BWDC:SDDK Chapter 88: Mouri Kogoro: I'm Not in the Car, I Haven't Gotten in the Car Yet!
...Has Mouri Kogoro finally lost his mind due to mental instability?
Ren Ichimonji looked at Mouri Kogoro, who was drawing his own conclusions and laughing triumphantly. For a moment, he didn't know what to say to him.
Maybe he should call Kisaki Eri and have her come over to straighten him out a few more times. It felt like Mouri Kogoro might actually become a bit more normal that way.
Ignoring the Mouri Kogoro beside him, Ren Ichimonji lowered his head and whispered to Inspector Megure, who had leaned in.
"Inspector Megure, when you found the victim, was there no luggage with him?"
"He only had documents like his driver's license and business cards? What about the money inside? Did anyone touch it?"
Inspector Megure tactfully ignored Mouri Kogoro as well. He gestured to Takagi Wataru and replied in a similarly low voice, "No, Brother Ren. Did you notice something wrong?"
---There was definitely something wrong.
Who takes a special leave of absence to travel such a long distance for study without bringing any luggage? Even if he didn't bring other things because they could be bought locally, he should have at least brought the manuscript of his novel, right? Without the manuscript, was he planning to stay here for ten days or a fortnight and write over a hundred thousand words before asking Tsukigata Ryutaro for guidance?
Ren Ichimonji didn't speak; he simply shifted his gaze to Saruhashi Masaru. Then, he gave an approving look.
It was obvious that Saruhashi Masaru's reaction had been off since the moment they arrived. He clearly didn't have a good relationship with Kusaka Yuichi, yet he put on a show of grief. Later, he looked relieved upon hearing about the alibi, but started trembling again when he heard Mouri Kogoro accuse Tsukigata Ryutaro.
This man seemed to have a guilty conscience.
Previously, while studying [Elementary Fighting Specialization], Ren Ichimonji had learned some martial arts techniques that required judging the opponent before launching an attack sequence. Consequently, he now had some insights into observing people's expressions to infer their psychology.
Although he hadn't reached the level of [Elementary Psychology Specialization] yet, it was more than enough to judge someone like Saruhashi Masaru, who wasn't very good at hiding his thoughts.
There was something wrong with this person.
If Saruhashi Masaru's alibi was solid, then there was something wrong with the time of Kusaka Yuichi's death. If it weren't broad daylight, Ren Ichimonji would have considered using the straightforward "Batman Interrogation Method" to make Saruhashi Masaru speak the truth.
"Hmm? Why are you all looking at me like that?"
After entertaining himself for a while, Mouri Kogoro noticed that no one was listening to him. He frowned and asked, "Am I wrong in what I just said?"
As soon as those words came out, Ren Ichimonji and Inspector Megure, who were talking with their heads down, along with Takagi Wataru, Saruhashi Masaru, and Tsukigata Ryutaro, all looked up at Mouri Kogoro simultaneously.
After a moment, they lowered their heads again and continued listening to Ren Ichimonji discuss the possibilities of the case.
Mouri Kogoro: ?
W-what's going on? Are you guys targeting me? If I wanted to, I could fall asleep at any moment and call out my "True Self" to perform an armchair detective investigation for you!
Officer Chiba approached from the side and said appreciatively, "Detective Mouri, I understand your performance art."
"I also think the culprit should be Master Tsukigata Ryutaro. After all, he's a master ninja, so it's normal for his physical fitness to be beyond ordinary. Age shouldn't be a reason for Master Tsukigata to be unable to kill someone."
Mouri Kogoro: ?
If even you agree with me, then it seems my reasoning this time is truly wrong!
On the other side, Ren Ichimonji asked in a low voice, "Mr. Saruhashi, would it be convenient to visit your home?"
Beside him, Inspector Megure and Takagi Wataru both looked up at Saruhashi Masaru. Feeling that things were going south, Saruhashi Masaru swallowed hard and said with a forced smile, "T-that might not be a good idea, right?"
"I didn't know so many people were coming today, so I haven't tidied up yet."
Megure and Takagi: ?
Meaning, if you knew the police were coming today, you would have tidied up the room in advance? Friend, you sound very suspicious.
Obviously, Saruhashi Masaru's protest was meaningless. Inspector Megure immediately made the decision.
"Mr. Saruhashi, please cooperate with the police investigation. We need to conduct an emergency search of your home now... Takagi, go, bring the car around!"
Seeing Inspector Megure and his group rushing into the car, Chiba Kazunobu was stunned. When did the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department become so efficient? Who on earth was that man summoned by Inspector Megure? Why had he never seen him before, yet he held such an important position in the Inspector's heart?
Officer Chiba immediately asked Mouri Kogoro, "Whose detective is that? He's so impressive."
Mouri Kogoro replied instantly, "Oh, that's Batman, here for a cameo from the neighboring studio."
Chiba Kazunobu: ?
Batman? For real? Batman is by my side? Why isn't he wearing that black suit?
In the short time they were talking, Takagi Wataru had already started the car. Mouri Kogoro turned his head for a fleeting glance, a huge question mark appearing over his head.
Mouri Kogoro: ?
He immediately chased after them, shouting loudly, "Wait a minute, I'm not in the car! I haven't gotten in the car yet!!!"
Saruhashi Masaru's House.
"I say, how could you guys forget about me?"
"Officer Takagi, especially you, don't be so heartless!" Mouri Kogoro grumbled at Takagi Wataru beside him.
To this, Takagi said somewhat awkwardly, "T-there just wasn't any room left. The police car has five seats in total. I thought you'd take the next bus; there was no need to squeeze like that. If the Traffic Department saw us, we might become the only police car to get a ticket from them in the last ten years. Although the fine isn't much, the damage to our reputation would be huge!"
Ignoring the bickering between Mouri Kogoro and Takagi Wataru behind him, Ren Ichimonji scanned the layout of Saruhashi Masaru's house. Then, his gaze fixed on a certain spot and didn't move.
Saruhashi Masaru, Tsukigata Ryutaro, and Inspector Megure followed his line of sight. Under the table lay a locker key for Beika Station.
Ren Ichimonji: ?
You're not even going to hide it? Was he always this brave? Did he think the police wouldn't search his house at all?
Inspector Megure, maneuvering his large belly like an agile fat man, quickly picked up the locker key from under the table. He looked at the number plate on it, held it up, and asked Saruhashi Masaru.
"Mr. Saruhashi, is this your locker key? You don't mind if I go to Beika Station to open this locker and see what's inside, do you?"
Saruhashi Masaru: !
No, don't do that! At least wait until tomorrow... no, the day after tomorrow?
However, his resistance was futile. Takagi Wataru eventually left with the locker key to retrieve the contents.
End of Chapter
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