T.A series volume 4: The Red Drongos' Deception

Chapter 22 - The Bad Guy

Before revealing the Red Illumination scandal, Mr Ogawa the manager had to damage control their situation.

First, he had to make private arrangements with the founder and apprentice of Tantei Association, Ranran and Shinichi, before the police make the official announcement regarding the true mastermind behind the lead singer's kidnapping.

Frankly, having been in the music industry for so long, this was the first time he had no idea how he was going to deliver the news that Red Illumination's lead singer and keyboardist staged the entire kidnapping in order to extort a million US dollars for themselves, let alone, attempted to frame their own cousin, the drummer Shiro, as the mastermind of the kidnapping all over a childhood crush.

Although Shiro is officially declared innocent of any wrongdoings, Ogawa now has major concerns that it would be a massive blow to a point that it might ruin Shiro's career as a musician and that this kidnapping will overshadow his talent.

That's when Shiro suggested contacting the founder, after he also learn through the said same friend who recommended Ranran do consultation services during her younger days in Edgewood Academy, one of them requires a fix in reputation.

Listening to the 6-year-old girl, the founder's suggestion later, he was glad he brought them over and got the results he wanted for Shiro.

So the following day, the police announced a surprised huge press release from Ogawa and Shiro, who dressed differently before the public eye.

With Sergeant Genzo on the podium, he began his statement.

"Good morning to all of you, after a very thorough investigation involving Tantei Association and the police, there has been strong evidence to strongly suggest...that the keyboardist and lead singer/victim, 10-year-old Nagano Kyo and Ryo...were behind staging Ryo's kidnapping, in an attempt to extort a million US dollars for themselves."

The audience gasped in shock and disbelief, as the news was unexpected and scandalous. Some members of the press started shouting questions while wondering how is it possible that two 10-year-olds are capable of staging a kidnapping, but Genzo raised his hand to signal them to wait before continuing.

"In addition to this, we have also found disturbing evidence that their parents, involving the parties that were involved are all arrested with immediate effect." Genzo clearly did not want to read out the next line, but he knew he had no other choice. And although he had the 10-year-old's drummer, Shiro's permission, to read this out, it goes against his conscience despite this. "There has also been further evidence to suggest that there had been malicious intent to frame Shiro as the mastermind behind Ryo's kidnapping. It was so cruel, he ended up requiring sedatives at some point."

The room fell silent as everyone tried to process the shocking news. Genzo cleared his throat before continuing, "However, after a thorough investigation, we have found Shiro to be completely innocent in this matter. We apologize for any harm or inconvenience caused to him and his family."

The audience erupted in chaos as the press started shouting even louder, trying to get more information and clarification. Genzo tried to calm the situation by raising his voice.

"I know this is a lot to take in, and we, as well as Tantei association, will provide more information as it becomes available. But I can assure you that justice will be served and those responsible will be held accountable. We ask for your cooperation in allowing us to conduct a thorough investigation and bring this matter to a close. As well as give Shiro privacy to deal with the aftermath."

With that, Genzo stepped down from the podium, leaving the audience in a state of shock and confusion. Ogawa and Shiro stayed behind to face the press and answer their questions. It was going to be a long day for them, but they knew that they had to do whatever it takes to salvage what was left of Red Illumination's reputation and Shiro's career.