Sure enough, upon seeing the other party, the expressions of the four individuals noticeably turned grim.
After inquiring, Senichi learned that the person's name was Seiji Hario, and he was also their high school classmate. However, compared to the close relationships among the four, he and the others were like enemies.
The reason for saying this was because thirteen years ago, this guy caused Hondo's bone fracture, ultimately shattering his dreams and driving him to suicide. Clearly, this guy was the victim in this case, and the evidence was beyond doubt.
After all, this person had been obnoxious from the start of the case on the train, and later, he had a conflict with Keisuke Otsubo's group, and he was the one responsible for their friend's death.
It seemed like the guy was covered in the word "death" from head to toe!
"Sorry, I don't know what's going on... I suddenly feel a bit uncomfortable..." Eiko Nojima, with a tired expression, bowed slightly to Senichi and the others. "I'll excuse myself..."
Watching Eiko Nojima about to leave, Senichi frowned, sensing that something was not right.
After Seiji Hario appeared, based on the information obtained from observing everyone's reactions, Senichi had basically deduced that two out of the four might have motives to kill him.
First was Eiko Nojima; when the deceased Hondo was mentioned, she seemed noticeably sadder than the other three. Her reaction after seeing Seiji Hario was also more intense than the others. Now, she was even choosing to leave abruptly, clearly indicating a past romantic relationship with Hondo.
Seeing her still holding onto these emotions, it was likely her motive.
The other person was Touru Akitaya.
Right after Seiji Hario appeared, everyone, except him, wore a depressed expression, mixed with some disgust but not as intense. However, when Touru Akitaya saw him, he showed strong aversion, even hostility.
This emotion was abnormal, considering that it had been thirteen years since the incident. It wouldn't be strange if he was angry and wanted to fight him back then, given the death of their friend. But now, such deep resentment, without a romantic relationship, seemed odd.
After that, Seiji Hario basically ignored the other three and directly targeted Touru Akitaya for conversation, revealing important information to Senichi.
That is, besides the death of their friend, Touru Akitaya and Seiji Hario had another connection!
And this connection is not a positive one; rather, from the conversation, it's evident that Seiji Hario clearly has the upper hand.
With the situation that is about to unfold in the case, there's no need for further explanation—surely, it's a motive for murder!
In the eyes of Senichi, the "Detective Conan World's Logic Scholar," the lines of light and shadow have already formed.
Eiko Nojima falls under the "light line," where the motive is already laid out in the open—an attention-grabbing smoke bomb.
Touru Akitaya, on the other hand, falls under the "shadow line," with a less obvious motive. However, these individuals are often the real culprits!
After all, if you can guess who the culprit is right from the start, where's the suspense? At least there should be a twist!
Furthermore, when the time comes for the culprit's confession after the deduction, there needs to be time for the culprit to explain their motive.
Only the couple, for now, have normal reactions and no apparent motive for murder.
Considering the relationship between the two sides, helping to create an alibi or throwing smoke bombs is still achievable.
In a situation that is mostly clear, letting Eiko Nojima leave and act alone is undoubtedly not a wise choice.
Given Seiji Hario's annoying way of speaking, if he said something offensive, even Eiko Nojima, who seemed gentle, might impulsively choose to act.
Even if she couldn't kill, what if afterward, Touru Akitaya got the idea of using her as a "hitchhike" for murder?
Just having solved a "hitchhike" murder case, Senichi easily thought of this possibility.
Considering the various pieces of information and conditions at present... this possibility really isn't out of the question!
In a typical Conan case, it's almost the same routine.
Senichi felt like he had seen through the truth of the case.jpg!
And Senichi was still hoping to prevent the case to get rewards. Regardless of whether Eiko Nojima is the real culprit or not, not letting her leave is evidently more in line with his interests.
"Wait a moment." Amidst his thoughts, Senichi called out to Eiko Nojima.
"Senichi-san, is there something else?" Eiko Nojima looked at Senichi inquiringly.
"Although it's just my observations and intuition..."
Senichi thought for a moment, looked at Eiko Nojima, organized his words, and then said seriously, "But I believe your next goal is to find Seiji Hario, right?"
"Perhaps after all these years, you feel that some grievances should be let go. Do you want him to go to Mr. Hondo and apologize?"
"You, how did you..." Eiko Nojima was surprised to hear Senichi's words but quickly realized, hastily closing her mouth.
However, the other party's reaction and the unintentional remark both indicated that Senichi had guessed Eiko Nojima's thoughts.
Upon hearing Senichi's words, the three looked at Eiko Nojima in astonishment, unable to believe that she had actually made this decision.
"Eiko, are you..." Akane Isaka came to Eiko Nojima's side, expressing a complicated concern. "Have you really decided..."
"..."
Seeing her purpose exposed, after a moment of silence, Eiko Nojima took a deep breath and slowly exhaled. "Yes, I have decided. It's been so many years, and I think I should let it go. I feel it's a chance for me to truly move on. I want him to apologize to Hondo."
"If that's the case, then you should have called us to go together!" Akane Isaka looked at Eiko Nojima with some reproach. "Shouldn't we face this together?"
"Yeah, what Akane said is right," Keisuke Otsubo also echoed from the side. "No matter what decision you make, we support you!"
"That's right, Hondo is our good friend." Touru Akitaya also encouraged Eiko Nojima, saying, "Let's face the rest together."
"Everyone..." Eiko Nojima touched the tears that had slipped from her eyes, looking at the three with a touched expression.
"I think it's better for you not to have too high expectations."
Seeing the atmosphere of friendship intensifying among the group, just when they were about to go find Seiji Hario together, Senichi couldn't help but throw a cold splash on everyone.
"Based on my understanding of Seiji Hario, that despicable guy probably won't apologize."
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