Chapter 80
Compared to the government office building where the Special Abilities Division is located, the Ministry of Justice headquarters in the city center is much more impressive.
The hall has an extremely high ceiling, with European-style carved skylights on both sides, allowing bright light to stream in and illuminate the luxurious crystal chandelier hanging in the center of the ceiling. It feels as if this is not the Ministry of Justice, which governs laws and trials, but a royal castle where a banquet is being held.
In this magnificent judicial castle, the political elites coming and going are all impeccably dressed in suits, with even the hair at their sideburns meticulously combed, as if they could be waterproofed by rain.
While theoretically the military, police, and investigative agencies led by the Ministry of Justice should also be entitled to work in this headquarters, in reality, only the elites at the very center of power enjoy what they see.
Ye Yihe looked down at himself, his features perfectly illuminated by the cream-colored floor tiles.
Wearing a white, fluffy Cossack hat with ear flaps, and a pure black cape with a white, fluffy trim, beneath which was a pale white open-front jacket with purple trim. He also cradled a miniature Ivan doll in his arms.
He glanced at Ayatsuji Yukito standing beside him, whose gaze, behind his brown sunglasses, was casually surveying the hall.
A purple baseball cap, a light brown short jacket draped over her shoulders, a light gray wool vest and white shirt in a British style, and wide-leg trousers with a crimson plaid base. She also holds a beautiful girl doll in her arms.
...Well, their attire was so out of place with the atmosphere that it was as if they had wandered into the wrong room.
There's also the possibility of being seen as someone looking for trouble, especially since several well-dressed men have already given them strange looks.
"There are never too many parasites who are high and mighty and yet pretentious."
Twirling the slender pipe in his hand, Ayatsuji Yukito, who remained calm throughout, slowly said, "As if afraid I wouldn't get enough of looking at it."
Thanks to his deliberate lowering of his voice, which was heard by no one except Ye Yihe, the landmines were prevented from being detonated on the spot.
After all, this is the Ministry of Justice, which is most opposed to the existence of people with superpowers. If the other party finds out that they have been provoked like this to everyone, the consequences will not be good.
[Do you need me to handle them for you?]
Fyodor asked in his mind.
After his high fever subsided, he sat as usual in the high chair that Ye Yihe found uncomfortable to sit in, his palm pressing down on the Bible that was open on his lap, and he closed his eyes and waited quietly.
Fyodor received the Messiah's reply, "Not this time."
As expected.
He slowly moved his palm away, revealing the two lines of Greek text that had been hidden.
O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
"Interesting, the two personalities can communicate with each other... This way."
Ayatsuji Yukito glanced at Ye Yihe, who was answering Fyodor's question, with interest, then led him to the second floor via elevator, heading to an office located in the middle of the corridor.
Two fully armed military police officers stood guard at the entrance, their expressions solemn.
They hadn't made a special appointment for the meeting, and their arrival was perfectly timed. Dou Nan's adjutant was talking to someone in the room, and it wasn't until a moment later that he opened the door to see them off.
"Thank you for your guidance, Deputy Director Sakashita. Please take care!"
The adjutant, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, bowed deeply to the deputy director, Sakashita, who was also smiling at him, with a broad smile. The bow was so deep that you could almost see the top of his head.
"It's true what they say, you can meet whoever you want."
Ye Yihe heard Ayatsuji Yukito mutter something beside him, but didn't have time to reply—because the other person, who was walking down the corridor with his secretary, noticed them the next moment.
"Isn't this Ayatsuji Yukito-sensei? It's been so long!"
Deputy Director Sakashita once again flashed that kind and friendly smile and shook hands with Ayatsuji Yukito, who seemed somewhat unwilling. "When was the last time I saw you? Was it during the Su Fangtang incident?"
"Deputy Director Sakashita."
—Ayatsuji Yukito simply called out a name, as if that was all there was to say in greeting.
"Oh dear, if I had known it was you coming, I would have brought the finest black tea and waited here for you."
Even with Ayatsuji Yukito's visibly lazy and perfunctory attitude, Deputy Director Sakashita's smile remained unchanged—this is a basic skill for politicians.
"What brings you here this time? Is it about Kyogoku Natsuhiko's matter?"
He said eagerly and cheerfully, "I've also roughly read the report. The teacher solved it beautifully; your ability remains as top-notch as ever."
Although Deputy Director Sakashita performed with great enthusiasm, Ye Yihe keenly noticed that the other party didn't even glance in his direction out of the corner of his eye, as if avoiding eye contact.
Unlike Deputy Director Sakashita, his secretary seemed to be constantly peeking at Ye Yihe from behind his glasses, clearly feeling the scrutiny.
"No, I'm here to explain the matter of Investigator Asukai."
Ayatsuji Yukito's expression was indifferent when answering the question, forming the opposite extreme from that of Deputy Director Sakashita.
Or rather, this is how Ayatsuji Yukito usually treats people.
"Asui, I once had high hopes for his abilities; his efficiency in handling cases was unquestionable. Alas, now that all this has happened, it would be a shame to utter any more words of praise."
Therefore, Deputy Director Sakashita seemed not to feel offended at all, and insisted on exchanging a few more pleasantries with the teacher he admired, Ayatsuji, before slowly leaving.
As for Ye Yihe, Deputy Director Sakashita acted as if he hadn't seen him at all, passing by in a hurry as if he didn't exist.
Instead, his secretary, who also had a neatly combed slicked-back hairstyle and wore a black suit, deliberately turned her head as she passed by him and winked at him with her eyes behind her glasses—the person who had previously seemed timid and shrinking suddenly became exceptionally playful at that moment.
Ye Yihe: "…………"
It seems they know him—or rather, someone who knows Fyodor?
Unfortunately, the other person's appearance was completely unfamiliar; only the expression he showed at that moment was familiar.
"Let's go."
Ayatsuji Yukito urged Ye Yihe to follow, and Tonan's adjutant had obviously seen them as well; unlike the great enthusiasm he showed when facing Deputy Director Sakashita, he still greeted them warmly and welcomed them into his office.
After all, Ye Yihe and his group could only be considered assistants, while Deputy Director Sakashita was his superior's superior.
“Ayatsuji-sensei, Mr. Fyodor!”
Dou Nan, the adjutant, slightly adjusted the gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose and invited them to sit on the sofa reserved for guests.
"I didn't expect you two to come today. I'm so sorry for not being a good host."
"Our arrival was rather sudden."
Ayatsuji Yukito sat with his legs crossed, his posture casual, yet he exuded an air of authority that was even more pronounced than that of his adjutant, Tounan, opposite him.
"Although I think I have described this matter very clearly in the incident report, I really don't understand why Fyodor needs to come and explain it in person."
Ye Yihe was actually quite surprised that Ayatsuji Yukito would write an incident report so seriously.
It might be a preconceived notion, but I always felt that Dazai and Ranpo weren't the type to write reports seriously...
Fyodor, on the other hand, didn't need to write any reports; he was his own boss.
"Yes, yes, Ayatsuji-sensei wrote it very clearly in the report."
Adjutant Dou Nan smiled, showing no annoyance at Ayatsuji Yukito's impolite words.
"But you see, the necessary procedures still need to be followed. Especially since Asukai, as a Special Investigator, was brainwashed by [Kyogoku Natsuhiko] whom you killed, becoming his demonic servant, and even cruelly murdered his partner..."
“But that’s exactly what I’m curious about too.” — As he said this, Adjutant Dou Nan’s smile remained unchanged, but the meaning behind his words became subtle.
"According to the questioning of Investigator Asukai, he insists that he did not kill his partner and has never been brainwashed by anyone. As for Ayatsuji-sensei's supernatural ability, well, I think everyone is familiar with it," Adjutant Tonan's words finally revealed his true intentions.
"If you are certain that he killed his partner, why didn't your powers activate?"
After this question was posed, the room fell silent for a moment.
"Phew... so this is where I was waiting."
Holding the slender pipe only to his fingertips, Ayatsuji Yukito exhaled, almost letting out a cold laugh.
"Do you think I'm covering up the truth about Fyodor harming innocent investigators? Honestly, your brain tries to think things through, but it just keeps sinking into the darkness. You're no different from an eel."
"Ayatsuji-sensei, it's best to show more respect to civil servants here."
Dou Nan's adjutant said, "Those with superpowers always cause trouble, giving everyone in the Ministry of Justice a real headache... This has been going on for a while now."
"However, this time, to allow Mr. Fyodor to attack a special investigator from our own country is really going too far, isn't it? What's more, there's also the puzzle solver Kyogoku, who has served the military and police intelligence department for many years. If this gets reported..."
"If this matter is reported, the Ministry of Justice will be completely disgraced."
Ayatsuji Yukito coldly replied, mercilessly exposing their true thoughts.
The smile on Dou Nan's adjutant's face changed slightly. "I didn't say that."
"The incompetence of the military and police has been going on for quite some time, Adjutant Dou Nan. Isn't it a bit too late for you to start covering it up now?"
Ayatsuji Yukito tilted his head, his gaze sharp as he glanced at him sideways.
"You don't actually think that just by covering the rotting parts with a tissue, no one can smell the stench, do you? Seriously, don't make me laugh."
Before Adjutant Tonan could say anything more, Ayatsuji Yukito continued speaking, his thin pipe pointing straight at him, along with the gaze that followed, making the other man almost unable to sit still.
"You really think I spared Asukai's life because I couldn't find any evidence? There are plenty of ways to kill him with my abilities, Lieutenant Tonan. On the contrary, I was following the rules of your Ministry of Justice and letting Asukai go through the normal trial process, instead of [dying a violent death]."
The words "[died a violent death]" were pronounced extremely slowly by Ayatsuji Yukito, with even a low, stressed tone, clearly implying something more.
"...We naturally believe in Ayatsuji-sensei's abilities."
To conceal his weakness in the standoff, the adjutant picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then continued speaking.
"However, you may also be deceived at times. For example, there is a possibility that Mr. Fyodor beside you is actually Natsuhiko Kyogoku's [demon servant], the culprit who intends to destroy the entire Yokohama order, while Asukai is just a scapegoat used to clear his name."
Even Ye Yihe, who usually kept quiet, couldn't help but let out a confused "Huh??" upon hearing this.
It's really easy to pin this kind of unverifiable accusation on someone, since Kyogoku Natsuhiko is already dead, and the dead can't testify.
"Sometimes, I really admire your audacity in spouting nonsense."
Ayatsuji Yukito did not appear very angry.
He simply leaned back lazily, his eyes behind his brown-tinted glasses slightly narrowed, and against his pale skin, he naturally revealed a cold indifference as if he were observing a dead man.
“Then, let me make an assumption as well. Perhaps you are Kyogoku Natsuhiko’s true [demon servant], because you are trying your best to cover up Asukai’s crimes and instead try to shift the blame onto Fyodor. Anyway, he seems to be a foreigner with no political background, and his death will not have any impact on the residents of this country.”
Dou Nan's adjutant: "You're joking, how could I be..."
"Who knows? After all, you can't prove you're not one."
With his fingertips, clad in black leather gloves, toying with the unlit thin pipe, Ayatsuji Yukito spoke coldly.
"And you, Adjutant Dou Nan, your motives are much clearer than Fyodor's. I heard that your father was a pro-war advocate who insisted on continuing the war at the end of the war, but was assassinated by a pro-peace politician."
Dou Nan's expression completely changed, "You..."
"Quiet down, let me finish."
Ayatsuji Yukito interrupted his attempt at sophistry.
"Now that the country has acknowledged its defeat and ceded Yokohama as a concession, it must be infuriating you. Therefore, when Kyogoku Natsuhiko came to your door and tempted you by saying that you could start another decisive war and avenge your father—the possibility that you would willingly become a [Demon Servant] is practically one hundred percent."
Dou Nan's adjutant could no longer contain himself, "Don't say things that don't even exist!"
"Doesn't exist at all? How can you prove that?" Ayatsuji Yukito scoffed. "But my ability can prove that your hands aren't exactly clean. Want to give it a try?"
"…………I see."
Adjutant Tonan said, swallowing his anger, "I will give Asukai a fair judgment, based on your description in the report."
"Thank you for your selflessness and integrity, Lieutenant Dou Nan."
Ayatsuji Yukito stood up. "I can't wait to see the reports related to this incident."
"As you wish."
Dou Nan's adjutant did not get up, but watched him and Ye Yihe leave the office.
The Ministry of Justice headquarters building remains gleaming, with even the carpets in the corridors being quite valuable. Politicians who easily control the lifeline of the city come and go, and the gold watches they flaunt when they raise their hands exude an arrogant aura of long-held high positions.
But this glamour only lasts until it reaches this point; going any deeper reveals nothing but rotten and dirty interest groups and transactions.
“That’s why I hate dealing with bureaucrats,” Ayatsuji Yukito complained after leaving the main building.
"Compared to these bald kappa who dress themselves up like real people, I'd rather go back to the office and slowly appreciate my doll collection. At least observing them is much more interesting than observing humans."
"I really have to trouble Ayatsuji-sensei with your help this time."
Ye Yihe never expected that he was called over not to confirm the details of the incident, but to plot a counterattack and cover up the truth.
If Ayatsuji Yukito wasn't there, he might have been arrested by the military police at the door as soon as he entered the office—though he might not necessarily be unable to defeat them.
But if he really does that, the next step will inevitably be to take the adjutant of Dou Nan hostage to coerce the military and police into not taking any rash actions, and then try to escape...
Perhaps in the end, things will really develop the way the other side envisioned, and he will become the [Demon Servant] who attacked government officials and is wanted with a high bounty.
The presence of Ayatsuji Yukito prevented the adjutant, Tonan, from making any rash moves.
Ayatsuji Yukito cannot be arrested casually. He is constantly under surveillance by a dozen agents. Any abnormality would attract criticism from the Special Abilities Division, which would put the Ministry of Justice at a disadvantage in dealing with people with superpowers, resulting in a greater loss for a smaller gain.
Ayatsuji Yukito truly understood this, which is why he could threaten Tonan's adjutant with impunity, leaving the latter speechless.
The agents who used to monitor him are now being put to good use, becoming his protectors—although Adjutant Dou Nan doesn't know that this time, Ayatsuji Yukito has shaken off the agents who were monitoring him and sneaked out of the office to help Ye Yihe.
At this very moment, Commander Taneda is probably having a terrible headache over losing track of him.
"Things won't end so easily. Dou Nan is a petty guy."
Ayatsuji Yukito twirled his thin pipe, his tone flat, tinged with a hint of disgust and aversion.
"I've heard he's verbally and physically abused his subordinates quite a few times. I don't care if I hold a grudge against him, but you might be targeted. Be careful with your actions from now on."
"Okay." Ye Yihe nodded in agreement.
That's alright. Once Dazai and the others return, dealing with Dou Nan's adjutant won't be too difficult.
"Also, I heard that Dazai is trying to find a way to deal with the [Takase Association]?"
Ayatsuji Yukito also brought up this matter, saying, "Tell him to be careful too. The [Takase Association] is different from the [Port Mafia] and the [Holy Heaven Staff]. It has existed for too long and has too deep ties with the government."
"I've heard that many things that are inconvenient for the police to handle will be left to the [Takase-kai]."
"For example, eliminating political enemies," Ye Yihe said knowingly.
“That’s right,” Ayatsuji Yukito said with a hint of approval in his smile, revealing this to Ye Yihe.
“That Deputy Director Sakashita rose to power by eliminating his political enemies. I’ve even handled several murder cases myself, but the murderers who died unexpectedly were often the stumbling blocks on his path to promotion.”
"In addition, some politicians will try to cover up their criminal records, as well as some political enemies that I cannot get rid of... In short, the Takase Association is not as simple as it seems on the surface."
Unlike Ranpo, who only accepts civilian criminal cases, Ayatsuji Yukito's supernatural ability is an extremely useful killing tool for some people, and the accidental death of the victim is impossible to trace back to them.
Not to mention that he himself is under the government's soft detention, and his every move is monitored. Moreover, there are often proposals to eliminate the dangerous ability user Ayatsuji at meetings—he can be said to be living on the edge of death at all times.
Therefore, Ayatsuji Yukito would be exposed to the darker side of politics much more deeply than Ranpo.
“It’s alright,” Ye Yihe thought for a moment, “I guess Dazai had already anticipated this.”
That's why he personally took the risk and got involved.
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