The three troublemaking "spies" were dragged away, unwilling though they were.
It wasn't hard to imagine what their fate would be. Certainly, it wouldn't be good.
As for that matter, Uchiha Kai couldn't be bothered to dwell on it.
He turned his gaze back to the crowd.
"Alright, everyone," he said coolly.
"The spies have been caught. Now let's return to the issue of the thief.
Who is in charge of this case? Step forward."
His words carried weight.
After what had just happened with the "spies," the villagers' trust in Kai had risen sharply. None of them dared to interrupt or offer opinions before he had spoken.
One Uchiha stepped out, bowing respectfully.
"Minister, my name is Uchiha Shinichi," he said. "I was handling this case. The thief's name is Kanzaki Manyo.
"When we first caught him, everything went smoothly. He admitted to the theft.
"But once his mother made a scene at the Police Department, his attitude turned completely around.
"Because of the short time frame, we didn't have solid evidence yet…"
Shinichi's face was full of frustration.
But after witnessing Kai's strength, and his ability to handle matters, he no longer hesitated. He told the story clearly from start to finish.
Kai listened without changing expression.
"Bring Kanzaki Manyo out."
Moments later, Uchiha Tiehuo personally escorted the thief forward.
"You are Kanzaki Manyo?" Kai asked.
"Yes, sir!"
"Did you steal money from Komiyama Anju?"
"No, sir!"
"Good. Calm down, no need to get worked up."
Their brief exchange over, Kai turned to the other side.
"You are the victim, Komiyama Anju?"
"I am, sir!" Anju stepped out.
He was trembling, his forehead dripping with cold sweat.
Unlike the others, he had seen Kai's methods up close. The crowd might only be impressed by Kai's ability to expose spies. But Anju, with a guilty conscience, could see something else—Kai's ruthlessness.
It chilled him to the bone.
But he had no choice.
He could only grit his teeth and stand his ground, remembering the "visitor" who had come to him in secret just the night before.
"Don't be nervous," Kai said evenly. "You're the victim here. What are you afraid of?
Now tell me—was Kanzaki Manyo the thief?"
Anju trembled all over. But after taking a deep breath, he bit his lip and shook his head.
"N-no… he wasn't."
Kai's eyes darkened. He fell silent.
And with that silence, Anju grew even more fearful.
When he was on the verge of collapse, Kai finally spoke, calm as ever.
"Very well. I understand.
It seems our Police Department made a mistake. The money you were given last night—return it.
That money came directly from Kanzaki Manyo.
If he isn't the thief, then naturally it should be returned to him.
As for your stolen property, we will increase our efforts to investigate.
No problem with that, is there?"
Anju froze.
Return the money?
Impossible! That money was his! Why should he give it back?
"B-but sir, this…" he tried to protest.
Kai's lips curved into an odd smile. "What's this? Do you want to say it's yours?"
"I…" Anju swallowed hard, but in the end, he dared not speak further.
But Kai didn't let him off.
"You're awfully hesitant.
This is simple. The money came from Kanzaki Manyo. If it's yours, just say so. Then you take the money and we convict him.
If it's not, then you've nothing to fear.
Of course, you must understand—the Police Department is busy. The village doesn't give us much budget. So you'll need to wait some time for results.
Well? Have you decided?"
Anju's only response was silence.
Over and over, he wanted to speak. But in the end, he didn't dare.
Grinding his teeth, near tears, he pulled out the money.
It was his own money—yet he had to hand it over, forced to watch Kai give it back to the thief.
Outrageous.
Where was the justice?
But he couldn't direct his anger at Kai.
After all, Kai was trying to help him. He was the one who had refused to testify.
"Good," Kai said.
"On behalf of the Police Department, I offer Kanzaki Manyo an official apology.
"As for Uchiha Shinichi, who handled this case—I issue a severe reprimand. He is relieved of his post and sent home for reflection.
"Whether and when he may return will be decided later.
"Kanzaki Manyo is released immediately.
"And Komiyama Anju—do not worry. The real culprit will not escape. We will continue our investigation.
All you need to do is wait patiently.
That is all. Dismissed."
With his verdict declared, Kai turned and strode back toward the Police Department.
Countless Uchiha exchanged looks.
They were furious—but considering Kai's power, they chose to hold back. For now.
The villagers, however, erupted in cheers.
Finally, the Police Department had a minister who acted fairly! They were satisfied.
In Kai's former life, they would already be shouting: "An upright magistrate!"
As for Kanzaki Manyo, the supposed thief, he was ecstatic.
He never imagined that a little stubborn denial could make the victim hand over the money willingly.
How delightful!
His eyes darted shiftily. Already he was wondering—where should I strike next?
Only the real victim, Komiyama Anju, was left on the verge of tears.
An upright magistrate?
To hell with that!
That man was the thief, that money was his!
Blind judgment, muddle-headed fool!
But of course, he only dared mutter such words in secret.
Who else could he blame?
The Police had caught the thief. All he needed to do was point him out.
Then everything would've been simple.
But since he refused—he had no one to blame but himself.
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