Tengen first sent a group of confidants to investigate the situation, but they found nothing. The Elders Council then sent Assistant Supervisors to verify the facts, shortly after, Jujutsu Sorcerers from the Director's Department arrived.
Both sides had been busy all morning, speculating through every possibility from a Cursed Spirit committing a crime to a Curse User making a move, even the Star Plasma Vessel escaping on her own initiative; they were completely overwhelmed and finally had no choice but to request instructions from their superiors.
There were no signs of struggle at the scene, no traces of Cursed Energy left behind, the security measures set up around Riko Amanai had not been triggered.
The Star Plasma Vessel went missing within Tengen's barrier and under the supervision of the Director's Department; they couldn't even find someone to take the blame.
After a round of mutual blame-shifting, they turned around and dumped the mess into the hands of Kobe Suzuo, who was on "sick leave."
Kobe Suzuo fell silent upon receiving the documents, her perception of the Director's Department's incompetence reaching a new low.
He looked at the case, where the investigation progress was essentially zero, and, ignoring the opposition from the Elders Council, made a call to the Metropolitan Police Department that was cooperating with the Director's Department.
The higher-ups were accustomed to their arrogance, looking down on the very idea of "seeking help" from ordinary people.
But the truth is, as long as it doesn't involve "supernatural incidents," the efficiency of ordinary police is much higher than that of Jujutsu Sorcerers.
Inspector Megumi provided the preliminary investigation results two hours later.
We extracted some blurred fingerprints from that 'Substitute Doll' at the scene, there are signs that the room's window was opened from the outside.
The possibility of the victim running away from home has basically been ruled out. We have checked every street with surveillance cameras in the vicinity, but the suspect deliberately avoided the cameras. The police are currently screening pedestrians who appeared in the area during the early morning hours.
Kobe Suzuo had left clues to mislead the investigation, intended to confuse the public's perception.
Unfortunately, the gaze of Jujutsu Sorcerers is mainly focused on cursed energy traces and curses, causing them to overlook these insignificant minor details.
The inspector on the other end of the phone briefly described the situation, then paused, his tone carrying a hint of caution, "Younger Brother Kobe, this case must be involved with things from that side, right?"
Kobe Suzuo felt a sense of guilt; Inspector Megumi was a respectable officer, he should not have betrayed the trust that Inspector Megumi had placed in him.
He sighed, "The missing person is from this side, that child plays a very important role."
Inspector Megumi let out a sigh, just as expected:
It's that side's people after all. Aside from Ms. Kuroi, everyone we've encountered while on duty this time has been deathly numb and indifferent—ah, sorry, Young Master Kobe, I don't mean to imply that you are indifferent as well.
Kobe Suzuo simply acted as if he hadn't heard that, "Inspector Megumi, we'll be troubling you to help with the investigation this time."
The Kobe Group will recently provide an additional donation classified as public security, intended for the installation and maintenance of street surveillance, in hopes of contributing to the police force's future work.
To be honest, increasing surveillance coverage in Japan is not easy, but Kobe Suzuo has the money and has hired a professional team to handle the matter.
The methods he employed were relatively mild; every time he made such a request, he would prepare a set of reasons to make his actions appear reasonable.
Much like the promotion of internet development, there was actually a personal motive of Kobe Suzuo's involved—at this stage, Merlin was still too limited.
Of course, Kobe Suzuo had no intention of using artificial intelligence to destroy the Earth or rule the world.
He only needed Merlin to reach at least the level that artificial intelligence should have by the year 2035, which was the standard of the original world.
Megumi was a digital illiterate with a limited understanding of emerging concepts like "surveillance networks" or "digital investigation." He gave a few confused nods of agreement and asked tentatively.
Um, Brother Kobe, are you really not considering letting detectives get involved in the investigation? It's hard to admit, but those detectives do possess incredible intuition.
The Inspector's voice was low and heavy. Although he had only a vague understanding of the situation in the Jujutsu World, he still offered his sincere suggestion:
“I can vouch for several trustworthy detectives; with their help, many of the incidents over at Mr. Suzuo's side might just be resolved.”
Kobe Suzuo could hardly help but sigh; these were the true public servants who thought of the people, the guardians who maintained the peace of daily life.
I don't know why all the capable people have gone off to become private detectives.
However, until the situation becomes clear, it is best not to let ordinary people become too involved.
I'm afraid it might be difficult to persuade the higher-ups to pass this proposal," Kobe Suzuo said regretfully. "Curses are far more complex than they appear on the surface, so most people here are quite conservative.
Those clever and sharp detectives, once they come into contact with the Jujutsu World, will likely soon realize the dark nature of this place, then, for the sake of the justice in their hearts, will hesitate for a moment before wading into such muddy waters.
It would be terrible if they end up provoking some extremists who resort to desperate measures.
Kobe Suzuo ended the conversation with Inspector Megumi and handed the investigation progress sent by the Inspector to the Elders Council.
After taking a moment to satisfy himself by watching the Elders Council's incompetent, raging outbursts, after arranging Riko Amanai's daily life and living arrangements for the time being, Kobe Suzuo had his driver take him to Jujutsu High.
Because of the lack of clues, it is difficult for the police to track the culprit; they can only issue missing persons notices while conducting a comprehensive review of surveillance footage.
Kobe Suzuo looked at the two high school students who were clearly out of the loop, suddenly felt that his stomachache had eased up a bit.
With the efficiency of the higher-ups, they won't be able to remember you two for a while. So, how about we head to Hokkaido for a mission and enjoy a seafood feast at a seaside villa while we're at it?
Kobe Suzuo sat in the passenger seat, giving the back seat to the students, her voice carrying a rare hint of lightness, "Call Nobara Iori along as well."
Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto exchanged a glance before rushing toward the laboratory to drag Nobara Iori out and shove her into the car.
Kobe Suzuo preferred spacious and comfortable vehicle models for travel; the three young people sat in a row in the back seat without feeling crowded, making it as lively as a group of elementary schoolers on an excursion.
A very slight curve appeared at the corner of Kobe Suzuo's mouth as he took a tablet from the glove compartment, pulled up the travel itinerary, handed it to Nobara Iori, who was sitting in the middle.
In 2006, these kinds of electronic products were still quite rare on the market, easily attracting the attention of high school students.
Suguru Geto was still preoccupied with the matter of the Star Plasma Vessel and asked, "How is that girl, Riko Amanai, doing now?"
"I'm not very sure either," Kobe Suzuo replied casually, her eyes meeting Suguru Geto's in the rearview mirror as she glanced toward him.
Those fox-like eyes were filled with concern, genuinely worrying for that girl he had never even met.
Should one call it the naivety of youth, or was Suguru Geto simply born with compassion in his nature?
Kobe Suzuo averted her gaze and added indifferently, "The bounty posts regarding the Star Plasma Vessel are still on the dark web, so I think Miss Amanai should still be alive."
Merlin had organized these bounties into a table, ranking them according to their danger levels, Kobe Suzuo was already dealing with these dangerous elements one by one.
The Dark Web?
Satoru Gojo, who was currently leafing through a Hokkaido travel guide, showed a hint of interest and leaned over the front seat toward Kobe Suzuo.
Nobara Iori, sandwiched between him and Suguru Geto, could no longer stand it and gave the long legs crowding in front of her a fierce kick, but due to the presence of Limitless, it was unsuccessful.
Nobara Iori clicked her tongue and simply leaned against the back of the chair to change her position.
Satoru Gojo sat in the middle as he wished, the fluffy head leaning toward Kobe Suzuo looked like a kitten's head.
"Are you interested?" Kobe Suzuo glanced at that white hair, which looked like it had excellent texture, pressed down her restless fingers.
If Satoru-kun asks me, I'll find it and show it to you.
This sentence sounded familiar; it was the exact same phrasing Satoru Gojo had used when he was clamoring for Kobe Suzuo to ask him to step in and save someone.
Kobe Suzuo, who was quite petty, attempted to get a little revenge this way, but he underestimated Satoru Gojo's thick skin.
The man lowered his sunglasses, those brilliant azure eyes gazing at Kobe Suzuo. His snow-white eyelashes fluttered as his voice turned cloyingly sweet:
Please, Suzuo~ Let me see it, won't you?
The faint smile on Kobe Suzuo's face froze at the corners of her mouth. She slowly reached out, unceremoniously pressing Satoru Gojo's head back into the backseat, her voice laced with coldness:
“Watch the traffic rules and fasten your seatbelt.”
Satoru Gojo did not expect his attempt at acting spoiled to fail; after all, Kobe Suzuo had always been very fond of his looks, always staring at him unintentionally and saying flirtatious, strange things.
He pretended to be weak, leaning against Suguru Geto and complaining, "Supervisor Kobe is so fierce. Is his gentle side just an act after all?"
Suguru Geto had no way to avoid it, so he used one hand to push Satoru Gojo a little further away.
He pondered for a moment before asking a crucial question, "But Lord Tengen's evolution is imminent. What if we still can't find the Star Plasma Vessel by then?"
Kobe Suzuo asked rhetorically, "What do you think would happen, Suguru-kun, if someone were critically ill, but the medicine the doctor prepared for him was stolen by someone?"
Suguru Geto understood that Kobe Suzuo was using a metaphor, so he followed the lead and replied, "Of course, you would go looking for it."
What if they can't find him?
Have someone capable help look, or..
He paused.
Nobara Iori followed up on Suguru Geto's words, "Or find a doctor to prescribe a new prescription."
Kobe Suzuo smiled softly, "But we are neither this person with a serious illness, nor are we doctors."
The persistent stomachache turned his already pale lips transparent, but he had grown used to it:
We don't know if the medicine is one-of-a-kind, nor do we know if there are other treatments. But the fact is, as of now, the death notice has not been issued.
Tengen's transformation frequency is once every five hundred years; she has enough time to plan for herself, there are families that have looked after the Star Plasma Vessel for generations.
This at least proves that Tengen understands, may even master, the patterns of the Star Plasma Vessel's appearance.
As Kobe Suzuo thought, once Tengen confirmed the situation within the eight hours after Riko Amanai was confirmed missing, he did not intervene again.
Satoru Gojo wrinkled his nose, having anticipated the unsaid words behind these remarks, looked out the window with profound boredom.
The three of them from the same year—two strongest and one healer—all possessed highly special abilities and had long since grown accustomed to the intrigue and infighting within the higher-ups.
A flock of seabirds swept past the car window, the horizon gradually becoming clear, the shimmering sea surface gently lapped small waves against the shore.
The Lexus drove along the ring road and came to a stop before the destination.
Flowers, red carpets, rows of servants in uniform, behind them, a villa so exquisite and luxurious it resembled a European palace.
As soon as the car came to a complete stop, two attendants opened the doors for them.
Welcome, Young Master Kobe, for your visit and guidance!
Two rows of attendants fired their small confetti cannons in unison at the greeting, in an instant, blue and purple petals fluttered through the air, raining down upon everyone.
The Jujutsu High Trio was startled by the spectacle, slowly turning their gaze toward Kobe Suzuo.
Young Master Kobe stood there elegantly, with a bodyguard standing by his side holding a black umbrella for him, shielding him from the fluttering falling petals.
But some escaped still remained on Kobe Suzuo's head and shoulders.
He looked expressionlessly at the middle-aged man at the head of the crowd.
I believe I said before, there's no need for such a formal welcoming ceremony, is there?
The man's fawning smile instantly turned into an expression of terror, he looked as if he were about to kneel immediately.
I apologize, Young Master Kobe, I only did that to liven up the atmosphere; I thought the young people would enjoy it.
Kobe Suzuo no longer looked at him; her leather shoes stepped onto the red carpet, with two long strides, she turned back to call out to Satoru Gojo and the others, "You must be hungry. Let's eat dinner first before discussing the mission."
The corners of the mouths of the Jujutsu High Trio twitched; such an extravagant scene was truly something they hadn't seen in a long time.