After graduating from high school, Mai Kawai's foremost goal was to secure a steady job so she would not end up like her father. She sought financial independence and aimed to break the cycle that had plagued her family. She sat for numerous civil‑service exams, including national and local tests, yet almost every institution rejected her. The only place that accepted her was a police academy, which she joined reluctantly.
Even as a sworn officer in the city, the world remained unkind to Mai. She received criticism from disgruntled citizens, and the scrutiny was relentless. Disheartened by the hostile treatment, she decided to submit a letter of resignation after just a few months on duty.
On the very day she intended to leave, Mai encountered Seiko Fuji—the former ace of the Criminal Affairs Division—who had been assigned as her new instructor. Finding her new coworker enchanting, Mai delayed leaving and gave her job a second chance.
