For Akihiko Tou's lawyer's letter.
Shinichi Kudo and the officers gaped in disbelief.
They stared at the crisp, authoritative script—unequivocal and binding.
This was no jest: a genuine legal summons in their hands.
"Akihiko-san, this isn't necessary, is it?" Shinichi murmured, lips twitching.
He'd never imagined receiving such a notice from anyone.
"Unnecessary?" Akihiko's voice was calm, measured.
He paused, letting the question sink in.
"Consider this: if not me standing here, who might it be?"
"And without my skills, what fate would await an innocent?"
Officer Megure's brows knitted as he weighed this.
"We apologize sincerely, Akihiko Tou," he said at length.
"We guarantee thorough due process—every procedure will be followed."
"And afterward?" Akihiko asked softly.
"Would the savior-detector, Kudo Shinichi, protect you from slander once I return to school?"
His tone carried a steady edge.
"Bullying rumors here spread like wildfire, don't they?"
Akihiko offered a wry smile.
"People can be cruel."
Megure hung his head, exhaling.
"We accept your letter and apologize again," he vowed.
Yet Shinichi's expression remained unsettled.
"Akihiko-san, truly—no need for this, right?" he pressed.
"The case stands closed; Keiko Kato was the culprit."
"True," Akihiko replied, gaze distant.
"But if I endure a beating over this, could you?"
He tapped the envelope.
"If apologies alone mattered, police and lawyers would be obsolete. This letter ensures my voice remains heard."
Shinichi watched Akihiko's retreating back, fists clenching in frustration.
He knew Akihiko was right, yet pride restrained him.
Today's lesson burned: never underestimate Akihiko Tou—mathematician, forensic expert, and legal strategist.
He'd bested Shinichi with grace and finality.
Shinichi vowed silently to consult his mother, Yukiko, for guidance.
…
Akihiko Tou strode from the ancient bridge steps, sunlight catching his composed features.
The campus stretched out in tranquil splendor: cerulean sky, darting fish in glassy waters, and rows of laughing JK students in uniforms.
Their carefree chatter drifted on the breeze, erasing the day's tension.
Akihiko exhaled, savoring the serenity.
Detective work was one pursuit—moments like this were another.
"Ran-chan!"
A familiar voice drew his attention—Sonoko Suzuki's eager smile.
"What brings you here, Akihiko-san?" she asked, cheeks pink.
"I believe this is yours." He offered a sleek fountain pen.
"A Parker 2000—valuable collector's item, yes?" he noted.
Sonoko's eyes widened. "How did you know?"
"You mentioned it once," Akihiko said lightly.
She brightened, but he shook his head.
"No, keep it."
Her shoulders sagged, disappointment flickering.
He turned to Ran.
"Would you both join me at the campus café?" he invited.
Ran hesitated, glancing at Sonoko, who was already nodding excitedly.
"Of course!" Sonoko exclaimed—an idol's invitation not to be refused.
…
Beneath the golden maple canopy, the café's ivy-clad walls exuded old-world charm.
Akihiko's favorite spot—a corner seat with panoramic view—awaited them.
"How do you secure this prime table?" Ran wondered.
Akihiko smiled. "I lent the owner a bit of mathematical insight."
Moments later, the barista delivered three frosty glasses of hand-crafted cold brew.
"Akihiko-san, you boosted my profits," the owner called, careworn but grateful.
"Just a formula tweak for inventory, nothing more."
Ran and Sonoko exchanged impressed glances.
"Math in business—who knew?" Ran murmured.
Both girls leaned forward, curiosity alight.
After all, brilliance came in many forms.
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