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Chapter 1145 The Biggest Suspect
"So, Mr. Okubo's Dying Message was most likely meant for Mr. Mizuhara," Wataru Takagi said with a sigh.
"Yeah..."
Conan tilted his head to look at Mizuhara Ryoji over there, responding casually, his gaze serious, his thoughts jumping to other places.
After being attacked, the first person he thought of was Mizuhara Ryoji, leaving behind that comforting and encouraging Message. Was it because he was too concerned about Mizuhara Ryoji?
Or rather, Mizuhara Ryoji was here at the time, and...
Mizuhara Ryoji didn't notice the Stare from an Elementary School Student. He Confirmed Okubo Iwao's Identity with Sakurada, "Correct, he is my Manager, Mr. Okubo."
Chi Feichei stood up and took off his Gloves. "Officer Sakurada, the Short-sleeved Shirt Mr. Okubo was wearing when I parted ways with him last Night is the one he's wearing now."
"Oh?" Sakurada Realized. "In Other Words, Mr. Okubo might not have gone Home last Night?"
"He was at my Place last Night," Mizuhara Ryoji said. Seeing the others Look Towards him, he explained calmly, "He came to my Place just after midnight last Night to discuss the Development Direction of my Future Work. We talked until morning, and then he Said he was going to take the first Train. He left my Home at around 4:30."
"I See, after parting ways with Mr. Chi and the others last Night, he went to Mr. Mizuhara's Home and stayed there until after 4:00 in the morning before preparing to go back," Sakurada sorted out Okubo Iwao's Itinerary. "In order to get to the Station, he took this Street, and as a Result, he was Attacked by the Murderer. His Watch must have been broken at that Time. The Time displayed on it is 4:40, which is 10 minutes after he left Mr. Mizuhara's Apartment. Although the Weapon has not been found yet, based on the Analysis of the Wound, the Weapon should be an Iron Pipe..."
Saying that, Sakurada Looked Towards Hiromatsu Hiroshi and Confirmed, "Then, 20 minutes later, at 5:00 in the morning, you found Mr. Okubo while jogging, right?"
Hiromatsu Hiroshi Nodded. "Yes, that's right."
"The Apartments you two live in are in 4-chome, the Station is on this side, and the Fire Department is over There..." Sakurada Lower Head, flipped a page of the Record Clipboard, drew a picture on the Clipboard, and held it up for Hiromatsu Hiroshi to See. "The three Places are on a straight line, But the Fire Department is on the left side of the Crossroads, right?"
Hiromatsu Hiroshi continued to Nod.
"Mr. Takagi," Sakurada Looked Towards Wataru Takagi with a Serious Expression, "Our conversation was Interrupted Just Now, so let me continue telling you the Reason why I Suspect this Person..."
An Yukiko immediately Looked Towards Hiromatsu Hiroshi. "Did this Person Kill Mr. Okubo?"
Mizuhara Ryoji also Stared over. "Was it you?"
Hiromatsu Hiroshi waved his Hand quickly. "No, it wasn't me!"
Sakurada Stared at Hiromatsu Hiroshi. "First of all, because you are the First Discoverer, Criminals usually can't avoid leaving something at the Crime Scene when committing a Crime, But as Long As you pretend to be the First Discoverer, you can Say that you found it dropped here when you discovered it, No Matter what Leftover Item/Evidence you find, and get away with it."
Hiromatsu Hiroshi was about to collapse. "How could this be..."
"The second Point," Sakurada continued, "You Said you ran to the Fire Department to Call an Ambulance at the Time. How could an Ordinary Person do that? I Think you went in the Direction of the Fire Department for another Purpose, right?"
"What does this Mean?" Hiromatsu Hiroshi was about to collapse.
"For example..." Sakurada Said, and was Interrupted by his Mobile Phone again. He picked up the Mobile Phone and answered the Phone Call, then Looked Towards Hiromatsu Hiroshi with a Serious Expression. "Our Police responsible for Searching the Vicinity have already found the Weapon. There are Hair and undried Blood Stains on it. The Discovery Location is Kamitakada Bridge, which is the Bridge between the Crime Scene and the Fire Department. You pretended to go to the Fire Department, But you were actually Handling the Weapon, right?"
"Nonsense!" Hiromatsu Hiroshi finally couldn't help it. "Why would I do such a Thing to this Person?"
"Of Course I have already Infereed your Motive," Sakurada Said with a Serious Expression, "Although you are a Comedian, you have no Reputation at all. So, you found Mr. Okubo, who often went to Mizuhara's Residence Next Door, and asked him to introduce you to Work, But he ignored you. In a fit of Anger, you Attacked him with a Steel Pipe."
Chi Feichei lit a Cigarette Aside and watched silently.
Looking at Sakurada, he was reminded of his Teacher's 'Mouri Guesswork Analysis Style', which was inexplicably familiar.
Isn't the Basis of Reasoning whether there is Logical Basis to Support that Reasoning?
If we want to Say that Hiromatsu Hiroshi committed Murder Because of this, at least we need to Confirm that Hiromatsu Hiroshi has been Anxious about not having a Job Recently, Hiromatsu Hiroshi has been frequently asking others to Help him with introductions Recently, Okubo Iwao hates outside Artists bothering him, and so on.
Without Basis to Support it, it can only be Said to be 'Speculation' and 'Feeling', and should not be Said as Reasoning.
Just Like he Suspects Mizuhara, But now he doesn't have enough Basis to Support his Judgment, and he's not sure if he'll make a Mistake, so he won't Say it like that...
"Most Importantly, the Dying Message left by the Victim clearly tells us that the Criminal is you!" Sakurada saw Hiromatsu Hiroshi Look at him in Surprise, and flipped out the Information Hiromatsu Hiroshi had filled in before, holding it up for the others to See. "Your Stage Name is 'Smiling, Pease'! The strange Action of Mr. Okubo's Corpse, with a Smiling Face, and his Right Hand making a 'V' Gesture that would be used when taking pictures, is pointing to 'Pease', which is what you Say when taking pictures!"
Wataru Takagi looked at Hiromatsu Hiroshi Speechless. "I knew you were a Comedian, But I didn't know your Stage Name was Like this?"
"But I'm really not the Criminal," Hiromatsu Hiroshi felt that he couldn't explain himself even if he had a Mouth. "Believe me, Brother Takagi!"
"I believe you," Wataru Takagi Nodded and Looked Towards Sakurada. "Actually, Okubo..."
"Then do you have an Alibi?" Conan Interrupted Wataru Takagi's Words, and By the Way changed the Topic.
He Suspects that Mizuhara Ryoji has a Problem, But now he can't Judge who the Real Murderer is, so he might As Well Ask about the Alibi.
"At 4:40 when he was Killed, I was still at Home!" Hiromatsu Hiroshi Said. "I didn't leave the Apartment to jog until almost 5:00! I found him not long Afterwards!"
Wataru Takagi Nodded. "If we can prove this Point..."
Sakurada sneered. "What Method can prove that a Person living alone is indeed at Home?"
"Hearing him Say that," Mizuhara Ryoji Said, "When I adjusted the Alarm Clock and prepared to go to Bed After Mr. Okubo went back, I Seemingly heard the Sound of Water flushing in the Restroom Next Door."
"Are you sure the Time was 4:40?" Wataru Takagi asked.
Mizuhara Ryoji Nodded. "Probably."
Conan looked at Mizuhara Ryoji in Surprise.
In this Way, both of them have Alibis.
Mizuhara Ryoji Said that he heard the Sound of Water flushing in the Restroom at the Time, which can also indirectly prove that Mizuhara Ryoji was also in the Apartment at the Time of the Crime.
Even more Surprised than Conan was Hiromatsu Hiroshi, who looked at Mizuhara Ryoji Stunned.
"You have an Alibi, Brother Hiromatsu!" Wataru Takagi Said happily.
Hiromatsu Hiroshi withdrew his Gaze from Mizuhara Ryoji, his Smile stiff. "Y-Yes..."
That unnatural Expression made Chi Feichei and Conan Pay Attention To it.
"Excuse me, can I go back?" Mizuhara Ryoji asked.
An Yukiko Reached Out and put her Hand on Mizuhara Ryoji's Shoulder, Said softly, "You must be very sad to See Mr. Okubo, who is Like your Biological Father, have such a Thing happen..."
Saying that, An Yukiko Looked Towards Sakurada. "Mizuhara Should be able to go back, right?"
"I may still Ask you for some Questions another Day," Sakurada Looked at Mizuhara Ryoji. "For today, let's..."
"Wait!" Conan Said, Interrupted Sakurada.
Sakurada: "..."
Why is he being Interrupted so often today?
Conan Looked at An Yukiko and Mizuhara Ryoji, with an innocent Expression on his Face. "Since Brother Chi is here too, why don't We Go Together to a Cafe for a While? I Think Mr. Okubo Should also Hope that We can talk about Work, right?"
Mizuhara Ryoji has a Problem, stay, We must keep him here first!
"Huh?"
An Yukiko and Mizuhara Ryoji's Reactions were beyond everyone's expectations, both of them looked Surprised and Confused.
Sakurada felt Weird. "What's wrong? Didn't Mr. Okubo mention to you that he was meeting with Mr. Chi this Afternoon?"
"This Afternoon? I Remember Mr. Okubo sent me an Email around 11:00 last Night, Saying that he was going to..." An Yukiko recalled, her Face changed slightly, and she bowed to Chi Feichei to Apologize. "I'm Sorry, I was already asleep when I received the Email last Night. I just saw the Email this morning, and I heard the Police Call to Say that something happened to Mr. Okubo, so I couldn't Remember it Just Now. Please forgive me for any Neglect!"
Conan observed Mizuhara Ryoji's Expression of trying to calm himself, and Said in a Cute Voice, "Mr. Mizuhara hasn't Remembered yet? Mr. Okubo Values this meeting with Brother Chi very much. He Should have mentioned it to you when he was talking about Future Work Arrangements at your Place last Night, right?"
"Mizuhara?" An Yukiko gently pulled Mizuhara Ryoji's Arm and frowned in confusion.
Appearing in THK Company's TV Drama Means that Mizuhara Ryoji will be able to get a good Salary in the Future, be able to Cooperate with currently famous Artists, and be able to Gain Reputation when THK Company promotes the New Film/Movie. With THK Company's Funds and Connections, this Promotion will definitely bring a lot of Benefit to Mizuhara Ryoji. The Key is, if the Cooperation is Pleasant, Mizuhara Ryoji will probably not lack the Opportunity to Perform in the Future.
She had been pleasantly Surprised for a long Time when she woke up this morning and saw Okubo's Email, and she was thinking about asking Okubo how he managed to get the Opportunity from THK Company.
Because Okubo Said in the Email that he had agreed with the other Party that he would Go Together with her, the President, and Mizuhara this Afternoon. Okubo also wanted to give her Peace of Mind, indicating that he did not Intend to let Mizuhara Job-hopping. At the Time, she felt that No Matter what, she could not let Okubo waste his Effort/Hard Work for nothing, and she had to take it seriously. She immediately went to Find the most energetic and decent Clothes, and rehearsed several times in her Heart how to chat After the meeting, striving to leave a Good Impression on the People from THK Company when We meet this Afternoon, and also considered how to reject any Unreasonable Request the other Party might make, and so on.
But After receiving a Phone Call from the Police, hearing that something had happened to Okubo, she was busy rushing over and forgot about this Matter.
Such an Important Matter, didn't Okubo mention it to Mizuhara last Night and let Mizuhara prepare for it?
"This..." Mizuhara Ryoji pretended to Recall.
Sakurada was about to Speak Out when his Mobile Phone Ringtone rang again. He could only answer the Phone Call first, answered a few times, and Said to Hiromatsu Hiroshi with a Serious Expression, "I'm very Sorry, your Alibi has been cracked! When I felt you were Suspicious, I had already sent People to check if you had left any Trace anywhere. I heard that the Monitor at the Convenience Store in 3-chome had captured your Figure/Silhouette running, and the Time was 4:30 this morning! In Other Words, you are Lying, you didn't leave the Apartment at 5:00 in the morning at all!"
(End of Chapter)
"So, Mr. Okubo's Dying Message was most likely meant for Mr. Mizuhara," Wataru Takagi said with a sigh.
"Yeah..."
Conan tilted his head to look at Mizuhara Ryoji over there, responding casually, his gaze serious, his thoughts jumping to other places.
After being attacked, the first person he thought of was Mizuhara Ryoji, leaving behind that comforting and encouraging Message. Was it because he was too concerned about Mizuhara Ryoji?
Or rather, Mizuhara Ryoji was here at the time, and...
Mizuhara Ryoji didn't notice the Stare from an Elementary School Student. He Confirmed Okubo Iwao's Identity with Sakurada, "Correct, he is my Manager, Mr. Okubo."
Chi Feichei stood up and took off his Gloves. "Officer Sakurada, the Short-sleeved Shirt Mr. Okubo was wearing when I parted ways with him last Night is the one he's wearing now."
"Oh?" Sakurada Realized. "In Other Words, Mr. Okubo might not have gone Home last Night?"
"He was at my Place last Night," Mizuhara Ryoji said. Seeing the others Look Towards him, he explained calmly, "He came to my Place just after midnight last Night to discuss the Development Direction of my Future Work. We talked until morning, and then he Said he was going to take the first Train. He left my Home at around 4:30."
"I See, after parting ways with Mr. Chi and the others last Night, he went to Mr. Mizuhara's Home and stayed there until after 4:00 in the morning before preparing to go back," Sakurada sorted out Okubo Iwao's Itinerary. "In order to get to the Station, he took this Street, and as a Result, he was Attacked by the Murderer. His Watch must have been broken at that Time. The Time displayed on it is 4:40, which is 10 minutes after he left Mr. Mizuhara's Apartment. Although the Weapon has not been found yet, based on the Analysis of the Wound, the Weapon should be an Iron Pipe..."
Saying that, Sakurada Looked Towards Hiromatsu Hiroshi and Confirmed, "Then, 20 minutes later, at 5:00 in the morning, you found Mr. Okubo while jogging, right?"
Hiromatsu Hiroshi Nodded. "Yes, that's right."
"The Apartments you two live in are in 4-chome, the Station is on this side, and the Fire Department is over There..." Sakurada Lower Head, flipped a page of the Record Clipboard, drew a picture on the Clipboard, and held it up for Hiromatsu Hiroshi to See. "The three Places are on a straight line, But the Fire Department is on the left side of the Crossroads, right?"
Hiromatsu Hiroshi continued to Nod.
"Mr. Takagi," Sakurada Looked Towards Wataru Takagi with a Serious Expression, "Our conversation was Interrupted Just Now, so let me continue telling you the Reason why I Suspect this Person..."
An Yukiko immediately Looked Towards Hiromatsu Hiroshi. "Did this Person Kill Mr. Okubo?"
Mizuhara Ryoji also Stared over. "Was it you?"
Hiromatsu Hiroshi waved his Hand quickly. "No, it wasn't me!"
Sakurada Stared at Hiromatsu Hiroshi. "First of all, because you are the First Discoverer, Criminals usually can't avoid leaving something at the Crime Scene when committing a Crime, But as Long As you pretend to be the First Discoverer, you can Say that you found it dropped here when you discovered it, No Matter what Leftover Item/Evidence you find, and get away with it."
Hiromatsu Hiroshi was about to collapse. "How could this be..."
"The second Point," Sakurada continued, "You Said you ran to the Fire Department to Call an Ambulance at the Time. How could an Ordinary Person do that? I Think you went in the Direction of the Fire Department for another Purpose, right?"
"What does this Mean?" Hiromatsu Hiroshi was about to collapse.
"For example..." Sakurada Said, and was Interrupted by his Mobile Phone again. He picked up the Mobile Phone and answered the Phone Call, then Looked Towards Hiromatsu Hiroshi with a Serious Expression. "Our Police responsible for Searching the Vicinity have already found the Weapon. There are Hair and undried Blood Stains on it. The Discovery Location is Kamitakada Bridge, which is the Bridge between the Crime Scene and the Fire Department. You pretended to go to the Fire Department, But you were actually Handling the Weapon, right?"
"Nonsense!" Hiromatsu Hiroshi finally couldn't help it. "Why would I do such a Thing to this Person?"
"Of Course I have already Infereed your Motive," Sakurada Said with a Serious Expression, "Although you are a Comedian, you have no Reputation at all. So, you found Mr. Okubo, who often went to Mizuhara's Residence Next Door, and asked him to introduce you to Work, But he ignored you. In a fit of Anger, you Attacked him with a Steel Pipe."
Chi Feichei lit a Cigarette Aside and watched silently.
Looking at Sakurada, he was reminded of his Teacher's 'Mouri Guesswork Analysis Style', which was inexplicably familiar.
Isn't the Basis of Reasoning whether there is Logical Basis to Support that Reasoning?
If we want to Say that Hiromatsu Hiroshi committed Murder Because of this, at least we need to Confirm that Hiromatsu Hiroshi has been Anxious about not having a Job Recently, Hiromatsu Hiroshi has been frequently asking others to Help him with introductions Recently, Okubo Iwao hates outside Artists bothering him, and so on.
Without Basis to Support it, it can only be Said to be 'Speculation' and 'Feeling', and should not be Said as Reasoning.
Just Like he Suspects Mizuhara, But now he doesn't have enough Basis to Support his Judgment, and he's not sure if he'll make a Mistake, so he won't Say it like that...
"Most Importantly, the Dying Message left by the Victim clearly tells us that the Criminal is you!" Sakurada saw Hiromatsu Hiroshi Look at him in Surprise, and flipped out the Information Hiromatsu Hiroshi had filled in before, holding it up for the others to See. "Your Stage Name is 'Smiling, Pease'! The strange Action of Mr. Okubo's Corpse, with a Smiling Face, and his Right Hand making a 'V' Gesture that would be used when taking pictures, is pointing to 'Pease', which is what you Say when taking pictures!"
Wataru Takagi looked at Hiromatsu Hiroshi Speechless. "I knew you were a Comedian, But I didn't know your Stage Name was Like this?"
"But I'm really not the Criminal," Hiromatsu Hiroshi felt that he couldn't explain himself even if he had a Mouth. "Believe me, Brother Takagi!"
"I believe you," Wataru Takagi Nodded and Looked Towards Sakurada. "Actually, Okubo..."
"Then do you have an Alibi?" Conan Interrupted Wataru Takagi's Words, and By the Way changed the Topic.
He Suspects that Mizuhara Ryoji has a Problem, But now he can't Judge who the Real Murderer is, so he might As Well Ask about the Alibi.
"At 4:40 when he was Killed, I was still at Home!" Hiromatsu Hiroshi Said. "I didn't leave the Apartment to jog until almost 5:00! I found him not long Afterwards!"
Wataru Takagi Nodded. "If we can prove this Point..."
Sakurada sneered. "What Method can prove that a Person living alone is indeed at Home?"
"Hearing him Say that," Mizuhara Ryoji Said, "When I adjusted the Alarm Clock and prepared to go to Bed After Mr. Okubo went back, I Seemingly heard the Sound of Water flushing in the Restroom Next Door."
"Are you sure the Time was 4:40?" Wataru Takagi asked.
Mizuhara Ryoji Nodded. "Probably."
Conan looked at Mizuhara Ryoji in Surprise.
In this Way, both of them have Alibis.
Mizuhara Ryoji Said that he heard the Sound of Water flushing in the Restroom at the Time, which can also indirectly prove that Mizuhara Ryoji was also in the Apartment at the Time of the Crime.
Even more Surprised than Conan was Hiromatsu Hiroshi, who looked at Mizuhara Ryoji Stunned.
"You have an Alibi, Brother Hiromatsu!" Wataru Takagi Said happily.
Hiromatsu Hiroshi withdrew his Gaze from Mizuhara Ryoji, his Smile stiff. "Y-Yes..."
That unnatural Expression made Chi Feichei and Conan Pay Attention To it.
"Excuse me, can I go back?" Mizuhara Ryoji asked.
An Yukiko Reached Out and put her Hand on Mizuhara Ryoji's Shoulder, Said softly, "You must be very sad to See Mr. Okubo, who is Like your Biological Father, have such a Thing happen..."
Saying that, An Yukiko Looked Towards Sakurada. "Mizuhara Should be able to go back, right?"
"I may still Ask you for some Questions another Day," Sakurada Looked at Mizuhara Ryoji. "For today, let's..."
"Wait!" Conan Said, Interrupted Sakurada.
Sakurada: "..."
Why is he being Interrupted so often today?
Conan Looked at An Yukiko and Mizuhara Ryoji, with an innocent Expression on his Face. "Since Brother Chi is here too, why don't We Go Together to a Cafe for a While? I Think Mr. Okubo Should also Hope that We can talk about Work, right?"
Mizuhara Ryoji has a Problem, stay, We must keep him here first!
"Huh?"
An Yukiko and Mizuhara Ryoji's Reactions were beyond everyone's expectations, both of them looked Surprised and Confused.
Sakurada felt Weird. "What's wrong? Didn't Mr. Okubo mention to you that he was meeting with Mr. Chi this Afternoon?"
"This Afternoon? I Remember Mr. Okubo sent me an Email around 11:00 last Night, Saying that he was going to..." An Yukiko recalled, her Face changed slightly, and she bowed to Chi Feichei to Apologize. "I'm Sorry, I was already asleep when I received the Email last Night. I just saw the Email this morning, and I heard the Police Call to Say that something happened to Mr. Okubo, so I couldn't Remember it Just Now. Please forgive me for any Neglect!"
Conan observed Mizuhara Ryoji's Expression of trying to calm himself, and Said in a Cute Voice, "Mr. Mizuhara hasn't Remembered yet? Mr. Okubo Values this meeting with Brother Chi very much. He Should have mentioned it to you when he was talking about Future Work Arrangements at your Place last Night, right?"
"Mizuhara?" An Yukiko gently pulled Mizuhara Ryoji's Arm and frowned in confusion.
Appearing in THK Company's TV Drama Means that Mizuhara Ryoji will be able to get a good Salary in the Future, be able to Cooperate with currently famous Artists, and be able to Gain Reputation when THK Company promotes the New Film/Movie. With THK Company's Funds and Connections, this Promotion will definitely bring a lot of Benefit to Mizuhara Ryoji. The Key is, if the Cooperation is Pleasant, Mizuhara Ryoji will probably not lack the Opportunity to Perform in the Future.
She had been pleasantly Surprised for a long Time when she woke up this morning and saw Okubo's Email, and she was thinking about asking Okubo how he managed to get the Opportunity from THK Company.
Because Okubo Said in the Email that he had agreed with the other Party that he would Go Together with her, the President, and Mizuhara this Afternoon. Okubo also wanted to give her Peace of Mind, indicating that he did not Intend to let Mizuhara Job-hopping. At the Time, she felt that No Matter what, she could not let Okubo waste his Effort/Hard Work for nothing, and she had to take it seriously. She immediately went to Find the most energetic and decent Clothes, and rehearsed several times in her Heart how to chat After the meeting, striving to leave a Good Impression on the People from THK Company when We meet this Afternoon, and also considered how to reject any Unreasonable Request the other Party might make, and so on.
But After receiving a Phone Call from the Police, hearing that something had happened to Okubo, she was busy rushing over and forgot about this Matter.
Such an Important Matter, didn't Okubo mention it to Mizuhara last Night and let Mizuhara prepare for it?
"This..." Mizuhara Ryoji pretended to Recall.
Sakurada was about to Speak Out when his Mobile Phone Ringtone rang again. He could only answer the Phone Call first, answered a few times, and Said to Hiromatsu Hiroshi with a Serious Expression, "I'm very Sorry, your Alibi has been cracked! When I felt you were Suspicious, I had already sent People to check if you had left any Trace anywhere. I heard that the Monitor at the Convenience Store in 3-chome had captured your Figure/Silhouette running, and the Time was 4:30 this morning! In Other Words, you are Lying, you didn't leave the Apartment at 5:00 in the morning at all!"
(End of Chapter)
