Before he could think any further, Yuri half ushered, half pushed him over to Makima and introduced him:
"Team leader, this is Officer Megure, the Military Police Force's expert investigator. He has successfully solved eleven murder cases!"
At those words, several people nearby who understood the policing system looked impressed.
They knew full well how much that number meant in the field of homicide investigation.
Makima's scrutinizing gaze settled on Megure. "Your name is Megure?"
"Yes! Jūzō Megure, at your service!" He immediately straightened his back and saluted.
"Good." Makima's voice carried unquestionable authority. "If you help us solve this case, I will personally recommend you to Lord Raikage for promotion to Captain-Commander of the Military Police Force."
Megure's heart jolted. The enormous temptation and equally enormous pressure made him answer at the top of his voice, "Yes! I will spare no effort!"
He steeled himself and began carefully examining the scene.
A little later, he stood up and offered his analysis in a grave voice. "There are no signs of damage to the windows, walls, or floor, and no residual chakra fluctuations have been detected."
"The only exit," he said, pointing at the door, "has remained in everyone's line of sight the entire time. No one has entered or left. Therefore, this is undoubtedly a textbook locked-room murder."
His rigorous analysis drew nods from everyone, who eagerly awaited the deductions that would follow.
Yet after delivering that conclusion, Officer Megure fell into a long silence.
Under everyone's scrutiny, embarrassment gradually crept onto his face. Finally, he felt around in his pocket and said quietly, looking rather awkward:
"Um... sorry, I need to step outside for a cigarette and think this through."
Then Officer Megure slipped out of the lounge under the pretext of smoking. The moment he was out