——————————
Marche Hotel.
Afternoon
——————————
Phoenix, Sae, Maya, and Pearl arrived at the crime scene and the little medium was surprised to see such gaudy place in her life.
— That's... That's...
— Gaudy? — Phoenix asked and little Pearl nodded in agreement. — Yeah, I agree. This place is way too gaudy for us.
— What do you mean by that, Nick? — Maya asked slightly annoyed by Phoenix's remark.
— Yeah, Mr. Nick! What do you mean by that!? — Little Pearl asked starting to raise her robe sleeve, ready to slap Phoenix mercilessly again.
— Nothing. I am just saying I don't have the money to spend in a place like that... — Phoenix said, feeling annoyed and downed by that.
— Well, if it was Mr. Edgeworth, he'll probably book the Presidential Suite for us! — Maya said in half provocation/half amusing.
Phoenix sighed.
— Probably he'll book putting that on my name... I doubt Edgeworth will be THAT nice with me...
— Come on Nick! Don't be a spoilsport! — Maya huffed annoyed.
— Yeah, Mr. Nick! Don't be a spoilsport! — Pearl said in agreement.
— Look, if you two want to book a room here, ask Edgeworth to pay, because I'm not supporting and especially paying for this! We're here to investigate, if you forget.
— Geez Nick, you sound like an old grumpy geezer.
— Yeah, except, I'm... We're dealing with an international murder case. I have all the reasons to sound like "an old grumpy geezer" as you have called me... — Phoenix remarked as they enter the hotel.
— Nick, you need to relax! You sound like you're eighty years old... Although seeing your habits and regular schedule, I don't doubt you're an old man inside. — Maya teased. Phoenix eyebrow twitched as he stomped towards the reception, ignoring the girl after her comment.
— Hello! Welcome to the Marche Hotel! How can I help you?
— Hello. I'm Mr. Masahiro lawyer. I'm here to investigate the crime scene once again.
— Oh! You're here to investigate the crime scene with the prosecutor in charge, correct? Ms. Niijima is waiting for you in the room 782. Seventh floor.
— Thank you!
Phoenix went straight to the elevator and waited for Maya and Pearl. Both mediums rushed towards the elevator and went in almost bumped with violence on the attorney inside. Maya looked at Phoenix which despite being clearly annoyed by Maya comment, he kept a straight and stoic face, ignoring even his annoyance to the point Maya wondered how tense and how dangerous was the case they were working. After reaching the seventh floor, Phoenix, Maya, and Pearl saw Sae walking around, busy in a phone call. Phoenix silently approached the woman and waited for her to end the call, as the girls looked with amusement, seeing the prosecutor talking on her smartphone.
— Yes, if I need anything, I will say with antecedence. Yes, thank you, Mr. Chief Prosecutor. Have a nice day. Oh, Wright-san. Maya-san and Pearl-san. You are here.
— Yes. Did we take too long to get here?
— No, you three came just in time. I was talking with the Chief Prosecutor. It seems our "friend" has been taken into custody for obstruction of the law. It seems Honda has a lot of interest to see Ambassador Masahiro arrested.
— It seems this case is far from over... So, we here go again... — Phoenix said getting inside the crime scene.
— It seems so...
— By the way, about Hanamura...
— A new autopsy is being made as we speak. The results will be released tomorrow. — Sae said.
— Knowing our luck, probably will be death due to an allergic reaction. But that...
— Doesn't make any sense at all... How the victim has died like that, since...
— Exactly what I thought. Isn't common a death like that to happen. Maybe the crime scene can tell us something we've missed.
— I thought the same. Let's go.
Once they started examining the crime scene once again, Phoenix and Sae went to the point where they found most of the evidence. Pearl looked at Sae with a half of curiosity and half of apprehension.
— Ms... Ms. Niijima...
— Yes, Pearl-san? — Sae asked with a gentle smile.
— What was that weird device you were using to talk with the... Chief Prosecutor...?
— Oh! You mean this? — Sae asked as she showed her smartphone. — That's a smartphone. It's a phone with the same functionality as a computer.
— A kom-pu-ter...?
— You... don't know what a computer is... right...? — Sae asked.
— Not quite... Mr. Nick explained to me what it is a few months ago but I still can't understand very well... Sorry...
— It's okay. — Sae sighed in frustration.
— Are you... angry at me...?
— No. I would never be angry at someone so sweet as you, Pearl. My anger is towards your mother actually.
— My... Mother...?
— Your mother has privy you from the outside world, deprived you of understand the complexity of our reality. All to... To do such a thing to you, it's more than a crime... It's...
— Ms. Niijima...?
Sae gave a reassuring smile towards Pearl and knelt at the little girl height.
— Pearl.
— Y-Yes!?
— After the case... Do you want to play with me? At the amusement park?
— Really!? But... Mr. Nick and Mystic Maya...
— Don't worry, they will come with us as well. That the least I can do for you for helping me... Helping us in this case. Is that alright?
— Alright! — Little Pearl said bouncing slightly on her feet.
— Okay. Now, please, if you want to help in the case, I'll need to do everything Mr. Nick says, alright?
Pearl vehemently nodded with her head, making Sae giggle.
— Okay! Now, back to our investigation...
The investigation proceeded normally, as expected from Phoenix and Sae. Nothing has changed since yesterday, which was a good and a bad thing. The good thing is the crime scene was kept preserved, however, the bad thing was the fact nothing new has appeared. For an ordinary lawyer, someone would have simply given up, but Phoenix was determined to find something, anything that could help him to solve that case. The same was with Sae. For her, keep that case unsolved, or worse, having the defendant false or wrongfully convicted was worse than lose the trial. For her, making justice prevail and making the system working properly was more important than the immediate victories under her belt. Her future victory was more importantly than that. After an hour looking without success, Phoenix threw himself against the wall tiredly, as he glanced around trying to find something.
— Nick, I hate to say this but it's useless to look around. We spent an entire hour here and we couldn't find anything relevant.
— As much as I want to agree, I can't simply give up now. We're missing something...
— I agree as well. There's something we haven't checked yet.
Maya felt annoyed to see Sae agreeing with Phoenix. But seeing Phoenix in his thoughtful state made her hope they could get away from that room and look for clue somewhere else.
— As much you have a point, I do agree with Sae-san... We're missing something.
Maya felt her heart sunk as Phoenix did called Sae by the first-name basis instead of keeping the formalities. Phoenix looked at the medium confused.
— What?
— You called Ms. Niijima "Sae-san".
— Sorry! Force of habit! — Phoenix quickly corrected himself while scratching the back of his neck. Sae managed to keep down her laugh as Pearl looked at them confused. — I usually call Sae— *ahem* Ms. Niijima by her name when we're talking alone during our calls.
— I see... — Maya said narrowing her eyes.
— Mr. Nick...
— Please, this is not the time for that! The last thing we need is to me to struggle...
Then something flicked in Phoenix's mind, as he carefully looked around once again.
— Ms. Niijima...
— Yes...?
— You have the theory of both the victim and my client to struggle in this room, right? — Phoenix asked walking towards one certain point of the room.
— Right, although with the evidence we have, it's more a fact now...
— Right... Then except for the wine bottle, all the room is a mess.
— Correct.
— Then... Why the victim luggage is intact? I doubt that suitcase will be that organized and tidy with the scene like that.
— Now when you mentioned it... I did find odd when I find yesterday, but without the evidence...
— Makes sense. Can we check it?
— I'll call the forensics to help us.
Five minutes later, the forensics came, giving to them some masks and caps. After the forensics took photos of the luggage, Phoenix slowly took every single piece of cloth inside the suitcase, putting the folded pieces on the bed, as he looked inside the luggage more. After taking the final piece, he looked inside for clues.
— Nick? — Maya called.
— Nothing yet... Hm... Documents, passport, money, some photos... Nothing unusual...
— Wait.
Phoenix stopped looking at the bag contents as Sae knelt on the ground and took from the suitcase an odd thick pen, which Phoenix at first didn't recognize.
— What's this? — Pearl asked curious.
— That's injectable epinephrine. I'm shocked to see something like that in Masahiro luggage.
— In-jet-able e-e-e… what? — Pearl asked confused by the weird name.
— A strong anti-allergic, for people who have a strong allergic reaction. You inject in the body.
— I recognize that medicine. I saw one of that in the drug store once. But why Hanamura will carry with him something like that? Unless...
— Unless he knew he may have an allergy during his travel. I bet he carry an injectable epinephrine all the time with him.
— That explains this pen. Wait a minute... Since he has such strong allergy, he should have at least carried with him other injectable epinephrine with him, right?
— That's correct... That makes me wonder where those other doses go...?
— We should submit both the suitcase and the epinephrine as evidence. I think they might be the key for this case.
Phoenix put the clothes back on the suitcase and Sae submitted both the epinephrine pen and the suitcase as evidence. After that, both lawyers looked the crime scene one last time.
— Well, I believe we're not going to find anything more here. — Phoenix said.
— I do agree! I think we had found everything in the scene.
— So, what's next?
— If you want to talk with Masahiro, then I suggest going now to the detention center. They had ended to interrogate him.
— Okay. If you need anything you can call me.
— Okay... I think I—
Then a ringtone rang, interrupting Sae. Noticing it was her phone, she promptly excused herself as she answered the call.
— Niijima here. Yes. Yes. Yes. What? Why? Did they...? I see. Yes. Okay. Thank you. Ja ne.
Sae ended the call and sighed in annoyance as she looked at Phoenix. The defense attorney looked at her worriedly as Maya and Pearl looked at them confused.
— We need to interrogate Masahiro together.
— Come again? — Maya asked confused.
— They want to transfer Masahiro to a safe location. It seems someone is aiming for his life.
— What the... How?
— We don't know yet, but there was an attempt to kill him on his way back to the detention center. Honestly, I don't like one but the direction this case is taking.
— To be honest, neither I. — Phoenix said as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. — So, what's the plan?
— Interrogate him there together. There is no other way.
— Okay... I'm not fine with all of that happening, but we need to dance according to the music. *sigh* Sorry for all the trouble we may have...
— It's not your fault. And trust me: I've dealt with worse.
— Hey! What do you mean by—
— Well then… let's go? — Phoenix asked interrupting Maya.
— Let's go.
They exited the room and went straight to the elevator.
— Nick, wait! — Maya called.
— Yes, Maya? — Phoenix asked.
— How can you say we're the ones who caused trouble to her?! — Maya asked annoyed.
— Sorry Maya, force of habit. Besides, I just want to stay at good terms with Prosecutor Niijima, isn't that reason enough?
— Yes... Yes, I think so...
Pearl stood quiet as they reached the ground floor. Exiting the hotel, Sae whistled calling a taxi.
——————————
Detention Center.
Visitor Room.
Afternoon.
——————————
After twenty minutes they reached the detention center. Once they arrived, they waited for Masahiro, who went into the room five minutes later. Masahiro looked at them truly surprised to see his lawyer and the prosecutor in charge on the other side of the room.
— I guess the attempt of my life has caused this.
— You have no idea... — Sae whispered to herself.
— Excuse me, but who is the little girl? — The ambassador asked, noticing Pearl.
— Oh! She's, my cousin! She was alone in the village we live. — Maya quickly explained.
— I see. I think that is not prudent of you. Especially from you Mr. Wright…
— Sorry, but I tried to convince both to stay in the village. Emphasis on the word tried.
Masahiro laughed.
— I think you're surrounded by bossy girls, huh?
Maya smirked as Phoenix struggled to sigh in annoyance.
— It seems so, Mr. Masahiro…
— So, what can I do for you?
— First of all, can you tell us again what exactly happened that night?
— Okay, if that will help you in the case. As I stated before, during the trial, and as I have said before in our previous conversation, I was having dinner with the victim, Akiho Hanamura, in room 782 at the Marche Hotel. We were discussing about the smuggling ring we are trying to take down. During that time only the bellboy went to our room, to give us dinner. Fifteen minutes later I called the emergency, saying Hanamura fell ill and started to pass out. Fifteen minutes later, the emergency arrived and rescued Mr. Hanamura but he was already dead when he arrived at the hospital. The paramedics tried to revive the victim but there was to no avail. I only thing I did was to call the emergency and try to perform CPR on him as you may know. He was one of the investigators in my case. I don't have a reason to kill him.
Maya and Pearl looked at Phoenix, who just shook his head negatively. Both mediums sighed in relief.
— Mr. Wright, may I ask you a question? In particular?
— Of course.
Both Phoenix and Sae went to the room corner, and she asked:
— I noticed you grabbed something in your pocket as we interrogated Masahiro. Care to show me what is it?
Phoenix reluctantly showed his Magatama to Sae.
— A Magatama? Care to explain?
— That's Maya's Magatama. She borrowed it to me.
— Okay, that explains why you possess a Magatama. Now, can you explain why are you holding it?
— It's kinda complicated...
— Then simplify. Now.
— Fine, fine. The Magatama allows me to see if someone is lying to me.
— Excuse me?! — Sae exclaimed.
— Is everything okay? — Masahiro asked.
— Yes! We are discussing something about the trial! — Phoenix quickly replied as he turns back to Sae.
— Okay...
— All right, what do you mean you can detect people's lies with that Magatama? — Sae whispered asking Phoenix.
— Long story short, Pearl energized the Magatama, and now using it I can detect people's lies with this. Or if they are keeping a secret. With the Magatama, I can go thorough and break the locks of his heart.
Sae sighed, but she gave a wry smirk, nevertheless.
— Great, another cognitive manipulator…
— In my humble defense, I've done that since… 2017?
Sae stood quiet, as she quickly glanced between Masahiro and Phoenix.
— Phoenix.
— Yes?
— Do you think Masahiro is hiding something?
— I'm sure of it. He haven't killed Hanamura, I'm sure of it. But there's more on this story…
— I see… Phoenix… Can you… Show me how do to it? How to break the locks in his heart? — Sae asked.
Phoenix looked at her for a brief second before giving his signature cocky smile.
— You don't need to ask twice!
They went back to their seat in front of the glass partition and both lawyers looked straight at Masahiro.
— Is everything all right? — Masahiro asked.
— You commented something interesting to me once. You said "But… I can imagine he probably wasn't the target that day." You meant by that, your life has been in jeopardy for a long time, is that correct? — Phoenix asked.
That simple comment struck Masahiro, who slightly lost his composure as he tried to stay calm.
— Masahiro Ken, are you hiding something from us? — Sae asked.
Then Masahiro kept a stoic face, although his nervousness could have been seen in his eyes. Then the surrounding went black as chains mysteriously appeared and surrounded Masahiro. Five Psyche-Locks appeared, surprising all of them on the visitor partition of the visitor room.
— WHAT!? — Both Maya and Pearl yelled.
— WHAT IS THAT?! — Sae exclaimed in pure shock and astoundment.
— What?! Did you… — Phoenix exclaimed as well.
— Is there something on my face? — Masahiro asked confused.
— NOTHING! It's nothing! — All of them quickly replied at Masahiro as they left the room.
— Don'tworryweneedtodiscusssomething! — Sae said quickly, almost stubbing on her own words as she exit the visitor room.
Masahiro was left on the room confused as he looked at the other side of the room clueless.
— Shikashi, ittai nani ga okotta nodesu ka? — He asked to himself.
Out of the room, Sae gave Phoenix a stern look, asking for answers.
— Phoenix, what the hell has just happened right now? I'm quite sure I saw the surrounding disappear as mysterious chains and weird locks appeared out of nowhere… You better starting to explain to me what was that or I'll…
Then Sae mind in a flick understood everything.
— Chottomatte! Are you saying…
Phoenix just nodded and Sae sighed in defeat.
— Damn! And I thought dealing with the Phantom Thieves was difficult… Dammit!
— Nick, did you just…? — Maya asked.
— She noticed, and I had to tell her. Trust me, you don't want to be interrogated by Sae. Especially right now!
— Nick! Can't you just stay quiet about that!
— Maya! We're running out of time! That's not the best time to argue, you know?
— Nick! This is serious! Did you expect you can trust a foreigner the secrets of the Kurain Challenging Technique to her?
— Maya, that's quite hypocritical of you, especially due to the fact you have used in public your powers! Besides, it just the Magatama. Do you actually expect of Ms. Niijima to tell everyone about it?
— I can have my suspicions, can I?
— Of course, but…
— Then why are you complaining?!
— Maya! Sae… Ms. Niijima is not like that! And you know that well.
Maya sighed.
— Fine… I'll give her one chance. One chance to aid us. If she does anything wrong…
— Don't worry, she won't.
Maya sighed deeply before going back to the visitor room.
— All right. Let's do this.
Sae approached Phoenix.
— Is everything all right? — Sae asked.
— Yes, yes, it is. It just… Maya was being acting strange lately… Which I don't understand such suddenly change of behavior…
— Perhaps… She's jealous…? — Sae asked unsure.
— Jealous…? Wait… She's jealous of you?! Why—
— Mr. Nick, is everything all right? — Pearl asked.
— Uh, yes! Yes, Pearl! Everything is all right.
— Okay. I'm going back to the visitor room.
Phoenix noticed Pearl was crestfallen as she went back to the visitor room of the detention center.
— Great. First Maya, now Pearls… Sae… Did I do something wrong?
— Honestly, I think that is my fault.
—Your fault? Why… Oh…
— Exactly.
Silence reigned over for a moment before Sae said:
— Do you want me to—
— No.
— What?
— I know what you are thinking. The answer is no. Stay away will not help, plus, that may can compromise our case.
— But Phoenix, Maya, she…
— I know, but I deal with that, okay? — Phoenix said and grabbed her hand gently. — Don't worry, I deal with that, okay? It just… She needs some time, okay?
— Okay. But if that went off the trails, I'll take a step back, okay?
— *sigh* Fine. But be sure I don't agree with that.
— All right. Let's go back, okay?
— Okay.
Back to the visitor room, Phoenix and Sae changed glances. Both nodded before approach the glass partition and started to question Masahiro again.
— Mr. Masahiro, I-we have some questions for you.
— Okay, you guys can ask me anything.
Phoenix held the Magatama, and the surroundings changed once again, disappearing, becoming black. Chains surrounded Masahiro as the five Psyche-Locks appeared.
— I don't know if I can get habituated with this… — Sae commented to herself. Phoenix heard that and restrained a giggle to came out of his throat. Turning his attention to Masahiro, he started to question him.
— Mr. Masahiro, we believe you are hiding something from us. — Phoenix said.
— What? Why do you think that? — Masahiro asked nervously.
— Because you reacted strangely when Wright-san made that comment back before. About being suffering a life-threat. — Sae said.
— !
— And we do think, that wasn't the first time it happened that.
— All right, do you two have evidence to back up that? — Masahiro asked.
— Yes. In fact, we do. You suffered a life-attempt during your back to the detention center, correct? — Sae said.
— !
— If that's true, then you have suffered those attempts before, right? — Phoenix said.
— Okay, I may concede that point, but there is something you two are forgetting.
— Which is…? — Sae asked.
— I may have suffered a life-attempt, but there is no proof I suffered that before. Or do you have proof?
Phoenix stood quiet as he thought about it. Then an idea came at his mind.
— Mr. Masahiro. You commented something interesting before the trial started. Quoting you, you said those words: "But… I can imagine he probably wasn't the target that day." That means they have planned to get rid of you.
— What do you mean, Mr. Wright?
— That's rather simple. Do you remember this?
— The wine bottle... Why have you showed me this?
— If I'm not mistaken, peanut powder was found mixed with the wine. And I'm quite certain Mr. Hanamura was allergic to peanut.
— Where are you going with this?
— Well, I have two theories for that. First: Or someone was trying to kill you, thinking you were the one allergic to peanut. Or...
— "Or..."?
— Maybe they knew Mr. Hanamura was allergic to peanut, and they tried to get rid of you by framing you for his death.
— !
— So, am I right, Masahiro-san? — Phoenix asked.
— Excellent work, Wright-san. You and Niijima-san are correct.
Two Psyche-Locks broke, and Phoenix sighed in relief for being able to answer correctly. Then he looked at Sae. Both exchanged glances once again before snapping their attention back to Masahiro.
"We broke two Psycke-Locks, but we need to break the three locks left…" Phoenix thought.
"He's still hiding something… But what?" Sae thought, as the think about how to proceed.
— Mr. Masahiro. We may don't know yet what are you hiding, but if you want our help, you have to trust us.
Masahiro stood quiet as he simply glanced towards Sae and Phoenix.
— Well… That depends.
— Of what?
— Of how much you two are willing to take the risk.
Maya and Pearl shuddered as Phoenix and Sae stiffened.
— Trust me, Wright-san. This isn't your usual murder case. That's a rabbit hole and once you get in there's no chance to get out of there. That'll become your problem and that can threaten the lives of your beloved ones. Are you sure you want to do that, Wright Phoenix-san? — Masahiro asked.
— Nick let's get out of here. It's not worthy.
— I think you should listen your assistant, Wright-san. She's wise enough to understand the gravity of the situation.
— Masahiro-san. Go shinpai arigatōgozaimasu. Shikashi, sore wa watashi no kēsudeari, watashi ni nani ga okotte mo, kono kēsu o kaiketsu shitai to omotte imasu!
Maya, Pearl and even Masahiro became shocked to hear Phoenix speaking Japanese so fluently to the point none of them could answer for a while. Then Masahiro laughed in amusement.
— Honestly, I never expected that from you, Wright-san.
— There are a few things you don't know about me, Masahiro-san.
— So, you are certain of your choice... Very well. Then proceed.
— You suffered a life attempt as we know. The question is why.
— I'm a famous ambassador. People will love to see my head roll off the ground.
Pearl shuddered with that comment and Phoenix frowned in anger.
— Masahiro-san.
— What? I'm only telling the truth.
— More hiding the truth. — Sae said, with a harsh tone.
— What?
— You can't fool us. There is a reason for you to conceal the truth right now.
— Which is?
"Dammit! He had cornered us!" Phoenix thought.
However, Sae just shook her head and gave a sharp grin.
— Masahiro-san, as I stated before, you can't fool us that easily. Especially now, considering the situation you are in.
— What do you mean by that, Niijima-san? — Masahiro asked. Worry was evident in his voice.
— As we know, you were actually dealing with a certain case. The smuggling ring headed by Masayoshi Shido.
— !
— Not only that but you also had proof about that as well. Although that proof is currently missing. For the fact you are desperate to not involve us. Am I right?
Masahiro stood quiet for a minute before sigh in defeat.
— You are correct Ms. Niijima.
Another Psyche-Lock broke and only two remained. Phoenix looked at Sae and she gave a smirk before went back to Masahiro.
— Now then... Let's talk about this smuggling ring...
— Even after all of that, you want to ignore my warning and keep forward... — Masahiro said with disappointment.
— Look, if you want to terrorize me that's fine, but don't go terrorizing my assistant and her cousin.
— You should have thought about that before bringing those two here.
Phoenix suppressed the urge to groan as Sae pounded the desk with both hands.
— Masahiro-san. I do believe you have no idea of how dangerous your situation is.
— I do have, Niijima-san. But do you have any idea of how dangerous is the situation you are trying to get in?
— Yes. Yes, I do. Especially due to the fact, I have been into this rabbit hole for years.
To Maya and Pearl surprise, Masahiro gave to Sae a faint smile.
— Yes, I know that well. That's why you two can't do that. I'm sure you can understand my point, right?
— Yes, we do understand. But, as Wright-san has said. That's our case. We don't have a choice here.
— Maybe you are right but I'm not willing to risk that.
— Unfortunately for you, you took the risk when you decided to investigate the smuggling ring by your own, despite knowing the consequences of doing this.
— True. But we know that's not the real question here.
— Is not? — Maya asked.
— The real question is: Why you were not their target that day?
— At this point now, it should be obvious now...
— Evidence. If you were going to claim, I need evidence.
— Well, in a matter of fact, we have two pieces of evidence. — Phoenix said.
— Nani? Ni?
— Yes, Masahiro-san, two pieces of evidence. First, let me show you this again.
Phoenix showed the wine bottle. When Masahiro locked his eyes on the bottle he quickly understood.
— Exactly. Hanamura was allergic to peanut. That explains why he died instead of you. He was their target.
The fourth Psyche-Lock broke, and Masahiro became stiff, as he realizes they were close to the truth.
— Masahiro-san. We know what you are thinking. And you don't need to worry about it. — Sae said.
— !
— Besides, it's useless to deny at this point now.
— Then... Can't you show me?
— The question it should be the opposite: Can we show you that evidence?
— And the answer is no. Because that evidence, or at least the knowledge of where is that evidence it was with Hanamura.
Masahiro gave a faint smile as he looked at both.
— I really can't hide anything from you two, right?
The last Psyche-Lock broke and the chains retreated, as the surroundings went back to normal. Phoenix sighed in relief to manage to break the Psyche-Locks with the aid of Sae. After that, Sae asked.
— So, Hanamura...
— Yes. He was my main investigator at the smuggling ring. We've been investigating that for years. Since I knew about the sudden uprising of Shido, I knew something was wrong. Then I started to investigate in in secret. When he had the aid of Goro Akechi, I had to lay down and rethink all my strategies during that time.
Sae became crestfallen. Maya quickly noticed that, pondering the sudden change of behavior of Sae.
— Hanamura was at the same situation, thanks to the previous SIU director. That cretin manipulated evidence and everyone as it was nothing.
Sae frown deepened as she clenched her arms.
— During those tough time Hanamura and I have met each other. And we waited to the opportunity to appear. Thanks to the Phantom Thieves, we could finally get some progress with our investigation. When Akechi was killed by Shido, then he knew we would do anything to get whatever he wanted. So, Hanamura and I started a race against them and against time. If Shido became the Prime Minister, all our efforts will be in vain. Due to that, we managed to create a list of people involved in his scheme. During that time, he suffered a change of heart from the Phantom Thieves. I decided to interrogate him, and it was when my suspicions about a huge scheme were right.
— How did you know about it? — Phoenix asked.
— Trust me, I'm not dumb. When something happens at my back, I'll know, sooner or later. When I was laying down, I was... "invited" to join them. When I refused, they knew attempting my life was easier than destroying my career. But they couldn't risk.
— Because there was a time, they were getting suspicions about the Mental Shutdowns and Psychotic Breakdowns. — Sae said.
— Exactly, Niijima-san. The was a time those Mental Shutdowns and Psychotic Breakdowns were so frequent, people got suspicious about its nature. Luckly, or not I didn't become Goro Akechi's target. But I did become a valuable target that day. Shido had to get rid of me no matter what. Then the attempt to take my life has started. Shido tried multiple times, but without success.
Masahiro snorted in frustration.
— To think his minions had got me arrested after his arrest. Ironic, isn't it?
Phoenix and Sae stood quiet, without any idea of what to say.
— Hanamura had lost a lot because of Masayoshi Shido. We were... No, we are so close to prove Shido's connection with the smuggling ring. Wright-san.
— Yes, Masahiro-san?
— You said you are willing to solve this case, correct? Then promise something: If I die, promise me you will bring them to Justice. Please, find the files. Hanamura-san no seigi o tsuranuite kudasai!
— Don't worry Masahiro-san, we will.
— Niijima-san?!
— Even if you will be found guilty, I promise you I won't let them escape. They will face Justice, no matter what! Sore ga anata e no watashi no yakusokudesu!
— Thank you, you both. I'm grateful for what are you doing.
— Masahiro-san, do you have any idea of where those files are?
— Honestly, I don't. If I had I will try to find them and hide them away in a safe place. Those files are vital to our... to my case...
Sae looked at Phoenix and he just nodded.
— Thank you, Masahiro-san. — Sae said as she checked her wristwatch. — Unfortunately, our time is over. We'll see each other in court again.
— Don't worry Mr. Masahiro. I'll prove your innocence. That I can assure you.
— I know that well, Mr. Wright. — Masahiro said. Then he turned away, looking at the ceiling. — If I was you two, I should be going. You two have a trial tomorrow.
— Masahiro-san... — Sae said, then she shook her head affirmatively in response. — Yes. We'll be going now. See you tomorrow, Masahiro-san.
— We'll see you tomorrow, Mr. Masahiro. — Phoenix said.
After leaving the room, Phoenix looked at the door worriedly.
— You are thinking if he'll be all right, right? — Sae asked rhetorically. — Don't worry. He's strong. I'm sure you'll be able to prove his innocence.
— That is, if he's still alive until them...
— Jeez Nick, why are you having such a bad and creepy behavior now. 'Sides, I doubt you're saying this because you're not sure of his innocence.
— Maya...
— Nick, you're acting weird since you accepted this trial. And I doubt it's just because you are doing this due to a "favor" a "friend" of you have asked you. There's more between that, right?
Phoenix sighed and looked at Maya with his best serious face he could keep. Lying to her at that point was useless.
— Yes and no, Maya. It's rather complicated. I had my reasons as well.
— Explain.
— Well…
— I was the one who asked Phoenix to defend Masahiro. — Sae said abruptly, making Maya jaw drop in pure shock.
— What!? — Maya exclaimed.
— Yes, I'm the one who asked that favor to Phoenix to defend Masahiro-san.
— What!? Why!?
— Because I believe he's completely innocent, although there is some... circumstances that doesn't allow me to defend me. Being the new SIU director is one of them. The others are Masayoshi Shido and my investigation.
— As if that were in fact your reasons.
— Maya!
— Nick, you know that's bullshit!
— Maya! — Phoenix exclaimed surprised. Maya wasn't prone to curse, but when she curses. Little Pearl gasped as well, shocked to hear her role model sister to swear.
— Don't "Maya" on me Phoenix Wright, you know exactly what I am talking about. She's suddenly come to OUR country and ask for your help? To be honest, that's quite suspicious.
— I know you have suspicious about me Fey-san, but I assure you...
— I'm not talking with you.
— Maya! Apologize! That was rude! — Phoenix scolded angrily.
— Well, see if I care, Nick.
— Maya...
— That's a no and that's final.
— No, it isn't it. Maya, you were acting like a spoiled child lately, and honestly though, you actually are being annoying.
— What!?
— Exactly! Moreover, you are embarrassing us with your attitude. You need to behave yourself.
— Behave myself!?
— Exactly. You can't simply act like you were the owner of the reason and everything runs at your own accord, like you are the center of the universe.
— I don't think I'm the center of the universe! — Maya yelled.
— But you act like that. Maya, I know you have your suspicious about Sae, but I can assure you—
— I don't have suspicions, Nick, because I'm sure she asked this favor because you are no match against her! — Maya yelled.
Expect for Phoenix, everyone mouth went agape. Maya saw Phoenix's face twist into a shocked face then to a cryptic frown, processing every single word Maya said.
— N-Nick, I... I... I wasn't...
— No, Maya, you were quite clear. Honestly, I didn't expect you've come so down to this, but I was mistaken. If Ms. Niijima wanted an easy win so badly, then she'll resort to Masahiro to have a public defender instead of asking me to do it. But she asked me instead. Don't you had the thought she specifically asked me because she have faith in me?
Maya tried to argue, but at the moment she opens her mouth to complain, she went silent. Phoenix against all the odds, had a point, once again. Maya could have been taken aback, if her shock wasn't because in the way he spoke with her. It wasn't like he usually speaks, angry or annoyed, but cold. So cold that even shocked Pearl of all of people. The mere fact he has cold could indicate one thing.
— I'm disappointed with you, Maya.
Disappointment. Of all the things, Maya couldn't expect for that one. Her shock was so visible, her eyes watered with tears as she stood quiet, trying to process his words.
— You're... You're disappointed with me...?
— Yes, Maya. I am.
Maya hold the tears and took a deep breath before yelling.
— I'm sorry if you prefer that hag than me!
Then Maya fled the detention center in tears. After that, Phoenix heard someone sobbing. A familiar sobbing. Looking at the Pearl, he saw the little girl crying as she looked at him.
— Mr. Nick...
— Pearl...
Pearl ran away sobbing, and Phoenix grunted in anger.
— Why can't I do something right for once!?
— It's not your fault. At least not entirely.
— Sae...
— You're right to be frustrated, but I think you could've at least been that harsh with Maya. She's looks like she's a sensitive person.
— Yes, she is. But she's stronger than anyone else. But still...
— I know.
— I should go after Pearl. She's...
— No, I'll go.
— Sae?
— You need to fix things with Maya, and both of you don't have the head to deal with a emotional kid right now. I do it.
— Are you sure? You...
— I know, and I'm sure of it. Now go, I deal with that.
— Okay. Please, just... Be careful. You two.
— I will.
Sae left the detention center and Phoenix sighed, sitting at the nearest chair he could find. He scratched his hair nervously trying to calm himself down.
— Looks like you were having trouble with the Kittens, Trite.
Phoenix raised his head and saw Godot looking at him with his usual cocky smile. Phoenix suppressed a groan and tried to not give him an annoyed look.
— What do you want?
— I saw the entire scene. Needless to say, you're excellent to hurt your beloved ones.
— I asked what you want. Are you here to mock me? — Phoenix said, his voice now has charged with anger.
— I want to ask you why are you defending that woman?
— Why...? *sigh* You still won't get it, don't you? I know Ms. Niijima enough to know she haven't asked me to have an easy win. However, there are some people who thinks the contrary of that, thinking I'm not suitable enough to take this case.
— I do believe in that. In my opinion, you are nothing, Trite.
— Right, see if I care, Godot. — Phoenix said rising from his chair and trying to get away from the mysterious masked prosecutor. Godot grabbed Phoenix shoulder, holding him at the spot.
— Hey, calm down. Let's have a friendly chat, amigo.
— With you? Is that a joke?
— If you want to release your frustrations on Maya, then go ahead. I'm not going to stop you.
Godot released Phoenix shoulder and Phoenix sighed.
— You know the real reason I am frustrated? It's because aside an imbecile who is making my life difficult, I'm dealing with a case which is a dead or alive situation. There's a lot in game here and we can't afford doing any mistakes. It's more than my damned career in game. If you can't see that, then you better leave me alone and don't judge me, because I don't judge you to have a blind hatred towards me.
— Hah! For someone so oblivious, I think you can see things well.
— Yes, I can see things well, but that doesn't mean I'm oblivious. Trust me, there is some things I don't do not because I'm too blind to see that, but because I don't want to hurt someone.
Godot stood quiet, processing what Phoenix meant by that.
— Are you... with someone?
— And if I am with someone? Is that of your interest?
— Everything about you is of my interest, Trite. I'll take you down.
Godot saw Phoenix posture change, as he curled his hands into fists.
— Godot, I'll warn you once: Do not cross my path at my personal life. I don't care if you mess with me at my professional life. My career has survived worse. But if you hurt the people around me, I'll take you down. Trust me, I don't care about myself that much, but if you're going to mess with me using the others, that's another story. I'll make you regret if you try anything funny. Got it?
Godot didn't replied, only seeing Phoenix left the detention center tense. He smirked seeing that.
— It seems things have become interesting...