Beyond the Truth: Mouri's Odyssey

Chapter 0003: The Idol Locked Room Murder Case

Yoko Okino was a member of one of Japan's top girl groups. Along with BoA from Busan and the healing beauty Aragaki Yui from Okinawa, they formed a group called "Dream Girls," often abbreviated as "Dream Team."

Currently, the Golden Music Festival, a popular music program in which Yoko Okino participated, was being broadcast and was in full swing.

The Golden Music Festival was somewhat similar to the show *I Am a Singer.*

Kogoro Mouri sifted through his memories and realized that, in this world, Japan and South Korea had merged into one nation. History had diverged during World War II; while Japan was defeated, it managed to annex both North and South Korea. Now, the population of this country was a blend of Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese, living together without distinction.

Interestingly, the K-pop groups from his previous life also existed here. Currently, the most popular song was "Nobody."

Yoko Okino was the main vocalist of her group, lauded as the "Maiden Diva," and her popularity was rapidly rising. Who would have thought she'd show up here today?

Kogoro Mouri led Yoko and her manager into his office and seated them on the sofa for a discussion.

This version of Kogoro Mouri, having traveled from another world, was no longer the lecherous man he once was. Sitting across from Yoko Okino, he brewed her a cup of tea with a calm demeanor.

"Miss Yoko, it turns out I'm a fan of yours. Shouldn't you be busy preparing for the Golden Music Festival right now?"

Yoko Okino removed her hat, revealing her lovely but somewhat weary face. She appeared haggard.

With a bitter smile, Yoko explained her case. As expected, it was the plot of the Idol Locked Room Murder Case. Yoko said that every time she returned to her apartment, she noticed signs that her furniture had been moved. Strange postcards were sent to her, and there were mysterious phone calls with no sound on the other end.

Her rigorous practice schedule for the Golden Music Festival had already left her physically and mentally drained. Returning home only to be frightened further had made it impossible for her to rest. Passing by Kogoro Mouri's Detective Agency, she decided to seek his help along with her manager.

Her manager, Yamagishi You, chimed in: "Detective Mouri, please help us. This program is incredibly important for Yoko, and we need to resolve this matter quickly."

In the system space, V-Chan spoke: [Novice task activated. Resolve your first case within 12 hours. Failure to comply will result in punishment. Punishment: Chicken Buff—your intelligence and physical strength will be reduced to that of a chicken.]

"Damn it! Why didn't you mention punishments earlier, you lousy system!"

Although Kogoro Mouri's mind was filled with curses, outwardly he maintained a confident smile.

"Miss Yoko, rest assured. I accept your commission. I'll find out the truth behind this. Let's head to your apartment right away."

The three of them quickly set off, riding in Yoko Okino's van. Looking at the bustling streets outside, Kogoro Mouri thought to himself: The system wasn't wrong; reality truly was different from the anime.

In the anime, Conan and Ran Mouri should have been present during this case. However, now, only the three of them were heading to the apartment, and Conan had yet to appear.

Yoko Okino observed the detective sitting across from her. Her curious eyes flashed. Initially, seeing the poster on the office wall, she had assumed this man was just an old fan. But he didn't seem the least bit interested in her, even with a beautiful woman like herself sitting right in front of him.

Playfully, Yoko decided to test him. Pretending to feel hot, she removed her coat, revealing her pale arms. Her Pikachu tank top stretched tightly across her chest. Stretching lazily, she glanced at Kogoro Mouri to gauge his reaction.

However, Mouri, lost in thought about the case, paid her no attention.

This unexpected reaction made Yoko feel a newfound trust and admiration for the detective.

The trio soon arrived at a high-end apartment complex near the Golden Music Festival's recording venue. Yoko's agency had rented this temporary residence for her.

Dream Team's official dormitory wasn't here. Yamagishi You led the way, taking them up the elevator to Yoko's apartment door.

From her pocket, Yoko retrieved the key and unlocked the door. Upon seeing the scene inside, she screamed.

"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!"

Her manager, peering inside, was equally shocked.

As for Kogoro Mouri, he had already anticipated this situation. Sure enough, there was a man's body on the floor of Yoko's room, a knife plunged into his back, blood pooling everywhere.

…

Kogoro Mouri maintained order at the scene, ensuring Yoko Okino and her manager didn't disturb the evidence. After calling the police, Inspector Megure and his team arrived shortly.

Inspector Megure looked just as he did in the anime: a rotund man wearing a yellow coat and hat year-round, with a jovial yet stern face.

When Megure saw Kogoro Mouri, his expression soured. "Mouri, what are you doing here?"

Kogoro, recalling his memories from this world, realized he hadn't left a great impression as a police officer. His cases with Megure had reduced their overall clearance rate by 30%.

Letting out an awkward chuckle, Mouri quickly explained, "Inspector Megure, I was commissioned by Yoko Okino to investigate her being stalked. But when we entered her apartment, we found a dead body. The cause of death was a knife wound to the heart, leading to massive blood loss. The room felt unusually warm, and there was a puddle of water on the floor."

Megure waved dismissively. "Mouri, spare me the unnecessary details."

Mouri's face twitched in irritation. Originally, he had planned to present his deductions immediately, but now he stood aside, arms crossed, watching with a cold smirk.

Yoko Okino, her face pale, occasionally glanced at the blood-soaked corpse. Her expression flickered with fear.

"Miss Yoko, do you know the deceased?" Megure's sharp gaze turned to her.

"Ah," Yoko stammered before quickly denying it.