That Old Unlucky Fool

"But, Manager..."

Juzo Megure wanted to say something more, but before he could finish, Fujino interrupted him, "Alright, Inspector Megure, there are no leads to be found if we continue the investigation now. Once Officer Takagi gets the information, everything will be clear. I share the same thought as Manager Matsumoto: it's better to call it a day."

Matsumoto Kiyochika's implication was that this case needed to be handled discreetly.

In Japan, the public outcry is particularly strong when it comes to women.

Moreover, it now involves murder.

After the excited reporters broke through the cordon, they discovered that the murderer had not yet been caught.

Then all the blame would fall on the police!

This is an outcome that neither Matsumoto nor the higher-ups at the Metropolitan Police Department wanted to see.

Unfortunately, the police aren't always able to uphold justice.

Before upholding moral justice, they must consider the impact on the general public.

Secondly, there is the so-called law that is being upheld.

Secondly, there is procedural justice, which has been distorted.

"Yes, Inspector Megure, let's call it a day."

Sato Miwako, having been a police officer for several years, knew this too. She chuckled and walked over, jokingly saying, "At worst, I'll just paint myself black next time and go for a drive."

"Didn't I already say that?!"

Juzo Megure suddenly became agitated, "Don't use bait to lure that guy out anymore!"

Sato Miwako was stunned, clearly frightened by him.

In her memory, Inspector Megure rarely lost his temper.

Even if he gets angry, he won't get angry at his subordinates.

"Inspector Megure."

Fujino glanced around and whispered a reminder: "There are still people around."

The shout from the police officer at the scene clearly attracted the attention of the onlookers.

At this moment, their gazes were focused on Juzo Megure, and they seemed very curious.

"Feel sorry..."

Juzo Megure realized he had indeed been too excited and sighed softly.

This case is too similar to the one from back then.

Especially cars.

The reason for not letting Sato Miwako continue was also because they were worried that Sato Miwako would suffer the same injury as before, when she was injured while luring criminals out.

However, he had no intention of considering the masses or the impact.

Turning his head, he firmly pleaded with Matsumoto Kiyochika, "Manager, I feel that the culprit is still in this mall. If we don't find clues and catch that guy quickly, I'm afraid more people will be attacked."

I think so too.

Seeing that Fujino Juzo Megure was so determined, Fujino naturally didn't want to embarrass his older brother.

He agreed, saying, "I trust Megure Megure's judgment, and I also think that the suspect might still be in this mall. Who knows, we might catch him in a little while."

"Yes, that's what I think too."

Juzo Megure nodded, then said seriously to Matsumoto Kiyochika, "Officer, please allow us to continue the search. At least wait until Takagi receives a reply."

"Since you two have both said so... it doesn't matter if we continue the investigation."

Seeing that his two good buddies had said so, Matsumoto Kiyochika naturally didn't say anything more and agreed.

He didn't come here to give guidance on the case.

Normally, officers of his rank are only deployed in cases involving extremely serious crimes.

This case was brought to the attention of the administrator because of its negative impact.

However, he quickly changed his expression and looked at Juzo Megure with a serious expression. "Speaking of which, Megure, are you... suffering from the aftereffects of that case from back then?"

Juzo Megure was slightly taken aback.

Clearly, Matsumoto had seen through his thoughts.

After a brief silence, he rubbed his head and shook his head. "I've actually let go of that matter a long time ago."

Upon hearing this, the people around him frowned and looked at Juzo Megure.

Clearly, he was curious about what Matsumoto Kiyochika had just mentioned.

But since it's their privacy, they couldn't very well go up and ask them anything.

"Um, Uncle Mori."

Sonoko, carrying shopping bags, suddenly spoke up, sounding a little embarrassed. "It looks like we'll be staying here for a while. I'd like to put my things in the car. Could you give me the car keys?"

Mori Kogoro took the car keys out of his pocket and handed them to Sonoko.

He raised his wrist and glanced at the time on his watch. "Come back early, the mall is about to close, and it would be troublesome if we got stuck inside."

Ran handed the shopping bag to Sonoko, saying, "I'd also like to trouble you with this."

"No problem!"

Sonoko took the car keys, gave a cheerful reply, and turned to leave.

Among the surrounding crowd, a hostile gaze was cast toward the Sonoko in the direction it had left.

The gaze belonged to the guard Kiyofumi Jin.

He hadn't heard what Sonoko said.

All I saw was the little girl taking the car keys from the older man's hand.

Subconsciously, he realized that the girl might want to drive.

His gaze then fell on the high-soled shoes Sonoko was wearing.

A glint of ill intent flashed in his eyes.

'Want to make a move?'

Fujino also noticed the unusual expression on Kiyofumi Jin's face.

At a glance, he could tell that some unlucky guy had been targeted again.

Looking back at Sonoko's retreating figure, Fujino pondered for a moment.

Turning back, he whispered to Juzo Megure, "Inspector Megure, I'll be leaving for a bit. It's been almost a day, and it seems like Takagi's side still hasn't come to a result. I'm going to the restroom."

"You go ahead, Fujino, I'll take care of things."

Juzo Megure nodded, though he also wanted to make an excuse to pee.

The case is still unsolved, and as the person in charge of the on-site investigation, he also has to oversee the overall situation, so he simply cannot go.

The restrooms in the shopping mall.

Fujino pushed aside the "Under Repair" sign at the bathroom door, moved it back, walked straight in, and plopped down on the toilet in the stall.

"That unlucky Sonoko, how come she always gets attacked..."

Fujino sighed softly and pinched the bridge of her nose.

But thinking about it, it makes sense. After all, it's not easy to kidnap anyone in such a large group.

Needless to say, Conan would have been kicked to death with a single soccer shoe.

Ran... although her combat strength is inconsistent, she is still a humanoid battle girl after all.

Kidnapping her?

They'd probably be killed outright.

As for Uncle Mori... needless to say, one over-the-shoulder throw would take down a whole bunch of people.

He's about the same. If anyone dares to lay a hand on him, the grass on his grave will probably grow three meters tall by next year.

Only the little unlucky one, Sonoko, is left.

Pulling himself out of his thoughts, Fujino took out his Wooden Sword from his Pocket Dimension, his eyes narrowing slightly.