*smiles*

Thanks, as always to Zero-Damage on Reddit.

Special thanks to Ikasury for the nudge to bring another unique element into Distance Theory.

Receipt Date: Mon, 13th Sept 2011 11:49:40

Delivered-To: ShiroganeYF

Subject: Re: Inaba

From: Shriogane, Naoto shiroganenaoy

To: Shirogane, Y.F. shiroganeyf

Grampa,

I am sorry I have not been writing a lot. I am starting to wonder if joining the structured public education system was a mistake. I know we both talked about this, and I know it was my own idea. I also fully realize you supported me in this step and I will perform as expected. I cannot seem to connect to my peers. And the attention do I receive is uncomfortable and unwanted. Countless female students leave notes in my shoe locker each day. I am considering the purchase and installation of a lock at this point.

The case is proceeding, albeit not as I would wish it to.

The police have reached a level of uncooperativeness that is unacceptable. I am considering reaching out to the Yasogami prefecture to see if I can be working through another department or office. I understand that you counseled against this step in the past, but the case is taking a bad turn.

It seems the local legal body is pushing for Kubo to be tried, not only for the murder of Morooka, but also Yamano and Konishi. I have attempted to present my facts to them; I have written down lists and provided proof to back up my facts. They dismissed it all. I am no longer certain the sanity of these people is factual.

To make matters worse, I tried once more to reach out to my source, Kanji Tatsumi, whom I mentioned before. He seems stuck between offering assistance and being unhelpful. Every time I try to motivate him to cooperate with me, he seems to simply balk my progress. It is so frustrating, Grampa. I had thought back in May I could use him to further my cause, yet it seems I did not read him correctly.

I am working on a new theory, but it is not yet solid enough for me to share it with you. Suffice to say, the new angle I am checking is a bit fantastic and I fully expect having to alter the premise before I will be successful. As it stands, I seem to have tried everything else, and I cannot advance in what I am trying to achieve.

Further, I apologize to you.

I realize that my handling of this case is shining a poor light on not only me, but on you as well. As your protégée, I should have managed to present a solution to the problem months ago. You surely would have solved the case already.

I can only assure you that I am taking the case seriously and am working on it as my new school schedule allows.

Also: I may be offline for a few days. I will reply as soon as I am able to.

I love you.

We will speak soon.