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

In the serene setting of a January evening in Kanazawa, Japan, the streets were blanketed in snow, and the atmosphere was chilled. Despite the late hour, activity buzzed along with the ongoing exchanges and trading amidst the dark skies. Amidst this backdrop, a young boy named Kavei emerged, donned in a white apron over a green turtleneck and black trousers, making his way through the streets towards a 24-hour convenience store.

Kavei entered the quaint little store, the familiar 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, wrapping him in a warm, welcoming embrace. 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, the kind of warmth that always made Kavei feel at home.

"I came here to buy some milk," Kavei replied, his voice carrying a friendly 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.

"Oh! You are making sweets today?" Shiraka guessed, her eyes narrowing playfully as she tried to deduce his intentions. "Pancakes, perhaps?"

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

Kavei smiled briefly before 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 sensed that beneath his guarded demeanor, there was a child longing to break free, to experience the world with a carefree spirit.

"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. "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 that he had faked his ID 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 a mix of frustration and concern.

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

"But Kavei-"

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

Shiraka found herself at a loss for words, a rare occurrence for her. She wanted to argue, to convince him of the dangers and the folly of his actions, but something in his demeanor made it impossible. There was a quiet determination about him, an aura that seemed to repel any attempt at persuasion.

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, her mind racing with thoughts and worries she couldn't voice.

As Kavei took the milk and headed for the door, Shiraka's frustration simmered beneath the surface. "Just take care of yourself, okay?" she finally managed to say, her voice softer now, tinged with 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 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.

"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 with a mix of nostalgia and hope. "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, his tone noncommittal but sincere.

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, her heart heavy with a mixture of concern and affection.

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, and until then, she would always be there, ready to support him in any way she could.

Outside, Kavei followed the familiar path to where he had encountered the stray cats. 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, a brief moment of connection in the quiet night.

Kavei crouched down, scanning the area for any sign of the cat's friends. Seeing none, he sighed and tore open the milk packet. Holding it out, he watched as the cat eagerly lapped up the milk, finishing the entire packet in no time.

Kavei gently ruffled the cat's head, a rare moment of softness in his otherwise guarded demeanor. Just as he was about to get up, a faint, disturbing sound echoed from a nearby alley. His curiosity piqued, Kavei followed the noise, his steps quickening as he sought its source.

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 amiss. The space was empty, save for a few scattered trash cans and the usual urban debris. Puzzled, Kavei looked around, hoping to uncover the source of the noise.

Despite waiting and straining his ears, the sound did not reoccur, leaving Kavei feeling both frustrated and defeated. He hated being left curious, the unanswered questions gnawing at his mind. 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.

As he walked back, his thoughts lingered on the strange sound and the mystery of the alley. He knew it would nag at him, a small, unresolved puzzle in the back of his mind. For now, though, he focused on the path ahead, the comfort of home beckoning him forward.

Upon reaching his apartment building, Kavei was surprised to find Shiraka waiting outside, her expression tense with worry. Without hesitation, she informed him of the police presence near where he had been feeding the cats as he has told her, her concern evident in her voice.

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

"Hm?" Kavei's brows furrowed in concern as he processed her words.

"Where you feed the cats," Shiraka clarified, her eyes pleading for him to understand the gravity of the situation.

"Oh. There was just one today," Kavei replied, trying to downplay the significance of the encounter.

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

Hearing all of it, Kavei turned abruptly and, without warning, 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, but her words fell on deaf ears.

Kavei navigated the winding streets with practiced ease, 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, but his determination remained unshaken. 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. His presence commanded attention and respect.

As Senzaki's sharp eyes scanned the crowd, they 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.

Shiraka, still catching her breath, watched the exchange with a mix of exasperation and resignation. 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.

Inspector Senzaki gestured for Kavei to come closer, 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 a grudging acceptance. 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 support him in any way she could.

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.

"This man 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. The weight of the situation hung in the air, pressing down on everyone present.

Kavei recognized the woman immediately. 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.

He then 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 with a mix of concern and admiration. "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 Kavei's more formal name.

*note: Shiraka shifted from saying Kavei to Niram-kun for using the prefix "Kun" with someone's surname is considered more appropriate to use 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, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

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 scene.

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. She admired his dedication, even though it often led him into dangerous situations.

As Kavei worked, the crowd of onlookers grew restless, whispering among themselves. The presence of a famous actress's body added a sense of urgency and gravity to the scene. Kavei blocked out the murmurs, focusing solely on the evidence before him.

Kavei 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, indicating that blood had fallen from above. 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. His mind raced through the possibilities, piecing together the scene with an almost preternatural intuition.

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

"So, if we find the weapon we can find the criminal, right?" Kavei inquired, his mind racing with possibilities.

"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 him.

With a determined look on his face, Kavei turned away from the road and glanced back at the scene before him. 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. Some murmured among themselves, questioning why an esteemed inspector like Senzaki would entertain the deductions of a young boy in such a serious matter. "Why is an inspector of his caliber letting a little boy play detective here?" they whispered. "This is no game. Someone has actually died."

Despite the murmurs, Kavei remained focused, his mind locked onto the details surrounding Shaza's death. He ignored the skeptical gazes and critical whispers. His thoughts raced through the evidence he had observed: the peculiar distribution of blood, the lack of spatter on the ground, and the telltale signs on 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 crime scene.

Kavei stood amidst the growing 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. Confusion furrowed their brows as they found nothing out of the ordinary - just the ordinary 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? He glanced up at Kavei, who stood quietly amidst the crowd, watching with a knowing look. 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 in acknowledgment, a sigh escaping his lips. Kavei had once again proven himself as a keen observer, noticing details that others had overlooked.

"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 a violent struggle and a tragic end. "She sustained two gunshot wounds, judging by the bullet wounds on her chest and the amount of dried blood here."

The crowd murmured in surprise and realization, absorbing Kavei's deductions. The theory began to take shape in their minds, guided by Kavei's astute reasoning. Senzaki moved closer, his curiosity piqued.

"So, how does the tree trunk have stains all over it?" Kavei mused aloud, his mind already racing through the possibilities. He crouched down on the road, examining the blood stains more closely. His fingers hovered over the dried patches, tracing the trajectory of events in his mind.

Senzaki pondered the question, considering the implications of Kavei's observations.

Kavei stood amidst the gathered crowd, his voice steady and 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, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for any subtle clues.

He returned to Shaza's body and crouched down beside it, his movements precise and deliberate. "She has two bullet wounds and one stab wound," Kavei announced, his tone matter-of-fact. The declaration stunned Inspector Senzaki, who had been closely observing the scene. 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, his brow furrowed in confusion and intrigue. 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. "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 continued, his mind piecing together the sequence of events. He paused, his gaze fixing on Senzaki with a probing intensity. "But, Inspector, are you certain both wounds are only bullet wounds?"

Senzaki's expression turned thoughtful as he processed Kavei's question. His words carried a weight of authority and insight as he addressed Inspector Senzaki and the gathered onlookers.

"There is an arterial injury indicated by the extensive blood splatter on the road," Kavei began, his voice calm yet commanding. "Miss Hailey managed to remain conscious even after the initial gunshot. She fought to stay alive, perhaps to seek answers from her attacker regarding the motive behind her murder." He pointed towards Hailey's right hand wrist, directing everyone's attention without disturbing the delicate scene.

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

Kavei's gaze shifted to meet Senzaki's aa remained crouched beside the body. "The assailant retaliated," Kavei explained, his voice unwavering. "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 disparity between 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. Miss Hailey likely gathered herself, despite her injuries, and confronted the perpetrator in an attempt to understand why she was targeted."

"I see," Senzaki nodded slowly, beginning to piece together the sequence of events. "That's a plausible theory."

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

The crowd murmured softly, absorbing Kavei's deductions with a mix of awe and unease. Shiraka stood silently nearby, her admiration for Kavei's deductive prowess mingled with sorrow for the tragic fate that had befallen Shaza Yozo Hailey.

Kavei remained crouched beside Shaza Yozo Hailey's body, his mind racing through the intricacies of the scene before him. Around him, the crowd stood in hushed silence, captivated by his every word as he unraveled the layers of the mysterious crime.

"Those 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 perplexed glances at the complexity of Kavei's deduction.

Senzaki, his mind racing with questions, focused on the immediate concern regarding the lack of blood on the grass and the absence of forward splatter. "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. As the beam of light illuminated the leaves, the truth of Kavei's observation became evident - they bore the telltale signs of blood splatter from the second gunshot.

Still crouched beside Hailey's body, Kavei resumed his analysis, his eyes scanning every detail with unwavering focus. "Look at her left hand now," he continued, his voice steady despite the weight of the questions he posed. "It's clutching her purse tightly, almost as if she had resigned herself to death. Yet, her injuries, apart from the gunshot wounds, suggest she fought to live, to seek answers. So why this?"

The crowd listened intently, the complexity of Kavei's deductions weighing heavily on their minds. Only Senzaki remained attentive, absorbing every word as he grappled with the nuances of the case.

"Look at her lips," Kavei pointed out, his tone shifting slightly as he observed another detail. "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, the pieces of the puzzle beginning to fall into place. "And her right hand," Kavei continued, drawing Senzaki's attention once more. "Her index finger is pointing outward, distinct from the other closed fingers."

Senzaki nodded thoughtfully, following Kavei's line of reasoning. " So I asked again, if we find the weapon," Kavei began, turning to Senzaki, "we could identify the killer immediately?"

"Yes," Senzaki affirmed, his mind racing with the implications of Kavei's deductions. The investigation had taken a profound turn, guided by Kavei's astute observations and his ability to decipher the subtle clues left behind.

Kavei's smirk held a trace of satisfaction as Senzaki agreed with his suggestion. "Then follow where her finger is pointing," he stated confidently, his voice cutting through the night air with purpose.

As Kavei revealed his final revelation, the inspector's eyes widened in realization. "It's a marking," he echoed, understanding dawning upon him.

Senzaki, recognizing the significance of Kavei's observation, nodded in acknowledgment. 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, their focus sharpened by Kavei's astute deduction. With careful steps, they traced the direction indicated by Shaza's finger, scouring the surroundings for any clues or evidence that could shed light on the identity of her assailant.

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 then he saw it. The tree that was in direct line to the direction what Hailey's finger was pointing to.

Following Kavei's instructions, the inspector knocked on the trunk of the tree, and to his surprise, a hollow sound reverberated through the air. With Kavei's guidance, they uncovered a hidden compartment within the tree, revealing the damning evidence they had been seeking - a gun and a pair of gloves.

Senzaki stood amidst the murmuring crowd, his expression a mix of surprise and delight as he held the discovered weapon in his hands. A rare chuckle escaped his lips, a testament to the satisfaction that came with solving a complex case. Kavei, who had been observing silently nearby, recognized this side of Senzaki well - the seasoned investigator who found joy in uncovering the truth. Afterall, he too enjoyed this satisfaction himself.

The others in the crowd, however, found Senzaki's laughter unsettling in the solemn atmosphere of the crime scene. Their whispers carried a mix of admiration and unease as they watched the scene unfold before them.

"Well done, Kavei, well done," Senzaki praised, his voice carrying a tone of genuine admiration. Kavei nodded in acknowledgment, his expression calm yet inwardly pleased. He was accustomed to Senzaki's reaction - a rare 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 unraveled the criminal's actions. 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, a rare moment of satisfaction crossing his usually stoic demeanor. "Haha, thanks," he replied modestly, his gaze flickering towards the gathered crowd. They watched in awe as the dynamic between the young prodigy detective and the experienced inspector unfolded before them.

As night descended over Tokyo, the crime scene slowly emptied out, with police officers ensuring the safety of bystanders and securing the gathered evidence. Among the dissipating crowd, Inspector Senzaki and Kavei stood, their conversation lingering in the cool evening air.

"Shall we escort you?" Senzaki offered courteously, his admiration for Kavei's bravery evident in his tone. The young detective nodded in agreement.

"Sure. I hate walking at night," Kavei admitted with a hint of playfulness, his demeanor relaxed despite the gravity of the night's events.

Senzaki chuckled softly, impressed by Kavei's unwavering resolve even in moments of uncertainty. "You never hesitate, do you?" he remarked, observing Kavei closely as they walked towards the waiting police vehicle.

Kavei simply shrugged nonchalantly, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the last rays of the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink. "Heh. Inspector, I have one more request," he said suddenly, his voice taking on a more serious undertone.

Senzaki arched an eyebrow, curious about what more Kavei could possibly ask for after such a demanding night. "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, his eyes reflecting a glimmer of determination that Senzaki had come to recognize as characteristic of the boy's relentless pursuit of truth.

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.

"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. It was unconventional and potentially dangerous, yet he understood that Kavei operated on a different wavelength, driven by instincts and insights that often defied conventional procedures.

"Well, it's risky," Senzaki admitted reluctantly, his concern evident in his voice as he considered the implications of allowing Kavei to venture alone into the suspect's domain.

Undeterred by the inspector's hesitation, Kavei maintained his stance, his determination shining through. "You should know me by now, Inspector Senzaki," he remarked with a small, knowing smile, aware of the risks but steadfast in his resolve.

After a moment of contemplation, Senzaki nodded solemnly, acknowledging Kavei's unwavering determination and the unique perspective he brought to their investigations. "If you insist," he conceded finally, recognizing that Kavei's unorthodox methods often yielded results. "But why do you wish to do so?" he asked, genuinely curious about Kavei's motivations.

"Just because," Kavei replied cryptically, his expression inscrutable as he kept his true intentions close to his chest. It was characteristic of him to operate in silence, revealing only what was necessary to achieve his goals.

As they approached the waiting police car, the night enveloped them in a blanket of quiet anticipation. Senzaki, though apprehensive about Kavei's plan, trusted in the young detective's instincts and abilities.