Ace Attorney: Hope for a Brighter Future Chapter 3: Episode 1, Day 1, Trial 3, a phoenix wright: ace attorney fanfic

A/N: Alright here's part three.

Mentioned Canon Characters:

Phoenix Wright/Ryuuichi Naruhodou

Winston Payne/Takefumi Auchi

Kristoph Gavin/Kirihito Garyuu

Disclaimer: I do not own Ace Attorney/Gyakuten Saiban.

Episode 1: A Turnabout up in Smoke

Day 1, Trial, Part 3: The Mysterious Fire

March 28, 2082. 11:34. Courthouse, Courtroom No. 4.

The gallery continued to whisper and murmur things among themselves, until finally the Judge silenced the courtroom by banging his gavel down upon his desk. "Order!" the Judge exclaimed. "This new testimony given by Dean Kyoukun has been very enlightening." The Judge held up the note that Kyoukun had received from the hacker.

Kyoukun's Blackmail Note added to the Court Record.

"If this note rings true, this mysterious hacker person does indeed exist. And furthermore, they seem to claim responsibility for the fire at Naruhodou Hall as well as the murder of Professor Yamazaki. Hanamura-san, how do you suggest we proceed from here?" the Judge asked.

"Well Your Honor, it is the Defense's position that we once and for all proclaim that the hacker is the killer. In light of this new information, I move for a not guilty verdict for my client," I replied.

"OBJECTION!" Auchi shouted. "That would be a grave miscarriage of justice, Your Honor. While the Prosecution does admit that this hacker does appear to exist, there is no clear evidence to their identity as well as that they had anything to do with this crime. What about my theory? This whole thing could be an elaborate hoax concocted by the defendant and the witness."

I sweatdropped. "You can't be serious. You're saying that they planned this whole thing out, down to Kyoukun's lying under oath and his utter denial of the facts?"

Auchi looked unnerved. "W-Well, it's still a possibility."

"Hmm, in light of this new development, I am tempted to go along with the Defense's request. Your theory of this all being a hoax sounds a little far-fetched, Auchi-san," the Judge replied.

"Arrgh," Auchi grunted. Then his expression suddenly changed. "But considering the other evidence, I think it's a strong possibility that I'm right, Your Honor. Have you forgotten the matchbook found at the scene of the crime which bears the defendant's fingerprints?" Auchi asked as he held up the matchbook.

I gasped and then began to sweat bullets. "Crap! I forgot about the matchbook."

Auchi cackled as he pulled out his comb and combed back his large mass of hair. "You see, Your Honor? All the Defense has done is prove that another suspect exists. They have yet to establish the fact that their suspect is the culprit, and that's going to be hard to prove when all the evidence points to the contrary."

The Judge shook his head. "I'm afraid Auchi-san raises a fair point, Hanamura-san. I must deny your request."

'Damn, we were so close. If it weren't for that matchbook, we would've been home free,' I thought to myself. 'Alright, stay calm. You can do this, you just have to find a way to dismiss that matchbook as circumstantial, and find some evidence that nails the hacker as the killer.' Then I began to sweat bullets again. 'Of course, that's going to be hard to prove without knowing the hacker's true identity.'

"So where should we go from here?" the Judge asked.

"Don't ask me, Your Honor. The Prosecution has already presented its case fully; this is the Defense's show now. And the moment he runs out of stalling tactics and tricks, this trial is over," Auchi replied in a cocky manner.

'Nice, lay it all on me. Really nice!' I inwardly exclaimed. 'This trial was just really starting to swing in our favor, and in one fell swoop the tables have turned again!'

"Well Hanamura-san? Without any concrete proof of who this hacker person is and that they did in fact commit the crime, there's nothing more we can do. We must rely on the evidence against your client to pass a verdict. Does the Defense have an idea of what we should do to continue this trial? If there really is nothing else to add, then I'm afraid I must deliver an unfavorable verdict against your client," the Judge replied.

"Umm…well…that's…I…" I didn't have a single idea.

"Oh don't tell me you're out of steam already, rookie? Oh well, you lasted longer than I thought you would," Auchi replied. "There's no shame in throwing in the towel now."

"Hanamura-kun, don't tell me you're giving up now? You've come so far," said Professor Takumi. Then he began to sweat. "And I really don't want to be convicted of murder either."

"Of course not, there's no way I'm giving up. I just…I don't know what to do. My mind is a total blank," I admitted out of despair. "The only way we can keep going forward is if we get around the obstacle of the matchbook. But how do we do that? Even you've admitted that you don't know how your fingerprints ended up on it."

"Hmm…" Professor Takumi stroked his chin and contemplated my predicament. Then a few moments later his eyes shot wide open. "…!"

"Professor? What is it?" I asked.

"I remember," he replied. Then he turned to me. "That matchbook. I know how my fingerprints got onto it."

"What?! Seriously?!" I exclaimed in disbelief. "How?! How did it happen?!"

Professor Takumi's face turned stern and serious. "It happened when I was using it as evidence in a trial."

"What? That matchbook was evidence in another trial?" I asked in confusion.

Professor Takumi nodded. "And not just any trial. It was the last trial I was involved in. It too was a murder case."

"…!" My eyes widened. "Professor, are you talking about that case? The one you and Professor Yamazaki both worked on? The one that you can't talk about even now?"

Professor Takumi nodded. "The very same."

"But if that's true, then what does this mean? Could those prints be leftover from back when you worked on that case?" I asked.

"It's possible, but that was almost twenty-five years ago," Professor Takumi replied. "There's a strong possibility that if any prints were left on the matchbook, they would've been far too degraded to show up in a forensics investigation. And there's no way of even telling if that's the same matchbook. I just remember that the book's design looked very similar. Unless…" Professor Takumi stroked his chin again. "…!" And then a few moments later his eyes widened again. "Of course!" he exclaimed. Then his expression turned to grief. He sighed. "Yamazaki, you old fool. You couldn't let it go even after all these years. Why would you go so far for someone who you only knew through me?" he asked himself.

"Pr-Professor?" I replied out of concern.

"It's nothing, don't worry. More importantly, I've figured it out. That matchbook is definitely the same one from mine and Yamazaki's old case. Yamazaki must have gotten it from the police's evidence lockup," Professor Takumi replied.

"He obtained evidence in a murder case so easily?" I replied.

Professor Takumi began to explain things. "Evidence in cases that have been solved or have gone cold for five years at the most, are carefully shipped off to a secure storage warehouse by the police. This system was enacted around the time that the Initial Trial System first came into play. There got to be so many criminal cases that the police just couldn't handle keeping all the evidence under lock and key. When evidence is shipped to this warehouse, it's considered forgotten. Nobody really kicks up much of a fuss about borrowing it. And Yamazaki was a prosecutor back in the old days, so it probably didn't take much effort to take the evidence for himself. He was obsessed with that case; we both were for a long time, even after we were forbidden by law from discussing it anymore. But we agreed before we started teaching to put an end to the obsession once and for all before it consumed us." Then he sighed again. "Looks like it had still been nagging at Yamazaki though. He went so far as to get the original crime scene evidence and examine it himself after all these years."

"If he really was looking into the case again, then that would explain the out-of-the-blue phone call he received about it. Someone must have found out that he unofficially re-opened the case," Professor Takumi added. "Could it be? Was the caller the culprit from that incident?"

"Professor, do you think that this murder case of yours has anything to do with Professor Yamazaki's murder?" I asked.

Professor Takumi shrugged his shoulders. "I honestly haven't a clue. But one thing's for sure, if we're going to discredit that matchbook then we have to prove its connection to mine and Yamazaki's case, or we're as good as finished. Do you think you can handle it on your own from here?"

I nodded. "Yes, I think I can, Professor. I know what I should do. Are you ready?"

Professor Takumi sighed again. "On some level I knew it would come to this. Do me a favor and don't go easy on me."

"You've got it," I replied.

"Ahem, if you two are quite done whispering amongst yourselves like a couple of gossiping school girls, perhaps we can get back to the conclusion of this boondoggle of a trial," said Auchi.

"Yes, I think the court's waited long enough as well," the Judge added. "If there's nothing else left to add, then I'm sorry Hanamura-san, but I'm afraid I must pass my…"

"HOLD IT!" I shouted, startling the Judge.

"If you have something to say, you don't have to shout, Hanamura-san. I may be old but I'm certainly not deaf," the Judge replied.

I smirked and rubbed the back of my head in embarrassment. "Sorry, Your Honor. Occupational force of habit. I was just going to say that the Defense can prove that my client's prints being on that matchbook is a mere coincidence." I shook my head. "It in no way means he started that fire."

"R-Really?!" the Judge exclaimed.

Auchi cackled. "Ha, that's your biggest bluff so far. I admit, you turned a few of my witnesses against true justice but there's no way you can use your tricks to discredit my water-tight evidence. Go ahead and try."

"Okay, I will, thanks," I replied in a cocky manner.

My tone unsettled Auchi. "Wh-What? You're seriously going to do it?"

I nodded. "I'll show you my brand of true justice by catching the true killer red-handed. And if that means I have to go through you and your red-herring evidence to do so, then so be it." I slammed my hands down on my desk. "If it's okay with you, Your Honor. The Defense would like to call their own witness to the stand."

"What?! A new witness?! I wasn't informed of this!" Auchi exclaimed.

"A new witness? Well this is surprising but I don't see any reason why I shouldn't accept your request," the Judge replied.

"OBJECTION!" Auchi shouted. He was sweating bullets. "I can think of a million reasons, Your Honor! I just…need some time…to think of all of them!"

"Well while you're doing that, Auchi-san, I think I'll go ahead and grant the Defense's request," the Judge replied.

"No waaaaaaaaaaayyyyy!" Auchi exclaimed in disbelief.

The Judge banged his gavel down upon his desk. "Alright Hanamura-san, just who is this surprise witness of yours?"

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROFILE: Who's your surprise witness?

花村希望 (Hanamura Kibou) – Age: 26. Gender: Male. A rookie attorney who is starting a bit later in his law career than most people do for personal reasons. He's not that confident in his abilities yet but he has a big heart and never loses hope.

巧舟逸 (Takumi Shuichi) – Age: 65. Gender: Male. A former professor in criminal law defense at Yumei University, he was actually Kibou's old advisor when he attended Yumei. He's a good, honest, studious man who believes whole-heartedly in justice and the truth. He's Kibou's first client and the defendant of this case.

花村日向 (Hanamura Hinata) – Age: 15. Gender: Female. Kibou's younger sister. She idolizes her brother and does her best to make him proud. She's a very kind and generous girl who never hesitates to stand up for the people she cares about.

裁判官 (Saibankan/Judge) – Age: 81. Gender: Male. A Judge who's a little past his prime and yet still continues to oversee trials to this day. But he seems to always deliver the right verdict so maybe he's gotten wiser with his old age.

亜内正崇 (Auchi Masataka) – Age: 34. Gender: Male. A snobby prosecutor who's apparently the grandson of the loser prosecutor, Takefumi Auchi, who was always mercilessly beaten by the great Ryuuichi Naruhodou. Though he claims he doesn't have his family's bad luck, and has apparently not lost a single case in his ten years as a prosecutor.

山崎剛之 (Yamazaki Takeshi) – Age: Deceased. Gender: Male. The victim of this case. He was a professor in criminal law prosecution and Professor Takumi's lifelong rival. He's the victim of this case.

乱用現金 (Ranyou Genkin) – Age: 21. Gender: Male. The youngest son of the Ranyou Group, who are rumored to have ties to the Yakuza due to their almost criminal business practices. He was one of Professor Takumi's teaching assistants and aims to be a defense attorney so he can help defend his family's empire.

教訓勝浩 (Kyoukun Katsuhiro) – Age: 60. Gender: Male. The current Dean of Yumei University and a former prosecutor who worked alongside Professor Takumi and Professor Yamazaki back in the day. He seems very short-tempered about most things but he cares deeply about his school and his students.

直樹尚希 (Mugai Naoki) – Age: 22. Gender: Male. Professor Yamazaki's former teaching assistant. He aims to be a prosecutor, but despite being smart and talented he's very shy and aloof. It's very unlikely he'll make it as a prosecutor.

黒崎知子 (Kurosaki Tomoko) – Age: 24. Gender: Female. A private investigator who also specializes in cybercrimes. She's kind of rude and just plain weird, but she seems like a good person. And she very clearly cares about her work as a private investigator.

Present Professor Takumi's Profile.

"TAKE THAT!" I shouted.

The Judge's eyes went as wide as dinner plates. "Th-The defendant?!"

"OBJECTION!" Auchi shouted. "No, no, no! I will not have any more of you and your client's hare-brained tricks! I completely object to this, Your Honor! This is a clear stall for time by the Defense!"

"OBJECTION!" I shouted back at Auchi. "My client has the right to aid in his own defense! And I know for a fact that he has very valuable testimony to give! Testimony that only he is capable of delivering!"

"OBJECTION!" Auchi shouted back at me. "And you just expect us to take your word for it! It's probably just more ridiculous lies and half-truths!"

"OBJECTION!" Professor Takumi shouted. "The only ones who have lied under oath so far have been your witnesses! Lies that Hanamura-kun here exposed! I assert my right to give testimony!"

The Judge banged his gavel down upon his desk. "Order! Order! Settle down, all of you!" the Judge exclaimed. "Now Professor Takumi, you do realize that if you give testimony anything you say could be used against you, correct? Are you prepared for this?"

Professor Takumi nodded. "I understand perfectly, Your Honor. I only intend to speak the truth. And this particular truth is one that only I can deliver."

"Very well, then the court will gladly hear your testimony," the Judge replied.

"You can't be serious, Your Honor?!" Auchi exclaimed in disbelief.

"I'll have you know that I'm almost always serious, Auchi-san," the Judge replied. "Now one more outburst out of you, and I'll give you the harshest penalty imaginable."

"Ugh," Auchi muttered in defeat.

Professor Takumi made his way over to the stand. "Now what exactly do you wish to testify about, Professor?" the Judge asked.

"I'm going to talk about the last trial I ever participated in. It was a murder case that took place almost twenty-five years ago. I acted as the Defense, and Yamazaki was the Prosecution," Professor Takumi explained.

"This wouldn't happen to be this mysterious case that you and Professor Yamazaki got into a fight about hours before his death, would it?" the Judge asked.

"The very same, Your Honor," Professor Takumi replied.

"But I thought you said that a permanent gag order was put on the case, forbidding you to ever talk about it in public," the Judge replied.

Professor Takumi nodded. "That is correct, Your Honor. But it has come to my attention that I must defy that order, if just this once. For you see, even if only slightly, Yamazaki's murder is connected to that case," Professor Takumi explained.

"Wh-What?!" the Judge exclaimed in disbelief.

"You can't be serious?!" Auchi exclaimed.

"Professor, why would you keep something like this from the court?" the Judge asked.

"I'm sorry, Your Honor. It wasn't intentional, I just realized the connection a few minutes ago, when the matchbook was brought up again. The matchbook is the key. I can at least give testimony about the rough details of the case without going into too many specifics, that should be more than enough to prove Hanamura-kun's claims," Professor Takumi explained.

"Very well. I'm still a tad confused about this connection you speak of, but the court will accept your testimony," the Judge replied. Then he turned to me. "Hanamura-san, I must advise you. Even if the defendant is the one giving testimony, I expect you to fully cross-examine him, leave no stone unturned, just as you usually do."

I nodded. "That won't be a problem, Your Honor. I believe in my client. His testimony will not discredit him, only shed light on the truth," I replied.

The Judge nodded. "Okay then." Then he banged his gavel down upon his desk. "The court will now hear the testimony of the defendant, Professor Shuichi Takumi."

WITNESS TESTIMONY

My Last Trial as a Defense Attorney

Statement 1: "Before I begin, I'd like to say that I won't reveal the identities of the people involved in the case, besides Yamazaki and I. I feel like they've been through more than enough," Professor Takumi explained. "Now where to begin?" he asked rhetorically.

Statement 2: "I guess I'll start with the very basis of the crime. Much like this case, it involved arson. The arson of a law office no less."

Statement 3: "The theory that Yamazaki and the police worked up was that this arson was connected to another ongoing trial. The law office of the acting defense attorney in that trial was targeted to threaten the attorney into dropping the case."

Statement 4: "However, unbeknownst to the arsonist, the attorney had come back to the office late that night to continue their research on the trial they were participating in. They were caught in the blaze and were unable to evacuate the building in time."

Statement 5: "The suspect was caught the very next day, and after hearing word I soon rushed over to take their case."

Statement 6: "During the trial, one of the key pieces of evidence that was presented was a burnt match found at the scene of the crime. A forensics investigation revealed that this match came from a very specific matchbook brand. And after an investigation of their home was conducted, the defendant was revealed to own that same brand of matchbook. And it appeared to have one match missing."

Statement 7: "This trial stretched on into its third day, the last day permitted by the Initial Trial System that we have all come to know for the past few decades. Normally, the defendant would automatically be declared guilty if their innocence has not been proven at that point."

Statement 8: "But due to unforeseen circumstances, a verdict was never passed down. Shortly thereafter, Yamazaki and I both retired from the law. This case haunted us to no end. We knew that we weren't cut out for the courtroom anymore in our current condition."

END OF TESTIMONY

The Judge's eyes widened. "Oh my, this case sounds very much similar to our own."

"OBJECTION!" Auchi shouted. "While I admit that there are certain similarities between this case and our own, I fail to see the importance. How does it have any connection to the victim's murder?"

"OBJECTION!" I shouted back at Auchi. "That will all be made clear during cross-examination. Please, just be patient, Auchi-san."

Auchi growled. "I hate that defiant tone of yours."

"Very well, you may now proceed with your cross-examination, Hanamura-san," said the Judge.

CROSS-EXAMINATION

Last Trial as a Defense Attorney

Press.

"HOLD IT!" I shouted. "I understand why you're keeping the identities of the people involved in this case a secret, Professor. But I'd like to ask just for a generalization of how the trial played out. Besides you, Professor Yamazaki, the victim, and the defendant, who else was involved in this case?"

"Well besides the four key players in the trial, there were two witnesses, and of course the Judge. But obviously it wasn't the Judge presiding over this current trial," Professor Takumi clarified.

"I should say so, my memory may not be what it used to be, but I try to remember each and every trial I preside over," the Judge added. Then he shook his head. "And I don't remember this trial at all."

'Hmm, that's kind of odd. The Judge has been here longer than anyone. Even if he wasn't the presiding Judge in that trial, surely he would've at least heard about it. Looks like this gag order made sure that no one outside of the inner circle of that trial would know about the contents of the murder case. I wonder…' I thought to myself. "Professor, one more question if you'd be so kind?" I asked.

"Go on, Hanamura-kun," Professor Takumi replied.

"A gag order in a court of law means that not just people involved with a certain trial but the media as well, is forbidden from discussing the matters of the trial, correct?" I asked.

Professor Takumi nodded. "Yes, and anybody who defies this order may receive criminal charges. Which is why I have to be very careful about which parts of the case I choose to tell you about. The gag order is still in effect today."

"So I assume that all periodicals and references to this case…?" I was about to reply but Professor Takumi cut me off.

"Yes, they've all since been erased. As of today the only records of what went on in that trial, are in the heads of those who were involved in the original case, myself included." Then he stroked his chin. "However, I assume that there is at least some note of it in the records at the Prosecutors' Office and the Police Headquarters. Other than that though, I'm afraid everyone who didn't experience that case first hand is completely in the dark."

'So the Professor is really the only one who can fill us in. I better listen carefully to what he has to say,' I thought to myself.

Statement 2: "I guess I'll start with the very basis of the crime. Much like this case, it involved arson. The arson of a law office no less."

Press.

"HOLD IT!" I shouted. "So this case involved another defense attorney? Were they the victim?"

"Yes," Professor Takumi replied. "Of course, I can't tell you their identity. But I will say that this case was very personal to me because of that victim. They were a very dear friend of mine; a friend, whose death I have mourned every day since the day they passed away."

"Oh dear, how tragic," the Judge replied.

"…" Professor Takumi was silent. His mind appeared to be somewhere else.

'Professor, I had no idea,' I thought to myself.

Press.

"HOLD IT!" I shouted. "So this case was actually connected to another murder case? Is there any way you can tell us more about that incident?"

"Due to the subject of time I can't really go into the particulars of that case either, it would take too much time to explain. Suffice it to say the defense attorney in charge of the case, my dear friend, appeared to be winning and was close to proving the defendant innocent. If you'd like more information you can look into it later. I believe the case number was ZR-8."

'ZR-8, the last trial that Professor Takumi's friend participated in. It might be a good idea to look more into it. After I prove the Professor's innocence, of course,' I thought to myself.

Press.

"HOLD IT!" I shouted. "Was it determined during the trial that it was an accidental killing? Or did the police and Prosecution just assume that happened to be the case?"

Professor Takumi stroked his chin as he contemplated his answer. "Well that's kind of tricky to explain. Yes, it was assumed from the very beginning that it was an accidental killing but that's only because…well…" Professor Takumi then sighed and shook his head. "No, I'm sorry I can't go into more details than that."

'The only reason Professor Takumi would withhold something now would be to protect the identities of the people involved with the case. Which means the reason behind the Prosecution's suspicions must have something to do with the victim's identity, or maybe even the defendant's?' I asked myself.

Statement 5: "The suspect was caught the very next day, and after hearing word I soon rushed over to take their case."

Press.

"HOLD IT!" I shouted. "You rushed right over to take their case? Then does that mean you had a connection to the defendant of that case as well, Professor?"

"…" Professor Takumi was silent at first, but then he sighed and nodded. "Yes, the defendant was someone I knew quite well. I wasn't as close with them as I was with the victim, but I knew for sure that they would never kill anyone. There had to have been some mistake."

'So Professor Takumi was connected to both the victim and the defendant?' I asked myself. 'It's no wonder why he became obsessed with solving this case.'

Press.

"HOLD IT!" I shouted. "Professor, I have to ask. This matchbook from your old case, does it have the same brand as the matchbook that's currently in the court record?"

Professor Takumi nodded. "Yes, that's the same brand. I'm sure of it. Mikabi-brand matches. Their signature logo is a red demon face on the cover."

"OBJECTION!" Auchi shouted. He held up the matchbook. "In what way does this crumpled up red dot on the cover on the matchbook look like a demon's face?"

"OBJECTION!" I shouted back. "You're forgetting, Auchi-san. The culprit crammed the matchbook inside of the rum bottle in Professor Yamazaki's office. Of course the matchbook would've been crumpled up. But if you look closely you can make out some of the finer details of this so-called red dot. Including yellow fangs, and a pair of red horns. And if you look right under the "dot", you can make out the words Mikabi Matches. This is without a doubt the same brand of matches."

"Wh-What?!" Auchi exclaimed. Then he examined the matchbook closer. "…!" Then he began to sweat bullets. "Y-You're right. It's all there."

"I told you I don't intend to lie under oath," Professor Takumi replied.

'I should probably make some more notes about the matchbook for the court record,' I thought to myself.

Matchbook Updated.

The Judge nodded. "I think you've proven your point, Professor." Then he looked down at me. "Hanamura-san, you may continue your cross-examination."

Statement 7: "This trial stretched on into its third day, the last day permitted by the Initial Trial System that we have all come to know. Normally, the defendant would automatically be declared guilty if their innocence has not been proven at that point."

Press.

"HOLD IT!" I shouted. "But something happened that prevented that guilty verdict from being handed down?" I asked.

Professor Takumi nodded. "Something horrible."

Press.

"HOLD IT!" I shouted. "Professor, what exactly happened to make this case the pariah that it is? Something happened to keep the verdict from being passed. What was it?"

"…" Professor Takumi was silent at first but then he sighed. "The defendant was murdered."

"…!" My eyes widened in shock.

"…!" As did the Judge's.

"…!" As did Auchi's…I think it was hard to tell with the sunglasses.

"What?! The defendant was killed?!" I exclaimed.

Professor Takumi nodded. "During a recess on the third trial day, someone snuck into the Defendant Waiting Lobby and killed the defendant while they were all alone."

"A murder was committed in the courthouse?!" I exclaimed.

"J-Just where was I when this was all going on?!" the Judge exclaimed. "I work here! Surely I would've heard about this?!"

"And what's more, no suspect was ever found. To this day the defendant's murder is unsolved. I couldn't take the shock of losing two people that I knew so well, and Yamazaki…well even though he was a stubborn old fool, he was a very sympathetic man. When I abandoned the law, he followed my suit. I planned to resort all my time to finding the true culprit behind the murders of my companions, and Yamazaki agreed to help me. We spent about a year chasing down leads until finally we both agreed to give up before the case ended up consuming us. Soon thereafter we both got our teaching degrees and applied for positions at Yumei University, and well as they say, the rest is history," Professor Takumi explained.

"So you believe that the same person was behind both the murder of your attorney friend, and the murder of the defendant in their murder trial?" I asked.

Professor Takumi nodded. "My stance hasn't changed in all these years. They're definitely still out there. And Yamazaki was still looking for them." Then he sighed. "It appears as if searching for that damned truth has cost me another friend."

'I better make sure to take thorough notes on everything I've found out about this mysterious case,' I thought to myself.

Mysterious Case from the Past Updated.

END OF CROSS-EXAMINATION

The Judge banged his gavel down upon his desk. "Your words truly speak volumes, Professor. I'd like to thank you for revealing all of this to the court."

"Yes, it was very enlightening, but I just have one question," said Auchi. "How does this have anything to do with our murder case?!" He held up the matchbook. "All you've told us is that both your unknown attorney friend and the victim were killed in fires using a match from two matchbooks that share the same brand!" Auchi scoffed. "Don't tell me you're planning on saying that you think this mysterious killer from your past is responsible for Professor Yamazaki's death? That's about as far-fetched a theory as one of your attorney's hare-brained theories."

"I don't know about that. But I definitely know that the cases are connected in a big way," Professor Takumi replied. "Hanamura-kun, would you care to enlighten the court?"

"Yes, what's all this about, Hanamura-san?" the Judge asked.

"Well, Your Honor. The Defense has reason to believe that the two matchbooks that the Prosecution speaks of do not exist," I replied.

"I'm afraid I don't follow," the Judge replied.

"What are you getting at now?" Auchi replied.

"What I'm getting at is a revelation that will turn this case upside down. Thanks to the defendant's testimony, we now know an important fact. A matchbook with the same brand as the one in our case was evidence in the defendant's old case almost twenty-five years ago. However, there is a strong possibility that these two matchbooks are one in the same. The Defense claims that the matchbook in the court record is the same matchbook that was used as evidence in the trial almost twenty-five years ago."

"Wh-What?!" the Judge exclaimed in surprise.

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?!" Auchi exclaimed.

The gallery erupted into whispers and murmurs once again. And once again, the Judge banged his gavel down upon his desk until there was silence. "Order! Order!" Then he looked down at me. "Hanamura-san, what is the meaning of this?"

"It's simple, Your Honor. The reason why the defendant's fingerprints are on the matchbook is because he used it as evidence in another trial."

"But that was almost twenty-five years ago. Are you seriously saying that the defendant's fingerprints have not degraded in all these years? That can't be possible," The Judge replied. "…" Then he thought about it for a second. "Can it?"

"Of course it's not possible! The Defense and the defendant are both full of it, Your Honor!" Auchi exclaimed.

'Hmm, looks like they're not convinced. This could tip the scales in either direction. Before I press forward I better make sure that I'm really not full of it like Auchi claims,' I thought to myself.

MAKE A DECISION: Is it possible that the fingerprints are almost twenty-five years old?

Yes, it's possible

On second thought…

Pick Option One.

I nodded. "Yes, it's completely possible. If the matchbook was kept in a stable condition…like most evidence used in murder cases is…then it's no stretch to say that the fingerprints haven't degraded in all of this time."

"Th-That can't be true! Quick, is there a forensics technician here?!" Auchi called out to the gallery.

A man wearing a blue uniform, blue cap, and white gloves who was sitting in the gallery, stood up and raised his hand. "Umm…I'm in forensics, I actually worked on this case." he said.

"Great! Now explain to this numbskull of an attorney that what he's saying isn't physically possible!" Auchi exclaimed in a proud tone while he crossed his arms.

"…" the forensics technician went quiet. "Umm, but Prosecutor-san. It is possible."

"Wh-What?!" Auchi exclaimed.

"If the matchbook was kept in a stable environment for all these years then those fingerprints would definitely manage to avoid becoming degraded. It's actually police policy to ensure all evidence is stored like this so as to not damage fingerprints and DNA samples, just in case we need to reopen an investigation for whatever reason," the forensics technician explained.

"Excuse me, I have a question as well," said Professor Takumi. "Do you happen to know anyone who works at the storage warehouse for evidence used in old cases?"

"Yeah, actually I do. A buddy of mine is one of the clerks there," the forensics technician replied.

"Does your friend know by any chance if Yamazaki checked any evidence out of storage a while ago?" Professor Takumi asked.

"You mean the victim? I don't really recall him mentioning…" Then the forensics technician's eyes widened. "…! Oh yeah, he did say something about that. A few days ago we went out for drinks and I told him that the case I was working on involved the murder of an old prosecutor, and he told me that he remembers a guy matching his description came in about a week ago and asked for evidence from a case with no case number. I remember thinking that it was really weird, because I've never heard of a case not having a case number before."

"Your Honor, there's a good chance that Professor Yamazaki collected the evidence from his and the defendant's last case together because he was reopening the investigation in private. The evidence as you'll recall includes this troublesome matchbook, which would explain how it ended up in Professor Yamazaki's office. The killer didn't leave it behind, it was really there the whole time," I added.

"That would explain the phone call that Mugai-kun mentioned Yamazaki received during his testimony. Someone must have figured out that he reopened the case off the books," Professor Takumi added.

"Hmm, if this is the case, we need to double check and make sure the forensics technician's claims are true. Bailiff, send word to the Police Headquarters immediately. Tell them we need to get in touch with the clerks at the storage warehouse as soon as possible," the Judge replied.

"Yes, at once, Your Honor," the bailiff replied before running out of the courtroom.

"You can't be serious, Your Honor?!" Auchi exclaimed.

"I believe I already told you that I am almost always serious, Auchi-san. And I think I also said if I heard an outburst like that from you again, I would give you a hefty penalty. Don't make me make good on my promise," the Judge replied.

"Ugh," Auchi muttered in defeat once again.

"Now then, while we wait to hear back from Police Headquarters, I think we could all use a brief break from this excitement." The Judge banged his gavel down upon his desk. "Court is hereby adjourned for a thirty-minute recess."

March 28, 2082. 12:00. Courthouse, Defendant Waiting Lobby No. 4.

While we were adjourned for recess, I made sure to talk with Professor Takumi about what all was discussed in the courtroom since our last recess. "You're doing very well, Hanamura-kun. I'm impressed that you've made it this far when it's only your first trial."

"I wouldn't have gotten to this point without your help, Professor. You saved me more times than I could count in there," I replied in a humble tone.

Professor Takumi shook his head. "No, no, you're being too humble. I was only acting as a guide the entire time; you were the one who was fighting for my sake. You were the one who cross-examined the Prosecution's witnesses and exposed their lies, you were the one who figured out that Katsu was being blackmailed by the hacker, and you were the one who convinced me to testify about mine and Yamazaki's last case. That was all you. I knew I made the right decision in placing my faith in you."

"Wow, thanks, Professor," I replied. "But it's not over yet. We still have no idea who the real culprit is."

"Well if your theory that the hacker committed the crime is true, then that would mean we just have to figure out who the hacker is," Professor Takumi replied.

"But that's easier said than done. I have no idea on where to start looking for them," I replied.

"Perhaps, I could be of assistance," someone suddenly said. Then Kyoukun walked up to the both of us, with Tomoko following shortly behind him. I recognized that Kyoukun had been the one to speak.

"Dean Kyoukun? Kurosaki-san? What are you both doing here?" I replied in confusion.

"I wanted to come and apologize to my dear friend for trying so hard to help find him guilty," Kyoukun replied.

"He was against it at first," Tomoko added. "He thought that Old Man Takumi would never forgive him for his actions, but I managed to convince him in the end."

"Takumi, I truly am sorry for my actions. I was afraid of what might happen to Yumei if I didn't go along with that madman's demands. I weighed the options of sacrificing a friend, or sacrificing God knows how many innocent people. And in my darkest moment, I had the gall to make a decision. I should've just gone to the police and told them what I knew from the beginning. Maybe if I hadn't been such a coward I could've kept you from ending up in this position. You don't have to forgive me; I just want you to know how ashamed of myself I am." Kyoukun bowed his head to Professor Takumi. "If I'm lucky enough to earn back your trust and friendship, I'd be eternally grateful."

"…" I was silent.

"…" as was Tomoko.

"…" Professor Takumi was silent for a moment as well. But then he sighed and shook his head. "Honestly Katsu, you're as proud as ever." Kyoukun raised his head in reply and let Professor Takumi finish speaking. "Stop worrying so much. Of course I forgive you, you were put into a horrible position. I would've made the same choice if I was in your shoes. What's important is that you did the right thing, in the end."

Kyoukun smiled. "You always were quick to forgive others. I'm so glad that I can call you my friend." Then Kyoukun turned to me. "As for you, boy…umm, I mean, Hanamura-san. I owe you a great deal of thanks. If it wasn't for you knocking some sense into me when I needed it the most, my dear friend here would be heading to prison, and it would be all my fault." Then he bowed his head to me as well. "You have my utmost gratitude."

"Oh…no…it's fine…there's no need to prostrate yourself, Dean Kyoukun," I replied in a slightly embarrassed tone. "I just did my job as an attorney and exposed the truth. It was nothing special really."

Kyoukun raised his head. "But it meant a great deal to me. Which is why I want to help you two in any way I can."

"Yes, you mentioned that before. What exactly do you have in mind, Katsu?" Professor Takumi replied.

"Well seeing as how the information I gave you before seemed to really help out, the Dean here, decided to do the same," Tomoko replied.

Kyoukun nodded. "That is correct," he replied. Then he produced a manila folder from his left jacket pocket and handed it to me. "Before Yamazaki had me hire Kurosaki-san, he was doing some digging into the hacker himself. These are his notes about his findings, I had my secretary send them over to me. Yamazaki actually gave them to me on the day before the fire, but I never got the chance to read them for myself. They contain Yamazaki's last thoughts, and I thought they might be useful to you in finding the true culprit of this crime."

"Wow, th-thanks Dean Kyoukun. I'm sure this will be a big help," I replied.

Professor Yamazaki's Notes added to the Court Record.

Kyoukun nodded again. "I hope they will be. Please find this low-life, get justice for Yamazaki, and save Takumi. You're the only one who can do this."

"…" I was silent at first before nodding and replying, "I'll do my best."

Kyoukun smiled. "I hope you'll exceed my expectations. Now if you'll both excuse us, we should get back to the Prosecutor Waiting Lobby before Auchi-san notices we've gone missing. I'll be the first one to congratulate you on your acquittal when this is over, Takumi."

Professor Takumi chuckled. "I look forward to it, Katsu."

Kyoukun smiled one last time before walking off in the direction of the Prosecutor's Waiting Lobby. But Tomoko stayed behind. "Kurosaki-san, is there something you want to say as well?" I asked out of curiosity.

"…" Tomoko was silent at first before she sighed and started rubbing her right arm, as if she was unsure what to say. "I guess…I just wanted to say, thanks for having my back in there."

"Huh?" I replied in confusion."

"I know I was in the wrong for lying under oath, I just didn't want to get in trouble for being found out about leaking the investigation to the media. But I just wanted everyone to know about the danger of letting the hacker run free. And even when it was you who discovered my lie, you defended me against Shady Guy and said that I was trying to do the right thing. So I just wanted to thank you for doing that. No one's ever really had my back like that before. It really meant a lot."

"Umm, y-you're welcome, Kurosaki-san. But it really is bad to lie under oath, even if you have a good reason for doing so," I replied, trying my best to sound professional.

"Yeah, I know. I promise, I won't lie anymore," Tomoko replied.

"But I guess I should also be thanking you. If you hadn't leaked the story in the first place, then no one would have even known about the hacker. That information was what brought me to my first turnabout, so thank you for giving me the lead I needed," I replied. "If it weren't for that, we would have been finished a long time ago."

"N-No problem, I just didn't want to leave a job unfinished is all," Tomoko replied.

"Hmm, you two work well together," said Professor Takumi. "It almost feels like you've been helping each other out for years."

"Y-You think?" I replied.

"R-Really?" Tomoko replied.

Professor Takumi nodded. "Though attorneys and detectives are usually on opposite sides of the law, it's beneficial for both parties to work together so the truth of a case can be reached. And you two have already demonstrated that principle very clearly." Then Professor Takumi's expression turned serious. "Hmm, I wonder."

"Professor?" I replied in confusion.

"Oh, it's nothing," Professor Takumi replied. "Pay me no mind."

"Well there's one thing wrong with your theory, Gramps," Tomoko replied. "I'm not a detective, remember? I'm a private investigator, there's a difference. I was hired onto this job so I just want to see it through to the very end. It's business, nothing more, nothing less. So find the hacker and nail him, got it?"

I nodded. "That's the plan. I don't intend to lose."

Tomoko nodded. "Good, I'll be watching. Don't let me down." Then Tomoko walked off towards the Prosecutor Waiting Lobby as well.

"Nii-chan!" a familiar voice called out to me. Then suddenly Hinata appeared in front of Professor Takumi and I. "You're doing so great. You two were keeping the entire courtroom on its toes in there. I was practically on the edge of my seat. And I wasn't the only one either, everyone in the gallery seemed deeply invested. The guy who was sitting next to me looked especially interested in it actually."

"The guy who sat next to you?" I repeated in curiosity.

Hinata nodded. "Yeah, there was an older, well-dressed guy sitting next to me. He barely talked at all, his eyes were glued on the trial the whole time. He also seemed interested in you for some reason, Nii-chan."

"In me?" I replied.

"Yeah, earlier on when I cheered for you in the courtroom, he heard me call you, Nii-chan. The only time he talked to me was to ask about you," Hinata replied. "It was mostly lawyer-like things though; I guess he's thinking about coming to you for a case later on." Hinata smiled. "Don't worry I gave you a good recommendation."

"Huh. Well thanks I guess," I replied.

Professor Takumi chuckled. "It's good to see that other people are starting to see your potential. It helps to make a name for yourself in this line of work. And I'm so glad we could entertain. I have to admit even if it is my life on the line today, being back in the courtroom after so long does feel exciting."

"And Nii-chan, you look a little less pale than you did before. Looks like your nervousness is finally starting to wear off," Hinata replied.

"It's true, Hanamura-kun. You do seem a bit more confident," Professor Takumi agreed.

"Well now that you mention it, I do feel a little lighter. Looks like I've finally got my second wind," I replied.

"So do you think you'll be able to stick it out till the end?" Professor Takumi replied.

"Of course, there's no question. I'm not going to sit back and let you get convicted for a crime you did not commit," I replied.

"But Nii-chan, if what you said before is true, then you have to find out who the true killer is and prove that they were the only person who could've done it, right? And if that person is really this hacker then…" Hinata paused and frowned. She knew exactly what was in store if I couldn't solve this case.

"Hey don't worry, I never said this was going to be easy, but I'm not going to stop until we win this thing. We're so close to finding the truth, I can feel it. Just a little longer and we'll have our suspect brought into the courtroom. So you just keep cheering me on like you've been doing so far, and I'll be just fine," I replied.

"Nii-chan," Hinata smiled and then suddenly reached out and pulled me into a hug. Then a few moments later, she let me go and returned to her cheery self. "I'm glad that you finally became a lawyer. These past few years, I've been so worried about you, even if it was your job to worry about me." She smiled again. "But you seem really different now, brighter and more courageous. And your actions today speak louder than words ever could. You've really changed. I'm so proud of the man you've become." Then she frowned slightly. "And I'm sure that they would be proud of you too."

I frowned slightly too. "Yeah, I hope so." Then I smiled at her. "Thanks, Hinata. You're the best."

"Attorney-san? The recess is almost over. The Judge has asked everyone to reconvene at this time," one of the court bailiffs said to me.

"Got it, thanks," I replied. Then I turned back to face Hinata. "We have to get back, and you should head back to your seat. See you when this is all over, okay?"

Hinata nodded. "I'll be waiting to congratulate you two on your win. Good luck."

I nodded. "Let's finish this, Professor."

"I'm right behind you, Hanamura-kun," Professor Takumi replied in a confident tone. Then the two of us re-entered the courtroom, prepared to face whatever obstacles that lay before us.

March 28, 2082. 12:30. Courthouse, Courtroom No. 4.

The Judge banged his gavel down upon his desk. "Court shall now reconvene for the trial of Professor Shuichi Takumi." When the Judge was sure he had everyone's attention he continued. "Now before the recess, we learned that the victim of this case, Professor Takeshi Yamazaki, was perhaps in possession of evidence pertaining to an old murder case that the victim himself and the defendant were both involved in."

"That's correct, Your Honor," I replied. "And according to my client, the matchbook that was used as evidence in that trial is in fact the very same matchbook that is being used as evidence in our trial. The Defense's theory is that by using the matchbook as evidence in that trial almost twenty-five years ago, my client's fingerprints ended up on the matchbook at that time. And if we are correct, then the basis for the Prosecution's argument much like Naruhodou Hall will go up in smoke," I said in a confident tone, while placing my fists on my hips.

Auchi grumbled. "Insolent rookie."

"Settle down you two," the Judge replied. "Now then, bailiff, have we heard back from Police Headquarters yet?"

"Yes, Your Honor. We just received word from them a few minutes ago. They were able to confirm from the records at the evidence warehouse that the victim did in fact check out evidence from a cold case with no case number. They also confirmed that this evidence pertains to that specific case that both the victim and the defendant were involved in," the bailiff reported.

"I see, well it seems that the victim was indeed in possession of the evidence pertaining to that trial," the Judge replied.

"Then it's official, the matchbook is a piece of evidence from that trial," I replied. "Professor Yamazaki kept it in his office, and that's how the killer got ahold of it. They didn't bring the matchbook to the crime scene, it was already there." I held up the photo of the film still from the surveillance of Naruhodou Hall on the night of the fire. "In fact. I'm willing to bet it was right there on this shelf the whole time. The killer simply used a weapon of opportunity."

"OBJECTION!" Auchi shouted. "I won't let you claim such outrageous ideas. The matchbook was already there at the scene of the crime before the murder took place? The reason the defendant's fingerprints are on it is because it was used by him in a trial over two decades ago? Nonsense! Absolute nonsense!"

"You have a rebuttal to the Defense's theory, Auchi-san?" the Judge asked.

"I'm glad you asked, Your Honor. And yes I do. As a matter of fact, I came up with the perfect argument during the recess. The Prosecution admits that the victim was in possession of evidence from this blacklisted murder case, and I also admit that a matchbook that's similar to ours was used as evidence in that trial. However, I believe whole-heartedly that there are in fact two matchbooks. One was used in the old murder case, and one was used in ours," Auchi explained in a smug tone.

"You're back to the two matchbook theory again?!" I exclaimed. "We already ruled that out! The matchbook brand is Mikabi Matches, a brand that hasn't been used since the time of the old murder case. Ergo, it stands to reason that this matchbook is from that time. And everything else points to this being the same matchbook as the one in that case," I explained.

Auchi smirked. "Yes, but I still can't believe that the defendant's fingerprints were on that matchbook simply because he used them as evidence in that old murder trial. Surely they would have been far too degraded to dust for prints in a forensic analysis, and yet they showed up without any problem whatsoever. I think it makes much more sense if there were in fact two different matchbooks. One with old prints, and one with new prints."

"But as my client testified, Mikabi Matches went out of business around the same time that the murder took place. How could my client have gotten a new Mikabi brand matchbook if they were already out of business?" I asked.

"I don't know, maybe he bought a matchbook before the company went out of business for sentimental reasons. His friend was killed using a similar matchbook after all," Auchi replied. "The point is as long as the possibility exists, you can't dismiss the fingerprints so easily."

"So your theory is that my client held onto another matchbook all this time and then chose now to use it to burn Professor Yamazaki alive along with Naruhodou Hall?" I asked with a sweatdrop. "If he went through all that trouble, then why not just wear gloves while starting the fire? He would have avoided all this unnecessary grief."

Auchi looked unnerved. "W-Well, it's still a possibility."

"Hmm, I don't think I've ever heard such a slap-dash argument before. But I have to admit, it does have a certain plausible ring to it," the Judge remarked.

"Really, Your Honor?" I replied.

The Judge nodded. "It does get around the fingerprint conundrum. I'm sorry, Hanamura-san. But if you can't somehow prove that the defendant's fingerprints were on the matchbook before the fire was started, then we've reached an impasse."

"No!" I exclaimed.

"Heh, heh, well not the most graceful victory, but a win is a win, I'll take it," Auchi cackled while combing back his hair.

'What am I going to do? His argument makes about as much sense as saying the sky is green or that the grass is blue, but if I can't prove him wrong then we're still finished? How is this at all fair?' I asked myself.

"Psst, Hanamura-kun," Professor Takumi whispered to me. "There's a way you can shut up that loudmouth, Auchi. I've been looking through the court record since we've come back to the courtroom. I think you have just the right piece of evidence to put the argument about the fingerprints to bed once and for all."

"Seriously?" I replied.

"Hanamura-san, I'm going to give you a chance. Do you have anything that can prove the validity of your claims?"

"Not likely," Auchi replied in a snarky tone.

"Oh but I do," I replied in a cocky manner.

"Wh-What?" Auchi replied.

"Yep, I have just the piece of evidence that will shut you up about the fingerprints for good," I replied. 'Or at least I hope I do,' I secretly thought to myself.

The Judge banged his gavel down upon his desk. "Well then let's have it, Hanamura-san."

CHOOSE THE RIGHT EVIDENCE: What proves that the presence of Professor Takumi's fingerprints has nothing to do with the murder?

Kibou's Attorney Badge – My attorney badge. Proof that I can practice law and defend the innocent in the courtroom. It took me a while to actually get this.

Today's Paper – Today's newspaper, given to me by Hinata. It contains an article on the back that talks about Yumei University's recent hacking scandal.

Autopsy Report – The victim of this case, Professor Takeshi Yamazaki's autopsy report.

Victim: 山崎剛之 (Takeshi Yamazaki)

Estimated Time of Death: Around 2:00

Cause of Death: Smoke inhalation. Autopsy results show that he had an increased blood alcohol level, meaning that he was inebriated. The victim was most likely unconscious at the time of death because of this. It should also be noted that due to the extensive damage the fire caused to the victim's body it was impossible to find a specific time of death. The fire was started around 2:00 and since the cause of death is smoke inhalation it's a logical leap to say that the victim died around that time as well.

Naruhodou Hall Building Diagram – A diagram of Naruhodou Hall before it was burned was drawn up by forensic investigators. It shows several things, including a server farm located on the first floor, Professor Takumi's office located on the second floor, and Professor Yamazaki's office located on the third floor. There is also a fire escape on the right side of the building, and large windows on each side of the ends of each floor.

Arson Investigator's Report – The ignition point of the fire was Professor Yamazaki's private office. The fire appears to have been set with accelerant, presumably alcohol.

Photo from Before the Murder – An image still pulled from the remains of Naruhodou Hall's security footage. The time stamp on the still reads: 22:33:46. So it was taken roughly three and a half hours before the victim's estimated time of death. This time stamp has not been altered in any way. In it you can see Professor Yamazaki in his office, sleeping and hunched over his desk with a nearly empty bottle of rum and a single dirty shot glass next to him. There are also two other things to note, a matchbook and a portable stove placed on a nearby shelf.

Matchbook – Found at the scene of the crime, stuffed inside an empty rum bottle. The bottle protected it from the fire. It is believed to have been what started the fire. Bears Professor Takumi's prints, though he claims it's because he used it as evidence in an old murder case. The matchbook was made by the Mikabi Matches company, a company that has since gone bankrupt. Its packaging, though crumpled up now, is very unique. So it stands to reason that this matchbook was indeed evidence in that old murder case.

Mysterious Case from the Past – Professor Takumi and Professor Yamazaki were the attorney and prosecutor in charge of a certain case in the past. The victim of which was another attorney, and what's more, a friend of Professor Takumi's. Apparently the case got so much coverage that it put law enforcement and the media in a frenzy. A permanent gag order was placed on the case that forced them to close it unresolved. Professor Yamazaki got a call about the case on the day of his death and got into a fight with Professor Takumi about reopening it. Though apparently, Professor Yamazaki has already reopened it by himself and has even gotten ahold of the old evidence used in it.

Bottle of Rum – Professor Yamazaki was drinking on the night of his death, from a bottle of Bacardi 151. A very strong alcohol brand from the island of Bermuda. The whole bottle was empty upon discovery. It might've been used as an accelerant for the fire.

Portable Stove – Professor Yamazaki kept a portable stove in his office. Investigators have proven that the stove was turned on at some point prior to the fire. It's propane-based so it could've also helped in the fire.

Tomoko's Investigation Report – According to Tomoko's investigation, the servers at Naruhodou Hall were believed to contain clues as to the hacker's true identity. But before Tomoko could determine who the hacker was, the servers were destroyed in the fire.

Ouroboros Investigations Business Card – One of Tomoko's many business cards for her P.I. agency, Ouroboros Investigations, named after Ouroboros the self-eating snake. Its logo has a very particular and unique design.

Kyoukun's Blackmail Note – A typed and printed note was found by Dean Kyoukun the morning after the fire. Judging by the message, it's highly likely that this note was left by the true killer, and it also gives a very strong hint that the killer is the hacker, as they ordered Dean Kyoukun to suspend Tomoko's investigation under threat of more violence.

Professor Yamazaki's Notes – Professor Yamazaki's investigation notes on the hacker plaguing Yumei University. He sent these notes to Dean Kyoukun's office personally the day before the fire.

Page (1/5)

Hacker Case Summary

(2/1) According to my independent investigation, the hacker has been at work for quite some time. At least since the beginning of the last semester, maybe even before that. The data logs for the entire campus show that unauthorized access has been granted to specific files and data caches. Not just containing private information about the school itself, but personal information about the students, teachers, and faculty as well. I have even discovered that my own personal files have been looked into without my knowledge. I consider this a grave oversight on my part, but it does prove one thing. This hacker is someone truly gifted and has been perfecting their craft for years. They've been very cautious and meticulous in their search, which is why it took me so long to actually catch on to their existence. But as to what it is they're searching for exactly, I still have no idea.

Page (2/5)

Investigation Notes

(2/6) I have discovered a way to narrow down the suspects. I am currently in the process of comparing the computer usage history for the whole campus to the times where unauthorized access was reported by the data logs. I can't involve any of the other students or faculty who help maintain the campus's network, as I do not know at this point who I can trust. As such, this arduous task falls solely to me.

(2/10) The comparison is taking longer than expected. I'm now even starting to compare the computer usage of students and faculty who rarely even use the campus computers, if at all. So far I haven't had any luck.

(2/22) I haven't had any luck at finding out the hacker's true identity yet. I have abandoned my comparison test, as I have gone through almost every single name in the student and faculty registry. No one had logged onto any campus computers at the same time of each incident. I can only guess at this point that the hacker is using their own personal device to hook up to the campus network. And if this is the case they are probably smart enough to be using proxy servers to hide their unscrupulous activities. At this point in time there's no real way of identifying them.

(3/10) I have informed Dean Kyoukun of the fruitlessness of my efforts and have recommended that we look into hiring a private investigator. I've heard word of an up and coming young lady who has a very noteworthy background in solving cybercrimes. Perhaps she would be a great asset.

Page (3/5)

Investigation Notes Continued…

(3/14) I think I'm onto something! The hacker seems to be here for two purposes. 1: They were hired to search for something in particular. This has been made very clear by their previous actions. And 2: The hacker also seems to have their own personal motivation for their crimes. There's been a recent rash of accusations made by other professors about students cheating in their classes. This goes for my class as well. I think the hacker might also be helping certain students cheat on assignments and exams. If this is the case then their motivation may be just as simple as monetary gain. They were likely hired to search for something in particular by a third party, and in the meantime they are using their position to make a quick buck for themselves by loaning out their services to all interested parties. And if they're greedy, they might slip up and make a careless mistake.

(3/15) I've made another important discovery, but this one fills me with unfathomable dread. I think I know what exactly the hacker was hired to search for. I've noticed an increased amount of activity through Naruhodou Hall in particular. To be more specific, my private records as well as the private records of my colleagues, Takumi included. Though I've managed to keep our private data locked up tight, there have been several attempts made to bypass my security. Whatever they are after, is in there. I at first thought it to be slightly odd. After all the only things of value that both Takumi and I have in our own private data is notes for our classes and dossiers of all our old cases that I managed to digitize. And that was when it hit me. Our old cases.

I tried to persuade myself that I was mistaken, that the hacker's true goal was something else. But my mind kept wandering back to one thing. That case. Mine and Takumi's last case. The case that nearly consumed us both. Could it be? Is someone else looking into that case after all these years. I have to know for sure.

(3/16) I could not dissuade my curiosity any longer. I know I made a promise with Takumi, but I can't ignore it any longer. I have to know the truth. And if that means that I delve back into the past then so be it. I visited the police's evidence lockup and asked to borrow the evidence for our last case. Thankfully they didn't kick that much fuss over an ex-prosecutor borrowing evidence from a murder case that had gone that cold. If I'm right, then the hacker, or more appropriately their client, is linked to this case somehow. If so, it might mean what Takumi and I have thought all along, the true killer is still out there. I must reopen the case by myself. I can't get Takumi's hopes up without any definitive evidence.

Page (4/5)

Investigation Notes Continued (That Case)

(3/24) I've done an inventory of all the evidence left over from the trial. I'll make note of the important pieces here:

Matchbook – A Mikabi Matches brand matchbook. All that remains of a forgotten business. Twenty matches were originally included in this book, but during the trial it was made clear that one match had been used and was missing from the book. Fingerprints are on the matchbook, I at first thought they were the fingerprints of the suspect in the case but when I did a spot check analysis and compared ridge patterns, they were revealed to be Takumi's. He must have mishandled them at some point during the trial.

I also lit one of the matches myself to test them out, but I'm afraid time has gotten the best of them. They wouldn't light no matter what I tried. I even tried to light them with my trusty lighter, it didn't even so much as make a spark. Pity, I wanted to try and recreate the burn patterns. Perhaps the arson investigator and I overlooked something.

Used Match – A single burnt match was found at the scene of the crime.

Burn Pattern Analysis – A report made by the arson inspector at the fire department. According to the report, gasoline was poured around the building and then ignited causing the flash fire to spread quickly. The fire started from the outside of the building.

I will make notes of the other pieces of evidence when I have finished examining each of them fully.

Page (5/5)

Something Must Be Done!

(3/25) My worst fears have come to pass; the killer is still out there. And now they've finally decided to come after Takumi and I. The phone call I received earlier this afternoon was proof enough, someone wants me to drop this case immediately. I'm not usually one to respond to threats, but I believe whole-heartedly that this individual is capable of the most monstrous things. Dean Kyoukun, I've sent this to you in the hopes that you and Takumi will continue what I started if anything should happen to me. I pray that my paranoia is just the ravings of an old man. But just in case, help Takumi use my notes and the evidence from that trial. There is a much bigger game at foot than we anticipated. The hacking, that case. It's all connected somehow, I know it. You and Takumi are two of my oldest friends. I trust you will solve this case.

Best regards, Professor Takeshi Yamazaki.

Present Professor Yamazaki's Notes.

"TAKE THAT!" I shouted.

The Judge stared at the manila folder in curiosity. "Hmm? What's this now?"

"This is new evidence that the Defense managed to obtain during the recess, Your Honor. It was given to me by Dean Kyoukun. According to him, the victim, Professor Yamazaki, was also investigating the hacker before the school hired Kurosaki-san. And this file contains the notes he made of said investigation," I explained.

"OBJECTION!" Auchi shouted and slammed his fists down upon his desk. "Now you received evidence from another of my witnesses! Do your lawyerly tricks have no end?!"

"OBJECTION!" I shouted back at Auchi. "I didn't trick anyone, Dean Kyoukun gave this to us of his own accord. He didn't even know exactly what they contained as the victim delivered this file to the Dean's office shortly before he died, and he hasn't had an opportunity to read it since then. These are Professor Yamazaki's last thoughts on the matter before his untimely death, and trust me, what's in here will give this case a brand new perspective."

"Hmm." The Judge contemplated things for a second and then nodded and made a decision. "Very well, Hanamura-san. If you believe this is worth pursuing, then the court will now hear you out."

Auchi grumbled. "Fine, but I won't have you waste our time reading through that whole file. Show us the specific page that makes your point."

"Can do," I replied.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAGE: Which page of Professor Yamazaki's Notes proves that the presence of Professor Takumi's fingerprints on the matchbook has nothing to do with the murder?

Page 1 – Hacker Case Summary

Page 2 – Investigation Notes

Page 3 – Investigation Notes Continued…

Page 4 – Investigation Notes Continued (That Case)

Page 5 – Something Must Be Done!

Pick Option Four.

"I believe the page you're looking for is Page No. 4," I replied as I pulled Page 4 out of the folder and showed it to the court. "This page contains notes made by Professor Yamazaki about his secret re-opening of his and Professor Takumi's last case. In it the Professor lists several pieces of evidence used in the trial that he re-examined personally. One of them being the matchbook that he had in his possession. According to his notes the matchbook from the old case did in fact have fingerprints on it. At first he believed these prints to be from the suspect of the crime, but upon closer inspection, they were revealed to belong to one Professor Shuichi Takumi."

Auchi began to sweat bullets. "Wh-What?!"

"Furthermore, he goes on to say that he too believes that Professor Takumi accidently contaminated the evidence during the trial," I added.

The Judge's eyes widened. "Well I'll be. It's true."

"Impossible! That has to be a lie!" Auchi exclaimed in defiance while he pounded down on his desk. "Don't buy it, Your Honor! It's all a trick! Why, I'll bet that crooked Dean had this evidence forged to reflect the Defense's theory!"

"Accusing a respected former prosecutor of forging evidence? Have you no shame, Auchi-san?" Professor Takumi replied.

"I agree, Auchi-san. Though Dean Kyoukun may have lied in his testimony, he did so purely out of concern for his school's safety. And back when he presided as a prosecutor he was known for being strict but fair. It doesn't fit his personality to commit such a grave crime as evidence forgery," the Judge replied.

"Trying to get an attorney accused of using forged evidence just to win? I thought your grandfather was Takefumi Auchi not Kirihito Garyuu," I replied in a smug tone.

"Arrgh," Auchi growled.

"But if you really aren't convinced that this file is legitimate, there is a way we can test out its claims for ourselves," I replied.

"Hanamura-kun?" the Professor looked confused.

"Trust me Professor, this is just going to help our case," I replied.

"What trick are you going to pull now?" Auchi replied.

"A little trick called science. All I need you to do is try and strike one of those matches in the matchbook you're hanging onto, Auchi-san," I replied.

Auchi held up the matchbook. "You mean a match from this matchbook. What will that prove?"

"Hanamura-san, I'll have you know that the court does not take too kindly to pyrotechnical displays. Someone could get hurt after all," said the Judge.

"Trust me, Your Honor. I think the court will find this very interesting," I replied.

"Very well, go on and strike one of those matches, Auchi-san," the Judge replied.

Auchi scoffed. "Fine, but I fail to see what this will accomplish." Auchi carefully pulled out one of the matches from the matchbook and then proceeded to strike it against the book. "Here goes nothing." But nothing happened.

"…" the Judge looked unamused. "Auchi-san, you do know how to light a match, correct?"

"O-Of course I do, Your Honor. Just hold on one second." Auchi tried to light the match once again, but again nothing happened. Then he tried a third time. And then a fourth. And then a fifth. But still, nothing happened. No matter what Auchi did, the match just wouldn't light. "What's going on here?!"

"What's going on is that the matches aren't lighting, and that's because they're simply too old to do so, at least that's what it says in Professor Yamazaki's Notes."

"Ah, yes, I see now," Professor Takumi replied. "Over time matches absorb moisture from the air, and the more moisture they absorb, the less chance that they will light effectively. Such a long gap between two cases would have provided ample opportunity for the matches to absorb a lot of moisture. So that's what Yamazaki meant."

"That's ludicrous, I'll bet the matches are just simply damp. You're forgetting, the matchbook was found stuffed inside that bottle of Bacardi 151. I'll bet some stray rum just got onto them," Auchi replied.

The Judge nodded. "That seems plausible."

'Hmm, could that be true?' I asked myself.

MAKE A DECISION: Could the matches simply be damp because of the rum in the bottle?

Yes, that has to be it

There's no way that's true

Pick Option Two.

I shook my head. "Actually, that can't be possible, Auchi-san," I replied.

"Wh-What? Why not?" Auchi replied in an unnerved tone.

"Because this evidence says so, that's why," I replied.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT EVIDENCE: What proves that the matches didn't get damp from the rum in the bottle?

Kibou's Attorney Badge – My attorney badge. Proof that I can practice law and defend the innocent in the courtroom. It took me a while to actually get this.

Today's Paper – Today's newspaper, given to me by Hinata. It contains an article on the back that talks about Yumei University's recent hacking scandal.

Autopsy Report – The victim of this case, Professor Takeshi Yamazaki's autopsy report.

Victim: 山崎剛之 (Takeshi Yamazaki)

Estimated Time of Death: Around 2:00

Arson Investigator's Report – The ignition point of the fire was Professor Yamazaki's private office. The fire appears to have been set with accelerant, presumably alcohol.

Professor Yamazaki's Notes – Professor Yamazaki's investigation notes on the hacker plaguing Yumei University. He sent these notes to Dean Kyoukun's office personally the day before the fire.

Page (1/5)

Hacker Case Summary

Page (2/5)

Investigation Notes

Page (3/5)

Investigation Notes Continued…

Page (4/5)

Investigation Notes Continued (That Case)

(3/24) I've done an inventory of all the evidence left over from the trial. I'll make note of the important pieces here:

Used Match – A single burnt match was found at the scene of the crime.

I will make notes of the other pieces of evidence when I have finished examining each of them fully.

Page (5/5)

Something Must Be Done!

Best regards, Professor Takeshi Yamazaki.

Present Bottle of Rum.

"TAKE THAT!" I shouted.

"The bottle itself is your evidence?" the Judge asked.

"Yes, Your Honor. If you recall, Auchi-san stated when he first introduced the bottle, that upon first discovery by investigators, the bottle was completely empty. There's no way the matchbook could've gotten damp like that if there was no rum in the bottle to do so," I explained.

"Nooooooo waaaaaaaaaaayyyyy!" Auchi exclaimed.

Whispers and murmurs erupted from the gallery again. Then the Judge banged his gavel down upon his desk to silence the gallery. "I think I've heard just about enough. The matchbook brand, the fingerprints, the victim's final words, and now the matches themselves have proven one thing. This matchbook is without a doubt, the one used to commit the murder in the victim and the defendant's last case. I think it's pretty safe to say we've established that fact. So it looks like there is no longer any definitive proof that the defendant committed the murder."

"Th-This can't be happening!" Auchi exclaimed in disbelief as he huddled over his desk.

"But I believe this leaves us with quite the conundrum. We don't have another definitive suspect to pin to the crime. If the matchbook only bears the defendant's prints, then I think we can all safely assume that the true culprit must have worn gloves to conceal their presence. But if that's the case, I don't see how we'll be able to identify them," the Judge explained.

"…" I began to think to myself. And then a crazy idea suddenly popped into my head. 'Could it be? Well I've got some room to maneuver here so might as well take a shot in the dark." I slammed my hands down on my desk. "Actually, Your Honor. I think I have an idea of how we can proceed. But in order to do so, we're going to have to call into question everything we've proven so far."

"What do you mean, Hanamura-san?" the Judge asked.

"Y-You're still not done yet?" Auchi asked.

"I believe that we've all been mistaken about something from the very beginning of this trial. A mistake that has kept us from seeing the truth of that night. Now, I don't know if this is the only mistake that has been made so far. All I know is that it's the first one that's jumped out at me so vehemently. And the beginning to understand that mistake lies with revealing this contradiction," I explained.

"A…A contradiction?" the Judge replied.

"I'm glad you noticed it, Hanamura-kun. Thanks to our combined efforts, we've managed to change the meaning behind my fingerprints being on that matchbook, but it's revealed a whole new contradiction in the process," Professor Takumi explained.

I nodded. 'Yes, this is it. This contradiction is our next step towards the truth. I can feel it.' I took a deep breath and then started to speak again. "Allow me to show the court a piece of evidence that has been called into question by everything new that we've managed to discover."

CHOOSE THE RIGHT EVIDENCE: What evidence can no longer be taken at face value given the current facts?

Kibou's Attorney Badge – My attorney badge. Proof that I can practice law and defend the innocent in the courtroom. It took me a while to actually get this.

Today's Paper – Today's newspaper, given to me by Hinata. It contains an article on the back that talks about Yumei University's recent hacking scandal.

Autopsy Report – The victim of this case, Professor Takeshi Yamazaki's autopsy report.

Victim: 山崎剛之 (Takeshi Yamazaki)

Estimated Time of Death: Around 2:00

Arson Investigator's Report – The ignition point of the fire was Professor Yamazaki's private office. The fire appears to have been set with accelerant, presumably alcohol.

Professor Yamazaki's Notes – Professor Yamazaki's investigation notes on the hacker plaguing Yumei University. He sent these notes to Dean Kyoukun's office personally the day before the fire.

Page (1/5)

Hacker Case Summary

Page (2/5)

Investigation Notes

Page (3/5)

Investigation Notes Continued…

Page (4/5)

Investigation Notes Continued (That Case)

(3/24) I've done an inventory of all the evidence left over from the trial. I'll make note of the important pieces here:

Used Match – A single burnt match was found at the scene of the crime.

I will make notes of the other pieces of evidence when I have finished examining each of them fully.

Page (5/5)

Something Must Be Done!

Best regards, Professor Takeshi Yamazaki.

Present Matchbook.

"TAKE THAT!" I shouted.

"Th-The matchbook again? What else could possibly be left to say on the matter?" Auchi asked.

"The contradiction becomes clear if we take a closer look at this piece of evidence," I replied.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT EVIDENCE: What contradicts the matchbook?

Kibou's Attorney Badge – My attorney badge. Proof that I can practice law and defend the innocent in the courtroom. It took me a while to actually get this.

Today's Paper – Today's newspaper, given to me by Hinata. It contains an article on the back that talks about Yumei University's recent hacking scandal.

Autopsy Report – The victim of this case, Professor Takeshi Yamazaki's autopsy report.

Victim: 山崎剛之 (Takeshi Yamazaki)

Estimated Time of Death: Around 2:00

Arson Investigator's Report – The ignition point of the fire was Professor Yamazaki's private office. The fire appears to have been set with accelerant, presumably alcohol.

Professor Yamazaki's Notes – Professor Yamazaki's investigation notes on the hacker plaguing Yumei University. He sent these notes to Dean Kyoukun's office personally the day before the fire.

Page (1/5)

Hacker Case Summary

Page (2/5)

Investigation Notes

Page (3/5)

Investigation Notes Continued…

Page (4/5)

Investigation Notes Continued (That Case)

(3/24) I've done an inventory of all the evidence left over from the trial. I'll make note of the important pieces here:

Used Match – A single burnt match was found at the scene of the crime.

I will make notes of the other pieces of evidence when I have finished examining each of them fully.

Page (5/5)

Something Must Be Done!

Best regards, Professor Takeshi Yamazaki.

Present Professor Yamazaki's Notes.

"TAKE THAT!" I shouted.

"That file again? I think you might be going in circles here, Hanamura-san," the Judge replied.

I shook my head. "No, Your Honor. This file has exposed a brand new contradiction in the matchbook. One that without understanding fully, we will not be able to reach the truth at the heart of this trial. Allow me to direct your attention to this page."

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PAGE: Which page of Professor Yamazaki's Notes contradicts the matchbook?

Page 1 – Hacker Case Summary

Page 2 – Investigation Notes

Page 3 – Investigation Notes Continued…

Page 4 – Investigation Notes Continued (That Case)

Page 5 – Something Must Be Done!

Pick Option Four.

"Page No. 4 again? What about it?" Auchi replied.

"Please follow along with me and everything will be made clear," I replied. Then I cleared my throat and began to read Professor Yamazaki's Notes. "I also lit one of the matches myself to test them out, but I'm afraid time has gotten the best of them. They wouldn't light no matter what I tried. I even tried to light them with my trusty lighter, it didn't even so much as make a spark. Pity, I wanted to try and recreate the burn patterns. Perhaps the arson investigator and I overlooked something." Then I looked up from the page and addressed the court. The contradiction lies in the victim's own words. He too tried to light one of the matches but was unable to do so. Even lighting the match without another fire source appeared to have no effect. The matches were simply too old to even make a small spark."

"I don't follow," Auchi replied. "What does that have to do with anything?"

"I'm having a bit of trouble understanding this myself," the Judge replied.

"It's simple logic. As we have just proven, the victim's claims are accurate. We too could not get the matches to light. Thus, the contradiction," I said in a confident tone, while placing my fists on my hips. "The fire at Naruhodou Hall could not have been caused by these matches!"

"Wh-What?!" the Judge's eyes went extremely wide.

"Wh-Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttt?!" Auchi exclaimed.

The gallery erupted into whispers and murmurs once more. The Judge furiously banged his gavel down upon his desk to quell the outburst. "Order! Order!" Then he looked down at me. "Hanamura-san, are you serious? The very foundation of this case has been built upon the theory that the matches were the cause of the fire. Are you saying that's false?"

I shook my head. "No, Your Honor. That's what the evidence is saying. I'm just listening."

Auchi still looked unnerved. "As much as I hate to agree with the Defense, I think he's right on this point, Your Honor. If the matches could not have been lit, then there's no way they could have started the fire. Ergo, they are not the murder weapon."

It felt kind of odd for Auchi to back me up but I didn't question it. "Which means that we are still missing a vital piece of evidence. The true cause of the fire, ergo the real murder weapon."

"But if that's the case, then what started the fire?" the Judge replied. "Surely the cause would've been discovered in the investigation."

"That is the question, isn't it?" Auchi replied.

"I think I might have an idea," Professor Takumi replied. Then he turned to me. "You should know it too, right Hanamura-kun?"

"Professor?" I asked. Then I thought about it. 'No, wait. Could it be?'

"Hanamura-san, do you have a theory as to what caused the fire?" the Judge asked.

I nodded. "I think I do, Your Honor."

"Very well then, please enlighten the court," the Judge replied.

MAKE A DECISION: What really caused the fire?

A lighter

A broken lamp

A bad electrical outlet

Pick Option One.

"I'll ask the court to refer back to the passage I read from Professor Yamazaki's Notes." I read the passage again. "I also lit one of the matches myself to test them out, but I'm afraid time has gotten the best of them. They wouldn't light no matter what I tried. I even tried to light them with my trusty lighter, it didn't even so much as make a spark. Pity, I wanted to try and recreate the burn patterns. Perhaps the arson investigator and I overlooked something." Then I looked back up to the court. "The key phrase this time is my trusty lighter. The victim owned a personal lighter."

"That he did. It was a gift from his late wife," Professor Takumi added. "I saw it a few times, it was silver and had his initials engraved on the side of it."

"Out of curiosity, did the investigators recover this light from the crime scene, or perhaps a melted silver hunk of junk?" I asked.

"N-No, I don't recall being told about that," Auchi replied.

I addressed the forensics technician in the gallery. "Sir, sorry to bother you again, but do you recall seeing anything like that at the crime scene."

The forensics technician shook his head. "No, I didn't see anything like that either, and I don't think any of the other guys who worked the scene did either."

"Then I think I know what happened," I replied.

"Well don't leave us all in suspense, Hanamura-san. What happened to the lighter?" the Judge asked.

MAKE A DECISION: What happened to the lighter?

It's still hidden at the crime scene

Professor Yamazaki lost it before he died

The killer took it from the crime scene

Pick Option Three.

"The only possible explanation I can think of as to why the investigators didn't find the lighter is because someone removed it from the crime scene before it could be found. And there's only person I can think of who would do that. The true killer," I explained.

"I really hate to admit it, but that makes a lot of sense," Auchi replied.

"But as of this moment, we still do not have any leads as to the true culprit's identity," the Judge replied.

My eyes widened and then I started sweating bullets. "Oh yeah, that's right. I guess that information would only be useful if we had a suspect, huh?"

"…" Professor Takumi was quiet for a moment and then he sighed and shook his head. "I didn't want it to come to this but it looks like there's no choice. Your Honor, the Defense does have a suspect in mind."

"Y-You do?" the Judge asked.

"Y-You do?" Auchi followed suit.

"W-We do?" as did I.

Professor Takumi turned to me. "Hanamura-kun. You overlooked something in the court record. Take another good look at all the evidence. The truth will become clear."

"The court record?" I replied in confusion. Then I nodded. "Okay, got it. I'll take another look." And so one by one I checked over all the evidence again until I finally found what I was looking for. Professor Yamazaki had hidden a small memo amongst the documents he sent to Dean Kyoukun. On this memo was a list of names. They appeared to be students of Yumei University, as Professor Yamazaki had written down ID numbers next to each name as well as a list of grades in various classes. 'Some kind of record Professor Yamazaki kept of each student? No, there's only a handful of names here. These students must have some significance. And then my eyes landed on a name I recognized. I turned to the Professor to make sure I found what he found, and he nodded in reply.

Student Memo added to the Court Record.

"I always knew he was a troublesome young man, but I never expected him to do something like this. I don't even know if did it or not, but right now he's the only lead we have. Do what you have to do, Hanamura-kun," said Professor Takumi.

I nodded. "Alright, you can count on me. I'll get to the bottom of this without fail."

"Well Mr. Hanamura, does the Defense have a new suspect or not? We can't proceed with the trial under these circumstances," said the Judge.

"Yes we do have a new suspect in mind, Your Honor. And lucky for us this person is at the courthouse right now and in an eager mood to testify," I replied.

"Well then who is your suspect and what evidence do you have to bring them to the stand?" the Judge asked.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROFILE: Who's your prime suspect?

Present Genkin's Profile.

"TAKE THAT!" I shouted. "And here's my evidence."

CHOOSE THE RIGHT EVIDENCE: What shows why this person should be summoned?

Kibou's Attorney Badge – My attorney badge. Proof that I can practice law and defend the innocent in the courtroom. It took me a while to actually get this.

Today's Paper – Today's newspaper, given to me by Hinata. It contains an article on the back that talks about Yumei University's recent hacking scandal.

Autopsy Report – The victim of this case, Professor Takeshi Yamazaki's autopsy report.

Victim: 山崎剛之 (Takeshi Yamazaki)

Estimated Time of Death: Around 2:00

Arson Investigator's Report – The ignition point of the fire was Professor Yamazaki's private office. The fire appears to have been set with accelerant, presumably alcohol.

Professor Yamazaki's Notes – Professor Yamazaki's investigation notes on the hacker plaguing Yumei University. He sent these notes to Dean Kyoukun's office personally the day before the fire.

Page (1/5)

Hacker Case Summary

Page (2/5)

Investigation Notes

Page (3/5)

Investigation Notes Continued…

Page (4/5)

Investigation Notes Continued (That Case)

(3/24) I've done an inventory of all the evidence left over from the trial. I'll make note of the important pieces here:

Used Match – A single burnt match was found at the scene of the crime.

I will make notes of the other pieces of evidence when I have finished examining each of them fully.

Page (5/5)

Something Must Be Done!

Best regards, Professor Takeshi Yamazaki.

Student Memo – Professor Yamazaki included a list of students inside his notes on the investigation. On the list is a familiar name. Genkin Ranyou.

Present Student Memo.

"TAKE THAT!" I shouted.

"G-Genkin Ranyou?!" the Judge exclaimed in surprise.

"What does he have to do with any of this?!" Auchi exclaimed.

I held up the student memo evidence. "I found this small memo hidden amongst Professor Yamazaki's Notes. And on this memo is a list of students who I assume all attend Yumei University. And one of those students in particular is Genkin Ranyou. Now I admit that I do not know the significance of this memo yet, but as we are desperate for new leads I feel that we should explore all avenues."

"Hmm, normally I wouldn't allow you to call someone to the stand without better cause, but as you say, Hanamura-san. We are desperate for leads. So I am tempted to grant your request," the Judge replied. "Auchi-san do you have anything to say in protest to this?"

"I…I can't think of any argument at this time, Your Honor. Honestly, I'm kind of lost on what to do at this point. My entire case has already fallen apart," Auchi replied in defeat.

"Very well then," the Judge replied. "The court hereby calls Genkin Ranyou back to the stand." Then the Judge banged his gavel down upon his desk.

The search for the true culprit was nearing its close, unfortunately there were more unexpected traps in store for me. My first trial was by no means an easy win.

To Be Continued...

A/N: And that's part three. On to the finale.