"You do realize," Takeshi began, turning in the direction of Shakuntala's voice but making sure he could still see Daniel. "That your testimony is not substantial evidence, right? You could easily be hiding something from me; from the sound of it, you were with him when the original crime occurred and here you are with him when the body turned up missing. It seems a bit fishy to me. And this whole 'stupider than you look' thing, do you truly believe it is stupid to question the most suspicious person? I have no information on the current situation, information to which both of you are privy. The only reason I can think of that you would deny being questioned was if you were to be covering something up. Perhaps you are correct, it may not be Daniel. In that case, maybe you were the culprit? There is absolutely no evidence supporting otherwise at the current moment beyond your claims."

"And you," he returned his gaze to Daniel. "There is a punishment in place by law for if you were to flee this interrogation. Do you recall last night when you agreed to be questioned? Well that agreement is binding. And another thing, I've let it slide until now, but I'd like to mention that the katana you carry is of far greater length than 15cm. Do you have permission from the prefectural public safety commission? Because if you do not, then I could easily turn you over to the authorities and you'd be facing two years in prison and 300,000 yen in fines. And don't tell me you do, there's no way in hell a minor could get permission."

"So!" Takeshi began addressing both of the others in the room. "I'd like to remind you both before we begin that I am the good cop in this situation. If you don't like me, you will not, I repeat, [i]not[i/] like my partner in law, Clarius. You cannot begin to imagine the kinds of things he would pull. All legal, too. And before you get any ideas, I've got him on speed dial. Number two. Now! Are we all ready to begin your questioning?"

Takeshi put his back to the door and smirked. He didn't like it when people instantly thought of him as conceited, but it was easy to use such a reaction to his benefit.