In truth, Kazuma couldn't actually tell whether the police badge was real.
But thanks to his cheat ability, he could clearly see that this middle-aged man in front of them was a level-15 Jigen-ryū master.
After several real-world encounters now, Kazuma had gained a pretty solid understanding of how his "golden finger" worked. A Jigen-ryū level-15 should be a highly skilled expert—at the very least, easily capable of defeating his former master, Hasegawa Masato, from before he transmigrated.
Even if this person wasn't a real police officer, most Jigen-ryū masters had fairly close ties with law enforcement.
The likelihood that this man was an actual officer was very high. Having made that judgment, Kazuma said,
"Officer-san, we're just ordinary high school students. Is there something we can help you with?"
The officer narrowed his eyes, studying both Kazuma and Chiyoko. Then he replied with a relaxed tone,
"Ordinary high school students don't usually stroll into Sumitomo Construction's headquarters in broad daylight carrying a bamboo sword. We were just wondering if we might be seeing someone thrown out the window later."
Kazuma glanced upward. The Sumitomo Construction building wasn't especially tall, but it was still fifteen stories. Looking up from street level, it felt rather imposing.
At that moment, Chiyoko chimed in,
"That sounds like a movie plot. Someone getting tossed from the fifteenth floor... Feels like it should star Ken Takakura."
Kazuma chuckled. This was 1980—the golden age of Japanese cinema—and Ken Takakura was wildly popular, especially after his starring role in Cross the Angry River, a film that had become a nationwide phenomenon.
In about five years, that very film would be exported to China under the title Manhunt, sparking another massive craze there.
One of its most famous scenes involved the villain drugging the protagonist and making him jump off a building, giving birth to a legendary line in Japanese film history.
Right on cue, Kazuma recited that famous line:
"'Duke, look at the sky... how blue it is... Walk toward it, melt into that blue...'"
The officer glanced back at his partner standing a short distance away, who also smiled.
Kazuma noticed the partner was listed as Jigen-ryū level-7—roughly on par with himself. It was clear the older officer was the leader of the pair.
Of course, the older detective also looked more senior. Probably a classic "veteran and rookie" pairing.
"We came to Sumitomo Construction about our family's dojo," Kazuma explained.
After a simple explanation, the younger detective, who'd been standing back, sighed.
"You've been through a lot. Doesn't seem like it's connected to what we're investigating..."
Before he could say more, the older detective interrupted,
"Don't say that, Takayama-kun. Sometimes a breakthrough comes from unexpected places. You two—may I have your names?"
"Ah, I'm Kiryu Kazuma, and this is my sister, Chiyoko."
"Kiryu-kun, if you hear anything strange—anything that might be connected to criminal activity—please call this number."
The older officer handed over a business card. It didn't list a name or title—just a phone number.
"Any information is welcome. Please."
At this point, Chiyoko couldn't hold back.
"Sumitomo Construction colluding with the yakuza—doesn't that count as criminal activity?"
"Do you have concrete evidence?" the older detective asked in return.
"Evidence? We are the evidence! We can testify in court—" Chiyoko volunteered eagerly.
But the older detective shook his head.
"That won't work. They wouldn't even need those expensive, terrifying lawyers. Sumitomo's in-house legal team could easily invalidate testimony like that. To prove a connection between them and organized crime, you'd need at least a recording—catch them on tape planning illegal activities."
"What?! Where would we even get something like that?" Chiyoko exclaimed. In that moment, her understanding of Japanese society deepened a little further.
The older detective gave a rueful smile.
"Exactly. That's how it is. Anyway, please—if you hear anything, even if it's not about their dealings with the yakuza, call this number."
Seeing that the detectives were about to leave, Kazuma spoke up.
"What's in it for us?"
This was the key point.
Kazuma was now certain that these two detectives were investigating something much more serious—not just organized crime connections.
In this era, a Japanese construction company that didn't collude with the yakuza would be the exception. You couldn't survive otherwise.
There was no way these detectives were camped outside Sumitomo Construction just because of yakuza ties. It had to be something bigger.
But since the detectives weren't volunteering the details, Kazuma decided to ask indirectly—by inquiring about rewards.
The two detectives gave him curious looks. Finally, the older one said,
"Aren't you already being harassed by the yakuza? Having a good relationship with the police could at least make them back off a little, don't you think?"
—Ah, good point.
Still, this was Japan. The police here were bound by layers of red tape. Their deterrent effect on the yakuza probably wasn't as strong as the "community police" Kazuma had known in his previous life.
"If we hear anything suspicious, we'll be sure to report it," Kazuma promised. "It's getting late—we'll take our leave now."
He pulled Chiyoko with him, bowed to the two detectives, and was about to turn away when the older officer suddenly spoke again.
"One more thing—don't think you can rely on your kendo skills to take on the yakuza. They're dangerous people, and some of them are quite skilled. Whether it's kendo or judo, if you treat martial arts as mere technique, you'll end up at a disadvantage."
"Some of them might not be as technically skilled as you, but in a real fight, you won't have the upper hand."
Kazuma understood immediately. The detective was indirectly reminding him that shin-gi-ittai—the unity of mind, technique, and body—was no empty platitude.
A strong will and spirit could truly affect one's martial prowess.
Even though Kazuma had already learned this through his cheat ability, he still bowed respectfully.
"Thank you for the advice."
The older detective studied him for a moment, then added,
"Good attitude. One last tip: if you do end up fighting the yakuza—don't kill anyone. As long as you don't kill, the police will be on your side. You could cripple dozens or even hundreds of them, but if there are no deaths, the law won't trouble you."
Kazuma took a moment to gauge the sincerity of this advice. In the end, he judged that the detective was being genuine.
He didn't know what Japan was like in his previous life, but in this Japan, the police and legal system really would turn a blind eye to injuries—as long as there were no fatalities.
"I'll remember that," Kazuma said solemnly, then led Chiyoko away.
**
After the Kiryu siblings left, Detective Takayama asked,
"Shiratori-senpai, was it really necessary to approach those kids? We're here to investigate a murder, not organized crime or financial crimes..."
Detective Shiratori ran a hand through his graying hair.
"We spoke to them in full view of Sumitomo's front desk. They'll report it upstairs."
"That means the relocation department will have to be more careful—they won't know what we're actually investigating. We can't offer much more help, but if this makes them back off even a little, that's still something. It's a public good, you understand? Sometimes, small acts of kindness can bring unexpected returns."
"I see... But, Shiratori-senpai, do you really think that kid could take on dozens—hundreds—of yakuza?"
"Don't be ridiculous," Shiratori said, shooting Takayama a look.
(End of Chapter)