—
January; 14. 2019.
District Court. Defendant's Lobby Nº2
10:50 AM. Morning.
—
— Mr. Masahiro. Good morning. Did you sleep well?
— Yes, although I need to admit I'm not in my best shape. Fey-san, I don't know how you handled to sleep at such thing they dare to call it bed. You have my admiration for that.
— Thank you, Mr. Masahiro. — Maya answered with politeness.
— So, what's the plan? — Masahiro asked.
— Try to figure out what's happening. Seriously, I can't stop to wonder how problematic our situation is. And that's not limited to us the defense and you, Mr. Masahiro. — Phoenix answered with all his earnestly.
Masahiro sighed.
— Guess Niijima-san is not in a good situation as well...
— Thank that aho for disturbing us...
Masahiro lost his composure and laughed after hearing that.
— Let me guess... That masked man was disturbing your work, right?
— In a nutshell, yes. — Phoenix replied. — Don't worry about that. We will prove your innocence and put the one responsible for this in jail. That is, I promise to you.
— Thank you. — Masahiro replied bowing to Phoenix and Maya. Phoenix turned his attention to Maya.
— Maya, can I ask you a favor?
— Of course, Nick!
— Can you channel Mia if things went south? I think we'll need all the help now.
— Okay...? Why?
Phoenix sighed.
— Guess that masked imbecile will bother us during the trial, and I think I will need someone to keep an eye on us.
— Us?
— Niijima-san and me. I think someone needs to be the voice of reason there.
Maya just nodded in understanding, and as much she wanted to complain, she knew Phoenix was right. She just hoped the courtroom didn't become a place of bloodshed.
—
District Court. Courtroom Nº1
11:00 AM. Daytime.
—
The audience was discussing the case when the Judge promptly silenced them by pounding his gavel.
— The court is now in session for the case of Ken Masahiro, ambassador from Japan. — The Judge announced.
— The defense is ready, your Honor. — Phoenix announced.
— The prosecution is ready as well, your Honor. — Sae announced.
— Very well. — The Judge said acknowledging both sides. — Yesterday, we reached into several questions, and none of them had a proper answer.
— The mere fact of the cause of death of the victim was a crux of the point. — Sae answered.
— Exactly. Ms. Niijima, your opening statement, if you please.
— As you wish, Your Honor. Yesterday, as it was established, the cause of death wasn't asphyxiation due to estrangement, nor cause by the broken ribcage from the victim. Thanks for that, and the external factor of Masayoshi Shido former minions who were trying to manipulate behind the scenes, we were forced to remake the autopsy report. Now I have the accurate results here. I'm submitting this report into the Court Report.
— The courts accept this report as evidence.
After submitting the autopsy report, Sae gave the copies to Phoenix and the Judge. Phoenix read the files carefully as he compared the information with the earlier version of the file.
— Very well. It seems this report has the correct information.
— I can guarantee that. After their little stunt, I've called Mr. Chief of Police Robert Patrick personally and gave him a fair warning, and knowing the mighty of my country, my word has enough to send him the message.
The Judge gulped in fear as Phoenix smirked in amusement.
— Ms. Niijima, please don't scare the Judge. — Phoenix asked gently.
— I think that's enough to give him a warning Wright-san. There is a lot in game here.
Phoenix nodded in agreement.
— I need to concede on that one. — Phoenix said.
Phoenix felt the gaze of the Judge and he looked back at the elder man. The man instead of giving his usual wrathful stare, he was looking at him with curiosity and amusement.
— Mr. Wright?
— Yes, Your Honor? — Phoenix asked unsure.
— You and Ms. Niijima... have face each other in court before? Yesterday I had the feeling you faced each other before...
Phoenix nodded his head in affirmation and said:
— Yes, we had, Your Honor. And as much as I want to tell and explain more about it, I can't. There are circumstances behind our previous encounter that does not allows us to disclosure that.
— I understand... The case is in secrecy of justice, correct?
— Yes, Your Honor. Neither I, nor Ms. Niijima can disclose the facts about our first meeting.
— I see...
Phoenix heard a "Ha" from Godot and sighed in annoyance. Sae didn't lose time and said:
— Prosecutor Godot, if you don't want to get arrest by myself, be quiet. Yesterday you gave us the headache of our lives, and we don't need a repentance of that.
Godot chuckled and stood quiet, watching the trial carefully. Maya grunted and started to write something on the paper as she looked at Sae with certain sympathy, trying to stay calm with Godot presence.
— Did something happen? — The Judge asked.
— Just a masked menace, Your Honor. A masked menace who is at the audience as well today. — Phoenix replied trying to veil his anger. — Ms. Niijima, can you please...?
— Yes. Your Honor, if I may?
— Certainly, Ms. Niijima. — The Judge allowed Sae to continue.
— Your Honor, due to the unusual situation we have dealt with, we will need to revise the case again, before we call the witness assigned today. For that, I request again the presence of the detective assigned for this case, Richard Gumshoe. Please detective, take the stand.
Gumshoe took his position behind the witness stand and he sighed tiredly.
— Detective, are you alright? — The Judge asked.
— Not quite, Your Honor. — Gumshoe replied.
— Let me guess: Shido minions and the life attempts towards the defendant are taking the toll towards the entire police force, am I right? — Sae asked.
— Yes, sir. Things have become gruesome lately. That's not the kind of thing we like to deal with.
— You have my sympathy, Detective, and my deepest apologies for making you work overtime. But I can guarantee you, you'll be rewarded after all of that for your work.
— Sir... Thank you, sir! — Gumshoe exclaimed.
— Detective, if you please, can you tell us again the events of January 12? — The Judge asked.
— Of course, Your Honor. — Gumshoe affirmed. — As Prosecutor Niijima said, on the night of January 12, around 9:30 PM, the defendant, Ken Masahiro, was having dinner with the victim, Akiho Hanamura, in room 782 at the Marche Hotel. The matter of their discussion is unknown and during that time only the bell boy went there, to give their dinner. Fifteen minutes later the defendant called the emergency, alleging the victim was feeling 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 no avail.
— That said, we now know the victim has died asphyxiated due to an allergic reaction, instead of asphyxiation caused by a trauma around the torso and the neck area. — Sae explained. — Moreover, we also know the victim has suffered with the trauma in his torso caused by a CPR maneuver.
— Not only that, but the victim has also struggled for air. He probably panicked trying to breath. The crime scene shows that. — Phoenix said.
— In other words, the cause of death exempts the defendant as the culprit for Mr. Hanamura death... With that—
— Objection! — Sae shouted, interrupting the Judge. He looked at the woman perplexed, before asked.
— Ms. Niijima, why do you object?
— Your Honor, as much I want this trial to end, we need to ascertain if every single aspect has been explored. If we don't do that, our work will not only be incomplete, but with our efforts, will be in vain.
— I see...
Maya and Phoenix looked at Sae and she had a cold stare, ready to strike her blow.
— Your Honor, yesterday, we found the wine has traces of peanut powder, which is the cause of the defendant allergy.
— That's correct, but I'm not sure if I follow your logic, Ms. Niijima.
— My logic is quite simple: If that powder was mixed in the wine, how it ended there in the first place? Without answering that, we can't reach with a verdict.
— Oh my, you are correct, Ms. Niijima!
The audience started mumbling about that and the Judge pounded his gavel.
— As Ms. Niijima said, that inconsistency creates a gap that leaves this case unsolved. How the wine was tampered with the factor that caused Mr. Hanamura's death is the major issue we will try to solve today. Do you have a theory about that can explain it, Ms. Niijima?
— I do have, Your Honor. — Sae replied. — As stated before, traces of peanut powder have been found inside the wine bottle, with that stated, it creates a possibility of when that happened. The most probable scenario is the defendant had added that powder inside the wine during the diner, without the victim was looking. In a moment of distraction, he put the powder inside the wine bottle, at least, that's the prosecution believes.
The silence ruled into the entire courtroom and Phoenix took a deep breath.
"She's starting her attack. I need to get ready for anything."
— And?
— Considering the time, there's no specific moment that happened. During their dinner.
— At the time they were dinning...
— But when exactly? — Phoenix asked.
— That's the exactly the point we'll determine now. As the first witness today, I call the defendant, Mr. Ken Masahiro himself.
The public talked about Sae maneuver and questioned themselves what she was planning. Phoenix stood still, taking another deep breath before answering:
— The defense has no objections towards the prosecution's request. — Phoenix replied.
— Very well. Defendant, if you please.
— Yes.
Masahiro took the stand and he looked worriedly towards Phoenix and Sae, before taking a stoic stance.
— Witness, your name and occupation, if you please. — Sae asked.
— My name's Ken Masahiro. I'm the actual Japanese ambassador of United States, at least for now.
— I see... — The Judge said.
— Witness, if you please, can you tell us about your dinner with the victim that day.
— Of course.
Masahiro took a deep breath, and he looked straight at the Judge.
— Of course. The victim and I had dinner in his room at the Marche Hotel. Him and I were discussing the smuggling ring Masayoshi Shido had built. We were having a calm conversation when he suddenly stood up and started to suffocate. He tried to breathe without success until he fell to the ground. I tried to resurrect him, but without avail...
Both Phoenix and Sae noticed Masahiro was tense and both exchanged a quick look before looking back at Masahiro.
— Witness? Are you okay? — The Judge asked worriedly.
— At least, that's the lie I tried to convince both prosecution and defense. I admit I've killed the victim, Ahiko Hanamura. I put peanut powder inside the wine bottle during a moment of distraction of him. I also admit I've manipulated the crime scene to look like he was desperate to find his anti-allergic injection, and I did the CRP maneuver to create an alibi. I did it all due to my direct involvement with Masayoshi Shido. I was coerced and Hanamura have found me out. I had no choice but to kill him. That said, I want you Your Honor to deliver my verdict.
The public goes into a state of uproar, talking about Masahiro sudden confession. The Judge pounded his gavel several times trying to calm them down with no avail. Phoenix and Sae glanced at each other again and both nodded, knowing what they needed to do.
— Order! I will have order right now! — The Judge shouted.
— Objection!
Everyone stopped to talk after Sae sudden shout. She gave the Judge a stoical stare and said:
— Your Honor, I want to discuss with the defense about his client sudden confession. Thus, due to the defendant sudden confession, I demand some time before you gave your verdict.
— But Ms. Niijima…
— Your Honor, let me remind you that were precedents of sudden confessions before and all of them were to cover some scheme or lie. Due to that, it's not wise to give a verdict right now under these conditions.
— Ms. Niijima, even if that's the case, I think…
— Your Honor, giving the fair and rightful verdict is more important than simply fulfilling the wishes of a small group of my country.
— Ms. Niijima…
Sae slammed her fist on the bench and gave the judge shivered with her cold stare.
— Your Honor, I will say this only once: A trial without a fair verdict, is a crime worse than murder. It's let evil get unpunished and triumph. In my country, we got a large tax of guilty verdicts, and most of them were fair, however, there are people who is truly innocence and suffers the consequences of not receiving a fair trial because people in power think they're already guilty. As a person who had thought like that before, I can assure you, there are people who explores those flaws to convict innocent people. As the defender of Ren Amamiya, I swore when I become back a prosecutor to never let injustice like the one that young man suffered happen ever again, no matter how long it takes, or how much I must fight for it. Above anything else, I'm just a mere human being, prone to error and I open admit it, but as long as I can avoid it to happen, I swear, I not going let to injustice triumph. All I ask you is for a recess to discuss with the defense our next course of action. Nothing more, nothing less.
Everyone stood quietly, watching the Judge becoming pensative. He looked at Sae and noticed her expression didn't waver, although something in her eyes showed compassion and even passion towards her ideals, to the point he looked to Phoenix and saw him giving the same stare as the prosecution. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, before staring at Masahiro.
— Mr. Masahiro, do you keep your confession?
— Yes, Your Honor.
— Mr. Wright, your thoughts?
Phoenix took a deep breath and answered:
— The defense shares the same conviction as the prosecution.
— I see…
The Judge bang his gavel and looked above, like he was ready to give his answer.
— Mr. Masahiro, with your sudden confession, my duty was to give a verdict right away wand prepare the proceeding to send you to your country to being judged under your country's laws. However, it is as Prosecutor Niijima has stated that were false confessions from defendants through the course of this courthouse that raises place for suspicion. That said, I'm about to accept the request of the prosecution, thus giving her and the defense the chance to discuss this before I reach my verdict. Do you understand my position?
Masahiro nodded his head in affirmation, and they heard a loud "Ha!" from Godot, followed by his laugh.
— Prosecutor Godot? Something's wrong? — The Judge asked confused.
— To think the naivety of the prosecutor behind the prosecution bench could reach its limit, she proves I'm wrong and surpass it against all my expectations.
— Prosecutor Godot?
— She's like a coffee maker who's think she knows what she's doing, but it the end, her efforts end in failure.
Everyone started to comment about how blunt Godot's coffee metaphor was this time, but they stopped when they heard the familiar sound of the bench being pounded, however, the sound this time was louder, followed by the subtle sound of crack, making everyone turning their attention to Phoenix. Godot didn't bother to give him the proper attention as everyone looked at him.
— Godot. I will say this once: Shut up and get out of here.
Except for Sae and Godot, everyone mouth was agape, looking at the easygoing and happily defense attorney. His eyes were closed, and he was taking deep breaths, trying to calm himself down.
— Mr. Wright…? — The Judge called worriedly.
Godot laughed and left the audience as he walked towards to the courtroom and looked at Phoenix with a wide smirk.
— Guess thanks to the kid over the prosecution bench you grow some balls… But that's useless when your defendant has confessed his guilty, and his involvement with Shido, so like her, your efforts will be in vain.
Phoenix didn't reply, he just keeps taking deep breaths. Godot smirk widened.
— What's wrong, Trite? Did cat get your tongue?
Phoenix stood quiet and Godot approached him, touching his shoulder with his free hand.
— Hey, amigo—
Then to Godot surprise and everyone shock except of Sae, Phoenix grabbed his hand and started to crush it.
— What are you—
Phoenix finally opened his eyes and looked at him, giving the hardest stare he had, to everyone, especially Maya the Judge shock. Sae knew when this was going, and she sighed trying to keep herself calm as well. Godot almost shivered and he looked at Phoenix with pain and anger.
— Listen up. I'm said this once and I'll repeat only once: Shut up and get out of here. I'm not your friend, neither an associate of yours. And you did an excellent job to state you're my enemy and your hatred towards me. — Phoenix voice was cold, so cold that made him sound like his best friend Edgeworth. — That said, you have gone too far to implicate Sae's efforts has been in vain, the work she spent years of her life to stop and annihilate this scheme that caused several victims, including Ren Amamiya, Wakaba Isshiki, her daughter Futaba Sakura, and several other people, Sae Niijima included.
Godot despite the pain gave a sharp irritated smirk.
— Guess I stoke a nerve—
— More than you stoke a nerve. You have awakened a fury inside of me you don't want to see, neither to want me to unleash it. — Phoenix cut abruptly Godot's speak, gripping his hand even tighter than he had. — The same fury only one person managed to awake, and that same person have dealt with. But unlike that person, you don't have the resilience, nor the determination, nor the grace to deal with. Trust me. I'm a nice guy, I really am, but even my patience has limits. If you don't go away right now…
Phoenix started to smash Godot's hand and his eyes shined, showing his fury burning inside of him.
— I'll unleash that fury upon you. And once I unleash it, you better pray for me manage to control it, otherwise, you will—
Phoenix stopped to talk when a hand with a gentle touch held his other shoulder, a touch he recognized anywhere.
— Phoenix. Is everything alright?
Phoenix looked to Mia and his gazed softened, becoming a relieved face.
— Now it is. Now it is. It just… I was just asked our dear guest here to leave…
Phoenix snapped back to Godot, shifting his expression back to the hardened cold fury gaze.
— Isn't that correct?
Godot looked to Mia, now channeled by Maya and she gave him back the same state Phoenix has giving him with the difference was instead of fury, disappointment was shining through her eyes. He looked back to Phoenix, who kept gripping his hand strongly enough not let Godot to release his hand nor let him take his hand away.
— Right... — Godot replied while gritting his teeth in anger and pain. Phoenix released his hand and the masked prosecutor started to massage it.
— Mr. Wright... Do you think it will be necessary to arrest Prosecutor Godot for contempt of court? — The Judge asked, unsure to how to proceed.
— No, Your Honor. I think he'll behave enough to not bother us for a while, wouldn't you agree, Mia?
— Yes, I do. — Mia replied nodding her head in affirmation, then she snapped her attention to the Judge, who surprising was watching the scene in silence. — Your Honor, I request you to give our dear guest here a warning and a light penalty for disturbing the proceedings and for implying and insulting the prosecution. I think he had learned his lesson for now. — Mia added with a straight and severe tone.
— As you wish, Ms. Fey. — The Judge answered. — Prosecutor Godot, I'll fine your for disturbing the court proceedings. After the adjourned of the proceeding, please come to my chambers to discuss the price of your fine and the extent of the warning you'll receive.
Godot grunted, but he didn't comply, answering instead:
— Very well, old man.
— That said, please return to the audience bench. I think you've done enough for today, and as in the case of repentance in case of disturbance... I think dealing with both prosecution and defense will be enough for you instead of arresting you for contempt of court, followed by a fine, since they've gave a fair warning, and as far I've heard, you were causing problems for them.
Godot grunted in irritation.
— Thought you weren't going to side with Trite, Your Honor...
— I thought you were act wiser enough to not do the same thing you have done yesterday, Prosecutor Godot. Besides, it is as both prosecution and defense has said before: There were precedents of false confessions before, and this trial are being watched over this entire country and Japan. What we do here will have repercussions over the globe. That said, please go back to your seat, otherwise I'll request your immediate arrest, followed by a personal interrogation for both Mr. Wright and Ms. Niijima, and trust me when I say I can feel their wrath taking over their bodies. Please go back. And trust me, I'm only being gentle due to the proceeding's sake.
Godot went back and sat at his seat.
— Now, before I announce the recess, I want both defense and prosecution in my chambers right now. I want to accurate a few things. After that, you can discuss how to proceed. Now I'll give to the court two-hour recess. Court is adjourned.
The Judge pounded his gavel, halting the proceedings.
—
District Court. Judge's Chambers
11:30 AM. Daytime.
—
— *sigh* I think you two have some explanations to do, and thus I want some answers about certain things... — The Judge started, taking a sip of his tea.
Phoenix, Sae and Mia were inside the Judge's chambers and to their surprise the place was a normal, unlike most of the gaudy office and chambers over the public prosecutor office and the courthouse, making Phoenix wonder if he was being cheated by his clients, or he was charging his clients with prices so low that was close to let him into bankrupt. Sae noticed his gaze and figured out his thoughts especially because she was thinking the same thing and that let her shocked of how thing was.
"If Sae is thinking how absurd this discrepancy is, I don't want to imagine what's running inside Mia's mind..." Phoenix thought noticing Sae sympathy towards his financial situation. He looked at Mia and she looked impressed as well, since the Judge's chamber wasn't gaudy as she expected.
— I'm sorry if my place is modest, but the truth is I'm not like most of my colleagues. — The Judge said in advance and their nodded their heads in agreement. — I know different from you, Mr. Wright, our payments are way above than the usual, but considering our legal system situation...
— I'm forced to agree... — Phoenix replied while sighing heavily and he gave a wry smirk. — Your Honor, before I start, I think Ms. Niijima should take the lead. She can explain better our actual situation.
— I know, but that is something I don't want to discuss with only you. I'm waiting for another people as we speak.
— Other? — The trio of lawyers asked.
Miles, Gumshoe, and two familiar people to Phoenix and Mia enters the Judge's chambers.
— Okay, I'm not surprised to see you two. But it's truly a surprise to see you two, Ms. Skye and Ms. Starr. Guess you two are back to action.
— You bet on it, Mr. Wright. — Angel replied with a gentle smile.
— We've working hard to come back to business, and since I was released from prison, they gave me a second chance. — Lana said.
— I see. I'm glad you two are here.
Lana and Angel smiled and looked at them, especially Lana, shocked to see Mia there again.
— Mia, is that you? — Lana asked shocked.
— It is, and at the same time it's not... — Mia explained.
Miles sighed.
— And I still trying to convince myself spirit channeling is a scam...
— Spirit channeling... — Lana and Angel said. — Damn...
— I know, right? But at least it's good to see her at least.
They noticed Sae looking at Mia.
— Oh, where is my manners... Ms. Niijima, I'm Mia Fey, Maya's older sister, and Phoenix boss. Now former boss. At least for the time being. My situation is complicated... I'm not dead in fact, per se, but...
To their surprise Sae bowed to her and smiled.
— Hello Fey-san. My name's Sae Niijima. It's great to finally meet you. And don't worry, I do understand.
— Likewise, Ms. Niijima. And thank you.
— Please, after this trial call me Sae. But due to our unusual circumstance, please call me Ms. Niijima for the time being.
— Likewise. Phoenix told me a lot about you.
— And he told me about you.
Except of Sae and Mia, people looked at Phoenix and he smiled.
— I think you should start to explain Sae-san. We're running out of time.
— True. Your Honor, Wright-san and I have faced each other before as we stated yesterday. The case was similar, with the difference of Shido direct interference behind the scenes.
— An ambassador of Japan was attempted of murder and the suspect of that case was arrested. I was called to defend him.
— My question is how did you get in your hands such case?
Edgeworth cleaned his throat, and he scratched his chin nervously.
— I believe I need I have some explanation to do as well. I asked Phoenix to defend him.
Lana and Angel looked shocked to the magenta prosecutor and drifted to Phoenix and back to him their gaze.
— May I ask you why you recommend a fresh out rookie out of university to defend that suspect? — The Judge asked.
Miles sighed and nodded.
— Guess I need to tell everything, huh? — Miles said with a weak smile. — Your Honor, I asked Phoenix to take the case, because the person who were supposed to take the case was in danger, and he was a close friend of mine.
— And may I know who this person is?
— Yes. Raymond Shields, my father former apprentice and veteran defense attorney.
— Mr. Shields!? — The Judge exclaimed, and Angel mouth went agape.
— You're indeed the son of Gregory Edgeworth? Wow... — Angel said shocked.
— Why is that impressive? — Sae asked curious.
— Considering who Edgeworth's father is and what happened to him to become a prosecutor... — Phoenix commented dryly.
The mood worsened with that comment, and they looked to Edgeworth worriedly.
— Sir...
— I'm okay. And considering the people here, I'm say I'm not the only one inside the bad experience boat. — Miles answered.
— Miles. — Mia and Lana said worried.
— I'll be okay.
Angel gave Miles a sympathetic look and asked.
— Guess he was targeted, right?
— You're absolutely right, Detective Starr. He was. Luckly, I could put him under protection, however we needed someone to take the case, and considering how odd the conditions of the case was...
— Phoenix influence was already taking effect on you, huh? — Mia said smirking. Miles smiled back to her.
— He did. He's my brother after all.
Shocked by Miles's confession, they smiled and waited for him to continue.
— After all, he was the only option I had at that moment...
— Geez, thanks a lot for your vote of confidence Edgeworth.
Everyone laughed at Phoenix mockery.
— But the truth is Wright was the only one at that time I could trust. And considering how critical our situation was, he truly was my only option.
— That's the reason you said you were trying to deal with a "pricky situation", huh?
— Really Miles? — Phoenix asked annoyed.
— I wasn't referring to you, but to the situation itself. It was pricky.
— *sigh* It was. Damn... Talk about a rough investigation and a hellish nightmare trial... — Phoenix commented annoyed. — And on top of that, Shido were manipulating everything.
— What do you mean? — The Judge asked.
Phoenix looked to Sae, and she sighed as she sat on one of the chairs spread over the place. Everyone's attention turned to the long platinum-haired beauty as she started her story.
— Masayoshi Shido was a scum. The greatest of them. He had a lot of influence and manipulated things behind the scenes. One day he found something that changed his scheme, turning this into another level.
— The Cognitive Psience Research of Alteration of Perception... — Phoenix said.
— Correct. Takuto Maruki, the original developer and researcher of this ramification of cognitive psychological field created this with the original objective of aiding people in distress, more specifically, altering their perception of reality to overcome traumas they have developed during a specific moment of their lives. As a genius and determined student, he worked hard to help people. All of that because of one person.
— Rumi Himawari, Maruki ex-fiancé...
— Ex...? — Mia asked confused.
— An incident happened. A burglar murdered Rumi parents in her front and injured her. He couldn't do anything. Guess that's a good reason to become a psychanalyst… and to make such research.
— Wait… are you saying Ms. Niijima, Dr. Maruki did start such research to help people to overcome their traumas…?
— Yes. The idea is quite simple. He developed a special technique to change a person perspective. That most part of this technique uses hypnosis, but also uses several techniques of psychology to help the patient. By doing that he can help people to overcome this trauma. However, at the first stages, when he tested with Rumi, he discovered something.
— Which is exactly? – Angel asked Sae.
— Depending on grand is the stress and how deep the trauma is, it can create a severe side-effect if not done properly, in other words…
— By overwriting their cognition, there's a chance to make to alter their memories and personality, to the point to make their traumas never had happened in a way. — Phoenix completed.
Angel didn't need too much to realize what both meant.
— Then… My God! She…
— She overcome her trauma, but she forgot everything, including him.
Sae stopped to let everyone process that new information. A few minutes later, Lana was the first to talk.
— So, that research was developed to help people? How that ended in the hands…?
— Maruki presented his theory to the University he was attending, and he received great support from them…
— Until that son of a bitch of Masayoshi Shido seized it and make it as Maruki's work never happened, right? — Angel said with venom.
— Correct. He gave to a large team. The head researcher was…
— Wakaba Isshiki. Futaba Sakura's mother. Now everything makes sense — Lana completed.
— Yes. The thing is, Wakaba discovered what happened and tried to create a countermeasure to stop him, but she was killed, victim of the same research she was working with.
— But he couldn't do that, at least not personally.
Sae averted her gaze, glancing the floor with sadness.
— He had someone. Someone who got hands on this research and managed to harness before Wakaba. Goro Akechi.
Everyone except of Phoenix and Mia yelped in shock.
— So, that boy, him…
— Yes… To make things worse, he was Shido's bastard son. He had him during his ascension and Akechi was trying to find a way to get revenge after the death of his mother…
Lana sat, looking distressed.
— So, all the Mental Shutdowns and Psychotic Breakdowns that lead to disaster, was caused by…
— Him. Yes. Including also the death of Kunikazu Okumura, caused by him.
— Then…
Angel sat and looked at her.
— When you said at Ren Amamiya's trial the Phantom Thieves were heroes of justice, then…
Sae sighed and sat on the chair tiredly.
— I think I can tell what happened. The Phantom Thieves appeared out of nowhere, but as far I can say, they started after getting one single lead. The lead to led to others.
— Ren Amamiya… A victim of him.
— And one of the few people who haven't died in Akechi hands. He was found guilty, no surprise since Shido threatened the victim to lie and even had the police in his hands; in other words, …
— The boy to were trying to help an innocent woman, had his life ruined…
— But thanks for that mistake, the Phantom Thieves started to protect him. They discovered several corrupted people in Tokyo and helped our society by changing their hearts.
— So, the Phantom Thieves were innocent all along…
— Yes.
Lana closed her eyes and started to process everything.
— Actually, it makes sense… The Phantom Thieves targets weren't random ones. Distorted people with twisted desires… That scenario alone makes a plate full for Shido and his followers to do whatever they want, causing all those incidents. If they didn't intervened at that point…
— Correct.
— But there's one thing that I don't understand. — Angel said, calling everyone's attention. — Phoenix mentioned you were a victim in the trial. But according with the files you submitted to defend Ren Amamiya and convict Shido, you were targeted. Care to explain?
Sae sighed but nodded.
— Masayoshi Shido killed my father, by causing an accident. He was close to find the connection of Shido with the underworld of crime. It's not necessary to say there's no surprised in how I reacted, being alone and becoming the guardian of my sister, while working under the SIU, unable to do anything.
Everyone went silent again and Sae sighed.
— After all, I—
— Sae, stop.
— Phoenix?
Mia noticed Phoenix clenching his fist in fury.
— You did your best to make justice prevail and to fight for your beliefs. You never stop to fight for what was right, and even though you helped them to catch Shido, you did nothing wrong. Makoto were trying to help you to realize your mistakes. You went into so much for you and her, to just get thrown away when Shido and that bastard who were the SIU leader when you had your heart changed.
Lana, Angel, the Judge and Edgeworth mouths went agape as they say Phoenix anger towards the situation. Mia could only gaze her apprentice a sympathetic gazer.
— But I lost my way at some point, Phoenix. I thought all my cases, my career was just an unfair gambling I had to do everything in my reach to win, to get a promotion, to prove my valor...
— You were a victim of him, and without the Phantom Thieves, your sister and your own efforts you all couldn't have find a way to prove that bastard involvement in all of this. You all fought so hard and now you're here, proving your justice. Don't let anyone let you down. Got it?
Sae smiled.
— Got it.
Sae looked back to them and leaned forward.
— Now then, back to our explanation. The Phantom Thieves of Hearts managed to stop Shido and later to stop their minions to destroy the world by restoring people's free will. However, Maruki managed to finish his research, and he tried with his new knowledge to overwrite everyone's cognition, creating a utopia. Needless to say, he managed to alter reality, but the Phantom Thieves of Hearts stopped them, reverting everything.
Everyone looked at Sae and she waited for the questions. Mia snapped her attention to Phoenix who was looking to Sae worriedly.
— Phoenix. She disclosure her case to you, right? — Mia asked.
Then their attention snapped to Phoenix who sighed.
— Yes. Because of our first case, she had to disclosure, in case of…
Mia didn't need him to finish to understand.
— I see…
Lana sighed.
— Can you don't get yourself into a life-or-death situation, or into a mighty troublesome case, Mr. Wright? I think you had enough for a lifetime. — Lana scolded. Phoenix sighed.
— Sorry, but I can't help but to attract problems. Guess I've born bad to the bone.
Sae, Mia and Lana laughed as Angel looked in disbelief at him.
— Did you just make a reference to George Thorogood? — The blond detective asked.
— I'm a cultured person, sue me.
Angel laughed, then she turned to Sae and asked:
— So, Ms. Cold Beauty Top Model Prosecutor, what's the plan?
Instead of frown, Sae smirked with Starr's joke.
— Well, time to improvise and go with the flow. If that doesn't work, we can use the courtroom as a stage to make a lawful fashion week.
Angel laughed and she looked at her.
— I bet you have been invited to model so much.
Sae grunted annoyed.
— More than you think…
— But can't blame them. Someone gorgeous as you literally stop an entire highway if you want. But I can understand your situation. — Angel turned at Phoenix then she said. — Now, Mr. Wright, think can you trust her?
Then Angel flipped her bang, showing her right eye, eying Phoenix with an evil smirk.
— Do you trust your case to Ms. Top Model over here? As far as I know, she could be using you to win the case.
Lana glanced at Phoenix, and he gave to Starr a serious gaze.
— I trust her my life, Detective Starr and I'm not going to doubt her trust now. There's more in game than our win steaks here. If you can't see that as well, it's not my problem then.
Angel smiled as she flipped her bang again, showing her left eye, now giving a gentle smile.
— I see... In that case you have my help.
— Thank you.
Lana gave Phoenix a serious gaze and extended her hand to him.
— As well mine. No matter what happens, I will give my life for you as well, as you did for me before.
Phoenix smiled.
— Couldn't have asked more...
— That said... — Angel turned to Miles, smiling at him as well. — I hope the reason you asked for our help was just that...
— Yes. Although my worry now is we're going to deal with those life threats...
— Life threats? Then the defendant...
— Yeah. My thought is he confessed to avoid more victims. — Sae said.
— So, he's planning to sacrifice himself in order to put an end on this? I don't believe that's the best course of action. — Lana said.
— It's not. Taking the easy path only leads to catastrophe, especially at a delicate situation like this one.
— And without considering that coffee addicted annoyance, we are with our hands tied, if we don't have a plan to counter that this case will be good as over. — Phoenix said.
— Do you have an idea? — Mia asked.
Phoenix glanced at Sae, and she nodded at him.
— I have an idea. We have actually.
— Do you think the same thing as me? — Sae asked.
Phoenix smirked.
— Ok course. Genial minds think alike.
Mia laughed.
— Guess you don't need my help.
— We we'll need Mia. We need someone to restrain that masked moron.
Mia laughed.
— For you to curse like that, I think he truly have pissed you off.
— You have no idea...
— Well, after hearing the story behind it, we will take a look over the crime scene and check a few things. Considering the actual situation, we need anything to change the odds at our favor. — Lana said.
Angel flipped her band, revealing her right eye.
— And I will interrogate the replacement of Mr. Masahiro. Considering he was eager to "solve" everything, I'm sure he will be easy to make him cough up the truth. — The blondie said, giving an evil smirk.
— Actually, if he tries anything funny, make him cough up blood. With those minions of Shido, we need to play hard to take them down. — Phoenix said with a serious frown.
— Are you saying I should be harsher than usual? — Angel asked slightly surprised.
— What Wright-san... No, we are saying to not scare him, but to terrify him, making him beg for his life. With that kind, we need to make sure they will spill the beans.
Angel smirk widened, becoming sharper.
— So, the prosecution is giving carte blanche to do whatever I want to the suspect?
— In the actual situation, and considering what they have done to Ren Amamiya, I'm fairly sure they deserve a fair warning and also a taste of their own medicine.
Angel laughed.
— Despite my grudge towards prosecutors, I really like that one. Sae Niijima... I hope I can work with you in a case that doesn't involve a political scheme.
Sae smiled.
— Likewise, Starr-san. Hope the opportunity can arise soon.
— Indeed... I'll be going now. Mr. Honda will cough up... In a way or in another...
Angel and Lana left the room and the Judge looked at them.
— So, as far as I know, the defendant of this case is involved into the investigation of this case.
— Correct. And seeing how eager they are to erase him, I'm fairly sure we're running out of time. — Sae said.
— We need to bring them out and fast, but how...?
Sae pondered for a moment before glancing back to Phoenix.
— We need to convince him to fight for him innocence. But I can't help but wonder we will be able to accomplish this.
— For that, I doubt being comprehensive will help. We need to break his "confession" soon as we can. That's the only way.
— So, what are we waiting for, partner? — Sae teased.
Phoenix only smirked at that.
— I suppose you two have a plan towards Mr. Masahiro.
— An out-of-the-blue-on-time plan but still a plan, nonetheless.
— Okay. *sigh* Youngsters nowadays... You always manage to surprise this old man here.
"Considering how unobservant you were sometimes, that's not exactly a high standard to surpass..." Phoenix commented mentally.
— Well, I'll be back at the Prosecution Lobby. I need to check if everything is alright.
— Very well. You two are dismissed. Mr. Wright.
Sae left the room and Phoenix went with Mia to his way until he stopped after being called by the judge. He looked at the man and saw him with an odd expression while he scratched his long and full bead.
— As much as I can understand your meeting circumstances and how you two can't simply disclosure about it, I need to say: You two are more synced than I've thought.
Phoenix only smiled after hearing that.
— Well, what can I say? I can't blame if we are that synced.
The Judge thought for a moment, but he nodded.
— I see. I can see you two are good friends, isn't that, right?
— That's correct, your Honor.
— Do you manage to see each other? I mean, travel to another country is quite expensive and...
To Mia surprise, Phoenix only laughed.
— Well, we have our ways, despite our complicated schedule. And that's all I can tell.
— What?
— We're running out of time, Judge.
Phoenix pointed at the clock hanged on the wall the Judge only gasped surprised.
— Oh, I see Mr. Wright! You and Ms. Fey can go now.
— Thank you.
Phoenix and Mia left the Judge Chambers and Mia looked at her apprentice with a puzzled face.
— Phoenix?
He turned at Mia and he noticed she had a serious frown on her face.
— Yes?
— You and Ms. Niijima...
Mia became silent and then smiled.
— Mia?
— Nothing. Nothing at all. You know, the Judge is right. You two have a great synergy.
— Thanks, I guess? I mean, we're good friends and...
Mia simply touched Phoenix shoulder and then said:
— It's okay.
Phoenix only smiled and started to walk back to the courtroom.
— Alright, Chief! Time to debunk our client through!
— That's the spirit!
—
District Court. Courtroom Nº1
13:30 AM. Afternoon.
—
The audience was discussing the case when the Judge promptly silenced them by pounding his gavel.
— The court is now in session for the case of Ken Masahiro, ambassador from Japan. — The Judge announced. — As we have heard, Mr. Masahiro confessed a crime, however, both prosecution and defense disagrees with this sudden confession. With that impasse, we need to ascertain the veracity of that statement. Mr. Masahiro.
— Yes, your Honor?
— Can you testify once again?
— Yes, I can.
Masahiro took a deep breath and started his testimony.
— Of course. The victim and I had dinner in his room at the Marche Hotel. Him and I were discussing the smuggling ring Masayoshi Shido had built. We were having a calm conversation when he suddenly stood up and started to suffocate. He tried to breathe without success until he fell to the ground. I tried to resurrect him, but without avail... At least, that's the lie I tried to convince both prosecution and defense. I admit I've killed the victim, Ahiko Hanamura. I put peanut powder inside the wine bottle during a moment of distraction of him. I also admit I've manipulated the crime scene to look like he was desperate to find his anti-allergic injection, and I did the CRP maneuver to create an alibi. I did it all due to my direct involvement with Masayoshi Shido. I was coerced and Hanamura have found me out. I had no choice but to kill him. That said, I want you Your Honor to deliver my verdict.
Everyone stood quiet as Phoenix and Sae absolved and processed the information.
— Defendant, do you still keep your claim? — The Judge asked.
— Yes, your Honor. I do.
— I see... Mr. Wright, your cross-examination, if you please.
— Yes, your Honor. — Phoenix replied.
Phoenix then stood silent for Masahiro start to retell his testimony.
— The victim and I had dinner in his room at the Marche Hotel. Him and I were discussing the smuggling ring Masayoshi Shido had built. We were having a calm conversation when he suddenly stood up and started to suffocate. He tried to breathe without success until he fell to the ground. I tried to resurrect him, but without avail... At least, that's the lie I tried to convince both prosecution and defense. I admit I've killed the victim, Ahiko Hanamura. I put peanut powder inside the wine bottle during a moment of distraction of him. I also admit I've manipulated the crime scene to look like he was desperate to find his anti-allergic injection, and I did the CRP maneuver to create an alibi. I did it all due to my direct involvement with Masayoshi Shido. I was coerced and Hanamura have found me out. I had no choice but to kill him. That said, I want you Your Honor to deliver my verdict.
Phoenix looked at him and pondered before proceeding his questioning.
— Mr. Masahiro, care of repeating the phrase before the last one?
— Of course not. I also admit I've manipulated the crime scene to look like he was desperate to find his anti-allergic injection, and I did the CRP maneuver to create an alibi. I did it all due to my direct involvement with Masayoshi Shido.
— Hold it. So, in other words, you admit you deliberately manipulated the crime scene, coming perjury.
— Yes, that's correct.
— Can you tell me something? Where did you hide Mr. Hanamura anti-allergic injection?
Masahiro thought for a moment.
— If I'm not mistaken, I probably rid under the bed. Why?
— Objection!
Phoenix took a deep breath and looked at Sae.
— I'm sorry, Mr. Masahiro, but that's impossible.
— Why are you saying that? — Masahiro asked.
— Because I have the injection with me, and we've found it inside Mr. Hanamura suitcase.
— His… suitcase?
— Yes. And it was found close to Mr. Hanamura bed. The odd thing is this has found alongside his other items. You claimed you sorted the crime scene to look like the victim was struggling to find the injection, but how that can be? That's most unlikely considering where I found this.
Masahiro started to sweat nervously.
— And what about it? It wasn't the suitcase on the floor as I stated before? That means my testimony is accurate.
Phoenix shook his head negatively and looked at his client.
— Unfortunately, that's not the case, Mr. Masahiro. You claimed the following statement: "If I'm not mistaken, I probably rid under the bed". That means you clearly doesn't have an idea of where Mr. Hanamura medicine was, and you lied to cover that fact. That said, I believe you still hiding something.
— And considering your odd behavior, I wouldn't find improbable for you lying again. That said, I do hope you can become clear in your testimony, otherwise that will compromise your actual situation. — Sae said.
Masahiro only nodded and the Judge looked at him.
— Mr. Masahiro. Please refrain from giving false testimony, otherwise that will compromise your actual situation.
— Yes, your Honor.
— That said, please can you tell what truly happened during your dinner with Mr. Hanamura?
— Yes. — Masahiro sighed and started his testimony. — As I have said before, the victim and I had dinner in his room at the Marche Hotel. Him and I were discussing the smuggling ring Masayoshi Shido had built. We were having a calm conversation when he suddenly stood up and started to suffocate. He tried to breathe without success until he fell to the ground. I tried to resurrect him, but without avail...
Masahiro ended his testimony and Phoenix and Sae looked at him speechlessly. After some time, the Judge hit his gavel.
— It seems that is all the testimony we'll have from Mr. Masahiro. That said, Mr. Wright, do you still want to proceed with your cross-examination?
Phoenix closed his eyes and thought for a moment.
"Everything will change depending on what choice I will take now. If I chose to proceed, Sae will give me the battle of my life. If choose not to, that might be a problem and Mr. Masahiro might be found guilty. That said… What will I choose?"
Phoenix pondered for a moment before he opened his eyes and looked at the Judge.
— Your Honor, I will proceed with the cross examination. We need to cheek every single aspect of this case before we reach a verdict.
The Judge pondered and nodded affirmatively.
— Very well. The defense can proceed with the cross-examination.
Phoenix looked at the Masahiro and he nodded as he started to repeat his testimony.
— As I have said before, the victim and I had dinner in his room at the Marche Hotel.
— Hold it! — Phoenix shouted. — You two had dinner at room 782, correct?
— Yes. That was his room.
"Hm… Should I press further? Probably yes."
— About this room…
— Objection! — Sae shouted. — I'm sorry, Mr. Wright, but that line of questioning is irrelevant. You should know well the question of preference of the victim towards his room is irrelevant at this point.
— Objection sustained. Mr. Wright, please think carefully before you start your questioning.
— Yes, your Honor.
— Now then, let's proceed with the testimony.
— Him and I were discussing the smuggling ring Masayoshi Shido had built.
— Hold it! That discursion was about his mayor plan to take the Prime Minister seat, correct?
— That's accurate. Shido was a great strategist, I need to concede to that. He managed to forge his path smoothly like no one and especially to almost escape without any suspicions towards him. If it wasn't for the Phantom Thieves…
— I see… Well…
Phoenix took a deep breath, thinking in how to proceed.
— Mr. Masahiro, can you tell me more about some details of Shido's scheme to archive the Prime Minister position?
— Of course. Shido was a brilliant strategist, but he wasn't the most popular politician. In order to ascend fast in this path, you need to stand out in a way that surpass the others. Shido knew about the corruption in our system, which not only embarrass me to even admit, but it shames me we still struggling with such problem even nowadays. Our society still needs to learn about the valor of our youth and of change properly.
— I understand.
— That said, Shido always had an eye on everything that may be useful. That led him to find a very specific research. Ms. Niijima, if I may…
— Since that's connected to him, you may. Please proceed with your testimony.
— Thank you. As I said Shido found the research of a brilliant man called Takuto Maruki. He developed the Cognitive Psience Research of Alteration of Perception, a line of research that affect the perception of a person's view of reality. That in the right hands could have change our society to better. Unfortunately, Shido found that research. Convincing the head of the committee, Shido managed to abrupt the research development, and terminated it, stealing everything in the process.
The crowd commented about the new revelation in a havoc mumbling as the Judge pounded his gavel to restore the order.
— So, in other words, Shido used this research for his own evil personal gain. — The Judge stated.
— That's correct. That said, Shido gave the team of researchers anonymously Maruki's original research to be completed. During that time, his subordinate and minion, Goro Akechi managed to somehow harness that knowledge and became his most important pawn. Thanks for that, Shido plan developed faster as he predicted. However, few people of the research team noticed that and tried to create countermeasures, but Akechi killed them.
— I'm sorry, but he managed to do that and get out of the radar?
— Those Psychotic Breakdowns and Mental Shutdowns incidents that plagued my country. It's easier to make a person became insane if you have the way and the knowledge. Trust me, your Honor, I saw one of them happening personally and there was no way to detect that happening beforehand, unless if the person causing it knows the exact time.
More whispering could be heard from the crowd, and Phoenix, Mia and Sae did their best to ignore it.
— So, in other words...
Masahiro gave a wry smirk.
— Do you never wondered why Goro Akechi's fame skyrocketed in less three years? Different from Mrs. Narukami, he knew how to use the incidents he caused it at his favor since he was the major perpetrator. And besides she did her job since childhood.
— Mrs... Narukami...? — The Judge asked confused.
— Naoto Narukami, formerly Naoto Shirogane, wife of Yu Narukami. She was the first Detective Prince, since she hid her true gender during that time to work on the cases. — Sae said.
— It seems in some countries; we humankind haven't progressed at all in the matter of mindset. — The Judge commented with dismay. — Now back to the original topic, the Psychotic Breakdowns and Mental Shutdowns incidents was caused by Mr. Akechi, right? How did you managed to get this information?
Masahiro tensed as he took a deep breath.
— Your Honor, aside from contacting Maruki-san himself, I had this info given to me by the prosecutor in charge in the investigation of those incidents.
— And who'll be?
— Me, your Honor. I, Sae Niijima, before I assumed the position of leader of the SIU.
The crowd went down and started to argue as the Judge pound his gavel several times to calm everyone down.
— Order! I will have the order! — The Judge shouted furiously. — Ms. Niijima, why you told us sooner?!
— As it was stated before, we didn't know Shido's minions were behind this, so in other words disclosure such information about that case it will be irrelevant. Plus, even if that was somehow related, we needed to assure the connection in firsthand. Seeing our defendant suffered a life threat and Mr. Honda tried to replace him ASAP, there's no need to withhold that information anymore. — Sae replied.
— It makes sense.
— More than makes sense, your Honor. If we drag any mention of Shido and his accomplices before finding a solid connection, we might've faced an unexpected problem we couldn't solve. And probably we wouldn't be at trial today. Considering how desperate they were to kill Mr. Masahiro; I wouldn't doubt they might try several attempts towards our lives. — Phoenix said.
The Judge sighed heavily.
— Honestly, I need to agree once again. Please Mr. Masahiro, proceed with your testimony.
Masahiro nodded and he resumed to tell his testimony.
— We were having a calm conversation when he suddenly stood up and started to suffocate. He tried to breathe without success until he fell to the ground. I tried to resurrect him, but without avail...
— Hold it!
Phoenix closed his eyes and started to formulate his approach, then he noticed something.
— Mr. Masahiro... You and Mr. Hanamura drank the wine during the conversation, yes?
— Yes, but since it was a conversation about our investigation, we didn't drank much. If I recall correctly, we drank after he finished his meal.
— Hum...
Sae stood silent as she simply looked at Phoenix, understanding his line of thought.
— Mr. Masahiro, during that time, did you open the wine bottle?
— No. Hanamura was the one to open it.
Sae sighed.
— I wish I could say you put the peanut powder inside his glass, however that's not possible, since traces were find mixed in the wine.
— Which means there's a contradiction. — Phoenix announced.
— A contradiction!? How!? — The Judge shouted.
Sae looked at the Judge in disbelief and Phoenix and Mia gave the woman a sympathetic smile.
— Yes. I have evidence to corroborate my claim.
Phoenix showed the wine bottle.
— Here my evidence.
— The wine bottle…?
"Are this Judge that stupid!?" Sae thought.
Fortunately, Phoenix gave a quick smirk to her for her despair.
"No wonder this juridical system is awful as ours. They're screwed as well."
— Yes. Your Honor, you must remember the fact the bottle has been analyzed, correct?
— Yes, and what about it?
Phoenix resisted the urge to sigh in frustration and Sae smiled at him, nodding to him to continue.
— The analysis results indicate there is traces of peanut powder inside the bottle.
— Peanut powder? — Mia asked confused.
— Yes. Somehow, that matches with the updated autopsy report.
Mia checked the evidence from the Court Report, and she frowned once she understood what was happening.
— So, in other words...
— A third party might has made this.
The audience started to chatter as the Judge hit his gavel.
— Order! Order! So, that's the defense theory.
— For now...
— Objection! — Sae shouted. — Except there's no grounds for that aside from the wine bottle. If we're going towards that line of thought, we can also raise the possibility Mr. Masahiro hired someone to add the peanut powder and to rearrange the crime scene.
— Objection! — Phoenix shouted. — If that's the case, then the defense demands to check Mr. Masahiro financial movements. All of them. Including from his associates.
Sae closed her eyes.
— That's might be not possible, considering he's under investigation now and interrupting that process…
Instead of yelp, Phoenix only sighed.
— I see... Considering in how delicate the situation is, that evidence might be pointless... However, there was a chance that might now being his doing.
— How so? Considering the actual situation, all the facts points Mr. Masahiro as the culprit of this. Care to elaborate how that's not possible? — Sae asked.
Phoenix took a deep breath, and he knew what he needed to do.
— The question isn't only how, but when as well.
— When?
Phoenix shook his head in affirmation as he kept remembering the many factors around the case, as he consulted his notepad.
— Yes. Let's rewind and start from the beginning once again. Mr. Masahiro and Mr. Hanamura were having a business dinner, then Mr. Hanamura had an allergic reaction and died in consequence of that. Even though that might be Mr. Masahiro doing, the timing was far from perfect, considering the fact of Mr. Masahiro arrest and aftermath events.
— His sudden exoneration and the assassination attempts. There's no way of that being planned beforehand, even to create an image of a man who were pursed by the corrupted ones. That alone will raise more suspicious than acting low. — Sae said.
— Yes. And that's creates a problem to our situation. Considering the outcome of Mr. Masahiro life at this point, his situation is quite problematic, considering the fact he suffered so many life attempts before and considering the recent attack towards him, I dare to say, they are trying to pin the crime on him and get rid of him soon as they can to incriminate him even more. Although there one thing that doesn't make any sense to me. Considering all the work to pin the crime on him, why they are trying so hard to kill him, since once he gets arrested and if he was found guilty, he'll be good as dead, as least his political life. — Phoenix said.
— That said, that raises the actual question: If it wasn't Mr. Masahiro, then who was it?
The court's audience started mumbling as the Judge closed his eyes.
— I hate to say that, but it seems we've come to another impasse. As much both defense and prosecution has raised their points, it seems we are still lacking the necessary evidence. That said, I demand both prosecution and defense to work together to find the solution for his riddles. Ms. Niijima.
— Yes, your Honor? — Sae asked.
— You have proved your valor in court, and thus, you conducted this trial with mastery. That said, I urge you to be careful in your investigation. Considering how many attempts the defendant had suffered, you may be their next target.
— I'm aware of that and I've already taken the countermeasures for that.
— Very well. Mr. Wright.
— Yes, your Honor? — Phoenix replied.
— The same applies to you as well. Be careful during your investigation, did I make myself clear?
— Yes, your Honor.
— Very well. The trial will be postponed for now. Tomorrow will be the last day of proceedings. Good luck for both sides. The court is adjourned.
And the Judge pounded his gavel, finalizing the proceeding for the day.