Chapter Text
At 10:00 P.M., June 22, 2023, Sano Residence
The loud sound of sirens echoes throughout the whole Sano residence. Everyone in the manor was frantic. The maids and the butlers are baffled and terrified, and the executives are in havoc. What may have transpired inside the lavish manor, that caused quite a commotion to the residents?
Sano Manjiro, the CEO of the Bonten Company and one of the richest men in Asia, was found dead in his lavish manor right around the residential areas of Shibuya.
Sano was found dead by one of the maids of the manor, his dead body was found lying at the grand staircase of his manor bathing in his pool of blood. Sano was shot three times, leading to his demise.
The air was heavy and dark, despite the superb inside of the manor. The manor screamed tension.
Who killed Sano Manjiro?
Tachibana Naoto — a detective in the Tokyo Police — was in charge of solving the murder of Sano Manjiro. The Inspector of the Tokyo Police notified Naoto about the significant case he was to handle. With little sleep, Naoto immediately gets up without any questions and drives to the scene of the crime.
Naoto exits the vehicle and stares at the impressive manor. Naoto roamed his eyes around the whole residence, as he continued to look around and the officer greeted him.
"Detective Tachibana," the officer said and flashed his badge to Naoto, "The Inspector is waiting for you" The officer motioned to him to enter the manor
The inside of the manor was silent and gloomy, there was not a single person to be seen. Naoto's eyes were fixated on the marbled grand staircase, where the body of Sano Manjiro was discovered. The outline of the body was outlined by white lines, bullet casing was encircled and marked with numbers. Naoto gets about 8 ft. closer to the crime scene, examining it, as he thinks of the scenarios of the murder.
Naoto was cut off when the officer called him.
"Detective Tachibana, let's go the Inspector is waiting for you." The officer said, Naoto just nodded and followed the officer. He was then led to a hallway, paintings, and photos adorned the whole hallway wall as they continued to walk in the long marbled hallway, a photo caught his attention of Naoto. The photo was not that big, but the photo featured the victim and an unknown feminine-like figure, the photo seems to be a wedding photo based on the traditional Japanese wedding clothes they are wearing in the photo.
Naoto walks away and continues to follow the officer. He was then led to a drawing room.
"Detective Tachibana! It's good to have you in the case! How have you been?" Inspector Riki greeted Naoto "I'm fine, Inspector. I hope you are not pushing yourself?" Naoto said the Inspector laughed.
"I'm fine! I'm fine! This old man can still handle everything! Anyway, now let's get down to busy, shall we? Why not have a set" the inspector seated on the velvet sofa. Naoto took the set across him. He then took out his notepad and pen.
The inspector took out a brown folder and opened it in front of Naoto, he cleared his throat at looked at Naoto straight in the eyes.
"At 8:50 P.M., a maid in the name of Senyu Yuki discovered the already dead body of Sano Manjiro, the CEO of the biggest company in Japan the Bonten Company, in the grand staircase of his manor. Ms. Senyuu said that she was ordered by one of the executives to fetch something in their rooms, where she discovered the dead body of his master."
"The cause of death was three fatal gunshots, one in the head, the chest, and the stomach. The shots and the bullet casing came from a Glock 19, the gun was not found. However, the estimated timeline of the shooting was around 8:30-8:50. There is no forced entry. Currently, the victim's body is still undergoing autopsy and the results will be ready in 2-3 days."
Naoto noted every single important detail, leaving nothing amiss.
Naoto is not that quite surprised. After all, Mikey has made quite a lot of enemies, a lot of those said enemies will go after his head. However, a lack of any sign of forced entry means that the killer is someone who resides in the manor.
"Who were the people in the manor, when the murder happened?" Naoto asked, the inspector took out a bunch of papers and handed it to Naoto. Naoto placed his notepad and pen on the coffee table and took the papers.
"12 people that were inside the manor, Sano Takemichi Manjiro's husband, Sanzu Haruchiyo & Hitto Kakucho are Sano's right and left hand, Akashi Takeomi is his advisor, Hajime Kokonoi, Seishu Inui, Haitani Ran, and Haitani Rindou, are the executives of the Bonten Company. Next, are the maids and the butler, Senyu Yuki, Ganyu Fumiyu, Himiko Miya, and Hanku Hiyuma. These are the only people inside the manor during the murder."
Naoto scanned everyone's profiles.
"Why is Takemichi not included in the suspects?" Naoto asked the inspector, as he looked through the list of suspects the inspector gave.
"He has an alibi. According to the maids, Takemichi has been bedridden for weeks now after his miscarriage and is currently suffering from postpartum. He is weak, incoherent, and cannot be communicated with." The inspector said.
"So where is he now?"
"He was in their bedroom right now"
"Did he know about his husband's passing?" Naoto asked
"Unfortunately, no, Sanzu told us not to inform him as it will make him worse."
"You know, he has to? This is his husband"
"I know that, but he's not well. And Sanzu is just thinking of Takemichi. Imagine that just one week ago your child was taken from you and then just know your husband is dead and now a widow. I think it's for the better he doesn't know it yet." The inspector explained.
Naoto sighed and massaged his temples.
"I will now start my interview."
Senyu feels anxious and terrified other than the watchful eyes of Detective Naoto.
"I will ask you a few questions and try to answer as best as possible. No need to feel anxious, this is just a simple interview, okay?" Naoto calmly told to the maid. Senyu slowly nodded her head.
Naoto presses the record button on the recorder and starts the interview.
"Ms. Senyu, where were you before you discovered the body of Mr. Manjiro?"
"I-I was at the dining hall helping to prepare dinner for the executives, around 8:35 after we finished everything. It was also the time that the executives, except for Sano-sama, came down to the dining hall. After they sat down they started eating dinner."
"Why didn't they wait for Mr. Manjiro to come down also?"
"Well, Sano-sama told us right before that he would not be eating dinner. So the executives eat without him."
"How did you discover the body of Mr. Manjiro?"
"I was asked by Mr. Ran to fetch his phone in his room since he was expecting an important call. I immediately went, and then there I discovered Sano-sama lying dead at the staircase. I screamed and Hiyuma-san and the others heard me and immediately came to me. There he immediately called the police."
"Before the executives came down, did you hear any gunshots?"
"None, It also didn't help that it was deafening in the kitchen."
"Okay, that will be all for now. Thank you"
"Mr. Hiyuma-"
"Please, just call me Hiyuma."
"So, Hiyuma, where are you at the time of the murder?"
"I was in the kitchen supervising the cooks and at the same time helping also. Around 8:40, I get down to the cellar to fetch wines to be served to the executives. Right when I got up to the cellar I heard Senyu's screams, I dropped everything and came to her aid, and there I saw Manjirou-sama dead already. I immediately call the police. The executives panicked especially Hitto-sama and Sanzu-sama, while Sanzu-sama checked on Manjiro-sama, Hitto-sama ran to Takemichi-sama's room to check on him."
"According to the report I received from my superior, you are the longest worker here in the manor, correct?"
"Yes"
"Can you tell me everything you know about the Sano"
"I started working here when Mansaku-sama, Manjiro-sama's grandfather, was already the head. He had a son, Makoto-sama, but he lived in America when I was already working here. When they returned to Japan, Makoto-sama was already married and had Shinichiro-sama and Manjiro-sama already."
"When Shinichiro is 13 and Manjiro is 3, Makoto gets into a fatal car accident, just 2 years after Makoto's death, their mother also passed away. Leaving Mansaku-sama to look after the two boys."
"2 years passed, and Emma came to the manor. She was left by Makoto's first wife and then she disappeared. And then just 1 year later, Izana gets adopted by Shinichiro, since he found out that Emma's biological mother used to take care of her before he gets sent to the orphanage."
"Do they all get along?"
"Well they are your typical siblings relationships, they get along fine, few small fights here and there, but you know they love each other. Used to."
"What do you mean?"
"When Shinichiro was 23, he got on a big motorbike accident and he died on the spot. This changes the siblings tremendously. Izana and Manjiro get into fights always, there are times we have to intervene when things get physical. Emma also became more distant and cold. And then, when Izana turned 15 he decided to leave the manor, Mansaku-sama not wanting him to live in the streets brought him an apartment in Yokohama. Then, when Emma was 15, she got into a heated argument with Manjiro and then packed her bags and left with her boyfriend."
"We tried to contact her, but to no avail. It didn't help that Mansaku-sama's help started to decline and he got weaker and weaker as the days and years goes. Then when Manjiro was 19, Mansaku-sama passed away and he inherited the positions and also the business as well."
"You say that both Mr. Izana and Ms. Emma are not on good terms with Mr. Majirou. Have they ever seen each other again, lately?"
"No, not again. The last time they saw each other was on Manjiro and Takemichi's wedding day. They are invited by Takemichi since they are also his childhood friends. But during the wedding, I never saw them even interact with Manjiro. After the wedding, Izana left for the Philippines and in just 4 months Emma left to move to Osaka."
"Thank you for your cooperation, that will be all for now," Naoto said. Hiyuma bowed his head and left.
"*tsk* Can we get this over with? I still have more important things to do." Sanzu irritatedly said as he continuously tapped his foot. Naoto may want to punch this person, but for professional and mature reasons can't and needs to endure it.
"Alright, Mr. Sanzu, according to Ms. Senyu. You came down around 8:35 for dinner, is that correct?"
"Yeah"
"Mr. Manjiro was killed around 8:30-8:40, according to the coroner's report. Just 5 minutes after you came down "
"Are you implying that one of us executives will fucking kill our boss?" Sanzu said as he gritted his teeth.
"I am not implying that you killed Mr. Manjiro, I'm just questioning you. Especially after you get down to the dining hall where Mr. Manjirou is also shot dead." Naoto said, trying hard to stay calm.
"Well, you know what Mr. Detective, you fucking are!"
"Look, Mr. Sanzu, by you being defensive it's just making you look more guilty. I may also remind you that everything in this recording can be used against you. So you either answer it calmly or I will have to put you in detention." Naoto said. This annoyed Sanzu but calmed down.
"I and the other executives did get down at 8:35 for dinner, but Mikey was still in his room when we got down."
"How did you know that?"
"Because I knocked on his room to call him for dinner, but he told me he was still full and would not eat dinner at the same time he was finishing some work. So me and the executives decided to leave him alone and get down to enjoy dinner." Sanzu recalled.
"You called Mr. Manjiro 'Mikey', this implies that you are very close to him."
"That's because my brother and his brother are best friends and used to go to the same high school. That's how I met Mikey."
"So, it means that you are very familiar with his life?"
"Well, basically it."
"Then you're also familiar with his enemies as well, correct?"
"Mikey is one of the richest men in Asia, of course, his bound to have enemies, especially in business. At the same time, people will be super envious of him. He got everything. Money, power, and also a beautiful wife." Sanzu explained.
"Look, I may be his right-hand man and childhood friend. But, that doesn't mean I also know everything about him."
"Why is that?"
"Look, Mr. Detective, Mikey is the secretive type of person. He doesn't like someone prying on his business, and I respect that. I have been his friend for the past 17 years and I still know little about him." Sanzu answered.
"So, are we done? Cuz, I think I tell you everything I know." Sanzu told to Naoto.
Naoto feels unsatisfied but feels like he will not extract any decent information from him unless he has something on him to make him talk.
"Yes, you may." Naoto defeatedly said. Sanzu then pushed the chair back and with a smirk he left the room, leaving Naoto feeling frustrated.
"Mr. Hitto-"
"Just Kakuchou is fine." Unlike Sanzu, Kakuchou is a more sensible and reasonable man.
"Kakuchou, you work as Mr. Manjirou's left-hand. How did you get the job?"
"Well, Takemichi and I are childhood friends. Before I worked with Mikey I used to work on a small company. But that company needed to lay off workers and I was removed from the company. 3 days after I was removed I attended Takemichi and Mikey's wedding, there Takemichi introduced me to Mikey and he asked him if I could work for him. Mikey agrees and that's how I started working for Mikey." Kakuchou explained.
"Can you describe your relationship with Mr. Manjiro?"
"Well, his my boss and the husband of my childhood but other than that we're just employer and employee," Kakuchou explained, face remaining neutral.
"Ms. Senyu said that you and the other executives get down at 8:35 and 5 minutes later Mr. Manjiro is murdered. Do you want to explain the discrepancy?" Naoto asked. Kakuchou tensed a little, which did not go unnoticed by Naoto.
"Me and the other executives are at the recreational room before dinner, we are playing poker and we didn't notice the time. When we get down, Mikey was not with us when we get down and he was still in his room."
"But according to the report that my superiors gave to me when they interviewed you, you said quote in quote 'Before we get down to the dining hall, I tell Koko that they head first on the dining hall and I'm going to check on Takemichi' which makes you the last one to get down," Naoto said.
"I did get down last, but I didn't walk into Mikey during that time. Believe me, when I got down no one was there on the staircase and also I wasn't the only one to get down to the dining hall, Inupi was with me." Kakuchou said.
Naoto eyed him suspiciously.
"Look, if you don't believe me, asked Inupi. He will tell you." Naoto just hummed as a response.
"Okay, you're free to leave," Naoto said, making Kakuchou sigh in relief as he stood up from the seat and left.
Naoto feels like Kakuchou isn't telling everything he knows.
"Mr. Akashi, Ms. Senyu said that you and your fellow executives get down to the dining hall at 8:35."
"Yeah, we are playing pokers in the recreational room and when it's time for dinner we get down and eat," Akashi said as he took out a cigarette in his coat.
"Mr. Akashi, according to the report you are very close friends with the Sanos," Naoto said as he looked at the old man as he played with the unlit stick of cigarette in his mouth.
"Yeah, Mikey's eldest brother, Shinichiro is a close friend of mine. He and I are childhood friends and my siblings used to play with his siblings also." Akashi said nonchalantly.
"So, that means you are very close also with Mikey."
"Well yeah, but also no" This statement makes Naoto raise a brown.
"You see, I treat Mikey like my own brat. I give advice when he needs an older figure, I take care of him and I look after him after the passing of Shin, but I draw a line after what he did to my younger brother." Akashi said took out a lighter and lit the cigarette in his mouth.
"I think you know him, Sanzu Haruchiyo, you just interviewed him like a few hours ago," Akashi revealed and blew some smokes. This makes Naoto eyes widen in shock.
"*chuckles* I know right? I get that a lot. After all, he and I don't look so much alike."
"Why you and Sanzu don't have the same surname?"
"Well, Haru got into 'the phase' and doesn't want to be associated with our lame ass. I think it has also to do with what Mikey did to him."
"Could you tell me what Mikey did to Sanzu?"
"Well, Mikey, he's a damn possessive and overzealous kid with the strength of a damn gorilla, this scared me the most. The incident happened during our hangout; Haru, Senju, Mikey, Baji, Izana, and Takemichi were playing like typical kids. Mikey has this expensive airplane-model toy that Shin gave to Mikey as an early present for his birthday, Senju wants to play with it, I and Haru tell her that it's not hers and to not touch it, especially since it's a very expensive one that I don't know where I can get the money if she broke it."
"I was not there, since I with our other friend Benkai decided to go to the corner store to buy snacks for all of us, especially the kids. When I get back I see Haru with a crying Senju beside him and his mouth has been ripped. I was scared that Haru get into an accident, but then I saw Mikey standing with a dark look and I noticed blood on his hands and my blood turned cold." Naoto listened to Akashi and felt disturbed by the tale.
"Everything is blurry, one second I was looking after Haru and then the ambulance was there and... It was just a shit show after another shit show. And that time, I feel Mikey isn't like other kids." Akashi said as he stub the cigarette butt in the ashtray.
"Did this affect your relationship with the Sanos?"
"Shin came to me to apologize, on behalf of his brother as well as pay for the hospital fees. Shin visits Haru, but I never see Mikey even visit him."
"Do you think Sanzu holds a grudge against Mikey and kills him?"
"Not really, Haru forgives Mikey and they continue to be friends. But, me, I stay the fuck away from him."
"Then, how did you become his advisor in his company?"
"Well, I need money and Sanzu told me that I could work on Mikey's company and I accepted it. But, I don't mingle much with him, I prefer him to be at arms length, and our relationships be just employer and employee." Akashi said.
"Are we done? Cuz, I'm starving. Wanna eat with me, Mr. Detective?" Akashi asked Naoto.
"No thank you, you're free to leave," Naoto said.
Naoto feels like something is off on him.
"Mr. Kokonoi could you tell me what are you doing before you get down for dinner?" Naoto looked at the white-haired man.
"Well, I was in the recreational room with the other executives and we were playing a friendly match of pokers, other than that just it."
"And then what?" Naoto looked at Koko, "Well, we get lost in time, and at 8:35 we get down to the dining hall, but Kakuchou and Inupi said to me that they will check on Takemichi first before they head down." Koko simply explained.
'So, Kakuchou and Inui did indeed get down last. I need to look into Inui further than' Naoto thought.
"Mr. Kokonoi, how did you start working with Manjiro and his company?"
"Well, I used to work in one of those black companies. Shitty pay, shitty job, fucked up schedule, and full of overtime that I'm living in energy drinks and store-brought food in the corner store. During my break, I ran with Takemichi. He, Inupi, and I used to go to the same high school and we are very close, but we lost contact when I got to university."
"When he found out my working conditions, he asked me to work for his Mikey, they were still engaged at that time. I hesitated but then agreed because it's much better than working on that hellhole and so the rest is history." Koko tells Naoto.
"What is your relationship with Manjiro?"
"Well, I don't know much about him, other than his my boss, and he pays well," Koko said.
"I tell you everything, is this enough?" Koko asked Naoto.
Naoto just sighed and tiredly nodded his head.
"Mr. Inui, according to what I have gathered from your fellow executives, you and Kakuchou are the last ones to get down." Naoto looked at Inupi critically.
"Yeah, I want to check on Takemichi's condition since I heard from Mrs. Himiko, that he was still refusing to eat and unable to talk too. So, me and Kakuchou want to check on him." Inui cooly said.
"Isn't that supposed to be Manjiro's job? To check on his wife? Why are you the one doing it?" Naoto curiously looked at Inupi.
"Yeah, but I was very close with Takemichi. He, Koko, and I were friends in high school, but unlike them, I didn't continue my studies and decided to work already since I didn't have any family or money to continue my studies, so I lost contact with them. I recently got a hold of them when Koko offered me a job in the company."
"That didn't answer my question, Mr. Inui."
"Is it bad to check on a friend already, especially when he's not well?" Inui raised a brow.
"Well, I just want to know that you are not using Mr. Takemichi as an excuse and alibi." Naoto looked at Inupi, the ticking vein in his temple says a lot.
'Looks like I hit a nerve' Naoto thought.
"Look, Mr. Detective. I was just there to check on Takemichi's condition and after that, we got down to eat dinner. When we got down, we didn't run into Mikey neither was his presence. Does that satisfy you?" Inui said calmly but with a hit of aggressiveness
"Just making sure, Mr. Inui."
"Well, now that you make sure now. I will take my leave." Inupi said and left the room, slamming the door in the process.
"Very shifty"
"Oh my~ I couldn't have guessed that I would get to experience being in one of a murder cases. Quite an excitement~!" Ran gleefully said as he hummed happily.
"It seems that you are quite liking the situation you are in, Mr. Ran?" Naoto looked at him critically.
"Well, you could say I am quite fond of mystery. The feeling of enigma gives me excitement." Ran said with a big smile on his face.
"Enough chit-chat, where were you before the time of the murder?"
"Oh my~ straight to point I see. Well, I was playing poker with the others, nothing quite exciting except for the fact that I was winning, that's all."
"After that what did you do?"
"Well, we finish our game and we get down for dinner."
"Ms. Senyu said that you asked her to fetch your phone in your room?"
"Yep, I was expecting a very important call and I can't miss it. But this happened and now I missed a call."
"Mr. Ran, your boss is murdered and one of you could be possibly the killer and you care more about your call?" Naoto looked at him baffled.
"Well, Mr. Tachibana. I do care, but I'm more worried about our sweet little Michi. Pure thing, lost his child and lost his husband, and now he all alone." Ran said Naoto did not like the tone Ran used.
"Mr. Ran, you are being insensitive."
Ran scoffed "Mr. Tachibana, Mikey and I relationship is purely business. I couldn't care less about him, let alone even pretend that we were close."
Naoto is flabbergasted. Can someone truly be this uncaring?
Ran stood up and started walking to the door before he took his leave. He faced Naoto on last time.
"You know, Mr. Detective. You shouldn't believe the words of the people here. How about a little hint." Ran got close to Naoto's ears and whispered something before leaving Naoto alone.
Naoto's hands balled into a fist.
"Mr. Rindou, where were you before the time of the murder?" Naoto asked.
"Playing poker with the other, and probably drinking as well." Rindou simply answered face remaining unbothered.
"And then what?"
"I don't know, we get down and we eat dinner, and then Mikey is dead" Rindou shrugs his shoulder.
Naoto sighed "Did something happen before that?"
"Nope, that's it," Rindou said. This makes Naoto want to bash his head into the wall. Are people here really that insufferable (except for Kakuchou and the workers)?
"On second thought..." This caught Naoto's attention.
"The lobster that I eat tastes funny," Rindou said.
Why did Naoto get his hopes up? Ran and Rindou are truly damn brothers.
"Please, Mr. Rindou. Take this seriously. We have a dead man over here." Naoto pleads to Rindou. "What do you want me to say? I fucking killed him? I may detest him a little bit, cuz he a brat, but that doesn't mean I killed him." Rindou confessed.
"What did you say?" This made Naoto raise a brow.
"Look, Mikey is very insufferable to work, but I learn to live with his damn bratty and tyrannical attitudes, we all are!" Rindou said.
"So you're saying this makes you want to kill him?" "WHAT?! No! I'm saying he's just annoying. I still can't believe that Mikey got a wife let alone be married as well." Rindou said.
"I know you're messing with my brain, Detective. But, I'm fucking innocent. So I will just leave cuz I already told you everything. Goodbye." Rindou leaves hastily.
Naoto took a puff on my cigarette to help him relax and also unwind. He was in the garden of the manor to find peace and also calm his nerves. Today was just exhausting, and draining. The indifference and insufferable nature of the executives truly got him the most and rubbed him the wrong way.
Naoto remembers what Ran has whispered to him.
'The walls have ears. The doors have eyes. Beware of beasts who tell lies'
Naoto can't shake what Ran has whispered to him. It was just so cryptic and weird at the same time. Naoto took out his notepad and scanned through the pages of it.
Sanzu, Kakuchou, Akashi, Inui, and Ran have something they know, they are very shifty and defensive at the same time. Naoto can't help to doubt the statement they have given to him.
Koko and Rindou seem to not care at all.
But they all have something in common and that is their Relationship with Mikey, which to put it simply nonexistent or distant.
Naoto needs more clues to solve this murder but with no other evidence and the body still undergoing forensic examination, he has to find more viable evidence.
Naoto took one last puff before throwing the cigarette butt on the ground and stomping it. He was about to leave when he heard someone screaming.
This makes Naoto be alerted as he looks at the owner of the voice.
"Mikey! Mikey!" A short feminine man emerged, he was wearing a long silk nightgown as he ran in the garden, looking for someone, on a dead cold night.
'Ah, it was Takemichi' Naoto thought as he looked at the figure.
"Takemichi-sama please let's go back to your room. It's cold and you're still not well." The old maid, Mrs. Himiko tried to persuade Takemichi and gently held him.
"I need to find Mikey! The baby is looking for him! Mikey!" Takemichi shouted again, looking for his already dead husband.
He completely became demented and Naoto can't help but feel sorry for him.
"Do you need help, Mrs. Himiko?" Naoto approached them.
Takemichi's eyes widened in familiarity and he ran to Naoto, making him taken aback.
"Hina-chan, I can't find Mikey! You need to help! The baby needs him! Hina-chan please" Takemichi tearfully pleads to Naoto as he grasps the coat of his suit. Naoto was in shock.
"Mr. Takemichi how—" Naoto was cut off by a familiar raspy voice.
"What's happening here?" Sanzu asked as he looked at them, his tone was very displeased at the sight he saw.
The old maid bowed her head, but Sanzu paid no mind to her, and her attention still on Naoto and Takemichi.
"Michi, look at you, it's cold. Come here. You need to take a rest, doctor orders." Sanzu softly said as he gently prayed the shorter man off Naoto. Sanzu took off his coat and put it on Takemichi. "But! but! Mikey?! Where is Mikey?!" Takemichi said distraught.
"Michi, did you forget? Mikey is not here. Mikey has a business trip in France, remember? That's why he's not here." Sanzu said as he rubbed circles on the man's back, trying to calm him down.
"Huh? Really?" "Yes, Michi. So why don't you take a rest for now, okay?" Sanzu softly said and Takemichi just slowly nodded.
The scene makes Naoto shocked. He didn't know Sanzu could be this gentle and soft to someone.
"I will take him to his room," Sanzu said to the maid and guided Takemichi inside the manor.
"Are you okay, Detective?" Mrs. Himiko worriedly asked Naoto.
"Yes..." Naoto was shaken.
'How did he know my sister?' Naoto thought.
'He and my sister seem to be close, does he have a connection to the death of my sister?'
'And, Sanzu seems too close to Takemichi. TOO CLOSE.'
Naoto glares at the figures as they enter the manor.
—The veil of mystery must be lifted, and every shadow be illuminated, for only through complete understanding can the enigma be resolved and the darkness be dispelled.—