.

Being a police officer means you can't spend much time with your family.

Now Inspector Megure no longer gambles with him, so he can't get a vacation.

correct!

He quickly grabbed his phone again to send a new text message.

I'll have to miss this year's carnival, sorry. I'll ask for leave for you after my tasks are finished and then we'll go out to play.

Half an hour later, the little girl sent a reply text message.

Okay, I'll wait for you. Remember to take good care of your tummy while you're on mission.

Huh~~

Overlapping words, disgusting.

Higashino Ning forcefully pressed down the corners of his mouth, choosing not to reply.

Having thoughts of being in love really makes me lose track of things.

Ugh, so annoying!

Hey.

Chapter 97 My Code Name, Rye Whiskey

Lunchtime flew by.

One p.m.

While the other colleagues continued their lunch break, Inspector Megure officially led the team to set off.

The group consists of Higashino Ning and Takagi Wataru, plus six mysterious colleagues who wish to remain anonymous. Among them is the person who spoke ill of Higashino Ning during the previous hostage incident at the National Stadium.

It's just that times have changed.

Higashino Ning, who was once an unknown figure, has now become a favorite of Inspector Megure.

Putting everything else aside, Higashino Ning's ability to pass the 20-to-1 promotion exam already puts him far ahead of them.

Some accept reality, acknowledge or even admire Higashino Ning, while others continue to maintain a facade of harmony while secretly harboring ulterior motives. Still others are inspired to strive for excellence and emulate Higashino Ning.

The diverse characters of people are clearly reflected in both small and large circles.

...

Shigehiko Tobuchi's house is quite luxurious; it's a detached villa.

However, this cannot be directly used as evidence of his embezzlement and bribery.

Because the salaries of politicians are really high.

Even if Shigehiko Toguchi doesn't break the law, as long as he receives his full salary, allowances, and subsidies, and makes good use of the rules, he can easily earn 6000 million yen a year.

If you use your position to make some extra money, achieving a small goal every year is quite easy.

Being a high-ranking official in Japan truly means gaining both power and wealth.

Even with such high legal income, corruption and bribery remain the prevailing practices.

Megure Juzo arrives at the door.

Higashino Ningya met Tokuguchi Shigehiko in person about five minutes later.

The other person is quite young, only 56 years old, and doesn't look old at all.

To put it simply, Dr. Agasa is only 52 years old this year.

...

Shigehiko Toguchi appeared quite nervous when the First Investigation Division visited.

He was being investigated by both the First and Second Investigation Divisions at the same time!