Inspector Eguchi continued his explanation, his voice heavy with a lingering sense of defeat.
"As for the daytime... we've sent officers to investigate that library during operating hours as well. Whether it was a formal inspection or a plainclothes sting operation, we couldn't find a single shred of evidence. Nothing out of the ordinary at all."
"In other words, a total dead end," Horitake remarked.
At this, Inspector Eguchi's expression soured with indignation. "It's humiliating to admit, but despite two or three months of effort, we have absolutely nothing to show for it."
Observing the frustration etched into the inspector's face, Horitake felt a sudden pang of sympathy for him.
A man like this must have been full of fire in his youth. Even now, he clearly possessed a lingering sense of justice. Yet, in the face of a pathetic reality and crushing pressure, he had ultimately been forced to bend his back, fading into the faceless crowd of bureaucracy.
Is this not another form of tragedy in itself? Horitake wondered silently.
With a small sigh, Horitake pressed on with his questions.
"Inspector Eguchi, looking at this map and hearing your tone, it's clear your suspicions are centered entirely on this library. It doesn't matter if you haven't found evidence yet. But surely the police have the power to temporarily cordoning off the building? If you shut it down for a while, wouldn't the disappearances decrease? Have you ever tried that? Just as a test?"
Eguchi's face grew even more dejected, his features appearing weathered and worn beyond his years.
"Of course, there were people within the force who suggested that. But listen, kid... to build a library of that scale in the heart of Kyoto, do you really think there isn't someone powerful standing behind it? Do you think it lacks political clout?"
He paused, the bitterness in his voice palpable.
"We did try to act on that suggestion. We moved to temporarily seal the building for investigation, but the order was intercepted by the people backing the library. In the end, we were forced to retreat, empty-handed and helpless."
Frowning, Horitake asked, "Then, those people behind the library...?"
Inspector Eguchi cut him off somewhat abruptly. "You can rest easy on that front. The elites and influential figures behind the library are definitely normal humans. They aren't 'special entities,' nor are they in league with demons. Of that, I am certain."
"How can you be so sure?"
"My superior guaranteed it to me personally."
"Your superior? A personal guarantee?"
"Don't worry," Eguchi insisted. "When it involves the high-ranking elite, the higher-ups don't take risks. They won't allow a force like demons to infiltrate their circles. They have safeguards for that. You can trust me on this."
Hearing this, Horitake began to understand the situation.
The upper echelons of Japan—the politicians, the zaibatsu, the military—were all tightly knit. They formed a closed circle of interests that was practically impenetrable, like a wall that neither water nor salt could seep through. These elites would never allow a creature like a demon to invade their social sphere and threaten their interests.
(To be honest, my writing skills aren't quite up to capturing the sheer complexity and 'high-end' nature of the upper class, so I can't quite grasp the full nuances of that world.)
Realizing this, Horitake felt somewhat relieved.
"So, the anomalies in the library have nothing to do with the people backing it. The root cause lies entirely within the library itself."
Inspector Eguchi nodded, though he was careful not to be too definitive. "The library is the most prominent landmark in that area, but that doesn't mean it's the only possibility. The demon you're hunting could simply be hiding in the vicinity."
"True, that is a possibility," Horitake conceded. "Using the library's prestige as a shield to divert attention—some of the more cunning demons have that kind of intelligence. Regardless, I just need to investigate the area where these red dots are most concentrated. Inspector, this map is incredibly useful. May I borrow it?"
Eguchi didn't hesitate. He folded the map neatly and handed it to Horitake. "It's yours. The station has plenty of copies; it's not a problem."
Taking the map, Horitake tucked it into his robes. "Thank you very much. Aside from this, is there any other intel you can share?"
Eguchi shook his head helplessly. "No. Beyond that, we've been unable to dig up anything else. We find nothing by day, and we know nothing of the night. Hah... in the face of demons, even we 'official' forces have become nothing more than ghosts of our former selves."
Horitake couldn't help but reach out and pat the man's shoulder, offering what encouragement he could. "Don't lose heart, Inspector. This isn't your fault. Blame those incompetent officials at the top. When the decision-makers are blind and useless, what can the boots on the ground really do?"
However, his words didn't seem to help; if anything, Eguchi's spirit sank lower. "Exactly. The decision-makers are incompetent. No matter how much talent or resolve we subordinates have, we can't save this mess."
Horitake found himself at a loss for words to comfort him. He shook his head slightly, deciding it was time to say his goodbyes.
"Well, regardless, you've helped me immensely, Inspector. Without this map and the information you provided, I'd have no idea where to start in a city this big. I truly appreciate your help. I'll be taking my leave now. My operation begins tonight. If my luck holds, I might even settle this by morning."
This finally sparked a glimmer of hope in Eguchi's eyes. He looked at Horitake with anticipation. "You can finish it tonight?"
"I said if my luck holds," Horitake clarified with a confident smirk. "Rest easy, Inspector. I have a fair amount of faith in my own abilities. Go home and get some sleep tonight. Go to work tomorrow as usual. Perhaps in a few days, order will be restored to Kyoto."
"If that truly happens, it would be a blessing. Sigh... it's a shame we're so useless that we have to rely on the Demon Slayer Corps."
"Don't sell yourself short, Inspector. It's simply a matter of specialization. While the government may not officially recognize us, we are professionals when it comes to killing demons. We handle these matters because it's what we do."
As they spoke, Eguchi pulled out another cigarette, lit it, and took a long drag. He seemed to be struggling with a thought. After a moment of hesitation, he looked up at Horitake.
"If you're heading out tonight, kid... do you need a hand? Should we go together?"
Horitake looked deeply into the inspector's eyes before asking with a gentle smile, "Inspector Eguchi, do you have a family? Are you married? Do you have children? Are there elders or little ones waiting for you at home?"
Faced with these questions, Eguchi gave a heavy, silent nod.
"Then forget it," Horitake said firmly. "You should stay home and rest tonight. No matter how you look at it, this isn't a typical police case. This is 'licking blood from a blade'—it's far more dangerous than anything you're used to. For the sake of your family, don't throw your life away needlessly."
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