Chapter 3 – The Super Rookie
Prologue, Part 3
Novel Title: 共鳴発情 オメガバース (Resonance Heat: Omegaverse)
Author:岩本薫 (Iwamoto Kaoru)
Illustrator: 蓮川愛 (Hasukawa Ai)
Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)
Protagonists: 本浄天音 (Honjou Amane) & 苅谷煌騎 (Kariya Kouki) / 首藤煌騎 (Shutou Kouki)
*Please read at Novels Space.space, the original site of translation. TQ*
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Central City—Downtown East District—8:30 AM
“Pair Honjou with the rookie?!!”
He found himself raising his voice from the start. Standing before him was the Superintendent, who was the chief of the station. Still, this time, he couldn’t just accept the order even though it was from his superior.
“This is reckless. You know he doesn’t work well with others, right? He’ll crush the rookie.”
Unfazed by Onizuka’s objections, the Superintendent, who had clasped his hands together on his desk, ordered again, “Just pair them up.”
“Honjou has a high arrest rate, after all.”
“That’s true, but…”
“It’ll be a good experience for the rookie to see how the department’s ace works up close.”
With a seemingly reasonable justification, the Superintendent leaned his hefty body, well over 100 kilos, against the backrest of his high-back chair. The overloaded springs creaked in protest.
The downtown district of Central City is divided into four areas: East, West, South, and North. The Downtown East Police Station, also known as D-East Police Station, which covers the East Area, is responsible for the city’s largest entertainment district, slums, and red-light district. It’s known nationwide as the precinct that handles the most criminal cases annually.
It’s been five years since Onizuka, who worked his way up as a detective, became the head of the Criminal Investigation Department at D-East Police Station just before turning fifty.
The Criminal Investigation Department handles violent crimes such as murder, extortion, robbery, kidnapping, and crimes involving firearms and drugs.
Due to the nature of the area, which includes slums and is rife with violent crime, the detectives in the department are constantly on the move, day and night. Consequently, a certain number of detectives end up quitting due to the extreme workload, or they are forced to take long-term leaves due to injuries or mental health issues.
Each time a vacancy arises, it is promptly filled. But even so, the Criminal Investigation Department remains perpetually understaffed. This year, however, their long-awaited wish was granted when a new recruit was assigned to the department. Not just any recruit, but one who graduated top of their class from the police academy. Both mentally and physically exceptional, this super rookie had their three-month uniformed training period shortened, and was appointed as a Senior Police Officer.
A promising newcomer is a valuable asset to the department.
Just when the department was gearing up to carefully nurture this prized rookie, an unreasonable order came down. As the head of the Criminal Investigation Department, it wasn’t easy for Onizuka to simply acquiesce with a ‘Yes, sir’.
“Sure, they might gain a variety of experiences. But isn’t this a bit much for a rookie who has only gone through a month of training after graduating from the academy?”
“He’s an extremely talented individual. All he needs now is on-the-job experience.”
“But isn’t the bar for that experience being set way too high, too soon?”
Onizuka looked straight into the sagging face before him.
“…It almost seems like you’re trying to get the rookie to quit as soon as possible, doesn’t it?”
Cutting straight to the point while maintaining eye contact, Onizuka noticed the Superintendent’s expression souring quickly. With a look of someone who had swallowed something bitter, the Superintendent slammed his fist on the desk, shouting, “Don’t make baseless assumptions!”
“……”
Anxiety and urgency—intimidation. If he were a suspect, this would be a dead giveaway.
There was no doubt. The Superintendent wanted to drive the newly assigned rookie out as soon as possible. And Onizuka had a pretty good idea why.
It was likely due to the rookie’s unique background. Even Onizuka found it a bit troublesome. It was unprecedented. Onizuka himself had no prior experience with such a case.
Yet, this rookie had endured the gruelling six months at the police academy, and had even graduated at the top of the class. The shortened training was another feat. These were not accomplishments that could be achieved with a half-hearted mindset.
If the rookie was serious, Onizuka wanted to welcome and support his growth, as someone sharing the same aspirations. After all, the more skilled detectives there were, the better for maintaining public safety.
But if he were to partner with Honjou, there was a real chance that this golden egg might get crushed before it even had a chance to hatch…
“……”
Perhaps sensing Onizuka’s silence, the Superintendent, now regaining his usual arrogance, declared, “This is a direct order from me, the Superintendent.”
“Onizuka, you just follow orders and keep quiet.”
The Superintendent’s tone was even more authoritarian than usual, likely on purpose. Onizuka met his gaze in silence.
The police force is a hierarchical structure, a microcosm of a pyramid-shaped society. There is a strict caste system, and those below are not allowed to defy the orders of those above.
In other words, no matter how much Onizuka might resist here, the decision wouldn’t change.
If that’s the case, then it would be best to follow the order for now and keep a close watch from the background. That seemed to be the best course of action at this stage.
Besides, there’s a chance—however slim—that this unexpected pairing could result in a positive chemistry. Though it’s mostly wishful thinking.
“…Understood.”
Before long, Onizuka signalled his agreement.
“I will pair him with Honjou.”
The Superintendent nodded in satisfaction, emphasising with a firm, “I’m counting on you.”
“Yes, sir.”
The Superintendent, now rising from the high-back chair, rubbed his enormous belly as he walked over to the inner door by the wall. The rookie, who had just been the subject of their discussion, was likely waiting in the room beyond that door.
The Superintendent opened the inner door and called out, “Kariya-kun, come in.” In response, the sound of leather shoes clattering against the wooden floor filled the room.
“Pardon my intrusion.”
A youthful, vibrant voice echoed. Onizuka gasped at the sight of the young man who appeared through the open door.
He must be eight heads tall—no, nine heads tall. Onizuka was often impressed by the well-proportioned physiques of today’s youth. But this was on a whole different level…
The young man stood tall enough that Onizuka, who himself was 180 cm, had to look up. He must be close to 190 cm. Even at a glance, it was clear that the three-piece suit he wore was of high quality, both in fabric and tailoring. His physique, evident even through his clothes, showed well-developed, toned muscles. Every part of him was perfectly proportioned, with no excess weight. His physique was clearly not just for show, as Onizuka could tell from the young man’s movement. His steps were sharp, graceful, and yet carried an air of elegance.
The young man, who had approached without a single wasted movement, stopped two steps in front of Onizuka.
Up close, his eyes were a curious colour. Depending on the light, his bluish-grey irises took on a bluish tint, exuding a calmness and depth beyond his years.
His hair was a rich chestnut colour. Onizuka, whose only hobby was horse racing, was reminded of a thoroughbred with a lustrous, well-groomed mane. It wasn’t an entirely inaccurate comparison.
His face was faultlessly handsome. His brows were neatly shaped, hinting at intelligence and strong will. His double-lidded eyes were clear and defined. His nose was straight and noble. His slightly full lips completed the look. But there were plenty of men with well-arranged facial features. Many Omega actors and models were strikingly handsome as well.
What set this young man apart from them was the commanding aura that emanated from him just by standing there. He seemed destined to rule, to lead others, from the moment he was born—
(So, this is what an Alpha looks like…)
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*Translator’s Note: Hell yeah. It’s going to be a positive chemistry instead. It will even go beyond that, sir. -K
*P/S: The cover of this novel is too explicit for NU. I gotta scan the inside cover! Lol!
*GLOSSARY:
- In Japan, it’s customary to say 「お邪魔します」 (Ojama shimasu) when entering someone’s home or personal space. The phrase literally means “I’m causing a disturbance” or “pardon my intrusion.” It’s a way of expressing humility and respect, acknowledging that you are entering someone else’s private space and might be imposing on them. This kind of politeness reflects Japan’s cultural emphasis on harmony, respect for others, and awareness of social boundaries. By saying this, the speaker shows they are mindful of the potential inconvenience their presence may cause and are grateful for being allowed into the space. When leaving, people usually say 「お邪魔しました」 (Ojama shimashita), which means “I caused a disturbance” or “thank you for allowing me to intrude.”
Next update: 2024.11.21