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Case 022450: Initial Report
Presiding Detectives: Goro Akechi, aged 26, and Akira Kurusu, aged 24
Reporter: Goro Akechi
Classification: Burglary
Summary: A recent string of burglaries has been occurring in Tokyo. Exactly one item is stolen each time.
Modus Operandi: Disabling of security cameras, followed by a power outage that allows the perpetrator to get in and out.
Crimes Committed: Breaking and entering, theft of items valued over ¥150,000
Notes: Perpetrator does not appear to have harmed anyone so far.
Case 022450: Interview 1 - Transcript
Victim: Ryuji Sakamoto
Age: 24
Occupation: Athletic trainer at Protein Lovers Gym, Shibuya
Conversation Log:
Det. Akechi: Can you tell us exactly what happened from start to finish?
Sakamoto: Well, I was just closing up shop for the night, and suddenly, the power went out!
Det. Kurusu: Is that a normal occurrence?
Det. Akechi: Please try to be serious for once in your life, Detective Kurusu.
Det. Kurusu: Just trying to lighten the mood, Detective. I promise I’ll behave.
Sakamoto: It’s definitely not normal. And I was alone that night so it was kinda scary. I didn’t know what to do.
Det. Akechi: Did you take any action?
Sakamoto: Didn’t I just say I didn’t know what to do? But actually, I knew where the electrical breaker was so I went to reset the switches. But that’s when something totally strange happened!
Det. Kurusu: Oh? Do tell us more.
Sakamoto: So, I grabbed my key and I went to the wall where the breaker was, right? And I unlocked it, and I went to flip the switch. But then—and this scared the shit out of me, let me tell you—I suddenly felt a hand on my shoulder, and another on my mouth, I guess to stop me from screaming.
Det. Akechi: That must have been very frightening.
Sakamoto: Yeah, no shit! And then there was this voice, a real smooth voice, and it whispered in my ear, “Don’t bother, cutie, even you can’t turn the power back on. Although you’ve certainly got my circuits buzzing.” Like, what does that even mean?!
Det. Kurusu: Sounds like this mystery person was trying to flirt with you.
Sakamoto: Really? I mean, I was definitely blushing, but the next thing I knew, my eyes were covered and I was knocked out! Though I didn’t feel hurt when I woke up, so I don’t know how they did it…
Det. Akechi: So the thief flirted with you to distract you? Not to be crude, but that’s not a tactic I would use.
Det. Kurusu: I’m surprised you even know what flirting is, Detective Akechi. I don’t think you’d know flirting if it hit you in the face.
Det. Akechi: Moving on, could you describe for us what was stolen?
Sakamoto: Yeah, I wasn’t sure at first, because when I woke up, I was somewhere different. I wasn’t at the breaker anymore. I guess the thief moved me to the small break room that we have in the gym. The first place I thought to check was our display cabinet, because the shit that’s in there is honestly the only valuable stuff we have. And I was right—a couple years ago, a pair of sneakers were donated to us by a very famous athlete, because he knew the owner. And when I checked the cabinet, it was gone!
Det. Akechi: Were they the only things that were stolen?
Sakamoto: Yeah! I thought that was super weird—why would you go to all the trouble of breaking into somewhere only to take one thing? Plus, somehow this thief got the key—the glass wasn’t broken. They really could have taken as much as they wanted, but they didn’t.
Det. Kurusu: Maybe they didn’t want to leave any more trace of themselves than necessary.
Det. Akechi: Well, thank you for your observations, and your candour, Mr. Sakamoto. We’ll be in touch as soon as we have more information.
Sakamoto: Thanks for hearing me out. Good luck with your investigating!
Case 022450: Interview 2 - Transcript
Victim: Ann Takamaki
Age: 24
Occupation: Fashion model, photoshoots take place primarily in Shibuya
Conversation Log:
Det. Akechi: Go ahead, Ann.
Takamaki: God, I’m so glad you’ve been assigned to my case, Goro. Having a friend here is really helping calm me down.
Det. Akechi: Of course, Ann, I wouldn’t let anyone else handle it. I’m not about to let someone else screw this up.
Det. Kurusu: I wouldn’t screw it up!
Det. Akechi: Oh? Just like how you didn’t screw up the DUI case from a month ago?
Det. Kurusu: There was a beautiful detective distracting me!
Det. Akechi: You know Detective Niijima is like 15 years older than you, right?
Det. Kurusu: That’s not who I—never mind. Please go on, Ms. Takamaki.
Takamaki: Um, ok…well, as you probably know, it was just last week when I was doing a shoot for a magazine, modelling a new line of jewelry. It was in the Shibuya Underground, I guess because they wanted to showcase the jewelry in a place frequented by the public. But there was a lot of security, because a lot of the items had real jewels set in them—some of them even had diamonds.
Det. Akechi: And how many people knew this shoot was happening?
Takamaki: As far as I know, my team, the company I’m signed onto, and the jewelry company. So honestly a lot.
Det. Kurusu: How many people were actually on site?
Takamaki: Maybe 30? It’s difficult to recall, but there were a lot of people that day, both at the shoot and in the Underground in general. It was probably really easy for the thief to slip in unnoticed.
Det. Akechi: I’m inclined to agree with you. So how did it happen?
Takamaki: It was during the final shot. I was modelling a diamond ring, but when they were getting ready to take the photos, the cameras suddenly stopped working. And then, you know how there’s normally music playing in the Underground? That shut off too. It was super creepy.
Det. Kurusu: What did you do?
Takamaki: Well, I think the security started trying to figure out what was going on, but then the lights suddenly went out! All of them! Our shoot lights stopped working, and then all the lights in the mall shut down!
Det. Akechi: I’m so sorry, Ann—that must have been really scary. I would have been worried too if I was in your place.
Det. Kurusu: I would have protected you, Detective.
Det. Akechi: I don’t need your protection. Ann, what happened next?
Takamaki: It was kind of all a blur, honestly. Everyone was yelling around me, and I couldn’t hear or see anything. I didn’t know if I should move, so I just stayed put. But then, someone took my hand, the one with the ring on it, and kissed it! Like in the movies! And then they slipped the ring right off my finger!
Det. Akechi: You didn’t call for help?
Takamaki: Oh, I was too flustered. I’m ashamed to admit it, but whoever this guy is, they’re really charming.
Det. Akechi: Yes, they sound like quite the playboy.
Det. Kurusu: More like quite the gentleman thief, if you ask me.
Det. Akechi: Well, thanks a lot, Ann. You’ve been super helpful. I promise we’ll get to the bottom of this.
Takamaki: No, thank you, Goro. I’m really glad you’re here right now.
Case 022450: Interview 3 - Transcript
Victim: Yusuke Kitagawa
Age: 24
Occupation: Artist whose works have recently been put up for display in Ueno
Conversation Log:
Det. Akechi: Good evening, Mr. Kitagawa. First of all, I express my deepest condolences for what has happened to you. I must admit, I’m a great fan of yours, so it was rather shocking to hear about this incident.
Kitagawa: Thank you, Detective. It is wonderful to hear that my art has made an impact on you.
Det. Kurusu: Yes, your artwork is truly…unique. So, can you tell us what happened?
Kitagawa: You…what is your name?
Det. Kurusu: Um, I’m Detective Kurusu. I think I already said that earlier.
Kitagawa: Your appearance is… simply stunning! That unkempt hair, those mysterious gray eyes, the curvature of your lips—it all comes together to form something exquisite! Something that evokes a feeling in me that cannot be explained by any force on this earth! I must make this request—will you be the model for my next art piece?!
Det. Kurusu: I guess so?
Kitagawa: Splendid! I shall obtain your details after this and arrange a time for you to sit.
Det. Akechi: Mr. Kitagawa, if we could get back to the matter at hand?
Kitagawa: Yes, of course. My apologies.
Det. Akechi: So, how did the painting get stolen?
Kitagawa: Well, it was opening night of the art gallery, and I was presiding over the section in which my works were displayed. I had gathered quite the audience and was happily explaining the meaning behind one of my pieces, “Desire and Hope”. You could say it is my magnum opus.
Det. Akechi: You must be all the more miserable then, that that is the piece that was taken.
Kitagawa: No doubt, but I am sure that this tragedy will inspire me to create an even greater piece!
Det. Akechi: …Of course. So what happened next?
Kitagawa: The lights went out. This thief is rather bold, you know. Passionate and daring, they came up behind me, placed their hands on my waist, and kissed my neck. It felt like they were wearing gloves. They whispered in my ear, “You’re the most gorgeous thing in this room.” How romantic!
Det. Kurusu: I agree completely! I’m starting to like this thief more and more.
Det. Akechi: Well, I’m not. Do they just go around flirting with everyone they steal from?
Det. Kurusu: Seems to just be a part of their modus operandi. For all we know, they already have a special someone in their life.
Det. Akechi: I doubt it, they sound much too difficult to put up with. Anyways, thank you for your…detailed descriptions, Mr. Kitagawa.
Kitagawa: You sound put out, Detective. Don’t be upset—your appearance is equally breathtaking! I would love to paint you too, if given the opportunity! What do you think?
Further conversation has not been transcribed due to privacy reasons.
Case 022450: Interview 4 - Transcript
Victim: Makoto Niijima
Age: 26
Occupation: Police officer stationed in Aoyama-Itchome
Conversation Log:
Niijima: I can’t believe you guys have been assigned to my case.
Det. Kurusu: Settle down, Niijima. I know you’re jealous that we get to work with Sae and you don’t, but that’s no reason to be hostile.
Det. Akechi: I’m sure you’ll get to work with her once you get promoted. You know, when you get good at your job.
Niijima: Shut it. Let’s just get this over with. I was interviewing the principal of Shujin Academy about a different case concerning one of their teachers when all the technology and the power went out. The thief was attempting to steal one of the school’s prized objects, a trophy won by their volleyball team for securing first place at nationals. I know because that was the only valuable thing in the principal’s office, and because it was gone afterwards, obviously.
Det. Akechi: What happened after the power went out?
Niijima: …
Det. Akechi: Oh no…
Niijima: Someone jumped down from the ceiling, landing right in front of me. I couldn’t see much, but I was able to make out that they had super messy dark hair, and that they were wearing a white mask. They—ugh, I hate that they got the better of me! They put their hand on my cheek, and said to me, “Just as beautiful as your sister.”
Det. Akechi: Wait, what?
Det. Kurusu: Oh, shit. They screwed up.
Det. Akechi: Oh my goodness—thank you, Niijima! This is so helpful! That immensely narrows down who it could be—it’s someone who knows your sister! What a stupid thief!
Det. Kurusu: Who knows—maybe they wanna get caught. By a hot detective.
Niijima: What is wrong with you two…
Det. Akechi: Don’t lump me in with him, please.
Det. Kurusu: Yeah, we’re not the same! I’m way more good-looking.
Further conversation has not been transcribed due to workplace conflict issues.
Case 022450: Interview 5 - Transcript
Victim: Futaba Sakura
Age: 23
Occupation: Ethical hacker, sometimes does work for the government. Det. Kurusu’s sister.
Conversation Log:
Sakura: …
Det. Akechi: Ms. Sakura, are you alright? You seem to be quite agitated.
Sakura: Of course I’m not alright! This has to be some sort of sick joke, right? Akira, please tell me this is a joke.
Det. Kurusu: Calm down, Futaba—it was just a USB stick, right?
Sakura: Just a USB stick?! JUST A USB STICK?!
Det. Kurusu: Oh boy, I’ve set her off.
Sakura: That drive was indispensable! It had months’ worth of important data on it! Important, classified data! Yes, I encrypted it for security reasons, but who knows what kind of guy this thief is! Maybe they’ve cracked it already! I’m going to be ruined! Ruined, I tell you! I’m going to get fired!
Det. Akechi: I can assure you, Ms. Sakura, that that will not happen. Your brother may be an arrogant jerk, but he is also incredibly intelligent and a highly capable detective. He will not allow this crime to go unsolved.
Det. Kurusu: …Akechi?
Det. Akechi: Can you please describe what happened at the time of the theft?
Sakura: You know, I should be pissed that it happened inside my own home, but really, I’m just impressed. Somehow the dude disabled my top-notch security system and caused a power outage!
Det. Kurusu: Did they even need to? Your room is always pitch black as it is, you vampire.
Sakura: Mean! But honestly, valid point. I think it was just a consequence of disabling the security—somehow, it caused everything powered by electricity to shut down, including the lights. So, on second thought, while I am impressed that they managed to take down my defenses, it was done in a super amateurish way.
Det. Akechi: What happened after the lights went out?
Sakura: Well, I kinda panicked, but my laptop was still working, so I had some light from there. For a moment, I saw this guy near my desk. I couldn’t see much, but it looked like he was wearing some kind of trench coat. Also heels—I saw heels. When the lights came back on, he was gone, and so was my flash drive. Oh, and I found a note next to my Featherman figures that said, and I quote, “Your dolls are lame.” Who says that?!
Det. Kurusu: Sounds like my kinda guy.
Det. Akechi: Sounds like a guy who doesn’t have any taste.
Sakura: I know, right?! You get me, Akechi. You know what, Akira—you don’t have to come with me to the next Featherman movie. I’ll take your partner here instead.
Det. Kurusu: Well, now I’ve gotta take Akechi to see it.
Det. Akechi: And what makes you think I’d go with you?
Det. Kurusu: Come on, you wouldn’t rob me of the chance to one-up my little sister, would you?
Det. Akechi: Well, Ms. Sakura, thank you very much for your time. And for the record, I’d love to see that movie with you, if only to get the better of your brother here.
Sakura: All right!
Case 022450: Interview 6 - Transcript
Victim: Haru Okumura
Age: 26
Occupation: CEO of Okumura Foods
Conversation Log:
Det. Akechi: First of all, Ms. Okumura, I’d like to congratulate you on the success of your company. You’ve truly outdone yourself with the way you’ve reshaped the company.
Det. Kurusu: And I’d like to congratulate you on the exquisite burgers your company puts out.
Okumura: I’ve learnt only from the best. Besides, I think my father deserves to enjoy his remaining years without the weight of the company on his back.
Det. Akechi: I assume that’s why he doesn’t know about this incident?
Okumura: Yes…I didn’t want to stress him out. If it would be possible not to inform him of this…
Det. Akechi: Of course, Ms. Okumura, we will keep this matter strictly confidential. Now, if you could tell us what happened?
Okumura: It occurred much the same as the other burglaries…I’m friends with someone else who was a target, so I know that they’ve all been similar. Do you know her? Her name is Makoto Niijima.
Det. Kurusu: Oh, we know her.
Okumura: Well, just like in her case, an award was stolen from us. It was an award my father had received for excellent service in food and customer service. It’s normally kept in the CEO’s office, which is on the top floor, guarded by the utmost security.
Det. Akechi: All of which the thief was able to bypass, I assume.
Okumura: Yes—there was a building wide power outage, which was probably when the thief snuck in. I was sitting at my desk when the power went out, but when I went to leave the room to see what was going on, there he was, standing outside the door. He was wearing some sort of mask, but I could see very clear gray eyes. They were honestly very pretty.
Det. Kurusu: What happened next?
Okumura: Well, he…he tucked something behind my hair, and kissed my cheek. Before I had time to react, he moved past me and into my office. I was somewhat stunned, so by the time I actually went back inside, he was already gone.
Det. Akechi: What did he put in your hair?
Okumura: …A rose.
Det. Kurusu: Jealous, Detective? I could get you a rose if you’d like.
Det. Akechi: I certainly don’t need one from you of all people. To clarify, Ms. Okumura, nothing else was taken?
Okumura: No, only the award. But it was quite an important one, Father really cherished it. I do hope you can get it back.
Det. Akechi: We won’t rest until we do. Thank you for the information, Ms. Okumura.
Okumura: My pleasure.
Case 022450: Interview 7 - Transcript
Victim: Sumire Yoshizawa
Age: 23
Occupation: Professional gymnast, on break as it is currently the off-season
Sumire: Hello! It’s so nice to meet you both!
Det. Kurusu: Lovely to make your acquaintance, Ms. Yoshizawa. I hear you’re a professional athlete? That’s quite amazing.
Sumire: Oh, it’s nothing really—I’ve still got a long way to go!
Det. Akechi: Could you stop flirting for one minute?
Det. Kurusu: Why, I am doing no such thing. We’re on assignment here.
Det. Akechi: [redacted]
Det. Kurusu: Well, that’s not very nice. Good that you’re letting your anger out though, it ruins that pretty face of yours. You don’t look very hot when you’re angry, you know.
Det. Akechi: …Ms. Yoshizawa, I’m very sorry for your loss. From what I understand, it was a very personal item that was stolen, yes?
Sumire: Yes, it was a keepsake from my late sister, Kasumi. A necklace that she used to wear.
Det. Kurusu: Oh—oh, God. I’m so sorry—that’s really rough.
Det. Akechi: I assure you, we will stop at nothing to return it to you. Could you please describe the events that occurred leading up to the theft?
Sumire: Well, I don’t know if you know, but it’s the off-season right now, so I don’t have any events. But I get antsy if I’m not practicing, so I thought I’d go to the gym and get some practice in—just work on my routine a little, nothing too strenuous.
Det. Akechi: Do you normally practice at night?
Sumire: No, but I was feeling really restless and I couldn’t sleep. The gym I use is accessible as long as you have the code, so that’s where I went. It’s only a short walk away from my place.
Det. Kurusu: Was there anyone else besides you at the gym?
Sumire: Just me—which was kind of perfect, actually. I did my warm-ups, played my music out loud, counted out loud too. It was really nice! I was just getting into it when sadly, the power went out.
Det. Akechi: Yes, that’s been the case thus far.
Sumire: I just waited in place for a minute, to see if it would come back on. When it didn’t, I went to try to grab my phone to see if I could call someone. But then I bumped into someone.
Det. Kurusu: Our famous thief?
Sumire: It must have been. He was tall, much taller than me, and he had a really deep voice. It was quite pleasant to listen to. He said to me, “Your routine is captivating, just like you.” Then—and I don’t know how he did this so quickly—he unclasped my necklace. And then he kissed me on the forehead, and then the lights came back on, but he had vanished. He said that my routine was captivating, but really, I was captivated by him!
Det. Akechi: Yes, you’re not the first person to say that. Seems like most of his victims have been enamoured with him.
Det. Kurusu: Would you be?
Det. Akechi: Well, there is apparently something about him that is enchanting almost every single person he comes across. I’d like to think I’d be immune to it, but honestly, who can say? Anyways, thank you for meeting with us, Ms. Yoshizawa. I promise we’ll get your necklace back.
Sumire: I just know you will.
Case 022450: Additional Notes
Logged by Goro Akechi, 2300 hrs:
Received a strange note. It reads:
To Detective Goro Akechi,
This message is from the one you are looking for.
I am Joker. I lead the Phantom Thieves. The purpose of these burglaries was to recruit members to my crew. Rest assured, each member has had their item returned to them.
You’ve gone around interviewing each of my supposed victims, but now I have a question for you.
If I steal your heart, will you join my team?
What say you, Detective?
P.S. You do look hot when you’re angry.