When Chongzong came to his senses, he found himself on an ambulance, lying on a stretcher.

Around him, there were various dazzling medical instruments.

However, the paramedics did not start treatment on Chongzong in the ambulance, they assessed that his injuries were stable and decided to wait until the hospital to perform surgery to remove the arrow.

If they hurried to treat the wound now, it could lead to adverse effects.

On both sides of the stretcher, there were two police officers, one of whom Chongzong recognized as Officer Dojou Kazuaki.

But Dojou Kazuaki did not show any sign of recognition towards Chongzong, focusing on his work while making a phone call.

"Little brother, you're awake. You're safe. Just hold on a bit longer. We'll reach the hospital in ten minutes." (Unknown police officer)

Another unfamiliar police officer, upon seeing Chongzong awake, came over to comfort him.

Upon hearing the voice, Dojou Kazuaki just glanced at Chongzong before looking away.

—This attempt to avoid suspicion seems too forced, it's starting to seem suspicious.

Chongzong silently complained in his heart.

However, he understood Dojou Kazuaki's intentions.

It's best to keep a distance between them in this situation.

Otherwise, it could heavily affect the subsequent progress and handling of the case.

Chongzong nodded to the unfamiliar police officer and relaxed on the stretcher.

The unfamiliar police officer then quietly sought permission from Dojou Kazuaki.

"Officer Dojou, may I briefly confirm the situation with this kid now? He seems to be doing fine." (Unknown police officer)

"Yes, if he feels uncomfortable during questioning, stop immediately." (Dojou Kazuaki)

"Understood." (Unknown police officer)

It seems that this unfamiliar police officer is Dojou Kazuaki's subordinate and needs to have his consent before taking any action.

"Hey there, kiddo. I'm Officer Ikue, a police officer. I'll ask you a few questions now. If you feel unwell, just let me know, take a rest." (Officer Ikue)

Chongzong nodded silently.

He was pondering how, during the time he was unconscious, the police secured the scene and got confessions from Bai Yaxin's group.

His statement must protect his interests.

But it also has to be reasonable and credible.

To make the police's power a support, not a new hindrance.

"Why were you at Yasaka Shrine so late, kiddo?" (Officer Ikue)

"I'm called Chongzong." (Chongzong)

Instead of directly answering the question, Chongzong first diverted the police officer's attention and made it clear that he disliked being called "little brother." (In fact, he genuinely disliked the diminutive term.)

"Hahaha, okay, then Chongzong, why are you here at Yasaka Shrine so late?" (Officer Ikegami)

—Why am I here at Yasaka Shrine?

Chongzong came up with a good excuse.

"I... I was trying to dodge the fare, so I thought I could sneak in when... the crowd was thin." (Chongzong)

Playing innocent might work, but on one hand, Chongzong couldn't immediately think of a perfect excuse, and on the other hand, in this scenario, Chongzong felt that admitting to some minor wrongdoing would make it easier to be believed and slip through.

"Oh... dodging the fare, why didn't you just ask your family for money? You can't do this in the future, understand, Chongzong." (Officer Ikegami)

Officer Ikegami raised an eyebrow, showing a "I knew it" expression.

Chongzong maintained a look of guilt on the surface, but inwardly thought, "This policeman is easy to fool," quietly relieved.

"But these people are too harsh, they actually targeted a child. The archery regulations in Kyoto City need to be revised, right, Officer Tsuchi?" (Officer Ikegami)

Officer Ikegami had no doubts, and after confirming the situation with Chongzong, he went back to chat with Dojou Kazuaki.

And Chongzong began to consider what his next steps would be.