Bab 153: Chapter 153: Sera Masumi's Request
Chiyoda Ward, Metropolitan Police Headquarters.
Traffic police officer Naeko Miike, who had just finished her shift, was about to call her friend and boss, Yumi Miyamoto, so they could leave work together. However, she realized that Yumi was nowhere to be found.
"Hey, have you seen Officer Miyamoto?"
Naeko looked around at her colleagues and asked aloud.
"Officer Miyamoto already went home, didn't she?"
"That's impossible. Her bag is still here."
Naeko pointed to Yumi's bag on her workstation, speaking in a raised voice.
"I don't know, maybe she went to the bathroom. Whoa—"
Naeko was listening halfway through her colleague's response when she noticed their wide-eyed stare.
She followed their gaze, and her own eyes widened in shock.
Although Yumi Miyamoto wasn't as famous in the Metropolitan Police Department as her best friend, Miwako Sato—nicknamed the "Flower of the Metropolitan Police"—Yumi's appearance was still among the best in the Traffic Division.
Now, with Yumi out of her usual traffic police uniform and sporting fresh makeup, her usual assertive and decisive "big sister" demeanor was almost completely hidden.
Instead, she looked more gentle and charming.
---
'No wonder all the male officers around me are staring.'
Naeko thought to herself before speaking to Yumi with starry eyes:
"Officer Miyamoto, are you going on a date with your boyfriend today? That's why you dressed up so beautifully!"
However, after hearing this, an expression of extreme impatience appeared on Yumi's pretty face.
---
"Eh—? That guy doesn't deserve my special effort. I'm going to see someone today who's a hundred times more handsome than Hideyoshi!"
"Is that so?"
Naeko replied awkwardly, knowing that Yumi was bragging again.
"Anyway, that's all. I can't leave with you today, Naeko. Bye!"
Yumi grabbed her bag, waved goodbye to Naeko and her colleagues, and left the Metropolitan Police Department.
---
Soon, Yumi arrived at a luxurious German restaurant in the Chuo district, very close to Chiyoda.
Here, she was meeting the person she had arranged to see today.
Yumi Miyamoto, an assistant officer in the Traffic Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, was dating professional shogi player Hideyoshi Haneda, a celebrity in the world of Taikaku.
But tonight, she hadn't dressed up for her boyfriend.
The person she was about to meet, as Yumi had claimed, was far more handsome than Hideyoshi.
Although Yumi was usually fearless when it came to rebellious bikers and gangsters, she felt a bit nervous about this meeting.
She didn't understand why this person had invited her out alone but knew she had to make a good impression.
---
When Yumi arrived at the designated table and sat down, she greeted the "handsome boy" across from her:
"Good evening, Miss Sera."
"Officer Miyamoto, thank you for your hard work."
That's right—the "handsome boy" Yumi referred to was none other than Hideyoshi's younger sister, the high school detective, Masumi Sera.
---
"Wow, I've never seen Officer Miyamoto out of uniform. She's truly a beauty," Masumi said gently, smiling at Yumi.
Hearing the pure compliment, a slight blush appeared on Yumi's cheeks, and she felt a bit embarrassed.
---
"Officer Miyamoto, feel free to order whatever you'd like. It's my treat tonight."
Masumi pushed the menu toward Yumi.
Surprised, Yumi widened her eyes.
"Miss Sera, aren't you still in high school? I should be the one treating you."
"It's fine. I have enough allowance, so don't worry about it," Masumi said with a smile. "Besides, I was the one who invited you, so it's only right for me to treat you."
"No way!"
After some back-and-forth, Yumi eventually managed to secure the right to pay for her "sister-in-law."
---
After ordering two set meals worth nearly 7,000 yen, the two began to chat.
Their conversation naturally revolved around Hideyoshi Haneda.
As they discussed him, Yumi unconsciously dropped her polished demeanor, and her tone became filled with exasperation.
---
"Haha, Officer Miyamoto and Brother Hideyoshi seem to have a really good relationship," Masumi teased.
Realizing she had let her guard down and exposed her true feelings, Yumi's face flushed red with embarrassment.
Luckily, the pre-dinner drinks arrived, and she quickly grabbed her wine glass, taking a sip to hide her awkwardness.
As for Masumi, being underage, she sipped on a regular beverage.
---
After nearly an hour of conversation, the two grew much closer, thanks in part to the influence of alcohol.
Yumi's initial nervousness toward Masumi faded, and they began chatting as if they'd known each other for years.
Soon, dinner moved to the dessert and after-dinner drinks stage.
---
It was then that Masumi spoke:
"Sister Miyamoto, I came to see you this time because I need your help with something."
"Don't worry, Sister Sera! Whatever it is, I'll take care of it!"
Slightly tipsy, Yumi patted her chest confidently and addressed Masumi as "Sister Sera," much to her delight.
"I want to see the surveillance footage related to the car accident on August 23 of last year."
"What—?!"
Yumi, startled out of her tipsy state, widened her eyes in shock.
She stared at the 17-year-old detective sitting across from her, who was already famous within the Metropolitan Police Department, completely surprised by Masumi's request.
---
"What did you say?"
"Sister Miyamoto, you're in charge of monitoring entries and exits on national highways to investigate traffic accidents, right?"
"I want to see all the surveillance footage from that time. Can you help me?"
Masumi looked at Yumi and asked softly.
---
"No, no, no! How can that be allowed?!"
Yumi, who had thought Masumi was simply there to socialize, was taken aback by the real reason behind the meeting.
"Miss Sera, please stop joking."
"I'm not joking. I'm serious," Masumi said firmly.
---
"During last year's car accident, you were the highest-ranking traffic officer on the scene, weren't you?"
"That means you were the one primarily responsible for investigating the culprit. Or, at the very least, the investigation was carried out under your command."
"So, I wanted to ask for your help, Sister Miyamoto."
---
"This goes against regulations. How can I hand over footage from the Metropolitan Police to an outsider? If I'm caught, it's over!"
Yumi's voice rose, drawing the attention of nearby diners.
---
"The Metropolitan Police prohibits outsiders from viewing footage to protect personal privacy and maintain case confidentiality."
"In this case, I was with Officer Sato for most of the investigation, so I'm familiar with all aspects of it. There's no risk of a leak."
"And Sister Miyamoto, you can rest assured that I'm not a criminal, let alone in league with the culprit."
"I just want to identify the true perpetrator!"
---
"I heard the culprit has been narrowed down to one person, but there hasn't been any progress on that lead."
"I'm investigating the case now, too. I want to help the victim, Akikawa, find the real killer and bring them to justice as soon as possible."
"For the past six months, the victim, who lost their mother, has been living in fear and timidity, haunted by the murderer."
Masumi stood up, leaning forward as she spoke with determination and conviction.
---
After an intense internal struggle, Yumi finally said slowly:
"I have three conditions."
"First, the video cannot be copied or taken away. You must view it on my laptop."
"Second, I'll accompany you the entire time to prevent any leaks."
"Third, you only have one day."
Masumi looked at Yumi, who had finally relented, and a beautiful smile spread across her face.
Leaning back in her chair, she nodded firmly.
"Deal!"
(End of Chapter)
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone