Secret Weapon

Inspector Shirai's sincere statement managed to salvage quite a bit of the situation, but...

"Very well, let us thank Inspector Shirai for his statement. Inspector Shirai's words were very sincere. I believe that in the past, Inspector Shirai must have arrested many criminals. Allow me to also sincerely say, thank you for your hard work!

"However, we must understand that the progress of the rule of law is also the progress of the times. The stability of our country and society is precisely because of the continuous improvement of the legal system. The space for making judgments based on personal subjective speculation must become smaller and smaller.

"Without evidence, no one can be convicted of a crime, otherwise, we will face the collapse of the rule of law and order!

"I personally believe that Inspector Shirai, with thirty years on the force, has undoubtedly made positive contributions to society. However, reflecting on these thirty years, how many people might have suffered wrongful convictions under Inspector Shirai's investigative methods? If that person were you, or you, or you... or perhaps your friends and family, I doubt you would be willing to pay that price.

"Fortunately, our system is becoming increasingly perfect, and there are more and more progressive police officers willing to uphold the advancement of the system..."

Komikado was not only a lawyer with clear logic but also possessed the talent of an ancient Greek "demagogue" or rather, a "political orator." He simultaneously commanded strong "logical" persuasiveness and strong "emotional" incitement!

Shiraishi felt that if he could see Komikado's status panel, he would definitely be SSR, or even higher, in both [Logic Analysis] and [Incitement and Deception].

A person like that, combined with an absolute "Victorious Mindset" as their core, could indeed be called the "strongest lawyer."

It's just that...

As he spoke, Komikado once again gestured towards Shiraishi, essentially "rescuing" him and clearing him from his current "scandal."

This made Shiraishi gradually begin to wonder—is this guy showing a bit too much favoritism towards me? It couldn't possibly be because he's afraid I'll get revenge on him, could it?

Komikado's impassioned speech, after dispelling Inspector Shirai's earlier sincerity, presented an "alibi" to the court. Hearing this, Shiraishi also refocused his attention.

Soon, the Coffee Cart Clerk was called to the witness stand.

Under Komikado's questioning, the clerk this time very definitively confirmed that during the two hours of the incident, the only order came from the defendant. He also claimed to remember the defendant's appearance and stated that his previous lack of testimony was a result of police suggestion!

However...

Shiraishi observed the witness, who had clearly put effort into his appearance, with a critical eye.

Although his tone seemed very certain, certain details in his demeanor... especially the way he looked at Komikado, and the occasional glances towards a mother and daughter in the spectator seats, led Shiraishi to largely agree with Fujisato Seiko's earlier assessment.

Because he was questioned several days after the incident, the clerk's own memory was vague...

He could remain silent after being intimidated by Inspector Shirai, or he could claim to remember clearly after Komikado continuously reinforced his memory.

However...

"He doesn't seem to be lying, just that his memory is very vague..." Shiraishi made his judgment internally.

At this moment, the prosecution's Yane Takefumi wore a smug expression, which made Shiraishi curl his lip.

After a few simple questions to the clerk, Prosecutor Yane was already impatient to call the next witness!

This made Shiraishi frown deeply—Yane, that idiot, because he had that "cannon fodder" and considered it his "trump card," he so easily let go of questioning the clerk...

There were several questions that could have corroborated the situation, but Yane didn't delve into them at all. Shiraishi also had many questions he wanted to ask... but as a mere spectator, he had no right to ask!

Soon, the Blogger Lady was called to the witness stand and gave her testimony—she clearly stated that on the afternoon of the incident, she bought coffee from the coffee cart in Beika Park...

Komikado was caught off guard. Although, as a professional lawyer, he immediately began questioning, hoping to find something to challenge, but... the photos on the blog made everyone believe that the Blogger Lady hadn't misremembered!

While it wasn't "ironclad evidence," for instance, if one were to be strict, it was just testimony, and there was no time stamp on the photos. The time of posting was also self-reported. However... the Blogger Lady herself had no connection to the case, and her testimony was clearly more convincing than the defendant's muddled alibi.

Seeing how certain the Blogger Lady's testimony was, and that she had even posted a blog, the clerk no longer dared to speak.

Komikado was caught completely off guard in this round!

However, as Shiraishi had guessed, there was no immediate verdict—the alibi failed to be established, but... the evidence of murder was also insufficient.

Further investigation would be required!

Yane was already smug at this point, after all...

Opportunities to see Komikado completely flustered were rare; usually, he was the one getting beaten!

Although the outcome hadn't been decided yet, Yane felt like he could already pop the champagne.

As long as in the next court session, he could start with the defendant "falsifying his alibi" and push forward unstoppable...

In contrast, Komikado left dejectedly this time, appearing quite furious.

Shiraishi didn't follow the crowd out. Instead, he went to the witness waiting room. Afterward...

Shiraishi saw the clerk in the hallway reaching out his hand, only to have it pushed away by his estranged wife. His daughter also rolled her eyes at him... He stood there meekly, looking pitiful.

Judging by his wife's expression, Shiraishi guessed...

The fundamental reason for their separation was that his wife found him too "cowardly"!

"Mr. Clerk," Shiraishi called out to him.

"Ah!" The clerk jumped in surprise upon seeing Shiraishi.

Fortunately, it was quite secluded here, with no one else around, otherwise, people might have thought Shiraishi had done something to him.

Well, if someone of Shiraishi's build were to order coffee from him, he probably wouldn't even dare to accept the money...

Seeing his reaction, his wife beside him rolled her eyes even more. However, her gaze towards Shiraishi also held a hint of defiance, and she stopped, not continuing to leave.

"May I ask you something?" Shiraishi asked politely.

"Y-yes... but... I..." The clerk clearly became flustered.

"Can't remember clearly? That's fine, just give me your general impression... In your impression, what was the defendant wearing when he bought coffee?" Shiraishi asked, guiding the conversation.

Seeing that he was still trembling, Shiraishi reassured him, "Just tell me your first impression. This isn't an interrogation, and there's no legal responsibility. Please speak freely."

"It seems... he was wearing a white short-sleeved shirt on the outside, unbuttoned, with a light-colored shirt underneath. The overall impression was refreshing... He might have also been wearing a light-colored hat... but I'm not sure!" the store clerk said, giving his general impression and emphasizing that he absolutely refused to take responsibility.

"Thank you," Shiraishi said, patting his shoulder. He then glanced at the man's estranged wife not far away and chuckled, "I won't ask any more questions. Otherwise, your wife and daughter might think I'm bullying you and come to your defense, hahaha..."

"Huh?"

"Defend me? Are you a cop? Hurry up and arrest this perjuring piece of trash..."

"I... Ryuuko..."