Getting to Lazy City was difficult.

For Junko and Michio to come here, wasn't easy as the city's intentional absence from GPS and maps presented them with the daunting task of navigating through the hidden labyrinth of Lazy City's streets.

The duo's first step involved gathering scraps of information from the fringes of neighbouring towns. Whispers and tales passed down through generations hinted at the existence of Namakemono-shi, providing them with faint clues to follow. A combination of careful questioning and persistent investigation led them to locals who possessed fragmentary knowledge of the hidden city's whereabouts.

By around 3-4 pm, Michio and Junko knew they made it.

Hidden among the vast landscapes of Japan lies a forgotten city, one that refuses to be confined by conventional labels or boundaries. Namakemono-shi, known as Lazy City in English, stands as a living testament to the failures and shortcomings of the Japanese government. Yet, its absence on official maps only amplifies the eerie aura that envelops this mysterious urban enclave.

Once a bustling hub of promise, Namakemono-shi now resembles a decaying labyrinth of dilapidated structures and forgotten dreams. The city was intentionally removed from maps by a government desperate to conceal its failures and avoid public embarrassment. Nestled in a valley between rugged mountains, it remains obscured from prying eyes, almost as if it were lost in a forgotten realm of its own creation.

As the name suggests, Namakemono-shi has earned its notorious reputation for laziness. Here, time seems to slow down, and an atmosphere of lethargy permeates the air. Residents roam the streets with languid steps, their energy sapped by the weight of disillusionment. Diligence and ambition have become distant memories, replaced by a resigned acceptance of the city's stagnant state.

The cityscape itself reflects this desolate aura. Once vibrant buildings, now abandoned and crumbling, stand as silent witnesses to the passage of time. Faded billboards and cracked pavements hint at a time when commerce and prosperity thrived in these forgotten streets. But now, the city is a tapestry of neglect, a haunting portrait of a society left behind.

The city's infrastructure is a testament to the ingenuity born out of necessity. Makeshift markets sprawl across alleys, trading in the meagre resources salvaged from the city's forgotten past. Vibrant murals and street art adorn the decaying walls, injecting a semblance of colour and life into the grey canvas of desolation.

Veiled by a shroud of secrecy, their citizens seemed to repel outsiders, making it clear that their presence was unwelcome. Junko and Michio encountered numerous dead ends and deceptive trails designed to deter the curious.

Even so, they can't give up, not when Ranran and the gang are heavily relying on their help.

"Where was Kichiro's old address around this area?" Michio peered around his surroundings.

Junko scanned the surroundings, her eyes darting between the decaying buildings and narrow streets. She searched through her notes, trying to recall the information they had gathered about Kichiro's old address.

"According to Miss Akane's, Kichiro's old address should be somewhere in the eastern part of Lazy City," Junko said, her voice tinged with determination. "We need to head in that direction and see if we can find any traces of his presence."

They navigated through the winding streets, their footsteps echoing in the quiet atmosphere. The buildings seemed to lean against each other, as if tired of standing upright. The city's reputation for laziness felt palpable in every step they took.

As they ventured deeper into the eastern part of the city, they noticed a particularly dilapidated building with a faded sign that caught their attention. The sign bore the remnants of Kichiro's name, suggesting that it might be the location they were looking for.

"Look, Michio! That sign... it must have been Kichiro's place," Junko pointed excitedly.

They approached the building cautiously, the creaking sound of their footsteps breaking the eerie silence. According to the people they interviewed earlier, most of the inhabitants in this building have moved out, but one room remains as it is. No presence of a person, but the rent is still paid in full even after 12 years.

The door was slightly ajar, inviting them to explore further. With a shared nod, they stepped inside, prepared for whatever they might find.

Inside, the air was stale, and dust particles floated in the sunlight that streamed through the cracked windows. The remnants of Kichiro's life were scattered around the room, left untouched for years. Papers, books, and photographs hinted at a person who once inhabited this forgotten space. Presumably, a future explorer who never got to live his dream.

Junko carefully picked up a photograph from a nearby table. It depicted a younger Kichiro, his eyes filled with dreams and aspirations. The image spoke of a different time, a time before severe poverty had settled over the city.

"We're getting closer," Junko whispered, her voice filled with determination. "We need to keep searching, Michio. There's more to uncover."

Michio's gaze shifted towards the stack of photographs on a nearby shelf, and his eyes widened as he recognized Jun's face in some of them. The photos depicted Jun and Kichiro together, their smiles capturing moments of joy and companionship.

Curiosity piqued, Michio carefully picked up one of the photos, studying it closely. It was a snapshot of Jun and Kichiro at a lively festival, their arms wrapped around each other's shoulders as they posed in front of a vibrant display of lanterns.

"This... this is Jun!?" Michio murmured, his voice filled with surprise, before inspecting closely, "You know, if we compared the photo Ranran took of Jun the other day, and this photo was taken 12 years ago plus...you would've thought that this young woman and the woman Ranran took a picture of are two different individuals."

Junko, who had been examining other items in the room, turned her attention towards Michio. Her eyes widened as she caught sight of the photo in his hand.

"That is Jun!?" Junko exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of astonishment and intrigue. "She looked happier here, unlike when she is with Miki, her own husband."

Michio nodded in agreement, his eyes still fixed on the photo. "It's hard to believe it's the same person. In this picture, Jun seems carefree and genuinely happy. But from what we've learned about her recent actions, it's clear that something has changed."

Junko set down the item she had been holding and joined Michio, examining the photo closely. "I wonder what could have led Jun down this path? I mean I get it that Kichiro died led her to make bad decisions, but it doesn't mean she had the right to simply manipulate people and end up marrying his best friend."

"It's possible that Kichiro's death had a profound impact on Jun. Grief can lead people down dark paths, and it seems like Jun succumbed to her pain and made choices that hurt those around her." Michio suggests.

"Yeah right!" Junko scoffed, "You don't see your mother doing that to guys who were interested in her, let alone, willing to adopt you as their stepson."

Michio sighed, realizing the truth in Junko's words. "You're right, Junko. My mother has had her fair share of heartbreak, but she never resorted to manipulating or hurting others. She always prioritized honesty and compassion."

Junko nodded, her expression serious. "And that's what makes Jun's actions even more unforgivable. She had choices, but she chose the wrong path!"

"We need to dig further in about Kichiro's family," Michio said, determination resurfacing in his voice. "Maybe we might know more about what Kichiro is like."

Junko clenched her fists, her resolve mirrored in her eyes. "Agreed. We can't let that serial killer get away with this. Let's keep investigating, Michio. There's still more to uncover in Lazy City."

With a renewed sense of purpose, they carefully placed the photo back where they found it and continued their search through Kichiro's old residence. As they sifted through the remnants of his past, they hoped to find more clues that would shed light on the tangled web of secrets surrounding Jun and her connection to Kichiro's death.

 "How is it that this place is a bit on the clean spot? Didn't he die 12 years ago?" Michio wondered

Junko looked around the room, taking in the relatively tidy state compared to the rest of the decaying house. She pondered Michio's question, her gaze moving from the scattered belongings to the dust-covered surfaces.

"It's strange," Junko replied, her voice tinged with curiosity. "Considering the abandoned and neglected state of this house, you would expect it to be in complete disarray after all these years. But it seems like someone has been maintaining this room aside from paying rent." Junko then turned to Michio, "Did the landlady mentioned who paid the rent all these years?"

Michio furrowed his brow, trying to recall the details shared by the landlady during their earlier conversation. After a moment of contemplation, his tone filled with intrigue. "She didn't know who the mysterious tenant was, but she mentioned that the payments were always made on time."

"When did the payment begin?"

"Hmph...." Michio hummed, "I think a month after his death."

Junko's eyes widened. "Is it a coincidence that a month after he passed away, Jun married his best friend Miki? And around the same time all of this is going on, rent money started to come in!?"

Junko's observation struck a chord with Michio, and he couldn't help but see a possible connection. The timing of Jun's marriage to Miki and the start of the rent payments aligned in a way that raised suspicion.

"You're right, Junko," Michio said, his voice tinged with scepticism. "The timing is too coincidental to ignore. It's possible that Jun orchestrated everything to gain control over Kichiro's property and maintain a presence here."

"If Jun wanted to keep a hold on this place, it could explain why the room appears maintained while the rest of the house has fallen into disrepair. Perhaps she still couldn't let go of Kichiro's death and wanted to preserve his memory, or...." Junko nodded, her mind racing with possibilities, "She is keeping the evidence of Kichiro's murder."

Michio's eyes widened as he considered Junko's theory. "If Jun is involved in Kichiro's murder, then it would explain why she would want to maintain this room. She might be hiding crucial evidence here that could implicate her or someone else in his death."

The duo exchanged determined glances, their focus now set on thoroughly searching the room for any hidden clues or evidence that could shed light on the truth. They meticulously combed through the scattered belongings, carefully examining each item.

As they continued their search, Junko's attention was drawn to a bookshelf in the corner of the room. It was filled with books and a few personal trinkets. She approached it, her eyes scanning the titles of the books, and something caught her eye—a small, worn-out notebook peeking out from between two larger volumes.

Junko carefully pulled out the notebook and opened it to the first page. It appeared to be a journal, filled with Kichiro's handwritten entries. The journal detailed his thoughts, observations, and even suspicions about certain individuals in Lazy City. As she flipped through the pages, the entries grew more cryptic, hinting at a hidden truth Kichiro was unravelling.

"Michio, look at this," Junko called out, her voice filled with excitement and urgency. "Kichiro's journal! It seems like he was onto something, and Jun might be trying to hide it."

Michio joined Junko, his eyes scanning the journal's pages. "This could be the breakthrough we've been searching for. If Kichiro suspected foul play or had uncovered something important, it might explain why he was killed and why Jun is so desperate to maintain this room."

With newfound determination, Junko and Michio carefully photographed each page of the journal, ensuring they had a record of the valuable information it contained. They knew that this journal could hold the key to unravelling the mysteries surrounding Kichiro's death and Jun's involvement.

Armed with this newfound evidence, they were now one step closer to uncovering the truth behind the tangled web of secrets in Lazy City.

..............................................

"Can we all officially agree, that Yasuo Jun, is by far...the world's most disgusting woman we have ever investigated in the history of Tantei Association!?"

Those were the words from 10-year-old Junko as all of the gathered around 5:30 pm at the main HQ of Tantei Association, where everyone is seated.

The members of the Tantei Association exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of surprise and agreement. The evidence and testimonies they had gathered throughout their investigation painted a grim picture of Jun's actions and character. The room fell into a solemn silence.

Finally, Michio spoke up: "As much as I did not want to agree with what Junko said earlier about Miss Jun, I can't help but agree to say that she is right. I mean...just look at what we had gathered about this woman," He slaps his hand against the paper report, "Wherever she goes, it's nothing but bad news. It's clear that Jun's behaviour is deeply troubling."

Emiko, with a stern expression, added, "You do know that all of this is based on just rumours, right?"

"Maybe so, but I doubt it!" Junko disagrees, "Did you forget the social media page of Jun's? She kept resharing on the death anniversary of Kichiro, even though she was married to his best friend, Miki, for over 12 years! And no words of 'Happy anniversary, darling', or share wedding photos there, none of it! Not even a happy '12 anniversary of our wedding' greeting!"

"And according to Ranran, Jun was not wearing a wedding ring! I may not be a romantic, but even common sense will tell you if one is happily married, one would not take out the damn ring!" Michio adds.

"Exactly! I don't know about you, Emiko, but there may be some truth to those rumours that Miss Jun isn't a pitiful victim everyone has led to believe!" Junko sided Michio. "Hell, I won't even be surprised if Jun is the serial killer Ranran and the gang had been looking for at the island!

Emiko listened to Junko and Michio's arguments, weighing the evidence they had gathered against Jun. While she understood their concerns and the reasons behind their scepticism, she remained cautious about jumping to conclusions based solely on rumours and speculation.

"I understand your concerns, and I agree that there are some questionable aspects surrounding Jun's behaviour," Emiko said, her tone reassuring. "But you both can't simply point the finger at a woman who had a questionable reputation, or made bad decisions that angered people along the way!"

Michio crossed his arms, his face displaying frustration. "But Emiko, everything points to Jun's involvement in Kichiro's death and her questionable actions in her marriage to Miki. We can't ignore the signs."

"Also, a reminder: Two people died on the island where Ranran and Shinichi are right now, Mr Eiji and Mr Iwao, one is a suspected guy Jun might be allegedly cheating on behind Miki's back, and the other is their university friend," Junko then suggests, "Now I ain't sure why Mr Iwao had to die,  but I think I know why. If he stumbles upon Jun having an affair, won't that be a good reason to kill him?"

Emiko listened to Junko's observations, her mind racing as she connected the dots. The mention of the deaths on the island raised further suspicions and possibilities. She knew that they couldn't afford to ignore any potential leads or overlook crucial details.

"You're right, Junko," Emiko said, her voice resolute. "The deaths on the island cannot be ignored, and there may be a connection to Jun. But you can't simply assume she has something to do with this."

"Then how do you explain this!?" Junko slams the journal book they found at Kichiro's place. 

Emiko's gaze shifted to the journal book, her expression turning serious. She reached out and picked it up, carefully flipping through its pages. As she read the entries, her brows furrowed, and a sense of unease settled in her mind.

"This journal....sounds damning," Emiko acknowledged, her voice filled with concern. "We need to inform Ranran about this."

Michio nodded in agreement, his expression determined. "I suggest we contact Ranran and Shinichi immediately and inform them about our findings."

Emiko then set up the laptop, contacting her through the laptop as they wait for the clock to strike at 6 pm, feeling a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The investigation was taking an unexpected turn, and the truth seemed closer than ever.

.............................................

Back at the penthouse around 5: 56 pm on a Tuesday, Ranran checked Shinichi's temperature.

Ranran gently placed the back of her hand against Shinichi's forehead, checking for any signs of fever. She maintained a worried expression, concerned for his well-being. After a few moments, she removed her hand and sighed with relief.

"Not as hot as earlier," Ranran murmured softly. "That's a good sign."

Shinichi, still feeling weak from their recent ordeal on the island, managed a weak smile. "I'm alright, Ranran. Just a bit tired."

"That is one of the side effects of the medication I let you take, but you wanted speedy recovery after all." 

Shinichi nodded, understanding his exhaustion. 

Ranran fetched a glass of water and handed it to him, urging him to drink and stay hydrated. She then sat down next to him, her eyes filled with concern. "Shinichi, I need to fill you in based on the group chat. And judging the direction on where the case is heading....."

Shinichi took a sip of water, grateful for Ranran's care and concern. He looked at her intently, ready to listen and absorb any information that could help shed light on their ongoing investigation.

"What about it?" Shinichi said, his voice earnest. "Did Michio and the rest find something?"

Ranran took a deep breath, organizing her thoughts before beginning to fill Shinichi in on the developments they had uncovered.

While he quietly listens, Ranran placed the laptop on the bed, positioning it so that Shinichi could comfortably see the screen. She opened the group chat and began scrolling through the messages, relaying the information to Shinichi as she went along.

"Okay, so Emiko shared some insights about Jun and the suspicious circumstances surrounding Kichiro's death," Ranran started, her voice filled with seriousness. "Based on the evidence they found at Kichiro's place, it seems like Jun had access to his property and maintain a presence there for over 12 years, even after she was married to Miki."

Shinichi's brows furrowed as he processed the information. "What else did they discover?"

Ranran continued to update Shinichi on the progress of the investigation. She mentioned the rumours surrounding Jun's behaviour, her social media activity, and the deaths that had occurred on the island where they had recently been. Ranran highlighted the possible connections and the need to dig deeper to uncover the truth.

"As for the deaths on the island, Junko suspects that Jun might have been involved," Ranran explained, her voice tinged with concern. "She thinks that if Mr Iwao stumbled upon Jun having an affair, it could have been a motive for his murder."

Shinichi nodded thoughtfully, his mind processing the new information. "It's all starting to come together. Jun's actions, the deaths, and Kichiro's case seem to be intertwined. We need to gather more evidence to confirm our suspicions."

"But we still need to wait for Mr Muniko's attendance at the funeral to confirm the full check. Jun may be unsound with everything that has happened, but I felt like there are still blanks to fill."

Ranran clicked on the incoming call, and the screen shifted to display the three senior members of the Tantei Association at their headquarters. Their faces displayed a mix of seriousness and anticipation as they greeted Ranran and Shinichi.

"Hi Ranran, also Shinichi, how are you feeling now?" Emiko noticed that the little blue-eyed boy is wide awake. "Earlier we saw through Ranran's phone that you were asleep."

Shinichi smiled weakly at Emiko's question. "I'm feeling a bit better now, thank you," he replied. "The medication Ranran gave me helped with the fever, and I managed to get some rest."

Ranran nodded in agreement. "Yes, Shinichi's fever has subsided, and he seems to have regained some energy. We're taking it easy and staying cautious, but overall, he's doing better."

Emiko looked relieved. "That's good to hear. It's important to prioritize your health, especially during such demanding times."

Shinichi's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he noticed the laptop in front of Emiko. "What's happening? Are there any new developments in the case?"

"Oh man, you have no idea!" Junko eagerly interrupted, her voice carrying a tone of urgency.

And soon, everything was poured out from the three.

Michio leaned forward, his eyes focused intently on the screen. "Anyway, Mr Muniko's attendance at the funeral is crucial. If we can get him to provide any information or insight into Miki's family, it could help fill in the missing pieces."

Junko chimed in, her voice filled with determination. "I agree."

Emiko nodded in agreement, "By the way, Michio and Junko found something interesting in Kichiro's place. They located Kichiro's old place, he actually moved out from his family home months after attending university, where we also found evidence that suggested someone had been paying the rent for the room after Kichiro's death. The timing of the rent payments coincided with Jun's marriage to Kichiro's best friend, Miki. It raises suspicions that Jun orchestrated everything to gain control over Kichiro's property."

Shinichi furrowed his brow, processing the new information. "So, Jun may have had a motive beyond grief and manipulation. It seems like she might be trying to cover up any evidence of his murder."

"Right?!" Junko gave Emiko a look, "I told you that something is off with that Jun woman!"

Ranran's mind raced with possibilities. "If that's the case, then Jun's involvement in Kichiro's death goes beyond being a victim of circumstances. She might be actively trying to conceal the truth."

"They also found a photo of Jun and Kichiro together, seemingly happy and carefree. It's a stark contrast to the Jun you all have come to know recently." Michio then chimed in, eager to share the details.

Shinichi's eyes widened with intrigue. "So, Jun's involvement in Kichiro's death may not be as straightforward as we initially thought."

"Also...we looked into the Yasuo family, the one you all suspected is Miki's parents, and apparently....2 weeks ago, the patriarch of the family died while hiking on the mountain, heart attack according to Mr Muniko." Michio comments.

Ranran eyes widened in surprise at Michio's revelation. "The patriarch of the Yasuo family passed away two weeks ago? That's quite a coincidence, considering the circumstances surrounding Kichiro's death and the suspicions we have regarding Jun and Miki."

Ranran leaned in closer to the laptop, her expression serious. "Heart attack during a hike? Wait a minute, let me google how old is the man this year."

Ranran quickly opened a web browser and typed in the relevant keywords to search for information about the age of the patriarch of the Yasuo family who had passed away from a heart attack while hiking. She clicked on a reputable news source and scanned the article, her eyes darting across the screen.

"He was 62 years old," Ranran announced, "Sounds normal."

"Not according to Mr Muniko," Junko argued, "He told us he is healthy as a horse for someone his age according to doctors. So it was odd he died the way he did."

Emiko furrowed her brow, considering the new information. "If the patriarch of the Yasuo family was in good health according to his doctors, then his sudden death during a hike becomes even more suspicious. We can't rule out the possibility of foul play. Ah right, I almost forgot," Emiko whipped out her notebook, "I went to the ranch where Rika the horse instructor used to go to as a child with Miki...."

Everyone then exchanged surprised glances as Emiko shared her findings about Miki's biological mother, Fujii Yasuko. 

"That's certainly an unfortunate and suspicious incident," Shinichi remarked, his eyes wide with curiosity. "A malfunctioning elevator resulting in her death? It's definitely worth looking into further."

"Wait, let me calculate how many deaths we have discovered so far," Ranran counted with her fingers, "Kichiro, Kiryu, Eiji, Iwao, Miki's biological mom and dad...does this add up to the total of 6 deaths now!?"

Ranran's calculation left the members of the Tantei Association momentarily silent as they absorbed the gravity of the situation. The realization that six deaths were potentially connected sent a shiver down their spines.

Emiko, breaking the silence, replied, "Yes, you're right, Ranran. Six deaths in total, all surrounded by varying degrees of mystery and suspicion. The number itself is significant, and it suggests a pattern or a series of events that we need to unravel."

Junko's eyes widened with realization. "If we consider the deaths of Kichiro, Kiryu, Eiji, and Iwao on the island, along with Miki's biological parents, it's clear that Jun is somehow involved in this dark chain of events, no? The serial killer we are looking for has to be her!"

"It's true that the deaths and Jun's involvement seem suspicious," Emiko agreed, her voice measured. "But we must be careful not to jump to conclusions without concrete evidence. While Jun's actions and behaviour raise suspicions, we need solid proof to connect her directly to these deaths."

"But you didn't show Shinichi and Ranran the journal we found in Kichiro's place! They could've thought otherwise!" Junko argued.

"Journal, what journal?" Ranran questioned.

Ranran's curiosity was piqued as she heard about the journal for the first time. She leaned in closer to the laptop, her eyes fixed on Emiko, waiting for an explanation.

Emiko sighed and reached for the journal on the table. She held it up to the camera, giving Ranran and Shinichi a clear view. The journal appeared worn and weathered, its pages filled with handwritten entries.

"We found this journal at Kichiro's place," Emiko explained. "It contains entries spanning several years, documenting his thoughts, experiences, and encounters. But what's most concerning are the passages that hint at a troubled relationship with Jun."

Ranran's eyes widened as she glanced at the journal. She recognized the potential significance of the contents, realizing it could be a crucial piece of evidence.

"According to the journal, should I let Michio read out the entry?" Emiko questioned.

Ranran nodded eagerly, her curiosity growing with each passing moment. She wanted to hear the contents of the journal, hoping that it would shed light on Kichiro's relationship with Jun and potentially provide clues about the deaths and Jun's involvement.

"Yes, please," Ranran said, her voice filled with anticipation. "Let's hear what Kichiro wrote about Jun in that journal."

Emiko pass the book to Michio, and he cleared his throat and opened the journal to a specific page. Michio began reading aloud the entry, his voice steady and clear.

"13th March, I think this was a few years back before the expedition incident. Here we go." Michio continues, "I have a best friend name Miki, and a girlfriend named Jun. I knew that Miki had a crush on Jun, but he is a chill guy who won't go after a taken girl, which impressed me. I love his honesty that he admits he likes her. And I have no doubt that Jun had no feelings for Miki. I know when she lies. But Miki's parents...I should I put this? They don't share any ounce of warmth in their eyes the way Miki does towards me. Are they really his parents?"

As Michio read the entry from the journal, the members of the Tantei Association listened attentively, their minds racing with new possibilities and connections. The mention of Miki's parents raised further questions about his family background and the dynamics within their relationship.

 "1st of April, it was the first time we celebrated Miki's birthday. Surprise, he never once celebrated his birthday, so Jun, Iwao and the rest of us gave him a surprise birthday. He thought it was a joke since his birthday was around that time, but it ain't. He was the happiest he has ever been since his whole life revolve around strict private lessons, such as tuition and nothing more. However....while we were happily celebrating till 12 am, a scary incident happened. A luxurious car showed up at the restaurant we booked, then demanded Miki to go into the car since he violated curfew. Even though he is a 20-year-old man, since when does curfew for his family exist!? Eventually, the men dragged him there while we helplessly watch. I thought it was one of the April fool pranks Miki set up, but as I soon learn it wasn't. Also, it was the 2nd of April, so it was no joke."

As Michio read the journal entry, the room fell into a heavy silence. The revelation of the incident that occurred during Miki's birthday celebration was a tiny slice of Miki's disturbing life with his family.

Shinichi broke the silence, his voice filled with determination. "So, Miki's family imposed a curfew on him, even as a 20-year-old? That's highly unusual and raises even more suspicions about his family."

Emiko nodded, her expression serious. "Then again, if we follow with Ranran's theory that Miki could've been their illegitimate son, it would make sense, will it not?"

"Continued the next entry, Michio," Ranran sighed, thinking that whatever contents are in the journal are taking a turn for the worst.

Michio flipped the pages of the journal and continued reading the next entry, his voice steady but filled with a hint of unease.

"5th April, Miki is back, but he seems different. Something happened during his disappearance, something he's not ready to share with us. He's withdrawn and distant, and his smile doesn't reach his eyes. Jun and I tried talking to him, but he brushes us off, saying it was nothing. But I know him too well. Something dark hangs over him, and Jun and I eventually told him he does not need to be with them if they don't feel comfortable."

As Michio finished reading this entry, the weight of the words hung heavily in the air. The members of the Tantei Association exchanged concerned glances, realizing that Miki had experienced something traumatic during his disappearance.

"I don't understand, "Junko's voice trembled slightly as she spoke up, "If Miki is illegitimate but the only heir, why is he being mistreated!? Shouldn't he be treated like a king?"

"There is a saying I learnt back in my school in Edgewood," Ranran muses, "Even if a Donkey puts on a crown on its head and everyone calls it 'Your royal Highness', you can never change the fact that it is a donkey."

Shinichi nodded in agreement with Ranran's analogy. "Considering Miki is an illegitimate son, a product of an affair, he is basically a threat to the reputation of the Yasuo family. Even if he is the only heir, his presence could still be a reminder of the infidelity of his father. Which made sense why Miki is being mistreated and subjected to strict rules and curfews, as his family may want to maintain a façade of normalcy and protect their social standing."

"How cruel!" Junko was riled up, "He didn't ask for this sort of life!"

"Next entry, the more relevant one, please," Shinichi's voice filled the room as he urged Michio to continue reading the next entry from the journal.  Shinichi knew he had to make an announcement through the laptop, otherwise, Junko can rant for hours.

Flipping the pages, Michio said, "Ok, I skipped 4 years and this on 15th May, a day before the expedition. Today, I found out things I had no idea about. I confronted Jun's mother, she didn't like that I am engaged to her daughter, and thought little of me. We are both poor and yet, she thinks her daughter is highly qualified to marry a rich guy. It's one thing that she tried to force poor Jun, my fiance, to go on those dates with those rich dudes for years behind my back. But it's another, that she has been trying to encourage Jun to marry Miki instead for years, as Miki's stepmom made a deal with Jun's mom that she will give money, provided Jun's mom break the engagement between Jun and me. What a meddlesome mother. Jun shouted she is finally going to move in with me, screw the debts her mom had accumulated, that will all be on her now. I have never been so happy that she has finally found her footing."

As Michio read the entry, the tension in the room grew palpable. The complex dynamics between Jun, her mother, and Kichiro were coming to light.

Emiko's eyes widened, absorbing the information. "I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Tries to force Jun into relationships with rich suitors and even encourages her to marry Miki instead after accepting this deal behind Jun's back... It's all so twisted."

"Wait, did it say Miki was aware of his stepmother meddling?" Ranran asked.

Michio paused for a moment, scanning the journal entry once again. He then looked up at the others with a perplexed expression.

"It doesn't explicitly mention whether Miki was aware of his stepmother's involvement," Michio clarified. "But based on this entry, it seems that Jun was aware of the deal between her mother and Miki's stepmother. Whether Miki himself was aware or not remains unclear."

Ranran frowned, her mind working to connect the dots. "If Jun knew about the deal, it's possible that Miki's mistreatment and the attempts to push him towards Jun were all part of a larger scheme orchestrated by their families."

Junko's eyes widened, realization dawning on her. "So, it's not just Jun who may have been involved in these dark events. Miki's stepmother and Jun's mother could be the masterminds behind it all."

"Last entry, here we go," Michio flipped through the pages of the journal, searching for the final entry. As he found the page, he took a deep breath before beginning to read.

"16th May, today is the day we set sail for the expedition. I can't help but feel a sense of unease. Last night, about Miki's mistreatment. I couldn't stay silent anymore, watching him suffer. I went over to his parent's house and they were having an open house outdoor party there, so I confronted his step-mother. But his stepmother was the coldest woman I ever met, and she was yapping about how she was teaching Miki to be grateful for the opportunities he's been given. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. How can someone be so heartless? So I used the B-word loudly, in front of the horrified guests before leaving. If looks could kill, she would've literally murdered me. But I didn't care. Even so, her furious expression shook me to my core. I am fearing for my safety."

As Michio finished reading the final entry, a heavy silence filled the room. The words from the journal revealed a confrontation filled with tension and resentment, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of the journal's author.

Ranran broke the silence, "Considering...the files to that fateful expedition in the university have vanished, if Kichiro's confrontation with Miki's stepmother angered her to that extent, it would've made sense for Miki's stepmom to wipe it out, cause she had the motive to murder Kichiro."

"But it still doesn't prove that Jun is the serial killer, no?" Shinichi adds up.

"It still is, and I will tell you why," Junko insists, "One of the entries, did not mention that Jun's mom set her up on dates for years, despite knowing Jun is in a relationship with Kichiro. He has no idea till 4 years later. A normal typical response Jun would do is to tell your loved one your problems, or say a simple 'no', right? And yet, Jun didn't. Why? Because she was exploring the options that would grant her a financially steady life, and she doesn't see Kichiro as her lover or fiance, no, he is nothing but her backup plan."

The room fell silent as Junko's words hung in the air. The implications of Jun's actions and motives were unsettling, and the members of the Tantei Association couldn't help but contemplate the possibility that Jun was indeed involved in these dark events.

Shinichi's expression was grave. "It's starting to become clear that this is more than a simple case of a serial killer. There are deep-rooted family secrets, betrayals, and manipulation at play here. By this point, we have way more suspects to deal with.....I don't know if we are going to be able to pinpoint who is the real killer."

"No," Ranran suddenly smiles. "With all of these revelations, we should be able to easily narrow down who is the killer."

Ranran's statement caught the attention of the others, and they turned to her, curious to hear her reasoning.