Case NOT Closed

Kensuke squinted, observing the scene in front of him.

Conan’s demeanor was completely different from before.

It was the first time he had spoken so much, and the first time he was nearly losing control of his emotions in front of Kensuke.

“Kudo…”

Even Hattori Heiji, standing nearby, was stunned.

He even forgot to cover up Conan’s real name.

“I see.”

Kensuke’s lips curled into a slight smile.

So, this is the steadfast value that this little brat has always held.

Very good, he now thoroughly understood the weakness in Conan’s shield.

It had to be said, Conan’s words, tinged with personal feelings, were quite compelling. If an ordinary person heard them, they might be moved.

But unfortunately, this tactic would never work on someone who walk on the dark side of thing like Kensuke.

Thus, Kensuke responded in a mocking tone.

“So what? You pity those who were killed, and you do your best to find their murderer, then you use your so-called reasoning to identify the person you believe to be the culprit of the case, right?”

“Yes, is there a problem with that?”

Conan looked Kensuke straight in the eyes.

Kensuke’s lips curled up: “Then, have you ever considered that if your reasoning is wrong, you would unjustly accuse an innocent person? Wouldn’t you be sending an innocent person to jail for nothing? When that happens, on what grounds would you claim to uphold justice?”

Conan didn’t speak.

The question Kensuke posed was very simple.

But it’s one he had only considered once or twice before, when he just started his life as a detective.

It’s not because he’s cruel, or bad, it’s just because from his past record, his deduction has never been wrong before.

“That is simply not possible, I always make sure my reasoning is absolutely correct before making any culprit claim!”

Conan waved his hand resolutely.

“Because there is only one truth!”

“Hmm, you sure love that word, don’t you.”

Kensuke smiled as he looked at him.

“Forgive my lack of tact, but you are simply an arrogant and laughable brat. You proclaim yourself as justice, constantly talking about maintaining order, yet you place your own values above true order and stubbornly refuse to admit your mistakes. I can say with certainty that you are the most annoying kid I have ever met.”

“There is nothing to forgive, I also think you are the most detestable human I have ever met.”

Conan replied coldly.

“If someone kills, they should atone for it instead of evading responsibility. I will never understand people like you who defend murderers.”

“Heh, money makes the world move, kid, beside, a kid who knows nothing about the law talking about atonement, you sure you don’t want to become a comedian instead? That’s the best joke I’ve heard of.”

Kensuke chuckled softly.

“Do you even know what ‘crime’ is? Anyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Guilt is not for you to determine, but for the court, the judicial system that represents order.”

Kensuke extended a finger and wagged it lightly in front of Conan.

“Remember, you can’t represent any order. You can only represent yourself. Your ‘truth’ is worthless before the law.”

“……”

Conan didn’t respond, instead, he just stared at Kensuke, before letting out a tired sigh.

“Heiji, let’s go.”

He shook his head and walked towards the door.

Heiji Hattori was momentarily stunned but quickly followed.

“We are leaving already? weren’t we here to dig deeper about the lady’s motivation for murder?”

“It’s useless with that guy around.”

“What are you afraid of? There’s no one here. Watch me beat him up!”

“Don’t do anything stupid, we are detectives, not thugs, I hate him, but that’s no reason to harm him, and furthermore, if you hit him, the chance of you getting sued is high.”

“Uh…”

Heiji Hattori scratched his head, recalling the time when Conan was sued by Kensuke.

Conan had suffered greatly then, and after returning, he had been scolded by Mouri for quite some time.

If it hadn’t been for Ran protecting him, he might have been kicked out and need to bunk on Professor Agasa house.

“Lawyers like him are simply the worst…”

Heiji muttered, glancing back at Kensuke.

His opponent still wore that infuriating signature smile, looking like he deserved a punch.

Heiji gritted his teeth. He couldn’t end up like Conan; if he really got taken to court, his father, Heizo Hattori, would give him a severe scolding. After all, if word got out, it would affect the reputation of the Osaka Police Department.

After the two left, Kensuke shrugged.

“Those two brats never do anything proper. I just don’t understand, if they really want to bring criminals to justice, the first thing they need to learn is the law, not on how to spot a criminal from a list of suspects.”

“Well, actually, I think Conan made a pretty good point just now.”

Natsuki Koshimizu, who had been silent for a while, spoke up.

Kensuke turned to look at her, one eyebrow rising: “Koshimizu-san, you’re not planning to switch sides at this point, are you?”

“Not at all, you’re overthinking it.” Natsuki Koshimizu smiled, “I just agreed with what Conan said. but I never said I would give up the defense.”

“That’s good.”

Kensuke nodded.

After that, Kensuke and Natsuki discussed the details of the afternoon trial.

Kensuke instructed her to follow his plan precisely, as it would give her the best chance to be acquitted.

After finishing their discussion, Kensuke left the detention center and returned to his office.

At that moment, in the office, Ai Haibara was still lying on the sofa, looking like she could sleep forever.

“Did becoming a child make your sleep habits like a child’s too?”

Kensuke raised an eyebrow, walked over, and yanked the blanket off her.

“Give me back my blanket!”

Ai glared at him with tired eyes, snatching the blanket back and wrapping herself in it again.

“This is all your fault. I work late every night. What’s wrong with sleeping in a bit?”

Kensuke rolled his eyes. “What do you mean it’s my fault? You haven’t had any work recently. You stay up late playing on your phone.”

Ignoring Kensuke, Ai lay back down to continue her nap.

Kensuke shook his head.

Fine, whatever. Ai couldn’t go to court anyway; he could handle it himself. Besides, it wasn’t safe for her to be out and about, especially in places with lots of reporters and cameras like the courthouse. If she got photographed too often, it might draw the attention of the Black Organization.

With that thought, Kensuke stopped bothering her and started organizing his files, preparing for the afternoon trial.

Soon, it was noon.

After lunch, he checked the time, grabbed his briefcase, and dressed neatly, ready to head to the Tokyo District Court for the defense.

“There’s anpan and self-heating rice on the table. Eat something if you get hungry.”

He gave Ai a final reminder before leaving.

Still lying on the sofa, Ai didn’t respond verbally, just waved an arm to show she heard him.

“Honestly, rather than having an employee, it’s more like I’m babysitting a kid.” Kensuke muttered, then walked out the office door.