Chapter 17: Influencing the Profound Development of Both Nations

Seeing Sakura Harui’s puzzled expression, Hideo Hattori’s face flashed with satisfaction—a police inspector needed just such talent. He blew on the paper in his hand, making a faint rustling sound. “Let me put it another way, Sakura-chan. Tonight, did you handle a traffic incident involving someone from Han-Tang?”

“That’s correct,” Sakura Harui replied, bewildered. The matter with Xiao Kaitian hardly warranted any punishment—could it really have been mishandled? “Inspector Hattori, was there a problem with the outcome? I made my final judgment based on our country’s traffic laws.”

“Of course not,” Hideo Hattori’s smile was as gentle as spring sunlight, adopting a tone of guidance and encouragement. “You handled it perfectly. However, there are some additional complications, and the source of these complications…” He tapped the papers laid out on the desk. “It’s this person from Han-Tang.”

Sakura Harui took the paper with a confused expression. It was an investigative profile on Xiao Kaitian, whose goofy smile was reflected in her pupils.

“This man is a scion of one of Han-Tang’s premier aristocratic families. His elder sister is studying in Japan and is about to graduate,” Hideo Hattori straightened his posture. “On the surface, he’s here for a friendly visit, but in reality, there’s something questionable.”

He leaned forward, as if to whisper a secret. Sakura Harui couldn’t help but lean in as well, so as not to miss any detail.

“You encountered him at the Aikane Ogiwara Trading Company, correct?” When Sakura Harui nodded affirmatively, Hideo Hattori's smile deepened. “He also has ties to the Ichimai Hall in Yokohama,” he lowered his voice, “Ichimai Hall is one thing, but Ogiwara Trading Company is backed by the Ogiwara family—you know, among those in power, they’re pro-Han-Tang. Consider what that means.”

“Spy?” Sakura Harui’s face changed slightly, her lips trembling as she voiced her guess.

“Our country relies on evidence, fairness, and transparency—we can’t jump to conclusions,” Hideo Hattori coughed, clearing his throat. “However, we’ve discovered that someone has placed a bounty for him on the deep web. You can imagine the depth of what’s involved.”

Sweat began to bead on Sakura Harui’s forehead. She had never expected that her coincidental encounter with Xiao Kaitian tonight would be tangled with such complex matters. Her nerves were taut.

“But he’s an important figure from Han-Tang, and people from their side have already made contact,” Hideo Hattori’s tone carried a trace of helplessness as he loosened his tightly buttoned collar. “This could easily trigger a diplomatic incident and affect the deepening relations between our two countries. Do you understand?”

Sakura Harui widened her eyes and shook her head vigorously.

That’s the right response. Hideo Hattori nodded with satisfaction. “So this matter cannot be officially transferred to the Criminal Division. After all, our nation and Han-Tang still have unresolved historical issues, but we can’t ignore it either. Our cooperation and exchanges are close, and, after all, it’s our duty to ensure the safety of everyone entering the country, isn’t it?”

“Are you suggesting…”

“It’s difficult to dispatch official criminal investigators, and we lack suitable candidates,” Hideo Hattori shook his head. “After discussions among headquarters leadership, it happens that you studied criminal investigation and have interacted with Xiao Kaitian. We unanimously believe you’re the most suitable person for the job!”

“So… what exactly will I be doing?”

“First, you must monitor Xiao Kaitian and thoroughly investigate whether he violates any of our laws,” Hideo Hattori unscrewed his water bottle, having spoken at length, and moistened his throat. “Second, if he proves to be a lawful individual, you must protect him when danger arises. If you successfully complete this task, you’ll be a hero of the Kanagawa Police Headquarters, and transferring to the Criminal Division won’t be an issue. Is that clear?”

A flush rose on Sakura Harui’s fair cheeks, her nostrils flared, and she stood up promptly. “Understood! I will ensure the mission is accomplished.”

“It won’t be easy,” Hideo Hattori sighed, his expression grave. “But I hope you’ll persevere, Sakura-chan. Also, this assignment cannot be officially documented. If anything unexpected happens, you must be flexible. Do you understand?”

“I understand completely!” Sakura Harui bowed deeply and, with Hideo Hattori’s wave, left the office with renewed determination.

Compared to Sakura Harui, who was actively preparing for the challenge, Xiao Kaitian, just awakened, seemed rather languid. In truth, he didn’t need much sleep, but considering the adaptation of his body, he stayed under the covers until dawn’s faint light, then got up, performed the morning routine familiar to this world’s people, and headed to Ichimai Hall.

Pushing open the door, he saw Sun Zhongyi and Uncle Zhong sitting at a tea table in Han-Tang style, drinking tea. As soon as Xiao Kaitian entered, Sun Zhongyi stood up with a broad smile. “Young Master Xiao.” Clearly unaware of last night’s events, Xiao Kaitian gained new insight into the true strength of Ichimai Hall.

He sat down, and Sun Zhongyi poured water into his cup. Xiao Kaitian glanced at it. Upon his arrival, he had quickly absorbed the basic knowledge of this world, and the information was more than sufficient. The fragrance rising from the tea was Pu’er.

“Master,” Uncle Zhong’s eyes reddened as soon as Xiao Kaitian took the main seat. “I just went to check on the young lady. She’s fine. This young Sun arranged for a private doctor, who is examining her now. Both you and the young lady are safe and sound—that’s a blessing. Otherwise, this old body would have failed the master.”

With that, he began to cry, pulling at Xiao Kaitian’s sleeve to wipe his nose.

Xiao Kaitian’s purpose today was to see the eldest daughter of the Xiao family—his elder sister.

Compared to the rambling Uncle Zhong, Sun Zhongyi simply chuckled and kept control of the tea service. He was not an elderly, muddled man like Uncle Zhong. He had noticed the changes in Xiao Kaitian, especially after the incident at Aikane Ogiwara Trading Company, which still left him uneasy in retrospect.

But Uncle Zhong had no such concerns. To him, Xiao Kaitian was always “the fool” and his young master, whether clever or not—there was no difference.

Thus, he knew nothing of Xiao Kaitian’s transformation, and, still tugging at his sleeve, wiped away his tears and sniffles. “If you ask me, young master, your best match is the young lady. That Zhao family’s daughter, I don’t think she’s reliable.”

“At a time like this, we’ve seen nothing from the Zhao family. I’ve let the master down!” He beat his chest, his white mustache quivering. Xiao Kaitian watched as his combat index fluctuated between 0.3 and 0.8, feeling a surge of tension.

Fortunately, though the man was old, after a few deep breaths his numbers stabilized. But once steady, he became even more talkative.