"Pa!"
The flames approached the cigarette, igniting the inside. The dry herbs within were instantly set ablaze by the high temperature, emitting a faint medicinal fragrance.
At this moment, Senichi's brain became unusually clear, and his active thoughts continuously sifted through all the information from the beginning to the end of the case in the blink of an eye.
No harvest...
It was as if the most basic foundation was missing. Even if Senichi's reasoning was brilliant, it was as if "a chef cannot cook without ingredients," he was unable to analyze further without that fundamental base.
But at this moment, under the influence, Senichi's thinking was incredibly fast. The seemingly complex information was nothing more than Senichi exhaling the smoke he had just inhaled.
Realizing that by relying solely on the clues they couldn't find the clown, Senichi immediately shifted his focus.
Since the current clues couldn't lead to the nasty clown, then find another way to catch him!
If you can't find him, it doesn't mean you can't make him come out voluntarily!
With this thought, countless ideas began to appear in Senichi's mind.
The psychology and profiling skills he possessed also began to come into play.
Age, cognition, personality, mindset, and reactions to various events—the information slowly outlined a detailed and realistic "clown" in his mind.
Various strategies were deduced in Senichi's brain, only to be quickly abandoned the next moment.
In anime or movies, Senichi's thinking at this moment would have been portrayed as countless "beams" spreading towards various results.
In the blink of an eye, countless "beams" lit up, and countless "beams" extinguished. Finally, the converged path of countless beams illuminated, revealing that the protagonist had found the right path.
Meanwhile, in the outside world, Senichi had just taken a puff of smoke.
However, as he looked at the unwilling expressions of Ran and Makoto, he suddenly thought of a way.
"I do have a method... and It can even satisfy your desire to personally capture that clown..."
Senichi slowly exhaled the smoke and watched the two people's joyful expressions upon hearing his words,
However, he said with a serious expression, "But this method is dangerous, especially for you, Ran. You must decide carefully."
Reaching out his hand to stop what Ran was about to say, Senichi's expression became serious as he said, "Think it over seriously. I need to report to the head of the Criminal Investigation Department and get approval."
"I understand." Seeing Senichi like this, Ran also nodded seriously. "But my determination won't change. If I'm the only one who can catch the clown, then I can't back down!"
To this, Senichi just smiled faintly and didn't say anything more.
This answer was not unexpected to him. Given Ran's personality, she would definitely not choose to give up. It was precisely because of this that she is the "angel" that Vermouth is willing to sacrifice herself to save.
The discussion with Chief Superintendent Toshiro Odagiri took a long time, not to convince him, but to convince Inspector Megure, who had been called over afterward.
After all, due to his past experiences, Inspector Megure had always disliked using bait to catch criminals, especially letting two high school students face such a dangerous criminal.
This also reminded him of his past. If it weren't for absolute necessity, Senichi wouldn't have made this choice.
In the end, Senichi used the strength of the two people as a breakthrough, persuading Inspector Megure to agree to Senichi's plan.
Thinking about the strength displayed by Ran in subduing those criminals abroad, and considering the Japan's Karate champion as described by Senichi, who had a record of four hundred consecutive victories without defeat, Inspector Megure's inner unease diminished slightly.
With the strength of the two facing the fairly capable clown, even if they couldn't compete head-on, they should be able to withstand and hold on until reinforcements arrive nearby...
However, to prevent any unforeseen accidents, Inspector Megure even "used a cannon to shoot mosquitoes," applying for a sniper from the SAT (Special Assault Team) to be positioned at a vantage point, ready to protect the safety of the two.
This was also the most important reason why Inspector Megure finally agreed.
To this, Senichi twitched the corner of his mouth, unable to help but admire Inspector Megure as the true "protector of the calf" fanatic.
And when Senichi returned to the reception room, facing the expectant gazes of Ran and Makoto, he nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "The higher-ups have approved this operation."
Upon hearing this, Ran was pleased. "What should I do next?"
Seeing this, Senichi remained calm, his lips slightly moved as he began to explain the rest of the plan to the two.
....
Night.
The night in Tokyo seemed to always be the same, amidst the hustle and bustle and the intoxication of wealth. As time passed, it took on a slightly ambiguous pink hue.
And tonight seemed to be no different than usual.
In this vast city, the surface may appear calm, but in reality, it's not as simple as it seems.
Some people are aware that the current surface calmness is merely a facade, and beneath it, there is a surge of activity.
A week ago, an individual claiming to be the "Just Clown" emerged on the internet, instantly capturing the attention of many with their actions.
Regarding the "Just Clown" who claimed to "enforce justice" but engaged in harming the innocent, some people scorned and others angrily criticized. However, there were also many individuals who became supporters.
In the concealed world of the internet, much like Pandora's Box, many unleashed their dark side in an expressive manner.
For the criminal acts of the "Just Clown," some with dark intentions even applauded this approach, adding fuel to the fire.
As videos surfaced showing the effortless defeat of two pursuing law enforcement officers, followed by an easy escape, the "Just Clown" became a highly followed entity in the online world.
Even though he hadn't reappeared after posting this video, leaving only a seemingly provocative dynamic image, it didn't diminish his status.
During this week of silence, he became even more popular, gaining increasing fame because he eluded law enforcement, turning him into a "perfect criminal."
Rumors escalated, and with the disappearance of the individual, the "Just Clown" might eventually become a symbol of internet legend.
And just at this moment, something unexpected happened.
In this scenario, a girl, whose friend was injured and hospitalized by the "Just Clown," filmed a video and uploaded it to a website.
In the video, she condemned the other as nothing more than a despicable and shameless criminal. She openly declared a duel with him on Saturday night at 8 o'clock under the emblem at Beika Triangle Square.
As the saying goes, where there's admiration, there's also disdain. As soon as this video appeared, those who disliked "Just Clown" immediately pushed the video to the top.
In no time, this video drew the attention of everyone!