Shiinamachi-senpai's Safe Day:Volume 1 Chapter 2 B-Part

Chapter 2 B-Part - Murder and Gift

■Search Results for "gift":

• An outstanding talent. A unique and distinctive power. Excellent talent.
• 0 search results.
• Someone possessing a special ability that is beyond human.

"Seriously, Kuhou, do you have some kind of gift… a special ability perhaps?"

Next, let's fast forward back to the next day after the incident.

After finishing summer supplementary lesson in the morning with Fujisato, it was the lunch break so we went to the student cafeteria to have lunch. The cafeteria was more deserted than usual today and Kuhou was already waiting there for us.

I said hi and after a brief chat--

I instantly asked upfront.

"Oh I see, then let's discuss it for a bit."

After answering that, Kuhou made a "hmm…" sound and entered deep thought.

Sitting next to her, Fujisato was smiling cheerfully. She most likely thought that this was a continuation of the eighth grade syndrome conversation. If that were actually the case, I would feel much better.

"Yeah. Also, did you use that ability last night to kill other people effortlessly without hindrance?"

"Indeed, last night… I don't have an alibi."

Kuhou admitted very readily… No wait, she was simply following the discussion I had opened up.

"But Monjirou-senpai, what evidence is there to prove that I did it?"

Originally eating her chicken and egg rice bowl with great enjoyment, she pursed her lips to make a fearless smile with chopsticks raised.

That smile suited her face far too well. Everything matched the proper airs of my underclassman's warrior style.

"Wow, Nagi, you really look so authentic!"

"Kendo is a type of martial arts that places great emphasis on form. Putting on airs like a swordsman is necessary to intimidate the opponent, thereby obtaining powerful strength. It is necessary to challenge the opponent while maintaining thoughts of 'I am a swordsman with outstanding ability, I will kill the enemy'."

"Ehehe, I see! I've always thought that kendo required keeping your mind free of random thoughts then attacking with a mighty shout."

"Of course, that's one method, but… Oh well, no matter what, victory is decided by instantaneous exchanges. Hence… I was thinking, if I actually possessed one of those gifts or superpowers mentioned by Senpai, it'd be so much easier."

"Kuhou, this is totally unexpected. So this kind of underhanded idea has crossed your mind too?"

"Senpai, I don't think there's anything underhanded about gifts and abilities. If you possess that kind of power since birth, or you acquired it through hard work and training, then it counts as part of the possessor's special characteristics. How should I put this? It's like having sharp eyesight, keen hearing, good looks or a strong body… etc. The possessor is supposed to produce an excellent performance in areas where these abilities can be used in the first place."

I see. That point of view is quite honest and upfront.

I've always disliked applying the killing skills I've trained since early childhood to martial arts or sports, which was why I studied my ass off, finally becoming a library monitor. But in Kuhou's view, the right way would be to make good use of abilities that had been cultivated in the process of growing up.

"So, Senpai, what kind of gift do you think I possess? If possible, I wish to be like Fujisato-senpai, to have a cute face and charm like an idol. If that could come true, I'd surely feel very happy."

"Eh? I-I don't have that kind of ability, okay!?"

Fujisato frantically waved her hands. That motion was definitely too cute. I see. For her to be able to perform this action naturally without calculation beforehand, this would count as a talent akin to a gift, right?

"Let me see… How about hovering in midair, for example?"

Possessing such an ability would allow the culprit to go up and down the stairs silently.

"Using an ability to hover in midair to kill people… If it was a murder in a locked room mystery, then this ability can be used with footprints to provide misdirection… or something like that?"

"If you can fly, then isn't it better to just take the victim to a high altitude then drop them? The deceased would have fallen to their death from the air where there was nothing! …This kind of situation would pose even more of a headache for detectives, right?"

"Wow, your idea is so vicious, Fujisato-senpai, who could have guessed from the way you look?"

"I-It's very vicious?"

Putting aside the content of their conversation, watching these two girls smiling at each other, I felt that this was truly a relaxing lunch break… However, I still decided to keep these two of my friends on the suspect list for now.

Last night, Shiki had said to me:

'Monjirou, could you try and think, is there anyone you know who were still out and about last night?'

At the time, the ones who surfaced in my mind were Fujisato working at the convenience store and Kuhou who had just left school.

Hence, I immediately listed both of them as suspects, however--

"Suppose I didn't have the ability to hover in midair but some other gift, what kind of gift would I have?"

Kuhou seemed quite engaged in the subject I brought up, how unexpected.

Like me, she was also one of the library monitors and also knew about Shiinamachi-senpai's room upstairs, and even had a key as well. In that sense, she was the most likely suspect, however… To think that she would get so into this topic of conversation, I really can't understand if she really knows what I'm talking about or if she's actually just an airhead?

"I think Nagi seems to have a way to do all kinds of things!"

Indeed, the warrior's aura exuded from her made me feel that it wouldn't be surprising if she had learned killing techniques. She gave off that impression even more than me.

"Hmm… For example, Kuhou could have been trained to prevent herself from making any sound when walking… Something like that?"

For a professional killer and master of martial arts, eliminating the sound of one's footsteps was a very important skill. If you ask me which question was the real one, I'd have to say this was the true answer that I wanted to find out. Since she is a highly accomplished expert in kendo, I naturally suspected if she was able to climb those stairs without making a sound.

"Does that count as a gift? Well true, if a gift can refer to a special skill acquired through training, describing it that way might be right. Kendo practitioners like me must use our legs, so there's always some sound from friction."

"Eliminating the sound of footsteps… This skill sounds so plain."

Both girls' opinions were very reasonable. As for hearing Fujisato rate this skill as "so plain", it really made me, someone who had learned this skill through dedicated hard work, feel a little lamenting.

"However, Senpai's choice of words makes me feel like you're indirectly trying to identify the culprit in a murder case."

Kuhou narrowed her slender and clear eyes, the corner of her lips curling up.

I felt like I was being seen right through.

"Actually, that's totally correct. Last night, Shiinamachi-senpai was murdered."

"Eh? I just met her in the library?"

Yes. Because even though she was killed, she still managed to survive.

"I met Senpai this morning too. Senpai was still laid back as always."

So Kuhou saw Senpai too? Then if the culprit was one of these two girls, then she would already know that last night's murder ended in failure.

But the culprit would already know they had failed to kill me as soon as they met me. Suppose the culprit deliberately concealed the shock in their heart and talked to me as though nothing had happened, then all I can say was that these two girls' acting skills are too good.

Perhaps this was a perfect example of what my sister said about 'every woman is an actress and talented at telling lies.'

"I get it. Senpai was chatting with Shiinamachi-senpai last night about this… like studying detective novels? Or something like mental puzzles? It's true, that clock tower does seem like a suitable place to use for this kind of subject."

What an excellent underclassman, smart and quick on the uptake, she immediately interpreted the meaning behind my words from different angles.

"Exactly. Something similar to a game, we're going to figure out who Senpai's murderer is."

I knew that this method was very dangerous but in reality, something even more dangerous had already happened so I had no choice but to do this.

"Eh, yesterday… Monjirou, you went to Shiinamachi-senpai's room last night?"

Fujisato's cheeks went red. The direction of her deductions seems to be a bit different.

No, actually, this was how a normal high schooler was supposed to react.

"Shiinamachi-senpai would regularly hold stayover parties. Monjirou-senpai and I have taken part together in the past, but Senpai was the only boy there that time. He was all alone in a corner and looked very lonely."

"It's very embarrassing for a boy to be holding a pajamas party with a group of girls!"

I commented on that gathering last time, causing Fujisato to giggle and smile.

"That's natural, Monjirou. It's to be expected since you're such a serious person after all. In that kind of situation, you can act a bit shameless towards the girls and hassle them, you know?"

"Yeah… But I didn't have the chance back then."

Thinking back, the girls were all chatting so excitedly together, I totally had no way of inserting myself into their conversation topics and was at a total loss what to do. Later on, Kuhou finally couldn't stand to watch and came over to chat with me about martial arts for a while.

I was lucky to have Kuhou taking care of me back then. And now, to think I was suspecting her, that might be kind of rude.

"Apart from Shiinamachi-senpai, who else was there last night?"

After all, Senpai and I were a mixed-gender pair at the height of puberty. Normal people wouldn't think that we'd be alone together.

"There was an underclassman, a first year called Yatono Shiki…"

"Eh? Yatono-san went as well?"

Fujisato reacted to the name.

"What's the matter? Is she your friend?"

"No, but I've always felt that Yatono-san… probably doesn't have many friends. She feels like a solitary scientist. But she does have many fans!"

Solitary. Fans.

Shiki, I never knew that you could be the source of such rumors and even had fans!

Her type of detachment from the mundane world and mysterious airs definitely would attract certain types of fans.

"Then the three of you started playing a detective game? I see."

This really sounded like something Kuhou would say. If she really were the culprit then her ability to play dumb was truly extraordinary.

Precisely because she always looked like a girl whose actions and internal thoughts were consistent and upfront, I would find it very difficult to believe if she said she was actually a terrifying killer or was fine with killing Shiinamachi-senpai and me.

In terms of skills and ability, she should be able to do it. However, she was pretty good friends with me and Shiinamachi-senpai. To be more precise, I really didn't want to believe that she would do something like that.

"What did you chat about? Are you trying to verify how Shiinamachi-senpai was killed?"

"Yeah… Pretty much. Next, everything I say will be just hypothetical, okay? So…"

I recounted the facts from last night in a manner like telling a fictional story.

I took a deep breath briefly then pushed my vanity glasses.

"Let me think…"

Omitting the bathroom event, I then told Kuhou and Fujisato everything I had seen and heard last night in a storytelling manner with as much detail as possible.

I explained the circumstances encountered as well as Shiinamachi-senpai's death then brought up my own death.

Then I told them how Senpai, Shiki and I tried to deduce the culprit's thinking and actions.

Of course, I didn't mention that Shiinamachi-senpai was a Nightkin nor the fact that Shiki belonged to a certain organization. Last time when I said I was a killer, Fujisato had already expressed her view in a smiling, dismissing manner.

"So, do you two want to join in on this deductive game?"

"It really does seem impossible without possessing some special ability. So that's why you brought up flying and eliminating the sound of footsteps just now, Senpai?"

"Oh~ So while I was working, you guys were discussing something so interesting! I really want to join in too!"

Actually, if Fujisato saw that scene, I'm guessing she'll most likely faint.

After all, when Shiki arrived at the scene, the room was actually still in the state of a crime scene.

"So with that, the most suspicious… Oh I see. Senpai met me in front of the school last night, so naturally, I'm the most likely suspect. I finally understand what you're trying to say, Senpai."

"Eh, Nagi and Monjirou… You met each other last night…?"

Fujisato's cheeks turned red again. It looked like her mind was always filled with thoughts about romance.

"On my way to the school, I happened to run into Kuhou was about to go home."

"Regrettably, Monjirou-senpai and I don't have any special relationship."

So Kuhou felt that regretful about that? I couldn't help but feel a bit happy.

Although our friendship wasn't particularly deep, I've always felt happy interacting with her. After all, during that lonely pajamas party, she took initiative to chat and accompany me.

"Okay, then let's organize the facts of the whole event. Very clearly, I am the most suspicious person. Not only do I possess a key to the library monitors' office, but I am also well-versed in martial arts and possess a bladed instrument of a certain weight. I am also quite short which matches the 'figure' Shiinamachi-senpai witnessed. The timeframe of meeting Monjirou-senpai by chance also overlaps with the timing of the events."

Kuhou openly admitted that she was the prime suspect.

"As for Fujisato-senpai, there's totally no grounds for suspicion. When the crime happened, Fujisato-senpai was working at the convenience store and this can be checked just by asking the store manager. If Fujisato-senpai did it, then it's only possible through deceptions like having an identical twin."

"Twins huh… That might be kind of fun it were true! After all, I'm an only child…"

Even if Fujisato really had a twin, it was very unlikely for her to be the killer. Besides, there's still the footsteps issue.

"But if I'm the real culprit as the prime suspect, in that case… That'd be way too lame."

"Right. In detective novels, if the prime suspect turns out to be the culprit, it'll feel too boring."

Just based on considerations of fun, then the two of them were right. Fujisato and I both agreed with Kuhou.

Not only that. Even if Kuhou followed me closely after seeing me, then the sounds of the key opening the lock and the wooden staircase still presented problems.

Of course, these details only presented difficulties under the prior assumption that the culprit committed the crime using ordinary means. If the culprit had used a special power, then all bets were off for physical phenomena. The gifts received by the vassals of Nightkin were apparently divided into many different types, which was why it was possible to have rather special powers like immortality.

"If the story revolves around Monjirou-senpai, then what other characters appear?"

"Oh, hmm, pretty much that's it."

This was a game established under the assumption of "hypothetically" hence Kuhou seemed to be treating it purely as a thinking game, immersing herself into this discussion topic.

On the other hand, Fujisato was a good listener no matter what the topic so she too had happily accepted the story.

If I hadn't gotten stabbed to death for real, perhaps I'd enjoy the conversation even more than them.

"Monjirou-senpai, according to commonly seen methods of misdirection, the most suspicious person should be the character who died in the beginning. In other words, Shiinamachi-senpai, right?"

"Oh, I've heard of that one too! Someone who is thought to have died first often turns out to be the culprit, right? This setup is pretty famous!"

Like Fujisato, I knew that this type of setup often appeared in detective novels.

Because the first victim's identity was unknown, who they were could only be guessed from their clothing but everything turns out to be different from what everyone thought. If that's the case, the initially discovered dead person must disguise themselves as another character then proceed to act separately from the other characters.

But this incident was different. When I rushed onto the scene, Shiinamachi-senpai was the deceased and in the end, she also survived. Just as she said, "if today weren't a safe day, it would've been dangerous."

In other words, although Senpai did not die, in fact she really did encounter an incident sufficient to cause death.

"I think that Monjirou-senpai's should be suspected more."

"Hmm? Me?"

"Oh I get it! You're referring to stories where the protagonist is the culprit, right!?"

"Yes. If the mystery is narrated from first person, then the reader needs to pay extra attention. As the protagonist, 'he' can arbitrarily fabricate what he saw, heard and felt. Deceptions like 'this is what really happened at the time' or something like that."

Indeed, in the story, I'm very suspicious too and could be the killer.

I was both able to open the door to the building's entrance and had accepted Shiinamachi-senpai's invitation.

Then I took out a sword to stab her in the chest.

All actions after that were faked.

But based on pre-established reality, this was totally impossible. After I was stabbed to death, Shiinamachi-senpai had apparently… turned me immortal and resurrected me. If I really were the culprit, it would be impossible explain what actually happened during that blank period in my consciousness.

"After you, the most suspicious person should be that 'Shiki-san'."

Kuhou had probably prepared this answer from the start? Hence she was ranking each character in terms of suspiciousness.

"She is the only character in the story who has knowledge on everyone's movements. For example, when killing Shiinamachi-senpai, she should have a key to open the door if she normally frequents Senpai's room. Also, if she already knew that Monjirou-senpai was going to visit Shiinamachi-senpai's room, she could easily hide somewhere in the room, like in the washroom for example. After seeing Senpai in a panic from discovering Shiinamachi-senpai's corpse, all she had to do was kill Senpai from behind. Then she could leisurely stroll down the stairs and return to the computer lab, then visit Shiinamachi-senpai's room again, thus legitimately becoming the person who discovers the dead victims."

After listening to Kuhou's idea, it really seemed like Shiki was the most suspicious person in the incident.

Indeed. The culprit had no need to hide behind the clock's faceplate to wait for my appearance at all.

If Shiki knew I was coming and had decided beforehand that I must be killed, all she needed to do was wait inside the room. Even with a ton of blood splashed over her from the victims, she didn't need to care at all. After all, she always used Senpai's bathroom anyway, so surely she must have a change of clothes prepared there already.

"Does Shiki-san match the figure Shiinamachi-senpai saw? Is Shiki-san tall?"

"No, she's quite short, actually."

I see… Hmm, thanks to treating it as a thinking game, otherwise, we totally could not possibly know that the deceased Shiinamachi-senpai had seen a "petite figure". The dead tell no tales was supposed to be the case. Having become corpses, the testimony of Shiinamachi-senpai and me were totally meaningless under normal conditions.

It's just that on this occasion, Shiinamachi-senpai happened to survive and I was fortunately resurrected.

Hence, that was how the current situation arose.

"Anyway, if the number one suspect is me, then I'll say that 'Shiki-san' is the real culprit. Monjirou-senpai, does this hypothesis work?"

Kuhou smiled cheerfully while offering her conclusion to the game.

Indeed, her hypothesis was feasible, so…

All I could do was feel impressed and nod, expressing agreement.

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

As a result, after summer supplementary lessons finished, I made my way to the computer lab.

If what Shiinamachi-senpai said was correct, Shiki should be staying in the computer lab caretaker's room.

Students could only enter that caretaker's room from inside the computer lab.

Not only that, normally, only teachers were allowed into the caretaker's room. Apparently, even members of the computer club weren't allowed inside either. Based on this fact, Shiki must possess quite astounding authority to be able to stay in the caretaker's room all day long.

"Excuse me for the intrusion."

I knocked and opened the door to the computer lab. Originally staring at the computer screens, the computer club members immediately turned their gazes towards me, like looking at something rare. I really wasn't used to being the center of so many people's attention.

To keep calm under everyone's gaze, I swiftly pushed up my vanity glasses.

"Could someone call Shiki for me?"

As soon as I explained my purpose here, the door in the depths of the room opened.

"Monjirou, I've been waiting a long time for you. Please come in."

Shiki poked her face out and waved to me.

"Let's do improper things together."

Shuffle shuffle!

The boys in the computer all stood up and stared at me with terrifying eyes.

"Shiki, could you give me a break? People will misunderstand if you put it like that."

"Based on my deductions, this method of seduction can elicit goodwill from all males. Anyway, please enter my room."

Shiki swiftly withdrew her face back inside, hence I had no choice but to enter the computer lab reluctantly.

Next, while feeling everyone's glares on me concretely, I passed by the lectern in front and walked to the caretaker's room's door in the depths of the room. Shiki was waiting for me there.

"This is my first time allowing a boy into the room."

Glare!

I could feel even stronger gazes.

I see. Possessing professional killing skills, I understood. These people were even more serious than I thought.

They truly wanted to murder me with their gazes. Shiki really did have a lot of fans after all.

In that sense… I couldn't help but feel sorry for them. I, too, harboured feelings of admiration for Senpai in the same student organization, so I understood how they felt as fans of Shiki.

"Sorry, Shiki and I don't have that kind of relationship."

I tried to say that to them whereas Shiki pouted slightly. Perhaps she wanted to protest. But right now, it was more important to clear up everyone's misunderstanding.

"So, Monjirou, hurry inside. Let's do some 'good things' in the room."

If I left her alone, Shiki was surely going to keep saying redundant things.

"Yes yes yes, got it. I'm coming in. Please have mercy on me."

Hence, I frantically escaped into the caretaker's room.

This management room was quite cool inside and very dark as well. A large device was placed near the entrance, probably what people call the base unit. That machine was giving off robotic fan noises that resounded throughout the room. Apart from that, there were documents, bookshelves and a desk. This room really looked like it was equipped with the functions of a management room.

But unlike Shiinamachi-senpai's room, this did not look like it was Shiki's personal bedroom.

"Over here, please."

In the far end of the room, there was an independent space delineated by a long curtain. Shiki was waving at me from there. That was probably Shiki's personal space. It felt like a separate room had been forcibly split off from the room.

"I've heard that boys would always search for a girl's intimate apparel when entering her room. I give you permission to do that."

"Sorry, I don't have that kind of special fetish, so I won't get excited about underwear that's worn-out from laundry and not being worn on the body."

After all, I've got a sister back home and sometimes our clothes get hung out to dry at the same time. My sister feels a little embarrassed to some extent but I don't particularly mind so my sister didn't raise any objections.

"I see. Then I will update my notes."

"I've heard that some people get extremely excited after knowing that an article of clothing had been worn by a certain person. I think this might be the difference of imagination."

"You are right. Then I will update my information as: Monjirou is only interested in underwear that's being worn on the body."

"Perhaps."

"Thank you for the lesson."

I think I'm getting gradually used to her indifferent tone of voice. While thinking that, I walked over to the other side of the heavy curtain.

Little did I expect that this was the true data center.

A large number of computer screens were executing some kind of unknown program while a number of giant boxes were producing intense fan noises. Most astounding of all, there were three keyboards set up here respectively on the front, right and left sides. Every keyboard differed in shape and looked like they each had their own uses. Even the mouse on the side was studded with large number of buttons.

Behind the chair was a simple one-person bed. Hanging on the back wall was a set of school uniform and four lab coats. In this dark, personal space, apart from sleeping, all activities could be accomplished from just the seat. It really felt like a computer expert's exclusive zone.

"Are you amazed?"

"It feels like a super hacker's room."

"But actually, all I need is this device."

Shiki took out a slightly large smartphone from the front pocket of her uniform.

"So… These computers are for sending data to the smartphone, or for processing certain data for the smartphone?"

"Nope."

"What do you mean?"

"All these decorations in the room were prepared for appearances only."

This felt like an environment where amazing programmers or day traders might work! I never expected that it was just set up for appearances.

"This room's setup started with form and appearance. After acquiring it all, I discovered that it's all unnecessary."

"Sigh, perhaps you're right…"

In this world, even if you downsize things that you originally considered essential, in the end, you can still complete the task somehow.

"So, Monjirou, could you lie on the bed?"

The mattress was memory foam while there was a thick comforter and towel blanket on top as part of the bedding. Everything was a clean blue color without exception, giving a cold impression. In my private imagination, I thought a girl's bed should be softer instead.

"Excuse me."

That being said, as soon as I recalled that this was the bed Shiki usually slept in, I couldn't help but feel my heart rate rise a little.

"I know that you find this bed a bit narrow and not that suited for pinning down a girl to have your way with her. But don't let that worry you. Please directly act out the desires in your heart."

"I'd prefer not to hear that from a girl."

"True. Then I will take care not to hurry you before the fact from now on."

I really got the impression that this girl loved provoking others in this area way too much.

But upon a closer look, I could see faint pinkness surfacing on her face.

Perhaps she was actually unexpectedly embarrassed.

"As for drinks, which would you like? There's coffee, black tea, oolong tea and Avocado Spark."

"What's that Avo… whatever?"

"You dare to choose it? What a brave man you are."

I can't believe she thought that I already decided on that drink.

Shiki opened a small fridge next to a base unit and took out a green can.

Avocado Spark!

The can itself was printed with a vigorous logo and an illustration evocative of an avocado. The splashing pattern was especially memorable. Just like that, Shiki handed me this beverage of indeterminate taste.

Hmm, at least from first impressions, this was probably a carbonated soft drink.

"Please do share your thoughts after drinking it."

"You've never tried it?"

"Nope, because this seems like a seasonal product. So, please enjoy."

Thus, I was forced to drink it without a choice.

In that case, no helping it. I pulled the ring and brought my lips to the can.

A smell similar to leaves, difficult to describe, rushed into my nasal cavity. At the very least, I concluded that I probably wouldn't want to drink this kind of beverage if I was looking for a refreshing feeling.

I took a small sip. Hmm~ How should I describe it? It seemed a bit sweet and sour at the same time, a bit slimy and a little fizzy. I was stuck in a strange feeling of "do avocados taste like this?"

"…What a weird taste…"

"Just as I predicted."

Where the heck did she get her hands on such a strange drink? As expected, avocados were not suited for making into drinks, they're more tasty in salads or eaten with a hamburger. This canned drink made me confirm this fact once again.

"So, how did proper business go?"

I think she was asking about the results from my conversation with Fujisato and Kuhou, so I sat up straight.

Holding that can of Avocado Spark in my hands, I mentally organized the information I had heard earlier. Although I didn't want to drink more of this beverage, I didn't want to throw it away immediately.

"I asked them honestly all kinds of questions. It felt like both of them are innocent. Especially Fujisato, she has an alibi and her responses were especially natural, so I don't think she's related to this case at all."

I really can't believe that I was saying the words "has an alibi."

Then another thought popped up: this really did feel like playing a detective game.

"What about Kuhou Nagi?"

"She participated in the whole conversation with great enthusiasm. In that sense, if she really is the culprit, then she's way too proactive. Not only that, she even helped me organize the facts."

After doing so much hypothesizing, I'd really jump in fright if she turned around and say 'but actually, I'm the culprit.' Hence, I also believed that she seemed to be innocent.

"So that's her attitude. I get it."

Shiki kept nodding.

Her bangs covered both her eyes so I couldn't read her face at all. So what exactly was Shiki thinking? What did she think of the entire affair? I had no idea at all.

"Any other clues?"

"Lemme think…"

I felt a bit troubled, unsure whether I should report this to Shiki.

I gathered information as carefully as I could, but as an expert information-gatherer, Shiki probably understood more than me, so I decided to disclose everything to her without reservation.

"According to Kuhou, she thinks you're the most suspicious."

"Indeed that is true."

Shiki's voice seemed to be giving off a slightly delighted sense of excitement.

"After hearing her say that, I found it logical too. Indeed, if you're the culprit, Shiki, then even without using a gift, I think you still seem to be able to do all of it."

"True."

She was accepting the idea extremely calmly, causing me to think 'could it really be her…"?

But this was most likely Shiki's characteristic messing with others.

I totally had no idea who was right. Under such conditions, I once again concluded that I wasn't cut out to be a detective.

I really hoped that Shiki could take the detective's role, but unfortunately, the most suited person was also the most suspicious person at the moment.

And the one who pointed that out was also the prime suspect as well.

Should I believe in Shiki or Kuhou…? That's what the situation now felt like.

"In other words, no matter who the culprit, as long as they possess a Gift, then it would make it more likely for them to be able to achieve the crime committed."

Shiki raised a finger and began to give her opinion.

"If the culprit didn't use a Gift to achieve their goal, then I am the prime suspect. In hindsight, this is a most natural conclusion, isn't that right?"

"According to Kuhou, that's how it is. Oh my, I'd feel so much happier if the culprit turns out to be a totally unrelated third person…"

"Why?"

"Because I want to get along with everyone peacefully!"

I voiced my feelings honestly, causing Shiki's mouth to open slightly in an O-shape.

Was what I said that weird?

I believe that it should be very logical…

"Monjirou, you are really an amusing person. After talking to you, I've concluded that I was right in deciding to take an interest in you. Introducing you to Kaguya was definitely worth it."

Seeing Shiki acting in a way I've never seen before, I really didn't understand why she would introduce me to Shiinamachi-senpai.

"Until a few years ago, you were simply brought up with the goal of becoming a killing machine. But right now, you have become this plain and ordinary… four-eyed boy with 'an average high schooler's perspective'. It's because you're that kind of person that…"

To think she knew that much about my background… It really impressed upon me: she possesses a "special power."

"Because you are that kind of person, that's why I found you very 'amusing' and developed an interest in you."

"…Shiki…?"

Just at this moment--

I suddenly felt my vision go seemingly dark, bit by bit, and the world before my eyes growing distorted.

"I'd really like to know, how far you can go, ultimately."

The world began to spin nonstop.

Shiki also seemed to have noticed my abnormal state. She shoved my lightly.

Instantly, unable to resist, I fell back on the bed.

What the heck… What's going on?

"Yes, I really would like to test out everything about you."

Next, Shiki laid herself on my body. Having lost all my strength, I totally unable to resist.

Lying on my immobile body, Shiki examined my face from close range.

At this moment, I saw it.

Her other eye was shining with golden light.

Possessing one blue and one golden eye, Shiki smiled faintly.

I could feel a sense of beauty contrary to reality, so beautiful that it made one shudder. I felt myself shivering from the bottom of my heart--Was this what people called terror?

"Monjirou."

Shiki touched my face with her ice-cold hands.

Thanks to that icy feeling, I was barely able to retain my consciousness.

The can of Avocado Spark fell on the ground with a clong. Even in my hazy consciousness, I finally realized--

I was drugged.

In other words, some kind of drug had been mixed into that weird juice.

"According to my judgment, Kaguya has accepted you with equally favorable impressions. I find that most agreeable."

Shiki's face was getting closer and closer to me.

That shining golden eye kept approaching me.

That color and luster made me recall a certain kind of entity transcending human intelligence.

Inside there was even a kind of magical power, enough to ensnare human hearts.

Compared to my past, this girl was even more terrifying.

Just looking at that eye, it made my body instinctively reach this kind of conclusion.

Precisely because of that, this girl normally kept that eye covered. If one kept staring into that golden eye, it felt like one's soul would be taken in the end, even to the point of no return.

Although my consciousness was slipping away gradually, I still had to ask in confirmation:

"Shiki, are… you… the culprit…?"

I spoke in fragments, unable to say the entire question normally. Also, I could no longer maintain my remaining consciousness.

"Sakuradamon Jirou, go to sleep like this."

Then Shiki urged me with an unprecedentedly sweet voice.

--In that manner, I totally lost consciousness.

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