Detective Izuku Case Closed
Chapter 4: Murder At Fertility
"I'm hungry." Said Ruby as her stomach growled.
"I told you to pack a lunch before we left, Ruby." Said a girl. The girl had blonde hair, lilac eyes, and wore a yellow tank top covered by a light brown vest, brown jeans, a pair of black gloves with a yellow bracelet on each wrist, an orange scarf, a purple scarf on her left leg, and brown boots. She then looked toward Izuku and grinned. "Or did you want to see your favorite cinnamon bun?"
"Y, Yang!" Exclaimed Ruby as her face went red. "I, I didn't come here to see I, Izuku, or forgot my l, lunch because of Izuku!"
"I don't know Ruby, your sister has a point." Teased Mina as she grinned. "That is one hot cinnamon bun right there."
"Mina!" She exclaimed as she banged her fists lightly on Mina's shoulders in embarrassment.
"That's two for two." Said Yang. "Hey Rick, what's your view on Ruby's interest in Izuku?"
"You are asking the wrong person if you want romance gossip." Replied Rick as he Ida threw a couch into the garbage truck. "If you were asking Ibuki or Angie they would play along with you."
"Besides, we are here to train for our exams and train our quirks and semblances." Said Ida as he chopped his arm.
"Or there are people like me and Ran who just want to help clean up the beach." Said Rick adding his two cents. "Though the topic of lunch does intrigue me."
"If you're all hungry, I wouldn't mind taking you all someplace to eat." Said Yagi.
"Oh, I know just the place!" Exclaimed Mina. "Um, that is if you don't mind driving us a little bit out of the city?"
"How long is a "little bit" out of the city?" Asked Rick.
"About forty-five minutes, maybe, fifty-five depending on traffic." Answered Mina.
"I believe that's out in the Aladine." Said Ida. "While it is an amazing place, what specifically catches your interest, Mina?"
"It's this little restaurant called the "Hostess of Fertility!" She exclaimed with a grin. "Their deserts there are so delicious!"
"I may have not traveled to Aladine, but, I'm pretty sure that's a pub you mentioned." Said Rick.
"They have other drinks there besides alcohol." Said Mina as she turned to Yagi. "Please, Mr. Yagi, it's a family-friendly establishment."
'Maybe for adventurers.' Thought Rick as Mina jumped up and down.
"Well, if it's alright with everyone else." Said Yagi looking to the others.
"If it's family-friendly then I don't see why not." Said Ida.
"Sounds good to me." Said Yang.
"Same!" Exclaimed Ruby.
Mina turned to Rick who just sighed at her puppy dog eyes.
"Eh, screw it, I've been wanting to go to Aladine for a while now." Said Rick as he turned towards Izuku. "Hey Izuku, where going to Aladine for lunch, you good with that?" After Rick had mentioned Aladine Izuku's eyes turned into stars and shouted sure! 'This is going to be a long car drive isn't it?' Thought Rick as he knew facts and famous adventurers were going to be mentioned from Izuku.
X
"Nothing." Said Sherlock as he walked the streets of Aladine. 'I have checked all the libraries I legally can get into and dug into what files I could with my abilities and found nothing about me in the process.' As Sherlock walked his eyes came across the building he was looking for "The Guild." 'I shouldn't do this but, I have nowhere else to look.' He thought as he touched the door handle. As he did he felt a powerful shock go through his system and was sent flying back. "What the hell!?" He exclaimed staring at the door. He wiped his mouth with his sleeve and saw a blue liquid on it. He then touched his face and saw that it was his blood on his fingers. 'Well, not the way I thought I get some clues about myself but, that's something at least.
"Are you alright sir?" Asked a boy who held their hand out to Sherlock. The boy had red eyes and white hair, he wore white armor with red lines on them and gems in the sleeves of the armor with brown gloves, he had black clothing underneath the armor with brown boots, a satchel on his leg and a knife tucked in a sheath, and a black backpack.
"I think so." Said Sherlock as he looked at the door to The Guild. "Any reason why that door electrocuted me?"
"I'm not too familiar with the technology that The Guild has attached to their build recently, but, from what I heard, it's supposed to keep ghosts out." Said the boy.
'Well, that explains why I felt actual pain.' Thought Sherlock. "Can it detect quirks with a ghostly nature? That would explain why I got the shock of my life just now."
"I'm sorry, but, like I said, I'm not too familiar with this technology or this Vlad Masters." Said the boy as he jumped for some reason. "My apologies, I never introduced myself. My name is Bell Cranel."
"Sherlock Holmes." He said as he grabbed his phone.
"Oh, are you from Remnant?" Asked Bell gaining Sherlock's attention.
"Uh, no I'm from Japan, hence why I asked about quirks." Said Sherlock.
"That's why you asked if Mr. Masters security could detect you!" Exclaimed Bell. "Oh, if that were the case though then anyone with a quirk like yours could get hurt by the security system! ...Wait, did you need something from the guild?"
"I was going to ask what would cost to put up a missing person's request in their establishment." Said Sherlock as he put his phone away. "Damn thing fried my phone. How am I going to get hold of Izuku now?"
"If it's a phone you need, I remember seeing one of them being installed at the Hostess of Fertility." Replied Bell. "I was just about to get something to eat there so I can lead you there if you'd like?"
"That would be very helpful, Bell, thank you." Said Sherlock as he followed Bell.
X
"Hello, have you ordered?" Asked a cat girl in a green dress with a white apron and white headdress, an orange bow tie, and black leggings with short brown boots.
"Yes, we will have four steaks and three salads." Said Yagi as he handed the menus to the waitress.
"Alright, if you need anything don't hesitate to ask." She said as she went into the kitchen.
"Okay Mina, I'm willing to admit you were right, this place is nice." Said Rick as he was looking around the pub/restaurant.
The room that they were in was huge and had booths in the corners and sides with a red felt back and seats with a wooden finish connecting the back and seats with black metal tables. In the center of the room were wooden tables and chairs with red felt seats all evenly spaced so people could get around. There was even a separate part of the hotel that held the pub that Rick was talking about. The walls had different pictures of flowers painted on with a blue sky background.
"See, I told you we weren't going to eat at the pub." Said Mina as she took a sip of her orange juice. "Just wish we could have gotten one whole table so we had legroom."
"While I admit that sitting in a corner booth is uncomfortable we should be happy that we were able to eat here." Said Ida.
"So, Izuku, how are you liking your first visit to Adaline?" Asked Yang as Izuku was writing down in a notebook. "...Where did he get that from?"
"I honestly don't know." Said Rick as a waitress placed a cup of coffee in front of him. "Thanks... wait, do I know?"
"No." Said the waitress as she pushed the kart of drinks.
"Sorry, that I rushed away so quickly everyone I really needed to... Wait a minute, Weiss!?" Exclaimed Ruby as Weiss quickly put her hand over Ruby's mouth.
Weiss wore the same outfit as the other girls with the only difference being that her hair was in two pigtails instead of one.
"Wait, the job your friend asked you to help with was here?" Asked Yang with a wide grin.
"You will not speak a word about this to anyone!" Silently exclaimed Weiss. "That goes to you too!" She said pointing to Rick and then walked off with the kart.
"I knew she looked familiar." Said Rick as he took a sip of his coffee.
"Friend of yours?" Asked Yagi.
"She's a teammate of ours back at Remnant." Answered Ruby. "We knew she got a job helping a friend, but, didn't expect to see her here."
"I don't know why she doesn't want anyone to say anything about her job." Said Mina. "I would tell everyone I knew if I got a job here."
"It's because she's a Schnee." Said Rick and Izuku at the same time.
"Welcome back to the world of the living Izuku." Said Yang as she playfully punched Izuku's arm.
"What does being a Schnee have to do with her wanting to hide her job?" Asked Mina.
Rick and Izuku gave a blank look at each other and Mina. "Do you want to explain or shall I?" He asked Izuku.
"Well, Mina, her being a Schnee is important because her father is the main provider of dust in all of Remnant." Explained Izuku. "This makes him a very important and powerful member of society in Remnant and I can only imagine what would happen if he found out his daughter worked in a place like this."
"I don't see how that would irritate her father." Said Ida with a raised Eyebrow. "If anything, I figured he would be happy for his daughter making her own money."
"Ida, let me put it in simple terms you might understand." Said Rick. "You know how the people in your world are not fond of Endeavor?" Ida nodded his head in response to Rick's question. "Put Jacques Schnee on that podium and multiply it by twelve."
"Aren't you being a little harsh there, Rick?" Asked Izuku. "I know of the rumors about him treating his faunus workers, but, it's not true is it?"
"Well, Izuku, I could go in circle with you on this conversation, but, my opinion of the man will not change." Replied Rick.
"Sir please control your son!" Exclaimed a waitress with bluish-grey hair and eyes.
"He's my nephew and I see nothing wrong in what he's doing." Said the man as he scrolled through his phone. He was dressed in a blue business suit with a purple tie, black dress pants and black dress shoes, his hair was short and purple, and his eyes were yellow.
"Sir, he keeps trying to look up my dress." Said the waitress as she was backing away from the boy while holding her dress.
"Come on, I'm just supposed to sit there and ignore your body?" Questioned the boy. The boy wore a black T-shirt, blue jeans, and brown shoes. His hair was purple and balls on the top of his head, and his eyes were black.
"Ugh, people like that disgust me." Said Mina glaring at the boy.
"I should put a stop to this." Said Yagi as he went to get up to hear a yelp.
"I think Yang beat ya to the punch, sir." Said Rick as he pointed to Yang who had slammed her hand onto the table and was glaring at the gremlin.
"I'm sorry, could you repeat that again shrimpy?" Asked Yang with malice in her voice.
"Uncle H, Hada, are you j, just going to l, let her threaten m, me like that?" Asked the boy.
Hada looked away from his phone to Yang and the waitress and back to his nephew. "What's your name?" He asked Yang.
"Yang Xiao Long, why?" She asked back as Hada grinned.
"I'd like to have the names of the people who decide to mess with my family or me on file, in case they owe me some money." Said Hada as Yang's eyes widened at what he was implying. "It would be a shame if your family came into a sudden debt wouldn't it, Miss Xiao Long?"
"You little... Is there a problem here?" Said a tall woman interrupting Yang.
The woman wore the same outfit as the girl except her dress was blue and wore dark brown shoes and her hair and eyes were brown.
"Mama Mia!" Exclaimed the waitress in surprise. "Don't be too upset with her she was just trying to help!"
"I know Syr, I saw the whole thing after one of the new waitresses pointed out the trouble." Said Mia as her gaze shifted to the boy and Hada. "As for you two, if you can't treat my waitresses with respect then leave."
"Do you know who I am?" Asked Hada giving Mia an equally disatisfied glare.
"I don't care if you're a lord from another land! I won't let someone like your kid treat my staff like they're some bimbo!" She shouted scaring everyone in the restaurant.
"...Mineta, apologize to the wait... Syr." Said Mia interrupting Hada. "To Syr."
"S, sorry." Said Mineta as back into the corner of the booth.
"Syr, go ahead and take a lunch break." Said Mia as Syr nodded and walked to the kitchen. "As for you." She said to Yang who froze on the spot. "Whatever you and your friends order is on the house." She said with a smile and walked off.
Yang then sat back with everyone else after the whole altercation.
"Well, despite the blackmail attempt by that bastard." Said Rick as he was twirling his scalpel underneath the table. "That went pretty well."
"Their boss can definitely put the fear of god into someone if she wishes to." Said Mina.
"When a boss cares for their employees like a family, it can be a strong power to have." Said Yagi as he drank his coffee.
After their food arrived and began to eat. The door to the restaurant was pushed open followed by cheering.
"Mama Mia, Theater Vancoor is here!" Shouted an elf waitress. Her hair is golden-blond with sky blue eyes.
"Ah don't worry Ryuu, is just a small number of us this time." Said a man with an eyepatch. The man had brown hair and beard with blue eyes. He wore armor that consisted of the colors black, red, gold, and white, his red gloves had a white dagger symbol on them, red metal boots, black pants and shirt (going off his shoulders for the shirt), and what could only be explained as a split dress, but, made of metal and cloth. He also had two swords resting on his back. "It's just me, Star, Sebastian, Caesar, and Gregory."
Star had blonde hair and somewhat of a stash and green eyes. He wore a flashy amount of purple and pink with a large gold belt buckle and brown boots. On the front of his armor was a wavey symbol and his belt buckle had a face, possibly of himself. He had a sword and shield on his back.
Sebastian wore a silver helmet hiding his facial features, His armor was the same color as Star's along with his clothes. The only exception to his armor was that his arms and legs were silver. As for Sebastian's weapon, there didn't seem to be one.
Gregory was a tall man with brown hair from what you could see showing under his dark brown horned helmet, his eyes were brown as well. The rest of his armor was the same color with green and orange showing. On his shoulders were these spikes that looked like they were forged onto a broken bear trap, on his gloves were small shields, and on the front of his armor was a cross-like symbol and the same symbol on his pants he had cloth sticking out in front of him attached to his belt. Oh, there's also the huge ass spear/axe on his back.
Caesar had quite an interesting set of armor it being samurai armor with a pair of brown boots, and a katana to go with it. His hair was long and grey and he had a small mustache. His armor had the colors brown, orange, gold, and white.
The men sat at the nearest table as Ryuu went to take their order.
"Wow, didn't think we get to see knights on our lunch break." Said Ruby.
"Their mercenaries actually," Said Izuku. "Theater Vancoor is a guild that is in the kingdom of Radiata which happens to not be too far from here."
"I thought you had never been to Adaline?" Asked Ida with an eyebrow raised.
"Ida, you are forgetting who you are talking to." Said Rick who patted Izuku's back. "Izuku is a fountain of information when it comes to heroes, huntsman, and other things brought on by The Merge."
"I don't know that much." Said Izuku with a sheepish smile.
"Izuku, on the way here you told me that you had over a hundred notebooks dedicated to different districts." Said Rick with a blank stare. "Now, I might know quite a few things myself and write them down, but, having a hundred notebooks of information would be too much for me to organize."
Izuku blushed in embarrassment as the others talked to him about his "addiction."
After a couple of hours of eating Yagi went to the front to pay the bill as Ida, Mina, Yang, and Ruby went to use the bathroom.
"So, while they're gone, I wanted to talk to you about something." Said Rick.
"What couldn't you talk about in front of the others?" Asked Izuku as he took the last sip of his water.
"Katsuki Bakugo." Said Rick as Izuku almost choked on his water. "And before you ask, no Ran didn't tell me, it was Sherlock."
"He didn't need to do that." Said Izuku as rubbed his throat.
"Honestly, I'm glad he did. Oh, by the way. 'Smack!' Said Rick as he smacked Izuku upside the back of his head. "The fuck are you doing defending this bastard."
"He's my friend, Rick." Said Izuku with a glare. "I know the old Bakugo is there. We just need to get out Aldera and talk about it in private."
"Yeah, here's the thing with that argument." Said Rick as he pulled out his scalpel and twirled it. "If he is your friend then why would he attack you?"
"It's because everyone has been boasting his ego about his quirk and telling him he's so strong." Said Izuku.
"Yeah, 'cause he was so strong during the sludge villain incident." Said Rick which Izuku winced at. "But, let's say your right and that's the only factor holding him on that high podium. What do you think will happen when the Parallel World University for Gifted Students looks into your background?"
"Aldera will probably destroy the evidence or forge it so it doesn't show Bakugo in a bad light." Said Izuku as Rick laughed. "W, why are you laughing?"
"Izuku, that might have worked back in your world, but, in this one? In this one, we have people with ultimate talents who can break and solve the biggest cases around. We have people with magic and connections with gods. There is even more scientific technology that can cure diseases!" Explained Rick as he gave a cold look to Izuku. "Once they find out about your history, Bakugo is fucking screwed and is possibly going to jail." Izuku just sat there silent as Rick gave him a cold slap of reality to him. 'Sigh' "Look I didn't mean to get your hopes down on getting your friend back, Izuku, I just wanted to let you know that if you continue with this path it would be rather difficult. Which leads me to ask you this." Rick then grabbed Izuku's shoulder and stared into his eyes. "Is he really your friend still? Is he worth the trials and pain you're going to feel if you dwell on this path?"
Before Izuku could say anything Ida had just came back from the bathroom and noticed the tense air around him and Rick. "Is everything alright?" He asked his friends.
"Yeah, we just got way into our habits and realized how dark our professions could get." Said Rick as he lied to Ida.
"Uncle Hada, the waitress has our bill." Said Mineta trying to get his uncle's attention.
"Sir, I have your bill." Said Syr as she tapped the table.
Hada just sat there with his eyes open as he stared at his phone.
"How rude of that man to ignore Miss. Syr after everything his nephew did!" Exclaimed Ida. "How can he just ignore her like nothing has happened?"
Izuku and Rick looked at the scene, but, instead of anger was fear.
"Rick, is he dead?" Whispered Izuku.
"There's one way to find out." Whispered Rick as he got up and walked to the scene.
"Mr. Hada, please pay for the bill or I'll get Mama Mia in here to make you." Said Syr as she went to shake his shoulder only for Rick to stop her.
"If I may?" Asked Rick as he placed his hand on his shoulder. As he did this the eye-patched man noticed the scene and got up from the table and approached them. "Mr. Hada, are you okay?" Rick then moved his hand to Hada's neck and checked for a pulse. "...Dammit."
"Is everything alright?" Asked Syr who touched Rick's shoulder.
"No, no it's not." Said Rick. "He's... dead?" Asked the eye-patched man as Syr gasped in shock at his response. "...Yeah, he's dead."
"Y, your lying!" Exclaimed Mineta. "He was j, just fine a couple of h, hours ago. How could have d... d... died?" Asked Izuku as he approached the table.
"Did he have any health conditions like a bad heart?" He asked Mineta.
"N, no, mom said he was as h, healthy as an ox." Said Mineta as his eyes went wide. "Oh god, I have to call mom and let her know what happened!"
"That's not the only one you need to call." Said Rick as he looked at Hada's phone. Rick then grabbed a napkin and pulled it out of Hada's hand and showed them the screen that said, 'I've been murdereeeee...' "So much for a quiet lunch." Rick then pulled a badge out of his pocket and flashed it in the air. "Okay everyone, this has become an active crime scene! No one is allowed in or out of this building until we figure this out!"
Everybody's face went pale or were in shock.
"What's going on here?" Asked Ryuu as she approached the table.
"The man that was rude to me died, Ryuu." Said Syr as Ryuu's eyes went wide and went to check the man's pulse when Rick grabbed her by the wrist.
"I've already done that." Said Rick as he let go of her wrist.
"And you are sure he's dead?" She asked Rick with a glare.
"I'd be a poor Pathologist if I couldn't find a pulse on a dead body." Said Rick as he looked at Hada's face. "His face is turning red." He said as he opened an eye and noticed blue-grey discoloration in the eye. "Well, I know the cause of death."
"It's cyanide poisoning." Said the man with the eyepatch and Izuku at the same time.
"I'm sorry, but, who are you?" Asked Rick as he was getting tired of the eye patch man's interference.
"Good sir, this deputy chief of Theater Vancoor, Gerald the Iron Slasher." Said Sebastion as he approached the group.
Rick made a glance toward Izuku who nodded his head. "...My apologies sir, would you like to take charge of the scene?" He asked Gerald.
"I believe you already claimed it with that Ultimate status of yours didn't you?" Asked Gerald with a smirk.
"I believe what Rick is implying here sir is that you have jurisdiction over him given you are the closest authority to Orario." Said Izuku.
"That may be so, but, this man is from where you live which makes it your case." He replied with his arms crossed. "Therefore you call the shots."
"Well if that's the case." Said Rick as he turned to Izuku. "What's your first command, Detective Midoriya?" He said with a sly grin.
"Midoriya?" Asked a patron watching from the bar.
"Isn't that the kid that solved the murder of a famous detective?" Asked an elf.
"Can't be, I heard that was an adult who solved it, something Kogoro was his name." Replied a dwarf.
'Crap, so many people!' Thought Izuku as he was trying to think about what to do. 'I can't think with...'
"QUIET!" Shouted Gerald getting everyone's attention. "If you were not in this room at the time of the murder stay in the tavern area, if you were in the restaurant area at the time of the murder stay where you are." Gerald then turns to his colleagues. "Gregory, Caesar, send word to Theater Vancoor and The Guild that a murder has taken place. Star and Sebastian will guard the restaurant's exits." The four men nodded and went to do their orders when someone spoke up.
"W, wait!" Exclaimed Izuku.
"This not the time to play pretend kid." Said Gregory walking to Izuku.
"Indeed we have to perform our duties, especially I, Star Stern, the most valuable member of Theater Vancoor!" He shouted as he placed his foot on a chair and had his sword raised in the air.
"You're as correct as your stunning sir." Said Sebastian who was clapping.
An awkward silence filled the air as cricket sounds were heard.
"...Is he for real?" Asked Rick who had a 'what did I just witness' expression on his face.
"I know I'm a kid in your eyes, but, I have solved murders and helped people." Said Izuku. "And as the head detective, established by Rick, I order you to stay!"
Everyone had different expressions but the most noticeable one was Syr whose eyes were shining in awe from Izuku's outburst.
"Does he have that kind of power?" Asked Caesar.
"Hmm." Gearld then walked up to Izuku who stared into his eyes and then at Rick. "Would you trust him with your life?"
"Huh!?" Exclaimed Izuku.
"Sir are you threatening a civillian!" Exclaimed Ida.
"I believe what he's getting at Ida is if I trust Izuku's judgment." Explained Rick as he grinned at Gerald. "And the answer is yes, yes I trust his judgment. If my life was in danger I know Izuku Midoriya would do everything in his power to save me."
"Rick." Whispered Izuku in awe.
"...Very well then." Said Gerald turning to Izuku. "My men will stay here until this is solved."
"In all honesty sir, this is ridiculous." Said Gregory as he slammed his hand on the table. "What reason does he have to keep us here?"
"Your suspects." Said Izuku.
"Are you really accusing us of killing this man?" Questioned Caesar.
"Everyone is guilty until proven innocent." Said Izuku. "That is what my mentor told me when he discussed my first case."
'This kid.' Thought Gerald as he grinned at his response.
"A wise use of words." Said Caesar accepting Izuku's answer.
"So we just need to give our whereabouts at the time of the murder, correct?" Asked Sebastian.
"Yes." Said Izuku as he had a notebook in hand.
"Sir, surely... Dammit!" Exclaimed Rick interrupting Star's sentence.
"What's the matter?" Asked Gerald.
"I can't get his jaw open." Answered Rick. "Rigor couldn't have set that fast!"
"Could it be a byproduct of his quirk?" Asked Ida with his hand on his chin.
"Maybe, I don't know." Said Rick as he had his hands on the man's lips as he applied a wet napkin to the victim's mouth. "Where's Hada's nephew?"
"He went to call his mother and the police." Said Ryuu. "I could ask him about his uncle's quirk for you?"
"That would be nice thank you." Said Rick as tried to slip to fingers into the man's mouth only to be stopped again.
Ryuu then went to find Mineta as Rick continued his struggle.
"...Okay." Said Izuku as he turned his attention to Star. "Star, where were you at the time of the murder?"
"What time?" Asked Star.
"Around one a clock." Replied Rick. "It's what his phone shows when he activated his writing app to leave his dying message."
"In that case, I was sitting at the table eating my steak." Said Star.
"And before that?" Asked Izuku.
Star went to complain to Gerald only to get a glare. "I was chatting with my fellow Theater Vancoor members until the food arrived. When it did I tried the soup first, but, didn't care for it as I usually do. I found out why when my stomach started to act up around half past eleven and used the restroom. After my discomfort, I began to eat my steak and rolls with my tea." He said as he had his hand on his chin.
"And you?" Asked Izuku as he turned to Sebastian.
"Oh, I just sat at the table and waited for everyone to finish eating." Said Sebastian.
"You didn't order anything?" Questioned Izuku.
"No sir, I'm a golem, I can't eat or drink." He explained to Izuku. "And my comrades can confirm this as well."
"Yes, Sebastian stayed at the table while we ate." Said Gregory. "Sebastian can also confirm my innocence because he sat across from me."
"It is true, Master Gregory sat at the table and ate the whole time." Said Sebastian.
"Me and Chloe can also confirm this as well, Mr. Midoriya." Said Syr.
'So that's two suspects from Theater Vancoor off the list.' Thought Izuku as he turned to Caesar.
"I ate at the table for quite a while until I decided to get a drink at the bar in the tavern area." Said Caesar. "The adult you were with can also confirm this as he asked about my armor. That conversation ended around 1:03."
"Ah, I could ask Mr. Yagi if that happened Midoriya." Said Ida.
"Yes, that would be helpful, thanks, Ida." Replied Izuku. "Now that just leaves you, sir." He said as turned to Gerald.
"Hold on, the vice-captain of Theater Vancoor couldn't have... Relax Gregory." Said Gerald interrupting him.
"I also sat at the table and ate two steaks. I then went to the bathroom around 12:25 where I bumped into your victim." He said pointing to Hada.
"Did he say anything to you?" Questioned Izuku.
"No, he was too focused on that phone of his to acknowledge me." Said Gerald. "I then returned to the table and continued eating."
'There's nothing Star and Gearld could have done to Mr. Hada at that time or could have done anything to him period.' Thought Izuku as he examined Theater Vancoor's armor. 'And there are not any pockets that could hide a syringe, maybe a medicine bottle, but, that would show given how secure their armor is.'
"That only leaves me with the staff." Whispered Izuku.
"I can assure you that we would not do such a thing, Mr. Midoriya." Said Mama Mia surprising Izuku.
"M, Mrs. Mia, I'm just covering the bases that's all." He explained as best as he could.
"Do any of your employees know Mr. Hada?" Asked Rick as he was looking at Hada's phone.
"He came here pretty frequently for lunch and has spoken with at least one of our staff at one time or another if that's what you are implying." Answered Mia.
"I kinda figured after looking through his schedule saying he had meetings here with different people." Said Rick getting everyone's attention. "It seemed he frequented this place as a means to discuss things with his clients."
"Mr. Hada did have company whenever he visited." Said Syr.
"Why would he come here of all places for a business meeting?" Asked Caesar.
"Blackmail." Replied Rick flipping the phone over and showing it to everyone.
The phone contained multiple notes on how people were not paying their dues with threats to expose their secrets or put them into even more debt.
"The latest one here talks about how he recently found out that The Hostess of Fertility missed a rent payment a while back due to something happening at a Monster Festival known as Monsterphilia?" He asked Mia.
"That bastard! So, he's the one that caused the rent increase!" Exclaimed Mia.
"What do you mean Mama Mia?" Asked Syr. "I thought The Guild said there weren't any issues with payment?"
Mama Mia sighed and sat down on a chair and looked at the group. "I got a letter a few days ago saying that our business was declared unsafe for people due to the last festival saying that it was too dangerous to stay open. I figured this came from someone new to Orario or who was a part of Adaline and just started a business and saw a way to make easy money. I then followed their instructions and had the size of the pub downsized. I thought that would be the end of it until I got the letter of the rent increase after I decided to go with Mrs. Schnee's Idea of a pub/restaurant." She explained to Izuku and Rick.
"How much was it?" Asked Rick.
"900,000 Valis." Answered Mia as Syr gasped and the men went wide-eyed except Izuku.
"That would mean that Mr. Hada was making over 134,494,650 yen per month or year!" Shouted Izuku in shock after he did the math. (I basing this off a Reddit post plus a comment saying that a group of level 1 adventurers make 25,000 Valis which is equal to 40.00 in US currency and that 40.00 dollars equals 5,977.54 yen in a month. If the math is wrong, well, fictional money is a fickle thing to compare so I wouldn't be surprised.)
"There's no way the government back in our district would have let this slip by." Said Rick. "The heroes and police would be on his ass faster than he could get his money and flee the country."
"So he must live here." Said Izuku. "But, wouldn't the people of Aladine find out too?"
"Aladine may have agreed to bring some technology from other worlds, but, they have a strict policy on what can be brought in Mr. Midoriya." Said Ryuu as she reappeared.
"So he would have gone unnoticed either way," He said as Izuku gripped his chin. "But, why come here for his business? If the waitresses or adventurers had overheard him talking to his "client," he would be in a lot of trouble."
"I believe he used it as a way to get money transferred to his account without being noticed." Said Yagi as he reappeared with Ida.
"A... Mr. Yagi when did you and Ida return!?" Exclaimed Izuku as he almost revealed his identity.
"We arrived not too long ago." He explained to Izuku. "Ida had told me what happened and I tried to get in touch with Sherlock but he's not picking up his phone. After failing to get hold of Sherlock I called Detective Naomasa and he's trying to find someone with authority to keep people out of the crime scene."
"The Guild should have a phone." Said Ryuu as Yagi began to text Naomasa the information.
"To think that such a big crime was hiding under the public eye." Said Caesar.
"I will mention this to the captain when we get back to Theater Vancoor." Said Gerald as he looked to Ryuu. "I believe you went to ask the victim's nephew about his quirk?"
"I did, but, he and his mother doesn't have a clue on what his quirk could be." Said Ryuu.
"How does she not know her brother's quirk?" Asked Rick. "She must have grown up with him."
"According to her, Mr. Hada is a brother-in-law." She answered as she looked to where Rick was sitting. "Shouldn't you be examining the body and not the victim's phone?"
"I'm waiting for a confirmation from superiors before I continue." Said Rick as he continued to scroll through the victim's phone. "So while I wait on that I decided to do something productive as Izuku questioned Theater Vancoor which led to us discovering Hada's blackmail scheme."
"Which brings us back to the restaurant." Said Gerald.
"What are you implying?" Asked Ryuu with a glare.
"Relax Ryuu they're just doing their job." Said Mia. "And to answer your question before you ask, every one of my waitresses was in the pub area."
"Well, not everyone." Said Star getting everyone's attention.
"You saw one of the waitresses in the restaurant?" Asked Caesar.
"What the hell Star!" Exclaimed Gregory. "Why didn't you mention this earlier!?"
"I didn't think it mattered at the time of questioning, but, now knowing the things we do it would make sense for one of the waitresses to do it." Explained Star as his foot was on a chair as he rested his elbow on his knee and his fist resting on his chin with a smirk.
"What cautious thinking Mister Star." Said Sebastian as he clapped.
"...Does this happen often?" Asked Izuku with a sweatdrop going down his forehead.
"Way too many to count." Said Gregory.
"Okay... so who was in the restaurant Star?" Asked Rick snapping Star out of his bravado.
"Ah yes, the ones who were in the restaurant were the white-haired girl, Miss Syr, and her." Answered Star as he pointed to Ryuu as one of the waitresses in the restaurant area.
"I was in the restaurant during that time, but, I never went over to Mr. Hada's table." Said Ryuu."
"I can confirm this as well sir." Said Sebastian. "She was by the entrance of the restaurant which is pretty far from where Mr. Hada was sitting."
Rick then looked toward Syr.
"I admit I was in the restaurant and yes I returned to the table a second time, but, that was only to drop off the desert that the boy asked for." Said Syr.
"Ugh." Moaned Rick in annoyance.
"So that leaves us with the white-haired girl." Said Gerald.
"The only white-haired girl I noticed here was... Weiss Schnee." Said Rick interrupting Izuku.
"Surely Miss Schnee couldn't be involved in this?" Questioned Yagi.
"Yes, she did look rather distraught when she discovered that he was dead." Replied Ida.
"Distraught?" Asked Rick. "That would mean she knew him in some manner."
"I guess it would." Said Ida with a shocked look.
'But what would Weiss Schnee gain from this?' Thought Izuku.
'I'm sorry but, what this about the Schnee's?' Asked Sherlock.
'Sherlock!' Exclaimed Izuku.
'Seriously, we discussed the yelling several times now.' Said Sherlock in pain.
'Sorry, it's just, a murder happened here at the Hostess of Fertility where we were having lunch and the only suspect left is Weiss Schnee who helped Mama Mia gain more business and was helping a friend here at the same time.' He explained to Sherlock as calmly as he could. 'The victim is a man named Hada Minoru who was blackmailing people with their secrets or was extorting money from them.'
'And the cause of death?' Asked Sherlock.
'Cyanide poisoning.' Said Izuku. 'We hadn't had the chance to look for the item that could have dispensed the cyanide yet, but, it's got to be somewhere.'
'Are you sure it's cyanide poisoning?' Questioned Sherlock.
'Yes, he shows the signs of a cyanide victim.' Answered Izuku. 'Rick hasn't had a chance to open his mouth due to his quirk, but, he's waiting for permission to do something about it.'
'Izuku, I can't exactly send you the information I have because my phone is fried, but, Hada Minoru's quirk was poison resistance.'
'What!' Screamed Izuku. 'Oh sorry Sherlock!'
'...Forgiven, but, still ow.' Said Sherlock.
'So how do you know his quirk?' Asked Izuku.
'I was doing a bit of research into the participants for the hero exam for Nezu and yes that included Bakugo, but, Aldera has hidden their tracks very well it seems.' Answered Sherlock as Izuku tensed up from Bakugo's name being mentioned. 'One of those students was a Mineta Minoru and while looking into his family I came across his uncle's crime record for forging documents, blackmail, and extortion.'
'So the government knows about his dealings?' Questioned Izuku.
'The ones back in your world but not the ones in Aladine.' Answered Sherlock. 'He went missing from their radar during The Merge and hadn't found him until an anonymous source told them about his location.'
'Do they know where it came from?' He asked Sherlock in anticipation.
'Well, there isn't an exact address, but, from the paper that was sent to them, it came from Radiata.' He explained as Izuku had a small smile on his face. 'Do you know the recipient?'
'No, but, I think I know who killed Hada Minoru.' Said Izuku. 'I just need a bit more information.'
"Hello?" Asked Weiss tapping Izuku's shoulder which surprised him.
"Sorry, I was deep in thought." Said Izuku.
"We could tell." Said Gerald with a sweat drop going down his head.
"So you want to ask me if I had anything to do with his murder correct?" She questioned Izuku as she sat down in a chair with her hands on her lap.
Before Izuku could ask anything Ruby grabbed Izuku by the shoulders and started to shake him.
"Weiss is innocent, Izuku!" She exclaimed as she continued to shake him.
"Yeah, we were talking to her in the break room when this all went down." Said Yang.
"She couldn't have killed that man!" Shouted Mina.
"That's where you girls were this whole time?" Asked Rick. "I was beginning to wonder if you three were just sick from something you ate."
"No, they were with me the whole time asking why I was working here." Explained Weiss. "I happened to make a friend with Syr when my father had a business meeting here a couple of months ago."
"That meeting wouldn't have been with the victim would it?" Asked Gerald.
"It was, but, I had no idea about his history whatsoever." She answered as she kept a straight face.
"Did your father find out about Mr. Hada's true intentions?" Asked Izuku.
"No, he didn't." Answered Weiss.
"Then why were you so surprised when you heard he was dead?" Asked Caesar which caused Weiss to squirm a little.
"While my father didn't look into him, I did and found out about his criminal record." She answered with a little sweat coming down her head.
"Then you planned to kill him after discovering that he would have ruined your family name. Is that correct Miss. Schnee?" Asked Star out of the blue.
"No! I didn't plan to kill Hada!" Exclaimed Weiss as she stood up. "Honestly, I was going to let the repercussions take their course so my father could face some humility for the way he's been acting!"
"Ah, so you also think he's a prick." Said Rick with a grin. "My view on you is starting to change a bit."
"What's that supposed to... 'Buzz.' Said Weiss as Rick's phone went off.
Rick then checked his phone and then grabbed his scalpel. "To those who are squeamish, I recommend turning away." He said as aimed his scalpel at Hada's cheek.
"Wait a minute, Rick, are you planning to..." Was all Ida got out as Rick slammed his scalpel into Hada's cheek and started to cut his mouth open.
"Oh my!" Exclaimed Star as he held back some barf.
"I'm not one for mutilating a corpse, but, when their quirk is getting the way some exceptions have to be made." Said Rick as he reached the other side of Hada's mouth.
Rick then pulled the jaw open as it hung there which caused Ruby and Mina to rush to the bathroom to vomit.
"Oh, that is so wrong." Said Yang in disgust.
"My job is not the cleanest, Yang, gore is just part of the job." Said Rick examining Hada's mouth. "There is a scent of almonds which further confirms cyanide poisoning, but..."
"But what?" Asked Gerald.
"There's no burning on the tongue." Explained Rick in a confused tone. As Rick continued to look through Hada's mouth he found chocolate stuck to the side of his mouth. Rick then looked at the table and found a mint wrapper with the Hostess of Fertility's logo on it... with a small hole in it. "Who makes the mints?"
"It varies depending on the schedule, but, the person to make today was... Weiss." Said Syr in shock and despair.
"So you did kill him, Miss Schnee!" Exclaimed Star.
"No I didn't!" Shouted Weiss. "Yes, I made the mints today, but, I don't have any access to cyanide or have it on me!"
"Then you wouldn't mind someone checking your pockets would you?" Asked Gerald as he looked to Ryuu.
Ryuu nodded her head and checked over Weiss's clothing.
Izuku on the other hand went towards Ida and pulled him aside.
"If this is about Mr. Yagi's alibi, Izuku, it is rock solid." Said Ida.
"Actually Ida, I wanted to ask you about your time in the bathroom." Explained Izuku.
"I don't understand why you want to know that, but, okay." Replied Ida with a cocked eyebrow. "I went to the bathroom to do well bathroom things, but, I got a text from my brother asking where I was because he decided to visit me at the beach. I then told him I was in Aladine eating lunch and then came across you and Rick's tense discussion aftermath."
"Was there anyone else in the bathroom when you were in there at the time? He asked Ida as he had a notebook out.
"...Now that I think about it two people did enter the bathroom at the time. They didn't say anything until they were at the sinks." Explained Ida. "I wasn't paying attention to their conversation, but, one of the two said, "If you think a kind gesture like this will do something for you, forget it spac... Wait a minute, Izuku the killer is... I know." Said Izuku as he interrupted Ida.
"I needed to confirm my theory on where the murder weapon was distributed before I acted on it." He explained to Ida.
"Then if you know who it is, why let this go on?" Asked Ida in confusion.
"To let the killer fall into my trap." Said Izuku with a smile.
"Wait a minute, what's this?" Questioned Ryuu as she pulled out a syringe from Weiss's pocket.
"That's not mine!" She shouted in a panic.
"Weiss, you didn't." Said Mia in shock.
"No, she didn't Mia." Said Izuku as someone laughed at Izuku.
"Oh, Mr. Midoriya, I didn't know you were a comedian." Said Star as he chuckled.
"Yes, you are indeed quite funny." Said Sebastian as he clapped until something dawned on him. "Wait, what's so funny Mr. Star?"
"How couldn't the killer be Miss. Schnee?" Asked Star. "She has the murder weapon on her and she made the mints. I wouldn't be surprised if we checked the kitchen we would find the bottle it was carried in as well."
"That may be true Star, but, the cyanide didn't kill Hada Minoru." Answered Izuku as everyone went wide-eyed.
"EH!?" Shouted everyone in the room.
"How can the cyanide not be the murder weapon!?" Shouted Gregory. "All the evidence points to this being a poisoning!"
"That may be the cause of death, but, if he ingested cyanide his tongue should burnt to some degree right Rick?" Asked Izuku.
"There should be some trace of it whether it be on his tongue or cheek, but, there isn't... unless." Said Rick as he had an intrigued look on his face.
"Unless what Rick?" Asked Yagi.
"Unless his quirk is poison resistance." Answered Rick.
"P, p, poison resistance!" Shouted Gregory.
"Wouldn't it have made him ill even if he had that kind of quirk?" Asked Caesar.
"No, it wouldn't." Said Rick. "People with these types of quirks can ingest anything from bleach to paint and they wouldn't get high or sick whatsoever. Their bloodstream is coded in some sort of peptide aka a venom neutralizing substance. They will still experience some side effects, but, they will be able to power on the next day."
"If the cyanide didn't kill him, then what did?" Asked Ryuu.
"Rick, is there any broken-up material in Hada's mouth?" Questioned Izuku.
Rick reexamined Hada's mouth for a minute and found something. "There's something underneath his tongue." Said Rick as he pulled it out. It was a small rough crum of some sort of food, preferably. "This is from a hard mint not a soft one like the chocolate."
"Then the poison had to be from that mint!" Shouted Sebastian.
"But what type of poison could kill a man with a venom-neutralizing quirk?" Asked Syr.
"I can think of one item that could do it." Said Izuku. "But I have to ask Gerald a question about it."
"That being?" He questioned Izuku with intrigue.
"Can Cement Powder be mixed into a tablet?" Asked Izuku.
"Hmm, it is a powder so it should be possible, but, I don't know if the effects would still be there." Answered Gerald as deeply thought about it.
"Actually sir, it is possible." Said Sebastian as he tapped the vice president's arm.
"H, how do you know about this Sebastian!" Exclaimed Gerald.
"I asked the Vareth Magic Institute about it during one of mine and Star's guild requests when we found our employer dead in their home." Explained Sebastian. "They said if it was mixed into a paste and cooked under low heat it could be turned into an ingestible substance that can give the user a high state, but, it would solidify their organs causing death."
"So that leaves us with one question then." Said Izuku as he stared at the killer. "Why did you kill him, Star Stern?"
"S, Star!" Shouted the guild members.
"How dare you accuse me of this crime, young man!" Shouted Star. "Anyone could have done what you are suggesting, isn't that right Sebastian?"
"..." Silence was all Sebastian could mutter as Star awaited his answer.
"Sebastian, don't you agree that this is possible?" He asked again with a more stern tone in his voice.
"Sir, the only ones who knew how to make that was the victim, the president of our guild, the crown, and us." Said Sebastian in a disappointed tone. "The crown asked us to keep this information quiet until the person who sold the cement powder was found and charged."
Star just stood there frozen in fear as his companions were glaring at him.
"Star, is everything that's been said true?" Asked Gerald as getting ready to use his swords.
"I mean, yes, but, why would I want him dead?" Asked Star as stuttered. "I didn't even know him!"
"Actually, you did, Space Boy." Said Izuku as Rick grabbed the victim's phone.
"SB, Space Boy." Said Rick as he smacked himself on his forehead.
"I take it that explains Star's motive?" Asked Mia as she glared at Star for trying to set up one of her waitresses.
"It says something about an incident with some sort of mech armor that destroyed a bit of Radiata." Explained Rick. "I figured that it was someone from the Science District whose initials were S.B., but, if you turn it into a nickname for Star Stern aka Space Boy, I can see the connection."
"Ha, haha, hahaha!" Laughed Star starling everyone. "I might have a motive, I may have a means, but, where could I have stored the mints!? There would be too many of them after mixing the ingredients!"
"Sir, I've never been this disappointed in you in my entire life." Said Sebastian as he pulled out a small bag from his body and handed it to Izuku. "I think your scientists will find these candies are the murder weapon you are looking for."
"Sebastian, you were helping him!?" Exclaimed Caesar.
"Not intentionally sir." He said as he looked down at the ground. "Mister Star asked me to hold on to these for later for a meeting he had with someone. He told me they were a gift for the person he was going to meet later after the Hostess of Fertility visit, but, I guess that was never going to happen."
Star stood there in shock that Sebastian didn't help him escape his problem. He had Sebastian built for him so how could he do this to him? Star then grabbed Weiss and held his sword to her throat. "Stay back! I'll kill her!" He shouted in a panic.
"Star don't make this harder for yourself than it is." Said Gerald. "We may be able to help you get a lower sentence."
"For what! Insanity!" He shouted as he backed up to the exit. "I'm not insane! I knew perfectly well what I was doing when I planned this murder and frame-up! I knew the consequences of my actions when I did this!"
"Star, if you were in trouble why didn't ask us for help?" Asked Caesar.
"We may not get along, Star, but, Theater Vancoor is a family and family helps others that are in trouble." Said Gregory.
"Help? Ha, help! You were going to help me pay for the damages to the city we said we would protect? You would have helped me pay for the millions of dagols of damage from my mistake! Were mercenaries! No one cares about us unless it's killing something! Well, I did a service for Radiata, for Adaline, for those citizens of Japan that this man harmed with his schemes and tried to bring down a racist bastard's lineage as a plus to my service!?" He shouted as he was near the exit. "You may see me as a murderer, as some disturbed individual, but, in the end, the victims of that man are going to thank me for killing that bastard!" 'Click.'
That was the next sound he heard as he was halfway out of the entrance.
"That may be true, but, the man had a family, had a nephew you traumatized by killing his uncle in front of him without his knowing, and yet you still killed him." Said Sherlock as he had his gun pointed at the back of Star's head. "You are probably right, the victims will probably thank you for killing him, but, you destroyed a family and a bond with those who trusted you with their life." Star then dropped his sword to the ground and let go of Weiss who ran to Yang and Syr. "Star Stern, you are under arrest for the murder of Hada Minoru, for holding an innocent civilian hostage and trying to frame said hostage. I hope it was worth it for everything you just lost." As Sherlock placed the cuffs on Star, he began to cry not out of joy, but of sadness.
X
Hours later...
"Well, the heroes and knights have wrapped everything here." Said Sherlock as he clapped his hands together. "So all in all everything's good."
"Not for everyone." Said Ruby as she looked at Mineta who was crying with his mother.
"That's the sad part about our work Young Ruby." Said Yagi. "There will always be pain after everything is said and done."
"I can't believe one man would go to such lengths to just get out of a debt." Said Ida. "My brother told me that there are people like Star who have just been given a bad hand in life, but, to see and understand the expression up close in person."
"It takes quite a toll on the mind." Said Rick. "Welcome to a part of my world Ida."
"Honestly I'm glad Sherlock got there in time to deal with Star before he..." Said Weiss as she held her throat where Star's sword was.
"Well, you have Bell to thank for that." Said Sherlock as he waved to him who was checking on Syr and Ryuu and waved back. "If I hadn't run into him I wouldn't have found this place on time."
"Didn't you say he found you hurt on the ground in front of The Guild?" Asked Yagi.
"It's been a long day, Yagi, let's just call it good and be done with it." He said rubbing his hand where he saw his blue blood.
"We need Izuku for that and I don't think the reporters are quite done with him or Theater Vancoor yet." Said Yang as she pointed to Izuku where Gregory was giving Izuku a pat on his back with Gerald and Caesar standing by his side and Sebastian in front of them.
"Okay everyone, say cheese." Said the photographer.
As Izuku was about to say cheese Syr had snuck beside him and gave a kiss on his cheek making him blush as the camera flashed.
"Look at that, Izuku getting more admirers by the minute." Teased Mina as everyone chuckled.
'Crack!'
"Oh no, I just got this crystal ball." Said an elf from the restaurant as she examined the cracked orb. "What could have broken it in my bag I wonder?"
X
'Hufp' "There. I did what you asked." Said a man dressed in warlock attire. "Are we good now R?"
In the background behind showed a green neon face appeared and smiled back at the warlock. "You did great. I'll make sure your problem is taken care of as long as the rest of our deal is on its way?" Asked R as they tapped their fingers on their chair.
"You'll have your supplies by the end of the month." Said the warlock. "No one will hear of this right?"
"Of course, no one will hear of this." Said R as they pressed a button on their chair and the sound of a door could be heard in the background. "I always take care of my secrets."
The warlock nodded and walked through the exit. 'Bang!' After he went through the exit a loud gunshot was heard as blood dripped underneath the door.
"Though if you work for me, you have to have no doubts about my abilities." They said as a red neon face appeared with two eyebrows and a frown showing he was irritated with the warlock's words. R then shifted to a computer that had finished downloading some files that said Aldera High on the screen. They then clicked a file that belonged to one Bakugo Katsuki. "It appears you also have a thorn in your side, Izuku Midoriya." Said R as their face turned to a menacing dark blue grin with its dark blue eyes showing malice. "But, unlike you, I see that this "hero" has no future with the actions he has done. Aldera tried to hide their files on the corrupt actions they have done, but, they don't know how to program to save their life." R chuckled as they looked at another computer screen. "And it's ironic that someone from your school has asked for my services to get rid of said thorn which aligns with another request to take justice on some other school bullies that he and his cronies hang out with."
On a separate screen was a request for some weapons and a spot to deliver said justice to the bullies that had harmed them over the years.
"Ironically, Teitan High School has a Bakugo of their own to deal with." Said R as they clicked on a confirmation saying that everything was ready for his clients. "This will probably be the first time we clash our minds against each other, Izuku Midoriya." R's face then returned to the same green neon smile that he had on before. "How ironic that all it took was a mutual hate between one or two people. I do hope you take your friend's advice and truly think if he's worth saving."