Although in movies and novels, Police detectives often have the phrase "Police Detectives are very competent" on their lips.
But, everyone knows what role they actually play.
They're the ones who can't figure out it's a murder, the ones who provide the protagonist with tools to show off.
They only appear after the protagonist has solved the case.
When there's a difficult case, the pressure from higher-ups forces them to close it, but the underlings, out of a sense of justice, briefly become allies with the protagonist and become followers and so on and so forth.
In any case, no matter what, you're just a tool, and you'll go wherever you're needed.
But this time, the police detectives finally looked a bit like the "competent" ones they often mention in their famous lines.
After Senichi issued the investigation orders, Takagi and Sato took a large number of personnel to investigate everything about the journalist.
It could be said that they turned the journalist's life upside down.
And then, in one of the previous articles written by the journalist, they found a news piece.
[Shocking! Son of Metropolitan Police Department's Chief Superintendent in a Relationship with Former "Extremist" Daughter?!]
After this sensational headline, there was an intimate photo of Itou and Sekai Saionji.
And according to the information provided by Haruka earlier, it was after this revelation that Chief Superintendent Itou seemed to have found out about it and started suppressing the marriage between Makoto Itou and Sekai Saionji.
Clearly, after uncovering this information, the contours of the case had become clear.
It wasn't random killings, nor was it someone seeking revenge against the Metropolitan Police Department.
It was a vendetta!
The culprit was seeking revenge against those responsible for Sekai Saionji's death!
And the prime suspects were clearly Sekai Saionji's parents.
But Sekai Saionji's mother had been in poor health and hospitalization, following her suicide which ruled her out as a suspect.
What remained was Kimura Saionji, who had both the capability, technical knowledge, and a strong motive!
Furthermore, investigations conducted that night revealed that Kimura Saionji had no alibi at the time of the crime.
Early next morning, Senichi and Chiba went to his house together.
"Why are you guys so annoying! Didn't you just come last night?!"
After Chiba identified himself, Kimura Saionji, who appeared at the door changed his expression instantly and spoke in an unfriendly tone, "What? You're here today with an arrest warrant because I refused the 'voluntary inquiry' last night? If you're going to arrest me, you better have evidence. If you arrest me without any evidence just because I have a criminal record, I'll definitely sue you!"
His tone was quite unfriendly, indicating that he had an unpleasant exchange with the detective who had come to question him last night.
"No, the investigation is, of course, voluntary." Senichi slightly pushed the door open, smiled politely, and said, "I won't jump to conclusions without any evidence that you're the culprit."
Hearing this, Kimura Saionji's gloomy expression softened slightly. Senichi took advantage of this and continued, "So, would you mind if I asked you some questions? I can imagine that you're quite fed up with one detective after another coming to question you. If I can solve this case quickly, it would be a good thing for you too. After all, I'm sure you don't want to be constantly suspected of being a murderer and watched by the detectives all day long, right?"
"You're... Officer Senichi?" Kimura Saionji looked at Senichi with some uncertainty.
"Yes, it's me," Senichi nodded. "I didn't expect you to know me."
"Of course, I know you. You're the young and talented detective who has cracked many major cases since joining the force. You even skipped the probationary period and made history as the youngest inspector. Many people say you'll become the youngest superintendent in the future."
Kimura Saionji smiled and said, "Your name has been in the news and on TV a lot. It makes sense for the Metropolitan Police Department to send you here, especially after such a big incident."
Kimura Saionji opened the door and let the two of them in. "Ask whatever you want."
"I'm wondering what you think about the vanished bullets?" Senichi, while changing his shoes, briefly explained the situation and then asked, "Is it possible that the bullets were made using salt or ice bullets?"
"Salt bullets or ice bullets, they're both things that only exist in fantasies," Kimura Saionji said as he led Senichi and Chiba into the house. "The kinetic energy pressure generated at the moment of firing is enough to shatter them completely. It's completely impossible."
"Indeed, these kinds of solid projectiles that are susceptible to dissolution are not hard enough," Senichi agreed, taking a seat on the couch as directed by Kimura Saionji.
"Is there any way to make bullets disappear, then?" he continued. "I've seen your profile, and you're undoubtedly a genius in the field of firearm modifications. The firearms you design are very unique."
"That's quite an uncomfortable thing to say!" Kimura Saionji poured two cups of tea and handed them to Senichi and Chiba. Then, he took a seat opposite Senichi and said, "You're not the first ones to come here. Every time there's a case involving firearm modifications, you guys suspect me. But this time is particularly crazy, like a rabid dog biting everyone."
With a mocking expression, Kimura Saionji continued, "Well, I understand. After all, the Chief Superintendent was assassinated, and the lives of elite individuals and commoners are different, not to mention someone like me, a former convict without rights.
Plus, I happen to have a grudge against that esteemed Chief Superintendent, so I can be considered the perfect suspect. But I want to make it clear that I haven't been involved in firearm modifications for a long time, and I didn't commit this crime."
"What about your alibi?" Chiba asked.
"I don't have one. I received an order yesterday and was at home alone in the evening," Kimura Saionji replied, somewhat impatiently. "You should know all this; someone has already asked me. In the end, these repeated inquiries are just a sign of suspicion."
"That's not what I meant," Senichi waved his hand to signal Chiba to be quiet and said, "I came here mainly to hear your thoughts."
"Officer Senichi, I'm willing to accommodate you, the 'mind reader.' It's already proven that I have a clear conscience; I didn't kill anyone."
As soon as these words came out, Senichi was momentarily stunned. What's going on? How did I become a 'mind reader'?
The key is, Chiba, why do you look so naturally agreeable with this?!
Although he was internally complaining, Senichi had a rough idea that it must be due to rumors that had spread after various displays of his abilities. He kept his composure and continued to look at the other person calmly.
Kimura Saionji, on the other hand, continued with a cold expression, "Officer Senichi, I ask you to please consider my perspective! Is there any other answer to my feelings? It was him and his damn son who killed my daughter. I was so happy when I found out he was dead; I even bought some good wine to celebrate!"
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