The Adventure of the Great Departure:Trial, Part 1-2

Witness Testimony

- What the Witnesses Saw -

"I was ingesting a regulation beef steak at the restaurant while having a tactical discussion with the old man." Nosa said.

"Myself, I was extolling the virtues of a particularly fine golden curio to the military gentleman." Korekuta said.

"At that precise moment, a firearm was discharged! I observed the enemy's actions with my own eyes! The black-uniformed varsity cadet fired on the English civilian! And from the back, the cowardly little weasel!"

"I was on my hands and knees, investigating the where-abouts of my mysteriously absconded precious curio."

"Well! So you, Sergeant Nosa, actually witnessed the vital moment! You saw the split second when the defendant fired the weapon at the victim." The Judge said.

"Yessir! Affirmative, sir! That wicked university cadet, sir! The cruel and unforgivable enemy!" Nosa said.

"What times we live in, when an English gentleman may be assailed in the broad light of day…" Korekuta said.

"But, but this is ridiculous! I didn't shoot anyone!" Ryunosuke said, worried.

"Is that really true, Ryunosuke?" Kazuma asked.

"Yes! All I did was pick up the gun that I saw lying on the floor! After I'd said hello to Dr Watson, I went back to my table and sat drinking more coffee. Then, when I'd finished, I got up from my seat to leave the restaurant... ...when I noticed an English-made gun next to the chair where the professor was sitting. I thought perhaps the professor had dropped it. So I bent down, and just as I was picking it up…" Ryunosuke said.

"You picked up a gun?" I asked, thinking about a bang noise. "Well, if that's the truth, Ryunosuke, there was a criminal at the crime scene somewhere. Somewhere in these two witnesses' testimonies, a clue must be somewhere that tells us who the criminal was."

"There is?" Ryunosuke asked, looking at me.

"Ryunosuke! You must exercise your right to cross-examine the witnesses!" Kazuma said, worried.

"Cross-examine?"

"Yeah! Do it now!" I said, terrified. "Stop the Judge from making a verdict!"

"As we have heard, Your Excellency... ...there is no room for doubt in the testimony of these witnesses. The defendant is clearly guilty. It is time to bring this despicable student to justice!" Auchi said, angrily.

"Certainly, the testimony the court has just heard eliminates any vestige of doubt. Therefore, it is my grave duty to declare the verdict of this tri…" The Judge said.

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, raising his hand. "..."

"What in the name of the Emperor is the meaning of this outburst?!" The Judge exclaimed.

"I, am, erm... I mean, the defence... ...demands its right to a cross-examination!"

"Dear me, dear me. Let me guess? 'The hachimaki headband boy and the boy wearing unusual clothing next door told me to do it.' How pathetic." Auchi said, looking at Ryunosuke.

"Huh?" Ryunosuke asked, and he thought this to himself. 'How did he know?'

"The prosecution objects! This is a clear waste of time. The defendant obviously has no experience. How can he possibly carry out a cross-examination?"

"Objection." Kazuma said, doing the objection pose. "The defence is asserting its RIGHT to a cross-examination! Whether or not you think he's capable of it is irrelevant."

Auchi gulps.

"Wow." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Kazuma is so commanding!'

"Very well. Let the defence conduct a cross-examination of the witnesses." The Judge said.

"Alright, this is where the battle really begins, Ryunosuke!" Kazuma said, smirking.

"But...I don't even know what I have to do in a cross-examination!" Ryunosuke said, terrified.

"Isn't it obvious? You have to expose the lies in the witnesses' statements!"

"How?"

"You didn't fire the gun, which means what that soldier said has to be a lie."

"Well yes, but…"

"It's just a case of proving it. And the key to doing that is evidence." Kazuma said, smirking.

"Right... Evidence…" Ryunosuke said, sadly.

"All you need to do is present some decisive and indisputable evidence that proves the witness is lying. Now let's go, Ryunosuke! Don't let them beat you!" Kazuma said, excitedly.

"Alright then!"

"It's all or nothing, Ryunosuke." I said, happily. "You've got this in the bag."

Cross-Examination

- What the Witnesses Saw -

"I was ingesting a regulation beef steak at the restaurant while having a tactical discussion with the old man." Nosa said.

"Yes." Ryunosuke said. "Erm... ..."

"Why, why aren't you saying anything? Is this some new interrogation technique?!" 

"I...hadn't actually thought of what I wanted to ask…"

"Ask anything that catches your attention, Ryunosuke." I said, picking up another chocolate chip cookie out of a box, tossing said cookie into my mouth to munch on it. "Anything that bothers you in their testimonies."

"Alright then, um... This 'beef steak' you mentioned. What kind of food is that?" Ryunosuke asked.

"Teeen-shun!" Nosa said, saluting.

"Agh!" Ryunosuke said, terrified.

"Beef steak is a delicious cut of veal, vigorously cooked on a cast-iron grill and served piping hot."

"Oh…"

"If food could receive medals of honor, beef steak would be almost as highly decorated as a cutlet!"

"Right! I see. Um, thank you, sir. So, next question... ... This 'cutlet' you mentioned. What kind of food is that?"

"Teeen-shun!"

"Agh!"

"Cutlet is a delicious cut of veal tossed in breadcrumbs and deep fried in cooking oil! Accept your guilty verdict, atone for your crimes, and when you're released from prison, TRY IT!"

"Yessir, I will, sir! On the double, sir!" Ryunosuke said, saluting.

"Sorry about interrupting your talk with the witness about steak, Ryunosuke." I said, looking between Ryunosuke and Nosa. "Can you please ask questions about the case?"

"Oops, sorry! I'll do my best. So, next question... Is it just me, or do you keep hearing a sort of 'wah' crying noise...?" Ryunosuke asked.

"Negative!" Nosa yelled.

"Well, at least we've learnt that he's a big beef lover." 

"...Affirmative." Kazuma said, sadly.

"Wait till he tries the hamburger." I said, and Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'It's not easy knowing what questions to ask…'

"Myself, I was extolling the virtues of a particularly fine golden curio to the military gentleman." Korekuta said.

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, raising his hand. "I have no idea what you're talking about!"

"A koban, boy." 

"A 'koban'? You mean an old Edo coin?"

"The day prior to the incident, a treasure of exceptional value from the Hoei period entered my possession. I took myself to the restaurant the following day, with said item secreted in my bosom pocket... ...in the hope of an affluent cognoscente appraised of its indisputable value being present."

"So...you were hoping to sell your koban coin? To Sergeant Nosa, whom you met at the restaurant?" Ryunosuke asked.

"Yes, yes. It's quite clear where you're going with this, boy. You were about to assert that a penniless soldier would have no hope of purchasing a precious koban. Isn't that so?" Auchi asked.

"Um... Well…" Ryunosuke said, frowning.

"You little upstart cadet! You want to add disrespecting a superior officer to your list of crimes, do you?! Blatant subordination!" Nosa said, angrily.

"No, no, I didn't say anything!" Ryunosuke cried, as he thought this to himself. 'Although 'penniless' might be just the word I was looking for…'

"In any case, the hour was already advanced beyond that of the midday luncheon. There remained precious few present with whom I could engage in discourse about matters of business. The gentleman aside me, who was grappling with his braised veal at the time, was my sole prospect." Korekuta said.

"I see…" Ryunosuke said, in awe.

"At that precise moment, a firearm was discharged! I observed the enemy's actions with my own eyes!" Nosa yelled.

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, raising his hand. "So...you're saying that you actually saw me at that time?"

"Aaaaaaffirmative! I saw you! Laughing - cackling - like a madman as you trained the barrel of your gun on the English civilian!"

"But that's impossible! I, I only…" Ryunosuke said, at a loss for words.

"Allow me to confirm just one point, please." Kazuma said, looking at Nosa.

"What's that, private?" Nosa asked.

"Thinking carefully about the statement you just made, it seems to me... ...that it must have been just after you heard the gunshot that you looked over to the victim's table."

"And so what if it was?"

"Well, if that really is the case... ...it would mean that you didn't in fact see the precise moment when the killer actually fired the gun."

"... Argh! And double 'argh'! My sixth sense…" Nosa said, annoyed.

"Sorry?" Ryunosuke asked.

"My sixth sense of danger! I picked up the waves of murderous energy radiating from your foul mind! Which means...a split second before you pulled the trigger, I was looking right at you, cadet!"

"Surely that's not really possible...is it?"

"Do you think I'd have got where I am today in the army if I couldn't sense danger in the air, son?"

"Well... It would seem this soldier is absolutely convinced that he saw you do the deed." Kazuma said, looking at Ryunosuke.

"And it seems his mind can't be changed." I said, and Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'This is not good…'

"The black-uniformed varsity cadet fired on the English civilian! And from the back, the cowardly little weasel!" Nosa said, angrily.

"Unless." I said, passing Ryunosuke a photograph of the victim.

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, presenting the photograph of the victim. "..."

"..." Nosa said.

"..." Auchi said.

"..." The Judge said.

"What, what are you playing at, cadet? What is the meaning of this subordination?! Thrusting some photographic print in my moustache!" Nosa yelled.

"In... Inconsistency! Sir! I mean...yes! There's a clear inconsistency here!" Ryunosuke said, worried.

"Tsk, what nonsense! What can this print possibly tell us that we don't already know?!" Auchi exclaimed.

"Well...obviously... That, um…" Ryunosuke said, while he thought this to himself. 'I know what I want to say, but the words just won't come out of my mouth!'

"Hmph! I think this proves beyond any doubt, Your Excellency... ...that there is no place for an amateur student here in this grand courtroom!" Auchi said, scoffing.

"Hmmm…" The Judge said.

"Argh!" Ryunosuke said, as he thought this to himself. 'This is so frustrating!'

"Oh, please. Surely this doesn't require an explanation. It couldn't be more plain. To spell it out would be an insult to the court." Kazuma said, happily.

"It really would." I said, laughing a lot. "Kazuma and I can't be the only ones that noticed."

"Kazuma, Jared, what...?" Ryunosuke asked, looking between Kazuma and I.

"What are you talking about?" Auchi asked.

"It's apparent from a single glance at the photographic print presented by the defence... ...that there's a clear discrepancy here with the sergeant's statement!" Kazuma said, determined.

"What?" Auchi asked.

"Sergeant Iyesa Nosa…" Kazuma said, looking at Nosa.

"Yessir, what, sir?" Nosa asked.

"The statement you just made was this: 'The black-uniformed varsity cadet fired on the English civilian! And from the back, the cowardly little weasel!'"

"Yessir! Affirmative, sir! I witnessed the crime with my own military-grade eyes, sir!"

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, raising his hand. "But no! That just can't be!"

"And why not, cadet?!" Nosa exclaimed.

"Because... Because... Because...!"

"Can you please take a close look at the photo?" I asked, looking down at the photograph of the victim. "The victim, Dr Watson, died from a bullet wound to the chest."

"Ah…" Nosa said, his eyes widening.

"Sergeant. According to your witness statement... ...the culprit shot the victim from behind. And that is the obvious discrepancy here. Well? How do you explain it?" Kazuma asked.

"Ooh...erm... Agh...um... Well, er... Hnn... Hnn…"

"As I said before, Ryunosuke." I said, and Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'What...the...? What was that? Something just popped up from behind his back but he pushed it down again…'

"Certainly, there is a clear discrepancy with the facts here. Would you not agree, Sergeant Nosa?" The Judge asked.

"... Yes, sir... At this juncture, that...would appear to be indisputable. Until the moment I heard the firearm discharge, my eyes were... ...firmly fixed on the delicious La Carneval steak! Sir!" Nosa said, terrified.

"WHAT?!" Auchi exclaimed.

"The last testimony the court heard has proven one thing beyond all reasonable doubt. The witness, Sergeant Iyesa Nosa... ...did NOT see the defendant firing a gun at all!" Kazuma said, smugly.

"Ugh... That's, that's absurd…" Auchi said, scoffing.

"I think the conclusion we must draw is simple... There is no place for an amateur prosecutor here in this grand courtroom!"

"Kgnrk... KYAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!" Auchi cried, breaking down.

"This is where the fun begins." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'There's been a complete turnabout in the mood of this trial...just from that one discrepancy. So this is what being an ace attorney is all about!'

"But... But I definitely saw him! That university cadet, there! He was pointing the firearm directly at the victim's back!" Nosa said, worried.

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, raising his hand. "But I never fired the gun! All I did was pick it up off the floor!"

"Hmmm... And you, old man. You didn't see the moment the victim was shot, either?" The Judge asked.

"... Myself, I have already been quite clear. The gunshot interested me not. I was far too busy on the floor." Korekuta said.

"'Too busy on the floor'? Sorry, what were you doing?" Ryunosuke asked.

"Hunting for treasure."

"Treasure?" Kazume asked.

"What kind of treasure?" I asked, placing a chocolate chip cookie into my mouth.

"Indeed! The Hoei-era koban! My prized coin! On each occasion when I visit that restaurant... ...it is my habitude to place in my bosom pocket a particular trinket of interest from my shop, Rasu-tei." Korekuta said.

"In the hope of meeting a rich diner who might like to buy it from you?" Ryunosuke asked.

"On the day under scrutiny, it was to the military man that I proffered my Hoei treasure. Believe that he would purchase such a rare find, I did not. But I was presented with little alternative. And then... After averting my eyes for the briefest of moments...it was there no more! It simply vanished!"

"The koban...vanished?" Auchi asked.

"Can you please update your testimony to reflect what happened next.?" I asked, munching on my chocolate chip cookie.

"Hunting around under the table, I was, in case mayhap it had fallen there. ...And then it happened." Korekuta said.

"Do you mean you heard the gunshot?"

"Indeed I did! But I heeded it not, for I was concerned only with finding my absconded Hoei treasure! NOTHING could distract me!"

"Out of interest... ...did you find the coin in the end?" Kazuma asked.

"... No." Korekuta said, sadly.

"Hm. I see."

"That lamentable day...the precious Hoei koban was lost to me. No doubt some unscrupulous scoundrel pocketed the prize coin for himself!"

"..." Nosa said.

"As I am sure everyone present is aware... ...this case demands a swift and decisive resolution. Our government has promised to send a full report to Great Britain by telegraph this very afternoon." The Judge said.

"Nevertheless! The witness testimony the court has just heard was inconclusive. No matter how subservient our government feels it must be to the British... ...it would be unforgivable to deliver a verdict on this trial right now!" Kazuma yelled.

"Hmmm... What is your position, Prosecutor Auchi?"

"Tsh huh huh! Worry not, Your Excellency. The defendant may have fled a tiger at the front gate, but he will find a wolf at the back." Auchi said, smirking.

"...!" Ryunosuke said, at a loss for words.

"My witnesses have further testimony to make."

"Explain." The Judge said.

"Upon hearing their next statements, it will become abundantly clear... ...that there is only one person who could possibly have committed this despicable crime. The equally despicable defendant, Ryunosuke Naruhodo!" Auchi said, angrily.

"WHAT?!" Ryunosuke exclaimed.

"He really seems to have a despicable opinion of you, doesn't he?" Kazuma asked, looking at Ryunosuke.

"Ugh…" Ryunosuke said, annoyed.

"This is what we get for having a Meiji Era Winston Payne." I said, letting out a sigh. "Such a pain to the Great Ace Attorney."

"Very well, the court invites the witnesses to testify again. You will thoroughly explain the reasoning behind the prosecution's allegation. Is that clear?" The Judge asked.

"As clear as kiriko glass, Your Excellency." Korekuta said.

"Yessir, at once, sir! Awaiting signal to testify, sir!" Nosa said, saluting.

"Um, excuse me, but there's something - or someone - peeking out over your shoulder, I think…" Ryunosuke said.

"Affirmative! The newest member of the Nosa family to rise up through the ranks, sir. Name: Aido." Nosa said, revealing a baby boy.

"Hm, it would seem those straps are a sign of the sergeant being too strapped to afford a nanny." Kazuma said, sadly.

"Aido... Teeen-shun! Your father is about to quell the enemy! Watch and learn, my boy!"

Witness Testimony

- The True Culprit -

"Even if what I saw wasn't the precise moment the firearm was discharged, it's almost the same thing!" Nosa said, worried.

"Yes, pointing his gun at the foreign man, he was, that young lad in black. That much I myself did see." Korekuta said, looking at Ryunosuke.

"Furthermore! A visual search of the premises at the time confirmed that we were the only personnel present."

"Indeed. Alone, he was, the Englishman. Dining all by himself."

"Therefore! No one other than the black-uniformed cadet could have dispatched the Englishman. Over and out!"

"Hm, these testimonies are certainly...compelling." The Judge said.

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, raising his hand. "Wait! That's...that's nonsense! The victim - Dr Watson - wasn't alone at all!"

"Please! Enough of these outbursts already!" Auchi yelled.

"But there was a woman! There was a young woman at his table! You must have seen her! Everyone there must have seen her!" Ryunosuke said, worried.

"Objection." Auchi said, doing the Objection pose. "If you call yourself a lawyer, then you will respect the rules of the court and speak accordingly! We are not here to listen to your fantasies!"

"Ugh…" Ryunosuke said, annoyed.

"It is evident beyond all reasonable doubt that the victim was alone at the time of the incident. The prosecution has photographic evidence of this fact." Auchi said.

"Is this a photographic print of the scene of the crime, Counsel?" The Judge asked.

"Indeed. Of the table at which the victim was dining, taken by an investigator immediately after the incident. As can plainly be seen, there is only one place set."

"Certainly, based on the appearance of this print... ...it would be reasonable to conclude that the victim was not in the company of anyone else."

"Arg…" Ryunosuke said, while he thought this to himself. 'This doesn't make any sense…'

"The court will add this new photographic evidence to the record." The Judge said.

"Ryunosuke, you've got to believe in yourself more." I said, as the photographic print of the crime scene has been entered into the Court Record. "You got this."

"I don't understand…" Ryunosuke said, and he thought this to himself. 'What's going on here? It's just not possible that nobody else saw that woman.'

"The waiter before said the same thing. He maintains that Dr Watson came to the restaurant alone as well." Kazuma said.

"But that's not true! I...I saw her...! I swear that I saw a woman with him…" Ryunosuke said, frowning.

"..."

"It would seem that we'll be able to telegraph the report to Great Britain on time after all. The witness testimonies we have just heard leave no further room for doubt." The Judge said.

"These are very sensitive political times, as we all know. The ink is still fresh on the treaty with Great Britain. To think that I, Taketsuchi Auchi, will have contributed to the amity of these two great empires is an honour." Auchi said.

"..." Ryunosuke said, while he thought this to himself. 'How can this be happening? The judge is ready to rule!'

"Stand tall, Ryunosuke. It's not over yet." Kazuma said, happily.

"It really isn't over." I said, smiling. "The worst of times are when lawyers have to force their biggest smiles."

"What?" Ryunosuke asked, looking between Kazuma and I.

"Jared's right. With what he's saying. Ryunosuke, if what you say is true, then there's something going on here behind the scenes. And now is your chance to expose it. To draw out the truth. ...In your cross-examination." Kazuma said.

"I, I don't know, Kazuma, Jared…"

"The defence is entitled to cross-examine the witnesses. But make it quick. Understood?" The Judge asked.

"Tsk. Rules can be so unbending at times." Auchi said.

"Ugh…" Ryunosuke said.

Cross-Examination

- The True Culprit -

"Even if what I saw wasn't the precise moment the firearm was discharged, it's almost the same thing!" Nosa said, worried.

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, raising his hand. "No no no! It's not the same thing at all! For a start, I didn't fire that gun!"

"We have a difference of opinion on that. The opinion of a uniformed officer versus that of a fledgling cadet." 

"Um, I don't think so…"

"Consider this, Defendant... Just a moment ago, I blinked." Auchi said.

"Um, did you?" Ryunosuke asked.

"Did you see it? Did you see me blink?"

"How could I!"

"And yet! It is an undeniable fact that I did blink! So there you have it."

"Er... Have what...?"

"Teeen-shun! The sound of the firearm rang in my ears, and the very next moment... ...I saw YOU waving the gun at the Englishman!" Nosa said, angrily.

"I think that says it all...don't you?" Auchi asked.

"Grrr…" Ryunosuke said, annoyed.

"Ryunosuke, don't let them get to you." I said, sadly.

"I'm trying not to."

"And let us not forget that the antiques dealer witnessed the accused in this most incriminating position as well. Isn't that so, Korekuta-san?" Auchi asked.

"..." Korekuta said. "Yes, pointing his gun at the foreign man, he was, that young lad in black. That much I myself did see."

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, raising his hand. "Yes, it may be true that I was holding the gun at that point in time... But I've told you already! That's only because I'd picked it up off the floor!"

"Well obviously, as the culprit, that's the only way you could explain it away." Auchi said.

"I had just finished drinking my coffee, and I was about to leave the restaurant when... I noticed a gun on the floor at Dr Watson's feet, so I picked it up. And at exactly that moment…" Ryunosuke said, remembering a gunshot noise. "A gunshot rang in my ears."

"Hmph. Full of events beyond our control, life is." Korekuta said.

"Sorry? What do you mean?"

"In your case, you found a pistol on the floor and picked it up, which precipitated this testing predicament. Whereas conversely... ...I failed to pick up the koban from the floor, and find myself in an equally testing predicament as a result."

"..."

"Anyway, the fact remains... Myself, I did see you. With pistol in hand, standing over the foreigner."

"Furthermore! A visual search of the premises at the time confirmed that we were the only personnel present." Nosa said.

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, raising his hand. "You must have noticed someone else at Dr Watson's table! There was a lady there!"

"Objection." Auchi said, doing the objection pose. "As you have been at pains to point out time and again. I feel I'm growing a callus in my ear! And yet, no one else appears to have caught even a glimpse of this woman!"

"Argh…" Ryunosuke said, and he thought this to himself. 'If only there'd been more people dining there at the time! Then someone else would have noticed her.'

"Unfortunately, it was already past 2 p.m. when it happened. The quiet time between lunch and dinner in any restaurant." Kazuma said, sadly.

"There would barely be anyone there." I said, frowning. "It's also the time people would be heading back home too."

"I know... Of course the place was almost empty. It's what you'd expect…" Ryunosuke said, letting out a sigh.

"Certainly, 2 p.m. is neither here nor there in terms of a time to eat. I wonder if there was a reason why the victim was eating at that time of day. And why he was alone." The Judge said.

"Yes, Your Excellency, there was indeed a reason." Auchi said.

"There was?" Ryunosuke asked.

"This was found in the victim's jacket pocket." Auchi said, handing the Judge a document.

"What is that, Counsel?" The Judge asked.

"It is a medical report card, Your Excellency. It would seem that the victim had an appointment at a clinic prior to visiting the restaurant."

"Hm... Hotta Clinic? Yes, there would indeed appear to be an entry for the date in question. '19th November, Noon to past 1 p.m...'"

"Hm, the very day of the incident." Kazuma said, at a loss for words.

"So the victim went for a late lunch following his appointment. The explanation couldn't be more simple. The prosecution felt no need to submit this evidence before, as it really has no bearing on the case." Auchi said.

"I wonder... What do you think, Ryunosuke?" Kazuma asked.

"Hm? Well, it is hard to see how it could be related, really." Ryunosuke asked.

"Remember, you can request for it to be entered into the Court Record as evidence if you think it could be useful."

"Jared, should I ask for Dr Watson's medical report card to be submitted as evidence or not?" Ryunosuke asked, looking at me.

"Yeah." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag. "Ask for it to be submitted. It could be helpful."

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, raising his hand. "If I may, I'd like to ask for that medical report card to be submitted as evidence, Your Excellency."

"On what grounds?" Auchi asked.

"Erm…" 

"The court has already heard conclusive witness testimony. Additional evidence would be extraneous. Not to mention that the victim's movements prior to his arrival at the restaurant are of no concern."

"Objection." Kazuma said, doing the objection pose. "Whether or not they are of concern is up to us to decide! We have a right to explore all possible avenues."

"I, I beg your pardon?" Auchi asked.

"You have no authority to refuse a perfectly valid request for the submission of evidence." 

"Very well. The court will grant the defence's request." The Judge said.

"Tsk! Youngsters these days are forever asserting their 'rights'! It's a most disturbing trend…" Auchi said, scoffing.

"Officer, kindly add the victim's medical report card to the Court Record."

The victim's medical report card has been entered into the Court Record.

"What we need right now is new clues. We have to explore things from every possible angle, even if they don't seem relevant at first." Kazuma said.

"So don't give up, Ryunosuke." I said, looking down at the floor.

"Right, I hear you!" Ryunosuke chirped.

"Hmph! You can conspire to prolong this trial as much as you like. But it's the day after the festival already for you! Or perhaps you'd forgotten...that these witness testimonies leave no room for doubt! Feel free to reiterate for the accused, Korekuta-san." Auchi said.

"Indeed. Alone, he was, the Englishman. Dining all by himself." Korekuta said.

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, raising his hand. "So you...actually saw that with your own eyes, did you? The victim - Dr Watson - dining alone."

"... That I did. Forgive me for the position I place you in." Korekuta said.

"..."

"So the testimonies of the old man, the soldier, and the waiter all agree on that point. Isn't that interesting? And let us not forget...the incontestable evidence we have to support their statements as well. As can clearly be seen... ...there is only a single beef steak on the victim's table. A meal for one." Auchi said, scoffing.

"No…" Ryunosuke said, frowning.

"... The antiques dealer, the sergeant and the waiter who testified before... It's not impossible that they're all lying. But if so...then why?" Kazuma asked.

"If I'm perfectly honest, I have absolutely no idea."

"Ryunosuke, take a look at this." I said, passing Ryunosuke the Medical Report Card. "It's worth looking at."

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, presenting the Medical Report Card and looking at the writing inside. "Um...erm... Well, I think, um…"

"About what are you wittering, lad? Call yourself a lawyer?!" Korekuta exclaimed.

"He can be one." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'I wish I could... But first and foremost here, I'm the accused.'

"Ryunosuke... Everyone stumbles on their words occasionally. Under the circumstances, I wouldn't worry about it." Kazuma said, happily.

"Thanks, Kazuma." Ryunosuke said, smiling.

"I could see it quite clearly in that cross-examination you just carried out. When you raised your hand straight up like that, so purposefully... You knew exactly what it was you wanted to say."

"...!"

"Don't feel like you have to choose your words carefully. Just say what you're thinking."

"... Alright. ...And thanks for the advice. Korekuta-san, this is a medical report card belonging to the victim." Ryunosuke said, smirking.

"Ah, I see... And...I don't see. What of it, boy?" Korekuta asked.

"Comparing what is written on this report card with your witness statement... ...something clearly doesn't add up!" Ryunosuke said, angrily.

"Objection." Auchi said, doing the objection pose. "Dear me, dear me. Have you forgotten my words so soon, you amateur?"

"Sorry, what...?"

"You are not to interrupt court proceedings with your amateurish drivel!"

"But…" Ryunosuke said, frowning.

"Let's see if I can explain in words you might understand. It was after 2 p.m. in the afternoon when the victim was murdered at the restaurant. Whatever he may or may not have done before that time...is completely irrelevant." Auchi said.

"Grrr... But, but that's...um…" Ryunosuke said, at a loss for words.

"Remember, Ryunosuke, you don't have to use clever language or fancy words. Just make your point." Kazuma said.

"Your Excellency, I believe we're finished here. There is surely no need to prolong this trial further." Auchi said.

"Hmmm…" The Judge said.

"The witness testimonies the court has heard have been clear and concise. This medical report card has no bearing on the matter at all. For the simple reason that... ...there is no one else besides this pale-faced pupil who could possibly have perpetrated the crime!"

"This medical report card has nothing to do with the case? DO you really believe that?" Ryunosuke asked.

"Wha...? That outburst half petrified me, boy! Of course I believe it! How could it POSSIBLY be relevant?" Auchi asked.

"Perhaps because Hotta Clinic, which issued the report card...is a dental clinic!"

"A dental clinic? Is that supposed to mean something to me?"

"Perhaps if I told you that the victim...had just had a tooth extracted...?"

"...! What's this now...?" Korekuta asked.

"And furthermore... ...if I told you that as a result, the victim had been forbidden from eating…" Ryunosuke said.

"...!" Auchi said.

"...!" Korekuta said.

"...! Just, just what are you trying to say, cadet? He had orders not to eat? So what?" Nosa asked.

"It's all written up in here. 'No food or drink other than water for three hours post-procedure while anaesthesia wears off.'" Ryunosuke said, looking at the Medical Report Card.

"WHAT?! No, that, that can't…" Auchi said, at a loss for words.

"Korekuta-san!"

"What, boy? What?" Korekuta asked.

"As you just heard... When he was killed, some time shortly after 2 p.m... ...the victim couldn't have been eating anything at all." Ryunosuke said.

"No…"

"Additionally…"

"There's more...?" Nosa asked.

"You have assured the court with unwavering self-confidence... ...that the victim was dining alone. But that cannot possibly be the case!" Ryunosuke yelled.

"Grrr…"

"Because the victim, as we now know... ...had just had one of his teeth extracted, and was still experiencing the effects of the anaesthetic!"

"AAAAAAAAARGH!"

"Expertly done...partner!" Kazuma said, excitedly.

"Good work, Ryunosuke." I said, happily. "You did amazing there."

"Objection." Auchi said, doing the Objection pose. "What... What is this nonsense? You little upstart!"

"..." Ryunosuke said, at a loss for words.

"These are baseless accusations! Just, just look at this photographic evidence! You can clearly see the plate of food at the victim's table!"

"Objection." Kazuma said, doing the Objection pose. "Use your head. That's the very discrepancy we're talking about. Or can't you follow the logic?"

"How, how dare you?!" Auchi exclaimed.

"I think it's fair to say that the 'tables' in this restaurant case...have turned. Wouldn't you agree, Ryunosuke, Jared?" Kazuma asked, looking between Ryunosuke and I.

"Hm? Yes! Most definitely!" Ryunosuke chirped.

"Yeah!" I cheered. "It clearly has!"

"So having just undergone some dental surgery, the victim was unable to eat. Which leaves one very crucial conundrum... Who in fact was eating the pictured beef steak? The court will hear the opinion of the defence on this new puzzle. I assume you're ready, Counsel?" The Judge asked.

"...'Counsel'? Oh! That, that means me, doesn't it!" Ryunosuke said, excitedly.

"Alright, the answer to this question is going to be pivotal. This is the start of you turning this trial around! Show them what you're made of!" Kazuma said, determined.

"Got it! So, um... The person eating the steak at the victim's table must have been…"

"It must have been an as-yet-unknown third party." I said, smiling.

"Obviously! It can only have been someone else who was sitting at the professor's table!"

"Objection." Auchi said, doing the objection pose. "You will not let this go, will you? There was no such person!"

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, raising his hand. "There was! Because I saw her!"

"When the incident occurred, we know that the victim couldn't have been eating anything. Yet we have evidence of a half-eaten steak on his table! Therefore! The only logical conclusion is that there was somebody else there eating it." Kazuma said.

"Urgggghhhh…" Auchi said, annoyed.

"We have strong evidence to support our assertion. It's clear that these witness testimonies are unreliable. If the court decides to push through a ruling at this stage... ...we will lodge a formal complaint with the Ministry of Justice and pursue a fair retrial. Relentlessly."

"Kazuma…" Ryunosuke said, sadly.

"Are you insane? You, you would take on the government?!" Auchi exclaimed.

"Don't worry, Counsel, I have no issue with you." Kazuma said.

"What do you mean?"

"I have issue with THEM! Those two witnesses in the stand!"

"Wha...?" Korekuta asked.

"What are you talking about?" Nosa asked.

"We have demonstrated with evidence that the victim was not alone. So, if it now turns out that the two of you deliberately lied when giving your testimonies... ...obviously you will be charged with perjury." Kazuma said.

"Perjury...?"

"And, since this is a murder trial... ...you will also be deemed complicit in the killing."

"Complicit...in m-murder...? N-N-N-NOOOOOOOOO!" Korekuta cried.

"Hold it." Nosa said, doing the hold it pose. "N-N-N-Negative! There, there was no mention of this at the tactical meeting! I was just following orders!"

"That's right! As the man says! 'Just say you never saw the gentlewoman!' That's what...they, erm...told...us... ...Oh." Korekuta said, his eyes widening.

'What?!' Ryunosuke exclaimed, thinking to himself, before speaking aloud. "What did you just say, Korekuta-san?"

"Oh, um... No…" 

"You were just 'following orders'?" 

"Now hold on, lad! I was, um…" Korekuta said, sadly.

"'Say you never saw the gentlewoman'?" Kazuma asked.

"Grrr…" Nosa said, annoyed.

"When you say 'gentlewoman', do you mean... ...you saw the victim with a lady from overseas?"

"What?!" Ryunosuke exclaimed.

"Objection." Auchi said, doing the Objection pose. "What, what is the meaning of all this? These witnesses...gave false statements? Is this true, you pair?!"

"..." Korekuta said.

"Just one... Just one simple slip of the tongue!" Nosa said, terrified.

"Order! Order! Counsel, explain what is going on here!" The Judge said, angrily.

"It's painfully clear now... You tried to prevent these witnesses from telling the truth!" Kazuma said, looking at Auchi.

"Absolutely not! The prosecution knows nothing of this!" Auchi yelled.

"Then who's behind this?! Who tried to make you keep your mouths shut?" Ryunosuke asked.

"W-Well, um…" Korekute said, sadly.

"That's classified!" Nosa said, terrified.

"So you're prepared to be tried as a conspirator to this murder, are you?" Kazuma asked.

"You, you wouldn't... This can't be happening!"

"Ryunosuke... Judging from the way they're reacting to this... ...I'd say they were sworn to silence by someone with considerable influence. However... ...I don't believe Auchi had any idea about it." Kazuma said, looking at Ryunosuke.

"What are you saying? I mean, to wield that kind of influence... There are only a handful of possibilities!" Ryunosuke said, and he thought this to himself. 'It could only have been the government, the military or... Or the police, I suppose…'

"Well? Any ideas about who might be behind this? If we can affirm who tried to silence these witnesses, then we can continue our pursuit!" Kazuma said, smirking.

"Ryunosuke, we have to name the person that tried to shut these two witnesses up." I said, clutching the strap of my sling bag.

"Of course, we'll need evidence before we make any firm accusations. Evidence that proves whoever it was really did wield his or her power here…"

"But how? How can we possibly...?" Ryunosuke asked.

"Remember how we made progress before?" Kazuma asked.

"Before?"

"We examined this piece of evidence in more detail and found a new clue as a result."

"Oh, yes, that's right."

"Well, that's not the only piece of evidence we have, is it? We need to re-examine everything, and make sure there's nothing we've missed. There's no time to lose!"

"I want answers! If it's proven that these witnesses have been manipulated, I assure you, the penalty will be severe!" The Judge yelled.

"Please...wait... Your Excellency! I had no idea about any of this! I swear to every Shinto god! I knew nothing!" Auchi cried.

"And what does the defence have to say about all this? Hm?"

"Erm, well, Your Excellency!" Ryunosuke said, while he thought this to himself. 'Ugh, no time to think... I'm just going to have to close my eyes and shout out the first name that comes into my head!' He then spoke this aloud. "Besides the prosecution, the only person with the necessary influence to manipulate the witnesses is…"

"Why not try this person?" I asked, passing Ryunosuke a photo of Satoru Hosonaga. "He could help."

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, presenting Satoru Hosonaga's profile. "Well, surely that would be...Satoru Hosonaga-san!"

"Hosonaga-san? The waiter who took the stand earlier?" The Judge asked.

"Objection." Auchi said, doing the Objection pose. "Poppycock! What possible reason would the waiter have to make these witnesses give false testimony? Not to mention the fact that even a head waiter could not possibly have that level of influence!"

"For once, I would agree with you. If, that is, the man truly were a waiter." Kazuma said, smirking.

"Wha...? If he truly were..?" 

"Come on, Ryunosuke! Time to hit this court with the truth! The truth about Satoru Hosonaga-san's real identity, as proven by this evidence!" Kazuma said, angrily.

"Look at the back of his business card, damn it." I said, tossing Ryunosuke the waiter's business card.

"Yes." Ryunosuke said, presenting the waiter's business card and looking at the back of it.

"The plan of the restaurant sketched by the man in question? Hm, I agree it shows a great deal of attention to detail, but I'm not sure we can conclude anything…" The Judge said.

"Sorry, Your Excellency. That's the back of the card. It's the back...of the back of the card that's of interest."

"I...beg your pardon?"

"Or, or perhaps I should have said, the front? Yes! It's the front of the back of the card! That's where the telling detail is!"

"... Would somebody please explain what this overexcited student is trying to say?" The Judge asked.

"Hosonaga-san sketched the plan of the restaurant on the reverse side of his business card. The front of that business card reveals the man in question's profession. His true profession." Kazuma said.

"The waiter's profession? But that's surely... Good... Good gracious!"

"That's right, Your Excellency. The card reads, 'Chief Inspector, Primary Criminal Investigation Division, Imperial Police Bureau'." Kazuma said, looking at the back of the business card.

"WHAT?! The, the waiter is...a police detective?! I, I haven't heard any mention of this before! Why haven't I heard any mention of this before?!" Auchi exclaimed.

"The Imperial Police Bureau has immense power. Absolute power, as far as regular civilians are concerned. So, witnesses there in the stand…"

"...!" Nosa said.

"...!" Korekuta said.

"Was it in fact the waiter who gave you your orders? Was it he who told you not to mention that you'd seen this foreign gentlewoman at the scene?" Kazuma asked.

"Erm, well…" Nosa said, frowning.

"..." Korekuta said.

"Hold it." Hosonaga said, entering the room.

"In-Inspector Hosonaga...!" Ryunosuke said, worried.

"I was worried something like this may happen. The moment you asked me to submit my sketch as evidence, I realised it was a possibility."

"The court will take this plan and add it to the Court Record as evidence." The Judge said.

"Oh, um... Well…" Hosonaga said.

"Is there a problem? Hand the plan to the court officer at once!"

"Um...of course. Here you are."

"He's no Gumshoe or Ema. But he's close enough." I said, as Ryunosuke thought this to himself. 'Yes, I remember now... He did act strangely when the judge asked him to hand over his business card.'

"I strive to carry out all investigations flawlessly. It's my guiding principle. But I let myself be distracted when I made that sketch. It was an unusually careless mistake." Hosonaga said.

"So...you mean to say... You really are a detective?!" Auchi exclaimed, in awe.

"..." Hosonaga said.

"But why would a detective be working as a restaurant waiter? Ah! Of course! Your salary must be terrible!" Ryunosuke said.

"I was working undercover." Hosonaga said, frowning.

"Undercover...? Why would you be working undercover?" I asked, clutching the strap of my sling bag.

"Yes. There have been a series of incidents at the restaurant recently. In order to investigate, I decided to get a job there as a waiter, working undercover."

"Incidents at the restaurant? What kind of incidents?" Kazuma asked.

"That would be classified police information, which I am not at liberty to divulge. However, I can state categorically that they are unrelated to this case of homicide." Hosonaga said.

"Hmmm... Very well then, Inspector Hosonaga. But you will elaborate on one point for the court…" The Judge said.

"Of course, Your Excellency." Hosonaga said.

"We have just heard new information from the two witnesses beside you. That at the time of the shooting, there was in fact another person present at the victim's table."

"..."

"If that is indeed true... ...clearly you would also have been aware of this person's presence, having served at the table in question. However, your testimony did not allude to this other diner. Therefore, I am led to assume... ...that in your professional capacity as a police officer, you required these witnesses to be in agreement. Would that be correct?"

"Ahem! ...Ahem! ... Correct, Your Excellency." Hosonaga said.

"Unbelievable!" Ryunosuke said, in awe.

"Hm, as I suspected…" Kazuma said, letting out a sigh.

"..." Hosonaga said, remembering the gunshot noise. "As soon as I heard the gunshot, I ran out of the kitchen to see what had happened. The victim sat slumped in his chair, and beside him, gun in hand, stood the accused student. Sitting opposite the victim at the same table was a young lady whom I guessed to be an Englishwoman."

"So the truth comes out."

"I immediately sealed off the restaurant and reported the incident to the bureau. It was then that I received some...special orders."

"Special orders? You mean to say...?" Ryunosuke asked.

"'Remove the Englishwoman from the scene at once.' ... It was made clear that the Englishwoman's presence at the restaurant was to be concealed. Those were my orders." Hosonaga said.

"But! But what if this Englishwoman was the killer?" 

"I think it would be in everyone's best interests not to pursue that idea."

"...!"

"The empire views the friendly terms of its relationship with Britain more highly than anything at the moment. An Englishman has been murdered on our soil. To name an Englishwoman as the primary suspect... Well, without irrefutable evidence, that would be completely out of the question."

"So that's the reason for the disappearance of the phantom woman in this case." Kazuma said.

"But it's not right...!" Ryunosuke cried.

"..." Hosonaga said.

"..." Auchi said.

"..." The Judge said.

"..." Kazuma said, his eyes widening. "...One possibility does spring to mind."

"What do you mean, Kazuma...?" Ryunosuke asked.

"Yumei University is currently hosting a number of exchange students from Great Britain. And I'm fairly certain that one of them, studying in the medical faculty's research laboratory... ...is a young Englishwoman."

"What?" 

"...You're a shrewd man. I can see why you're the chosen candidate for the overseas study tour." Hosonaga said, looking at Kazuma.

"...! You mean...?" Ryunosuke asked.

"When I removed the woman from the scene of the crime... ...I thought it prudent to check her identity first."

"Then the court demands that you name the lady in question at once, Inspector!" The Judge said, angrily.

"The Englishwoman sitting at the university professor's table was a certain Miss Jezaille Brett. She is indeed a foreign student studying in the research laboratory of Yumei University's medical faculty." Hosonaga said.

"Wha... What is happening heeeeeere?!" Auchi exclaimed.

"The truth, Prosecutor Auchi." I said, letting out a sigh.

"I admit that under orders from the police bureau, I erased all evidence of this lady's presence at the scene... ...and ordered these witnesses to make no mention of her in their testimonies. It must now be up to Your Excellency to decide how to deal with this situation." Hosonaga said.

"... Very well. My thoughts on the matter are as follows... Thus far, the case presented to the court has been underpinned by a particularly critical premise. Namely, that the victim was dining alone." The Judge said.

"...!" Ryunosuke said, at a loss for words.

"However, as we have now discovered that this premise is false... ...it would be a desecration of our justice system to ignore the truth and give a ruling at this point."

"Objection." Auchi said, doing the Objection pose. "But, but, Your Excellency! That would mean missing the noon deadline of a ruling in order to send the telegraphic report to Great Britain! Our own government will surely be very displeased by such actions."

"Calm yourself, Counsel. I will not allow the government of our country or any other to influence the proceedings of my courtroom." The Judge said.

"Ugh!"

"Inspector Hosonaga…" The Judge said, looking at Hosonaga.

"Yes, sir?" Hosonaga asked.

"You will locate this Jezaille Brett and escort her to the courtroom with the utmost urgency."

"At once, Your Excellency."

"But, but that means you'll be going against the special orders you were given from the police bureau!" Auchi said, worried.

"... As I said before... ...it is my guiding principle to carry out all investigations flawlessly." Hosonaga said.

"So, it won't be a problem?" Ryunosuke asked.

"Ahem! Ahem! Ahem, ahem! Nothing will get in my way!" 

"Court will adjourn briefly. The prosecution must call the English student, Jezaille Brett, to the witness stand. Do I make myself clear?" The Judge asked.

"Yes... ...Your Excellencyyyyyyy!" Auchi said, terrified.

"Good. Then we will have a thirty-minute recess before reconvening."

I took out my iPhone 15 Pro Max and called Captain Jack Harkness, "Jack? Yeah. Can you text me the information we have on Jezaille Brett? Not near a computer at the moment. Thanks."