This woman was, of course, the mistress of the apartment, Kyoko Shibata.
However, before Yuu Hoshimiya and his group could even respond, Takezo Yoshikawa's frantic shouting rang out from the living room.
"Mr. Shibata! Mr. Shibata! What's wrong with you? Please, wake up!"
Everyone's expressions shifted instantly as they rushed through the foyer and into the living room.
There, they saw Shiro Shibata lying on the floor, his head covered in blood, while Takezo Yoshikawa was desperately shaking his limp body.
Yuu Hoshimiya immediately stepped forward and checked the man's pulse.
Shiro Shibata was already dead.
Yuu immediately spoke up with authority: "Ran, he's dead. Call the police. From this moment on, no one is allowed to touch the crime scene. You, sir, get up and step away from the body right now!"
Having encountered countless murders and being naturally prepared, his handling of the situation appeared increasingly professional and commanding.
Just then, the mistress of the house, Kyoko Shibata, rushed in, her face a mask of panic and confusion.
"What happened to my husband?! Takezo, what did you do to my husband?!"
"It wasn't me! He was already like this when I walked in!"
Twenty minutes later, Inspector Yokomizo, with his signature head of curly hair, arrived at the scene with his team. The moment he spotted Yuu Hoshimiya, he shouted with excitement: "Master!"
Yuu's forehead was practically covered in black lines. He didn't even want to acknowledge this curly-haired inspector, unsure if it was the older or younger twin.
Every time he collaborated with the police on major cases, local departments across Japan became deeply impressed by his abilities.
The Yokomizo twins were the most exaggerated of his fanboys.
Even though Yuu had never once acknowledged them as his students, they enthusiastically called him "Master" every time they met.
Hearing the familiar address, Ran Mouri also showed a look of surprise.
"Oh, it's Inspector Yokomizo."
She then realized: "Right, I forgot this area is under your jurisdiction."
"Miss Mouri."
Inspector Yokomizo recognized Ran as well. Between Kogoro Mouri and Conan, they ran into so many incidents that even if they weren't as significant as Yuu's cases, the sheer volume made them notable.
Thus, the Inspector held a great deal of respect for the "Sleeping Detective."
After nodding to the girl as a greeting, he continued: "Exactly! With Master here, this case will undoubtedly be solved in no time!"
At this moment, the prime-aged inspector had completely lost the solemnity required for a murder investigation; his face was filled only with the excitement of once again being able to "leech" off Yuu's brilliance for an easy credit.
Yuu gave him a speechless look. You're not wrong, but do you have to be so damn obvious about it?
Clearly, Inspector Yokomizo was oblivious to Yuu's inner thoughts.
He turned toward Shizuka Hattori and gave an excited, deep bow.
"And this must be the Mistress! She is truly stunningly beautiful. Master, you certainly have impeccable taste in women!"
Shizuka couldn't help but let out a soft laugh at the comment, while a "vein" popped on Ran's forehead.
She was fuming. Although she didn't mind Yuu building his "Crystal Palace," being told to her face that someone else was the "Mistress" while she was the official girlfriend was hard to swallow.
"Inspector Yokomizo! Did I not tell you before that I am Brother Yuu's girlfriend? This Miss Ikenami is just a client! My father was busy today, so he sent Brother Yuu to handle her request instead!"
"Ah... my apologies."
In his heart, Yokomizo felt that the mature, dignified beauty in the kimono was a much better match for his "Master" than a high school girl.
However, he couldn't afford to offend either Yuu or the daughter of the Great Detective Mouri.
After a quick apology, he wisely shut his mouth.
As soon as the Inspector stopped talking, Kyoko Shibata, who had been waiting impatiently, spoke up sharply.
"If you want to catch up on old times, do it somewhere else! My husband is dead! Inspector, can you please start the investigation and catch whoever murdered him?"
"And Inspector, don't let personal feelings cloud your judgment. These three strangers appearing in my house are extremely suspicious!"
Inspector Yokomizo immediately smiled and said, "Mrs. Shibata, you can rest easy. As Miss Mouri just explained, they are here on official business."
He then gave a brief introduction of Yuu and Ran's identities.
This was done to make it easier for Yuu to investigate.
Since Yuu had been on television several times for his cooperation with the police, the people present accepted his presence quickly.
As for Ran...
Kogoro Mouri's fame as the "Sleeping Detective" was immense lately. Hearing that Ran was his daughter, no one dared to suspect her.
There was even a sense of excitement among the bystanders, gossiping about the match.
Who would have thought the daughter of the Great Mouri was dating the rising star the police were currently promoting?
To ordinary people, Yuu Hoshimiya, who frequently solved major cases and appeared at press conferences, was essentially a high-ranking member of the force.
Inspector Yokomizo's behavior only served to prove that point.
In fact, Yuu did hold a "consultant" position at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
He received a very generous commission every month for doing absolutely nothing.
The reason was simple: Yuu didn't care for the credit, which allowed the Japanese police to save a lot of face and feel more justified in taking the taxpayers' money.
It was a matter of professional courtesy; the police department gave him the title and the monthly paycheck as a sign of their gratitude.
The crowd looked on with "I see" expressions, while Kyoko Shibata's face shifted uneasily upon learning Yuu's true status.
"Mr. Hoshimiya and Miss Mouri are obviously above suspicion."
Takezo Yoshikawa, the balding man who found the body, spoke up again.
"But what about this lady with them? The photo Mr. Shibata was holding... it's a picture of her!"
Hearing this, an officer quickly brought over the photo taken from the victim's hand. It was indeed the picture of Shizuka Hattori holding her kendo trophy.
Inspector Yokomizo rubbed his stubbly chin and remarked, "Looking at this, it seems highly likely to be a dying message left by Mr. Shibata. Miss Ikenami, you really can't clear your suspicion so easily."
"I've got it!"
Yokomizo slapped his forehead. "It must be that you killed Mr. Shibata first, and then hired a detective to investigate, hoping to create the illusion that you'd never met him! It was a ploy to manufacture an alibi, wasn't it?"
Faced with the Inspector's interrogation, Shizuka remained perfectly calm.
"Inspector, do you really think I would be stupid enough to return to the scene after a murder, and bring a famous detective with me? Wouldn't that be seeking my own death?"
"Which is why you found a way to get rid of Mr. Mouri and replace him with Master..."
Yokomizo stopped halfway, realizing he had stuck his foot in his mouth again.
Saying that was basically implying that Yuu Hoshimiya was inferior to Kogoro Mouri!
Even if he secretly felt Mouri was more experienced, he couldn't say that in front of Yuu!
Yuu glanced at him sideways. "If you don't know how to speak, don't. No wonder you had to leech off so much credit to finally get promoted to Inspector."
He didn't bother saving face for the low-EQ inspector and just shut him down directly.
Yokomizo looked ashamed and stopped his wild guessing.
But while the Inspector went quiet, Shizuka Hattori wasn't about to let him off so easily.
She flicked the wide sleeve of her kimono with a dignified air.
"Furthermore, if I wanted to create an alibi, I could have used anyone. Why would I specifically choose a famous detective or someone like Mr. Hoshimiya?"
"Your theory has no legs to stand on. I simply came to see an old classmate for a photo. I suggest you get your facts straight before you speak again, lest you make a fool of yourself!"
Shizuka's aura exploded. A cold glint flashed in her eyes, exuding a natural, commanding power. With just a few words, she forced the already shamed Yokomizo to back away.
The burly, curly-haired man gave a sheepish laugh, his posture shrinking as he looked incredibly awkward. "You have a point... haha... right!"
Ran was stunned by the sight of Shizuka.
She hadn't expected the gentle, refined "Miss Ikenami" to have such a fierce and powerful side...
Just then, the medical examiner in the white coat spoke up.
"Inspector Yokomizo, based on my estimate, the time of death was sometime between last night and this morning."
Yokomizo's face immediately returned to its normal color as he pivoted his attention toward Kyoko Shibata.
"Mrs. Shibata, where were you from last night until this morning? I assume you were at home?"
Kyoko shook her head. "No. I had a golf date with a friend today. My friend picked me up at five this morning. I prepared breakfast for my husband and left. My friend dropped me off around four this afternoon, and when I came back, they were already here."
Yokomizo put his hand back on his chin.
"So, Mr. Shibata was at home at that time?"
Kyoko nodded. "Yes. He didn't get home until three in the morning. He was still sleeping when I left."
"Three in the morning? What was he doing out so late?"
Takezo Yoshikawa chimed in, "Playing mahjong! He was playing with us downstairs last night. We finished up around three."
Yokomizo questioned her further.
"I saw today's morning paper on your dining table. What time is it usually delivered?"
"Around six in the morning."
"The TV in the dining room is on. I assume your husband was eating breakfast and watching television at the time?"
Kyoko replied, "Yes. He had that habit. I'm sure he was watching 'The Legend of the Swordmaster' which airs at eight every morning. He records it every day so he can re-watch it over the weekend."
Everyone turned their gaze toward the TV stand. There was indeed a DVR and many discs.
However, Yuu noticed that many things were missing. There was only one speaker where there should have been two, and the apartment felt a bit empty, as if several pieces of furniture were gone.
"Hmm? Inoshita, check the disc in the DVR and see if today's eight o'clock episode is there. Call Mrs. Shibata's golf friend and Mr. Shibata's mahjong buddies to confirm their stories."
An officer immediately went to carry out the order, and it wasn't long before the results came back.
"Reporting, Inspector! The disc contains today's eight o'clock episode of 'Swordmaster.' Mrs. Shibata's friend confirmed she was picked up at five and dropped off at four. The mahjong friends also confirmed they finished at three this morning."
A self-satisfied smile appeared on Yokomizo's face.
"In that case, Mr. Shibata must have been alive at eight this morning. He got the paper, turned on the TV, and sat down to eat the breakfast his wife prepared."
"But in the middle of his meal, an uninvited guest broke in and attacked him from behind, killing him with a blunt force blow to the head."
"The time of death would be during the airing of the show, between 8:00 and 8:40 AM."
"That clears Mrs. Shibata of suspicion. So, I ask you, Mr. Yoshikawa and Miss Ikenami... what were you doing at that time?"
Takezo Yoshikawa immediately yelled in protest.
"What is this? You're suspecting me? I was at home asleep at that time!"
"Can anyone prove it?"
"I live alone! How can I prove it? Besides, I just called him to say I was coming to pick him up. If I were the killer, why would I go to all that trouble?"
To shift the suspicion away from himself, Takezo desperately pointed the finger at Shizuka.
"If you ask me, this woman in the kimono is the real suspect! Shibata was holding her photo! It's clearly a dying message."
"And don't you think her story is weird? An old classmate she hasn't seen in thirty years, and she just happens to look for him on the day he dies? That's too convenient!"
"If it were me, I'd have forgotten those people completely after thirty years."
Hearing this, Yokomizo began to have doubts again and turned to the beauty.
"Miss Ikenami, where were you between 8:00 and 8:40 this morning?"
Shizuka replied calmly, "I was window-shopping alone at a Tokyo mall. I didn't end up buying anything."
Just then, a forensic officer spoke up.
"Inspector, we found a novel beneath the body. The title is 'Gate of the Thunder God'."
Shizuka let out a small gasp of surprise.
"Oh! That's the book I lent to Shiro Shibata thirty years ago! My photo was tucked inside it. I came here specifically to get it back as a memento."
"How did it end up under his body?"
Kyoko Shibata added, "I remember that book. Three days ago, my husband got a phone call and started laughing. He found that book on the shelf and said something like, 'Found it, no problem'."
"He left it on the pile of books by the cabinet. But now the pile has been knocked over, so I don't know if there's a connection."
A slightly fierce smile appeared on Yokomizo's face.
"Miss Ikenami, please show me your phone."
Shizuka frowned but obediently pulled out her phone.
Yokomizo compared the call logs and then shouted: "Miss Ikenami! How do you explain this? You claimed you haven't seen the victim in thirty years, yet there's a call record with him from three days ago!"
"You even had the nerve to ask Mr. Hoshimiya to find him for you. How bold! It seems you are indeed the one who committed this murder. Come with me to the station for questioning!"
Seeing Shizuka in a tight spot, a light smile appeared on Yuu Hoshimiya's face.
Ran, listening to the Inspector's deduction, was starting to believe that the elegant Shizuka might actually be the killer.
Shizuka looked at everyone staring at her, but her expression didn't change at all. A faint smirk touched her lips.
"I refuse to go to the station for questioning."
"Nani?" Yokomizo's brow furrowed.
"If you want to take me in, please apply for a warrant from the court first. Once I see a warrant, I will go with you."
"However, based on the evidence you have now, I doubt a judge will grant you one."
"On the other hand, if Mrs. Shibata wants to charge us with illegal entry, that would be a different matter entirely."
At this, Shizuka gave Yuu a self-satisfied glance and then narrowed her eyes in a charming smile.
Yokomizo was at a loss. His methods were usually blunt and aggressive; he had intended to just drag the suspect to the station where she'd be forced to talk.
He hadn't expected this lady to be so well-versed in legal procedures. She was incredibly troublesome!
The Inspector could only look at Yuu with pleading eyes.
Yuu straightened his collar. He didn't want to waste any more time. He addressed the group: "Though my client tells a lot of tall tales, she is definitely not the one who killed Shiro Shibata."
Hearing this, Shizuka couldn't help but glare at Yuu.
Yuu ignored her and spoke directly: "I've already figured out this murder."
The eyes of the Inspector and his officers lit up.
Here it comes! The easy credit!
Yokomizo looked eager. "Master! Who is the killer?"
"The killer is the mistress of this house, Kyoko Shibata."
Yokomizo immediately questioned him.
"But Master, the crime happened between 8:00 and 8:40 AM. Mrs. Shibata was out at that time!"
Kyoko Shibata's body gave an involuntary shudder at Yuu's accusation, but hearing the Inspector's point, she immediately joined in the protest.
"That's right! How could I kill my own husband? I have no reason to!"
"The reason lies in your empty apartment. Look at all the missing furniture, electronics, and valuables."
"Your husband was a gambling addict. He gambled away everything in this house at the mahjong table every day, selling off your belongings to fund his habit, didn't he?"
Kyoko froze. Her head slowly lowered, and her eyes behind her glasses turned dark and hollow.