Case 3 Parade

Parade
Story	Transmitter
Date(s)	July 11th 1999 July 12th 1999 July 19th 1999 July 22nd 1999 July 23rd 1999 July 25th 1999 July 26th 1999 July 27th 1999 July 31st 1999 August 1st 1999 August 2nd 1999
Location(s)	various
End card	regret
Moon color	Orange

case#3:Parade is the third case of the Transmitter story of The Silver Case and the sixth chapter of the game as a whole. Unlike the rest of the game this chapter utilizes a different art style with a monochrome color scheme evocative of The 25th Ward: The Silver Case as well as numerous monochrome animated sequences.

Description

This case initially concerns the investigation surrounding the bombing of the home of Chairman Yukimura, president of the immensely wealthy and powerful Yukimura Zaibatsu, and his subsequent kidnapping. As the case develops, the enigmatic Mikumo Boys and their revenge quest against Yukimura becomes revealed, as well as the mysteries of the Parade, the rural industrial town of Mikumo 77 and Sumio Kodai's relationship with it all.

Summary

The case opens amidst a surreal and disparate retelling of the events of The Parade in Mikumo 77. Unbeknownst to the player; this is from the point of view of Sumio Kodai. The case begins properly with Sumio and Tetsugoro Kusabi resuming their stakeout of the residence of Chairman Yukimura now accompanied by Akira.

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Sunday, July 11, 1999, 9:51 PM
While in the car once again staking out the Yukimura residence, Sumio asks Tetsu if he likes fairy tales. Tetsu quickly dismisses the very notion as "kid's shit", but Sumio continues talking despite Kusabi's vocal disinterest. Sumio continues the discussion anyway as Kusabi tells him that he is going to sleep, but despite this Kusabi continues to talk to Sumio. He explains that fairytales are whitewashed and sanitized from their original much darker roots. Sumio tells a fairytale from his childhood about a band of heroes that set out to rescue a princess from an evil serpent, but reveals that the princess had been killed by the serpent and then the heroes killed the serpent in revenge. After hearing Kusabi's angry reaction to this ending, he clarifies that there was never a serpent in the first place; in the end the story was merely about people killing other people. Sumio concludes that that "Fairytales are crimes" and that no matter what justification there is for committing a crime, a crime is still a crime. After a moment of silence Sumio asks Tetsu what he would do to the heroes in the story to which Tetsu initially says he wouldn't do anything but changes his mind. He tells Tetsu to go to sleep and that he and Akira will keep watch. Once Kusabi falls asleep, Akira does a routine patrol of the Yukimura estate. Akira returns to the car from an otherwise uneventful patrol when much to everybody's surprise the Yukimura estate explodes. Tetsu tells Sumio to burn this image into his eyeballs; Sumio assures him that he will never forget this.

Monday, July 12, 1999, 8:34 AM
Back at Precinct 24 Tetsu and Sumio apologize for the events of the previous night. Sumio casually takes full responsibility and Tetsu criticizes him harshly. Morichika Nakategawa urges the rest of the HCU agents to the conference room, as the Central Police Department is now directly involved with this case.

In the conference room Sumio points out the Central Police officers to Akira. He explains that they are a more traditional police force compared to the HCU and are full of esteemed veteran officers, but their more conventional policework is seen as antiquated and unnecessary in the world of transmittable crime. Tetsu berates Sumio for his comment, explaining that the nature of policework is adapting to the changes in the form of crime and how they have no idea when the HCU will be seen as antiquated and that it's arrogant to say that the old ways are fundamentally inferior. Central Police HQ Advisor Daikichi Sakaguchi begins the conference by introducing himself and asserts that anybody who refers to him as "Afro" will be 'dealt with'. Sakaguchi explains that two months prior a threatening note was sent to the Yukimura Zaibatsu in a newspaper. The crudely rendered note merely stated "The Monkey Laughs". Because of this Tetsu and Sumio were assigned to watch Chairman Yukimura's estate (as seen in case#2:spectrum), however despite their surveillance the estate exploded. Sakaguchi stares directly at Tetsu, Akira and Sumio while he says this. Kusabi grouses that Sakaguchi is a 'dick' and this is par for the course for him. The Advisor continues to explain that no bodies were found in the ruins of the Yukimura Estate and the case is now assumed to be a kidnapping since Yukimura himself has been missing since the day of the explosion. He asserts that the location of Chairman Yukimura and the apprehension of the bomber are top priorities and that Central will have full jurisdiction over the entire police force during this case. He concludes by explaining the importance and influence the Yukimura Zaibatsu has over the national economy.

After the meeting, HCU Chief Shinji Kotobuki speaks with Sakaguchi. Sakaguchi wryly asks how his "Band of Killers" are faring, but Kotobuki rebuffs him. The two share shallow and sarcastic compliments and Kotobuki accuses Sakaguchi of being desperate. Sakaguchi confirms this but doubles down on asserting his authority while also warning Kotobuki to watch his back as somebody in the HCU might not be trustworthy. Michiru Kosaka arrives, interrupting the conversation with a video from the perpetrators. The video is monochrome and initially shows a blow-up sex doll propped in a chair before panning to the right to reveal the bound and unconscious Chairman. Sakaguchi can not discern the meaning behind the video or the intention of sending it to the police. Kosaka confirms that it is in fact Yukimura in the video. Kusabi speculates that it is nothing but self-assertation from the suspect. Sumio wonders to what end, but Kusabi is certain this isn't about money.

12:46 PM
Akira accompanies Kusabi and Sumio to Snow Tower, the headquarters of the Yukimura Zaibatsu. Kusabi remarks on the scale of the case and how it can't be solved with equally large actions. Sumio gets distracted staring at the building but claims it looks like a ghost to him. Sumio comments on the mundanity of the Snow Tower's lobby, but Tetsu tells him that is the point, to conceal the wealth beneath the illusion of mundanity. The officers meet with the receptionist and she tells them to head upstairs to the special satellite HQ. On the top floor of the building Kusabi notices the luxury now in full display, noting the imported furniture and goods. They are greeted by Kosaka and they begin to discuss the case. Kosaka says he gathered the executives of the Zaibatsu, but none of them seem to be quite helpful. To Akira (and the player) they appear warped and distorted; the executives coldly and cynically discuss numbers and money as if nothing is even wrong. Kusabi and Kosaka agree that they actually are happy the chairman is gone, Sumio equates it to a war of succession. Tetsu decides that all of the executives are suspicious. Kosaka and Tetsu discuss the contrasting investigational philosophies of Central and the HCU. Kosaka explains that the entire building is guarded by Central Police. Kusabi deduces that Snow Tower is not a potential target.

Monday, July 19, 1999, 7:45 PM
Akira, Tetsu and Sumio's investigation leads them to the apartment of Hanao Hiseki, the suspected bomber of the Yukimura estate. Upon entry to the suspect's apartment the three officers find the shirtless, hanged corpse of Hiseki. Tetsu laments that they are too late.

Thursday, July 22, 1999, 1:27 PM
Once again back at Precinct 24, Tetsu and Sumio lament the death of their only lead. Tetsu however remarks that this isn't his job and his time to shine has yet to come. A Central officer delivers another video from the perpetrators to Sakaguchi. The video starts with the shadow of a man cast on the floor; he smokes a cigarette as the camera pans to the right to reveal the still bound and unconscious Chairman Yukimura. The video abruptly cuts to the blow-up doll from the previous video getting slowly covered in water before it ends abruptly. The content of the video disturbs and confuses Sakaguchi. The other police officers seem to be in agreement that this a threat of murder. Sakaguchi calls Kosaka and asks him to figure out what the perpetrators want before they run out of time.

Friday, July 23, 1999, 8:55 AM
In the HCU Office Kiyoshi Morikawa and Chizuru Hachisuka discuss the complete and utter lack of leads in the case with Nakategawa. Sumio confirms that they have made no real progress in the case either and that Tetsu is "all shut off". Akira visits Tetsu in his office, only for him to suddenly receive a call from Kosaka on his radio. Kusabi answers rudely but Kosaka tells him this is top secret. Kosaka then pleads that Kusabi do him a favor.

3:50 PM Tetsu, Akira, and Sumio arrive at the Forensic Science Lab, having been asked to investigate by Kosaka. Tetsu tells Sumio to hurry up with analyzing the hostage video, but he responds by saying he doesn't have any particular skills, and was assigned to the Unit because he was more normal to balance out with Kusabi. The analysis reveals a watermark hidden in the video, with the message "July 26th, 600 billion-yen diamond". Kusabi tells Sumio to get a hold of Kosaka.

Sunday, July 25, 1999, 4:50PM
Back at HQ, Sumio and Kusabi wonder about how the company will come up with 600 billion yen. Kosaka says that the negotiations have been shaky, with Sakaguchi saying that all Yukimura-owned land can be mortgaged for the government to pay the ransom. Sumio says that he's heading back and leaves; Kusabi starts to ask Akira something, but changes his mind.

Monday, July 26, 1999, 11:20AM
Back in Snow Tower, Kosaka says that one hour prior a phone call was received from someone assumed to be the suspect, but it was unable to be traced. Kusabi asks where Sumio is and questions why he's gone at a time like this. The suspect demanded that they bring only four objects to the hostage exchange: a telephone, a headset, a pocket knife, and a stungun. They said if they saw anything else, they'd kill the chairman. Akira is selected to perform the exchange at Kotobuki's insistence. Kusabi tells Akira to get a good look at the kidnappers' faces. Sumio arrives, apologizing for being late. They receive a message from the kidnapper over the radio saying "Let's Dance". Sumio tells Akira that he'll guide him over the radio.

12:00PM
Kusabi and Kosaka question how it's possible for the culprits to communicate with them over the radio, since while the radios are set to the kidnappers' specified frequency, it would still be very difficult to do. Akira is ordered to drive by the kidnapper and arrives at an industrial trash processing plant. Kosaka orders a perimeter set up around the facility. The signal is jammed, and they lose contact with Akira.

1:00PM
At the processing plant, Akira follows bizarre instructions from the kidnapper as he toys with him. The others briefly regain contact with Akira, questioning how the exchange will take place at the facility's smokestacks. Akira leaves the diamond in a suitcase at the top of one of the smokestacks as ordered. After this, the kidnapper appears on another smokestack, and zip-lines over to retrieve the suitcase. He utters the phrase "Kill the past", before removing his face-mask to reveal his mouth stitched closed. He jumps into the smokestack, incinerating himself and the diamond. Outside, the fire department storm the building, recovering an unconscious Yukimura.

Tuesday, July 27, 1999, 8:39AM
Back at Precinct 24, the agents discuss Yukimura being returned safely, and that the use of public funds was shot down, meaning he will have to pay himself. They suspect that rather than money, ruining Yukimura financially was the real goal. Kosaka arrives, thanking Kusabi for his help. He says that he changed his mind about the methods of the HC Unit, and questions the motive of the perpetrators. He says that he believes the perpetrators are sending a message by committing all their crimes without leaving a single death. Kusabi tells him that to investigate he needs to just focus on what's in front of him. Elsewhere, Chairman Yukimura and Sumio meet at the ride of the road.

Saturday, July 31, 1999, 10:50AM
Kusabi asks the others where Sumio is, but nobody is able to answer. Naka announces that today the Yukimura Zaibatsu is holding an emergency meeting.

2:00PM
At the meeting in Snow Tower, Yukimura is confronted by the distorted board-members, who express their relief at his return, while thinking to themselves how they wish he had died. Yukimura thanks them for working in his absence, and asks them a favor. He says that the Zaibatsu has a history of honor which was built on many sacrifices, and that he wants to liquidate that history. He asks them to die with him, before triggering a bomb that destroys Snow Tower. Yukimura dies clutching a necklace.

Sunday, August 1, 1999, 8:40AM
Naka announces the destruction of the Yukimura Zaibatsu, and that the remaining land and buildings were sold off to the government to pay off the ransom money. Only the members of the board were killed in the incident, with Sakaguchi taking the fall to ensure his subordinate's jobs. Kosaka voluntarily went with Sakaguchi to a new assignment "out in the sticks". Kusabi asks Naka where he can investigate Yukimura's history.

4:58PM
Kusabi and Akira investigate a Yukimura warehouse, and find a series of eight documents detailing events taking place at the industrial town of Mikumo 77. In 1977, a factory was constructed near the town by the Yukimura Zaibatsu, on the location of a previous HC Unit case. Residents began to complain about waste from the factory flowing into the nearby river and making people sick. A government investigation found no harmful materials, and demonstrations by the residents begin to become more violent. A separate top secret investigation finds that the water did contain harmful chemicals, which can lead to excitement, dizziness, and hallucinations in people. The substance is also highly addictive. On August 7th of 1979, the body of a young girl named Riru Yukimura was found, whose family was in charge of factory management. Her death is thought to have occurred during a demonstration by the residents, referred to as a "parade". At the same time, three boys associated with the girl were badly injured. A redacted perpetrator surrendered themselves to the HC Unit for the murder, and two accessories died evading capture. The initial reports that indicated no harmful substance in the water were discovered to be false.

After reading everything, a door opens to reveal a ninth document. A reporter was found dead, who is thought to have been in contact with the three injured boys in order to publicize the truth. Part of the report states that the leader of the boys is "SuXXo XXXXi". Kusabi connects the events of the Parades back to the fairy tale Sumio told him earlier, deducing that Sumio is the final kidnapper. He asks Akira to help see him off.

Monday, August 2, 1999, 12:36AM
Sumio and Kusabi arrive by helicopter to Mikumo 77. They watch as the town is destroyed in an explosion that Sumio and the others orchestrated. Meanwhile, Riru is shown sitting in a chair in a room filled with flowers. As if reacting to the destruction of the town, she turns into light and disappears, leaving her clothes behind. Her face is shown sinking into water as she closes her eyes. Kusabi asks Sumio why he is going this far, which Sumio says was to kill the past. He arrests Sumio, and tells him to stay confident and stare hatred in the face.

A flashback is shown to the first meeting of Kusabi and Sumio, when he first joins the Heinous Crimes Unit. Kusabi makes fun of Sumio's suit, and offers to buy him a new one. They get a call to deal with the Tsubaki Syndicate, and leave. In the present, Sumio says that Tetsu never bought him that suit. Kusabi promises to buy him one once he's an old man. He reminds Sumio again to face his future confidently.

regret

Trivia

• In the 2016 Remake of The Silver Case, the in-game artwork for this chapter was changed significantly from the original PlayStation version. The original art style featured a style more akin to contemporary (for the time) TV Anime. The artwork used in the 2016 remake of the Silver Case is also present in the Art of Grasshopper Manufacture artbook; which states that this art was initially produced for the canceled Nintendo DS port of The Silver Case.