Conan: Science Cartoonist Kudo Yuji

Without a forensic doctor, the true cause of death cannot be clearly known. If it is just a guess, everyone thinks that Kawaii died of blood loss. However, Yuuji still insists on stripping the clothes off the body.

"Look."

Aside from Marina, who avoided the scene because she couldn't bear the blood, everyone else followed the direction of Yuuji's finger and saw that the missing parts on both sides of their waists had no additional wounds or scratches.

"These two locations are not lethal points; even with a sharp weapon, it is impossible to kill someone through stab wounds."

This was to confirm that the deceased did not die from external injuries. As for death caused by excessive blood loss, although Yuuji could tell that the flesh extraction was done after the person died, he had already said so much and it was not appropriate to continue.

"Whether or not the intention is to bleed him to death, taking two pieces of flesh from a person like this makes it impossible for him to live."

Jintaro carefully observed Kawasaihei's face, noticing the white foam caused by his drool and the faint fragrance on his body, which seemed rather strange.

“There were no needle marks on his body. I think the prisoner took the flesh to cover up the needle marks used to inject anesthetic.” Kenzo Masuyama nodded: “Perhaps it was too strange to take only one side, so they took both sides.”

In this era, all kinds of Western medicine were extremely precious. Given that the shrine was in a state of disrepair and could not possibly have a certain amount of medicine like wealthy families, and given that anesthetics were very difficult to obtain, everyone except Jintaro thought of a doctor.

"So, the murderer is someone from the local hospital in Aichi, a doctor or a nurse? But we didn't see anyone like that last night." Kuromaru Yata pointed around at the people present. If this line of reasoning was followed, then Masuyama Kenzo would be the most suspicious person.

[You didn't kill him, did you?]

Kuromaru Yata glared at Masuyama Kenzo, only breathing a sigh of relief after the latter shook his head in denial. "Besides anesthetics, there might be something else that could have this effect."

Taro rubbed his fingernails, thinking of the fragrance he had just smelled: "Before Japan was defeated, I heard that the army had purchased a large amount of opium grown in China and extracted a special liquid that was more potent and highly addictive than the boiled opium."

“Opi” Marina turned around: “That’s a nice name. What is it?”

“It’s a red flower, but it’s not a good thing,” said Shintaro. “Overuse can cause temporary shock. I think Kawai Saipei must have used it and died suddenly.”

“I think I know what you’re talking about.” Yuuji paused for a moment. “But is there anyone here who can get their hands on that thing? If we’re not counting the four of us, it’s unlikely that the shrine master, Mr. Neishi Matsu, or the motorcycle employees would have any way to get it.”

During the war, Japan's management methods for its homeland and overseas occupied territories were severely polarized. On the homeland, the use of opium was strictly prohibited, with execution the penalty for any offense; smoking and selling were considered equally serious crimes. However, in the occupied territories, they not only encouraged but also forced farmers to cultivate opium.

Therefore, most of the locals cannot obtain the kind of thing that Jintaro mentioned.

"Regardless of whether anyone can get it, we need to first confirm whether the deceased had any reactions after using it."

Jintaro called over Kenzo Masuyama and Yata Kuromaru to join in. (End of Chapter)