Case Files of a Genius Mystery Novelist Episode 15: The Dinner Party Serial Murder Case - Hokkaido Arc
Episode 15: The Dinner Party Serial Murder Case - Hokkaido Arc
Sapporo, New Chitose Airport
Snow flurries in Sapporo. Jun and Haruka exit the airport and get into a taxi.
Jun Hojo
"I mean... why are you tagging along?"
Haruka Kamiya (replies immediately) "Because I'm worried you'll go looking at pretty women, Jun."
Jun Hojo
"Ugh..."
Haruka Kamiya (crosses her arms and glares at him) "You do have a prior record of being blatantly disappointed that the beautiful secretary was the culprit, don't you?"
Jun Hojo
"Ugh..."
Haruka Kamiya
"Even during the recent murder case involving Master Saeki..."
Haruka glances at Jun sideways.
Haruka Kamiya
"You were clearly happy to be admired by your 'cute junior' from university."
Jun Hojo
"Ugh..."
The taxi driver gives a wry smile through the rearview mirror.
Driver
"...You two seem to get along well."
Jun Hojo & Haruka Kamiya
""We do not!""
As for why the two of them are in Hokkaido, we must go back a few days...
A few days ago, Hojo Residence Drawing Room
Kuroda places two envelopes in front of Jun.
Kuroda
"Young Master, these are the invitations for this occasion."
Jun Hojo
"...Two of them?"
Kuroda
"Yes. One is in Sapporo, Hokkaido. The other is in Hakata, Fukuoka."
Jun breaks the seal and scans the contents.
Jun Hojo
"Both of them... are big."
Kuroda
"Both involve major figures in politics and business. They don't look like casual dinner parties."
Jun Hojo (Sighs softly) "As the head of the Hojo family... I suppose I can't avoid either one..."
He answers after a short pause.
Jun Hojo
"I'll go to Hokkaido first. Given the schedule, it's better to get that one out of the way."
Kuroda
"Understood. I will make the arrangements immediately."
Kuroda bows and leaves.
Present: Inside a car in Sapporo City
Back in the car. Outside the window is a snowy landscape.
Haruka Kamiya
"...So?"
Jun Hojo
"Hmm?"
Haruka Kamiya (Stares intently at Jun) "Who are you having dinner with?"
Jun Hojo
"...The chairman of one of Hokkaido's largest medical corporations."
Haruka Kamiya
"A medical corporation?"
Jun Hojo
"Seigo Shiratori. He's a man with connections in politics, business, and the police."
He hesitates slightly.
Jun Hojo
"...It seems he was also acquainted with my father."
Haruka Kamiya (Her expression tightens for just a moment) "With your father, Jun?"
Jun Hojo
"On the surface, he's a philanthropist. But behind the scenes... well, he's the type who's always surrounded by rumors."
Haruka Kamiya
"In other words..."
She crosses her arms and puts on her police officer face.
Haruka Kamiya
"He's a walking powder keg, isn't he?"
Jun Hojo
"That's about the size of it."
The taxi slowly pulls up in front of the traditional restaurant.
Driver
"We've arrived."
Jun opens the door and stands up.
Jun Hojo
"...I have a bad feeling about this."
Haruka smiles faintly and grabs Jun's sleeve.
Haruka Kamiya
"It's okay. If a beautiful woman shows up, I'll subdue her first."
Jun Hojo
"That's scary in its own way!?"
Restaurant 'Goda-an'
A night with snow falling quietly.
In a prime location in Sapporo, an old-fashioned and imposing gate stands.
Jun and Haruka get out of the car and stand in front of the gate.
Haruka Kamiya (Looks at the nameplate and frowns.)
"This place... I think..."
Jun Hojo (Surprised.)
"Wait, you know this place?"
Haruka Kamiya (As if searching her memory.)
"I've heard of it somewhere."
The gate opens quietly, and a waitress appears.
Waitress (Bows deeply.)
"Mr. Hojo, Ms. Kamiya. We have been expecting you."
Haruka senses a certain "class" in the waitress's movements for a fleeting moment.
Haruka Kamiya (in a low voice)
“...This restaurant isn't just any ordinary place.”
Jun Hojo (replying in a low voice)
“I can tell just by looking. It smells like money.”
Haruka Kamiya (with a deadpan look)
“You can sniff out the ‘scent of a beautiful woman’ too, can't you?”
Jun Hojo
“I cannot!!”
The waitress smiles troubledly as she guides them.
Goda-an - Entrance to Hallway
The hallway is made of polished wood.
A silence that feels like a different world from the damp, snowy outdoors.
Jun feels tense as he senses the presence of other guests through the sliding doors.
Jun Hojo (inner voice)
(...A dinner party for political and business leaders. Everyone gathered here has a ‘face that is a weapon.’)
Haruka looks at Jun's profile.
Goda-an - Main Banquet Hall
The sliding doors open. A large tatami room. A hanging scroll on the wall.
In one corner, there is a hallway leading to a separate room, where a sign for the **“Irori Room”** can be seen.
Jun and Haruka are guided to the seats at the front.
Waitress
“Please, this way.”
The moment they sit on the cushions—the sound of a car from outside.
The entrance area becomes busy.
The sliding doors open—a large man enters. He is Seigo Shiratori (62), the chairman of one of Hokkaido's largest medical corporations.
Expensive suit, intimidating presence. His eyes are not smiling.
Seigo Shiratori
“...Dr. Hojo. Thank you for coming all this way.”
Shiratori puts on a smile, but his eyes are cold.
Standing behind him like a shadow is a man—Yuji Kukita (48). He is Shiratori's secretary.
He is expressionless and doesn't even smile. He simply maintains a ‘perfect distance’ throughout.
Jun stands up and bows.
Jun Hojo
"Chairman. Thank you for inviting me today."
Shiratori looks at Jun as if sizing him up.
Seigo Shiratori
"No, no... despite your youth, Professor, your reputation is already the real deal. I was indebted to your father... Mr. Yutaka Hojo, back in the day, you know?"
Jun's expression stiffens for just a moment.
Jun Hojo
"...I am aware."
Seigo Shiratori
"...He was a remarkable man. To think he would pass away at such a young age."
Haruka steps forward and bows.
Haruka Kamiya
"I am Haruka Kamiya, Superintendent of the First Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Department. I am a childhood friend of Jun's, so please allow me to join you today."
Shiratori looks at Haruka, a faint smile appearing on his face.
Seigo Shiratori
"Oh... so you are the rumored 'female superintendent with a sixth-degree black belt in kendo.' I see, you are quite beautiful as well."
Haruka smiles pleasantly.
Haruka Kamiya(calmly)
"Thank you."
Kukita steps forward and bows deeply.
Yuji Kukita
"I am the secretary, Kukita. I look forward to serving you today."
He is polite like a machine, but there is 'no human warmth' to him. Jun looks at Kukita and feels it intuitively.
Jun Hojo(inner voice)
(...His eyes are dead. This man isn't following his master. He is 'bound' to him.)
Shiratori gestures with his hands to introduce his wife and child.
Seigo Shiratori
"Oh yes, this is my wife, Misako, and my son, Soma."
From the side, the woman in an elegant kimono is his wife, Misako Shiratori (59).
Misako Shiratori
"I am Misako Shiratori. It is a pleasure to meet you today."
A soft smile. However, his eyes look a little tired.
Next, the young man is the eldest son, Soma Shiratori (34). He has well-defined features, but seems somewhat lacking in confidence.
Soma Shiratori
"...I am Soma Shiratori. I work as the secretary-general for a medical corporation. Dr. Hojo, today... I look forward to working with you."
Jun gives a slight bow.
Jun Hojo
"Likewise."
Shiratori places a hand on Soma's shoulder. It is not a touch of "fatherly love," but one of "control."
Seigo Shiratori
"Soma, too, should learn from someone like you."
Soma smiles faintly, but his eyes waver. Jun does not miss that subtle change in expression.
Jun Hojo (Inner voice)
("...The atmosphere in this family is bad. This is the 'scent of a case.'")
At this point, the food begins to be served. The atmosphere is set for the dinner party to begin in earnest.
Seigo Shiratori
"Now, enough with the stiff greetings. Tonight... is a night to welcome the doctor."
As the dishes begin to be laid out and the scene is set, the sliding door opens and a man enters. Yukihisa Minase (46), president of a construction company in Sapporo. He brushes off some snow. His eyes are sharp, and his suit is flashy. He has a "nouveau riche" air about him.
Waitress
"Mr. Minase, you have arrived."
Yukihisa Minase (Bows)
"...I am late."
Shiratori nods with a thin smile.
Seigo Shiratori
"You've come. Sit."
The way he says it is a "command."
Yukihisa Minase (Smiles obsequiously)
"Well, I am honored to be invited by the chairman."
His gaze turns to Jun.
Yukihisa Minase
"...Oh. Could it be Dr. Jun Hojo?"
Jun introduces himself calmly.
Jun Hojo
"I am Jun Hojo. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Jun Hojo(Inner voice)
(This person... his eyes are gleaming. He reeks of money and resentment.)
Shiratori picks up a sake bottle and takes charge of the situation.
Seigo Shiratori
"...Well then. Let us toast to celebrate Professor Hojo's arrival in Hokkaido."
Everyone holds their cups.
Seigo Shiratori
"Cheers."
Everyone
"Cheers."
The cups clink together.
However, the sound is one of "tension" rather than "enjoyment."
The serving of the dishes is finished. Sashimi, crab, seafood soup, and grilled dishes.
Seigo Shiratori
"Goda-an is in a class of its own even in Sapporo. I guarantee the taste."
Jun takes a bite and eats quietly.
Jun Hojo(Whispering)
"...It's delicious."
Haruka reacts immediately.
Haruka Kamiya(Whispering)
"Oh really? You're saying it's 'delicious'? Did you say that for mine too?"
Jun Hojo
"Now is not the time for that battle!!"
Minase says with a laugh.
Yukihisa Minase
"You two get along well, don't you?"
Haruka looks at Minase and narrows her eyes while keeping a smile.
Haruka Kamiya
"Yes. Very much so."
A chill runs down Minase's spine.
For a while, the meal continues.
However, Shiratori has barely touched his drink or his food.
Suddenly, Shiratori's gaze shifts toward the other side of the shoji screen. The garden. The white of the snow. The black of the pines.
There—a figure.
Shiratori's brow furrows.
Seigo Shiratori(in a low voice)
"..."
Shiratori stands up. Even the waitress cannot stop him.
Seigo Shiratori
"Excuse me."
Shiratori slides open the shoji screen and steps out into the garden.
As snow falls in the garden, a man stands before Shiratori, looking slightly downcast.
Seigo Shiratori(with a sigh)
"So you came as well..."
The man slowly lifts his head. It is Seigo Shiratori's younger brother, Masaki Shiratori (55).
Masaki Shiratori
"Brother..."
Shiratori's expression freezes.
Seigo Shiratori(shouting)
"Don't call me brother!!"
The air in the garden seems to tear.
Seigo Shiratori
"I don't want to think of a disgrace to the family like you as my brother! Don't make me say it again!!"
Masaki's shoulders tremble. But he does not talk back.
Masaki Shiratori(gritting his teeth)
"...I'm sorry."
That sight is, conversely, painful to watch.
On the tatami room side. Voices can be heard through the shoji screen.
The room falls silent.
Jun Hojo(in a whisper)
"...Who is that?"
Misako lowers her face and answers with a distant look in her eyes.
Misako Shiratori
"It's my husband's younger brother... Masaki-san."
Misako is composed, but her voice trembles slightly.
Misako Shiratori
"He originally worked at the medical corporation with my husband, but... he was kicked out of the corporation by my husband on suspicion of tax evasion."
She hesitates further.
Misako Shiratori
"Now... I hear he's a section manager at a shipping company..."
Minase scoffs.
Yukihisa Minase
"Tax evasion, huh... He even cuts off his own family. As expected of Chairman Shiratori, he's cold-blooded."
Soma can no longer contain himself and raises his voice for the first time.
Soma Shiratori
"...That's not true!"
Everyone's gaze turns to Soma.
Soma Shiratori (looking frustrated) "My uncle's case... it was a false accusation!"
Soma clenches his fists.
Soma Shiratori
"Father just kicked him out unilaterally... without even listening to his side!!"
Misako gasps softly. Kukita says nothing. Only his eyes flicker slightly.
The shoji screen to the garden opens quietly, and Shiratori returns looking displeased. Masaki's figure has vanished into the depths of the garden. The atmosphere in the tatami room becomes even heavier.
Seigo Shiratori (making no effort to hide his irritation) "...I've wasted time on a ridiculous sideshow."
He sits down and picks up his cup, but does not drink from it.
Soma Shiratori (unable to hold back) "Father... the way you spoke just now..."
Seigo Shiratori (glaring at him) "Shut up."
Soma is left speechless.
Seigo Shiratori
"Do not air our family's dirty laundry in public. Do you intend to become one of them as well?"
Misako draws a short breath.
Misako Shiratori
"...Dear, we have guests today..."
Seigo Shiratori
"You too, Misako. Do not speak when you don't understand anything."
Misako hangs her head.
Shiratori presses his temples.
Seigo Shiratori
"...I have a bit of a headache."
Kukita steps forward smoothly.
Yuji Kukita
"Are you feeling unwell?"
Seigo Shiratori
"...The air here is bad."
He glances around the room and says it as if spitting out the words.
Seigo Shiratori
"I am going to be alone for a while. I will use the hearth room."
Jun reacts to those words immediately.
Jun Hojo
"...The hearth room?"
Seigo Shiratori
"Yes. It is quiet and relaxing."
Yuji Kukita
"Understood. I believe the fire is at just the right level as well."
Shiratori stands up and leaves the tatami room.
Seigo Shiratori (with his back turned) "...Continue with the meal."
Shiratori walks down the corridor leading to the hearth room. Kukita bows and remains in the tatami room.
Shiratori opens the shoji screen.
Hearth room
The fire burns quietly, and a red light illuminates the room. Shiratori sits down heavily.
Seigo Shiratori (to himself)
"...Foolish people."
He picks up the fire tongs and lightly pokes the charcoal in the hearth.
At that moment, invisible smoke drifts up.
Seigo Shiratori
"...?"
Shiratori coughs.
Seigo Shiratori
"...!"
He covers his mouth with his hand. His breathing becomes labored.
Seigo Shiratori
"Gah...!"
He tries to stand up, but his knees give way. He collapses in front of the hearth.
Tatami Room
The meal continues, but the atmosphere is heavy.
Yukihisa Minase (while drinking sake)
"Well... Chairman Shiratori is getting on in years, isn't he?"
Soma Shiratori
"...My father is stronger than he looks."
Haruka suddenly checks the time.
Haruka Kamiya (whispering)
"...Isn't he late?"
Jun Hojo
"Indeed."
Jun calls out to the waitress.
Jun Hojo
"The chairman went to the hearth room, but shouldn't he be back by now?"
Waitress (hesitates for a moment)
"...I will go check."
The waitress opens the shoji screen to the hearth room.
Waitress
"Mr. Shiratori--"
The waitress's face turns pale.
Waitress
"...Eek!!"
Hearing the scream, everyone stands up.
Jun Hojo
"...!"
When they go to the hearth room... Shiratori is collapsed in front of the hearth.
Haruka Kamiya (rushing over immediately) "Everyone, stand back!!"
Haruka checks his pulse.
Haruka Kamiya (in a low voice) "...There is no pulse."
The room freezes.
Soma Shiratori
"...Father?"
Misako collapses.
Misako Shiratori
"...Dear...?"
Minase gasps.
Yukihisa Minase
"...Is he... dead?"
Jun quietly observes the positional relationship between the hearth and Shiratori. He examines everything in detail, from the fire tongs and charcoal to the lingering scent of smoke.
Jun Hojo (inner voice) (...Immediately after entering the hearth room. There are no signs of a struggle.)
Jun whispers softly.
Jun Hojo
"...He was murdered."
Everyone looks at Jun.
Haruka Kamiya
"Jun...?"
Jun Hojo (quietly)
"This is neither an accident nor a sudden illness... it is clearly murder."
The fire in the hearth flickers quietly.
Haruka takes out her smartphone.
Haruka Kamiya
"I'm contacting the Hokkaido Prefectural Police... please preserve the scene until the police arrive."
Jun looks down at Shiratori's body.
Jun Hojo (inner voice)
(Everyone here has a motive. But—the culprit is... 'not here.')
A few minutes later, several police cars pull up in front of Goda-an, and investigators move busily.
A sturdily built man enters the tatami room. Taketo Goda (30), an administrator from the First Investigation Division of the Hokkaido Prefectural Police.
Taketo Goda
"I am Goda from the Hokkaido Prefectural Police. Please do not touch the body to preserve the scene."
His voice is low and resonant. In an instant, the atmosphere of the room shifts into 'investigation mode.'
Goda checks the body in the hearth room and looks up.
Goda suddenly notices Haruka. He narrows his eyes for a few seconds—
Taketo Goda
"...Hmm?"
Haruka notices too.
Haruka Kamiya
"...Goda-kun?"
The next moment—
Taketo Goda (in his natural voice)
"Kamiya!? Why are you here!?"
For a moment, the tension at the scene eases.
Haruka Kamiya
"I came along to a dinner party for a childhood friend, and that's when I stumbled upon the case."
Taketo Goda
"Ah, that novelist teacher you mentioned?"
Jun steps forward.
Jun Hojo
"...Do you know each other?"
Haruka Kamiya
"My classmate. From the Police Academy."
Jun Hojo
"...A classmate?"
Goda straightens his posture and takes out his police badge.
Taketo Goda
"Once again."
He opens his police badge to introduce himself.
Taketo Goda
"I am Taketo Goda, Superintendent of the First Investigation Division of the Hokkaido Prefectural Police. I have heard many rumors about you, Mr. Hojo."
Jun Hojo
"...You knew of me?"
Taketo Goda
"Of course. There isn't a person in the police world who doesn't know you, sir."
Jun gives a slight, bitter smile.
Goda lets out a deep sigh.
Taketo Goda
"Still, this is the worst..."
Looking at the hearth room—
Taketo Goda
"A murder case at my family's traditional restaurant."
Haruka crosses her arms and says as if she just remembered.
Haruka Kamiya
"...Come to think of it, you were the son of this place, weren't you?"
Taketo Goda
"I wish you had forgotten that!!"
The investigators laugh involuntarily.
Jun watches the two of them and thinks to himself.
Jun Hojo (Inner voice)
(...Why are all of Haruka's classmates from such wealthy families?)
A "classmate list" appears in his mind.
《Jun's Mental Classmate List》
Haruka: Daughter of a tea ceremony grandmaster
Aya: Daughter of the Yokohama hotel tycoon
Soma Jingu: Second son of a shrine family
Ryosei Kusaka: Son of a Chiba prefectural assembly member
Miyuki: Daughter of a large food chain owner
Masanaga Oda: Son of a martial arts grandmaster
Taketo Goda: Son of a high-end Sapporo restaurant owner
Jun Hojo(Inner voice)
(What kind of 'upper-class elite' grade is this... Oh, I guess I'm technically an upper-class elite too)
Goda tightens his expression.
Taketo Goda
"...Now then"
He gives instructions to the investigators.
Taketo Goda
"Call forensics. Have them investigate the area around the hearth, especially the tools, thoroughly."
Haruka steps forward.
Haruka Kamiya
"Goda-kun. This is not a 'normal case'."
Taketo Goda
"...Yeah."
Goda looks at Jun.
Taketo Goda
"Hojo-sensei... can you lend us your strength?"
Jun Hojo(Quietly)
"Of course."
The fire in the hearth crackles.
Shiratori's body is covered with a blue tarp, and the area is cordoned off.
Forensics are collecting samples of the tools, ash, and floor.
Jun watches the whole scene quietly from a step back.
Jun Hojo(Inner voice)
(The hearth room. The way the body fell. The position of the fire tongs. The way the ash is scattered... What happened here?)
Jun's gaze slides from the hearth to the ceiling, to the shoji screen, and then to the floor.
Breaking through the flow of investigators, a rugged man enters. Hokkaido Prefectural Police Inspector, Tatsuya Ishizaki (52).
Tatsuya Ishizaki
"Goda."
Goda reacts immediately.
Taketo Goda
"Inspector Ishizaki. Did something come up?"
Ishizaki hands him a piece of paper.
Tatsuya Ishizaki
"The results just came back from forensics."
Goda takes it and scans it with his eyes.
Goda's expression slowly twists.
Taketo Goda
"...No... poison reaction, huh."
Goda says, suppressing his irritation.
Taketo Goda
"...No. Even so, the way they died is unnatural. Can someone really die this 'conveniently'...?"
Goda clenches his fist.
At that moment, a relaxed voice interjects. Hokkaido Prefectural Police Assistant Inspector, Wataru Sagae (43).
Wataru Sagae
"Now, now, Goda."
Goda looks up.
Wataru Sagae
"Let's take a deep breath for a moment."
The atmosphere in the room softens slightly.
Goda lets out a breath.
Taketo Goda
"...Sagae-san... thank you."
Wataru Sagae(Gently)
"Yeah. Getting impatient won't produce any more evidence, you know."
Ishizaki nods slightly.
Tatsuya Ishizaki
"Sagae is right. The crime scene will tell us 'what happened here.'"
Haruka watches the exchange from a short distance away.
Haruka Kamiya (Inner voice)
(Goda-kun being encouraged like that by his older subordinate...)
The faces of Shibata and Seo naturally come to mind.
Haruka Kamiya (Inner voice)
(I guess I'm encouraged by Shibata-san and Seo-san just like that too~)
Her mouth relaxes slightly. However, the next moment, her face tightens.
Haruka Kamiya (Inner voice)
(...This is no time to be smiling. This is a murder scene.)
Jun's eyes narrow.
Jun Hojo (Inner voice)
(No external injuries, and no reaction to poison...? Then it wasn't 'poison ingested through the mouth'.)
In Jun's mind, a single line connects.
Jun mutters to himself.
Jun Hojo
"...I see."
Haruka notices and turns around.
Haruka Kamiya
"Jun?"
Goda also reacts.
Taketo Goda
"Hojo-sensei... did you figure something out?"
Jun says in a low voice, still staring at the hearth.
Jun Hojo
"...It's only natural that there's no reaction to poison."
Everyone gasps.
Jun Hojo
"This case—they weren't killed by 'making them drink' something."
Jun points to the ceiling.
Jun Hojo
"...I made them inhale it."
Goda is speechless.
Taketo Goda
"...Made them inhale it?"
The fire in the hearth crackles. Jun points to the position of the fire tongs and ash near the hearth.
Jun Hojo
"First, as a premise..."
He shifts his gaze to the fire in the hearth.
Jun Hojo
"This is the 'hearth room.' As long as there is a fire, there will be smoke. Even if it's a trace amount, it's certain."
As if tracing the flow of air with his finger.
Jun Hojo
"Smoke rises upward. But... the shoji screen in this room is open just a little."
Cold air enters through the gap in the shoji. The fire flickers.
Jun Hojo
"When cold air comes in, the smoke flows in a certain direction. In other words—it tends to pool at 'human face height.'"
Taketo Goda(Seriously)
"...Face height."
Jun Hojo
"If you were to 'make them drink' poison, there would be a reaction in the food or alcohol. But the forensics team found no poison reaction. If so, the poison didn't enter through the mouth... it's highly likely it entered through respiration."
A quiet pause.
Jun Hojo
"In other words, this is—a murder by **inhalation poison**."
Goda gasps sharply.
Taketo Goda
"...You killed them by making them inhale it...?"
Jun Hojo
"Yes."
Goda turns around immediately.
Taketo Goda
"Arai!"
A female detective comes flying in. Yukari Arai (26), a police sergeant with the Hokkaido Prefectural Police.
Yukari Arai
"Yes!"
Taketo Goda
"Take note of what I just said."
Yukari Arai
"Yes. (scribble scribble scribble scribble)"
Her note-taking speed is abnormally fast. Jun involuntarily glances over at her.
Jun Hojo
"...This detective is incredibly fast at taking notes..."
Goda says with a hint of pride.
Taketo Goda
"There aren't many in the Hokkaido Prefectural Police who can take notes as fast as she does."
Arai continues to take notes calmly without even looking up.
Yukari Arai
"(scribble scribble) ...hearth... smoke... face height... inhaled poison... (scribble)"
Jun is slightly taken aback.
Jun Hojo (Inner voice) (...That's handwriting, not typing, right?)
Jun brings the conversation back.
Jun Hojo
"There are two main ways to set up an inhaled poison."
He holds up a finger.
Jun Hojo
"One is to fill the entire room with it. However, that would affect the people around as well."
Haruka nods.
Haruka Kamiya
"...The dinner party was in a separate room. Only the victim died. Filling the whole room would be unnatural."
Jun Hojo
"Exactly. So the other way is—to plant a **poison core** in the hearth tools or near the charcoal, causing the poison to vaporize when the victim touches or gets close to it."
Arai's note-taking accelerates even further.
Yukari Arai
“(scribble scribble scribble scribble) Poison core... hearth tools... victim can get close to... (scribble)”
Goda immediately issues instructions.
Taketo Goda
“Forensics! Collect all the hearth tools! The fire tongs, the ash, the charcoal, the floor plate, everything!”
Tatsuya Ishizaki(low voice)
“We’ve finally found our path.”
Wataru Sagae(calmly)
“Yeah, with this, the ‘accident’ theory is off the table.”
Jun Hojo
“The culprit behind this case is—”
Jun says slowly.
Jun Hojo
“Someone who knew the victim was going to the hearth room. And... someone who could touch the hearth tools.”
Haruka narrows her eyes.
Haruka Kamiya(inner voice)
(...If the decision to go to the hearth room was sudden, then only a limited number of people could have known.)
Forensics officers collect the hearth tools one after another. Goda takes command while sharply surveying the scene.
Taketo Goda
“Alright... for this case, we’re changing our defensive positions.”
The investigators look puzzled for a moment.
Taketo Goda(continuing without noticing)
“We’ve only been looking at the infield, but this is an outfield hit. Broaden your field of vision! Change your ‘pitching strategy’ too!”
Ishizaki quietly narrows his eyes.
Tatsuya Ishizaki(whispering)
“...There it is.”
Sagae laughs leisurely.
Wataru Sagae
“Goda-kun, your baseball habits are showing again.”
Goda suddenly snaps back to reality.
Taketo Goda
“Ah... damn it. I did it again.”
Haruka explains in a low voice to Jun.
Haruka Kamiya
"He used to be a Koshien baseball player, you know."
Jun Hojo (surprised) "Koshien...?"
Haruka Kamiya
"Yeah. Representing Hokkaido."
Goda overhears this and scratches his head, looking embarrassed.
Taketo Goda
"Hey, Kamiya! Don't go sharing unnecessary profile details!"
Haruka Kamiya (with a cool expression) "It's not unnecessary. It's an explanation of your 'investigative habits.'"
Goda groans in frustration.
Jun looks at Goda's physique. Shoulders, chest, arms. It's obvious even through his suit.
Jun Hojo (inner voice) (No wonder he's so well-built...)
Goda tightens his expression and raises his voice.
Taketo Goda
"Alright! Next is the 'at-bat'—gather all the suspects!"
Haruka immediately retorts.
Haruka Kamiya
"More baseball terms!"
Taketo Goda
"Tch...!"
Jun almost chuckles but immediately returns to a serious face.
Jun Hojo
"...Well then, shall we hear from the people who were present here?"
Goda-an - Great Hall
A police cordon is set up, and the atmosphere is tense. The suspects are lined up in the center of the tatami room.
Goda steps forward.
Taketo Goda
"This is Goda from the Hokkaido Prefectural Police First Investigation Division."
He surveys everyone with a sharp gaze.
Taketo Goda
"Mr. Seigo Shiratori has been confirmed dead in the 'Irori Room' just moments ago. At this point, whether it is an accident or a crime is—"
Jun says quietly.
Jun Hojo
"It is a crime."
Everyone looks at Jun.
Taketo Goda
"We will now begin questioning everyone. Please answer the questions accurately."
Arai readies her pen.
Taketo Goda
"Let me confirm. What time did Chairman Shiratori head to the Irori Room?"
Kukita answers immediately.
Yuji Kukita
"Around 20:31. The professor said he 'wanted to be alone for a while.'"
Arai takes notes at lightning speed.
Yukari Arai
"(scribble scribble scribble) Around 20:31... Irori Room..."
Taketo Goda
"And the discovery?"
Waitress (Witness) "Around 20:38..."
Taketo Goda
"In other words, within seven minutes. What happened in this short time is crucial."
From here, individual questioning begins.
Taketo Goda
"Mrs. Misako Shiratori. Where were you between 20:31 and 20:38?"
Misako Shiratori (Trembling voice) "...I was in the tatami room. With the landlady... having some sake..."
The landlady nods.
Landlady
"The lady has not left her seat. Her obi had come undone slightly, so I fixed it for her."
Goda turns his gaze toward Soma.
Taketo Goda
"Eldest son, Soma Shiratori. And you?"
Soma Shiratori (looking frustrated)
"...I was in the banquet room too. Even after my father left, I stayed here the whole time..."
Goda turns his gaze toward Kukita.
Taketo Goda
"Secretary Kukita. And you?"
Kukita answers with an expressionless face.
Yuji Kukita
"I was at the dinner party. After the professor left his seat, I contacted the restaurant staff and then made calls to various places--"
He smoothly takes out his notebook.
Yuji Kukita
"I also have call records."
Arai speeds up again.
Yukari Arai
"(scribble scribble scribble scribble) Secretary... call records... dinner party venue..."
Minase smirks.
Yukihisa Minase
"So the secretary is 'perfect,' is he? As expected of Chairman Shiratori's dog."
Taketo Goda
"What about you, President Minase? Where were you during that time?"
Yukihisa Minase (shrugging)
"I was in the restroom. The alcohol had gone to my head, so I got up at 8:31 PM and returned around 8:38 PM."
The police look at Minase.
Yukihisa Minase
"But it wasn't me... I was throwing up in the restroom."
Ishizaki says in a low voice.
Tatsuya Ishizaki
"Proof?"
Minase takes a medicine bag out of his pocket.
Yukihisa Minase
"Medicine for my stomach ulcer. See? I got it at the hospital."
Jun looks at it and says nothing.
Jun Hojo (Inner voice)
(This man is shady. But it doesn't fit the 'modus operandi' of this case.)
Masaki keeps his head down.
Taketo Goda
"Masaki Shiratori, the younger brother. Where were you and what were you doing?"
Masaki Shiratori
"...I was in the tatami room."
Minase laughs.
Yukihisa Minase
"That sounds like a lie. You were in the garden just a moment ago, weren't you?"
Masaki's fists tremble.
Masaki Shiratori
"...I was in the garden because I was 'called'."
Jun says quietly.
Jun Hojo
"Called?"
Masaki Shiratori
"My brother... found me... that's all."
Goda confirms.
Taketo Goda
"What time were you in the garden?"
Masaki Shiratori
"...For a while starting around 8:20 PM. I returned to the tatami room before Shiratori went to the hearth room."
The landlady nods slightly.
Landlady
"Mr. Masaki did return to the tatami room once."
Minase suddenly says in a provocative tone.
Yukihisa Minase
"Well, who is the most suspicious? A 'younger brother driven out by a false accusation' kills his older brother. It's a perfect story, isn't it?"
Masaki does not look up, but his eyes are burning.
Masaki Shiratori
"Ugh...!!"
Minase laughs.
Yukihisa Minase
"Oh, did I make you angry? But come on, your brother ruined your life, didn't he? You wanted to kill him, didn't you?"
Misako interrupts, trembling.
Misako Shiratori
"Please, stop it...!"
Soma also cannot bear it anymore...
Soma Shiratori
"Don't talk about my uncle like that!"
At that moment, the situation completely falls apart.
Amidst the commotion, only Jun quietly watches Kukita.
Kukita makes no attempt to stop the noise. He is simply 'listening' with an expressionless face.
Jun Hojo (Inner voice) (That secretary is perfect. A too-perfect alibi... but)
The fire in the hearth comes to mind.
Jun Hojo (Inner voice) (If it was an 'inhalation poison,' there would be no need to go to the scene... and one more thing... who was it that knew the victim would go to the hearth room?)
Goda-an Hearth Room
The collective questioning ends, and the suspects head to a separate room for the time being.
In front of the hearth.
The fire has been put out, and the charcoal is half-turned white.
The forensics team is lining up the hearth tools.
Forensics
"Here is the complete set of tools from around the hearth. Fire tongs, ash rake, base plate, charcoal..."
Jun watches them silently from a short distance away.
Jun's gaze stops—on the fire tongs.
Wooden handle. Metal tip. Compared to the other tools, they are 'well-worn'.
Jun Hojo(Inner voice)
(...Only the fire tongs are in a strange position.)
Jun crouches down and compares the position where Shiratori collapsed with the location of the fire tongs.
Jun Hojo(Inner voice)
(Judging from where he fell... he picked up the fire tongs 'himself'.)
Jun stares at the handle of the fire tongs. There is a very slight 'uneven burn' on the surface.
Jun Hojo(Inner voice)
(...This way of burning.)
He looks at the other wooden tools. The ash rake, the floor plate—they have burns, but they are uniform. Only the fire tongs are different.
Jun Hojo(Inner voice)
(It's not a burn from being stuck directly into the fire... it's a burn that 'heated up from the inside'.)
Goda approaches.
Taketo Goda
"Mr. Hojo, did you find something?"
Jun points to the fire tongs.
Jun Hojo
"These fire tongs... Chairman Shiratori touched them first when he entered the hearth room."
Taketo Goda
"Eh?"
Jun Hojo
"Dominant people have a habit of 'making the space their own'."
He mimics the gesture of picking up the fire tongs.
Jun Hojo
"Adjusting the heat. Moving the charcoal... these fire tongs are the tool for that."
Goda gasps.
Taketo Goda
"...In other words."
Jun Hojo
"The culprit knew that 'the victim would touch these fire tongs'."
Haruka crosses her arms.
Haruka Kamiya
"Then the murder weapon is..."
Jun states the conclusion quietly.
Jun Hojo
"It's these fire tongs."
Goda's eyes widen.
Taketo Goda
"...The fire tongs are the murder weapon?"
Jun Hojo
"Yes. The poison wasn't in the 'charcoal' or the 'room'... it was hidden inside the handle of the fire tongs."
Arai writes with a trembling hand, yet at lightning speed.
Yukari Arai
"(scribble scribble scribble scribble) Fire tongs = murder weapon... inside the handle... the victim touched it themselves... (scribble scribble)"
Goda commands in a low voice.
Taketo Goda
"Forensics. Dismantle the fire tongs. Examine the inside thoroughly."
Forensics
"Understood!"
Forensics Room (Goda's Residence - Temporary Forensics Space)
A room in Goda's residence has been turned into a temporary forensics space. Fire tongs, tools, reagents, and lights are placed on the desk.
The forensics officer carefully secures the fire tongs.
Forensics
"...Opening the handle part."
A small creaking sound.
The wooden grip is disassembled.
From inside—a thin piece of cloth is found. It is blackened.
Forensics
"...There is something inside."
Goda leans forward.
Taketo Goda
"Is that the 'core'?"
Forensics
"It's cloth. There are traces of a chemical agent soaked into it."
Haruka's eyes sharpen.
Haruka Kamiya
"The cause of the uneven burning..."
The forensics team collects the cloth and performs a reaction test.
Forensics
"...Reaction detected."
Goda gasps.
Forensics
"A volatile poison—a trace amount. It's the type that vaporizes with combustion heat."
Arai takes notes at high speed.
Yukari Arai
"(scribble scribble scribble scribble) Inside the fire tongs... cloth... chemical... volatile poison..."
Jun nods quietly.
Jun Hojo
"...I knew it."
Goda steps forward and raises his voice.
Taketo Goda
"Mr. Ishizaki, please gather all the suspects again."
Tatsuya Ishizaki
"Understood."
Taketo Goda
"This time, we will narrow it down focusing on the 'hearth tools'... these fire tongs are the murder weapon."
Sagae says calmly.
Wataru Sagae
"Not by assumption, but by evidence, right?"
Goda nods.
Great Hall
The five suspects are lined up again. Goda places the fire tongs on the table while they are still in the evidence bag.
Taketo Goda
"Ahem, everyone. The murder weapon used to kill Chairman Shiratori in the hearth room has been identified."
Everyone begins to murmur.
Yukihisa Minase
"Huh? The murder weapon already?"
Taketo Goda
"...It is this."
He points to the fire tongs.
Misako Shiratori
"Fire tongs...?"
Soma Shiratori
"With something like that...?"
Masaki Shiratori(in a low voice)
"...An irori tool, huh."
Only Kukita says nothing.
Taketo Goda
"From here on... I ask that you explain, Hojo-sensei."
Jun steps forward. The room falls silent.
Jun Hojo
"Everyone. First, let me confirm."
Jun looks at the fire tongs.
Jun Hojo
"Chairman Shiratori was left alone in the irori room."
Everyone nods.
Jun Hojo
"There are no signs of a struggle. No toxic reaction in the food or the sake. No injection marks either."
Minase interjects.
Yukihisa Minase
"Then it was death by natural causes, right?"
Jun answers immediately.
Jun Hojo
"No, it wasn't."
The tension in the room spikes.
Jun Hojo
"The chairman was killed by inhaled poison."
Misako covers her face.
Misako Shiratori
...That's impossible...
Jun lowers his gaze to the tatami mat and speaks quietly.
Jun Hojo
There are conditions for an inhalation poison to be effective.
He holds up a finger.
Jun Hojo
The victim must be the only one to inhale it, and the concentration must be high enough to cause death in a short time. The only place that meets these conditions is the hearth room.
Haruka Kamiya(Supplement)
The smoke from the hearth collects at face level. Wind was also coming in through the gaps in the shoji screens.
Goda nods.
Taketo Goda
I have also confirmed the direction the smoke flows.
Minase laughs.
Yukihisa Minase
So? What does the poison have to do with the fire tongs?
Jun declares.
Jun Hojo
The poison was planted in the fire tongs.
A forensics officer steps forward.
Forensics
A cloth soaked in chemicals was discovered inside the handle of the fire tongs.
Evidence photos are presented.
Soma Shiratori
...Inside the handle...?
Misako Shiratori
That's... who could have...?
Jun declares.
Jun Hojo
Chairman Shiratori used the fire tongs at the hearth. At that moment, the poison vaporized and he inhaled it along with the smoke.
Jun looks at the suspects.
Jun Hojo
"So, who is the culprit..."
He says slowly.
Jun Hojo
"The culprit 'had no need to go to the hearth room.' Conversely, the person who didn't go to the scene is the most suspicious."
Jun's gaze settles on Kukita.
Jun says quietly.
Jun Hojo
"Secretary Kukita."
Kukita looks up.
Yuji Kukita
"..."
Jun Hojo
"You said this, didn't you? 'I believe the fire is just right.'"
Kukita's eyebrows move slightly.
Jun Hojo
"How could you know that?"
The room goes still.
Jun Hojo
"The chairman suddenly decided to go to the hearth room. Yet, you knew the 'state of the fire.'"
Kukita answers calmly.
Yuji Kukita
"...I am a secretary. It is my job to make preparations."
Jun shakes his head.
Jun Hojo
"No, it is impossible to know the state of the fire in advance."
His voice becomes sharp.
Jun Hojo
"The cloth planted in the fire tongs had been there 'since before the dinner party.'"
The forensics expert adds.
Forensics
"The cloth is old and shows signs of dampness; it was not placed there just recently."
Kukita's eyes waver slightly.
Jun turns to face all the suspects.
Jun Hojo
"The Chairman going to the hearth room was no coincidence."
Soma is surprised.
Soma Shiratori
"...Huh?"
Jun Hojo
"The culprit 'made' him go. There are only a limited number of people in a position to urge him to go to the hearth room. In other words, the culprit is..."
Jun declares to Kukita.
Jun Hojo
"Yuji Kukita. It can only be you."
Kukita is silent for a few seconds, and then—he laughs. It was a dry laugh.
Yuji Kukita
"...Haha."
Misako trembles.
Misako Shiratori
"Mr. Kukita...?"
Kukita looks up. For the first time, his eyes have life in them.
Yuji Kukita
"...As expected of Mr. Hojo."
Kukita's tone changes. It is quiet and cold.
Yuji Kukita
"The Chairman said it."
He speaks as if recalling a memory.
Yuji Kukita
"'I'll pin all the responsibility for the slush fund on you. I'm going to get away with it.'"
Soma shouts.
Soma Shiratori
"That's a lie!! My father would never—"
Kukita raises his voice.
Yuji Kukita
"I told you!!"
Soma is speechless.
Kukita's voice trembles.
Yuji Kukita
"I have... for years and years... done the dirty work for that person."
He clenches his fists.
Yuji Kukita
"...If I was going to be discarded in the end, I had no choice but to kill that person to protect my own life."
No tears fall. Only his eyes are red.
Goda takes out his handcuffs.
Taketo Goda
"Please accompany me to the station."
Kukita quietly holds out his hands.
Yuji Kukita
"...Go ahead."
Click.
Haruka lowers her eyes.
Haruka Kamiya (Inner voice)
(Another piece of the 'darkness of power' has fallen.)
Kukita is led away.
Jun mutters to himself.
Jun Hojo
"...The end is anticlimactic."
Goda says with a bitter expression.
Taketo Goda
"My restaurant, too... this is the worst."
Haruka Kamiya
"...The responsibility lies with the culprit who caused the incident. Not with you."
Goda nods as if slightly relieved.
Next morning, inside a car in Sapporo
Morning in Sapporo. A car drives along a road with thin patches of snow remaining. Goda is in the driver's seat, with Jun and Haruka in the back.
The car is quiet, but the lingering effects of last night's incident remain.
Taketo Goda
“Sensei, once again... thank you for last night.”
Goda looks at Jun through the rearview mirror.
Taketo Goda
“...Were you able to sleep well?”
Jun Hojo
“Yes... somehow. More importantly, thank you for the ride despite your busy schedule.”
Taketo Goda
“Not at all. It’s a token of my gratitude for solving the case.”
Jun Hojo
“There’s no need for such thanks...”
Silence.
Jun lowers his eyes as if reflecting.
Jun Hojo(Inner voice)
(The more someone is a 'perfect servant,' the more they break when pushed into a corner... It’s ironic.)
Goda continues in a serious voice.
Taketo Goda
“For such an incident to happen at my family’s restaurant... honestly, it was tough both as a police officer and as a son.”
He grips the steering wheel tightly.
Taketo Goda
“...But, I was able to avoid looking away from the truth.”
Goda looks at Jun.
Taketo Goda
“That is thanks to you, Hojo-sensei.”
Jun Hojo
“...No. I just did what needed to be done.”
Haruka says from the side.
Haruka Kamiya
“Besides, the initial response by the Hokkaido Prefectural Police was also excellent.”
Taketo Goda(looking embarrassed)
"Being praised by Kamiya is... somehow annoying."
Haruka Kamiya
"How rude."
Jun smiles slightly.
Taketo Goda
"By the way, regarding President Minase, we found out he had been receiving hospital funds from Chairman Shiratori, so we arrested him for corruption."
Jun Hojo
"I thought there was something shady about him... So that's why the two of you framed Masaki for tax evasion."
Taketo Goda
"Yes. He is currently being interrogated by the Second Division."
As they are talking about this, the car approaches the airport.
Taketo Goda
"...Oh, that's right, Sensei."
Jun Hojo
"Yes?"
Taketo Goda
"Please come eat at Goda-an again."
Goda says, looking slightly proud through the rearview mirror.
Taketo Goda
"I do have a chef's license, after all. Next time, without any cases, I'll pull out all the stops to cook for you."
Jun Hojo
"Thank you. I would love to when that time comes."
Haruka Kamiya
"...When that time comes, I'd like to come for a 'date' instead of an 'investigation'."
Goda bursts out laughing.
Taketo Goda
"Haha! Kamiya, you're as pushy as ever!"
Jun Hojo
"Stop it, you'll cause a strange misunderstanding!"
New Chitose Airport
The car stops in front of the airport.
Goda opens the trunk.
Taketo Goda
"You're heading to Fukuoka, right... Things seem fishy over there, too."
Jun Hojo
"Yes. The 'Western Dinner Party' awaits."
Taketo Goda
"I wish you safety."
Goda salutes.
Taketo Goda
"Not as a member of the Hokkaido Prefectural Police, but as a fellow professional. You too, Kamiya."
Haruka Kamiya
"Thank you."
Jun and Haruka enter the airport.
In front of the boarding gate
An announcement for the flight to Fukuoka plays.
Announcement
"Flight XX to Fukuoka, boarding will begin shortly."
Jun checks his boarding pass.
Jun Hojo
"...Shall we go?"
Haruka Kamiya
"Yes."
As they walk, Haruka says quietly.
Haruka Kamiya
"Hokkaido was cold, wasn't it?"
Jun Hojo
"The case was, too."
Silence.
Haruka Kamiya
"...But."
Haruka looks at Jun.
Haruka Kamiya
"If you're with me, it'll be fine."
Jun Hojo
"...Isn't it the other way around?"
Haruka grins.
Haruka Kamiya
"We're even, aren't we?"
The two enter the boarding gate.
An airplane window. The aircraft ascends above the clouds.
Jun Hojo(Inner voice)
(Next is Fukuoka...)
What comes to mind are a trading company, slush funds, and the "air of the West."
Jun Hojo(Inner voice)
(--This is going to be another troublesome case.)
Episode 15 End