Conan: Chief of Rice Flower's Science Points

Chapter 367 An Unexpected Murder Case
"Thank you all for your assistance. I hope we can work together to find the missing suspect!"

At this moment, Inspector Megure was explaining the case to everyone in the conference room of the "500 Million Yen Heist Investigation Headquarters," but...

Even for a seasoned veteran like Inspector Megure, his gaze couldn't help but drift towards a female officer in the corner of the fourth row—she wore a black evening gown, her makeup was impeccable, and... she wore a sparkly hair clip and a sparkly ring on her finger, and under her notebook was a sparkly handbag that he couldn't afford with a year's salary...

Although criminal investigators don't usually wear police uniforms because of the needs of investigations, this is just too flashy, isn't it?
Haidani, who was standing nearby, also noticed Inspector Megure's gaze and was so embarrassed that he almost dug a three-bedroom apartment out of the ground.

That's right, the one who's so dazzling is none other than Miwako Kobe, who just reported to the Beika Police Station today!

Previously, everyone was wearing uniforms in the auditorium, but afterwards the detectives changed into their own clothes...

Normally, everyone tacitly agrees to wear business attire, but Miwako Kobe is different—it's not that she necessarily has to wear a business suit, but... it's rare to see such a dazzling detective.

Megure forced himself not to be bothered by the unease; this was all the Beika Police Station's own business... Perhaps it was a sting operation? He continued recounting the case: "Twenty years ago, on April 13th, a bank robbery involving 4 million yen occurred. Everyone should know about this..."

"At the time, the robber was disguised as a police officer, and although the police motorcycle he was riding was fake, the white paint was made of a special material that only one factory could provide."

"Therefore, by combining the sales situation of the paint, the list of owners of this model of motorcycle, and after checking people who were in Dongdu at the time and did not have an alibi, we identified three suspects."

"The first one is this Tetsuya Hatano, 42 years old, who is currently an employee at a camera shop." Megure said, first showing a photo of a middle-aged man who looked honest and unassuming, not like someone so cunning.

Then the PowerPoint presentation abruptly changed to a picture of a bald old man...

"The second one is Suda Jun, 40 years old..." Megure continued.

"Huh? Was it forty years old twenty years ago?" Kobe interrupted abruptly.

Haiya, standing nearby, whispered sternly, "Idiot! Let Inspector Megure finish speaking first. Raise your hand if you have any questions!"

"Oh, I'm sorry." Kobe stood up, clutched his chest, and bowed to Megure in apology.

"Um...it's okay. This person is forty years old and works as a software engineer at an IT company." Inspector Megure actually felt a little awkward.

Then Megure's expression became even more serious, and he showed a photo of the third suspect.

The third person looked quite dignified, and was the most well-proportioned of the three...

"Finally, there's this Kawada Takashi, the driver for the president of a trading company. He got lost while being monitored last night, and the company reported him missing this morning." Inspector Megure said, glancing at Takagi, who was sitting in the first row and felt uneasy.

Takagi immediately stood up, turned around and gave everyone a "red bean paste private horse race," and when she turned back, she found that the new section chief of the Beika Police Station, who was quite old, was looking at her with a scrutinizing gaze, which made her even more nervous.

"Now let Detective Takagi, who lost track of the suspect, tell everyone what happened last night," Megure said, rolling his eyes.

As Takagi spoke, he walked to the front and started operating the computer.

At this point, a video clip was played, which was probably taken when Takagi was supervising him.

Judging from the scene, it was probably filmed in an underground parking garage. To avoid being too obvious, only the rear half of the target vehicle was captured.

“This is the last footage I captured last night while I was monitoring the underground parking garage of the Daikoku Building… This is President Kotama getting into her car, and then Kawada drove away. At that moment, my car broke down and I couldn’t follow him…” Takagi explained sheepishly.

In the footage, a middle-aged man in a sharp suit can be seen opening the back door of the car, getting in, and then the vehicle driving away.

At this moment, Zongfang frowned, as if he had discovered something. However, the detectives of the Mika Police Station were not familiar with the new section chief and did not speak rashly.

Then there was camera shakiness and Takagi's low grumbling, as if there was a problem with the vehicle.

"According to President Kotama, Kawada took him to a party last night. He was supposed to stay out overnight, and Kawada was supposed to pick him up this morning, but he couldn't find him, and the car was gone, so they called the police," Takagi explained.

Just then, Takagi saw the shrewd female detective raising her hand.

"Um... um... ma'am... cough, detective, is there a problem?" Takagi was momentarily at a loss for words.

"Detective Takagi, did you not see Kawada Takashi from beginning to end?" Kobe asked directly.

"Huh? Well... to be honest, there's nothing you can see directly, but..." Takagi was taken aback when she heard this.

"How can we be sure that Kawada Takashi is in the car?" Kobe pressed.

"How can you be sure...? Because Kawada was President Kotama's driver, and then the car drove away..." Takagi didn't immediately understand what she meant.

“No, I think it’s precisely because he was the driver that he was definitely not in the car at the time, and he was definitely not the one driving,” Kobe said firmly.

Before anyone could ask any questions, Kobe explained without keeping them in suspense: "Normally, as a driver, I would definitely get out and open the door for the president at this time. How could I let the president open the door and get in the car by himself?"
“At least that’s how my driver is. Even though I’ve told him, ‘You don’t need to do that, I can do it myself,’ he still says, ‘How can we let the young lady open the door by herself?’ And then he won’t listen to anything I say. It’s really frustrating for me…”

The "solo performance" that followed Kobe made everyone feel uncomfortable.

but……

That makes sense!

"President Kotama's company is in the international trade sector, right? Takagi, go back..." Inspector Megure then confirmed it again.

Judging from the projects they operate, this is a company that needs to "save face." It's unlikely that the president would be so friendly as to ruin that "face" or get the drivers used to not opening doors for him!
Then Takagi rewound it and played it again, and this time, with that subjective impression in mind...

Indeed, President Xiaoyu was not only very unaccustomed to opening the car door herself, but also there seemed to be a long interval between when she got in the car and when she drove away, and... during this time, the car seemed to shake unnaturally!

"Could it be... that he climbed up to the front and started driving?" Inspector Megure realized this at that moment.

Zongfang, who was standing nearby, then spoke up: "Detective Haiya, contact the traffic division and check the road surveillance footage after leaving the Daikoku Building. Detective Suzuki, summon President Kotama to the police station for questioning immediately."

Zongfang's tone was calm, as if he was not surprised by the current outcome.

If Kawada Takashi was indeed not in the car at the time, and it was President Kotama who was driving, then Kotama is definitely an important person in the know!

……

Soon after, good news came from the interrogation room.

As an ordinary wealthy man, President Xiaoyu had no skill in resisting interrogation and was easily broken down, confessing to her crimes—because her driver, Kawada Takashi, discovered her extramarital affair and was using it to blackmail her for money. So, as the president of Beika, Xiaoyu decided to go all the way...

Furthermore, President Kotama already knew that Takashi Kawada was being followed by the police recently, and deliberately used this information to create an alibi for herself. It was not an accident that Takagi's car broke down at a critical moment.

Thus, although there are still no leads on the "500 million heist" that is about to reach the statute of limitations, the murder case that happened yesterday has been declared solved today!
"That young lady was actually right?"

"No, this isn't reasoning at all; it's just a habit of the rich!"

"Don't be so sarcastic..."

"Speaking of which, can she really run in those high heels?"

"Keep your voices down, her grandfather is that Kobe Kiku..."

"What's wrong with Yoshihisa Kobe? Our chief's fiancée works for the Suzuki Group!"

"Holy crap, what are you so proud of?"

“This is different! You don’t know, this Kobe Yoshihisa… is not a kind person. He not only had dealings with the Omi Alliance in the past, but also often used shady methods when doing business.”

……

Because the case was solved so quickly, everyone started talking even more about this new young lady.

Just then, the few police officers behind them quickly fell silent—they heard a "tap tap tap" sound coming from the end of the corridor. Looking over, they saw... sure enough, it was Miwako Kobe, the only person in the police station wearing sky-high heels, walking gracefully out from the direction of the chief's office.

Ash Valley, standing to the side, was not only overshadowed by the towering heels, but also looked utterly helpless.

Originally, Shiraishi didn't want to treat Miwako Kobe any differently...

However, after hearing that her approach to solving cases led to the resolution of an undiscovered murder case, Shiraishi still called her over to offer some encouragement.

As her supervising detective, Ashiya was also called over. Although she was praised, Ashiya felt even more awkward than if she had been scolded—after all, Ashiya couldn't stand the young lady's behavior no matter what.

Although it was Shiraishi's first time talking to her, he could sense why Haiya looked constipated next to him...

Miwako Kobe's manners were truly impeccable, even excessively so, making her stand out among the detectives.

only……

At the same time, she possesses a kind of "gentleness that keeps people at a distance," behaving like an AI customer service representative. She also inadvertently reveals her unique perspective as a trillion-dollar heiress, without any "pretentious" flaunting of wealth, yet she naturally displays an "let them eat cake" attitude.

If you were to point out anything wrong with her, it would be hard to say. Every time Ashiya criticized her, she would humbly correct her mistakes. It's just that it's hard for people to feel close to her.

After realizing his mistake, Shiraishi investigated Kobe Industries and its leader, Kiku Kobe.

After all, Shiraishi didn't want another person with ulterior motives in the police station...

As a result, Shiraishi discovered that Kobe Industries had a terrible reputation in the industry, or rather in the Kansai region. Twenty years ago, it could even be described as "infamous".

As the "first generation," Yoshihisa Kobe's ability to build Kobe Industries into a massive conglomerate in a single generation is undeniable, as is his ruthlessness and cruelty. To put it another way, if the motive for murder—like "you drove my father to his death in business"—often found in Conan, were applied to Yoshihisa Kobe, then all the potential killers would gather together, and even Shiraishi might not be able to handle them all!
but……

In the last twenty years, especially the last ten, Yoshihisa Kobe may have realized the "karma" after his only son and his wife died, or perhaps he has grown older and realized that he has done too many bad things...

In short, he suddenly became kind and enthusiastic about various public welfare undertakings.

at the same time……

He doted on his only granddaughter, Miwako Kobe, even more.

Under these circumstances, Shiraishi was initially puzzled that his granddaughter was still willing to "mess around" in the police force. He later called Satsuki to find out...

According to Satsuki, the Kobe chairman was indeed "reversing the tide." In his view, he not only did not object to his granddaughter, a heartless capitalist, being able to engage in such a righteous profession as a "police officer," but was also greatly comforted!
In this way, Shiraishi could understand why Miwako Kobe had such a personality.

On the one hand, because she was too well protected, she lacked understanding of darkness and ugliness, and also lacked empathy for ordinary people; on the other hand, because her grandfather's education of her demanded "perfection," Miwako, who grew up under such circumstances, was impeccable in terms of "kindness"...

Therefore, it gives people a feeling of "floating on clouds," which makes people instinctively disgusted, yet they can't find any fundamental fault in it.

……

The murderer has been caught.

but……

The robber from twenty years ago is still a mystery!
With only half a month left before the statute of limitations expires, even if the robber comes forward, there's nothing anyone can do about it, and they won't even have to return the stolen money. What's even more infuriating is that, given the circumstances in this island nation twenty years ago...

Damn, that 500 million has even appreciated in value!

"Now we can at least be certain that Kawada Takashi is definitely not the culprit," Inspector Megure said helplessly in the Mikasa Police Station's Criminal Investigation Division office.

Indeed, the real prisoner will become a billionaire in just half a month...

Although she is not as wealthy as the Kobe heiress, who is a "trillionaire", she is still a genuinely wealthy person. Under such circumstances, how could she possibly extort millions from others?

"So it seems that the robbers from back then must have been one of these two... These two guys are really patient, they didn't seem to intend to dodge for the last half month." Shiratori was also at the Beika Police Station at this time, looking at the two photos on the whiteboard and muttering to himself.

"Moreover, both of them are bachelors who live alone... so there's no chance to find a weakness in their relationships with those around them." Sato said that these two are "invincible."

"By the way, Inspector Haiya, there's really no need to bother the Beika Police Station with the rest of the matter..." Inspector Megure looked at Haiya apologetically.

With Chief Munakata absent, the highest-ranking officer present at the Criminal Investigation Department office was Haiya, who was also the current "Director" of the Criminal Investigation Department.

In theory, the investigation headquarters established by the Mihana Police Department is to investigate the "500 million yen robbery," since the disappearance of an adult male would not warrant a special case!
The police are focusing their attention on him precisely because he is a suspect in a 500 million dollar robbery.

However, now that we know that Kawada Takashi is dead, the remaining matters don't really require much help from the Beika Police Department. The case is now being handled by the Third Division—because the statute of limitations is approaching, they have entered a full-scale investigation mode.

“No, the other two suspects also usually operate in Beika Town, right? Then we can continue the joint investigation.” Haiya said matter-of-factly—this was what the chief had told him before: since a case had already been opened at the Beika Police Station, they should investigate it thoroughly.

Indeed, both the IT company where Suda Jun works and the camera shop where Hatano Tetsuya works, as well as the apartment where the two of them live, are located in Beika Town.

This is hardly a "coincidence," since the bank that was robbed back then was in Beika Town, and the three main suspects were identified precisely because they did not have alibis for not being in Beika Town!

"I'm so sorry to have troubled you all... The station must be very busy today, right?" Inspector Megure said somewhat awkwardly.

Indeed, there was another big case on the other side, which is why Section Chief Munakata wasn't in his office.

Just then, two patrol officers in female police uniforms walked in—it was Fujiwara and Kawai.

Fuji then noticed that the Criminal Investigation Division office was filled with the smell of smoke again after Section Chief Kunikida left, and he frowned deeply.

"Hey, I heard that a wisp of secondhand smoke can shorten someone's life by twenty minutes. Section Chief Kunikida's transfer will cost us at least several decades," Fuji said deliberately.

"Feng, you have so much time today... are you here to help?" Ashiya was already used to her occasional sharp tongue.

"Dream on... Do you know how long I've been on duty? There's another theft case to verify... There's something I need to report to your criminal investigation department." Fujii spoke with an air of "I'm no longer a detective."

"What's the matter?" Gray Valley asked directly.

"The serial arson cases in 5-chome seem to be expanding recently, and... although each arson attack doesn't have a significant impact, I have a feeling that the perpetrator has ulterior motives," Fuji warned.

"A series of arson attacks?" Inspector Megure exclaimed in surprise.

Ash Valley knew about this and explained, "Yeah, but it was only small places that were burned, like trash cans and stuff... It was probably just some teenagers."

"We burned down the former Minister of Justice's house today," Fuji added.

“Oh, and the former legal counsel… huh?” Haiya said, looking at Fuji in shock, and asked in confusion, “How come I didn’t know about this? That Inukai’s house burned down?”

“Not that one, the one before that… the one before that, the one who was a high-ranking police officer,” Teng said, shaking his head.

In the last twenty years, the average term of each Minister of Justice has been less than one year, so naturally the number of "former Ministers of Justice" is huge.

"Oh, it's Minister Takada's house, right?" Haiya realized who he was talking about.

After all, not many senior police officers go into politics after retirement, and this Takada's home is in Beika Town. After a minister of state retires, his home is guarded and has a security level. Therefore, the police station is very familiar with which "former ministers" are in the jurisdiction.

"Why haven't I received any news..." Ash Valley was still wondering.

"Because he didn't call the police, we discovered it during our patrol," Teng explained.

"You didn't call the police?" Ash Valley was taken aback when he heard this.

"Perhaps... they don't really want to deal with us, and besides, it was only the garage door that was burned, so the damage wasn't that great," Fuji said matter-of-factly.

Megure: ...

Is this the deterrent power of the Mikasa Police Department?
If the former Minister of Justice were living elsewhere, and this happened, he would definitely have thrown a huge tantrum at the local police station, and perhaps even...

If he lived in Ekoda, where many high-ranking officials live, he might have gone straight to Hakuba to complain.

But if it's placed in Beika Town...

As a former Minister of Justice, Takada probably felt that the burning of his garage door was not a big deal. On the contrary, if he got involved with the Beika Police Department, there might be unexpected trouble. So he simply did not call the police!
It was only when Fuji and Kawai were on patrol that they discovered the fire and learned about it.

So I came to report this...

"They've already burned down to the former minister's doorstep... Suzuki, Maki, you two go and wait outside tonight." Ashiya also felt that this was no ordinary brat and that they had to take strong action.

"Huh? Yes." Suzuki Atsushi paused for a moment, then replied.

……

Meanwhile, Shiraishi and Amamiya were both in Nishimushisano City—yes, in UDI!

This bombing case is sensitive not only because of the victim's identity, but also because the cause of death is questionable, so a forensic autopsy is naturally required.

After Shiraishi had the SWAT team "rescue" the body, he sent it to UDI, since the Beika Police Station didn't have the facilities for an autopsy.

and……

Amamiya was outside, looking through the glass wall into the operating room, where Shiraishi... was personally performing the surgery!

"Chief Shiraishi... actually knows forensic medicine?" This was the first time Amamiya had heard of this.

Although there was another female forensic doctor inside with Shiraishi at this time, Amamiya could tell that Shiraishi was the one who was "in charge of the surgery," and if he hadn't been using one less hand, he wouldn't have needed any assistance.

"Yes, Inspector Shiraishi's skills are quite good," Chief Kamikura said fairly.

Under the tutelage of Director Hakuba, Shiraishi also learned many skills that he couldn't learn at the police academy.

For example now...

Shiraishi snatched this case from the headquarters, which should have caused some trouble later. At least he had to handle it well on the surface. So... Shiraishi immediately showed great concern!

He even personally performed an autopsy for this reason...

Otherwise, the matter wasn't so difficult that Shiraishi had to handle it personally.

Now that Shiraishi has personally performed the autopsy, neither the General Headquarters nor the former Finance Minister have anything to say—the man's arm was still in a sling! And they came to examine him…

At least on the surface, we can only acknowledge that the Mikasa Agency's "proactive" actions this time are because they are genuinely "concerned," rather than for any other reason.

Furthermore, the initial idea to exclude the Beika Agency from the investigation was originally Toshio Morohoshi's suggestion, which wasn't entirely in accordance with regulations. For a time, everyone could only acquiesce to the Beika Agency's involvement...

(End of this chapter)