Ch. 561A Lifetime
Key Plot Points and Events
- Hasunuma Kanichi is arrested for the murder of Namiki Saori.
- Niikura Rumi attempts suicide but fails and is rescued.
- The case is transferred to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
- The trial begins four days after Hasunuma's arrest, with Mikami as the prosecutor and Namikura Yukio as the defense lawyer.
- Natsumi, the key witness, testifies about finding her sister's hairpin.
Character Developments
- Hasunuma Kanichi: Admits to moving the corpse but initially denies involvement in the murder.
- Niikura Rumi: Attempts suicide due to guilt and shock.
- Natsumi Namiki: Grows more mature and determined, providing crucial testimony in court.
- Mikami Reiji: Shows confidence in his ability to win the case and indict Hasunuma.
- Shiraishi Kuro: Worries about Natsumi's testimony and provides support to the Namiki family.
Significant Themes
- Trust in the law and its limitations.
- The emotional toll of crime and loss on victims and their families.
- The power of witness testimony and the challenges of cross-examination.
Character Interactions
- Shiraishi and Mikami: Share a ride back to Tokyo and discuss the case.
- Shiraishi and Namikura: Exchange words before the trial, with Shiraishi expressing his disapproval of Namikura's defense of Hasunuma.
- Natsumi and the court: Natsumi provides emotional and determined testimony, shifting the court's opinion in favor of the prosecution.