Winning is everything: Conan

"..."

"..."

Ai looked at the trembling machine in front of her with a dark expression.

—What do you mean? Do you want me to sit on this?

—Of course, what else can you do? Sit here and wait for me obediently.

—I'm already eighteen, thank you very much.

—Alright, finally, I have the chance to be young again. The old monster will experience the fun of youth... Ah!

Before Keisuke could finish speaking, Ai bit him on the arm without changing her expression.

She clearly hated the phrase "old monster" very much.

Every time Keisuke said those words, she went crazy.

—I really admire you, you're like a dog!

—Awooo! If you call me an old monster again, I'll bite you to death!

—Alright, alright! I'm scared of you!

Keisuke bared his teeth, shook off Ai's mouth like a little kitten, and ran toward the entrance of the police station as if he were escaping.

---

After entering the Metropolitan Police Department, Keisuke straightened his clothes and adjusted his demeanor.

—This is my attorney's license.

When he reached the reception desk, he got straight to the point and explained his purpose to the officers inside. He also presented his attorney's license and the judicial trial request form he had printed in advance.

In litigation cases, lawyers have the right to investigate and collect evidence. If the information is under the control of an administrative unit, they have the right to request it.

The receptionist verified the authenticity, nodded, asked Keisuke to wait a moment, and had his colleague inside report the request.

—It's you!

At that moment, a surprised and angry voice suddenly came from behind.

Keisuke turned around and saw several police officers standing behind him, looking at him with disgust.

—Oh, Inspector Megure! Long time no see!

Keisuke showed his signature smile.

—What are you doing here?

Inspector Megure thought about what had happened during the previous lawsuit about the dog and remembered the look of hatred on Kumiko's face at the time. He couldn't help but feel angry.

—You are not welcome at the police station! If you want to cause trouble, do it somewhere else! Takagi, Chiba!

Inspector Megure signaled to the officers on either side.

Two policemen, one fat and one thin, were about to approach and escort him out.

Keisuke swiftly dodged their hands.

—Hey, sir, let's get one thing straight: I'm here for serious business. You have no right to arrest me.

He waved the trial request form in front of them, his attitude seeming quite arrogant in the eyes of the other officers.

—Damn it…

Inspector Megure gritted his teeth.

Indeed, lawyers have the right to investigate and gather evidence, and he knew it.

If he kicked the man out now, it would play right into his hands, and he would end up being sued.

A low-ranking officer like Megure, who was not part of the professional elite, could offend anyone except lawyers.

Because lawyers understand the law better than anyone. If you provoke them and can't get rid of them, they'll find all sorts of ways to deal with you.

—So, what are you here for now? —Inspector Megure asked angrily. —Last time, you let a real criminal go, and you even defended Kogoro's classmate, who was a murderer. Are you here to defend another criminal this time?

—What criminal? Don't confuse right and wrong, sir. This is clearly a victim.

Keisuke clicked his tongue twice and pulled a photo from his briefcase.

Miho Nishitani had left it when she came to his office.

—Do you know this girl?

Megure looked at the photo and frowned, as if trying to remember something.

—I remember this girl.

Chiba, who was beside him, thought for a moment and said,

—She came here before to report a case, saying someone was following her. Later, we caught the man, but due to a lack of evidence, we had to let him go.

—I see.

Inspector Megure glanced at Keisuke.

—So, you're here to fight for this girl's case?

—Isn't that right? —Keisuke said with a smile.

—This girl is in danger. I'm the only one she can rely on now. Do you understand? I'm upholding justice for the people, sir.

After hearing Kumiko's words, Inspector Megure's expression softened slightly.

—But, there's no evidence in this case. How can you help her?

—Keisuke raised an eyebrow.

—No evidence? Isn't that because your Metropolitan Police Department is incompetent? You take taxpayers' money and do nothing?

—What did you say?!

—Say that again if you dare!

As soon as those words came out, Inspector Megure's face, which had just relaxed, suddenly darkened again.

The officers on either side, Chiba and Takagi, also became furious.

What Keisuke had said was harsh—it was almost like he was pointing at them and scolding them directly.

—Did I say anything wrong?

Keisuke raised his head, unfazed by the angry glares of the officers surrounding him.

—You useless cops keep shouting about justice, protecting people, and catching every criminal, but now you can't even protect a defenseless woman.

—Do you realize that your so-called public security, prosecution, and judiciary are useless? You rely on detectives to help you catch so-called criminals and call it justice!

A pin drop could be heard.

Keisuke Kumiko's words were sharp, and every sentence carried weight.

Like a sharp knife, they pierced deeply into the hearts of every officer present.

Chiba and Takagi, who had been impulsive just a moment ago, suddenly fell silent.

Inspector Megure lowered his head and said nothing.

After a long time, he finally lifted his head.

—We understand what you're saying, but we have no other choice. We can only do what falls within our duty. We are police officers, and we cannot cross the lines we are not allowed to.

He shook his head, his tone solemn and filled with a deep sense of helplessness, completely different from his previous anger and frustration.

Keisuke looked at him and sneered.

—If this is what you call your duty, then it's too narrow-minded and too naïve.

After a pause, he glanced at the officers present with a proud expression.

—If you can't do your job properly, then we lawyers will do it for you.

—Protecting my client, safeguarding the interests of a poor girl—something so trivial is also my duty as a lawyer.

(End of this chapter)