I assembled the strongest swordsman group.

"No, that's not right! I didn't! I'm innocent!"

Okabiki ignored Terasaka's explanation, merely glancing at him coldly before continuing:

"So—next question: what's your favorite book?"

"Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah--!"

Terasaka Juheiji seemed to have collapsed, burying his hands in his hair and wailing in pain.

"I don't know! I don't know! I really don't know anything! Please stop asking! Please let me sleep!"

"Answer quickly."

Gang Yin spoke slowly and deliberately, in a cold and hard tone.

What is your favorite book?

This is Nishino's unique interrogation method—not letting the interrogated person sleep, constantly asking them questions about whether something is true or not, and interjecting important questions about the case from time to time during the questioning process.

*******

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I've written about 6000 words today! Leopard is really adjusting his schedule little by little, trying his best to get back to the way he was before he got COVID-19.

At the beginning of last month, Leopard owed a long chapter of 8000 words—Leopard remembers, and will never break his promise! He will definitely make it up to him!

Please vote for this book with your monthly tickets, since the author's update today was passable! I'm begging for monthly tickets! I'm begging for recommendation tickets! (Crying leopard head.jpg)

Chapter 415 A Sudden Turn of Events! The Betrayal of "Dragon"! [7600]

Except for a very few exceptionally gifted individuals, most people need to think before they lie.

The so-called "lying" is simply creating a false image to cover up or conceal the truth.

Since it's a "concept", it inevitably requires the use of brainpower.

Humans are creatures that can cry and laugh, have emotions and desires, and get tired and relaxed.

No matter how capable or genius a human being is, it is impossible for them to follow a pre-written program like a machine and work continuously without ever making a mistake.

The principle behind Nishino's unique interrogation method is to force the interrogated person to make a mistake.

They relentlessly bombarded the interrogator with a barrage of easy-to-answer, mindless questions.

During the ongoing questioning, important questions related to the case were occasionally inserted.

At the beginning, almost anyone could respond fluently without hesitation.

However, the question is: What about 1 day later? What about 2 days later? What about 3 days later?

After answering questions for three days and three nights straight, do you still have a way to continue lying flawlessly?

Nishino's unique interrogation method has a core principle: the interrogated person must not be allowed to sleep or rest.

In other words, the questioning of the interrogator was truly "uninterrupted".

Since Terasaka's arrest, Nishino and others have never stopped questioning him.

Nishino and his gang took turns interrogating Terasaka in five shifts.

If he hadn't lied, Terasaka could have answered any questions Nishino and the others asked with ease—because he was stating the facts, and stating logical facts doesn't require thinking.

If you have something to hide... you are very likely to make mistakes when you are tired and flustered.

If the person being interrogated refuses to answer questions in order to avoid making a mistake, and is determined to be a mute who says "no matter what you ask me, I will not speak," then it's simple—just torture them.

The Fire Thieves have their own prison, where they can freely use torture on captured suspects at will.

In contrast, the magistrate's office did not have such privileges.

Regarding "how to interrogate a suspect," there is an extremely complex procedure followed.

Criminal cases are first handled by the authorities, who then prepare a report and submit it to the town magistrate.

The magistrate's office had three interrogation rooms on Shirasu Island, which contained some torture instruments used to intimidate prisoners, but torture was not carried out indiscriminately.

[Note: Baizhou: A place paved with white pebbles. The magistrate's office often interrogated prisoners in Baizhou.]

Only when a suspect has committed a crime punishable by death or more but refuses to confess will Yuki apply to the town magistrate for permission to torture him.

The town magistrate then consulted with the senior councilor, and after obtaining his permission, Ginmi and Riki went to the prison house and, accompanied by the prison magistrate, interrogated the prisoners at the morgue.

[Note: Yinweifang: A department specifically responsible for handling litigation and criminal penalties]

If the prisoner still does not confess, he will be taken to the interrogation room for severe torture.

If a prisoner has irrefutable evidence but still refuses to confess, an application for "interrogation and questioning" should be made.

[Note: "Chadoujie" is a penal system where, provided the evidence is clear, execution can be carried out without requiring a confession from the suspect.]

The officers in charge of this case, Yu Li and Tong Xin, will be present to witness the execution until it is over.

However, as the saying goes, "Rules are rigid, but people are flexible."

No matter what the laws or rules are, as long as you use your brain, you can always find a way to exploit loopholes.

Torture a suspect without permission would be punishable—so why not just use "minor torture" that doesn't leave obvious marks?

For example, forcing a suspect to stand for an extended period of time.

For example, they might tie a suspect to a pillar, smear sugar water all over the suspect's body, and then place a nest of ants near the suspect's feet—ants that won't bite but will cause unbearable itching when they crawl on a person…

Faced with these tortures that can drive a person to the brink of ecstasy, almost all those on trial would gladly return to the table and continue to answer questions honestly.

For example, right now—

No matter what questions Oka asked, Terasaka, who hadn't slept for two days and two nights, was extremely exhausted, and on the verge of a mental breakdown, remained silent.

Seeing this, Okabiki, who was in charge of interrogating Terasaka, neither hurried nor annoyed, turned to his companion and said:

"Bring over the hemp rope, sugar water, and ants."

In an instant, Terasaka's expression changed drastically, and his already pale face became even more bloodless.

His whole body began to tremble unnaturally.

The shaking was so violent, it was as if the person had an epileptic seizure.

"no, do not want!"

"I'll talk! I'll talk!"

"Whatever you ask me, I'll tell you!"

Gang Yin gave his companion a look, signaling him to step back.

"Okay, let's continue—what's your favorite color?"

"black……"

"Do you agree with the statement that Kyoto people are a bunch of arrogant and conceited bastards?"

"agree……"

"Do you agree with the statement that everyone in Osaka is extremely mercenary?"

"agree……"

"Do you agree that there are no ghosts or gods in this world?"

"agree……"

Do you agree with the statement that "dorayaki is better than konpeito"?

"agree……"

"You participated in the murder of Kanazawa Tadashi and Kanazawa Kotoko. Do you agree with this statement?"

"disagree……"

……

Nishino silently walked to his subordinate's side and patted him on the shoulder.

"Alright, let's switch shifts. You must be tired after asking questions all night long, go and get some rest."

After receiving Nishino's order, Okabiki didn't waste any more words.

"Yes."

Gang Yin gave a concise and forceful reply, and then left the interrogation room with his companion.

Nishino pulled over a bench and sat down directly opposite Terasaka.

"Alright, Terasaka Juheiji, let's continue. Have you ever been to Yoshiwara?"

"Aaaaaaaahhhhhh...!"

Terasaka lowered his head, plunging his fingers into his hair once more, while letting out a wail that sounded almost desperate.

"I've answered this question at least 30 times in the last two days...!"

"Then answer for the 31st time, hurry up and answer."

"I've been there..."

Do you like sweets?

"dislike……"

What is your favorite animal?

"Bear……"

Have you ever eaten bear paw?

"How could I possibly have eaten something this ridiculously expensive..."

Have you ever been to Ezochi?

"Never been there..."

……

The question-and-answer session between Nishino and Terasaka lasted for about 30 minutes.