(Scene: Kanazawa, Year: 2016, Time: Almost midnight)

The serene setting of a January evening in Kanazawa, Japan, the streets were blanketed in mid-snow, and the atmosphere was chilled. Despite the late hour, activity buzzed along with the ongoing exchanges and trading in business stations and convenience stores. Amidst all this, a young boy named Kavei, donned in a white apron over a green turtleneck and black trousers, made his way through the streets towards a 24-hour convenience store in the center of it all.

Kavei entered the quaint little store, the sound of the bell chiming above the door announcing his arrival. The scent of freshly baked bread and a hint of vanilla wafted through the air. The store was a cozy place, filled with wooden shelves neatly stocked with various goods, from fresh produce to homemade jams.

From behind the counter, Shiraka appeared, her head popping up like a jack-in-the-box. She had been crouched down, diligently arranging items on the lower shelves. Hearing the bell, she stood up immediately, her face breaking into a bright, cheerful smile upon seeing Kavei.

"Kavei! What brings you here today?" Shiraka asked, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and warmth.

"I came here to buy some milk," Kavei replied, his voice carrying a friendly yet nonchalant tone. He glanced around the store, taking in the familiar surroundings. It was a place he frequented often, not just for the quality goods, but for the comforting presence of Shiraka. She was the guise that felt more homely than his abode.

"Oh! Are you making sweets today?" Shiraka guessed, her eyes narrowing playfully as she leaned forward on the counter, trying to deduce his intentions. "Pancakes, perhaps?"

Kavei chuckled, a soft, genuine sound. She was more than just the store clerk to him; she was like a sister, someone he could rely on and trust.

Kavei's brief smile disappeared, and his face shifted to a more neutral expression. "No, not pancakes. It's for some cats I met yesterday," he said, his tone casual.

"Cats?" Shiraka repeated, a note of surprise in her voice. She turned and rummaged through the crates behind her, searching for packets of milk.

Shiraka had always seen Kavei as someone who rarely smiled, a boy with a stern exterior. Yet, she always knew that beneath his guarded demeanor, there was a child longing to break free from the cruelties it has suffered at a young age.

"Yeah, just one packet will do," Kavei said, watching as she gathered several packets. Shiraka, realizing her overzealousness, smiled sheepishly and handed him a single packet.

As she did, her eyes fell on an ID card hanging around Kavei's neck. "Why do you have that?" she asked, curiosity piqued.

"Oh, it's mandatory to wear ID cards to enter the restaurant I work in," Kavei explained nonchalantly.

Shiraka's eyes widened in shock. "You work...? Kavei, you're barely thirteen!" she exclaimed, her concern evident as she banged her hands on the counter, the milk packets in her hand scattering on the floor. "How did they let you work? You shouldn't be working at your age!"

Kavei shrugged, seemingly unbothered by her reaction. "It's just a part-time job. And I faked the IDs if you are worried about that."

Hearing Kavei confess brought a rush of anger and bitterness to Shiraka. "What the hell, Kavei! Why did you have to go that far?" she exclaimed, her voice rising with frustration.

Kavei remained calm, meeting her gaze steadily. "You don't need to worry. And anyway, they do think I'm fifteen."

"But Kavei-"

"I'll be shifting places and this job soon enough," he interjected, his tone firm.

Shiraka found herself at a loss for words, a common occurrence for her. She wanted to argue, to convince him of the dangers and the possible folly of his actions, but something in his demeanor always made it impossible. Persuading Kavei was a quest Shiraka was never able to complete.

With a sigh of resignation, Shiraka turned to the register and rang up his purchase. The familiar beeps of the scanner felt oddly out of place in the charged atmosphere between them. Kavei handed her the money, and she processed the transaction in silence. She had voiced her thoughts, but Kavei was unyielding, and that frustrated her.

Kavei took the milk and headed for the door. Shiraka knew she couldn't just let him leave, and so with her mounting frustration, she finally managed to say. "Just take care of yourself, okay?" her voice softer now - helplessness.

"You should take care, too. It's midnight. Why don't you quit this job and work at the restaurant I'm working at?" Kavei suggested.

"Really? I can do that?" Shiraka's eyes widened with surprise.

"Of course. It's your choice. I can drop you off at home as well," Kavei offered.

"Aw, then I'll visit this restaurant," Shiraka agreed with a grin.

Although Shiraka was firmly against Kavei working at such a young age, she found solace in knowing that she could at least be there to support him in other ways. That eased her frustration quite quickly, or perhaps this was Kavei's doing.

"Kavei," Shiraka called out, just as he was about to step out the door. "Mom misses making strawberry shortcakes for you."

A fleeting, almost imperceptible smile crossed Kavei's lips, but his face quickly returned to its usual stoic expression. "Haha, yeah," he began as he turned around, his voice softening. "I miss her baking, too."

Shiraka's eyes softened. "You should come home sometime. She would be very happy to have you."

Kavei hesitated for a moment, his gaze distant as if lost in a memory. "Yeah, I'll try," he replied.

With a final exchange of goodbyes, Kavei turned and left the convenience store. The bell above the door chimed softly, its gentle sound lingering in the air long after he had gone. Shiraka watched him disappear down the street via the glass door.

As she returned to her duties, Shiraka couldn't help but think about the boy who had grown up too fast, burdened with responsibilities that should never have been his to bear. She hoped that one day, Kavei would find the peace and happiness he deserved.

Kavei followed the familiar path to where he had encountered the stray cats. Kavei crouched down and poured a little milk into his hands from the packet. As he called out to them, a small, white feline with dark spots emerged, eagerly lapping up the milk he offered. Kavei smiled as the cat affectionately rubbed against his leg.

He scanned the area for any sign of the cat's friends. Seeing none, he sighed and tore open another milk packet. Holding it out, he watched as the cat eagerly lapped up the milk again, finishing the entirety in no time.

Kavei gently ruffled the cat's head, a rare moment of softness in his otherwise guarded demeanor. He then washed his hands with the little bottle that had emerged from his pockets. Just as he was about to get up, a faint, disturbing sound echoed from a nearby alley. His curiosity piqued, Kavei stood up instantly and followed the noise, his steps quickening as he sought its source, the cat mewing behind him.

He navigated the narrow, shadowy alley, his eyes darting around for any sign of what might have caused the sound. When he reached the end of the alley, he found nothing. The space was empty, save for a few scattered trash cans and the usual urban debris. Puzzled, Kavei looked around again, hoping to uncover the source of the noise.

Despite waiting and straining his ears, the sound did not recur, leaving Kavei feeling both frustrated and defeated. He hated being left curious, the unanswered questions gnawing at his mind. Whenever he felt something amiss, he wouldn't rest until he'd uncovered the truth. That was who he was. With a resigned sigh, he turned around and retraced his steps back to where he had left the cat.

By the time he returned, the cat was gone. Kavei scanned the area once more, but there was no sign of the feline. Accepting the situation, he decided it was time to head home.

Walking back, his thoughts lingered on the strange sound. It sounded like it came from a person. Maybe a muffled yell or a forced scream. He knew it would nag at him, a small, unresolved puzzle in the back of his mind. But as of the moment, what choice did he have? He looked but found nothing, and staying out late would garner more attention towards him than he'd like.

Upon reaching his apartment building, Kavei was surprised to find Shiraka waiting outside, her expression tense with worry as she peeped into the house via the peephole. Sensing the footsteps approaching her, she immediately turned around and, seeing Kavei, a rush of relief washed over her.

"Kavei - Kun. I saw the police just now. They were heading for the street you had mentioned," Shiraka explained, her voice trembling slightly as she grabbed him by the shoulders.

"Hm?" Kavei's brows furrowed as he processed her words. It wasn't worry or concern. It was excitement that lined his face, which Shiraka managed to miss.

"Where you feed the cats," Shiraka clarified, "I was worried about you because you were headed there!"

"Oh. There was just one today," Kavei replied.

"That's not the point. I saw police," Shiraka insisted, her worry palpable.

Kavei nodded and turned abruptly. Then, without warning, he began sprinting towards where Shiraka had mentioned. Caught off guard, Shiraka hesitated for a split second before she, too, broke into a run. "Kavei, slow down!" she called after him as she waved her hands in the air, but her words fell on deaf ears.

Kavei navigated the winding streets, his feet pounding against the pavement as he made his way towards the scene. By the time he arrived, he was slightly out of breath. Shiraka, panting and gasping for air, caught up with him moments later, bending down with her hands on her knees as she tried to steady her breathing.

Before them was a crowd of onlookers, gathered around a police team and their patrol cars. The flashing lights of the vehicles cast an eerie glow over the scene. Inspector Senzaki, the most renowned inspector in Tokyo, stood at the center, discussing something intently with his subordinates.

And then, as if on cue, Senzaki's sharp eyes landed on Kavei. A knowing smile crept across the inspector's face. "You follow where they come, don't you?" he said, his tone light but carrying a hint of admiration.

Kavei smirked in response, stepping forward with a confident air. "Couldn't resist," he replied, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of the chase. The chase he could never ignore.

Shiraka, still catching her breath, watched the exchange, frustration knitting her brows. She knew this side of Kavei all too well. When a mystery presented itself, he was irresistibly drawn to it, like a moth to a flame. There was a case at hand, and Kavei, being who he was, would never pass up the chance to uncover the truth. And she. Absolutely hated this. The dangers that came with such involvement were undeniable, but when had she ever won an argument with him?

Inspector Senzaki gestured for Kavei to come closer as his subordinate bowed and left the two of them, clearly welcoming his involvement. "We could use your insight on this one," he said.

Kavei nodded, his expression serious as he joined the inspector. Shiraka followed closely, her worry for Kavei mingling with anger. Her fists clenched on either side. She knew that once he set his mind to something, there was no stopping him. All she could do was stand by his side and watch.

Senzaki began explaining the situation to Kavei with a grim expression. "This man right here," he said, pointing to a frail, middle-aged man standing among the crowd. The man had a gaunt face, marked by deep-set eyes that carried a haunted look. His thinning hair was disheveled, and his clothes hung loosely on his bony frame, indicating a life of hardship. He clutched his coat tightly around him, as if seeking comfort from the fabric upon the scrutiny.

"Heard a strange noise as he was walking across the street," Senzaki continued. "Since he was scared, he ignored it, but then shortly after, he heard another loud noise. This time, he decided to check it out."

Kavei's eyes followed Senzaki's gesture towards the dense forest behind them. There, partially obscured by the trees, lay a woman against a tree trunk. Her beautiful white strapless dress was now stained with blood, a stark contrast to her pale, lifeless skin. Her delicate features, well-known to many, were frozen in an expression of terror. She was an actress, her face gracing numerous billboards and screens across Tokyo. Her once-vibrant eyes were now vacant, and her elegantly styled hair was tousled, adding to the tragic scene.

"He found her," Senzaki said, his voice heavy as he referred to the dead body.

Kavei recognized the woman immediately as he nodded. She was the renowned actress, Shaza Yozo Hailey, a household name in Tokyo. There wasn't a single person in the city who didn't know her face. As he scanned the area, Kavei quickly took in the details, mentally cataloging every piece of evidence.

Senzaki then stepped aside and nodded at Kavei. A cue to continue from there. Kavei stepped forward towards the body, his focus razor-sharp. Senzaki watched him, a sense of relief washing over him. He knew that with Kavei on the case, the mystery would likely be unraveled by tonight. Senzaki gestured to his officers, instructing them to completely secure the area and ensure that no one left.

Senzaki then turned his attention to Shiraka, who stood nearby, watching Kavei, her fists trembling with anger. "You are his friend, I presume?" he asked, his tone curious.

Shiraka straightened, trying to maintain a formal demeanor in front of the inspector. "Hello, sir. Yes, I am Kavei-I mean, Niram-kun's friend," she corrected herself, using a more formal address.

*note: Shiraka shifted from saying Kavei to Niram-kun, for using the prefix "Kun" with someone's surname is considered more appropriate while conversing with someone older or holding a significant influence.*

Senzaki chuckled lightly. "Well, if you are anything like him, then you are trouble too," he said in jest.

Shiraka shook her head slightly, a nervous smile on her face. "I'm absolutely terrified of these things... well, like anyone would be," she admitted, glancing around at the grim sea of faces.

Senzaki nodded, his expression softening. "It's natural to feel that way. Not everyone has the stomach for this line of work," he said kindly. "But your friend, Niram-kun, seems to have a knack for it. I've seen few as sharp and determined as him."

Shiraka looked over at Kavei, who was now closely examining the area around Hailey's body, his eyes scanning for any minute detail that might offer a clue.

As Kavei worked, the crowd of onlookers grew restless, whispering among themselves.

"The world has gone down, I must say. How is a little boy allowed in the crime scene otherwise?"

"You tell me. This is no time to be playing house."

"Maybe they are putting up an act, and this was never the case at all? What if there are cameras and Hailey is just acting?"

"Oh, don't you know the kid? My children say he helps the police often than we can count. Apparently, he is smart."

"And what? He is a kid. This is not a comic book."

Kavei blocked out the murmurs, focusing solely on the work before him.

He crouched down, his eyes meticulously examining the ground around the body. He noticed that the grass surrounding the area was completely clean of blood, which struck him as odd. In contrast, the tree trunk behind Shaza was stained with a significant amount of blood. Normally, when someone is shot from a distance, blood splatters around the scene. Conversely, a close-range shot typically results in a higher concentration of blood around the body itself. Yet, here, there was hardly any blood near her body.

His gaze shifted to the leaves scattered in Shaza's hair. They were stained with blood, too. Kavei stood up slowly, dusting off his pants. With one hand in his pocket and the other thoughtfully under his chin, he turned to scan the road.

As his eyes roved over the surroundings, they suddenly lit with the light of a new theory.

"So, if we find the weapon, we can find the criminal, right?" Kavei inquired in the air, but it had managed to reach the right person.

"Definitely. But that's the problem. There is no going around this. We don't know if the weapon has the fingerprints at all," Inspector Senzaki explained, his tone grave as he turned to look at the boy who wasn't even looking up at all, eyes fixed on the road.

Kavei then nodded to himself and turned away from the road. He glanced back at the body lying in front of the tree. Inspector Senzaki followed his gaze, curiosity flickering in his eyes. Before Senzaki could pose any questions, Kavei pivoted swiftly on his heels and walked purposefully back towards Shaza Yozo Hailey's body.

Minutes ticked by in tense silence as the onlookers watched with varying degrees of skepticism and curiosity. "This is insane. A young kid like him can't do anything about this. He has been going around for a while now," they whispered. "Hailey has actually died. It is not acting. Why doesn't the inspector just stop him? What are we supposed to do? Wait until the kid himself cries and says he found nothing? Of course he didn't!"

Despite the murmurs, Kavei remained focused, his mind locked onto the details surrounding Shaza's death. He ignored the skeptical gazes and critical whispers. This wasn't the first time he had heard them, anyway. His thoughts raced through the evidence he had observed: the peculiar distribution of blood, the lack of spatter on the ground, and the leaves in her hair.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of contemplation, Kavei's face broke into a smirk of satisfaction. "Solved," he announced confidently, his voice cutting through the hushed murmurs of the crowd.

Senzaki and Shiraka exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and anticipation. Senzaki approached Kavei, his interest piqued. "What do you have, Niram-kun?" he asked.

"It was simple indeed, Inspector Senzaki," Kavei declared, his voice carrying a note of confidence as he approached the crowd, a sense of purpose radiating from him as he addressed them. "Look under your feet, all of you," he instructed calmly.

Curious murmurs spread through the onlookers as they followed Kavei's directive, peering down at the dark asphalt beneath them. They weren't obliged to, but did it out of curiosity anyway. Confusion furrowed their brows as they found nothing out of the ordinary - just the regular road surface. Inspector Senzaki, however, squinted his eyes, his gaze intensifying as he studied the ground beneath him. And then it hit him - dried blood stains, faint but unmistakable, trailed across the road as far as he could see.

Senzaki's realization was swift and profound. How had he missed such a crucial piece of evidence? The growing night was the answer. And the fact that the investigation hadn't begun completely before Kavei had arrived. But regardless, Kavei had found something crucial. He glanced up at Kavei, who stood quietly amidst the crowd. It was clear to Senzaki now - Kavei's sharp observation skills were not to be underestimated.

"You see it?" Kavei asked calmly, breaking the silence. Senzaki nodded, a sigh escaping his lips.

"Miss Hailey wasn't shot near the tree at all," Kavei continued, his voice steady and confident. "She was shot here, on the road." He pointed to the dried blood stains, evidence of violence. "She sustained two gunshots, judging by the bullet wounds on her chest and the amount of dried blood here."

"So, how does the tree trunk have stains all over it?" Kavei mused aloud. He crouched down on the road, examining the blood stains. His fingers hovered over the dried patches, being careful not to touch them.

Kavei then stood up again, his voice steady and almost authoritative as he continued to unravel the mystery surrounding Shaza Yozo Hailey's death. "The blood stains here on the road are dried, while those on the tree trunk are almost fresh," he stated calmly.

Kavei then returned to Shaza's body and crouched down beside it. "She has two bullet wounds and one stab wound," Kavei announced, his tone matter-of-fact. The declaration stunned Inspector Senzaki slightly, which he managed not to colour on his face. They hadn't called in the medical team yet, but upon closer inspection, they could only discern two visible wounds.

"What? What are you saying?" Senzaki questioned. Shiraka stood nearby, her attention fully captured by the unfolding exchange.

"Inspector, this is the first wound," Kavei explained, pointing to the torn section of Shaza's dress around her waist, where a hole indicated the entry point of a bullet that had never left her body. "And this is the second wound," he continued, moving his finger towards the bullet wound on her chest. Senzaki nodded in acknowledgment, recalling his initial observations aligning with Kavei's findings.

"Since there are both back splatter and forward splatter on the road, it's clear there was a gunshot involved." Kavei paused, his gaze fixing on Senzaki with an indecipherable expression. "But, Inspector, are you certain both wounds are only bullet wounds?"

Senzaki's expression turned thoughtful as he processed Kavei's question. In certain cases, it was possible to have a wound disguised as another to fake a statement. Most criminals who knew what they were doing had this backup plan. Of course, the medical team would decode such a falony, but it would give them enough time to possibly run away or stay hidden for longer.

"There is an arterial injury indicated by the extensive blood splatter on the road," Kavei began, his voice calm. "Miss Hailey managed to remain conscious even after the initial gunshot. She fought to stay alive, maybe to get answers from her attacker. The motive behind her murder." He then pointed towards Hailey's right wrist, directing everyone's attention.

"Here, you can see a purple mark," Kavei continued. "There are similar marks around her neck, and her nails have minute flecks of skin embedded in them, along with light traces of blood. These indicate that she fought back, likely scratching her assailant, possibly on his chest, a common defense instinct by women."

Kavei's gaze shifted to meet Senzaki's as he remained crouched beside the body. "The assailant retaliated," Kavei explained. "He shot her again as they approached this tree, which explains the fresh blood splatter on the trunk."

Senzaki listened intently, his brow furrowing in contemplation. "But, Kavei," he began, his tone questioning. "What do you make of the dry blood stains here on the road and the fresh stains on the tree?"

Kavei tilted his head slightly, considering the question thoughtfully. "It's simple, Senzaki sir," he replied, his tone matter-of-fact. "The stains on her fingertips are fresher compared to those on the street, indicating that she attacked her assailant sometime after being shot."

"I see," Senzaki nodded slowly. "That's a plausible theory."

"But," Kavei continued, his expression serious as he pointed out another detail, "there are defensive wounds above and below the gunshot wound on her chest."

"These lines that seem like defensive wounds to the eyes, rather. These are not defensive marks. It's a stab wound, over a gunshot wound," Kavei concluded calmly, his voice carrying a weight of certainty that caught even Inspector Senzaki off guard. The revelation sparked a ripple of murmurs among the onlookers, who exchanged glances at the complexity of Kavei's deduction. Was it normal to have such a detailed criminal on the loose?

Senzaki, his mind racing with questions, focused on the immediate concern his mind had conjured. "So then why is there no blood on the grass?" Senzaki inquired, directing the query to Kavei, who remained poised beside the body.

"Yes, there is no blood on the grass," Kavei acknowledged, his tone thoughtful. "But there are blood stains on the leaves around her." He gestured towards the nearby foliage, prompting Senzaki to step forward with a flashlight to examine the scene more closely. It was indeed the truth.

Kavei resumed his analysis. "Look at her left hand now," he continued, his voice steady. "It's clutching her purse tightly, almost as if she had resigned herself to death. The attempt a person makes when they know nothing can stop what is happening, and accepting is the way to go. Yet, the skin feckles in her fingers suggest she fought to live. So why this?"

The crowd listened, the complexity of Kavei's deductions weighing heavily on their minds. Kavei had this unbreakable habit of prompting a question towards the crowd and then answering it as if this were a talk show. Only Senzaki remained attentive, absorbing every word.

"Look at her lips," Kavei pointed out, his tone shifting slightly. "They are curled up in a faint smile." He paused, allowing the significance of this observation to sink in before elaborating. "What I'm trying to say is, when the killer revealed themselves, Miss Hailey seemed to accept her fate. She recognized her assailant, knew the reason for her death."

Senzaki mulled over Kavei's theory. It was maybe a possibility, but assuming a theory like this from such details was something only Kavei would and could do. "And her right hand," Kavei continued, drawing Senzaki's attention once more. "Her index finger is pointing outward, while the other fingers are curled in a close fist."

Senzaki nodded, but he wasn't sure yet. Not sure of what Kavei was trying to discern from all this. " So I ask again, if we find the weapon," Kavei began, turning his face up to look at Senzaki, "we could identify the killer immediately?"

"Yes," Senzaki affirmed.

Kavei's smirk held a trace of satisfaction. "Then follow where her finger is pointing," he stated confidently. "It's a marking," he echoed.

Senzaki nodded in acknowledgment. The placing of the finger was indeed odd, and if what Kavei was implying was indeed true, then it would do them best not to waste time. Without hesitation, he directed his team to follow Kavei's lead, moving swiftly to search the area where Shaza Yozo Hailey's index finger pointed outward from her right hand.

The investigators gathered around, with careful steps, and they traced the direction indicated by Shaza's finger, scouring the surroundings for any clues or evidence.

Under the beam of their flashlights, the search intensified, every shadow scrutinized, every object inspected for potential significance. Kavei remained close by, his eyes scanning the area along with them and their lights. And then he saw it. The tree was in direct line with the direction that Hailey's finger was pointing.

"That one. Try knocking on it," Kavei said, pointing at the tree.

Following Kavei's instructions, one of the officers knocked on the trunk of the tree despite his skepticism, and to his surprise, a hollow sound reverberated through the air. Such a sound could mean certain things. Either there was a gap in the sap in the tree, or it had a space carved within it.

"Sir! There is something off about this tree!" The officer mentioned waving his hand at Senzaki, who was standing next to Kavei, hands folded in front of his chest.

"What do you suggest we do?" Senzaki asked Kavei as he glanced down slightly at the boy next to him. "Try pulling the surface of the trunk up. Like a bamboo box." Kavei replied, hands resting in his pockets now.

Senzaki scoffed as he shook his head. "Pull up the trunk surface like a bamboo box."

The officer nodded and, as instructed, he held the trunk surface, trying to uncover beneath it, like a pull-up door. That was all it took. The trunk surface slid up. They uncovered a hidden compartment within the tree, revealing the damning evidence they had been seeking - a gun and a pair of gloves. The officer lifted the evidence and held it up in the air for the inspector to see.

"Well done, Kavei, well done," Senzaki praised, his voice carrying a tone of genuine admiration as he smiled almost eerily. Kavei nodded in acknowledgment, his expression calm yet inwardly pleased. He was accustomed to Senzaki's reaction - a display of approval that validated his efforts and insights.

"Well, you should check whether my speculations are correct. I just formulated a theory based on the evidence I observed-" Kavei began, attempting to downplay his role in the investigation.

"No, no, no," Senzaki interjected firmly, shaking his head with a smile. "You didn't just formulate a theory, Kavei. You basically slapped the evidence directly in our hands. Your deductions were spot on. Kavei, you absolute genius," he exclaimed, his chuckle returning as he spoke.

Kavei couldn't help but smile at Senzaki's praise, the smile that gathered back quickly, into hiding. "Haha, thanks," he replied modestly, his gaze flickering towards the gathered crowd.

As night descended over Tokyo, the crime scene slowly emptied out, with police officers ensuring the safety of bystanders and securing the gathered evidence.

"Shall we escort you?" Senzaki offered courteously.

"Sure. I hate walking at night, or at any time of the day," Kavei admitted with a hint of playfulness, his demeanor relaxed.

Senzaki chuckled softly. "You never hesitate, do you?" he remarked as they walked towards the waiting police vehicle.

Kavei simply shrugged nonchalantly, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "Heh. Inspector, I have one more request," he said suddenly, his voice taking on a more serious undertone.

Senzaki arched an eyebrow. "What is it?" he inquired, turning his attention fully to the young detective.

"I want to visit the person who gets arrested," Kavei stated firmly.

The inspector hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by Kavei's unexpected request. "Pardon?" he responded, momentarily taken aback by the boy's boldness. He knew about Kavei's relentless pursuit of truth. But accepting a dangerous demand was still a line of air, too poisonous to breathe in.

"I want to visit his place alone first," Kavei clarified, his tone unwavering and resolute. "Can I do that?"

Senzaki weighed the risks and implications of granting Kavei's request. Kavei worked on a wavelength of instincts; he knew that, yet his hesitation spoke louder than his admiration.

"Well, it's risky," Senzaki admitted reluctantly.

Undeterred by the inspector's hesitation, Kavei maintained his stance. "You should know me by now, Inspector Senzaki," he remarked with a small, knowing smile. Risks came with thrill. That was Kavei's motto.

After a moment of contemplation, Senzaki nodded solemnly. "If you insist," he conceded finally. "But why do you wish to do so?" he asked.

"Just because," Kavei replied cryptically.