Conan: Chief of Rice Flower's Science Points

Chapter 568 Artificial Intelligence
"Seriously, another weekend has been taken up. The move will have to be postponed until next week..." Shiraishi complained to Ayako helplessly.

Ayako:……

Compared to what happened this weekend, "not being able to move" shouldn't be a big deal, right?

and……

“By the way, next week… could you come with me to the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Twin Towers?” Ayako interrupted.

"Twin skyscrapers? Oh, isn't that the building that Nishitama Town is going to build, the one that's supposed to be the tallest in the eastern island nation?" Shiraishi realized at that moment.

Bai Shi also didn't understand why everyone always liked to pursue the "tallest" in architecture...

If you're so capable, why don't you grow taller?

Why don't people who are tall have many obvious advantages?

Of course, what Shiraishi cared about more was the owner of the building—the Tokiwa Group.

In the previous "Return of the Dead" case, the Tokiwa couple asked the Tokiwa Group to use the latest technology to composite a photo of Tokiwa at age 10 in the future with his appearance 15 years later...

It is said that this is not a simple analysis based on biological knowledge, nor is it a mere image analysis to fool people, but a more intelligent "future predictive analysis"!
Shiraishi was also very interested in this...

“That’s right, Tokiwa Group also has some collaborations with our Suzuki Group, so we’ll definitely have to go and support them…” Ayako said.

“Okay, that's perfect. I’m also very interested in their growth analysis system.” Shiraishi nodded.

Then, Bai Shi suddenly remembered something and said, "By the way, that American group that's going to release the 'Cocoon' game next month, they're also saying they'll be holding a press conference in Japan, right?"

“That’s right, it’s the Syndora Group. Many of their collaborators are from the Eastern Island. It’s said that the artificial intelligence ‘Noah’s Ark’ necessary to run the game was developed by Thomas Syndora’s adopted son from the Eastern Island. It’s a pity…” Ayako shook her head regretfully.

Not long ago, news reports also covered the suicide of Thomas's adopted son, Hiroki Sawada...

Hiroki, a computer genius, is said to be the actual person in charge of the "Noah's Ark" project at the age of 10!
Upon seeing the news of Hiroki Sawada's suicide, Shiraishi suddenly realized that this must be a character from a theatrical film.

After all, although Shiraishi didn't have a deep impression of the case itself in that theatrical version, and didn't appreciate its essence, many people swore that it was the most exciting and profound theatrical version...

Although Shiraishi didn't think that the film, which barely touched on the painful issue of power being inherited through bloodline and dared not delve into it at all, and even ended up having to make dumplings with the second generation, had any depth in terms of its theme, it was precisely because Shiraishi didn't think so, and because of the fact that he was always arguing with people in his "past life," that he was so impressed by this movie!
Although Shiraishi had forgotten whether there was a murder in this movie, he vividly remembered a group of children getting caught up in a game, which seemed quite thrilling...

Moreover, that genius boy was probably driven to his death by his adoptive father, Thomas.

"I didn't expect that even game pods would be available so soon..." Shiraishi muttered.

Shiraishi also discovered that this world seemed to be much more advanced in the field of computers than his previous life, which explained why the Black Organization valued this area so much and even went out of their way to recruit talent in this field.

Of course, compared to Professor Agasa's materials science, it seems like a drop in the ocean...

"By the way, I heard that the Metropolitan Police Department has also introduced some kind of intelligent crime-solving robot, right?" Ayako suddenly remembered something and asked Shiraishi.

"Yeah, it's some new technology from the Ministry of Justice. They say they're going to test it out at the Metropolitan Police Department. Next week, the Metropolitan Police Department even called all the chiefs of the East City District to a meeting, and it seems to be about this." Shiraishi said, his tone somewhat disdainful.

It's not that Shiraishi underestimates technique, but rather...

If it were truly a "robot," that would be one thing, but that thing is actually just a program, without any external devices that can interfere with the outside world. In other words, it's just a program that "inputs information and outputs results."

By its very nature, Shiraishi didn't really believe this thing could solve cases...

Bai Shi even suspected that it might just be a big data application used to scam funding.

Moreover, although it's called a trial application, it's really just a "trial" – the results of running one machine can't be used as evidence at all... it's not even circumstantial evidence, it can only be considered "guidance for the police's search strategy".

"So many new AI technologies have suddenly emerged... It seems the Suzuki Group needs to adjust its investment strategy," Ayako remarked, then paused before asking, "By the way, Ai, are you interested in AI?"

“No, that’s not her forte.” Shiraishi shook his head with a chuckle.

Ayako was quite indignant...

She wants to find a seven-year-old genius just because others are ten-year-old geniuses?

If Ai Haibara were really only seven years old, she might indeed be able to compete with Hiroki Sawada, but the problem is that their fields are completely different.

After returning home, Shiraishi even curiously asked Ai if Hiroki Sawada had also been drugged by the "Crow Army"...

However, the answer was, of course, no.

“That Hiroki Sawada was indeed targeted by the organization before, and they even tried to poach him from Thomas. However, Thomas was unyielding, and the Sindora Group has connections in both the legal and illegal worlds in the United States, so the organization couldn’t do anything about him.” Ai’s tone was also somewhat regretful.

It's unbelievable that such a genius like Hiroki died so young.

……

October 8, Wednesday.

Although he verbally expressed his dislike and genuinely felt disgusted, Shiraishi still had no choice but to go to the Metropolitan Police Department and hold some kind of AI cooperation meeting.

When Shiraishi arrived in front of the Metropolitan Police Department, he immediately attracted everyone's attention with his striking appearance.

Height is one aspect, but another is because of Shiraishi's fierce... reputation.

Upon entering the hall, Shiraishi also saw Ninomiya, who seemed to have a stiff neck—walking with his head down, not even looking in his direction…

"Chief Ninomiya... Superintendent Ninomiya?" Seeing that he didn't hear him, Shiraishi quickly caught up with him.

She was about to pat him on the shoulder, but considering his orientation, Shiraishi decided against physical contact.

Ninomiya had no choice but to turn around and say, "Isn't this Inspector Shiraishi... What a coincidence... Hehe."

As Ninomiya spoke, he glanced out of the corner of his eye that the elevator was almost full, and quickly stepped inside, almost filling the last bit of space.

"Ah, sorry, it seems Inspector Shiraishi will have to wait for the next appointment... See you in the conference room," Ninomiya said directly.

Just then, Yami Miko arrived at the elevator. Upon seeing Shiraishi, she greeted him, "Inspector Shiraishi, you're here early."

"Good morning... Ninomiya, let the section chief go up first. I have something to say to you." Shiraishi said, beckoning directly to Ninomiya.

Ninomiya: ...

Ninomiya reluctantly came out, having no other choice.

It was clear that Sha was also reluctant to go in; she had something she wanted to say to Shiraishi. After the elevator doors closed and started moving, Ninomiya said helplessly, "Inspector Shiraishi, Section Chief Sha probably has something she wants to tell you, right?"

"I also have something to tell you... How is Kuroki doing with you?" Shiraishi asked directly.

Ninomiya was previously transferred to the Kamuro Department as its director, and Kuroki also went to the Kamuro Department as the head of the "pairing" section.

Although Kuroki was over thirty and older than Shiraishi, he was still considered "young" for a section chief, so Shiraishi often gave Ninomiya some pointers...

As for that old guy who was about to retire, Shiraishi ignored his new boss.

"How was the AI ​​collaboration this time?" Shiraishi asked, trying to make conversation.

"It's said to be more than just big data; it's a completely anthropomorphic mind... I hope it can be a bit more elitist in its thinking, otherwise I have absolutely no desire to deal with it," Ninomiya said meaningfully.

Just then, another familiar voice chimed in: "There are actually some 'bumps' in the way of the Ministry of Justice's new technology..."

Shiraishi turned his head and saw that it was Iwata.

Just then, another elevator arrived, and Iwata, under the guise of talking to Shiraishi, forced his way in—without waiting in line!
Of course, it wasn't really that bad of cutting in line, because...

After Shiraishi, Ninomiya, and Iwata entered, there were still seats in the elevator—Shiraishi could eat enough for ten people, but his size and weight weren't enough to take up the space of ten people, so this elevator, which was reserved for fourteen people, wouldn't only have room for the three of them.

However, everyone else is now changing the subject, preferring to wait for the elevator next door...

As the elevator doors closed, Iwata said mysteriously, "You're going to that AI meeting, right? Actually, there's a rumor in the Ministry of Justice that the person in charge of this 'Detective James' project actually used a honey trap to get the funding approved by the Ministry of Justice!"

Upon hearing this, Ninomiya frowned and said, "Don't talk nonsense about such things!"

Iwata:……

Iwata hadn't expected that Shiraishi's acquaintance would be so "refined." Iwata and Ninomiya weren't familiar with each other before, but now... he suddenly realized that he felt like an older sister-in-law.

Shiraishi, his gaze intense, asked, "You mean... Minister Takamori accepted sexual bribes?"

Iwata:? ? ?
"No, no, no, I didn't say that... This kind of thing doesn't need the Minister of Justice's approval! Besides... it's just a rumor!" Iwata denied it repeatedly.

Upon hearing that the matter was not of high rank, Shiraishi immediately lost interest—after all, it wasn't something he should be concerned with. However, if it were a matter concerning Minister Takamori, Shiraishi would be willing to take the initiative to get involved.

Although Munakata didn't say it directly, but...

When Director Hakuba persuaded Munakata to return to his post, he gave a special hint, which Shiraishi also remembers—the reason why Munakata left back then and why he is returning now should be because of Takamori!

Director Hakuba's decision to "place" Munakata in the Beika Department clearly had its own reasons, and Shiraishi estimated that he would eventually clash with Takamori.

but……

"Do you have some obsession with the Minister of Justice?" Ninomiya asked, looking at Shiraishi with a puzzled expression.

After all, in other people's eyes, Shiraishi was deliberately trying to cause trouble for Minister Takamori—otherwise, why would he care so much about the scandal in the Ministry of Justice?

"Anyway... be careful of that woman." Iwata said, as they arrived at the floor for the document department.

Shiraishi didn't know why either, but...

It seems Iwata doesn't really like the creators of "Detective James"? Perhaps he even harbors some resentment...

……

Iwata got off the elevator midway, while Shiraishi and Ninomiya went straight to the Criminal Investigation Department floor.

In the largest conference room of the Criminal Investigation Department, dozens of chiefs were seated. Shiraishi and Ninomiya, without any "ambition," sat in the back.

Of course, Shiraishi can only sit in the back, since he can still be seen even if he's in the back, but if he's in the front... many people won't be able to see him!
The meeting was chaired by Councilor Uno...

The explanations repeatedly emphasize the high performance and importance of the "AI Collaboration System".

And what this system needs most right now—practice!
"This Detective James has already studied millions of case files in the database and practiced with 400 case files, achieving a 99% accuracy rate. The only four mistakes were due to incorrect formatting of the case files..." Uno praised this AI, which was strongly promoted by the Ministry of Justice.

but……

Shiraishi, head bowed, couldn't help but laugh, and whispered to Ninomiya, "Now I know why Iwata acts like everyone owes him something..."

I studied millions of case files in the "database"...

Where is the database located?

Of course, it's the result of the recent "digitalization of archives" in the document preparation class!
Shiraishi estimated that the document preparation department was not only under pressure, but it also sounded like the document needed to be formatted in a special way, with millions of case files... It would be strange if the document preparation department didn't complain.

"Inspector Shiraishi, Inspector Ninomiya, what are your thoughts?" Uno glared at the two people whispering in the back row.

Ninomiya: ...

Ninomiya's gaze towards Uno also turned resentful—what does this have to do with me? Did I even say anything?
Just then, a woman in a white coat who had been sitting in the front row stood up...

“Teacher Changjiang, what is this…” Yuno looked at her at this moment.

She calmly replied, "I apologize, Councilor Uno, but I also have something I'd like to say to 'Director Beika.' Please forgive my intrusion."

"Please, go ahead," Uno nodded and said politely.

The "Teacher Changjiang" then turned around and looked in Baishi's direction.

It seems she is the woman Iwata resented. She doesn't look very old, probably only in her thirties.

When he turned around... to be honest, he's just average-looking.

She exudes a scientific aura and isn't the type who doesn't need to be good-looking to be alluring.

Judging by appearances, Shiraishi felt that Iwata's previous gossip was just "gossip"—after all, Iwata was only talking about gossip this time, probably because this woman's reputation in the Ministry of Justice was not very good.

"I am Namiko Nagae, the creator of James. If possible, I hope that Director Beika can assist me in completing James's growth plan..."

It's understandable that Namiko Nagae specifically targeted Shiraishi—after all, Shiraishi's reputation was already extremely high, and among the police chiefs, there were very few officers like Shiraishi who frequently solved cases personally.

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 October 19th, the official end of the American Revolutionary War. Please vote for me! Please vote for me! Please vote for me!
(End of this chapter)