"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, before you sits a man that has killed over five hundred people." The prosecutor paused for dramatic effect, and everyone turned to look at him. "Over five hundred people," he repeated.
Mikami had the sudden urge to stand up and take a bow, just for the hell of it.
Opening statements were always annoying. It was the jury's first day, and with no evidence or witnesses having been presented yet, you could say virtually anything you wanted. And by the time the case was over, no one remembered the opening statements anyway.
Another stupid protocol issue.
Mikami fiddled with a pen as the prosecutor rambled on about what they would prove. It was undoubtable that the prosecution would prove everything they claimed. Mikami had been employed by them before; he knew how they worked.
"The state is seeking the death penalty for these horrific crimes against mankind," the prosecutor declared, and Mikami could tell that he was winding down. "And by the time this trial is over, you, too, will be convinced that this creature no longer deserves to live."
The prosecutor fixed them all with a deep, searching gaze for a moment, that Mikami bet he had practiced in front of the mirror earlier that morning, before finally returning to his seat.
Mikami watched as his lawyer stood up, adjusted his tie, and approached the jury. His manner was soft, open, and relaxed, and the difference between him and the prosecutor was stark and highly evident.
"We have all heard of Kira," the man said. His voice was calm and assured, as opposed to the barely contained raw enthusiasm the prosecutor had shown. "A god descended to earth. Judgment on the criminal. A living legend, with no apparent explanation."
The defense attorney was clearly highly experienced and familiar with the courtroom from the way he strolled around, relaxed and nonchalant, his manner inviting. He was, in fact, from a very prestigious law firm that usually handed celebrity cases, earning nine-figure amounts. The lawyer, however, was handling Mikami's case pro-bono, using it to merely get the exposure that the trial would provide.
Mikami did not care. He had confessed, refused to pay for a defense, and tried to plead guilty, only to be blocked by the government, who was unflinching, determined to put him to death, unwilling to accept a plea.
It didn't matter to Mikami. He had failed god, his master, Kira, and he did not deserve to live, anyway. Mikami figured he would be dead already, had Kira not wanted this trial to occur for some reason. But it was also likely for Kira to not bother himself personally with Mikami's death. Or perhaps he was deriving amusement from observing the proceedings. Either way, it didn't matter.
Mikami tuned out his lawyer, who was now prattling on about the crime rate. His lawyer had stopped him from going even farther in his guilty plea, bargaining with him, saying he was insane to the judge, talking to him, and discussing the matter.
In the end, Mikami had given in. The lawyer had provided one thing Mikami wanted, at least.
"No one doubts that Teru-san killed these people," his lawyer looked around at the jury again, who were paying attention, apparently genuinely interested. "but the question is not whether or not he killed these people, but whether he is legally responsible for their deaths. And the answer to that question is no."
Mikami mouthed along with his attorney. He knew every word. He had practically written his opening statement for him in his cell while he had been arguing motions in the judge's chambers. Entertainment was a precious commodity in prison.
"Before you sits a man, who, lost in the world, tired to do what he though was right, like any of you might do, given the opportunity. And in that quest for righteousness, he lost his sanity, trying to do what he thought was best. And you must find him not guilty."
Mikami ignored his lawyer as he sat down beside him and tuned out the prosecutor, who rose to call his first witness.
It didn't matter. Mikami would lose the trial, but he would remain loyal, and he would be glad to die, to be a martyr, to give his life, for Kira.
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