Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shiraishi meets with Lawyer Hideo Eri to discuss a case.
• Superintendent Ninomiya accuses Shiraishi and Eri of collusion.
• Shiraishi defends himself and Eri, leading to Ninomiya's retreat.
• Hideo Eri agrees to take on Tanishige Naoki's case pro bono.

Character Developments

• Shiraishi shows determination and assertiveness in standing up to Ninomiya.
• Hideo Eri demonstrates her competence and willingness to help Tanishige Naoki's case.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for justice and truth in the legal system.
• The tension between police and lawyers, and the potential for cooperation.
• The power dynamics within the police department and the legal world.

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi and Hideo Eri form an alliance to work together on cases.
• Shiraishi and Ninomiya's conflict escalates, with Shiraishi asserting his authority.
• Hideo Eri and Tanishige Aiko meet, with Eri agreeing to take on the case pro bono.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shiraishi meets Ayako, who offers a way to push for a retrial in the Ono Miki Case.
• Shiraishi is summoned to a tripartite inquiry session at the Tokyo High Court regarding the Ono Miki Case.
• The inquiry involves the Prosecution, Police, and the legal team discussing the necessity of a retrial.
• The legal team raises doubts about the witness, Naohiko Saegusa, and other evidence from the original case.

Character Developments

• Shiraishi remains calm and unperturbed despite the potential implications of the inquiry.
• Ayako shows initiative and resourcefulness in helping Shiraishi with the case.
• Miki demonstrates assertiveness and confidence in presenting the legal team's arguments.

Significant Themes

• The reliability of evidence and witnesses in legal proceedings.
• The potential for miscarriages of justice and the need for retrials.
• The tension between the Police, Prosecution, and the legal team in pursuing justice.

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi and Ayako collaborate to find a way to push for a retrial.
• Shiraishi interacts with various Prosecutors and Police officers during the inquiry, including Karimago, Mikami, Kujo, Uno, and Ninomiya.
• Miki and Hideo Eri work together as part of the legal team, with Miki taking the lead in presenting their arguments.
• Shiraishi's presence at the inquiry is seen as a way to put him on the spot by some, such as Karimago and Ninomiya.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ninomiya, the ambitious second-in-command of the First Investigation Division, confronts Shiraishi Kuro during a meeting, trying to discredit his efforts to reopen the Majima Hiroyuki case.
• Shiraishi brings in an old man in a wheelchair, introducing him as a father seeking justice for his lost child, hoping to sway the meeting's attendees.
• The old man is revealed to be Ono Miki's father, not Majima Hiroyuki's, causing confusion and tension in the room.
• Ninomiya inadvertently offends Ono, who strikes him with his cane, leading to a chaotic scene.
• It's revealed that Shiraishi orchestrated Ono's appearance to pressure the legal team and Morohoshi Toshio.

Character Developments

• Ninomiya: Shows ambition and disdain for the families of victims, viewing them as obstacles to efficient policing.
• Shiraishi Kuro: Demonstrates cunning and resourcefulness in inviting Ono to the meeting, showing his determination to reopen the case.
• Ono Miki's Father (Ono-yama): Revealed to be stubborn and focused on revenge, willing to confront Morohoshi Toshio.

Significant Themes

• The influence of public opinion and sentiment on legal proceedings.
• The tension between efficiency and compassion in law enforcement.
• The power dynamics between different factions in the legal and political spheres.

Character Interactions

• Ninomiya vs. Shiraishi: Their conflict escalates as Ninomiya challenges Shiraishi's methods, while Shiraishi counters by inviting Ono.
• Ono-yama vs. Ninomiya: Ono's anger towards Ninomiya highlights the emotional stakes for victims' families.
• Shiraishi vs. Ono-yama: Shiraishi's promise to find the true culprit suggests a temporary alliance with Ono, despite their different motivations.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The court accepts the appeal for a retrial in the Ono Miki case.
• Karimago, the Prosecutor, expresses disdain for the retrial and hints at the Prosecutor's Office's involvement in the investigation.
• Shiraishi returns to the Beika Police Station and assigns his team to verify Tanishige Naoki's motive for the assault.
• Shiraishi goes on a date with Ayako and runs into Yamashiro Gaoyue, a former junior, who seems troubled.

Character Developments

• Shiraishi remains focused on his duties and is determined to ensure justice, even if it means questioning past cases.
• Ayako shows concern for Shiraishi's well-being and is proactive in their relationship.
• Yamashiro Gaoyue appears to be going through personal struggles, hinted by her disheveled appearance and evasive behavior.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of justice and truth, even when it challenges established narratives.
• The impact of societal expectations on women's careers and personal choices.
• The passage of time and its effects on people and evidence.

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi and Karimago's interaction highlights the tension between the police and the prosecution.
• Shiraishi and Ayako's date shows their growing comfort and familiarity with each other.
• Shiraishi and Yamashiro Gaoyue's encounter reveals Shiraishi's lack of awareness about Gaoyue's personal life and Ayako's knowledge of it.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Ono Miki Case is reopened, and Kujo Reiko is assigned to handle the retrial.
• Karimago expresses his concern about the case and his confidence in Kujo.
• Kuroki gets involved in a homicide case at the Night of Time club in Kamurocho and is held by Organized Crime Countermeasures.
• Shiraishi, Gen, and Yamada go to the scene to support Kuroki.

Character Developments

• Kujo Reiko is determined to uncover the truth in the Ono Miki Case, prioritizing it over personal gain.
• Kuroki's nightlife continues to be eventful, with another homicide case involving him at a nightclub.
• Shiraishi shows concern for his subordinate, Kuroki, and visits the scene to support him.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of truth and justice in the legal system.
• The tension and animosity between Shiraishi and Inspector Takei, reflecting their differing views on law enforcement.
• The complex nature of Kuroki's personal life and his involvement in criminal cases.

Character Interactions

• Karimago and Kujo discuss the Ono Miki Case, with Karimago expressing his confidence in Kujo's abilities.
• Shiraishi, Gen, and Yamada interact, with Shiraishi deciding to support Kuroki at the crime scene.
• Shiraishi and Takei have a tense exchange at the crime scene, reflecting their ongoing conflict.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A hostess, Kumi, dies from poisoning during a game at a nightclub tied to violent organizations.
• The game involves choosing hostesses to drink wine and kiss, with the last one, Kumi, being the most popular.
• The poison was found in Kumi's and another hostess's glasses, indicating it was added during the game.
• The two lucky guests were Mori Kogoro (future famous detective) and a math professor, Mine Masato.

Character Developments

• Shiraishi Kuro, the main character, is a police inspector who had Mine Masato as his advanced mathematics teacher in university.
• Mori Kogoro, the future famous detective, is currently a private investigator, investigating infidelity and lost pets.
• Mine Masato, a math professor, is a regular customer at the nightclub and had a close relationship with the deceased, Kumi.

Significant Themes

• The game's rules and the math involved become crucial to the investigation.
• The relationship between the victims and the suspects, such as Mine Masato's connection to Kumi.

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi Kuro interacts with Inspector Megure, learning about the case details.
• Mori Kogoro interacts with Shiraishi Kuro, revealing his presence as a lucky guest.
• Mine Masato interacts with Shiraishi Kuro, acknowledging their past relationship as teacher and student.
• Gen and Yamada, subordinates of Shiraishi Kuro, struggle with the mathematical aspects of the case, contrasting with Kuroki's and Shiraishi's understanding.

Chapter Summary: “Normal Business”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shiraishi arrives at the crime scene and is shocked to find that one of the people present is his former teacher, Mine Masato. Mine, once known for severe social anxiety, regularly visits the hostess club—not to socialize, but to do Sudoku.
• Mine is revealed to be a minor celebrity known as the “Great Professor” from a popular science television program. His fame and wealth have made him a target of Kumi’s attention.
• Kyoko claims that Kumi has been manipulating Mine for money. Mine angrily defends Kumi, insisting that their financial exchanges are legitimate.
• Shiraishi examines their messages and discovers that Mine has repeatedly sent Kumi large sums of money for suspicious reasons, including a supposed trip to inspect Uji tea in Aomori and a nonexistent “cataract vaccine.” Kumi has returned only 520 yen as a “start of term” gift.
• The investigators conclude that Mine may have had a motive for murder, although his anger seems directed less at being suspected than at the suggestion that Kumi deceived him.
• Shiraishi explains that the poisoned drink was connected to cup number 16, meaning anyone who could access that cup may be a suspect.
• Sato finds a medicine bottle containing cyanide residue in the women’s restroom trash can. The lack of fingerprints prevents it from immediately proving anyone’s guilt or innocence.
• Kyoko is questioned because she took cup number 16 and openly resented Kumi. She claims Kumi was domineering toward the other hostesses and invented the club’s elaborate drinking-game rules.
• Kyoko also reveals that Kumi had mistreated Kazuyo, warning her away from Mine and once forcing her to drink alcohol to which she was allergic, resulting in hospitalization.
• Shiraishi suspects the murder may involve someone connected to the club, especially Takei, who appears evasive. When Shiraishi suggests investigating him, Takei avoids the issue.
• Shiraishi orders the club closed and arranges for his own personnel to assist Megure’s investigation. Everyone who participated in the game, as well as staff members who could have handled the drinks, will be questioned separately.
• Kuroki specifically requests to interrogate the bartender, suggesting he may have a personal motive or hidden line of inquiry.

Character Developments

• Shiraishi: Demonstrates initiative and authority by assisting Megure, closing the club, organizing additional manpower, and probing suspicious figures such as Takei and the bartender.
• Mine Masato: Is shown as socially awkward, emotionally invested in Kumi, and naïve about their financial relationship. Despite his usually rational demeanor, he repeatedly struggles to control his anger and relies on self-calming exercises.
• Kumi: Though already dead, she emerges as manipulative, domineering, and possibly exploitative. She cultivated Mine’s affection and money while mistreating or controlling other hostesses.
• Kyoko: Abandons her earlier façade and openly exposes Kumi’s behavior. Her hostility toward Kumi makes her a serious suspect, especially since she handled cup number 16.
• Kazuyo: Is presented as another possible victim of Kumi’s cruelty, but her silence makes her motives and involvement unclear.
• Megure and Takagi: Continue the official investigation. Megure firmly controls the questioning, while Takagi notices the suspicious financial transactions and remains cautious about Mine.
• Takei: Acts evasively and refuses to engage with Shiraishi’s questions, increasing suspicion.
• Kuroki: Shows unusual interest in questioning the bartender, implying that he may be investigating something beyond the immediate poisoning case.

Significant Themes

• Self-deception and misplaced affection: Mine interprets obvious financial exploitation as mutual affection, illustrating how emotional attachment can overpower reason.
• The contrast between rationality and emotion: Mine repeatedly claims he must remain rational, yet his emotional attachment to Kumi causes him to ignore clear evidence.
• Hidden resentment beneath social performances: The hostesses appear polite and professional on the surface, but Kyoko’s revelations expose jealousy, exploitation, coercion, and hostility within the club.
• Authority and investigation: Shiraishi’s authority allows the investigation to expand quickly, while the club’s temporary closure prevents suspects from leaving or destroying evidence.
• Social status and exploitation: Mine’s television fame and wealth alter how others treat him, while Kumi’s position as the top hostess gives her power over the other women.

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi reunites with Mine and mocks his unusual habit of doing Sudoku in a hostess club.
• Takagi recognizes Mine from television and becomes interested in the possibility that Kumi exploited him financially.
• Kyoko confronts Mine directly, provoking him by accusing Kumi of taking advantage of him.
• Mine defends Kumi, while the investigators point out the absurdity of his transfers and his mistaken understanding of geography and medicine.
• Megure interrupts Shiraishi’s inappropriate attempt to discuss Megure’s marriage and then formally identifies Mine as a possible suspect.
• Megure questions Kyoko about her resentment and her connection to cup number 16.
• Kyoko accuses Kumi of abusing her influence over the club and reveals her conflict with Kazuyo.
• Shiraishi challenges Takei and later takes control of the investigation by shutting down the club and assigning additional investigators.
• Kuroki’s decision to interrogate the bartender hints at a deeper suspicion that may become important in the investigation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shiraishi and Sato inspect the hostesses' belongings, finding a diary with a quote from Descartes.
• Shiraishi suspects Kazuyo, a hostess who likes math and Descartes, based on her diary and Mine Masato's testimony.
• Kazuyo is later brought out by Gen, confessing to the crime.

Character Developments

• Shiraishi shows his analytical skills and deductive reasoning.
• Mine Masato reveals his past interactions with Kazuyo and Kyoko.
• Kazuyo shows remorse and emotional turmoil before confessing.

Significant Themes

• Jealousy as a motive for the crime.
• The influence of Mine Masato's fame on the hostesses' feelings.
• The role of doubt and reason in investigation, as emphasized by Shiraishi.

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi and Sato work together, with Shiraishi leading the investigation.
• Mine Masato interacts with Shiraishi, revealing his past with Kazuyo and Kyoko.
• Gen brings out Kazuyo, leading to her confession.
• Kazuyo interacts with Mine Masato, showing her emotional state before confessing.

Key Plot Points

• Kazuyo confesses to the murder, motivated by her desire to protect Mine Masato from Kumi's exploitation.
• Mine Masato decides to hire the best lawyer for Kazuyo's defense, willing to pay thirty million yen.

Character Developments

• Kazuyo: Shows remorse for her actions and expresses her desire to protect Mine Masato.
• Mine Masato: Realizes the extent of Kumi's deception and decides to help Kazuyo despite the cost.
• Shiraishi: Demonstrates empathy and understanding towards Kazuyo's motive.
• Kuroki: Reveals his connection to the Kanzaki family and hints at a past incident involving [Hikawa Kogyo].

Significant Themes

• Protection and betrayal: Kazuyo's actions are driven by her desire to protect Mine Masato, while Kumi betrays his trust.
• The cost of truth: Kazuyo's confession leads to her arrest, and Mine Masato is willing to pay a high price for a good lawyer.
• Hidden pasts: Kuroki's revelation about the Kanzaki family and the [Hikawa Kogyo] incident hints at deeper connections and secrets.

Character Interactions

• Kazuyo and Mine Masato: Their relationship evolves from teacher-student to one of mutual protection and understanding.
• Shiraishi and Kazuyo: Shiraishi shows empathy towards Kazuyo's motive, understanding her actions despite their illegality.
• Kuroki and Shiraishi: Kuroki trusts Shiraishi enough to reveal his connection to the Kanzaki family and hint at a past incident.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kuroki reveals he was present during the incident involving Kanzaki Kenji and an informant from a violent organization.
• The truth is uncovered: The informant, Ihara, was trying to entrust his son (Ryuichi) to Kanzaki Kenji, not discussing a hostage situation.
• Kanzaki Kenji adopted Ryuichi and divorced his wife, leaving Kuroki and his mother.
• Kuroki discovers that Masumi Arakawa, the current leader of the Arakawa Group, was also present at the incident.

Character Developments

• Kuroki: Struggles with complex emotions towards Ryuichi, feeling both protective and resentful. He investigates the past incident to understand his father's actions.
• Shiraishi: Realizes the complexity of Kuroki's situation and agrees to keep his secret. He also expresses concern for Kuroki's safety in his investigations.
• Kanzaki Ryuichi: Learns that Kuroki is his half-brother but accepts it without much turmoil.

Significant Themes

• The complexity of family relationships and the impact of past events on present lives.
• The ethical dilemmas and personal sacrifices police officers face in their duties.
• The blurred line between justice and personal vendettas.

Character Interactions

• Kuroki and Shiraishi: Kuroki confides in Shiraishi about his past, and Shiraishi offers his support and guidance.
• Kuroki and Ryuichi: Kuroki's feelings towards Ryuichi are complex, with both protective and resentful aspects. Ryuichi, however, accepts Kuroki as his brother without much conflict.
• Kuroki and Arakawa: Kuroki's investigation leads him to Masumi Arakawa, who was present at the past incident.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Kanzaki and Kenmochi return from forensics training, with their key skills advancing to SR.
• Kuroki returns from leave.
• Shiraishi meets with Sano, the chief of Toriya Police Station, to discuss the "Tanishige Naoki assault case" and hint at not interfering.
• Saegusa's lawyer visits Beika Police Station, demanding case progress documentation and threatening to prosecute Tanishige Naoki for attempted murder.

Character Developments

• Shiraishi continues his political maneuvering, trying to win Sano over but ultimately understanding that Sano has given up on career advancement.
• Saegusa switches his strategy, now accusing Tanishige Naoki of attempted murder.
• Hideo Eri remains calm and collected in the face of Saegusa's lawyer's provocations.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and political maneuvering within the police force and legal system.
• The consequences of past actions and their impact on present situations (referring to the Ono Miki case and its connection to the current events).

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi and Sano: Shiraishi tries to gain Sano's cooperation, but Sano remains aloof and uninterested.
• Hideo Eri and Saegusa's lawyer (Namikura Yukio): They engage in a tense negotiation, with Namikura trying to provoke Hideo Eri into admitting her client's lack of homicidal intent.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Saegusa Naohiko, a key witness in the 18-year-old murder case, alters his testimony, claiming he misremembered the location where he saw the electric scooter rider.
• The Prosecution accepts this new testimony, much to the dismay of the police officers eavesdropping outside the meeting room.
• Shiraishi, the Chief of Beika Police Station, assures Aiko, the victim's sister, that the compensation for the assault case will be covered by Ono-yama, the victim's father.
• Kanzaki, using his knowledge of light and perspective, analyzes the old surveillance footage and determines that the rider's height does not match Majima Hiroyuki, the convicted culprit.

Character Developments

• Saegusa Naohiko: Shows willingness to change his testimony to favor the Prosecution.
• Namikura Yukio: Revealed to be a self-interested lawyer who will do anything to achieve his goals, similar to Kurogoma Kensuke but with some differences.
• Shiraishi: Demonstrates his determination to reinvestigate the case and find the real culprit, despite the challenges and the lack of unity among the legal team.
• Kanzaki: Proves his worth by analyzing the old surveillance footage and providing valuable information about the rider's height.

Significant Themes

• The rule of law and its manipulation by unscrupulous lawyers.
• The challenges of reinvestigating an 18-year-old case with limited evidence.
• The determination of the police to uncover the truth, despite the obstacles.

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi and Hideo Eri: Discuss the case and the lawyers involved, with Shiraishi expressing his determination to reinvestigate the case.
• Saegusa Naohiko and Namikura Yukio: The lawyer provokes the police officers by changing Saegusa's testimony.
• Shiraishi and Aiko: Shiraishi assures Aiko that the compensation for the assault case will be covered by Ono-yama.
• Kanzaki and the police team: Kanzaki provides valuable information about the rider's height from the old surveillance footage.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gaoyue (Mikazuki) calls Shiraishi, confessing to killing her father-in-law, Yamashiro Zennosuke, and requests his help.
• Shiraishi, along with Ayako, Haitani, Narcissist, and Fuji, heads to the Yamashiro Family's residence.
• The Yamashiro Family's eldest son, Koichi, greets them at the gate.

Character Developments

• Gaoyue (Mikazuki): Confesses to killing her father-in-law, suggesting a troubled family life.
• Shiraishi: Shows concern and support for Gaoyue, despite her situation.
• Ayako: Demonstrates worry for Gaoyue and willingness to support Shiraishi in his work.
• Yamashiro Koichi: Shows grief and distress over his father's death but maintains composure.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and tensions, hinted at through Gaoyue's actions and the Yamashiro Family's reaction to the murder.
• Trust and loyalty, seen in Shiraishi's support for Gaoyue and his trust in his subordinates.

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi and Gaoyue (Mikazuki): Shiraishi shows concern and support for Gaoyue, despite her confessing to a crime.
• Shiraishi and Ayako: Ayako accompanies Shiraishi to the crime scene, showing support and understanding of his work.
• Shiraishi and his subordinates (Haitani, Narcissist, Fuji): They work together as a team, showing trust and cooperation.
• Yamashiro Family and Gaoyue: The family's reaction to Gaoyue's actions hints at underlying family dynamics and tensions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chief Shiraishi visits the Yamashiro residence to investigate the death of Yamashiro Zennosuke.
• The house is large and disorganized, with signs of neglect.
• Zennosuke is found dead in his wheelchair, with dinner untouched beside him.
• Gaoyue confesses to killing her father-in-law.

Character Developments

• Shiraishi: Assertive and thorough in his investigation.
• Gaoyue: Struggles with caring for her bedridden father-in-law, snaps and confesses to killing him.
• Yamashiro Family: Seem calm despite the death of their patriarch, express understanding towards Gaoyue's actions.

Significant Themes

• The stress and burden of caring for an elderly family member.
• The dynamics and expectations within a traditional Japanese family.

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi interacts with the Yamashiro family, questioning them about their whereabouts before the incident.
• Gaoyue confesses to Shiraishi and the family, expressing remorse for her actions.
• The Yamashiro family members show understanding towards Gaoyue, hoping for a resolution that minimizes impact on their family and Gaoyue.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Gaoyue confesses to strangling Yamashiro Zennosuke with a crimson tie after he spilled red wine on her.
• Shiraishi questions Gaoyue about the details of the event during the drive to the police station.
• Gaoyue's story has inconsistencies, and Shiraishi suspects she's hiding something.
• Gaoyue is taken into custody at Beika Police Station.
• Shiraishi asks Jiren about his feelings towards Gaoyue, leaving Jiren confused.

Character Developments

• Gaoyue: Initially calm and collected, she confesses to the murder but seems to be hiding something. Her past is revealed to have had self-destructive tendencies.
• Shiraishi: He remains skeptical about Gaoyue's confession and is determined to uncover the truth. He also shows concern for Ayako's feelings.
• Jiren: He is confused by Shiraishi's questions about his feelings towards Gaoyue.

Significant Themes

• Truth and deception: Gaoyue's confession raises questions about its authenticity, and Shiraishi is determined to uncover the truth.
• Appearances vs. reality: Gaoyue's calm demeanor contrasts with her supposed impulsive act, and Shiraishi's initial impression of her is challenged.
• Trust and suspicion: Shiraishi's trust in Gaoyue is shaken, and he begins to suspect her and the other family members.

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi and Gaoyue: Shiraishi questions Gaoyue about the murder, trying to uncover the truth, while Gaoyue remains evasive.
• Shiraishi and Jiren: Shiraishi asks Jiren about his feelings towards Gaoyue, leaving Jiren confused and uncomfortable.
• Shiraishi and Ayako: Shiraishi reassures Ayako about his feelings for her and takes her home.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shiraishi meets Gaoyue, who wants to be sent for trial immediately but is reluctant to discuss details.
• Shiraishi reviews confession videos of Yamashiro family members, noticing inconsistencies and memorized lines.
• Yamashiro Koichi and family visit the station, growing impatient with the investigation's pace.
• Komikado, Gaoyue's lawyer, is warned by Shiraishi about rushing the case.

Character Developments

• Shiraishi: Starts to suspect the Yamashiro family's involvement and manipulates the investigation to uncover the truth.
• Gaoyue: Remains calm and uncooperative during interrogation, hinting at a hidden agenda.
• Yamashiro Koichi: Becomes impatient and decides to involve the Prosecution directly.
• Komikado: Warned by Shiraishi, starts to question his approach to the case.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and power dynamics within the Yamashiro family.
• The complexity of truth and lies in confessions.
• The influence of external factors (like the Yamashiro family's reputation) on the investigation process.

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi and Gaoyue: Tension and mistrust, with Gaoyue refusing to cooperate.
• Shiraishi and Yamashiro Koichi: Shiraishi manipulates Koichi's impatience to his advantage.
• Shiraishi and Komikado: Shiraishi warns Komikado about rushing the case, hinting at his suspicions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Ayako invites Bai Shi to visit Gaoyue's mother, Keiko, in Saitama.
• They learn about Gaoyue's difficult life after marriage, being ostracized and bullied by her sisters-in-law and ignored by her husband.
• Bai Shi discovers a discrepancy in the group photo sent by Ayako, leading him to suspect Yamashiro Koichi as the true culprit.

Character Developments

• Gaoyue's mother, Keiko, reveals her regret for not stopping Gaoyue from marrying into the Yamashiro family.
• Gaoyue remains resolute in taking the blame, even after Bai Shi tries to persuade her.

Significant Themes

• The harsh treatment of Gaoyue within the Yamashiro family highlights the theme of familial oppression and the struggle of women within patriarchal societies.
• Bai Shi's determination to uncover the truth, despite Gaoyue's refusal to cooperate, underscores the theme of perseverance in the face of adversity.

Character Interactions

• Ayako and Bai Shi work together to gather information, with Ayako providing insights into the Yamashiro family dynamics and Bai Shi piecing together the clues.
• Bai Shi's conversation with Gaoyue's mother reveals her deep concern for her daughter's well-being.
• Gaoyue's refusal to cooperate with Bai Shi's attempts to exonerate her showcases her loyalty to the Yamashiro family or her fear of their influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shiraishi decides to take the Yamashiro Zennosuke's corpse to UDI for an autopsy, bypassing the usual police station reporting process.
• Shiraishi meets with UDI Director Kamikura, who agrees to the autopsy but insists on following proper procedures.
• Shiraishi reveals he has a forensic pathologist license and offers to assist in the autopsy to expedite the process.

Character Developments

• Shiraishi demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in pursuing the truth, even going as far as to perform an autopsy himself.
• Kamikura shows caution and professionalism in handling the situation, ensuring fairness and propriety.

Significant Themes

• The importance of thorough investigation and evidence collection in criminal cases.
• The tension between urgency and proper procedure in law enforcement.

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi and Kamikura: Shiraishi's persistence and Kamikura's cautiousness lead to a tense negotiation, ultimately resulting in an agreement that respects both urgency and procedure.
• Shiraishi and UDI staff: Shiraishi's unexpected arrival and offer to assist in the autopsy cause surprise and unease among the UDI staff.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Four bodies are found in a suicide pact, with each having a suicide note.
• The police initially want to close the case but UDI's forensic pathologist, Misumi Kotomi, insists on performing autopsies.
• Chief Shiraishi from the Beika Police Station arrives, needing an urgent autopsy for one of the victims, Yamashiro Zennosuke.
• Misumi performs the autopsy, finding evidence suggesting Yamashiro was murdered, not suicidal.

Character Developments

• Mori Chuji, the Section Chief, is reluctant to handle complex cases and prefers to close them quickly.
• Misumi Kotomi, the forensic pathologist, is thorough, objective, and considers case progress in her work.
• Chief Shiraishi is determined, bold, and communicates smoothly with Misumi, showing respect for her expertise.

Significant Themes

• The importance of thorough investigation, even in seemingly clear-cut cases.
• The tension between police, forensic pathologists, and prosecutors in handling evidence and case progress.

Character Interactions

• Mori Chuji and Chief Shiraishi have a tense interaction, with Mori trying to assert his authority but Shiraishi remaining firm.
• Misumi Kotomi and Chief Shiraishi work well together, communicating effectively and respectfully.
• Prosecutor Yane Takefumi and Chief Shiraishi have a tense exchange, with Shiraishi asserting his position and Yane feeling pressured.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shiraishi completes the autopsy of Yamashiro Zennosuke and finds evidence linking him to the crime.
• Shiraishi performs an autopsy on an unknown young woman, discovering she died of hypothermia, not suicide, and was likely bound against her will.
• The note found in her stomach contains a cryptic message.

Character Developments

• Shiraishi demonstrates his forensic skills, proving he hasn't lost his touch despite years away from the field.
• Misumi shows respect for the deceased and professionalism in her role as an assistant.
• Mori Chuji, initially confident in the suicide pact theory, is forced to reconsider due to Shiraishi's findings.

Significant Themes

• The importance of thorough and unbiased investigation in forensic work.
• The respect and dignity owed to the deceased.
• The potential for unexpected findings to change the course of an investigation.

Character Interactions

• Shiraishi and Misumi work well together, with Misumi providing support and Shiraishi demonstrating his expertise.
• Shiraishi's presence intimidates Mori, who is initially dismissive of Shiraishi's findings but later accepts them.
• Kube Rokuro, the recorder, admires Shiraishi and takes photos of the key evidence.