The defendant's lawyer's argument that Conan couldn't have suffered a concussion from a kick makes sense from the perspective of ordinary people.
After all, how strong can a child's legs be?
However, this is a courtroom.
It's impossible to judge the law with such simple ideas.
In response to the defendant's persuasive argument, Keisuke Kumiko curled the corners of his mouth and revealed a disdainful smile.
The opponent is too weak.
She is not on the same level as Eri Kisaki and Reiko Kujo—she's not good enough at all.
"This is the hospital report on our client's injuries."
Keisuke Kumiko took out a document and showed it to those present.
The clerk handed the document to the judge, who reviewed it and nodded.
The assessment report was issued after Conan Edogawa kicked the suspect in the head with a soccer ball, sending him to the hospital.
It can be concluded with certainty that the injury was caused by the ball kicked by Conan Edogawa.
The judge struck the gavel: "The plaintiff's testimony is reasonable. Defendant, please respond!"
"How can it be reasonable?!" Kogoro Mouri nearly shouted. "He's just a child—how can he have that much strength?! There must be something suspicious here! The assessment report must be fake!"
"Mr. Mouri, the assessment report is absolutely authentic. You can go to the local hospital to investigate."
Kumiko looked at him and sighed.
He then turned to Conan Edogawa with a smile once again.
"He was born with supernatural powers, is that not possible?"
"..."
That statement simply left everyone speechless.
This reasoning is completely absurd.
But no matter how ridiculous it sounds, the facts written in the assessment report remain reality.
No matter how absurd the reasoning, evidence is still evidence.
"..."
At that moment, Conan Edogawa clenched his teeth, looking at Kumiko's hateful, smirking face, and remained silent.
He never imagined the day would come when he would be sued in court.
It was clearly just about catching the culprit. It was clear that they were on the right side.
Why had he become the defendant?
He couldn't wrap his head around it.
There isn't much to say about the subsequent legal proceedings.
In any case, the outcome of this trial was already clear.
—"The trial is over. The verdict will now be announced!"
—"First, the defendant, Conan Edogawa, is found guilty of violating personal rights. His guardian, Kogoro Mouri, must pay the plaintiff, Fujiwara Ryuji, 10 million yen and issue a formal apology."
—"Second, the full cost of this court session shall be borne by the defendant."
—"The trial is over. Court is adjourned!"
The judge struck the gavel forcefully, bringing an end to this lawsuit, which had no suspense.
"You little brat, you always cause me trouble!"
Kogoro Mouri was so furious that he grabbed Conan, who was trying to flee, held him by the waist, and began spanking him in a full Ansai drum-style rhythm.
After all, this lawsuit had cost him over 10 million yen.
Previously, Conan Edogawa's mother, Fumiyo Edogawa (see the Edogawa Kidnapping Case animation), had only given him 10 million in child support—but now, it was all gone!
"Uncle, I was wrong! Stop hitting me!"
Conan looked utterly humiliated, his backside burning in pain as he cried out in agony.
At that moment, an abominable voice came from behind.
"Oh, what a heartwarming scene of a father scolding his naughty son!"
"..."
Kogoro Mouri's face went pale.
They didn't need to turn around to know it was Kumiko mocking them.
That arrogant tone—an old rival.
"The man you were defending clearly killed someone! He's a complete criminal!"
Kogoro Mouri glared angrily at Kumiko.
"You know that if Conan hadn't stopped him that day, he would have escaped? He had already booked a flight to Osaka! It would've been much harder to catch him then!"
"I know. The evidence of his crime is undeniable. There are surveillance cameras and physical proof. Not even the most powerful lawyer could exonerate him."
Kumiko smiled.
"But so what? You didn't follow the law. You hit someone and got caught. There's evidence, and that's the fact."
He stepped closer to Conan, smiling as he patted his head.
"Don't think you can act with integrity just because no one sues you."
"Shouldn't you be smarter next time you commit a crime? At least do it when there's no evidence."
"Kid, you're essentially the same as them."
"The law is ruthless—whoever gets caught is a criminal!"
Kumiko laughed and walked away.
He was going to collect his client's fee—30% of the contingency fee, a total of 3 million yen.
"..."
Conan gritted his teeth, unable to say a word, silently watching Keisuke Kumiko's back as he walked away.
That day, he had attacked the other party without confirming whether they had actually killed someone.
Thanks to the empiricism he had gained from his extensive investigative work, he had handled so many cases that he could essentially determine if someone was a real murderer with just a glance.
As for whether there was evidence of him hitting people on the spot, he hadn't even thought about it—because he had always done it, and no one had ever sued him. Over time, it became normal.
Unexpectedly, this became Kumiko's key advantage in winning the lawsuit.
What Kumiko had just said was almost a direct slap in the face.
He even had an expression that seemed to say: If I could get more easy lawsuits like this, it'd be like getting free money.
However, Conan couldn't refute it.
Strictly speaking, what he had done in the past was illegal, but no one had sued him.
But this time, he was caught—there was evidence, and someone sued him.
So, he had to compensate the other party.
"Damn it… Everything I did was right… So why did it turn out like this…?"
Conan lowered his head, unconsciously clenching his fists.
There was a struggle in his heart.
After a moment, he raised his head again.
"Yes, everything I did was right. No matter what, criminals must be punished!"
He murmured to himself as if reaffirming his resolve.
He would never agree with Keisuke Kumiko's views. If he faced Kumiko again in the future, he would never give in so easily!
That was Conan's firm belief at the time.
Of course, at that moment, he didn't know that this thought would soon become a reality.
…
"It's so easy to get these three million!"
Kumiko hummed a tune, carrying large and small bags full of various games, hurrying back to his office from Akihabara.
This lawsuit was simple. All kinds of evidence were readily available—there was no need for any tricks. Victory could be secured just by applying legal concepts.
He even thought the plaintiff's requested compensation was too low—not generous enough.
Look at that girl named Miho Nishitani—she asked for 30 million right away. Future crime victims should learn from her.
"You're buying so many games. Aren't you afraid of stuffing yourself to death? You're not even using the money for anything proper."
Ai rolled her eyes at his gleeful expression.
"I've lived my whole life for gaming. What's wrong with playing a little? I earned all my money with my own work. I'm a diligent worker, and I take pride in that."
Kumiko spoke confidently.
"Black-hearted boss, please stop calling yourself a diligent worker…"
Ai couldn't complain anymore. She had never seen anyone so shameless.
As they walked happily, Kumiko's cell phone rang.
"Who's calling at such a good moment?"
His face darkened instantly. He handed a bag to Ai, freeing a hand to answer the call.
After picking up, a voice came from the other end.
"This is Tokyo Detention Center No. 40. Is this Attorney Kumiko?"
"Yes. What's the matter?"
"There's a suspect named Koshimizu Nanatsuki who wants to see you."
---
E.n.d