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[Another great day in the life of Detective Prince 2.0 - Goro Akechi is on TV, being interviewed about his investigation of Kamoshida's death. It was initially deemed a heart attack, but Akechi has been outspoken in his suspicions of foul play, and here he explains why.]

As many have said, Kamoshida was an athlete in the peak of health, so it's certainly surprising that he'd simply drop dead. Yet the forensic investigation has been... inconclusive. I can't go into depth on an open case, but I'm allowed to confirm that at this time, we have not excluded the possibility of murder.

What's less widely-known is that Kamoshida's supposedly sterling reputation is actually quite superficial. In the aftermath of his death, multiple, very serious allegations of abuse have come to light, including sexual abuse. That's why I think that not only was he killed, but the likeliest culprit or culprits would be among the student body.

As his misdeeds come to light, some have even called it justice, though I can't say I agree. We have laws for a reason; one can't simply murder another, even if that person is himself reprehensible. At least, that's what I think.

Come to mention it, isn't our audience from Shujin? I'm a little nervous giving this kind of an interview in front of the real experts. Maybe we should be asking them!

[Here, the hostess goes out to find an audience member to interview]

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[What an asshole. Ren wants to scream into this pretty-boy's head that it was an accident, but knowing how both Ryuji and Ann feel about it, he's not about to let the spotlight fall on them. When she looks over to him, Ren does his best to stay calm and idly pushes his glasses, somehow gaining her attention.

Shit.

Well better him than his friends. He just has to think what people saw...and keep calm.]

I've only been in Shujin for less than a month...but I saw how he was treating everyone. [Granted there's already a few murmurs because, well, Ren's reputation was already proceeding him thanks in part to Kamoshida spreading the rumors.] ...I still don't think anyone would try to kill him.

[At least not purposefully.]

That's certainly possible. If that turns that he simply had an unforeseen medical issue, I'll take my theories and turn them into a school report.

[Cue the laugh track.]

However, I must disagree with you; it's not motive that we lack, but evidence. On that note, I'd like to point out that we've recently seen an emerging pattern of mysterious deaths that occur for seemingly no reason. We could be looking at a series of highly-coincidental accidents... or we could be looking at the emergence of an entirely new method for murder, one that we have yet to be able to detect via normal investigation techniques.

Can you truly say that, if they had good reason to believe there was no chance of being caught, absolutely no one would have thought to take Kamoshida's life? He hurt quite a number of people.

[So smooth...but that does raise up a good point. One that Ren hadn't even thought about before. Kamoshida's death was on their hands, that was for certain but there's other deaths that happened before? He'd read something in the subway but that had just been a passing glance at the time.

Hmmm....

hmmm....

He stays silent as the gears in his head begin to turn.]

Certainty? No I can't. I'm just me. I don't think they would. He's pretty big compared to everyone, right? Plus he's an ex-Olympic athlete. I'm not even sure I can run half a marathon. [...is this the part where the laugh track comes in.] So you're saying that the recent accidents might be related?

[There's a spark of delight in his eyes.]

To be clear, I was speaking only of the shutdown cases, but that is an interesting theory. Although the shutdowns and rampage attacks have two very different sets of symptoms, both have similarly elusive origins.

To be honest, I've wondered the same. But let's say that's true — the question then becomes, what's the difference between a victim who shuts down and one who has a psychotic break? Does our theoretical culprit have both tools at his or her disposal? Or... is one outcome intended, and the other accidental?

[Huh. He hadn't expected that reaction. Is he enjoying this? Ren's quickly finding his own confidence as well. It's rather strange.]

I see...I didn't realize all the details about them. Maybe I should be your assistant?

[There's laughs in the crowd. Okay, this is kinda nice in a weird way. Even if the next question puts him on the edge. He knows they wouldn't be able to do the...psychotic break. Does this mean someone else has access to the Metaverse? Or maybe other students were given this power and did like they had to do and--]

I don't know any other victims apart from our teacher, so I can't detective my way into one of your theories. [He strokes his chin in thought.] I suppose a part of it could depend who the other victims were.

I'm still an amateur myself, so I don't know if it would be appropriate for me to take an assistant... but it could be a fun idea for a game show. Maybe I should consider opening applications?

[This crowd will laugh at anything.]

At any rate, you've got the right idea. If we have no obvious means nor motive, the next step is to investigate connections between the victims.

[That's time for the segment, so the hosts thank Akechi-kun for the day and the show proceeds without him.]

[This crowd will laugh at anything. Still it's almost not a bad idea. After all, what better way to figure out someone if not to work alongside them? Of course he doesn't say that out loud.

Thankfully the segment is over and he finally slinks back into his chair when they just...move away from him and leave him standing up awkwardly for a few seconds. Okay then. Show business, he imagines.

By the time the show is over, his friends have to go to the bathroom, and Ren finishes helping for the school trip before preparing to leave himself.]

Oh, it's you.

[A pleasant boy is pleasantly waltzing over to say hello.]

I'm glad I found you. I wanted to thank you in person. To paraphrase Hegel, advancement cannot occur without both thesis and antithesis...

Although we were on the same page at the end there, weren't we?

[He's surprised Akechi actually stuck around and isn't off doing fancy things a man of his 'stature' should be done. Whatever those are, he isn't sure of course, but at the same time he sounds like an Important Person who has no Time to Waste.

Which is why he sees him not only be around, but make it over to him.]

Hello.

[He's glad he found him? Wanted to thank him? The. The what now? It takes a few mindless blinks before he gets it. Oh so someone that's good for arguing, he assumes.]

Yeah I guess so. Does this mean you really are looking to hire me?

[He jokes a lot when he's nervous.]

[ If he notices that nervousness he ignores it, as he just keeps on talking. ]

You seem to have a knack for it. Few people around me are so willing to speak their minds as freely as you did earlier. Adults are only interested in using the young, while they simply do as the adults say.

Unfortunately, an assistant is not in my budget. Unless you're looking for an internship, perhaps? For the exposure?

[ His tone would indicate a joke. ]

Is that so? [Adults wanting on using them. Well to that, they both can agree.] Is it because they are jealous of your keen detective skills?

[It's his turn to crack a joke. He strokes his chin before he cracks a smile. A real one.]

Thank you, but I will have to decline such a generous offer.

[ Not missing a beat: ]

I would imagine they're envious that I've yet to waste my life.

[ smile, smile ]

I suspected you might decline. It's a shame; I could use some engaging conversation every now and then as I work through this case.

Ahh the fleeting youth, as they say.

[Thanks grandpa Ren. He idly pushes his glasses giving himself time to think with the swift motion. It could potentially be dangerous to have Akechi so close to them, but Ren can see the advantage of being able to speak with someone so close to the case.

Moreover, he can't help but be a little interested in Akechi directly. He's not sue why yet but he's intrigued as well.]

Well I never said I'd refuse engaging conversation every now and then.

I could be interested in something like that. Then, if it's all right with you, would you continue to share your thoughts with me?

[ Offering a hand to shake. Left hand; no need to feign politeness and offer his right. ]

Only if such a famous detective as yourself is alright with having my phone number in his contacts.

[Another Joke! He's on fire.]

[He takes the hand with his right, almost like a mirror image. Is that his dominant hand? >REN WILL REMEMBER THAT.]

Ren Amamiya, by the way. Nice to meet you.

[Akechi has retrieved his kitty from the green room and finds a quiet place in the hall to take a peek into the bag.]

I think that went well. What do you say we have a bit of a celebration?

It did? I can't wait to see you on TV.

I think we should... go get sushi! [He thinks for a second.] No, wait, even better -- I saw a huge pancake-shaped place on the way here. It looked so delicious...!

Dome City? It does have restaurants, although not for the reason you're thinking...

[They're supposed to be leaving. Except she swears she heard something in the next hall. May as well go check it out.]

Huh, weird I could have sworn I heard someone mention wanting to go for pancakes.

[It's just Akechi weird. She's sorry for delaying all of them from getting out of here for the afternoon.]

Uh sorry, I thought...there were other people here.

[Practically jumping out of his skin, shoving Morgana into the bag and hastily zipping it shut.]

...I'm sorry, I didn't realize I had my phone volume so loud!

[Oh. It's him again. Ren just looks apologetic.]

It's okay. I think even if you'd been whispering, Ann would have been lured over by the allure and possibility of pancakes. We're sorry for bothering you.

You're not bothering me.

Actually, I won't be meeting my friend until later in the evening, and pancakes do sound rather tempting...

—why skip straight to dessert? You're just missin' all the good parts!

[ if two is company and three's a crowd, ryuji isn't aware, since it doesn't stop him from muscling in. ]

What're you guys trying to do, leave me behind?! Sheesh...

Hey!

[That was mean Ren.]

Not trying to leave you behind, I just figured you'd both follow since we were planning to head home anyway. Maybe we should get something to eat though?

[Pancakes sound so good they should all go and get them and maybe not talk about Kamoshida. That would be nice.]

Sorry.

[Aww he teases cause you loves you Ann.]

That sounds like a good idea.

[You know what, he's a little hungry too from working to clean up, and as if on queue, his stomach begins to growl. But Akechi is here, he has to act smooth.]

Maybe there's a nice place around here that serves good pancakes? Would you like to join us, Akechi-san?

[Look he'll even play the polite card.]

Hopefully I'm not intruding... but I'd be delighted.

[ Sorry-not-sorry to all parties involved, especially Morgana. ]

I know a cafe nearby with extremely fluffy pancakes. Though it's quite popular, so we may have to stand in line.

Are you guys even listenin'..

[ and really, a cafe? with this guy? just watching him from the audience already had ryuji riled up, and sitting through the little head-to-head his friend had with him makes him all the more so. it's hard to conceal his agitation when his leg's bouncing, looking between ren, ann, and mister pretty-boy detective over here.

he sighs. ]

Man, if you say so...

[It'll be okay Ryuji. Besides it isn't like there isn't a good reason to get to know the guy. He's looking for the culprit in Kamoshida's death. Them. But mostly her, he'd still be alive if she hadn't...Ren had to have his reasons for entertaining his arguments and spending even more time with him. Glancing back at Ryuji she tilts her head as if to say yes they can hear him.]

We all have to eat, may as well do it together if we all want the same thing.

[And extra fluffy pancakes sound amazing.]

[It is dangerous but at this point it would be weird to back out. They had to play with the cards fate gave them.]

Alright, then I guess we're all in agreement. Lead the way, detective prince.

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I'm not dead

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After the show

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six years late with starbucks. sorry guys

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