Conan: Chief of Rice Flower's Science Points

Chapter 525 Serial Murders!
Saturday, April 7.

Shiraishi had been busy for a week, but he didn't force himself to work overtime, and he didn't even go to the police station to guide arrest techniques training. Instead, he went on a date with Ayako.

after all……

The detectives must be very busy today!
Just yesterday, a detective died outside Mihana Park. The Mihana Police Station is now fully cooperating with the investigation team of the main branch.

The investigation headquarters has been officially established in the Beika Police Station, and the person in charge is not a manager, but Section Chief Matsumoto himself, which shows the urgency of the case.

That evening, at the restaurant that Ayako had booked, Shiraishi's phone suddenly rang. Shiraishi glanced at it and saw that it was a call from the Criminal Investigation Department office.

"Hello, this is Shiraishi... What? Another one... It's a place that seems familiar... Okay, I understand..." Shiraishi shook his head helplessly after hanging up the phone.

"Shall we go back to the Mikasa Police Station?" Ayako asked.

“No need. It’s not happening at the Mikasa Police Station. We’re just helping out. There’s no need to be so proactive,” Shiraishi said matter-of-factly.

Yes, another one died...

Not long ago, a body that had been shot was found in the underground parking garage of Beika Department Store.

The reason why this case, which occurred in Beika Town, was brought up by the Beika Police Station, and why Munakata even called Shiraishi specifically, is because... the deceased, Shiba Ichiro, was also a detective in the Metropolitan Police Department's First Investigative Division!

Furthermore, when Detective Chi was killed, he was clutching his police badge, which appeared to be a sign of death...

Therefore, although the results of the bullet wound analysis have not yet been released, this case is basically confirmed to be a follow-up to the previous murder of Nara Sawa Osamu, and is being investigated as a serial murder case. The investigation headquarters is located in the Beika Police Station.

However, upon hearing Shiraishi say this, Ayako asked with some surprise, "Eh? Is something bothering you?"—Shiraishi is usually not this pessimistic.

"It's nothing, it's just a consideration from the headquarters," Shiraishi said, shaking his head.

It wasn't that Shiraishi didn't want to investigate, but rather because the information was sensitive. Previously, Nara Sawa was reinvestigating the Nishina Yasushi suicide case, and the head office hadn't shared this with the Beika Police Station—it was Megure who privately informed Shiraishi!

Since it was to be kept secret, Shiraishi did not notify the other detectives at the Beika Police Station.

Before the head office decided to tell the truth and reveal the real details of the case, the Mikasa Police Station could only assist, providing manpower to conduct interviews as instructed, with little room for initiative.

Shiraishi didn't even bother to ask whether the recently murdered Detective Shiba was related to Nishina Ho's case.

After all, Munakata didn't know either...

Not long after, on his way home after finishing his meal, Shiraishi heard the follow-up story on the radio!
After comparison, the bullet mark analysis results of the two shooting cases were consistent.

It can be basically confirmed that it was the work of the same murderer.

Moreover, the fact that all the deceased were "Hanagata Detectives" further ignited public opinion, leading to one outrageous speculation after another from the public in an attempt to grab attention...

"Kuro, are you still going to Shiratori-san's wedding celebration tomorrow?" Ayako asked worriedly.

sound……

The case seems urgent!
Moreover, Ayako's concern wasn't about whether or not to attend a celebration, but rather... that this seemed to be a series of murders targeting police officers? Wouldn't that put Kuro in danger as well?
What if a vicious thug attacks Xiao Hei? How could there be such a despicable person!
"It seems there's nothing for me to work overtime right now, and... well, I'll probably go if nothing unexpected happens." Shiraishi guessed that, for the purpose of "fishing," even Megure and the others might sneak away from their busy schedules to participate.

If Shiratori's sister were just an ordinary citizen, the police wouldn't dare to use such a stunt.

However, Shiratori Sara is a lawyer and a legal professional, and with her older brother Shiratori guiding her, she would probably be willing to cooperate!

“Then let’s go together tomorrow afternoon,” Ayako said.

Not only Shiraishi accepted the invitation, but Ayako will also be going.

Shiraishi's invitation was sent by Inspector Shiratori, while Ayako's invitation was sent by her younger sister, Shiratori Sara, who was also the main character of the celebration.

After all, the Shiratori family is a wealthy family, so it's natural that they would have dealings with the Suzuki Group.

The "celebration" is not a formal "wedding banquet," and those who attend are mostly friends of both parties.

"Yes, Mayoi will be there too," Shiraishi reminded him.

"Huh?" Ayako was taken aback by what she heard.

“Ms. Shiratori invited Attorney Ayari before, so Mayoi will go in her sister’s place,” Shiraishi explained.

Both being lawyers, Chihiro Ayasato was a senior colleague who took good care of Sara Shiratori, and Sara was also saddened by Chihiro's death.

Therefore, Chihiro asked her sister to send her blessings to Sara on her behalf—although Chihiro herself would go, Sara couldn't see her after all.

……

The next day, Shiraishi, along with Mayoi and Ayako, arrived at the Beika Sun Plaza Hotel—the venue for Shiratori Sara's engagement celebration.

As soon as Shiraishi got out of the car, he saw the Mori family of three, and... Sonoko was there too.

"Ah! It's Director Shiraishi."

"Sister!"

Of course, they also saw Shiraishi, since Shiraishi would attract attention from those around him as soon as he got out of the car.

"Huh? Sonoko, you're here too?" Shiraishi was taken aback, not expecting that both Suzuki sisters would come—are they that close to Shiratori Sara?

“Of course! We finally have a holiday, so of course we have to travel around.” Sonoko said matter-of-factly.

Sonoko's mention of a holiday wasn't because today is Sunday, but because Teitan High School and Teitan Elementary School have already started their summer vacation—it's only the beginning of July, so they've already started their summer vacation, which means they have quite a few holidays.

"Huh? Officer Shiraishi, isn't Ai here?" Ran looked around—ever since she discovered that Shiraishi usually showed her his sister guns when he was trying to coax her, Ran had been worried about Ai's childhood.

Then it was discovered that Shiraishi had brought Mayoi along, but not Ai!

"Ai... she's still in the lab." Shiraishi said, looking at Conan, "Even elementary school students these days need to study harder! Give the kids some extra tutoring!"

Conan:! ! !
Conan immediately glared angrily at Shiraishi.

"Eh? Conan and Ai are only in first grade..." Ran felt a little embarrassed—she thought Shiraishi was too fussy, but she was too shy to say it.

Of course, Shiraishi did not continue this topic.

After all, Shiraishi and the cram school had no grudge against each other...

"Chief Shiraishi, about that case..." Mori looked at Shiraishi seriously.

Mori had wanted to help and had asked Megure about it, but Megure unusually changed the subject, seemingly not wanting Mori to get involved.

Shiraishi could understand...

If the case is indeed related to Chief Odagiri, it is indeed not appropriate to hire a "detective," even a "former detective" like Mori.

Moreover, now that the murderer has killed two detectives, if it really was a killing targeting the police, then Mori is also in danger.

"I don't know, the main store is being very secretive." Shiraishi didn't reveal what Megure had told him in private.

The group got into the elevator together...

Fortunately, the elevator was designed for 11 people, and when Shiraishi and his group of seven got on, it didn't make a sound.

In the elevator, Sonoko was gossiping excitedly with her older sister: "By the way, who is Sara's husband? Do you know him?"

“I’ve only met him once before. He’s a painter, and although he’s not famous yet, he’s a very honest person,” Ayako introduced. “Eh? A painter… not famous is one thing, but he’s also dull-witted…” Sonoko had her own understanding of “honest,” and she looked quite disdainful at this moment.

"Sonoko, is there a problem?" Ayako smiled and glanced at Sonoko—reminding her younger sister to maintain a "ladylike" image.

“Exactly, exactly. It’s better for a painter to be a little dull. What’s the point of having such great eloquence?” Shiraishi calmly echoed Ayako.

Upon arriving on the fifteenth floor, at the concierge desk outside the lobby, Shiraishi and the others wrote down their names and presented their gifts.

Mayoi also prepared a separate gift of money at this time...

I saw that Mayoi had specially signed the names of the two sisters, "Ayari Chihiro & Mayoi".

"Mayoi..." Ran was a little worried that she would be sad after seeing this.

"Hmm? Oh, this... It's okay, my sister is with me!" Mayoi said casually.

"Is that so..." Xiaolan smiled awkwardly upon hearing this... Of course, she didn't take it seriously.

“That’s right, I trust Attorney Ayasato, she’ll definitely be watching you.” Eri Kisaki walked over and offered Mayoi a word of comfort.

When Mori saw his estranged wife, he couldn't help but feel embarrassed. When Eri signed her name, she also made a comment about Mori's handwriting.

"Mmm!" Mayoi nodded energetically—I know, I'm watching now, aren't I?
"Ahem, Attorney Fei is here too." Shiraishi changed the subject.

At someone else's wedding celebration, you shouldn't bring up Ayari Chihiro, otherwise it might spoil the atmosphere.

but……

Once inside the hall, Shiraishi realized he had been overthinking things.

The atmosphere is already "terrible".

"This is really... a bunch of people whose looks alone tell you what they do," Eri Kisaki remarked.

That's right, because of Shiratori, many police officers... especially detectives, have received invitations.

This made Shiraishi, who witnessed this scene, feel... completely at home!
"Ah! Sis, will it be like this when you and your husband get married?" Sonoko suddenly complained.

"Sonoko!" Ayako said, a little embarrassed.

“No… those guys are even fiercer,” Shiraishi corrected—after all, the guys in the team were even more muscular than the detectives in the regular criminal investigation department.

Upon hearing this, Ayako blushed.

The atmosphere at the scene was somber, and it wasn't just because of the "looks." After all, if everyone were in high spirits, even at the East City Club, there would be plenty of lively moments. However, because of the recent cases, the officers all seemed to have a heavy weight on their minds.

Shiraishi's arrival also attracted a lot of attention.

After all, with such a large person coming in, it's hard not to notice them!
"Ah, Chief Odagiri is here too. Officer Shiraishi, let's go say hello." Seeing this, Mori pulled Shiraishi along.

Odagiri was also one of Mori's former superiors when he was a detective.

As for Shiraishi... then we should definitely go.

The influence of the Shiratori family is evident – ​​if Odagiri had to personally attend the wedding of any police inspector's relative, he wouldn't have anything else to do!

However, among the senior police officers present, only Odagiri was present. Apart from Odagiri, Shiraishi simply waited for other officers with connections to come and greet him.

"Chief Inspector Odagiri, it's been a long time since I last sent my regards."

"Detective Mouri, huh? You've been quite active lately."

After exchanging pleasantries with Mori, Odagiri glanced at Shiraishi beside him.

Seeing this, Mori knew that the two must have something to say, so he took the initiative to leave.

Shiraishi then approached and asked, "Captain Odagiri..."

“First of all, how should I address you… never mind…” Odagiri was too lazy to correct him, and shook his head, saying, “Did Megure tell you about the case?”

“They only said that the Nara Detectives were in charge of that suicide case… But Chief Odagiri, you don’t really suspect Toshiya, do you?” Shiraishi asked rhetorically.

"Detectives don't solve cases based on suspicion." Odagiri did not give a direct answer.

Just then, Odagiri's expression suddenly changed.

Following his gaze, Shiraishi saw a young man with dyed purple hair, wearing sunglasses, and dressed in an inscrutable outfit, carrying a guitar case as he walked in…

Odagiri:! ! !

Odagiri, disregarding Shiraishi, walked straight over and, without regard for the occasion, snapped, "This is not a place for you. Did someone invite you?"

Bai Shi secretly clicked his tongue in amazement. If this were to continue as the short drama was going, the purple-haired guy would soon be hooked by the Dragon King...

Unfortunately, he probably won't be able to get it going.

Furthermore, Minister Odagiri is not a brainless villain; he is simply... scolding his son.

That's right, this unconventional person is Toshiya Odagiri.

Upon seeing this, Shiratori immediately stepped forward to comfort the father and son.

However, Odagiri Toshiro had already lost his temper and didn't care about the occasion, shouting, "Get out of here! This isn't a place for stray dogs like you to beg for food!"

"you……"

Shiraishi quickly stepped forward to persuade him, "Captain Odagiri, you're being too serious, too serious..."

I have a feeling that even though Minister Odagiri is hurling insults at people, he doesn't actually gain anything from it.

“I’m here for work! Do you think I’m some common folk? The groom is an artist!” Toshiya Odagiri said casually.

Toshiro Odagiri's lips twitched...

Just then, Shiraishi suddenly realized something and looked around.

When Shiraishi first transmigrated, he had no memory of the Odagiri father and son; his memories of them came after he met them.

but……

Just now, this scene, which felt very familiar, reminded Shiraishi of some real memories from his "past life".

like……

You and your son appeared in the original work, right?

With this suspicion in mind, Shiraishi immediately became wary—Conan hadn't caught the culprit immediately, and the case had changed locations several times...

Could this be a scene from the movie? Will this place get blown up?
Shiraishi tried to recall more details, but he couldn't remember anything, not even whether Odagiri Toshi was the culprit. He could only say that... it was the memories he gained after his transmigration that made Shiraishi think Odagiri Toshi wasn't the culprit—after all, when Shiraishi met him, he was only in middle school...

In Shiraishi's eyes, he was just a rebellious little brat...

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Dongdong: Today is September 3rd, the 80th anniversary of the victory in the War of Resistance against Japan. Please vote for me! Please vote for me!
(End of this chapter)