CHAPTER 790: CHAPTER 649: FAREWELL, ASAHARA SHOKO—RECOGNITION FROM THE AMERICANS

For several days, Aoyama Xiu Xin had been busy visiting influential people throughout Hokkaido. Though he hadn’t yet started working, the entire Hokkaido police force had already begun a hundred-day crackdown operation.

The citizens of Hokkaido noticed there were significantly more patrol officers on the streets, and the police response rate had markedly improved. People were being arrested daily, and the changes following Aoyama Xiu Xin’s arrival were visible to everyone.

However, with keen observation, it became apparent that while the police arrested many, the Aum Shinrikyo was still treated with a blind eye, though their members were much more restrained in their actions.

It seemed both parties had reached some kind of understanding.

On July 25th, Aoyama Xiu Xin finally concluded the ten-day social activities and planned to formally take action against Aum Shinrikyo, first arranging to meet Asahara Shoko.

The meeting place was an outdoor hot spring.

In such a place, with openness and honesty, both parties can lower their guard and communicate more relaxedly.

He had people go ahead with the equipment to thoroughly check the hot spring to prevent any bugging or secret recording devices, then set off.

After all, Asahara Shoko couldn’t be described as universally despised, but he was notorious. If news about their meeting leaked, it would surely cause an uproar, and Aoyama Xiu Xin hated such trouble.

When he arrived, Asahara Shoko was already there.

Aoyama Xiu Xin changed into a kimono and, led by the hot spring resort’s staff, went to an outdoor hot spring surrounded by blooming flowers and rising mist.

Though called a hot spring, it was large enough to resemble a swimming pool.

Asahara Shoko sat with his lower body submerged in the pool, his upper body exposed and somewhat emaciated. He was served by two naked young women, and by the poolside behind him kneeled four women in red kimonos, heads bowed, their appearances and figures exquisite.

This old bastard truly knows how to enjoy himself.

Upon hearing footsteps, the seemingly sleeping Asahara Shoko opened his eyes. Accompanied by splashing water, he stood up and laughed, "Long time no see, Mr. Aoyama, still as elegant and extraordinary, akin to a celestial being reborn, intimidating us mere mortals."

These words were certainly exaggerated, though carrying some sincerity; Aoyama Xiu Xin was indeed handsome.

The loose kimono seemed snug on him, the muscular outlines of his upper body faintly visible beyond the wide sleeves, exuding an intense aura.

Coupled with his long-time authoritative position, he had a calm, intimidating presence that didn’t show on his face.

In terms of appearance and demeanor, Aoyama Xiu Xin was undoubtedly top-notch among Japanese civil servants.

"Hahahaha, Asahara Sect Master truly flatters me. You, who is out to save humanity, are the celestial being, while I, immersed in the world of fame and fortune, am merely a common man," Aoyama Xiu Xin laughed heartily, spreading his arms.

Asahara Shoko signaled with his eyes, and the four women kneeling behind him swiftly stood up, walked to Aoyama Xiu Xin, and helped him undress.

As the black kimono was peeled away, it revealed a well-defined, muscular, strong body, gleaming in the sunlight, causing the four women to momentarily hold their breath.

It was akin to a man laying eyes on a buxom, fair-skinned woman, the same effect.

As Aoyama Xiu Xin stepped into the water, the four women shed their kimonos, exposing their naked bodies, and descended with their long legs to surround him for his amusement.

"Mr. Aoyama, these four are my most prized female disciples, normally not shown to outsiders." Asahara Shoko raised his hand, pointing at the four women beside him, and said with a grin.

Aoyama Xiu Xin was long accustomed to such pleasures, embracing two in his arms and teasing them, replying with a smile, "Asahara Sect Master, what good fortune. Let me see what extent of your teachings these four have inherited."

"You four, serve Mr. Aoyama well, this is all meritorious. When the apocalypse arrives, you will have fortune protecting you." Asahara Shoko said earnestly.

"Yes!" The four women showed excited and fervent expressions, working even harder to please Aoyama Xiu Xin.

Aoyama Xiu Xin, looking at the four women, each with their own charm and allure, found it difficult to comprehend how anyone could believe such absurd words. He wouldn’t dare engage with such fools, fearing they might infect him, turning him into one as well.

Yet he had to admit, Asahara Shoko’s four female disciples did have some skills and flair. While enjoying the service, he got to the point, "Asahara Sect Master knows that I’m now the chief of the Hokkaido Police Headquarters, and your sect’s actions are somewhat reckless, caught between duty and friendship, leaving me in a bind."

"Mr. Aoyama, I am fully aware of your care and attention recently. Rest assured, I will certainly restrain my followers and not cause you trouble." Asahara Shoko immediately assured.

"I knew Asahara Sect Master was a reasonable person," Aoyama Xiu Xin smiled, taking a grape offered by a woman, and mumbled, "That’s why, during the large-scale operations, we haven’t troubled the Aum Shinrikyo members."

"Thank you, Mr. Aoyama, for your care. If there’s anything you need from me in the future, don’t hesitate to ask. I won’t refuse anything within my power." Asahara Shoko raised his glass.

Aoyama Xiu Xin took the wine glass offered by the woman and clinked it against his, "Of course, for as long as Asahara Sect Master stays reasonable, I assure you that Aum Shinrikyo can continue its stable development in Hokkaido."

"Then I shall rely on your continued care, Mr. Aoyama."

"It’s just a piece of cake." Xiu Xin smiled lightly, then shifted the topic, "It looks like Asahara Sect Master is planning for Aum Shinrikyo to take root in Hokkaido. If that’s the case, maybe we can arrange for a meeting with the higher-ups in the cult someday. I’ll bring my trusted men, we can have a drink and get to know each other. It’ll make helping each other easier in the future."

A problem with Aum Shinrikyo is that Asahara Shoko and all the top brass are too slippery. To nab them all at once, you need to get them together.

And the only one who can gather so many top members is Asahara Shoko himself.

"Sure, sure, why wait for another day? How about tonight?" Asahara Shoko’s eyes gleamed with eagerness as he agreed immediately; this was a golden chance to strengthen ties between Aum Shinrikyo and the police.

"Let’s skip tonight—I have other plans." Xiu Xin shook his head, pondered for a moment, and then asked, "How about the day after tomorrow? Sect Master, you could set a place for us to drink and have a good time."

"Alright, no problem. By then, our cult will make sure to host you officers well, making everyone feel at home." Asahara Shoko laughed heartily in response.

Xiu Xin raised his glass with a smile, "To the Sect Master."

"And to Mr. Aoyama." Asahara Shoko downed his drink, tossed the glass aside, and, amidst the woman’s shrieks by his side, grabbed her and said, "Mr. Aoyama, have you ever fished by hand? How about we see who’s better at it?"

"Sure, fishing is great. I love fishing by hand the most," Xiu Xin laughed aloud.

Then six stunning young women, wearing nothing and moving gracefully like a school of white fish, darted around the pool, giggling or screaming in panic, as Xiu Xin and Asahara Shoko, two old rogues, laughed lewdly and chased after them.

No wonder Asahara Shoko was completely unguarded.

With Xiu Xin’s sleazy demeanor, the perfect image of a corrupt, lustful official, no one would ever guess he might be upholding justice behind the scenes, ready to stab him in the back.

.........

To fully gain Asahara Shoko’s trust, Xiu Xin ended up compromising himself by doing a few stupid things.

As a policeman, fighting against cult figures is his unshirkable duty. He single-handedly defeated four cult followers, who were left battered and blue-faced.

Only when he got home that night, he fell into bed and slept deeply, unable to wake up the next morning.

"Ring ring!" "Ring ring!"

The shrill sound of a phone ringing startled him awake.

"Baka." Xiu Xin cursed under his breath with irritation, fumbling around before finally grabbing the phone on the nightstand, "Moshi moshi?"

"I seem to have disturbed Mr. Aoyama’s sweet dreams."

Hearing the familiar English, Xiu Xin’s sleepiness vanished instantly, sitting up with a start, "Miss Annie’s voice, like a clear mountain spring, energizes me, my sleepiness gone. What guidance does Miss Annie have for me?"

"The document you gave last time was well received. They’ve commended you and hope you keep up the good work. The United States will not let you down and will ensure every step of your promotion is unimpeded," Annie said calmly.

Japan belongs to the Japanese, but ultimately it’s in the hands of the Americans. Thus, even the Japanese Government is under American control. When they say Xiu Xin’s promotion won’t be hampered, it means a smooth ride all the way.

He’s essentially a U.S.-certified collaborator at this point.

Xiu Xin jokingly asked, "What if I aim to become the Prime Minister? Would there be no obstacles then?"

"Of course, provided you have that ability," Annie sneered at Xiu Xin’s delusion. To the Americans, any Japanese politician who aligns with them could be Prime Minister.

In other words, the Prime Minister’s race is a relatively fair competition, with no extra American support, all relying on their own capabilities.

Xiu Xin clearly doesn’t have that ability now.

He’s not even a member of the National Diet. To become Prime Minister, he’d have to wait another twenty or thirty years.

"That day will surely come." He didn’t mind Annie’s scorn. This woman was always so arrogant.

He indeed wanted to see what expression she would have the day his value reached a point where aligning herself with him physically was a command she had to obey.

She looks down on him as a traitorous collaborator, but for her country’s sake, she’d have to curry favor, seduce him despite her aversion, and be with him willingly—an amusing thought.

Annie didn’t want to hear his nonsense, retorting sarcastically, "Okay, then I wish you success in your campaign ahead of time, my Prime Minister."

With that, she hung up the phone directly.

"Beep~ beep~" Listening to the busy signal, Xiu Xin chuckled, "Who’s still playing by the usual campaign rules these days!"