Chance Encounter

September 29, Friday morning, aboard the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto.

Ayako and Shiraishi had set off on a trip. Ayako had specifically booked a train with premium seats—given Shiraishi's build, even the Green Car was only barely spacious enough for him. Only the premium seats let him stretch out properly.

Rather unromantically, the electronic screens at both ends of the carriage were broadcasting news of the case press conference.

The conference was being held in Tokyo. As the host, the Metropolitan Police Department naturally had Counselor Uno presiding over it. Besides Tokyo's Inspectors Megure and Shiratori, the press conference also included Kyoto Ayakoji Bun, the Kyoto Prefectural Police inspector nicknamed the "Noble Inspector," as Kyoto's representative, and Inspector Otaki, whom Shiraishi knew well, representing the Osaka Prefectural Police.

"This organization, known as Genji Fire, began operating ten years ago, centered around Kyoto, Tokyo, and Osaka. It has repeatedly stolen famous Buddhist statues and artworks. Its members use the names of Yoshitsune's retainers, and each of them possesses a copy of the Gikeiki."

The moment he opened his mouth, it was clear that Inspector Ayanokoji of Kyoto had deliberately put Kyoto first.

After speaking, Ayanokoji took out a copy of the Gikeiki and displayed it to the reporters.

The reporters naturally seized upon the sensational appeal of this bizarre organization.

Once the sounds of cameras died down a little, Inspector Shiratori added, "The organization's leader is called Yoshitsune. Under him are Benkei, Ise Saburo, and a total of eight members. Other than those three, the remaining five have all been murdered. No copies of the Gikeiki were found on the five victims. However, traces of their having carried booklets were found on three of them. We suspect their booklets were taken by the murderer."

"What can currently be confirmed is—"