Conan: Chief of Rice Flower's Science Points

Chapter 506 "Those People"

"If that's the case... assuming Uno is the real culprit, he wouldn't have known that the estimated range would be so early. So when he fabricated his alibi, he should have used his actual time of the crime, which is 11 o'clock, as the midpoint, leaving a lot of room before and after. Why would he stop at 12 o'clock?"

Miwako Kobe raised a question.

Indeed, if an alibi was to be fabricated, and the murder was to take place around 11 p.m., why would it only be fabricated up to midnight?

We almost went over the time limit!

“That’s right. We should confirm with him later whether he has any other alibi after leaving the bar.” Shiraishi acknowledged Miwako Kobe’s suspicions.

If Uno really has an alibi later on, then it means he was indeed very well prepared!
and……

The more you do, the more vulnerabilities you'll find!
Putting aside the possibility of the alibi being exposed later, the more important thing is...

“We also need to investigate this bar more thoroughly, especially those who have left credit card records,” Shiraishi emphasized at this point.

If Uno left after 10:40, then he probably wouldn't be able to get back to swipe his card at midnight!

In other words, his credit card transaction record itself is problematic—either he bribed the store clerk, or he had another "stand-in".

……

October 6, Wednesday.

The investigation into the Hoshimiya case has entered a period of slow progress.

Because the eyewitness testimonies involve events from "more than 20 years ago," it is necessary to investigate past events and also to cast a wide net to collect eyewitness testimonies in the vicinity of the bar.

However, it cannot be considered a standstill or a setback; it is just a normal "test of footwork"—after all, not all cases are "mysteries." In fact, most cases rely on visits and investigations, and only a few can be solved on the spot.

Shiraishi, in his office, showed no intention of urging the criminal investigation department, but unexpectedly received a call from the head office's criminal investigation department in the afternoon...

"This is Shiraishi... Manager. It's been a long time since I last greeted you. I was just thinking of visiting you at the main store..." Shiraishi greeted him after answering the phone.

However, Odagiri interrupted him, saying, "First of all, we don't have a superior-subordinate relationship. When we're working, we address each other by our police ranks!"

"Okay, Manager Odagiri... and next?"

Odagiri:......

"You know Kobayakawa Taizo, right?" Odagiri asked directly, too lazy to correct him.

“I know, the one whose future son-in-law died, but whose daughter’s engagement ceremony wasn’t canceled,” Bai Shi said sarcastically.

"Instead of wasting time gossiping, you should think more about how to solve the case! Has the Beika Police Station listed his future son-in-law as a suspect?" Odagiri said directly.

"It's just a routine investigation; they're not suspects," Shiraishi said succinctly.

“Councilor Kobayakawa means that he hopes you will work harder to prove your son-in-law’s innocence and not let these rumors affect the engagement ceremony on Saturday.” Odagiri’s words were not unexpected by Shiraishi.

The talk of proving the future son-in-law's innocence is just polite talk; in reality, it means "thorough investigation" and "preferably with results by Saturday!"
Clearly, that old fox Kobayakawa doesn't want to be manipulated by a young man.

only……

“Of course, we will not wrong any innocent person. If a suspect is apprehended, there will definitely be evidence and a confession,” Shiraishi said confidently.

Kobayakawa, that old fox, also needs to be prepared. If the Beika Police Station finds clues, it won't just be a murder case. His weaknesses, which have been exploited, will also be exposed!
"Yes, he also said he'd like to invite you and Ms. Suzuki to the engagement ceremony on Saturday. I hope that's not presumptuous." This wasn't a formal invitation from Odagiri.

Kobayakawa simply asked Odagiri to "put in a good word," and if Shiraishi felt it was presumptuous, he could politely decline privately.

“It would be my honor. As long as there is no serious murder case that day, I will definitely be there,” Shiraishi said calmly.

Odagiri:......

Can you please reduce the number of murders in your area?
"By the way, Minister, I'll come see you at headquarters this afternoon..."

"I'm going to a meeting."

beep - beep - beep -

As soon as Shiraishi finished speaking, Odagiri hung up the phone. Upon hearing this, Shiraishi pursed his lips.

……

After hanging up the phone, Shiraishi mentally reviewed the situation and concluded that Kobayakawa's mindset was roughly the same—on one hand, he hoped that the Beika Police Station could prove that Uno Kensuke was the murderer, and on the other hand, he didn't want to expose the Kobayakawa family's unsavory side in the incident...

As for whether the Beika Police Department will uncover other problems after arresting Kensuke Uno, that's another matter entirely!

Bai Shi estimates that, from a legal perspective, it is unlikely that any real evidence can be found.

After all, Hoshimiya and Kobayakawa have not yet been married. Even if it can be proven that Hoshimiya is connected to violent organizations, it cannot provide concrete evidence about the Kobayakawa family. Even if Kobayakawa Nahomi has some evidence on her phone, she has every reason to deny it.

However, if you proactively report it, it's not just a matter of evidence; it's tantamount to admitting guilt without being asked...

Moreover, being discovered by the police is completely different from being made public by Uno. Even if the police have relevant information, they will not disclose it unless they can prosecute. If Uno makes it public, he will definitely choose the method that will generate the most public attention. If we weigh the two evils, it is indeed more beneficial for the Kobayakawa family to solve the case.

Since there was pressure, Shiraishi also summoned Munakata to pass on the pressure downwards.

After get off work that evening, Shiraishi indeed heard from Ayako about the "invitation to the engagement ceremony." If Uno's guilt could not be proven before Saturday, it seemed that Kobayakawa was really preparing to hold the engagement ceremony as scheduled.

"Saturday...it's really urgent. These politicians' shamelessness is not to be underestimated." Shiraishi shook his head helplessly.

“Actually, it’s not just ‘urgent.’ I heard from my dad that this Kobayakawa Taizo is a gambler. I guess if the murderer can’t be proven to be the culprit by Saturday, he might actually make him his heir, or even go so far as to protect him to the death,” Ayako speculated.

As for why Shiro Suzuki specifically mentioned Taizo Kobayakawa...

Shiraishi probably asked her father about it herself.

"The heir... I see." Shiraishi could roughly understand the logic—a person could be so ruthless as to kill anyone who stood in his way for profit, and then escape unscathed; plus, his insistence on pressuring the Kobayakawa family, and his composure even when subjected to violence...

Such a person is indeed suited to be a politician.

Aside from his status, he might be a better fit than Koichi Hoshimiya to inherit Kobayakawa's political legacy.

Of course, this is all on the premise that he actually "gets away" from the situation.

Upon hearing Suzuki Shiro's assessment of Kobayakawa Taizo, Shiraishi decided to put even more pressure on the Criminal Investigation Division the next day—although even if a member of parliament were to protect him to the death, Shiraishi would not let a murderer go unpunished, but if possible, it would be best not to cause any unnecessary trouble.

Afterwards, Shiraishi and Ayako went to the East Imperial Hospital to visit the former owner of Shiraishi's new residence... namely, Mrs. Takigawa.

Because of Saijo's murder, Mr. Tagikawa's hiring of Omoto to impersonate his daughter was exposed, but it was not considered a criminal act.

Previously, Shiraishi had also introduced a doctor to Mrs. Takigawa, who was suffering from cancer—namely, Daimon Michiko.

After the surgery yesterday, Mr. Takigawa politely sent an email to Shiraishi to say that everything went smoothly.

The master's incredible skill once again shattered the notion of "impossible." Shiraishi didn't actually need to be so polite; he should have gone to visit him personally.

However, since he was the previous owner of the new house, Shiraishi specially brought Ayako to visit him—look, he's fine living in that house!
When visiting a patient in the hospital, one cannot go empty-handed, so Ayako bought a fruit basket.

Shiraishi originally wanted to go to the main store to see if Manager Odagiri had any unused items, but Manager Odagiri wouldn't let him go...

Upon entering the ward, Shiraishi saw that the person accompanying him was a young woman, none other than Ayana Omoto—the hostess who had pretended to be from the future; Shiraishi had seen her photo before.

The composite photo of Hekikawa Mirai is only about 60-70% similar; it's just that in this situation, humans instinctively fill in the gaps in their imagination.

To keep her identity a secret, Shiraishi deliberately avoided interacting with her and even addressed her as "Haruka."

but……

After exchanging pleasantries, Mrs. Takigawa specifically said, "Ayana, please see Director Mihana off for me."

Upon hearing this, Shiraishi was taken aback. After coming out, he asked, "Does Mrs. Takigawa already know your identity?"

"Yes, Mom confirmed this with Dad and me after the surgery," Omoto said calmly.

As expected, mother and daughter are of one mind. Mr. Takigawa brought the end of the book to comfort Mrs. Takigawa, and Mrs. Takigawa was also comforting him...

Similarly, Omoto, who lacked maternal love from a young age, is now "pretending to be a daughter" not just for money.

"Alright, no need to see me off. Go back and take care of your mother," Shiraishi said at the elevator entrance.

"Um... Chief Mikasa, could you please apologize to Officer Minamoto for me? I went too far with what I said before," Omoto said apologetically.

Previously, Gen and Yamada had come to investigate Omoto's identity—after all, there was suspicion at the time that "Takigawa Mirai was returning."

As a result, Omoto, who was eager to protect his mother at the time, loudly rebuked him. Although Yuan didn't say it so clearly, Shiraishi could guess that he was saying that the police were incompetent, couldn't find the future sister, and were making things difficult for the victim's family... and so on.

Indeed, Gen and Yamada also seemed to be having a lot of trouble with the "suspected future" ending, and they clearly suffered a lot.

"Yes, I will convey my apologies, but I think Yuan should take this as a form of encouragement," Shiraishi said with a smile, without being overly critical in this regard.

Afterwards, Shiraishi and Ayako didn't stay at the hospital long, but instead prepared to go have dinner, however...

When the elevator reached the eighteenth floor, it stopped. Shiraishi recognized the person who was about to enter. Upon seeing Shiraishi, the person immediately exclaimed with relief, "Ah! It's Chief Mika! That's great... Dr. Hara is saved!"

"Huh?" Shiraishi looked at Dr. Kaji, who seemed to be in a hurry, and Dr. Daimon, who was dressed in his usual clothes and was obviously about to leave work, with a puzzled expression.

Why is it that seeing me means you're saved?

This is a hospital, shouldn't you doctors be the ones saving lives?

"Director Shiraishi, do you still remember Dr. Hara?" Dr. Kaji said mysteriously.

"Dr. Haramori, right? Of course I know him." Shiraishi nodded.

When Dr. Daimon performed surgery on himself, both Kaji and Hara assisted him. Moreover, in public announcements, it was mentioned that Kaji was the lead surgeon for one of Shiraishi's two extremely difficult surgeries, and Hara was the lead surgeon for the other—after all, Daimon only cared about the money, and the "reputation" was allocated to the hospital at his discretion.

Moreover, the original doctor was the first person to discover the case of the neurosurgeon who committed murder...

“It seems he’s been harassed by those people,” Gadi quickly said.

"Those people?" Judging from his expression and tone, Shiraishi knew they were definitely not good people; most likely they were... members of a violent organization!
"They're probably just friends," Daimon said nonchalantly.

"Hey! You devil, can't you show a little concern for your colleagues?" Gadi said with dissatisfaction.

"Why don't you look at Officer Shiraishi on a date?" Daimon said, looking at Ayako.

Ayako smiled awkwardly upon hearing this and said, "Well... there's no rush."

Bai Shi frowned and asked, "Where are they?"

If it's related to a violent organization, Shiraishi plans to go check it out.

“Over there at the emergency staircase!” Gadi said.

Although this is not Beika Town, now that he knows, Shiraishi certainly can't just sit idly by.

“Ayako…” Shiraishi said, looking at Ayako.

"I'll wait for you at the shop across the street from last time," Ayako said considerately.

Shiraishi nodded, and then went with Kaji to the scene where he had been "coerced".

"I'm so sorry, it's all because of that guy Yuan... He usually seems so honest, but he actually got involved with those people!" Jia Di pointed to the stairwell door from afar, not daring to go any closer, for fear of getting into trouble.

Shiraishi stepped forward and pushed open the door. He then saw two burly men with menacing faces, one bald and the other in a leather jacket, cornering Dr. Hara in the stairwell and asking him something. Hara's face was indeed filled with terror.

It certainly looks like a scene of a violent organization coercing an innocent doctor, but the problem is...

Shiraishi also knows these two guys who don't look like good people!
and……

"Brother Baishi!" Upon seeing Baishi, the two quickly bowed, supporting themselves on their knees.

Shiraishi:……

"What are you two doing... Don't you understand that there's no superior-subordinate relationship and you don't use police ranks?" Shiraishi scolded irritably.

"Uh... Superintendent Shiraishi." The two chuckled and corrected themselves.

That's right, Shiraishi knows these two guys.

Moreover, they weren't members of any violent organization, but rather... detectives from the Organized Crime Countermeasures Department, and they used to be Shiraishi's subordinates!
Immediately, Shiraishi glanced at the "pitiful" Dr. Yuan.

Seeing this, the bald man took the initiative to say, "Brother Baishi, we're here to find out what happened. His mother was just a victim of a violent scam!"

"Huh?" Yuan looked at him in surprise.

Shiraishi:……

Judging from Hara's reaction, Shiraishi asked, "Did you two... show your identification?"

"Huh? Did you show it?" The bald man looked at the leather jacket.

The man in the leather jacket thought for a moment, then glared at Yuan and said, "He didn't ask me for it!"

Shiraishi:……

(End of this chapter)