Where the Murder Weapon Was...

After examining the scene, Ayanokoji had the officers take statements from Mori and the others, also recording the earlier attacks on Hattori and Conan.

It went without saying that the two of them would next face Kazuha and Ran's judgment. They had been attacked, and yet they had not said a word about something so serious?

Then Ayanokoji received a report from one of his subordinates.

Ayanokoji promptly approached Shiraishi and said frankly, "That's right. This man was also a member of Genji Fire. Not only were there stolen goods in the shop, but we also found a copy of Gikeiki, and Ise Saburo's name was written on the title page."

On one hand, Shiraishi had previously reminded Ayanokoji about the "key" and had shared every piece of information he had. On the other hand, the Metropolitan Police Department, Osaka Headquarters, and Kyoto Headquarters were now working together on the case. Therefore, Ayanokoji did not hide anything from Shiraishi.

Ise Saburo was the name of one of Minamoto no Yoshitsune's retainers. The Genji Fire gang members also used such names as code names.

Although Sakura Shōzō did not seem particularly capable in a fight, Shiraishi was not surprised that he was a gang member. He was an antique dealer, so he was likely responsible for fencing stolen goods within the organization. He did not need any fighting skills.

"There's also this inside." As he spoke, Ayanokoji showed Shiraishi a sheet of paper that the officers had just discovered.

Hattori sidled over at that moment and looked at it too. Ayanokoji shot him several looks, but Hattori did not notice, and there was nothing Ayanokoji could do about it.

"Eh? Isn't this—" Heiji froze when he saw it.

"Yes. Master Ryūen, please take a look." Shiraishi nodded, then called Ryūen over.