Chapter 10 Chapter Ten Ushikawa Collects Conclusive Evidence

Ushikawa arrived at Ichikawa.It's really the mood of going away.In fact, after crossing the river and entering Chiba Prefecture, Ichikawa is immediately there, and it doesn't take that long to come from the center of the city.Take a taxi in front of the station and tell the name of the elementary school.It was just after one o'clock when I reached that elementary school.The lunch break is over and the afternoon classes have begun.The chorus from the music classroom can be heard, and there is a football match during physical education class on the campus.The children yelled and chased the ball.

Ushikawa has no good memories of elementary school.He is not good at sports, especially football.Small and slow.P.E. class time is certainly a nightmare.Academic performance is excellent.His brain is not bad, and he is very hardworking (so he passed the judicial examination at the age of twenty-five).But no one around him liked him, and he was not respected.Not being good at sports is probably one of the reasons.Of course, the appearance of the face is also a problem.His face has been big since he was a child, his eyes are fierce, and his head is crooked.The thick lips drooped to the sides, and now they also look drooling.The hair is curled and shapeless.Not a pleasing appearance.

In elementary school, he hardly spoke.I also understand that I can speak eloquently when necessary.But he had no one to chat with kindly, nor did he get a chance to show his ability in front of others.So always keep silent.And I have the habit of paying attention to what others say-no matter what it is.It's about paying attention to what you can hear.This habit finally became a useful tool for him.How many times has he discovered valuable facts by means of this tool.Most people in the world don't think about things with their own brains—this is one of the [precious facts] he discovered.So a person who cannot think cannot listen to what others have to say.

In any case, for Ushikawa, there is not a single sweet moment in elementary school that he can recall.The thought of visiting an elementary school next time made me feel depressed.Although Saitama Prefecture and Chiba Prefecture are different, things like elementary school are the same everywhere in the country.The same appearance, the same principle of operation.Still Ushikawa went to this elementary school in Ichikawa City expressly.There are important matters here, which cannot be delegated to others.He called the office of the elementary school and made an appointment to talk to the person in charge at 1:30.

The vice-principal is a petite woman who looks to be in her forties.She has a slender figure, good-looking facial features, and is well-dressed.Vice-Chancellor?Ushikawa tilted his head.This is the first time I have heard such a word.He was very, very far away from school.Certainly various changes have taken place during this time.She must have received many, all kinds of people.Even when he saw Ushikawa's hardly ordinary face, he didn't seem particularly surprised.Maybe it's just a matter of proper etiquette.She brought Ushikawa to the tidy reception room and persuaded Ushikawa to sit down.He also sat down on the opposite chair, smiling slightly.What kind of pleasant conversation will the two of them have next, as if asking.

She reminded Ushikawa of a girl in his elementary school class.Beautiful, good grades, kind, responsible.Development is also good, and the piano is also very good.The teachers love it.Ushikawa would often stare at the girl during class.Mainly the back view.But never once did he speak. "Is it doing some research on the graduates of this school?" the vice principal asked. "I haven't introduced you yet." Ushikawa said as he handed over his business card.It was the same as the business card given to Tengo. [New Japan Society for the Promotion of Arts and Sciences] has such a title printed on it.To this woman, Ushikawa said roughly the same thing that Tengo had said.Tengo Kawana, a graduate of this elementary school, was a strong candidate for a foundation sponsorship as a writer.A general inquiry into his affairs is now underway.

"It's really a great thing." The vice-principal said with a smile. "It's also an honor to this school. As I will honor you, I will help you with whatever you can." "Can you talk to the teacher in charge of Kawana Tengo directly about Mr. Kawana?" Ushikawa said. "Look into it. It was twenty years ago. Maybe retired." "Thank you." Ushikawa said. "If possible, there is one more thing I would like you to investigate." "What kind of thing?" "Probably in the same grade as Mr. Kawana, a girl named Masami Aomame. Can you check to see if Mr. Kawana and Ms. Aomame are in the same class?"

The vice principal had a somewhat strange and surprised expression. "Is this Aomame-san related to Kawana-san's sponsorship this time?" "No, it's not like that. It's just that in Mr. Kawana's works, there seem to be characters based on Aomame-san. We feel that there are a few issues that need to be clarified. It's not that complicated. It's just a formality. question." "I see." The corner of the vice-principal's straight mouth was slightly raised. "Just, I hope you can understand that it is difficult to provide information related to personal privacy according to the situation. For example, academic performance, family environment and so on."

"This is very clear. As we, we just want to know whether she and Mr. Kawana are actually in the same class. And if this is the case, it would be even more grateful if you can tell me the name and contact information of the head teacher at that time." "Understood. It's not a problem at this level. Miss Aomame, right?" "Yes. Writing Cyan Bean. Rare name." Ushikawa wrote [Aomame Masami]'s name on the memo in the manual with a ballpoint pen, and handed it to the vice principal.She took the paper and stared at it for a few seconds, then put it in the folder on the table.

"Please wait here for a while. I'm going to investigate the business records. From the materials that can be made public, copy the teacher's materials." "It's frightening to take up your time in the midst of busy schedules." Ushikawa thanked him. The vice-principal's glittery skirt flapped beautifully as she left the room.The posture is also good, and the way of walking is also beautiful.Hairstyles are also tasteful.Being old also feels good.Ushikawa sat up in the chair again, looking at the library book he brought to pass the time. Fifteen minutes later the vice-principal returned with the tawny business envelope on her chest.

"Mr. Kawana is a very good student. His grades are always at the top. He also achieved great results as an athlete. He is especially good at mathematics. He is very good at mathematics. He was able to solve high school students' problems in elementary school. Winning competitions, being on TV as a prodigy." "It's amazing." Ushikawa said. The vice-principal said: "It's unbelievable. At that time, he was famous as a prodigy in mathematics, but now he has grown up and emerged in the world of literature." "Abundant talents are like abundant water. They will find outlets in various places. Now I am working as a math teacher and writing novels at the same time." "So that's how it is." The vice-principal said with her eyebrows bent into a beautiful angle. "Compared to this, I don't know much about Ms. Aomame Masami. She changed schools when she was in the fifth grade. She moved to a relative's house in Ashari-ku, Tokyo, and transferred to the elementary school there. With Tengo Kawana Mister was in the same class in the third and fourth grades." Sure enough, it was as expected, Ushikawa thought.There is indeed a connection between the two. "The homeroom teacher at that time was a female teacher named Ota. Ms. Toshie Ota. Now she works at a municipal elementary school in Narashino City." "If you contact that elementary school, you might be able to meet." "Already contacted." The vice-principal said with a slight smile. "The other party said that there is such a happy event, and I am very happy to meet Mr. Ushikawa." "Thank you very much. Ushikawa thanked you." Not only is she beautiful, but she is also quick in her work. The vice principal wrote the teacher's name on the back of his business card, and handed it to Ushikawa the phone number of Tsudanuma Elementary School where she works.Ushikawa carefully put away his business card. "I heard that Miss Aomame has a religious background." Ushikawa said, "As for us, I'm somewhat worried." The vice-principal's eyebrows were clouded, and small fine lines creased the ends of his eyes.A well-trained woman with a deep heart.Intellectually well-timed fine lines with such subtle meaning. "I'm so sorry. I'm afraid this is one of the things we have a hard time discussing." "Is it a question about privacy?" Ushikawa asked. "Exactly. Especially when it comes to religion." "But if you meet Mr. Ota, you may be able to ask about this aspect." The vice-principal tilted his slender chin slightly to the left, and a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. "Mr. Ota's personal statement has nothing to do with us." Ushikawa stood up and thanked the vice principal politely.The vice principal handed the business envelope containing the documents to Ushikawa. "All the materials that can be submitted are copied here. The materials related to Mr. Kawana. Miss Aomame also has some. It will be useful if it can be used." "Thank you for your help. Thank you so much for your kind reception." "I hope to be able to inform you of the outcome of the sponsorship. It is also an honor for the school." "I'm sure there will be good results," Ushikawa said. "Had a few meetings. Really promising young man with talent." Ushikawa walked into the cafeteria in front of Ichikawa Station and had a simple lunch.I browsed the information in the envelope while eating.Tengo and Aomame had simple school records.Tengo's commendation records for his studies and sports were also included.Truly an exceptional student.For him, school has never been a nightmarish moment.There are also copies of news reports about winning in math competitions.It's very old, not very bright, and it still has a photo of Tengo as a boy printed on it. After eating, I called Tsudanuma Elementary School.Then I talked to the teacher named Toshie Ota, and agreed that the school would be exempted at four o'clock.That's the time to have a good conversation.she said. Anyway, it was work, visiting two elementary schools in one day, Ushikawa sighed.Just thinking about it makes me feel heavy.Fortunately, at this time, it was quite rewarding to come here.I figured out that Tengo and Aomame were in the same class for two years in elementary school.This is a huge improvement. Tengo helped Fukada Eriko rewrite "Air Chrysalis" into a literary work, which became the best-selling book.Aomame unknowingly killed Fukada Eriko's father Yasushi Fukada in a room of a hotel suite.Both of them acted with the common goal of attacking the [Pioneer].Maybe it was collusion.It's normal to think so. But it's better not to tell the duo of [Herald].Ushikawa doesn't like small talk about intelligence.It is his preference to collect information greedily, densely strengthen the surroundings of the facts, and after collecting solid evidence, throw out [it is actually like this].Since the days of lawyers, there has been a habit of playing such tricks.Modesty turned a blind eye to the other party, and didn't crunch the truth until the last moment.The situation reversed instantly. As the train drove towards Tsudanuma, Ushikawa reorganized several hypotheses in his mind. Perhaps Tengo and Aomame were male and female.Maybe it's been a relationship since I was ten years old.The possibility of meeting somewhere out of school and getting close to each other.Then, for some reason—what kind of thing is unknown—the two decided to work together to defeat the [Pioneer].This is a hypothesis. However, from what Ushikawa had seen, there was no sign of Tengo and Aomame interacting.He has regular physical relationships with wives over the age of ten.With Tengo's character, if he really had such a deep bond with Aomame, it would be impossible for him to maintain a habitual sexual relationship with other women.Not a man who can play tricks.Previously, Ushikawa had investigated Tengo's living habits for two consecutive weeks.I teach mathematics at a cram school three days a week, and spend most of the rest of the day at home alone.Probably writing a novel.Except for occasional shopping and walking, I hardly go out.Simple and unadorned life.Concise and easy to understand.There is nothing incomprehensible.No matter what hidden secrets there were, Ushikawa couldn't figure out the connection between the conspiracy related to the murder and Tengo. For some reason, Ushikawa had a personal crush on Tengo.Tengo was a straightforward young man without putting on airs.Self-reliance, do not depend on others.As is often the case with large people, there is a tendency to be somewhat emotionally blunted.It's not suitable for the sly, cunning character.The type to go forward bravely once such a decision is made.As a lawyer and a securities broker, it is absolutely impossible to become an atmosphere.Immediately, someone will trip over and tumble in important places.But as a math teacher and novelist, he should be able to do well.Not very sociable or eloquent, and will be liked by a certain kind of woman.In general, it is a character that contrasts with Ushikawa. In contrast, Ushikawa had no idea what kind of person Aomame was.All I know is that she was born in a family of zealous believers in the [Witness Society].Since he was sensible, he was taken to preach.When I was in the fifth grade of elementary school, I abandoned my faith and went to a relative's house in Adachi Ward.Probably couldn't take it any longer.Fortunately physical abilities are in favor.He was a strong player in the softball club from junior high school to high school.Be noticed.Relying on this, I won a scholarship to enter the Sports University.Ushikawa grasped this fact.But what kind of personality she has, what kind of way of thinking she has, what strengths and weaknesses she has, and what kind of private life she leads, all of which are unknown.All he had in his hand was a string of resume facts. However, if the experiences of Aomame and Tengo were overlaid in their minds, they could be found to have several things in common.First of all, they were not so happy in their childhood.Aomame walked up and down the street with her mother in order to preach.One by one they rang the doorbell. The children of the [Witness Council] were all fucked like this.Then Tengo's father was a toll collector for NHK.It is also a work from house to house.Does he walk around with his son like the mother of the Witnesses? Maybe.If he were Tengo's father, he would definitely do this.If you bring a child, the performance of the fee can increase, and there is no need to spend money to hire someone to take care of the child.Kill two birds with one stone.But it should not have been a pleasant experience for Tengo.Perhaps the two children passed each other on the streets of Ichikawa. Besides, either Tengo or Aomame, since they were sensible, worked hard to get sports scholarships, and tried to stay away from their relatives as much as possible.Both were actually pretty good as athletes.Should have had such qualities.But they have hidden secrets that have to be excellent.For them, being recognized as athletes and achieving good results is the only means of self-reliance.It is an important paper of self-preservation.Boys and girls think differently and have different attitudes towards the world. If you think about it, it's very similar to Ushikawa's situation.In his case, because the family is rich, there is no need to strive for scholarships, and pocket money is never enough.But in order to enter a first-class university and pass the judicial examination, he had to study hard.It was the same situation as Tengo Aomame.There is no leisure to play hula hula like classmates.All practical pleasures are abandoned - this is not something that can be easily done with hard work - and concentrate on learning.In the gap between inferiority complex and superiority, his spirit was shaking violently.Speaking of it, I just didn’t meet Sonia’s Raskolnikov, and I often think so. (The two Russian names come from the novel) No, everything is fine with me.There's no point in thinking about it now.Back to the question of Tengo and Aomame. If Tengo and Aomame had suddenly met and talked somewhere after they turned twenty, they would have been surprised that they had so much in common.And there must be a lot to say.Maybe two people are deeply attracted to each other as men and women under such circumstances.Such a scene could be vividly imagined in Ushikawa's mind.A fateful encounter.ultimate romance, Did such an encounter actually happen?Is there a romance?Of course Ushikawa didn't understand such things.But the idea of ​​a meeting makes sense.So the two joined hands to attack [Pioneer].Tengo used a pen, and Aomame probably used a special technique.Each from different aspects.But Ushikawa couldn't adapt to this hypothesis anyway.Logically, it makes sense, but it is not convincing. If Tengo and Aomame really had formed such a deep bond, it was impossible not to show it.A fateful encounter must produce a corresponding fateful result.This is something that Ushikawa's vigilant eyes cannot miss.Maybe Aomame was just hiding the fact.But that Tengo was impossible. Ushikawa is a man basically made up of logic.You can't move forward without evidence.But at the same time, trust your instincts.Moreover, this intuition shook his head at the plan of Tengo and Aomame acting as an accomplice.Gently, but very persistent.If the eyes of the two haven't reflected each other's existence.It's just a coincidence that the two of them were associated with [Pioneer] at the same time. Although it was hard to think it was a coincidence, Ushikawa's intuition was more inclined to this than to conspiracy.The two have different motivations and different goals, and coincidentally shake the existence of [Pioneer] from their different sides at the same time.That is, two different story lines run in parallel. But will such a convenient and easy-to-understand hypothesis be frankly accepted by the [Pioneer] gang?Certainly not, Ushikawa thought.They must have rushed to the conspiracy without thinking.Anyway, a bunch of guys who like conspiracy theories from the bottom of their hearts.Before handing over fresh information, he still had to collect some more solid evidence.Otherwise, they might be misled in turn, or even endanger Ushikawa himself. Ushikawa kept thinking about that while on the train from Ichikawa to Tsudanuma.Probably because he wrinkled his face unknowingly, sighed from time to time, and stared at the sky.The girl who looked like an elementary school student sitting on the opposite seat looked at Ushikawa with an incredulous expression.He smiled embarrassedly and rubbed his bald head with the palm of his hand.But this action scared the girl instead.She stood up from her seat suddenly in front of Nishi-Funabashi Station, and ran off to nowhere. I had a conversation with a female teacher named Toshie Ota in the classroom after school.Probably over fifty and a half.The appearance is in stark contrast to the capable vice principal of Ichikawa Elementary School.Short and stout.Seen from behind, it walks in a strangely beetle-like way.Wearing small glasses with metal rims, the eyebrows are wide and flat between the eyebrows, and the fine hair growing there can still be seen.Although I can't tell when it was made, the wool suit that may have been out of fashion since it was made, still smells slightly of insect repellant.Although the color is pink, it seems to be mixed with some other color. The incredible pink is probably in pursuit of a good-quality, calm and generous tone, but it backfired.This pink falls heavily into the timid and conservative refrain.Thanks to this pink color, the brand new white top with its neckline exposed also looks like an uninvited guest who sneaked in in the middle of the night.Dry hair interspersed with gray was pinned up by ill-fitting plastic barrettes.His hands and feet are fleshy, and there is no ring on his short fingers.There are three thin wrinkles on the neck, clearly like the scale of life.Maybe it's the realization of three wishes.But Ushikawa speculates that probably won't be the case. She was Kawana Tengo's homeroom teacher from the third grade until graduation.Changed classes in second grade, and stayed with Tengo for about four years.As Aomame's homeroom teacher for two years in the third and fourth grades. "I remember Mr. Kawana very clearly," she said. Her voice was surprisingly clear and youthful in contrast to her ordinary appearance.Delivers to the furthest corners of noisy classrooms.It really is a professional creation.Ushikawa thought.Must be a very capable teacher. "Mr. Kawana is an excellent student in all aspects. Even after twenty-five years and teaching countless students, he has never encountered such outstanding students. No matter what he does, he is superior to others. His character is also Well, he also has leadership skills. It is conceivable that no matter what field he will be able to become a family member. In elementary school, he was mathematics, and it is definitely not a strange thing to have the ability to enter literature." "Father does work for NHK fees, right?" "Yes." The teacher said. "From what I heard, my father is very strict," Ushikawa said.This is, of course, complete wild speculation. "That's right." She said without hesitation. "Father is very strict. Of course it is a great thing to be proud of your work. But over time, it has become a burden for Tengo-kun." Ushikawa skillfully manipulated the topic to elicit more detailed information from her.This is a job that Ushikawa is best at.Let the other person talk in as good a mood as possible.Tengo ran away from home in fifth grade because he hated spending time with his father on weekends, she said. "It is said that he ran away from home, but he was actually forced to leave home." The teacher said.Sure enough, Tengo was taken along with his father to pay the fee.Ushikawa thought.Moreover, this somewhat became a burden on Tengo's mind when he was a boy, as expected. The female teacher asked Tengo, who had nowhere to go, to stay at her house for one night.She prepared towels for the boy and made breakfast for him.The next night I went to my father and tried my best to convince him.She described what happened at that time as the most glorious scene in her life.We met again by chance when Tengo was a high school student, she said.He plays the timpani very well. "Janacek's "Sinfonietta" is not a simple piece. Tengo-kun had no experience with that experience in the past few weeks. But he will be able to step on the stage as a timpani player immediately, and dance brilliantly .It cannot but be said to be a miracle." This woman liked Tengo from the bottom of his heart, Ushikawa said in admiration.Almost with unconditional affection.What is it like to be loved so deeply? "Do you remember about Miss Aomame Masami?" Ushikawa asked. "I also remember things about Miss Aomame very clearly," said the female teacher.But unlike Tengo's voice, there was no sense of joy in that voice.Her pitch also dropped by 20%. "A very rare name." Ushikawa said. "Hey, it is indeed a very rare name. But remembering her is not because of the name." There was a brief silence. "The family seems to be ardent believers in the [Witness Society]." Ushikawa tentatively said. "Can this conversation be limited here?" said the female teacher. "Of course, it will never be passed on to the outside world." She nodded. "Ichikawa City is a large branch of the [Witness Association]. So I have also served as a homeroom teacher for several children of the [Witness Association]. From the teacher's point of view, this is a very delicate issue. I have to pay attention to it. But there are no more ardent believers than Aomame's parents." "That's the person who won't compromise." The female teacher bit her lip lightly as if remembering. "Yes. You are very strict with matters of principle. You are also strict with children. Because of this, Miss Aomame was isolated in class." "Miss Aomame is a special existence in a sense." "It's a special existence." The teacher confirmed. "Of course children are not responsible. If anyone is to be held accountable, it is the intolerance that dominates people's hearts." The female teacher said about Aomame.The other kids mostly ignored Aomame, trying to treat her as if she didn't exist.She's an anomaly, preaching strange principles that get the other kids in trouble.This is the unified view of the class.On the other hand, Aomame tried to protect herself by making her sense of existence thinner as much as possible. "I am doing my best as much as I can. But the unity of the children is stronger than I expected. Miss Aomame also turned herself into a ghost-like existence. Now, I can entrust it to a special education counselor. But that was not the case back then. I’m still young, and I’m already struggling in the care class. I’m afraid it sounds like I’m making excuses.” Ushikawa could understand what she said.The job of an elementary school teacher is heavy labor.The relationship between children can only be handed over to the children themselves to a certain extent. "Profound beliefs and intolerance are often the relationship between the outside and the inside. That's something we can't get involved in," Ushikawa said. "It's the same as you said," she said, "but on a different level. I should have been able to do something at the time. I talked to Aomame several times, but she hardly spoke. She has a strong will and will not change her mind once she has made up her mind. The brain is also very good. She has excellent understanding and desire to learn. But in order not to show it, she strictly manages herself and suppresses herself. Not attracting attention is probably a means for her to protect herself. If she can In the environment, she may be an excellent student. Looking back now, I still feel regretful." "Have you spoken to her parents?" The female teacher nodded. "We talked about it several times. Because of the persecution of beliefs, parents repeatedly came to the school to protest. At that time, I asked them to help Aomame integrate into the class. Can't you be a little bit more flexible about the principles. But no. For the parents , Strictly abide by the principles of beliefs and principles is more important than anything else. For them, happiness is going to paradise, and life in this world is just a passing cloud. But this is the truth of the adult world. In the hearts of children in the growing period, they are Ignore, how painful it is to be a different kind, and what kind of fatal injuries are left behind, unfortunately, we don't know." Ushikawa told her that Aomame was a core player in the softball club both at university and at the company, and was very active.Now an excellent trainer in the senior fitness center.To be precise, he is somewhat more lively than before.It didn't develop into that severe situation. "That would be great," said the teacher.There was a faint blush on her cheeks. "Peaceful factory manager, self-reliant, and alive spiritually. I feel at ease when I hear this." "There is one more thing I want to ask." Ushikawa asked with an innocent smile. "Is there any possibility of personal intimacy between Kawana Tengo and Aomame-san in elementary school?" The female teacher crossed her fingers and thought for a while. "Maybe there is such a thing. But I have neither seen such a situation nor heard of such a topic. One thing I can say is that no matter who it is, it is hard to imagine that there will be Aomame in that class." A child who formed an intimate relationship in private. Perhaps Tengo-kun would extend a helping hand to Miss Aomame. After all, she is a gentle, kind and responsible child. But if such a thing happened, Miss Aomame would not just open up her heart .for the same reason that oysters clinging to rocks don't open their shells easily." The female teacher bit her lip, and then added, "I regret that I can only say it in this way. At that time, I couldn't help anything. As I said before, I lack experience and lack of ability." "If it is said that Kawana-san and Aomame-san have some kind of romantic relationship, it must have caused a lot of repercussions in the class. It is impossible for such a thing not to reach the ears of the teacher, isn't it?" The female teacher nodded, "Intolerance exists everywhere." Thank you Ushikawa. "Talking with you, teacher, has helped me a lot." "Miss Aomame's matter won't hinder the sponsorship this time." She said worriedly. "It's my responsibility as the homeroom teacher that this kind of problem happened in the class. It's neither Tengo-kun nor Aomame-san's fault." Ushikawa shook his head. "Please don't worry. I'm just confirming the facts behind the work. As you know, religion-related issues are too complicated. Mr. Kawana has excellent and profound talents, and he will definitely become famous in the near future." Hearing the female teacher smile in satisfaction.Some kind of sunlight seems to shine into the small pupils, and the glaciers in the distant mountains can be seen in the distance, shining brightly.Thinking back to Tengo when he was a boy, Ushikawa thought.Even though it was twenty years ago, it must have felt like yesterday to her. While waiting for the bus to Tsudanuma Station near the school gate, Ushikawa thought about his elementary school teacher.Do they still remember Ushikawa?Even if he could still remember, the eyes of his teachers who recalled him would not have such a kind light. The situation that he has figured out now is very close to what Ushikawa assumed.Tengo was the best student in the class.Also popular.Aomame was alone, ignored by the rest of the class.It was almost impossible for Tengo to have any chance of intimacy with Aomame.The positions are too far apart.Then Aomame left Ichikawa when she was in fifth grade, and went to another elementary school.The contact between the two was cut off. If there is anything in common between the two of them in elementary school, it is only that they have to obey their parents against their will.Although the purposes of persuasion and charging are different, they are all forced to walk around the streets with their parents.Although the positions in the class are completely different, the two of them are probably equally lonely, and they are also pursuing something intensely.Accept yourself unconditionally, embrace what you are.Ushikawa could imagine their feelings.In a sense, Ushikawa himself felt the same way. It's finally over.Ushikawa thought.He was sitting on the express train bound for Tokyo from Tsudanuma, arms folded.Finally come to an end, what should I do next.Found some connections between Tengo and Aomame, interesting connections.Unfortunately, at the current stage, there is nothing concrete to prove it. There are three tall stone walls standing in front of me.There are three doors there.Had to choose one of them.There are nameplates on the doors.One was [Tengo], one was [Aomame], and the third was [Old Lady of Azabu].Aomame disappeared like smoke without a trace, leaving no footprints behind.[Yagiyashiki] in Azabu is protected layer by layer like a bank safe.No matter what, I can't get in.So, there is only one door left. We will stick to Tengo-kun for a while, Ushikawa thought.There are no other options.Wonderful case of elimination.I really want to make a beautiful brochure and distribute it to the pedestrians on the street.How about it, everyone, this is the elimination method. Naturally good young man, Tengo-kun.Mathematician and novelist.A judo champion and a primary school female teacher loves her.In short, we can only look for a breakthrough from this person first, and then wait for the opportunity to solve the mystery of the matter.What a troublesome mystery.The more I think about it, the more I can't figure it out.My own brain is like tofu that has passed the expiration date. How is Tengo-kun himself?Can he see the whole picture of things?No, I'm afraid I can't see it.From what Ushikawa could see, Tengo was making repeated mistakes, making detours here and there.He was also bewildered by various things and established various hypotheses in his head.But Tengo-kun is a born mathematician.Collecting parts to combine into puzzles is a breeze.And he is the person involved, probably has more parts than me. Temporarily monitor Kawana Tengo's actions.There is no doubt that he will take me there.If all went well, that would be where Aomame was hiding.Sticking to something like a remora and not letting go, this is one of Ushikawa's best behaviors.Once you make up your mind, no one can shake him off. After making such a decision, Ushikawa closed his eyes and closed the valve of thinking.Go to sleep for a while.Today I went to two elementary schools in Chiba County to meet and talk with two middle-aged female teachers.A beautiful vice-principal, and a female teacher who walks like a crab.There is a need to rest the nerves.His big, crooked head began to slowly sway up and down with the vibration of the train.It's like juggling while spitting out unlucky fortune sticks from its mouth, like a human-sized doll. Although the carriage was not empty, none of the passengers wanted to sit next to Ushikawa.