The seaside in the evening is always the most comfortable—the vast ocean and the golden sunset, with a hint of cool sea breeze drifting in a
The seaside in the evening is always the most comfortable—the vast ocean and the golden sunset, with a hint of cool sea breeze drifting in at low tide.
Standing on the shoreline, Ran looked very relaxed. When people stand on the beach, they can't help but imagine what the view must be like on the other side of the sea. Is there someone standing over there too, gazing back across the waves, thinking the same thing?
A sudden, abrupt shutter sound broke the silence. Ran turned, surprised, and found Hayashi Yoshiki holding a camera.
She didn't feel offended by the candid shot—just a little startled and shy. She looked at him, slightly blushing.
"I thought it was beautiful, so I took a picture without thinking."
"Don't doubt my aesthetic taste."
Hayashi Yoshiki smiled, adjusting the film camera in his hands. Though film cameras were inconvenient, they offered a certain texture—a sentiment that digital couldn't replicate.
Ran pursed her lips without replying, but her eyes sparkled slightly with excitement.
While Yoshiki answered a phone call a few steps away, Ran and Sonoko continued chatting.
"What a shame! If I'd brought a swimsuit, I could be wearing it right now."
"You could always buy one later. We're staying two or three days anyway."
"But by then, those little brats might show up too."
Sonoko said this playfully and nudged Ran with her elbow.
"By the way, Ran, don't you want to try a sexier swimsuit?"
"Come on, we always dress conservatively when we go to the beach. But right now, it's just Yoshiki…" Her tone was teasing, filled with encouragement.
Just Brother Yoshiki?
Ran frowned lightly and gave a wry smile. It was clear what Sonoko meant—she wanted to attract Brother Yoshiki's attention.
But… would that really work?
Ran wasn't quite sure what kind of girl Yoshiki liked. Maybe… a little…?
She didn't dare think further.
Wearing a sexy swimsuit still felt a bit too embarrassing.
Just then, Yoshiki returned.
"That was Uncle Mouri. Officer Megure and his team have arrived on the island. They want to go over what happened during today's dive."
The three of them quickly left the beach—by bicycle. The island wasn't large, and a bike was more than enough to get around.
The meeting spot was in the lobby of the hotel Kogoro Mouri had reserved earlier, though there were no available rooms. When the trio arrived, they saw Megure Juzo, Sato Miwako, Takagi Wataru, and Shiratori Ninzaburo conducting interviews. The two being questioned were the treasure hunters whose companions had died.
"I see. These two are Izu Santarō and Matsumoto Mitsuji?"
Takagi, engrossed in taking notes, was visibly startled when Hayashi Yoshiki suddenly approached.
"Y-Yes. I was just surprised you walked over so quietly."
"That's because Officer Takagi is too focused."
Hayashi smiled and mentally noted the names.
Meanwhile, the treasure hunters acted arrogantly:
"They're treating us like criminals! We're the victims here!"
"If you truly think you're victims, how about answering like one?" Kogoro Mouri snapped.
At that moment, Sato Miwako placed two photos in front of them. The images showed two men with bruised faces. They were the ones caught the night before wearing Lupin and Mine Fujiko masks during a robbery.
"These two robbed a supermarket in Shinbashi last night. They claimed they were trying to join your team and were acting under your orders."
"We've never even seen these guys."
"They're just trying to drag us into it to save themselves. Got any proof, Miss Police?"
Indeed, Sato hadn't presented direct evidence. The two treasure hunters remained fearless.
Shiratori returned with two cold drinks, hoping to obtain fingerprints, but the men refused.
"I'm not that interested in those two idiots from last night," Hayashi Yoshiki chimed in casually, "but I am wondering... are you two close to finding Annie's treasure?"
"Who knows?" Matsumoto sneered, crossing his legs.
"Hmmm… The death of your companion this afternoon—it was clearly homicide. Was it one of you two, trying to keep a bigger share? Or is someone else, watching your progress and deciding to eliminate you?"
"Either way, your situation seems precarious."
Despite his words, Matsumoto subtly uncrossed his legs. His expression, and his partner's, had changed.
Yoshiki observed them both.
"'Exaggerating' is such a dull accusation. I'm merely making a logical inference. After all, when it comes to treasure, betrayal is hardly uncommon."
He paused, then smiled again.
"And you're a little too quick to deny it, Mr. Matsumoto. It makes you look… guilty."
Matsumoto stood up, furious.
Yoshiki ignored him and nonchalantly tossed a business card toward Izu Santarō, who had been silent.
Instinctively, Izu caught it and glanced at it.
Kindaichi Detective Agency
Phone number & address listed below.
"That's my business card. Call me if you need anything."
Under the glare of his companion, Izu scoffed and placed the card back on the table. The two left with cold, dismissive attitudes.
"Brother Hayashi, was that proof the killer is Matsumoto?"
Yoshiki carefully picked up the card from the table and turned with a smile.
"But Officer Megure, you did want their fingerprints, right?"
"Ah—so that's what that was!"
Takagi looked stunned.
"Create tension with a subtle accusation, then toss a business card… If the recipient accepts it in front of their companion, it raises suspicion. So, of course, he'll put it down instead."
Shiratori nodded in realization.
"But what if he had torn it up?"
Yoshiki handed the business card to Sato Miwako.
"Then we'd have nothing. But the fact that he didn't shows he's wavering. He's not as confident as he pretends."
"You truly are something else, Brother Hayashi!"
Megure looked thoroughly impressed.
Ran and Sonoko smiled proudly from the side.