Breakthrough

Early the next morning, Shiraishi took Yamada, Amaki, and Kobe to Ohocho Town. The roads were difficult, so they did not arrive until nearly noon.

However, when they reached Yukie Shimokawa's home, Shiraishi found no one there. After asking the nearby residents, he learned that Yukie Shimokawa's memorial service was being held that day—

After obtaining the address, Shiraishi hurried to the memorial service venue.

There were not many people at the service. Those who had come appeared to be the deceased's closest friends, with few relatives present. The deceased's daughter, Yukiko Shimokawa, stood before the microphone with her eyes lowered, speaking in remembrance of her mother.

To avoid causing a disturbance, Shiraishi did not enter. Instead, he stood at the entrance and observed the proceedings from afar, only sending the other three inside to gather information.

After all, if Shiraishi went in himself, he would be far too conspicuous!

"Ever since I could remember, it was just my mother raising me. With those hands of hers, she worked in the dangerous Charcoal Industry and raised me. Though our life was poor, she never complained or showed any sign of pain.

"Under her love, I had a happy childhood. When I was little, I waited for her every day by the bridge where I could see the entrance to the factory where she worked. I loved the evenings, when she would run toward me with a smile, saying she'd kept me waiting.

"Once I entered middle school, I resolved to become a legal professional. When I told my mother of my aspiration, she supported my dream and put me through college. I wanted to repay her—to let her live happily and without worries, just as she had done for me.

"So after graduating, I kept studying while working as a