Haruki's Heir

Chapter 07: Stage of Shadows: The Ink-stained Judgment

"There's no one on the stage who could have pulled off that trick in mere seconds," Kindaichi muttered to himself, his mind racing with thoughts. He swiftly made his way towards the stage, with his mother following closely behind.

"Mom, call the police," Kindaichi instructed, his eyes fixed on Ishikawa's lifeless body hanging from the ceiling. "Kin-chan, did you notice something?" Yuki whispered to Kindaichi, her voice filled with concern.

"Yeah, there's no doubt about it. Those ten people over there look suspicious," he replied, his gaze scanning the room.

"But Kin-chan, what is it?" his mother teased him, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere.

In the midst of the chaos, Yuririya clung to Kindaichi's arms, seeking comfort and safety. "Yu...Yuri, let me go!" Kindaichi's face turned red, partly from embarrassment and partly from the proximity of their bodies.

"B...but, I'm scared," Yuririya's voice trembled as she spoke, her fear palpable.

"Then you shouldn't have come here in the first place!" Kindaichi's frustration slipped through his words, but Yuririya still wouldn't release her grip on his arms.

"How can I concentrate when you're so close?" he muttered under his breath, his mind struggling to focus on the case at hand. He felt her chest pressing against his arms, sending his heart racing and distracting his thoughts. He shook his head vigorously, trying to refocus on the investigation.

"Dad!" Kiyo, Yuto, and Jun, Ishikawa's apprentice, rushed to the stage, their expressions filled with shock and disbelief. Haruki took charge, instructing the staff to lower Ishikawa's body in hopes that he might still be alive. They also carefully preserved the crime scene until the arrival of the police. Haruki made sure that no guests left the venue until the case was resolved, ensuring the preservation of potential evidence.

"Careful with his body!" Yuto shouted to one of the staff members as they lowered Ishikawa down.

"Damn it! Who the hell would do this?" Kiyo muttered under his breath, his face clearly displaying disbelief and anger.

"Sensei," Jun called Haruki's name, tears streaming down his face, his body trembling with shock.

Kindaichi observed them while also keeping an eye on the ten individuals who appeared to be behaving suspiciously.

Haruki began his own investigation, meticulously observing the surroundings. Soon, he discovered three strange things that caught his attention, potentially serving as vital clues in unraveling the mystery: the damages on the wall near the stage, the lower part of the hook where the bar used to lift Ishikawa's body was attached, and the loose rope around Ishikawa's neck.

"Kin-dai-chi," a rough voice called out his name. When he looked around, he found Yuririya's father with a terrifying smile on his face, sending a chill down Kindaichi's spine.

Takaoka Ichinose, 38 years old, was a police officer who had once been part of the judo club during his first year until he graduated and won a championship. He was known for his remarkable marksmanship skills. Takaoka dressed professionally, his hair messy and partially covering his eyes, giving him a somewhat mysterious appearance.

"Kindaichi, what do you think you're doing with my daughter?" Takaoka's smile sent a chill down Kindaichi's spine.

"A-ah, Uncle Ichinose, what are you doing here?" Kindaichi stammered, caught off guard by Takaoka's sudden appearance. After the

body was lowered, Ichinose checked Ishikawa's heart, but it was already too late.

"Time of death: 20:50. Cause of death: suffocation," Ichinose stated, his voice filled with a somber tone.

Haruki approached them, recognizing Takaoka. "Well, if it isn't the renowned champion," Haruki warmly greeted him.

"Ohh, if it isn't the famous mystery writer," Takaoka replied, acknowledging Haruki's presence. "What brings you here, if you don't mind?" Haruki asked him, curious about Takaoka's unexpected presence.

"My father hired him to investigate the threat that my father received the other day," Kiyo said as he walked towards them, his voice filled with a mix of grief and determination.

"Dad!" Yuto called out to his lifeless father, his voice filled with anguish.

"Please, sir, stop!" a staff member pleaded, struggling to hold onto Yuto as he fought to break free.

"Let me go! I want to be with my dad!" Yuto cried out, tears streaming down his face as he desperately tried to reach his father's side.

"Yuto, we have to preserve the crime scene! Didn't you hear Officer Takaoka? Dad is... dead," Kiyo embraced his younger brother, both of them overcome with grief as they shared their tears.

"What threat? What kind of threat was it?" Haruki asked, his curiosity piqued by the mention of a threat.

Ichinose reached into his jacket's pocket and pulled out a white paper envelope. Haruki, Yuki, and Kindaichi's eyes were fixed on the envelope as Officer Ichinose carefully opened it. Inside, there was a folded piece of paper, which he then handed to Haruki.

Haruki took the paper with a mix of curiosity and caution. He unfolded it slowly, revealing a neatly written message. The words on the paper were concise yet ominous, adding an air of mystery to the already perplexing situation. Haruki read the message aloud for everyone to hear.

"Dear Ishikawa,

Prepare for the unveiling of your true nature, for the world shall witness the depths of your darkness. No sanctuary shall shield you from the judgment that awaits. Repentance is futile; redemption is out of reach.

Sincerely yours,

The Ink-stained Judgement"

Ichinose proceeded to explain the history of threats Ishikawa had received in the past. Two years ago, Ishikawa had received the first threat, prompting him to immediately contact the police. However, despite their investigation, no trace or witnesses were found. Then, a year ago, the second threat arrived, and once again, the police were called but couldn't find any substantial leads.

Haruki continued to read the second letter aloud, and the others listened intently.

"Dear Ishikawa,

The secrets you thought buried shall resurface, staining your name forever. Your carefully constructed facade will crumble, exposing the twisted truth beneath. The weight of guilt shall suffocate you, and despair shall be your eternal companion.

Sincerely yours,

The Ink-stained Judgement"

Ichinose added, "Just like the first threat, nothing happened, and the police didn't take the third threat seriously when it was handed to them, dismissing it as a prank."

Haruki went on to read the current threat, which had prompted their involvement in the case.

"Dear Ishikawa,

This is your final warning, Ishikawa. The stage is set, and the curtains are about to rise on your demise. Brace yourself for the storm that shall consume you, for there is no escape from the fury that awaits.

Sincerely yours,

The Ink-stained

Judgment"

Ichinose explained, "That's why they called me to investigate it. But due to an event taking place on the same day as your award ceremony, Yuto-kun had to send me this invitation letter." Ichinose pulled out another envelope and briefly displayed it before returning it to his pocket. Kindaichi felt a sense of familiarity upon seeing the envelope.

"Hmm, where did I see that envelope before?" Kindaichi muttered to himself, his mind racing as he tried to recall the memory.

"Now that I think of it, Yuto's face looks familiar," Kindaichi said to himself, his mind working to unravel the connection he sensed. He observed Yuto closely, trying to recall where he had seen him before. Suddenly, a memory flashed in Kindaichi's mind.