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The earliest private detective in Japan appeared in 1895. After nearly a hundred years of development, there are now more than 5,700 detective agencies and over 22,000 private detectives and related professionals in Japan.
Although 70% of the business of these agencies is catching cheaters and helping employers win divorce lawsuits, which is different from the detectives depicted in detective novels, they are sometimes inevitably involved in criminal cases and help the police find suspects.
The Japanese police do not mind having help and consider it a beneficial supplement to investigations. The public is also accustomed to it. In the past, the Japanese police even asked the Yamaguchi-gumi to help maintain social order. Compared to that, asking civilians to help solve cases is nothing. It would only surprise people from rural areas.
In a sense, although "Detective Conan" is a manga for children, targeting elementary and middle school students, the cases are relatively simple, but the details of the plot are not a problem.
Excluding the plot of Conan using a soccer ball to destroy a helicopter, Ran Mouri kicking a utility pole, and Haibara Ai's magical sweater, the fact that Kogoro Mouri occasionally works with the police to solve cases and Conan can freely move around crime scenes is all reasonable. It could happen in the real world.
Now, Gotō Yasushi wants to ask for outside help, but Nanahara Takeshi is not interested in getting involved with the police, even if they offer money or benefits.
He said, "I'm sorry, Officer Gotō, I just have a naturally keen perception. I was able to help Officer Okuno and Officer Hidaka before, but it was just luck. I completely trust the abilities of the police. I believe you can fully protect the safety of the public. So, I would rather use my talent to convey messages for the deceased and comfort the living. I can still contribute to society in this way."
His refusal was obvious, but Gotō Yasushi didn't mind. He listened while taking his briefcase from the Gold Wire Glasses Lady, reached into it, hesitated for a moment, and took out the bottom envelope.
He had asked Okuno Taiji for detailed information before and had some understanding of Nanahara Takeshi. Naturally, he prepared three envelopes for him, each with a different level of treatment. He was prepared to see which one to use based on the situation. He had sighed and complained earlier just to try to negotiate a lower price, but it was unexpectedly disrupted by Kiyomi Ruri. Now, he simply took out the highest treatment.
He had his reasons. He urgently needed someone like Nanahara Takeshi, a "special talent." As long as he could solve the case, the treatment would be excellent.
He directly pushed the white envelope to Nanahara Takeshi and smiled, "Don't rush to refuse, Nanahara-kōhai. Whether you have a naturally keen perception or excel in other areas, I think they are the abilities that our Criminal Investigation Department needs. Please take a look at this first."
He paused for a moment and added jokingly, "I heard from Okuno-kun that you run a medium shop... uh, a medium shop with a sign that says 'All Matters Can Be Discussed.' So, I came here specifically to discuss matters with you. Let's take our time to talk, no need to rush."
"Although I have limited abilities..." Nanahara Takeshi unconsciously took the white envelope and his expression changed casually. The word "justice" faintly appeared in his eyes, and his voice became firm. "But what Officer Gotō said makes sense. Fighting against crime is a matter that concerns everyone's interests. Everyone should contribute, even if their abilities are limited."
As long as the money is enough, even if the criminals are dangerous, it is not worth fearing a little danger. If necessary, he can let Kiyomi Ruri confront the criminals. She is paid by the hour, and it is also part of her job as an assistant. He just needs to stay away and avoid getting covered in blood.
Gotō Yasushi looked at him in surprise, then looked at the white envelope. He was very certain that Nanahara Takeshi hadn't opened it yet. Even though he had seen a lot, he couldn't figure out his intentions. He asked curiously, "Nanahara-kōhai, you agreed without even looking inside the envelope?"
"No need." Nanahara Takeshi's face showed sincerity. "Officer Gotō, as one of the top five ranking figures in the Hirayano Police Station, coming here in the rain for this case, I have deeply felt the sincerity of the police. Regardless of whether there is any reward, I am willing to contribute my meager efforts to fighting crime."
After a pause, he looked around, and the sense of justice surged in his heart. He said word by word, "I will not tolerate evil!"
His words were resolute and powerful, truly an example of the new generation in Japan. He should immediately be given a big red flower and paraded through the streets. Okuno Taiji and Hidaka Tsukasa couldn't help but be infected and showed relieved smiles. No wonder he could have such a beautiful girlfriend in his first year of high school. He is truly outstanding!
The Gold Wire Glasses Lady also instinctively adjusted her glasses and looked at Nanahara Takeshi with a new perspective. Before coming here, she thought he was just someone who wanted money, but now she realized that rumors are not always reliable. This high school student does have some sense of justice.
Kiyomi Ruri wasn't deceived. She already knew Nanahara Takeshi quite well and looked at him curiously, wondering what was in the white envelope. She absolutely believed that Nanahara Takeshi "saw" what was inside through some small means and became interested. It was only because of his lack of personal integrity that he immediately changed his mind.
To be honest, she would believe that pigs can climb trees before she believes that Nanahara Takeshi has a sense of justice.
Gotō Yasushi couldn't fool him so easily. With a background in the quasi-professional group, he had encountered many mediums and fraudsters and knew what kind of people they were. He looked at the white envelope directly and said, "What about the compensation..."
Nanahara Takeshi stuffed the white envelope into his pocket and said softly, "I am sorry for accepting it humbly. I understand what this represents, and I can only accept it. Please rest assured, there will be no problems."
Gotō Yasushi stared at him for a moment, then handed him the brown paper bag and laughed, "Very well, it seems that I don't need to say much. Now, please take a look at the case!" Then he couldn't help but make a sarcastic comment, "After you graduate from university, come work at our Hirayano Police Station. Solve cases while being a spokesperson. I think you can handle both positions."
"Probably not. I casually took a test before, and the deviation value was 74. I'm afraid I won't be able to go to the Hirayano Police Station in the future, or even if I do, I won't stay long." Nanahara Takeshi was always dedicated to his work and would do it once he received payment. And Gotō Yasushi was more generous than he had imagined. He barely passed the threshold for a high-quality sheep, so he had to take it seriously. He jokingly said that he would start reviewing the case files.
Gotō Yasushi was taken aback. It was easy for Nanahara Takeshi to casually take a test with a deviation value of 74. If he took it seriously, he might ascend to the heavens. Even if he wanted to become a police officer in the future, he would be a scumbag in the quasi-professional group. As long as he didn't make mistakes, he could get promoted. It was really impossible for him to do dirty work at the grassroots level. Maybe in ten years, Nanahara Takeshi would be saluting him. As a quasi-professional, reaching the rank of police inspector was almost the limit.
The room fell silent.
Kiyomi Ruri recovered at this moment. Her face was no longer as red, and her curiosity surged again. She really wanted to know what kind of case it was. But she had just been misunderstood, so she didn't dare to approach Nanahara Takeshi. She could only get up and change the tea for the guests. After hesitating for a moment, she cautiously asked Gotō Yasushi, "Officer Gotō, how are Mr. and Mrs. Hinano from Odacho doing now?"
Gotō Yasushi didn't evade and seemed to already consider them half his own people. He sipped his tea and casually replied, "Mr. and Mrs. Hinano from Hamano are not in good health. They paid bail and went to the hospital for treatment before returning home to recuperate. They are waiting for a second interrogation, depending on their health."
"And what about Koga-san?"
"He is suspected of obstructing official duties and giving false testimony to protect others. However, it is understandable and he has shown remorse and a good attitude. According to the local prosecutor's office, he will probably be exempt from prosecution and will be given a repentance review, watch 20 to 50 hours of repentance videos, pay a fine, and perform punitive labor. The more serious individuals will need to spend some time cleaning up the garbage in the river on their days off." Gotō Yasushi had just communicated with the local prosecutor's office. Although the process had not started yet, the result was almost certain.
Of course, he had not been idle. He had personally talked to Koga Katsu for a long time and was certain that Koga Katsu was not an extremely evil person against society. The possibility of him disrupting social stability again was minimal. In addition, he had personally seen the body of Hirano, the little girl. Everyone has a sense of compassion, and even if his academic performance was affected, he didn't have any complaints about releasing these people from Odacho.
It was just that the case was a mess in the police station, and he was at a loss. He had just discovered that there were "special talents" like Nanahara Takeshi in Hirayano, so he decided to give it a try. If it worked, he would gain something. If it didn't, he would have to think of something else.
Nanahara Takeshi opened his eyes, and his eyes reflected the light very brightly. He smiled and said, "I understand the situation, but it's hard to say now. I still need to go to the crime scene and meet the suspects."
This was expected. Gotō Yasushi immediately pointed to Kiyomi Ruri and said, "No problem. This is my assistant, Nakano Eri. Tomorrow morning... um, you still have to go to school, right? It's a bit troublesome, but there's no other way. After school tomorrow, she will come to pick you up at school. As long as it is related to the investigation, she will provide you with everything you need."
Kiyomi Ruri, Nakano Eri, immediately stepped forward and handed her business card to Nanahara Takeshi. He took a quick glance, exchanged polite words, and then Gotō Yasushi and his group left.
While Kiyomi Ruri followed Nanahara Takeshi to politely see them off, she hurried back and reached out to take the brown paper bag. Her curiosity was about to explode.
Nanahara Takeshi didn't hesitate to flick her on the head and muttered to the kitchen, "Go wash the dishes first."
Kiyomi Ruri didn't resist. If Nanahara Takeshi fired her now, everything would be ruined. She obediently went to the kitchen to wash the dishes, hesitated for a moment, and asked curiously, "What kind of case is it?"
"Focus on washing the dishes. You can see for yourself later."
Kiyomi Ruri had no choice but to endure the itchiness in her heart and speed up her pace. But after washing two plates, she couldn't help but envy and said, "It's strange. I never thought that the police would not only not be angry but also actively entrust you..."
Nanahara Takeshi continued spraying air freshener while casually saying, "What's so strange about that?"
Kiyomi Ruri turned around and said, "It's really strange. Usually, only detective novels have this kind of plot. The police are so stupid that they can only ask intelligent detectives for help."
She had read several books with similar plots, but she never thought that something similar could happen in reality. She genuinely felt that Nanahara Takeshi was quite impressive.
No, it's just good luck. But with such a terrible personality, he should be struck by lightning. Why does he still have good luck?
Clearly, I am kind, cute, and beautiful, like a talented person such as a Tibetan Fox. I should have good luck. It's so unfair!
Nanahara Takeshi glanced at her and sighed, "You are really naive, like a green fruit. Don't think of others as simple-minded. No one is a fool in this world. The police can't find any leads in this case, so they want to ask for outside help, but that's just the surface reason."
"The surface reason?"
"Yes, they have three reasons why they have to make this trip." Nanahara Takeshi had to talk to her about this issue, or else this idiot might cause trouble in the future and involve him.
Kiyomi Ruri became even more curious and furrowed her brows in confusion, starting to think about what the three reasons could be.