Conan: Rice Flower Spring

Chapter 387, Chapter 381: Caught in the Net. Brothers and Sisters Repeating the Same Mistakes.
Today marks the umpteenth day since I was kidnapped.

Awakening from his daze, Matsumoto Kiyonaga realized he couldn't continue living in such a daze.

After he was knocked unconscious at the Metropolitan Police Department and then brought to this dark and gloomy little house, everything turned out very differently from what he had expected.

Matsumoto Kiyonaga had assumed that these people had taken such a great risk to "steal" him from the Metropolitan Police Department building, and that they hadn't killed him immediately.

That clearly means they need something from him.

Regardless of whether this "begging" is a humble plea or a physical plea using force, the fact that they went to such great lengths to get him out of the Metropolitan Police Department building means they weren't just going to leave him there to play games, were they?

Matsumoto Kiyonaga was eventually able to figure out the criminals' ultimate goal.

Then Matsumoto Kiyonaga was locked up in a small dark room for an unknown period of time.

Except for the very beginning when Matsumoto Kiyonaga could still have some awareness of time, he was completely unable to perceive the passage of time at other times.

All he knew was that the people who kidnapped him would come and bring him some food every day or two.

But the food that was delivered was far from enough to fill their stomachs; at best, it was just enough to keep them alive.

Thirst, hunger, light hallucinations, auditory hallucinations, and a distorted sense of time—these are the feelings that Matsumoto Kiyonoga is experiencing right now.

He understood that this was sensory deprivation and a disordered sense of time, a feeling that everyone experienced after being locked in a dark room.

Initially, there is anxiety, anger, and a desire to escape. Some people may remain excited due to an adrenaline surge.

Mid-stage emotional breakdown, increased hallucinations, and decreased cognitive ability. Matsumoto Kiyonaga's self-assessment should be in the mid-stage of his psychological reaction.

As for long-term effects, it can lead to depression and dissociation (a feeling of separation between the body and consciousness), and some people may experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Although his mental health is not very good right now, it's not that serious.

Moreover, after being imprisoned for an unknown period of time, Matsumoto Kiyonaga suddenly realized one thing: the group of people who arrested him did not seem to have any "needs" from him, as he had imagined.

It seems these people captured him simply to torture him so severely.

But is that right?

During his imprisonment, Matsumoto Kiyoshi took the time to reflect on his many years of experience as a police officer.

If anyone had the biggest grudge against him, it would definitely be his daughter's former husband, but that little bastard has already been sent to prison by him.

They were the kind of people who received special attention.

Although Matsumoto Kiyonaga's daughter repeatedly asked Matsumoto Kiyonaga not to target her fiancé, isn't it only natural that newlyweds in prison are bullied?

Especially that little bastard's crime, which is definitely the kind that the prisoners in the jail despise the most.

Matsumoto Kiyonaga simply didn't allow anyone to treat the "little bastard" differently; under normal circumstances, that kid would definitely not have an easy time in prison.

Especially after the prisoners discovered that no matter how much they bullied this new pretty boy, it wouldn't trigger any warnings or extra patrols.

Takasugi Toshihiko (Matsumoto Kiyoharu's daughter's former fiancé) has quite a bit of hope for his life in prison.

Logically speaking, Matsumoto Kiyonaga's biggest enemy right now is his former prospective son-in-law, as for the rest...
Isn't it a matter of course for the police to catch thieves? Besides, catching thieves usually involves a group operation.

At least they have a colleague by their side, so even if the prisoner hates them, the hatred is shared.

Besides, any hatred will be worn away after being imprisoned for ten or twenty years.

Matsumoto Kiyoshi was completely taken aback; he couldn't believe who in Tokyo hated him so much.

The suspect's judgment was completely directionless, and his physical condition was deteriorating day by day.

If this continues, forget about figuring out who the murderer is; it would be a miracle if we didn't die here!
Matsumoto Kiyonaga now needs to save himself, or wait for a miracle?
Ever since his frank conversation with Ryoma Hayashi on the rooftop, Inspector Megure seems like a completely different person.

That's not quite accurate; it's more like someone who usually slacks off suddenly becoming serious.

The entire 3rd Division of the Criminal Investigation Department was mobilized, with officers in pairs assigned to specific areas. Within these areas, officers from various police stations, garrison stations, and inter-departmental offices provided support.

Meanwhile, the areas where other suspects committed crimes, especially their hometowns, were subjected to strict searches and martial law.

Perhaps the fugitives will eventually choose to settle down in an unfamiliar place and live under a different identity.

However, when they first begin their escape, they would never immediately choose a place where they know no one.

After all, even fugitives need a sense of security when they are on the run.

Ultimately, apprehending a suspect who has already fled is a matter of luck.

If they're lucky, these two suspects might actually be found. But if they're not so lucky, the suspects might have already fled the island nation.

Fortunately, Inspector Megure has always been lucky.

When he first joined the police force, he encountered a heinous case, rescued a damsel in distress, and ultimately won her heart. After becoming a veteran detective, he met his benefactor, Yusaku Kudo, who became his "personal" advisor.

With a simple "Brother Yuzaku," even the most bizarre murder cases can be solved.

Then came the various "brothers" who made their appearances, and Inspector Megure used his high emotional intelligence and worldly wisdom to weave a network of connections.

In short, the Metropolitan Police Department's detectives only suffered a slight loss of reputation, but the crime-solving rate of the 3rd Division of the Criminal Investigation Department improved significantly.

When Yusaku Kudo was alive, he served as an advisor to Inspector Megure. After Yusaku Kudo left Japan to settle in America, his son took over.

Two generations of famous detectives, father and son, serve only Megure. What an incredible blessing that must be!

After Shinichi Kudo went into hiding, his former subordinate, now the famous detective Kogoro Mouri, took over.

The detectives came and went, but Inspector Megure's younger brother "stood tall against the wind." When it comes to luck, Inspector Megure really isn't afraid of anyone.

Because Inspector Megure was so lucky, the large-scale search launched by the Violent Crimes Division 3 actually "startled" the hidden suspects out!

To be precise, one of them was startled and tried to escape, but after being caught by the police, he couldn't withstand the interrogation and confessed to his "accomplices".

This is the worst thing about having a bad teammate – an international metropolis cannot remain under martial law forever.

For this suspect, as long as he can get through this most dangerous period, he can run wherever he wants once martial law is lifted.

But Nanako's boyfriend, the one who eloped, couldn't handle the situation. He was intimidated by the police presence.

Believing that he would be caught sooner or later while hiding in Dongjing, he escaped from the safe house while his brother-in-law was out preparing supplies.

Because of his suspicious and furtive behavior, he was noticed by patrolling police officers on the street and eventually arrested.

"This brat is not worth discussing things with! This brat is not worth discussing things with!!!" Honjou Kazuki was truly on the verge of losing his composure. He confessed to his crimes without reservation, but he was genuinely unwilling to accept his arrest and capture.

If you look at it from the perspective of Ben Shang and Shu, you'll know how much this guy has suffered and how frustrated he's been over the years.

The siblings, Kazuki and Nanako, originally had a happy family, but due to an accident, both of their parents passed away, leaving the siblings to depend on each other for survival.

Fortunately, Kazuki is much older than Nanako, and as the older brother, he can help support the family by working part-time.

Over the years, Ben and Shu have worked hard while studying. Thanks to his sharp mind, he successfully passed the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and became a CPA.

Just when it seemed like the good days for the Honjo siblings were about to begin, Honjo Nanako suddenly found a "blonde-haired" man.

Kosuke Mizutani's existence was like a bolt from the blue for Kazuki Honjo.

Yes, over the years, Ben and Shu have had to balance their studies and earning money, so they inevitably haven't been able to take good care of their younger sister.

Fortunately, Nanako hasn't gone astray over the years; she's a kind girl with a heart full of justice and sacrifice.

However, the better Nanako herself "grew up," the less acceptable it became to the existence of "Yellow Hair."

Your family is about to have a good time, and then this blond guy suddenly pops up. Who the hell can accept that?
Honjou Kazuki does not accept Mizutani Kosuke, this blond guy.

Then comes the much-anticipated elopement: Nanako Honjo and Kosuke Mizutani elope from Tokyo to Kyoto.

In Kyoto, Nanako Honjo became a childcare worker, and then Kosuke Mizutani... was a freelancer.

Freelancers and the unemployed are sometimes equated. In other words, when he was in Kyoto, Kosuke Mizutani, the blond guy, was supported by Nanako Honjo's job.

Honjou Kazuki was helpless regarding Nanako's choice. As a highly qualified individual, he understood that no matter how much he loved his sister, he couldn't offer her support at this moment.

Otherwise, this blond-haired guy, Kosuke Mizutani, will not only be ungrateful, but will also become even more ruthless, going from sucking his sister's blood to sucking their entire family's blood.

How can this be allowed?

Honjo and Shu's strategy was simple: they simply acted as if they had severed ties with their sister.

Whether Nanako Honjo finally sees through Kosuke Mizutani's true nature or the two eventually break up, Kazuki Honjo will always be there to give his sister a warm haven and a warm home.

Everything was planned, but a fire at the Weaver Girl Hotel two years ago on Qixi Festival destroyed everything.

The fire claimed Nanako Honjo's life, causing her to perish at a young age.

Although Ben Shang and Shu were extremely grieved, there was nothing they could do.

That's just how fate is; it doesn't give people a chance to breathe.

Originally, Kazuki thought his sister's death was just an accident, but he inadvertently learned that seven of the guests who had been on the same floor as his sister had survived.

At that moment, Honjo and Itsuki had only one thought in their minds—why did my sister die, but you were able to survive the fire?
Why did my kind and innocent sister have to die so helplessly and alone in a hotel?
Perhaps his anger had clouded his judgment, because he hadn't considered, or had deliberately ignored, one of the possibilities.

He chose to exact extreme revenge.

His sister died on the 7th floor of the hotel, and the survivors who escaped wanted to go down to be with her.

But before he could take revenge, the most important thing he needed to do was to get Kosuke Mizutani into his revenge plan.

Honjo Nanako, his dearest sister, made such a great sacrifice because of Mizutani Kosuke, that blond guy.

The family consisted of only two people; the younger sister had severed ties with her brother and was eloping to Kyoto with Mizutani Kosuke.

His sister sacrificed so much, you, Kosuke Mizutani, can't be a coward, can you?
Honjou's request to Mizutani Kosuke was simple: he didn't need Mizutani Kosuke to take action in the revenge for the survivors.

These people were his prey, and Honjo and Itsuki neither wanted nor allowed Mizutani Kosuke to ruin their sacred revenge.

What can Kosuke Mizutani do?

He can take the blame.

The highly qualified personnel and the tree are very clear that the case of murdering seven or eight victims will not be closed until there is a clear explanation.

Therefore, this serial murder case needs a "reasonable and convincing" killer. If someone steps forward and confesses, everyone will assume that he is the one who killed these victims.

This perfectly fits the profile of Kosuke Mizutani.

He is Nanako Honjo's lover who eloped to Kyoto, a freelancer, and even has a criminal record for being in jail.

It is entirely reasonable for someone to become a serial killer due to a sudden and drastic change in their life.

As long as he comes forward and confesses, no one will suspect that he is not the real culprit but is taking the blame.

The only thing that Honjou Kazuki hadn't expected was that the police investigation was so fast this time, so fast that before he was even prepared, the police had already identified him and Mizutani Kosuke as suspects.

Faced with the police's attempt to arrest them, Honjo and Itsuki had no choice but to take Mizutani Kosuke into hiding.

After all, Kazuki wouldn't dare to just hand over a good-for-nothing blond like Mizutani Kosuke to the police.

What if the police set a trap for him and Mizutani Kosuke falls for it? Honjo Kazuki, who passed the CPA exam, has the right to look down on Mizutani Kosuke's intelligence.

While Honjo and Itsuki were in hiding, they were conducting "pre-job training" for Kosuke Mizutani as a serial killer.

Kosuke Mizutani, whose mental fortitude was extremely poor, finally escaped from the safe house.

He was unable to evade the police search and was directly arrested by the patrol officers.

As it turns out, Honjo and Itsuki were right about who he was; Mizutani Kosuke was just an unreliable blondie.

In less than an afternoon, Kosuke Mizutani had sold all of his books.

It wasn't until this moment that Honjou realized that the people he should have killed most were not the victims of the serial murders, but the survivors of the Oriole Hotel.

The person he should kill the most is that blond-haired Kosuke Mizutani. Without that blond-haired guy, Nanako wouldn't have died at all.

Similarly, without this blond guy, he and Shu wouldn't have been arrested by the police so easily.

It's all Kosuke Mizutani's fault!

Honjo Nanako trusted the wrong person; she and Itsuki are repeating the same mistake her sister made.

However, no matter how unwilling Ben Shang and Shu were, the real culprit was finally caught.

(End of this chapter)