I have opened this game to challenge Squitcher . He will be my only opponent in this short challenge.

I will post a summary of the events that his character will have experienced before the murder is discovered. At that point the game begins and he will be allowed to investigate and interrogate. The game will end once the truth of the case is brought to light.

The difficulty is mild. The main course is yet to come.

>>17466
Shadows of telephone poles fly across your face as the taxi moves to the beat of the traffic. The sun is shining and ocean is an unbelievably bright blue.

You are sitting in the back seat of a taxi with a few other passengers.

"My, what a wonderful view, " Yoko says, shortly followed by Kenji agreeing, "It sure is. " He then turns to you and adds, "Better than staying in Nagano right?"

That’s right. These two people are part of the Nakamura family that you are staying with while in Japan. They won a trip and insisted that you tag along, even though it certainly seems more like a couple trip than anything.

Kenji Nakamura is a stern looking man at first glance, but you know quickly shows his kind side. Standing slightly above average he is well built and has a slightly overworked salary man hairstyle that is combed to the side, with a bit of stubble to bring it all together. You believe that he is a detective but he doesn’t talk much about work.

His wife Yoko is as far as you can tell currently a housewife, taking care of their son mostly, who is currently with the grandparents while you are on this trip. She has long length straight hair that is parted down the middle and rests slightly below her collarbone.

Both of them are wearing modest clothing, at which best you can describe as some vacation style. Overall you have a good relationship with the two of them and get along.

The beaches and scenery of the ocean is soon obscured by the impressive hotel that is no doubt the destination. Thirty or more stories from the look of it, the modern looking structure gives off the air of perfection. Well if not for the unfinished escape stairs you find on the side of the building.

Grabbing your luggage the three of you check in and get settled.

>>17467
Later at the beach you split up from Kenji and Yoko. While there you found a few vacationers and played some volleyball with them. You did adequately. Now heading back to the hotel you stop by a beach house to order a snack and something to drink.

"-then he was all like `baby I`m the best thing you will ever get` so I laughed in his face and left. "

"Hah, you should have stuck around. He was loaded right?"

"Please, he just gets all his money from his parents. You can`t rely on that. "

As you take a seat you couldn’t help but catch the boisterous voices of two, for lack of a better word, crude young women sitting over to the side. The one yapping about some guy has short curly black hair wearing hat that must be fashionable. The other has blonde streaks in their long hair that appears to be purposely messy.

"Introduce me to another guy already. That doctor was a completely waste of time. Probably was gay, " Blondie states.

"What about Taiga, you know, that tennis guy? " curly replies.

"Doesn’t he go to Todai? Rather than me Sakura would… "

The voices suddenly cutting off gets your attention enough to peak your head in their direction. Blondie looks like she regrets saying anything.

"Sorry, I just-"

"Man just shut up about that bitch already. What is done is done... "

The end of their conversation lets you finish your snack in silence and soon you leave back to the hotel.

>>17468
As you head through the hotel you walk up to the elevator but are blocked by two guys messing around who don’t notice you.

"Come on now. You owe me favors remember?“ the one with spiky hair says while holding the other one in a headlock with a grin on his face.

"Fine already, jeez. Just get off of me! " the other who appears to be an employee for the hotel cries out. The spiky haired guy lets go of him and notices you. "Ah- " he starts before getting cut off by his friend.

"I am so sorry" he says as bowing over and over. You get him to stop apologizing and you continue on your way.

>>17469
The next morning you head downstairs for some complimentary breakfast and as you are walking through the lobby you pass by some heated discussion at the check in.

A stout man with a balding head, dressed in a white suit is complaining about something to the people behind the desk. He dons a number of rings and golden necklaces, almost the pinnacle of stereotypes you think to yourself.
Next to him a bored looking women in a sleek red dress is standing by some luggage. She seems to towers over the man in comparison, as she is taller than you herself. Her hair is tied up in the back and her bangs are parted to either side of her face.

"-and if anyone calls I don’t want to hear it unless it is Douglas from SI International got it? " he strictly orders to the worker.

"I will be in the room,” the women explains before she leaves him to deal with whatever it is.

You walk by the desk ignoring any further discussion and head to breakfast. You get a western styled breakfast: bacon and eggs.

>>17470
Later that day you spend some time with Kenji and Yoko, as the three of you head to various tourist sites along the islands. A few castles and an old military base.

While checking out some old replicas of ancient Okinawan buildings Kenji comments, "Hey, there is a firework show later this evening, I heard the hotel roof has a nice area that we can view it from."

Yoko gives him a small jab, "Of course it has nothing to do with the open bar does it now? "

"You caught me huh? Ahaha. "

After talking about it a bit longer you all decide to head there later in the night.

>>17471
The elevator doors open to the sight of various torches coming into view. Kenji and Youko step out right behind you onto the hotel roof. The layout is fairly simple, there is a dance floor with calm music playing to the movement of some lighting in the middle surrounding by tables and a plant bed filled with tall foliage. Over to the area nearer to the elevator corner is the bar and next to it the bathroom. It appears there is also a pool here, but nobody is currently swimming in it.

Map: Hotel Roof

"Get me round two over here! " you faintly hear shriek from the bar. To your displeasure you find the two women from the beach house stationed at the bar.

"You two find a seat and I will go get some drinks, what do you want?" Kenji says. After giving him your choices the two of you find a seat at one of the surrounding tables.

Taking a closer look around you can see a number of other individuals, not including the two aforementioned girls: a middle aged women in suit over at the other side of the floor, a party of three at another table and a bartender.

Kenji comes back with the beverages and a plate of shrimp. Of course you being a moral citizen don’t get anything alcoholic since you are underage. "Looks like they have food up there as well," He mentions as he takes a seat showing off his shrimp. Around this time you notice the party of three leave through the elevator and in enters a couple that you recognize. The stout man and his partner make their way over to the bar and take a seat next to the other two women.

>>17472
Eventually after talking about other plans for the holiday with Kenji and Yoko they take off to the dance floor. Suppose nothing better to do than a little people watching.

"Of course my dear, only the best," the stout man explains with wide arms to his partner, who gives a coy smile. On the stool directly beside him you can see (and hear) that girl order her third drink, while her blonde friend appears to be slightly less inebriated.

"Kaori, you just need to tell her you are sick of her shit," miss curly says to her friend after putting down her third.

"You are probably right. I just don’t want to risk it, you know? " Kaori responds.

Curly stands up and staggers towards her friend, "Nope! Get to it. I`ll be right back. " She then heads off to the bathroom.

Moving your gaze away from the bar you find the lone women still at her table smoking and looking over some papers. Going by her attire she seems like the only one not on holiday here. As you continue your ponderings the music picks up the pace a bit, resulting in Yoko pulling you from your seat for a dance. You are joined by the tall women and the walking stereotype on the dance floor as well at this time.

>>17473
You continue to dance for a while and eventually head back to your table. You hear a faint shatter and tiredly look over to the bar to see the lone women and Kaori standing over a broken glass. Whatever happened appears to be soon resolved and they go about their way. At time you see curly leave the bathroom just as a loud pop emits from the horizon. Looks like the fireworks have started.

A large variety of colors and lights marks the sky. Patterned ones of hearts and roses, you notice some are even logos for some of the hotels around the area.
Sometime during the show you hear "Are you done with that sir?" next to the table.

The bartender is standing there with a tray with a few other emtpy bottles on it, you catch a name tag reading "Nakamoto. You give him some empty cans and he walks off. After a few moments you realized that was the spikey haired guy from yesterday, he cleans up nicely in his work attire.

>>17474
It takes a moment after the fireworks have ended to notice that the music has stopped playing. "Hey boy, the tunes are busted over here!" the stout man calls to the bartender.

Following a few moments of investigation Nakamoto reports "Nothing seems wrong. I will have to get someone from downstairs. "

"I don’t think that will be possible, " the lone women suddenly speaks up. "I just tried the elevator, I think the power is out. "

Seemingly unconvinced the bartender goes over and hits the button, then again a few more times, but to no avail. "Then, what about the stairs? " After he quickly looks over the edge you are reminded that the stairs looked incomplete and unusable. Finally upon trying a phone behind the bar it is confirmed that the power must be out.

After a few minutes of wondering what to do the stout man presents a solution. He pulls out a large brick like device and waves it about. "Here I`ll just call the front desk," he says with a somewhat smug look.

At that moment however a scream flies out from across the roof. Spinning around to the source of the cry reveals the curly headed maiden crumpled on the ground next to her friend.

"Erina! Erina!" Koari repeatedly shouts at her friend, the onlookers are somewhat stunned by the scene. From behind you a pale Kenji sluggishly moves onto the scene.

"What happened? " he demands.

With stuttered words Kaori tries to give a response, "I don’t know. She was just. I mean we were all watching the elevator and then when I turned around, she was just…"

He quickly scans over her body and the immediate surroundings and puts his head down low to her face, while checking her pulse. Kenji stands up over the crumpled body. "...She is gone."

The other guests mumble in question. Soft sobs coming from her friend kneeling next to the corpse.

"Dead? Just like that?" the stout man questions.

Kenji turns to the rest of the guests, "Even if the power comes back on I will need everyone to remain here. This is murder."

>>17475
Kenji explains that he is a detective and gets a brief summary of everyone information.

-

Stout man : Daisuke Harada
His girlfriend: Izumi Hashimoto
Loner women : Kazumi Matsuo
Bartender :Shuji Nakamoto
Bondie: Kaori Hirasawa
Victim: Erina Asakawa

-

Kazumi is the first to ask Kenji about his declaration. "If you don`t mind me asking, why do you think this is a murder?"

Kenji curtly responds, "Judging from the state of her mouth she was poisoned. There is a faint smell as well. The question is who... Harada was it, that is a cellphone right? Call the police instead of the hotel staff, tell them what is going on. "

"Ah, alright." He dials the number and after waiting to connect he seems to get through. "I`m calling from XX Hotel, there has been a murder, and there is a detective here- Oh already on the way? Alright, yes, yes... ok. Well you heard them, should be hear within a half an hour they said."

"Hmm..." Kenji staggers a bit. Taking a closer look he turning green. He noticed you concern and tells you, "Yeah I think that shrimp had gone bad. Hold the fort until the police come, ok?" He then escapes to the bathroom, most likely about to hurl.

Looks like with the detective out of commission everyone is just waiting for the police to arrive since they are trapped here.

I look embarrassedly at the committee before me. "Well ladies and gentlemen, honestly this isn't my really my cup of tea, but I'll have to count on your cooperation until the police gets here.
As my um... colleague? is out of operation I will conduct questioning in his stead. Please do understand."

I take a general look at everyone's expression and take mental notes.

"First things first, I'd like to be 100% certain of how things came to be.
The last time I saw the victim alive was just before the start of the fireworks, as she was going to the bathroom. Did anyone see her after that?

From then on, I need everyone who went to the bathroom to come clear and tell me they did go and what time, even approximatively...
I guess we need to inspect it to... I sure hope Kenji isn't going to destroy any evidence... Damn those shrimps...

Anyway, anyone? I'll get to each person individually after that, so prepare to detail everything you saw."

>>17478
It seems everyone is complacent with your grasp on the situation. Kaori is still somewhat in shambles, only now standing up off the ground. Daisuku and Izumi are fairly calm. You find Kazumi and Shuji are both somewhat anxious but willing. Yoko has gone to see if Kenji needs anything.

Kazumi is the first to speak up again, "I believe I saw her leaning on the fence shortly after the fireworks. That was right before I had tried the elevator. I haven't used the bathroom at all." The fence of course is the one surrounding the perimeter of the roof.

"Well she was at that bar before, I didn't really notice anything until that scream there, and I haven`t gone to the bathroom either." Daisuke explains.

After the question goes around it doesn't appear that anyone saw anybody besides the victim use the bathroom. That is of course excluding Kenji.

>>17479
"Alright thank you for your help. It is precious.
Then, I guess it's time to get on with the questioning. I'll call you guys one by one, the others can go stand around the pool. No swimming allowed tho.
Alright first I'll take Shuji. Come with me to the bar area."

I proceed to the bar and seat down at a chair.

"So, tell me everything you could think of that could helpful, if you had any links to the victim, etc etc.... And also get me a coffee. Straight. Can't fight on an empty stomach or whatever."

>>17480
"Ah, um, right." Shuji mumbles as he walks over with you to the bar. The others stay put without complaints.

As you get near the bar you notice various glasses and cans on the counter top. You recall where the four people you saw were sitting.

As Shuji looks through the drawers and cabinets he begins answers your question. "I havent seen her before tonight. She ordered a few drinks and was talking rather loudly, but I don`t think I noticed anything odd.

>>17481
"Then what about the other persons present here? Were some of them regulars? Do you know what they do, do you recall seeing any of them interact? Every little detail is a step further Shuji. We're in big valley hit by a huge snowstorm. We need to walk to scout out the perimeter, so every little step, even if in the wrong direction, can reveal itself useful."

>>17482
"Well, I heard Harada and Hashimoto talking about some job overseas, but I cant recall any details... You start to blank out after hearing so many drunks yap you know? As for the the girls, well they were talking about some boyfriends, I think. Matsuo was looking through some documents and files from what I saw at least," he explains as he locates a coffee maker.

>>17483
"Fair enough. Then, could you explain to me what was the scene with your colleague I caught a glimpse of yesterday?
Also, our victim supposedly died of poisoning. If that is true, I'm sure you understand who would be the first persons to be considered suspects? I hate saying this kind of thing, but what do you have to defend yourself against such accusations?"

>>17484
"Are you saying that I-... Well, I mean, I don`t suppose I have anything. But, couldn't any other of the guests poisoned her as well? Like, there was that time Matsuo bumped into that girl and broke a glass at one point.

And the thing in front of the elavator was just messing around, I asked him to take some of my shifts, that's all," he adds a bit offended.

>>17485

"I'm not saying anything. Just reminding you that for now we may have just one victim, but the police can easily make mistakes. Unless people come upfront and are honest with their declarations.
Since you're staff, I just want you in particular to understand that fact. Staff has knowledge of the place, and access to most things in the area. As such they are the most capable of doing. That's why servants are always the prime suspects in classic mystery novels.
Anyway, I don't particularly think you're the culprit, but the police might not think the same, and if they find themselves in a dead end, they might just decide to lock you up along with her friend or whoever's the most likely candidate for some days before they get the truth of one.
What I want to say is, lend me a hand so that this case is solved swiftly, and you be inconvenienced that way. No need to be scared, all right?

When you're done with the coffee, and if you have nothing more to add, could you go take care of Kaori for now? I need her to be as composed as possible. And please call for Izumi next."

>>17486
"Understood." Shuji appears to have calmed down and finishes making the coffee. He hands it to you before heading back to the others.

"How can I help officer?" Izumi greets you as she elegantly takes a seat at the bar.

>>17487
"Well, pretty simple, just tell me anything that you could think of that could be linked to our incident. Did you know the victim? Anyone? Did you see anyone act unusually? Anything can help."

>>17488
"Hmm, anything unusual?" she hums while twirling a tassel on her purse. "I`m afraid nothing comes to mind. I didn't know the poor girl, or anyone else here for that matter."

Last edited at 15/05/10(Sun)12:54:25

>>17489
"You seem somewhat unfazed by what has just happened.
I suppose you are a person capable of stomaching quite a lot of things, so I'm sure you'll pardon me for being direct.

You and you husband were sitting just beside the victim on this very seats, few minutes before said victim collapsed and died of what is supposedly poison.
Now, taking that into account, are you sure you still have nothing to say?

And please don't take it the wrong way."

>>17490
"Of course, its your job after all," she responds with a charming half smile. "Still, not much happened, or at least not much I am aware of. The two of them had a few drinks and then, Erina, I believe her name was went to the bathroom. Shortly after that Daisuke and I went to the dance floor."

>>17491
"Thank you. Then, tell me about you, occupation, purpose of your stay here, your planning from now on, etc..."

>>17492
"Lets see... hobbyist, vacation, and continuing vacation," she says.

"Well, I guess you have nothing to help me, or don't want to share it. That's fine, I'll know things eventually. Call Kazumi next please."

>>17494
"Well you are a skeptical one," she comments before heading off.

Kazumi eventually arrives and takes a seat. She doesn't say anything however, presumable waiting for your questioning.

>>17495
"Greetings Ms Matsuo. You seem to have a sharp eye and have noticed our victim near the fence. Do you have anything else of interest to share, about the victim, the persons present here, anything?"

>>17496
"It was just coincidence that I noticed her. As for the others I cant say I paid attention. I was focused on my work," she explains briefly.

>>17497
"I see. Then what about the broken glass? What exactly happened?
Also, if I may, why come here to work? I'm sure there's hundred of other places that would be quieter than here to work."

>>17498
"Admittedly I wasn't paying attention and bumped into the girl at the bar. Fortunately the glass was already empty so there wasn't a mess," looking down you can still see some small remains of the glass.

"I find noise helps me work more efficiently. If I am alone or listening to music I just get distracted," she explains.

>>17499
"Wait, whose glass was it? Kaori's I take?
Then for personal questions, what is the purpose of your stay in this hotel? What is your job?"

>>17500
"Right, it was hers. I work as accountant in Kyoto, my boss said I was working too hard and should take some time off. I ended up working while I was here anyway it seems."

>>17501
"That's what people call overwork. You should go rest yourself for real after that.
I suppose you have nothing to add? Did you know anyone? Notice any of them doing something odd, you don't have to limit yourself to today."

If she doesn't, I'll just send her back and call for Daisuke.
Before he comes I'll inspect the broken glass closely.

>>17502
She doesn't have anything to add, but agrees with you about getting some rest.

Taking a look at the shards shows that the class is the same as the cocktail glasses on the bar. You find a shard with some red lipstick, but nothing else jumps out at you.

Daisuke comes around from the planet bed quickly, "Now I know what you are thinking. `That guy was next to her at the bar so he is probably the culprit.` Well I say not, I don't even know the girl. You know what I think? It was whatever your friend had that did her in, allergic reaction or something like that."

>>17503
"Now that you mention it, you were sitting beside her. Thank you for reminding that fact Mr.Hamada. It is so kind of you.
I assume you have a better explanation to protect yourself than allergy, don't you?

Anyway, please tell me anything you know, have noticed, have caught a glimpse of, anything that could help you be less suspicious."

>>17504
After getting over that you ignored his theory he thinks for a moment. "Well, I don't know if suspicious, but the fact that the police were already on their way seems off to me. Maybe another murder happened elsewhere in the hotel, something like that?"

>>17505
"Indeed, that is something I thought off as well. It might be a cause behind the blackout. But either way that's something for later, we have enough on our hands with one murder for now.
If you have nothing to add, could you tell me what drink you chose? And from then on hmm... Occupation, are you a pro-wrestler, reason for stay, etc...

>>17506
"Drink? Well Kirin of course. Nothing beats it. What do you mean pro wrestler?" he asks a tad annoyed. "I run a brokerage thank you very much."

He also adds that he is on vacation like Izumi said.

>>17507
"Sorry, just a slip of the tongue. Those things happen so often I barely notice them anymore myself.
Anyhow if you have nothing to add call Kaori, she's the last person"

>>17508
Daisuku leaves and Kaori quietly comes around and sits down. She looks more composed than before to say the least. She awaits questioning.

>>17509
"Greetings Kaori, I'm sure it must be very difficult for you, but as the person closest to the victim, what you know can help me and the police find the murdered. It can also avoid suspicion from being drawn on you.
This is entirely dependent on how well you can answer, and how truthfully. Please listen well.

First off, how long did you and the victim knew each other? In what context? Can you imagine anyone having a grudge against her?
What drinks did you two take?
Do you know anyone here? Witnessed anyone acting suspiciously?"

I'll wait for her answer before continuing

>>17510
"We met in our first year in college, that was 5 years ago."

She tells you that Kaori only ordered Kirin but had a few sips of one of her own cocktails. She also reports that she doesn't know anybody here, nor did she see anything she can see as suspicious.

However when the topic of grudge comes up she pauses a bit. "Well, there is something, something similar to this. Someone died just like this before."

After a short pause she continues, "During our final year we used to go out to some clubs and had a small group, Erina was something like the leader. One time there was a girl, Sakura, who wanted to join us. Erina thought, just as a joke, that once there she would spike her drink to get her to loosen up. We all had the same stuff, just, something went wrong... they said something about her heart...and just..."
Seems like that's all she can manage.

>>17511
"Alright, I need you to answer me calmly. Is that Sakura girl still alive?
Regardless, do you think that what happened today would be something like a revenge?
Did Sakura have any sibling? What were her parents like? I need as much information I can get out of this. As hard as it might be for you."

>>17512
"No, she died during that incident, I think revenge could be likely but... I never heard her talk about her family so I don't know."

>>17513
"I see.
Did you just come here as a vacation? Just the two of you?
Also, can you tell exactly what happened earlier when your glass broke?"

I'll examine to see whether she's wearing any lipstick.

>>17514
You note she is not wearing any lipstick.

"Yes, just the two of us. That girl tripped and bumped into me making me lose my grip on the glass. Was there something important about it?"

>>17515
"Not really, I was just making sure I had the right grip on it. By the way, your glass was empty right?
In any case, I have few more questions to ask you. From your story, I assume you and your friend graduated from university? What are you doing then? What did you study?
Did you see anyone here do something strange, whether today or previously? Anything can be used."

Once she answers, I'll send her back with the others, then proceed to inspect the glass again, logically the lipstick mark should be on the top of the glass, I try to note the color, then whether any liquid is around the debris.
I'll proceed to do a general check of the bar area, finish my coffee and I'll head over to the victim.

>>17516
"Erina dropped out... I ended up getting a degree in the arts."

She tells you the cup was indeed empty and that she didn't notice anything strange leading up to this incident. She then leaves leaving you to investigate.

As you examine the small shard you found with the red lipstick on it you are able to determine that it was on the rim of the glass as expected. Taking a look at the general bar area again you end up looking at the empty cans and glasses again. Two of the cans in front of Erina`s seat also have red lipstick on the rims. You finish your now cold coffee and walk over to the body.

At some point before you started interrogating Kenji placed his coat over the top half of the body. You can see the others gathered in the distance closer to the elevator, the body is currently out of their field of view.

>>17517
I'll focus on the upper part for now, first take a look at her lips, as she should logically be wearing lipstick, then I'll examine her mouth as carefullyas possible, trying to see if any liquid, saliva, froth it coming out.
Then put the coat aside and do a general search, pockets, etc...Any bruise, mark, anything.

>>17518
It appears that she is not wearing any lipstick. Inside her mouth however you do find some remnants of froth backed up in her throat.

You fail to find any wounds on the body. Under the coat beside the body is a purse. Opening it you find some make up (no lipstick), key to her room, unopened package of tissues, some credit cards and cash.

>>17519
I'll take the tissue, unfold it and place it in the palm of my right hand. I'll then put that hand over her lips and very slowly, but firmly enough, bring it down until it connects.
Then observe.

>>17520
The tissue comes back clean.

>>17521
After smelling the tissue just a little, I'll pocket it. Then, I'll head for the group.

"Alright, I have to thank everyone for cooperating with me so far. Unfortunately, that won't reveal itself to be enough. I will need your help for something in a short while.
During that meantime, please rest quietly.
Except you Shuji, could you come here a sec?"

While he's coming my way, I'll try to see if either Kazumi or Izumi is wearing any lipstick.
I try to take enough distance from the group so that they wouldn't be able to hear us.

"I need you to tell me what drink you served and to who, if possible in what order."

>>17522
The tissues were scented so you get a nice whiff of tissue smell.
Neither Kazumi or Izumi are wearing any lipstick.

Shuji looks a bit dubious at first but attempts to do so, "Lets see... Matsuo asked for some water before the victim arrived. After that Erina and her friend ordered a beer (Kirin) and a cocktail. Shortly after that they ordered the same two drinks again.
The detective came and ordered after that, and then I believe Harada and his partner arrived and ordered the same combination as the victim and her friend. Erina ordered another cocktail and beer, which was before she left to the bathroom. After she had left Harada asked for another beer as well. I think after that something happened and a glass broke, but I didn't see it happen.
That should be all."

>>17523
"Okay, thank you. That should reveal itself useful... Hopefully...
I need you to help me with something. Can you stand at the bathroom's doorway and keep a look on what everyone's doing while I'm inspecting the bathroom? I will need to you to be very careful."

If he goes along with this, I'll head for the bathroom, open the door and tell to keep it open. Then inquire with Yoko about Kenji's State.
Finally I'll start a general search of the place.

>>17524
Shuji agrees and follows you to the bathroom, taking post in front of the doors.

You look into the male bathroom and can hear some heaving, but not vomit at the moment. You see Yoko rubbing Kenji`s back.

Heading into the female bathroom you find it to be surprisingly clean for the women`s bathroom. There doesn't appear to be anything that stands out besides the trash can, in which you find some paper towels, some make up wipes, and an empty lipstick container. You find the wet wipes and paper towels to be coated in the same color of lipstick.

>>17525
I'll try to see if I can make out the brand of the lipstick. Then I'll go up to Shuji.

"Hey, did you notice anybody wearing lipstick tonigh?"

>>17526
It is rather worn down and you cant make out a brand, but the design is rather distinct.

Shuji tells you, "Lipstick? No... I don`t think I noticed anyone."

>>17527
I'll pocket the lipstick.
"Thank you. I don't have any more business here. Let's go back with the others."

I walk over to the group, analyze everyone's expression. I'll take the lipstick out and show it to everybody.

"Has anybody seen this lipstick today?"

>>17588
"Ah that is..." Kaori responds, "That is Erina`s, I am pretty sure."

Nobody else seems to deny her claim.

>>17589
"I see. I found it in the trash, but she wasn't wearin any lipstick when she passed away. Do you have any idea why that may be?"

>>17608
"I noticed she didn't have any on when she returned from the bathroom, at least," Kaori explains unsure to what it means," She was wearing it up until then."

>>17609
"I see. Thank you.
As I said before, I need all of you to help me. To do that, I will need to inspect everyone's personal luggage and do a body check. Yoko will take care of the women, while I'll take care of the men. I know it is annoying but it's a necessary thing to do. The girls can go in the women's bathroom. Men, come with me."

I'll make sure everyone gets in each bathroom, ask yoko to take care of that. Then take care of the deed.

>>17610
"Well I suppose that makes sense," Harada admits. Before you all head over there however you notice Kenji and Yoko come out from the bathroom. Kenji looks significantly better.

"Seems like you did my job for me, sorry about that. What exactly has happened since I left?" he asks you.

>>17611

I'll answer only after having hushed everyone in their respective bathroom.

"Well, not much. I did a bit of search and asked everyone's version of the event.

As far as hints go, the victim's lipstick seem to be the leading one.
I found the victim's empty lipstick container in the bathroom, and traces of lipstick on the cans she supposedly drank. Yet she wasn't wearing any lipstick at the time of death, though her friend says she was wearing some before getting to the bathroom."

>>17612
Kenji thinks for a moment and quickly tells you to stay put, he then runs around the roof top searching in each and every corner. He then returns shortly finding nothing, but that seems to be the intended result.

"Something tells me that you have a theory to go with those findings," he says, "And I think you might just be right. The body search will most likely prove it."

>>17613
"A theory you say...
Well, I feel like I'm still lacking crucial information, but I can still come up with something.
So if we go with the idea that poison is the murder weapon, then of course lipstick was used.
That would explain why we found the lipstick container in the trash can. Indeed, if we were to believe the victim actually threw it herself, well, she just doesn't have any reason to just throw it like this, unless she was planning suicide.
She may just have found it empty, but if she was wearing it, then she would have thrown it back when she first used it.
In any case, the lipstick container was clearly thrown away by the culprit, while they would keep the actual lipstick somewhere on their person.

But nobody saw anyone other than the victim enter the bathroom. How then? Simple enough, the culprit took advantage of the fireworks and the subsequent blackout.

As for how the lipstick would have been poisoned, I'm a bit unsure, but I'd say the culprit probably replaced her's beforehand, or used some trick to poison it/replace it while close to her. For exemple, using some distraction like breaking glass.

Then, to cover up tracks, the culprit would throw the lipstick container, wipe the lipstick off the victim's lips, then come back with everyone.

Basically, I would say Kazumi is the culprit, poisoned or replaced the lipstick while breaking her friend's glass. Planned the blackout, used it to do the aforementioned things, then got back with everyone and blended in. She might have placed the body around this time.

She then further covered her tracks by falsifying her time of death with a false testimony, creating an illusionary timespan which would have washed her of doubts.

As for motive, we'll see later, but I do think I have a pretty good hunch about it.

Well, we'll see the ins and outs of it if the lipstick is found on her I guess.

What do you think?"

Last edited at 15/05/29(Fri)12:27:08

>>17615
"Can I see that lipstick?" Kenji asks before taking it.

After a few moments he hands it back, "It looks like it had been all used up, rather than removed. She probably just threw it out herself, so I don't think that theory holds up. Also the odor from the poison is potent enough that I should be able to smell it on the lipstick here, but there is nothing. In fact none of the cans or glasses over their smell either," he explains

>>17616
"Ghh... Well, if so there's only one thing I can think of.
She was removing her make-up with a soft cloth, or whatever girls use, which was poisoned beforehand by the culprit, which retrieved it during the blackout.
So should we find either a soft cloth with soft lipstick mark or something similar on anyone we got the culprit... Probably.
I'm still betting on Matsuo, but at this rate it could pretty much anyone."

>>17637
"That might be possible if they were lucky, but it is unreliable to introduce poison in that way. Hmm, I need to check something with Kaori." Kaori is then beckoned and soon just the three of you are alone from the rest.

"Erina had a number of drinks tonight, right?" Kenji starts.

"Well, only three, and some of my own drink," Kaori says.

Kenji rubs his chin seemingly recalling back to something, "She ordered her third before going to the bathroom... When did she take a drink of yours?

"That was after she returned, a few minutes after."

"Alright, now do you recall if she had started to drink her third before or after going to the bathroom."

She responds quickly, "It was before, I am sure of it."
Kaori is dismissed and the two of you are left theorizing again.
"I was slightly off... If she did drink her third beforehand, then there should be some lipstick on the can. There are no indications of it being wiped down either," he concludes.

You and Kenji decide that it would be about time to search through everyone's belongings.

Harada and Izumi show the contents of their pockets/purse, and shortly after Matsuo starts as well. In the back behind the group however Shuji doesn't move, his head held low as he quickly stands out with his lack of compliance.

Kenji walks up to him, "You aren't doing yourself a favor kid. If you don't empty your pockets I'll do it for you."

Shuji gives a dry laugh, "...there is no need." He brings his hand out of his pocket and throws a crushed beer can onto the ground flattened to the shape of a puck. You are close enough to make out smudged lipstick along the rim, the same from the others. "You got me."

Kenji picks up the can and smells it, "Yeah, it appears so. Then Sakura was-"

"My sister," he announces, "The sister who I have now avenged."

Kaori looks on with dread as the rest of the group watches.

"Oh don't give me that look," he yells at Kaori. "She deserved it! Time and time again, I told myself it wasn't anyone's fault. That it was just bad luck... and I thought I had gotten over it... But I saw her, Kaori. Last year, at some club. Just by coincidence, as soon as my sister was brought up she dismissed her death like it was nothing!"

"You're wrong!" Kaori suddenly bursts, "She didn't mean any of that, she regretted that day more than anyone besides you. She didn't dismiss it, it haunted her, even Sakura's name would set her off!"

The stunned Shuji looks hard at her, then says with absolute malice "If that's true then my real mistake was freeing her from that torture."

In the background police sirens chime out and the power comes back on shortly after.

>>18225
You stood outside of the hotel the next day, refreshed from the night of rest. The police had arrived and with the confession took Shuji away. The other members of the party were questions of course but were eventually dismissed. While everything was cleaned up nicely, you sat organizing the logic behind this event.

It turned out the one who turned off the power was the friend of Shuji who worked at the hotel. His intuition proved to be the true hero of these events, trapping the culprit right before he was about to escape. It turned out that Shuji wasn't even imployed there to begin with. You thought he had just taken a shift, but you heard that from Shuji. Thinking back on it his actions stood out. He had no idea where the coffee machine was behind the bar, nor did he really seem to know much about the hotel. The first thing you noticed upon arriving, the broken escape staircase was something that any worker would have noticed many times over, yet he had to check the side of the building.

Overall however it was the checking of the pockets which resulted in his capture. Reviewing the facts, you conclude that simply figuring out what happened to the can and the lipstick was the real problem here. There was a few possibilities, for instance first looking at the table would suggest that her third drink was missing since there was only two with lipstick (since you knew she had ordered three drinks). Harada could have taken it, mistaking it for his own since they were the same type, or maybe the Matsuo or the worker took it. Upon finding the lipstick and cloth in the bathroom however you start to question this; she could have just removed the lipstick before hand and this was just a red herring.

Looking at the facts and interrogating some more led to clues that she took a sip of Erina's drink right after returning from the bathroom, which does not have any lipstick on it(the one that was shattered was said to be empty, meaning it must have been the first or second glass). Then through further questions it was confirmed she drank from her third drink before going to the bathroom, meaning that a Kirin can must have lipstick on it.

With this knowledge it then becomes the question of where did it go. The whole roof was searched and nothing was found. So assuming they didn't just miss it, then either it was thrown over the fence, or was kept in someone's pockets/purse. Normally you wouldn't expect a can to fit, but crushing it works nicely. Throwing a poisoned can over the fence wouldn't work either since it would have been quickly located by police.

With that figured out your head clears, everything makes sense now.

>>18226
Kenji gives you a soft jab in the back, "Daydreaming again huh?"

With a bit of joking around you talk about the case, expressing your displeasure with how you couldn't solve it.

"Hey, I didn't even expect you to interrogate or investigate on my behalf. You collected all the pieces and didn't let anyone mess with the scene, all while being in a unfamiliar situation. Technically you did bring the truth to light. Don't be too hard on yourself, if anything I should be the one feeling bad letting you do everything when I wasn't able to control the situation. You'll get it next time right?" he finishes jokingly.

With that said the three of you enjoyed the rest of the vacation, before returning to Nagano a few days later.

THE END?