The Performer’s Calculated Truth

Before I knew it, Suzuki had once more led me by the nose, for it was painfully obvious that he was deliberately sidestepping the recent discussion about Furuhata and the switch in their positions.

Kamimura Anko: “Suzuki, I implore you to answer me truthfully…”

Kamimura Anko: “Regarding the alteration of positions, why did you lie to me moments ago!”

Kitajima Kazumitsu: “Indeed, Suzuki-kun, why would you fabricate such a falsehood?”

Amemiya Wakaba: “He must have a guilty conscience… To be frank, his deceptive demeanor makes it truly difficult to discern the truth.”

Chisaka Erin: “Suzuki-kun, please, for everyone’s sake, speak the unvarnished truth.”

Suzuki Minoru: “Hmph…”

Suzuki Minoru: “Very well, very well… I concede. It was indeed I who feigned being struck and emitted that sound.”

Akahira Yuusuke: “So you, you were indeed secretly aiding the culprit all along…! Why on earth?! This act benefits neither yourself nor any of us!”

Suzuki Minoru: “‘No benefit?’ He feigned an expression of utter disbelief as he gazed at Akahira Yuusuke.”

Akahira Yuusuke: “Was it not your true intention for everyone to descend into a state of mutual suspicion and gnawing dread?!”

Akino Atsushi: “Yes, precisely! The agonizing sensation of being suspected as the culprit is truly unbearable! It’s akin to having a piece of art you meticulously crafted not merely go unappreciated, but outright disparaged…”

Suzuki Minoru: “Hahahaha… If you are so determined to interpret it that way, then I am powerless to dissuade you. After all, I am merely considering the collective growth of everyone here.” A cold, emotionless chuckle escaped his lips, leaving his face utterly devoid of warmth.

Takagi Masahiko: “For… everyone…?”

Katagiri Mimi: “F-for… us?”

Amagasa Gen: “What an utterly terrifying individual…”

Takahashi Aki: “Is that supposed to be ironic…?”

Suzuki Minoru: “Of course not! To prepare for the myriad unknown dangers that lie ahead, I intend to use this class trial to forge a more rational, united, and resilient group from all of you… Though, I admit, the ultimate outcome may still fall short of perfection.”

Akahira Yuusuke: “Are you jesting?! You aided a murderer for such a preposterous reason?! Are you utterly oblivious to the fact that everyone’s lives hang in the balance?!”

Suzuki Minoru: “Tell me, Yuusuke, you seem remarkably certain that everyone’s future will be tranquil, don’t you? Can you truly guarantee that without my subtle impetus, the culprit would have abandoned this murder? Can you assure me that the days to come will remain as calm and serene as when we first became acquainted? Can you truly promise… that no one will resort to murder once they are presented with a new ‘motive’?”

Suzuki Minoru: “Perhaps, in the future, someone will even plunge a knife into another’s back, wouldn’t you agree?”

He had reverted to that terrifying expression he had worn earlier, a testament to the fact that his title of Ultimate Performer was truly well-earned…

Akahira Yuusuke: “Th-this… this… I… I don’t know…” The words caught in his throat, only to be swallowed back in helpless resignation.

Suzuki Minoru: “Such a demeanor will simply not do… This state of confusion and ignorance is both unsightly and laughable… Yet, this is an inevitable predicament; shackled by your ingrained preconceptions, you are momentarily incapable of grasping my perspective. It is much like the Ganges River basin, where the autocratic Brahmins (TL Note: The highest priestly caste in the ancient Indian caste system, traditionally associated with religious scholars and priests.) — noble by birth — could never truly stand as equals with the Shudras (TL Note: The lowest caste in the ancient Indian caste system, traditionally associated with laborers and servants.) of the s*ave class!”

Arisumi Momoko: “Um… what exactly are Brahmins and Shudras…?”

Amemiya Wakaba: “Tch! You’re truly ignorant of even that? The four classes of the Indian caste system, ordered from highest to lowest in terms of social standing, are the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.”

Akino Atsushi: “That’s quite an abstract analogy, indeed…”

Suzuki Minoru: “We must not allow comfort to stagnate our progress; instead, we must willingly plunge into the thicket of thorns, embracing both pain and hardship! We must grow stronger! Sharpen our very spirits! Only by cultivating hope within the depths of despair can we truly ascend to become the mighty!!!”

Chisaka Erin: “Undeniably, after enduring numerous hardships, one’s mind often becomes more discerning, and one’s character, more mature. Yet, is actively embracing suffering truly what we desire? Or are we, perhaps, compelled to choose the path Suzuki-kun describes solely for the sake of escaping this place…?”

‘His actions were undeniably irrational… yet why did I find myself believing there was nothing inherently flawed in his words? Perhaps, this individual’s initial premise was simply mistaken… or perhaps, it was I who was misinterpreting the situation…?’

Suzuki Minoru: “Well then… I shall refrain from delving further into grand philosophies. Let us return to our earlier discussion. Now that you’ve discovered I merely feigned being struck, can any of you deduce who it was that pulled Furuhata?” A cunning smile played upon his lips, lending him an air of distinct individuality.

Akino Atsushi: “I know, I know! It must be one of the six individuals inside the elevator!”

Ishii Yoshimi: “Are you stating the obvious…?”

Amemiya Wakaba: “This young lady is convinced the culprit first pulled Furuhata, then subsequently set the trap!”

Takagi Masahiko: “Might we be jumping to conclusions a bit prematurely? The person who pulled Furuhata isn’t necessarily the murderer, after all…”

Amagasa Gen: “Indeed… that’s a valid point.”

Akahira Yuusuke: “I stake my very life upon it! I, Akahira Yuusuke, would never stoop to such a disgraceful act!”

‘Who could have pulled Furuhata…?’

Three possibilities align with the current circumstances:

First, Takagi Masahiko. Logically, his involvement seems the least plausible, as he was the one leading the way. Moreover, I, standing directly beside him, could not have been so obtuse as to miss any suspicious movements he made. Therefore, this possibility can be dismissed.

Second, Akahira Yuusuke. While his involvement presents a few possibilities, significant contradictions immediately arise. Firstly, Takagi had just stated that he observed nothing unusual upon entering. Secondly, even if Akahira Yuusuke had concealed the trap on his person, retrieving it, locating the noose, and then swiftly and accurately throwing it towards the pole would demand at least eight or nine seconds for completion. Yet, our entry into the elevator spanned a mere three seconds, and he was, furthermore, the farthest person from the pole. Thus, this possibility, too, can be dismissed.

Third, Suzuki Minoru. If he were the culprit, I believe a feasible method exists. He would merely need to exert his own strength to pull Furuhata from the corner to the doorway, simultaneously pressing his own body into the corner. This maneuver would allow him to effectively swap positions with Furuhata.

Suddenly, the self-deduction I had just completed indirectly presented me with an unexpected answer.

Hold on!! Th-this way… wouldn’t he be the only possible culprit?

Kamimura Anko: “You were the one who pulled it, weren’t you, Suzuki.”

Suzuki Minoru: “Precisely right!” He clapped his hands together with evident delight.

Suzuki Minoru: “So, Anko-chan~ Judging by your expression just now, you’ve also discerned the true identity of the murderer, haven’t you…?” It was as if he possessed the uncanny ability to read my very thoughts.

Akahira Yuusuke: “You already know?! Kamimura-san?!”

Ishii Yoshimi: “Truly?!”

Kitajima Kazumitsu: “Is that so… If Kamimura-san has found her answer, then I shall no longer be lost in confusion…”

Osakabe Nanase: “Anko-chan… I… I trust you…!”

Takagi Masahiko: “Kamimura-san… it’s alright. I will always stand by your side…”

Kamimura Anko: “Thank you… everyone.”

With unwavering resolve, I extended my finger, directing it towards the suspect I had envisioned…

Kamimura Anko: “You are the murderer, aren’t you!” I met that person’s gaze with an unyielding composure.