Chapter 0019: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (6)
A flustered young officer ran into the room.
"Takagi, what's the rush?"
'So this is Takagi, huh? He really does resemble the anime version—always so jittery.'
"Megure-san, the time of death has been determined. It should be around 8 PM tonight, during the live broadcast of the Golden Music Festival."
Suwa Michihiko and Matsuo Takashi immediately looked relieved.
Suwa quickly spoke up: "In that case, we wouldn't have had the time to commit the crime. During the live broadcast, there were plenty of people who can vouch for us."
The kid, Conan, piped up: "But wasn't 8 PM during the commercial break of the live broadcast? I couldn't find Matsuo-san anywhere around then."
Matsuo wiped his sweat with a handkerchief and laughed nervously: "Kid, I went to the restroom. Besides, five minutes of commercials isn't enough time for me to run down from the 11th floor, commit a crime, and come back. Also, I don't have a key."
Megure narrowed his eyes, and Takagi sighed as he went to test it. Sure enough, with all the twists and turns inside the TV station, it took at least eight minutes for a round trip.
At that moment, an elderly man appeared at the scene. He was Miyamoto Takeichi, the president of Tokyo TV. His imposing presence was unmistakable. The moment he arrived, he scolded Matsuo harshly: "You useless fool! How could you let this happen? Are you trying to ruin our station?"
Matsuo looked terrified: "Miyamoto-san, please forgive me."
"You know how important today's program is—there are big names watching! And yet such a blunder occurred. Now get back upstairs and continue hosting the live broadcast. I'll handle things here."
Matsuo was temporarily off the hook and turned to Megure: "I'm sorry, Megure-san. I must return to host the Golden Music Festival. Please excuse me."
Megure could only watch helplessly as Matsuo left.
Mouri Kogoro opened a window and noticed a large window on the 9th floor, directly above where Kwon Ji-yong's body was found.
"Suwa-san, what's on the 9th floor at that location?"
Suwa thought for a moment before answering: "That should be our station's storage room. It used to be a props room, but it's been neglected over time."
Without hesitation, Mouri rushed to the 9th floor, with Conan close behind.
Conan's face lit up with excitement. 'This sense of urgency is so rare! Mouri-Ojisan, I didn't expect you to hide your skills so well. You've beaten me by a step this time, but just wait—I'll uncover the truth faster than you.'
The two of them ran quickly and soon reached the storage room on the 9th floor. The door was ajar, and the room was cluttered with various items. Mouri quickly found what he was looking for, and his reasoning became increasingly clear.
He glanced at Conan, who had followed him, and put on an oblivious act: "Kid, why are you following me? This isn't a place for you."
"Uncle, I just wanted to see how you solve cases."
Mouri looked around the storage room, then rushed back down to the 1st floor.
Conan hadn't found any useful clues and could only watch as Mouri left. Anxious, he used his photographic memory to recall the storage room's contents before quickly chasing after Mouri. Unfortunately, his short legs couldn't keep up, and by the time he reached the ground floor, he could only see Mouri's back.
At this moment, Mouri was conversing with the system.
[V-chan: Submitting the reasoning process is a one-time opportunity. Are you sure you want to proceed?]
"Yes."
[Understood. The task result will be notified upon the case's conclusion.]
Mouri looked slightly dejected. The system didn't provide any feedback to confirm his reasoning, but it didn't matter. Mouri had complete confidence in his deductions.
Outside the TV station, Conan observed the two large windows above and noticed a bullet hole on the ground. As all the clues connected in his mind, he suddenly realized the truth. He hurried to catch up with Mouri.
Mouri, with a spring in his step, returned to the crime scene on the 3rd floor, where everyone else remained puzzled.
"Miyamoto-san, I believe I've figured out the truth. However, I'll need your cooperation."
Megure was delighted: "Mouri-kun, have you identified the real culprit in this locked-room murder case? Quickly, tell us!"
Miyamoto squinted his eyes. "Since the officer here trusts you so much, do as you please. But if I find out you're damaging our station's reputation, you'll face the consequences. I can make sure you don't get any work in Tokyo again."
Mouri chuckled coldly: "From what I see, your station's reputation is already in shambles. What's left to protect?"
Miyamoto's face turned red with anger. "You sharp-tongued detective!"
Despite his fury, the old man complied, instructing the vice president to follow Mouri's orders.
Meanwhile, Yoko, Boa, and Lee Hyori couldn't help but admire Mouri's boldness. Miyamoto Takeichi, who had managed Tokyo TV for 40 years, was a major figure with immense power. Yet Mouri dared to challenge him without hesitation.
Yoko's eyes sparkled with admiration. Mouri exuded a unique charm in moments like this.
Struggling to climb back up, Conan arrived, panting heavily. Before he could figure out what was happening, Ran grabbed him: "Conan, you're too naughty! You can't just run around. Dad is about to present his deductions—stay here and behave."
Conan panicked and struggled. 'No way! There's no way this useless ojisan can solve the case faster than me. His reasoning must be wrong! I even prepared my tranquilizer needle for this.'
But Ran's iron grip was unyielding. Conan eventually pretended he needed the restroom to escape, only to find a television showing Mouri already beginning his explanation.
Standing confidently, Mouri spoke: "Allow me to unveil the solution to this locked-room murder case. But first, let's bring the culprit to the scene. Please invite Matsuo-san here."