PikaFlash: Haven't been posting here for a while, but I was pretty busy with my life. Anyway, after playing the first two Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney games, it made me wonder what would happen if Pikachu becomes a Lawyer. Anyway, enjoy reading. If I get enough feedback, I could do a second case. 
*
Some light and calm music is played as a voice on the radio speaks.
“The world around you can be calm. One of the many things you would need is to change your perspective. In a way, you can see that you will be like an Ant, a small insect that lives in highly organised groups, as described in the dictionary. Ants are charitable creatures because...”
~
Pikachu: Ace Attorney
Case: Turnabout Noodles
A PikaFlash Fanfiction
Disclaimers: All characters/names/locations/ideas mentioned in this fanfic belong to their respective owners. This fanfic is intended to be used for non-profit entertainment purposes only.
*
Ketchum & Ketchum Law Offices, Tokyo Branch
The radio is switched off by a small yellow mouse with red cheeks.
‘My name is Pikachu, head of the Tokyo Branch of Ketchum & Ketchum Law Offices. You see, my good friend PikaPi (Ash Ketchum) has managed to successfully adjourn two cases at the same time, witnessed by a potential investor named Mr. Yagami. After the papers were signed, I have been given complete control over the new branch. Of course, being a famous yellow electric mouse helped as well.’
Pikachu sits on his swivel chair and spins around. Pikachu didn’t need to care about the placement of furniture in his office. He’s only 1’04” in height and 13 lbs in weight. At that size, Pikachu would need considerable strength and stamina to move every piece of furniture in the office.
Suddenly, the office phone rang. Pikachu picks it up. “Mr. Ketchum, I really need your help,” said a voice at the other end.
Pikachu sighed. Legally changing his name to Pikachu Ketchum didn’t seem like a good idea at the time, but then again, it is Ketchum & Ketchum Law Offices and technically Pikachu is part of the Ketchum family.
“Chu pi kapi, Pikaka?” (Translation: “What is it, Hinata?”)
Hinata: “I know I’ve only just been hired to be your assistant, but right now, you are the only person I can trust right now.”
Pikachu sighed again. Looks like playing on the swivel chair will have to wait for now.
Hinata: “Meet me at the Detention Center and I’ll tell you everything there.”
*
Detention Center Visitors’ Room
Pikachu is in a room with a blue-haired woman in her late teens.
“How could this have happened? I mean, we only just came here and such a terrible thing happened...”
‘The girl is Hinata Hyuga, my new assistant. She and her boyfriend moved to Tokyo from a village known as Konoha and she just happened to be first applicant for the position as my assistant. She proved herself to be capable, even though she needs a bit of work in the self-confidence department, but overall, she has a good heart.’
“I mean, he only went to meet his father at the Late Night Ramen Stand...”
“Pikachu chu, Pikaka.” (“Settle Down, Hinata.”)
Hinata walks around nervously. “Back in Konoha, I almost didn’t ask my boyfriend out for the first time because I was too scared.”
‘I don’t think I can get the full story until I see the client,’ Pikachu mentally said to himself.
At that moment, a blonde man around Hinata’s age enters the room on the other side of the security glass.
“Naruto-kun! I was so worried. You were arrested and you didn’t call me to say that you’re ok...”
The blonde man smiled. “Hinata, I’m fine for now. The cops questioned me all they could throughout the night.” Naruto notices Pikachu with Hinata. “Is he your new boss?”
Hinata nods. “Yes. Mr. Ketchum will represent you as your attorney.”
Pikachu looks at Hinata. “Pikaka.” (“Hinata,”) said Pikachu.
“You want to know how I met Naruto?” Hinata asks. Pikachu nods.
Hinata tapped her fingers together as she told her story. “I-I first met Naruto in Elementary school back in Konoha, though I only talk to him once in a while. It was only until High School that I asked him out for the first time. We’ve been together since then...”
Naruto nods. “Yeah. I remember it like it was yesterday.”
Pikachu points at Naruto. “Pika pi pi chuka?” (“What about his father?”)
“You mean Naruto’s father? He’s the village leader back in Konoha,” Hinata explains. “The reason why Naruto came to Tokyo is because if Naruto completes his studies here, he would increase his chances of being chosen to be the next leader of the village.”
“Though, I highly doubt that would happen if I’m a convicted murderer,” Naruto said as he looks at Pikachu. “And not to mention that I am accused of murdering my father, Mr. Ketchum.”
“Pikapi, pi pi pikachu.” (“Please, call me Pikachu,”) said Pikachu as he jumps onto the bench, facing Naruto on the other side of the glass. “Pi chu pikapika chu kachu pipi ka.” (“Tell me everything I need to know,”) Pikachu said as he sits on the bench.
“Alright,” said Naruto. “I guess I can tell you what’s going on.”
~
Naruto’s side of the Story
“Last night, my father came to Tokyo to visit me. So, I decided to take him to that all night Ramen Stand nearby. My father went ahead of me to get a couple of seats while I went to the 24 Hour Convenience store since the stand has BYO. When I arrived, I saw my father lying in a pool of blood. I did my best to revive him but...”
~
“Piii.” (“Hmmm.”)
Naruto continues. “The Police and ambulance came and did whatever they could for my father. They took me in for questioning. An hour later, they immediately arrested me on suspicion of murder!”
Hinata puts her hands on the security glass. “Ohhh, Naruto-kun...”
Naruto smiled. “I guess the only upside is that I’m safe from the real murderer if I’m in their custody.” Naruto’s smile fades. “Until I’m proven guilty. And from the look of things, the evidence is pointing that way. I mean, I did pull the weapon out of my father’s wound in my attempt to stop the bleeding, which could explain how my fingerprints got there.”
Pikachu looks at Hinata and she understood. “The trial is tomorrow, Mr. Ketchum.”
“Pikachu pika.” (“Security tape,”) mumbled Pikachu.
“Security tape?” asked Hinata, confused at what Pikachu meant.
“Oh yeah, the 24 Hour Convenience store,” Naruto said. “I remembered that there’s a sign on the outside saying that there are cameras in there.”
Pikachu nods and Hinata finally understood what Pikachu really meant. “If it can prove Naruto-kun’s innocence, I’ll go get it.”
Hinata runs out of the visitor’s room, leaving Pikachu with the client. Pikachu looks at Naruto. “Pi pika chu...” (“One last thing...”)
“I won’t talk without you present, Pikachu,” finished Naruto.
*
The Next Day, Tokyo District Court, Defendant Lobby
Pikachu and Hinata are with their client, Naruto Uzumaki in the lobby.
“Pika pi pika chu?” (“Did you get it?”) Asked Pikachu
Hinata nods. “And it’s even got a time stamp on it and I even saw the guy at the store who saw Naruto-kun that night because it was near the end of his shift at Midnight.”
“Chu pikapi chu kachu?” (“What time is that?”)
“Five minutes to midnight,” answered Hinata. “I also saw the recording just to confirm it.”
Pikachu smiled. This would be enough to prove Naruto’s innocence.
~
Tokyo District Court, Courtroom 1
“All rise for Judge Hida!” the Bailiff called out.
Judge Iori Hida sits at his stand. “We will now begin the trial of Naruto Uzumaki. Are the Prosecution and Defense ready?”
The prosecutor stood at the Prosecutor’s desk. “Prosecutor Hikari Kamiya is ready.”
Pikachu is standing on the table representing the defendant with Hinata behind the yellow mouse. “Pikachu Pikapika pi pikachu pipi Pikaka Chupi pi pikachu chu pika.” (“Pikachu Ketchum for the Defense with Hinata Hyuga as assistant is ready.”)
Judge Hida nods. “Very well. Prosecution, you may begin your opening statement.”
Hikari picks up a sheet of paper. “The Defendant, Naruto Uzumaki, is from a village known as Konoha. The victim happens to be the Defendant’s father, Village Leader Minato Namikaze.”
Pikachu looks at Hinata, pointing at Naruto’s name on the file, reading ‘Naruto Uzumaki’.
“Naruto’s full name is actually Naruto Namikaze-Uzumaki,” whispered Hinata. “But because the village elders couldn’t risk having a Village Leader’s son outside of the village without any precautions, so Naruto only used ‘Uzumaki’ for his university application.”
Pikachu nods as he continues to listen to the opening statement.
“The prosecution believes that the defendant murdered his father so that he could claim his place as village leader.”
“Is that the motive they concluded?” Hinata whispered to Pikachu.
Hikari continues. “The Prosecution is submitting these set of Crime Scene Photos as evidence.”
Judge Hida nods. “Very well, the court accepts this as evidence.”
Pikachu received his copy of the photos and had a look at them. It’s not looking good for Naruto.
The first photo shows Naruto’s hands and clothes covered in his father’s blood.
“The Prosecution calls for CSI Detective Naru Narusegawa to the stand,” Hikari announced.
Naru Narusegawa walks up to the stand. “CSI Detective Naru Narusegawa reporting to the stand.”
“You may begin your testimony, detective,” said Judge Hida.
CSI Narusegawa’s Testimony: The Case
“Unfortunately, the wound was so severe that the victim had no chance of surviving even if he gets taken to a hospital immediately.”
“Of course, we arrived, finding clues by using cameras with massive close-ups and taking photos before picking up the evidence.”
“Followed by the Medical Examiner hogging the body until it was taken to the morgue for the usual post-mortem autopsy.”
“Anyway, we found evidence pointing to the Defendant as the murderer.”
End of Testimony
Once the testimony has finished, Judge Hida nods. “Very well. You may now do your cross-examination, Mr. Ketchum.”
Hinata whispers to Pikachu. “I heard rumors that CSI Narusegawa has a mega punch that can send her husband flying to the clouds. Though anyone other than her husband probably has little chance of surviving the fall. So, try not to press the wrong buttons, Mr. Ketchum.”
Pikachu nods.
Cross Examination: The Case
“And of course, the Medical Examiner hogging the body until it was taken to the morgue for the usual post-mortem autopsy.”
“Pika pi!” (“Hold it!”) Yelled Pikachu. (“And what did the autopsy report say?”) Pikachu asks.
Naru slapped her forehead. “I knew I forgotten something.” Naru takes out the Autopsy report and submits it as evidence. “Cause of death is a serious allergic reaction. But the wound is estimated to be inflicted sometime between the reaction and death. The ME estimated that Time of Death is at 11:57 pm.”
“Pi chu.” (“I see.”)
Pikachu looks at the judge. (“Your Honor, I ask that the results of the autopsy report be added to the testimony!”)
“Granted.” Judge Hida bangs the gavel.
Pikachu continues the cross examination.
“Cause of death is a serious allergic reaction. But the wound was inflicted is sometime between the reaction and death. The ME estimated that Time of Death is at 11:57 pm.”
“Pika pi!” yelled Pikachu. (“Hold it!”)
Pikachu clears his throat. (“If the autopsy report states that the cause of death was a serious allergic reaction, then what about the earlier statement about the victim having ‘no chance of surviving even if he gets taken to a hospital?’ from that wound he received?”) Pikachu asks.
“That was the paramedics’ initial report at the time when they arrived at the crime scene,” Naru answers. “And of course, during the autopsy, we saw a few suspicious rashes around the victim’s mouth, indicating an allergic reaction. However, a check in the victim’s stomach contents shows that his last meal was the Ramen from the nearby Late Night Ramen stand and the victim has no history of allergies.”
“I think these CSIs watch too much of those Medical shows instead of Crime shows,” Hinata whispered to Pikachu. “Besides, if Naruto-kun was allergic to something, I would have known about it.”
Pikachu begins to think. ‘Speaking of CSI, perhaps now is the time for me to use the “evidence”.’
Pikachu raised his paw and yelled. “PIKACHU!” (“OBJECTION!”)
Pikachu brings out a video tape. (“Your Honor, what I have here is evidence that proves that my client did not kill the victim.”)
“What is it, Mr. Ketchum?” asks Judge Hida.
(“Surveillance video from the nearby 24-Hour convenience store,”) Pikachu explains. (“You see, the defendant and victim were on their way to the Ramen Stand and the Victim went on ahead to get a seats while my client went into the store because the Ramen Stand allows for BYO.”)
“I see. We will see the video first before I can accept this as evidence,” Judge Hida said. “Bring in a TV and VCR.”
After watching the video, Judge Hida has reached his verdict. “It appears that the Defendant is at the store around the time of death, which proves that he did not poison his father.”
“Objection!” screams the prosecutor. “Even if the Defendant did not poison his father, it could only mean that he sent someone else to do the job for him.”
“You have a point, Miss Kamiya,” said the Judge. “However, unless you have evidence to prove that, then I’m afraid that you have no case.”
“There’s more to this case than meets the eye, Your Honor,” said Hikari. “Detective Narusegawa, I’m sure you have more evidence for us to hear.”
Judge Hida looks at the detective. “Is there anything else for you to add, Detective?” asks Judge Hida.
Naru nods. “Of course, Your Honor. I’ll move on to the next part of the testimony.”
CSI Narusegawa’s Testimony: The Weapon
“Before the paramedics arrived, the defendant was with the victim, doing his best to resuscitate him.”
“It also appeared that the defendant pulled the weapon out of the victim’s wound.”
“This is the weapon that was used to stab the victim sometime before his death.”
The CSI detective shows a photo of a sharp knife-like object covered in blood.
“This weapon is known as a Kunai. Only certified Ninjas are legally allowed to carry them and both the Defendant and Victim are certified Ninjas.”
“Other than the victim’s, we were only able to find the defendant’s fingerprints are on the weapon. No other fingerprints are found due to the amount of blood on it.”
End of Testimony
Pikachu looks at Hinata, with the look on his face reading, ‘Is there something else I’m missing, Hinata?’
“About that.” Hinata tapped her fingers. “Both Naruto-kun and I are Ninjas. So is Naruto’s father. You see, Konoha is a Ninja Village, so almost everyone there are Ninjas.”
Pikachu rolled his eyes. ‘My first case here and someone is not making it easy.’ Pikachu beings the cross-examination.
Cross Examination: The Weapon
“Other than the victim’s, we were only able to find the defendant’s fingerprints are on the weapon. No other fingerprints are found due to the amount of blood on it.”
“Pika Pi!” (“Hold it!”) Pikachu looks at Detective Narusegawa. (“Even though the defendant’s fingerprints are on the Kunai, that doesn’t mean that he did it. After all, you said that the defendant pulled the weapon out of the victim’s wound.”)
“I know, but that doesn’t mean that he didn’t put it in after finding his father’s body on the ground,” retorted Naru.
Pikachu is now confused. “Pika...” (“Wait...”) Pikachu recomposed himself before he continued. (“Don’t you CSIs follow the evidence before you accuse someone?”)
“Only in America, Pikachu,” said Naru. “Anyway, this whole testimony is pretty much a moot point considering that the defendant didn’t have anything to do with the death of his father, as proven by your piece of evidence.”
“Objection!” yelled Hikari. “Whose side are you on, Detective?”
“I only follow where the Evidence takes me, Prosecutor Kamiya,” answers Naru.
Judge Hida nods. “I agree with the detective. Now then, I have reached a verdict. The Defendant Naruto Uzu...”
“OBJECTION!”
Hikari is calm, even though the Objection she raised was pretty loud. “I have a witness who made the claim that the Defendant is responsible. After all, we must clear all doubts before you can make a verdict, Your Honor.
Judge Hida agrees. “Very well. Court will go into a 5-minute recess so that the Prosecution can get their witness ready, Miss Kamiya.”
6 Minutes Later...
The witness is now at the stand.
“Witness, your name and occupation,” said Prosecutor Hikari.
The witness nods. “Daisuke Motomiya, owner and cook of his own Ramen Stand.” Daisuke suddenly lean towards the prosecution’s side. “By the way, are you still dating TK, Kari?”
“Davis, could you please remember that you are in a court of law?” said Hikari as she crossed her arms.
Daisuke nods. He then looks up at the judge and waved at him. “Hey, Cody!”
Judge Hida glares at the witness. Even though the Judge is younger than the witness, he does have more authority than some Ramen Stand owner. “Davis...”
“Sorry...”
Pikachu rolled his eyes. ‘This is just great. Prosecution, Judge and Witness know each other. What’s next? My client has a demon inside him?’
“Anyway, you may begin your testimony, Witness,” said Judge Hida.
Daisuke’s Testimony: What happened?
“That night, sometime around five minutes to midnight, the only customer that came is the victim himself.”
“Suddenly, some kid that looks like my customer ran up to him and stabbed him.”
“So, I called the police and ambulance.”
“At least know I know why I’ve been hearing rumors about my joint being called a ‘late-night deathtrap’.”
End of Testimony
As soon as Pikachu heard the testimony, everything became clear to him.
Judge Hida looks at Pikachu. “The Defense may begin their Cross-Examination...”
Cross-Examination: What happened?
“PIKACHU!” (“OBJECTION!”) Yelled Pikachu. (“That entire testimony is full of holes! And that proves only one thing: this witness is the real murderer!”)
Daisuke suddenly begins to sweat and he appears to be suffering from a chill, even though the temperature isn’t very cold inside the courtroom.
Judge Hida looks at Pikachu. “Mr. Ketchum, what is your reasoning for this accusation?”
Pikachu smiled. (“Simple, Your Honor. Remember the autopsy report? ‘Cause of death is a serious allergic reaction.’ If that is the case, why did the Witness say that ‘some kid ran up and stabbed’ the victim? In fact, why the stabbing if he had ‘a serious allergic reaction’? I think that this ‘serious allergic reaction’ is in fact, ‘severe food poisoning’. That is what I believe to be actual cause of death. I believe that the point of the stabbing was to throw suspicion off the food.”)
“What about the fingerprints?” the Prosecution asked. “There are no sign of other fingerprints except for the victim’s and the defendant’s.”
“Pika pikachu.” (“It’s simple,”) said Pikachu. (“The witness is a cook. Legally, he has to wear gloves while handling food or risk losing his license to sell food. But, because it was so late, the witness must have forgotten to put on the gloves due to tiredness from the late waiting. That loss of concentration is probably what resulted in the food poisoning. The witness couldn’t risk anyone finding out the truth, so he must have taken one of the victim’s Kunais and stabbed him with it while wearing gloves hoping that the autopsy would assume that it was the kunai that killed the victim, not the food. Unfortunately, whatever that caused the food poisoning also caused an allergic reaction the victim’s never knew he had...”)
Daisuke couldn’t handle it anymore. “Ok! I admit it!” yelled Daisuke. “It was late and I was so tired from all that waiting for my customers that my mind slipped on basic hygiene when I served the customer! I panicked! I had no intention of deceiving anyone. It’s just that none of you understood... my true self. My dream was that I wanted to have my own ramen stand. But now, with this... my dream is dead.”
Hinata, Prosecutor Kamiya, Judge Hida and Pikachu are surprised at this confession. Pikachu being the most surprised because he didn’t expect the witness to crack at what he just said because it was simply a theory. Nothing more...
An Adjournment Later...
Naruto is hugged by Hinata as he shakes Pikachu’s paw. “Thank you for all your help, Pikachu.”
“Chu pika Pikaka pikachu pipi chupi pika chu.” (“I’ll let Hinata handle the bill for you,”) Pikachu said after getting his paw released from Naruto’s hand.
~
Epilogue: Ketchum & Ketchum Law Offices
Pikachu and Hinata are sitting in the office with a client.
“Though your J-Pop Band might consider a change in name,” said Hinata.
(“I can settle for Copyright cases, but incurring the wrath of a God is something I would prefer to avoid,”) said Pikachu.
The Client sighs. “Fine, I guess ‘SOS Brigade’ is off the list of names. It had a nice ring to it.”
Pikachu rubs his chin. (“If you are desperate, I have an idea. How about if we make it so that you had copyrighted the name came up before the Series even existed? All it takes is one phone call.”)
“I’m willing to try anything,” said the Client.
Pikachu nods as he taps a few numbers on the phone. He is relieved that the call is answered. (“Squirtle, how well are you at forging copyright?”)
End of Turnabout Noodles
*
Some light and calm music is played as a voice on the radio speaks.
“The world around you can be calm. One of the many things you would need is to change your perspective. In a way, you can see that you will be like an Ant, a small insect that lives in highly organised groups, as described in the dictionary. Ants are charitable creatures because...”
~
Pikachu: Ace Attorney
Case: Turnabout Noodles
A PikaFlash Fanfiction
Disclaimers: All characters/names/locations/ideas mentioned in this fanfic belong to their respective owners. This fanfic is intended to be used for non-profit entertainment purposes only.
*
Ketchum & Ketchum Law Offices, Tokyo Branch
The radio is switched off by a small yellow mouse with red cheeks.
‘My name is Pikachu, head of the Tokyo Branch of Ketchum & Ketchum Law Offices. You see, my good friend PikaPi (Ash Ketchum) has managed to successfully adjourn two cases at the same time, witnessed by a potential investor named Mr. Yagami. After the papers were signed, I have been given complete control over the new branch. Of course, being a famous yellow electric mouse helped as well.’
Pikachu sits on his swivel chair and spins around. Pikachu didn’t need to care about the placement of furniture in his office. He’s only 1’04” in height and 13 lbs in weight. At that size, Pikachu would need considerable strength and stamina to move every piece of furniture in the office.
Suddenly, the office phone rang. Pikachu picks it up. “Mr. Ketchum, I really need your help,” said a voice at the other end.
Pikachu sighed. Legally changing his name to Pikachu Ketchum didn’t seem like a good idea at the time, but then again, it is Ketchum & Ketchum Law Offices and technically Pikachu is part of the Ketchum family.
“Chu pi kapi, Pikaka?” (Translation: “What is it, Hinata?”)
Hinata: “I know I’ve only just been hired to be your assistant, but right now, you are the only person I can trust right now.”
Pikachu sighed again. Looks like playing on the swivel chair will have to wait for now.
Hinata: “Meet me at the Detention Center and I’ll tell you everything there.”
*
Detention Center Visitors’ Room
Pikachu is in a room with a blue-haired woman in her late teens.
“How could this have happened? I mean, we only just came here and such a terrible thing happened...”
‘The girl is Hinata Hyuga, my new assistant. She and her boyfriend moved to Tokyo from a village known as Konoha and she just happened to be first applicant for the position as my assistant. She proved herself to be capable, even though she needs a bit of work in the self-confidence department, but overall, she has a good heart.’
“I mean, he only went to meet his father at the Late Night Ramen Stand...”
“Pikachu chu, Pikaka.” (“Settle Down, Hinata.”)
Hinata walks around nervously. “Back in Konoha, I almost didn’t ask my boyfriend out for the first time because I was too scared.”
‘I don’t think I can get the full story until I see the client,’ Pikachu mentally said to himself.
At that moment, a blonde man around Hinata’s age enters the room on the other side of the security glass.
“Naruto-kun! I was so worried. You were arrested and you didn’t call me to say that you’re ok...”
The blonde man smiled. “Hinata, I’m fine for now. The cops questioned me all they could throughout the night.” Naruto notices Pikachu with Hinata. “Is he your new boss?”
Hinata nods. “Yes. Mr. Ketchum will represent you as your attorney.”
Pikachu looks at Hinata. “Pikaka.” (“Hinata,”) said Pikachu.
“You want to know how I met Naruto?” Hinata asks. Pikachu nods.
Hinata tapped her fingers together as she told her story. “I-I first met Naruto in Elementary school back in Konoha, though I only talk to him once in a while. It was only until High School that I asked him out for the first time. We’ve been together since then...”
Naruto nods. “Yeah. I remember it like it was yesterday.”
Pikachu points at Naruto. “Pika pi pi chuka?” (“What about his father?”)
“You mean Naruto’s father? He’s the village leader back in Konoha,” Hinata explains. “The reason why Naruto came to Tokyo is because if Naruto completes his studies here, he would increase his chances of being chosen to be the next leader of the village.”
“Though, I highly doubt that would happen if I’m a convicted murderer,” Naruto said as he looks at Pikachu. “And not to mention that I am accused of murdering my father, Mr. Ketchum.”
“Pikapi, pi pi pikachu.” (“Please, call me Pikachu,”) said Pikachu as he jumps onto the bench, facing Naruto on the other side of the glass. “Pi chu pikapika chu kachu pipi ka.” (“Tell me everything I need to know,”) Pikachu said as he sits on the bench.
“Alright,” said Naruto. “I guess I can tell you what’s going on.”
~
Naruto’s side of the Story
“Last night, my father came to Tokyo to visit me. So, I decided to take him to that all night Ramen Stand nearby. My father went ahead of me to get a couple of seats while I went to the 24 Hour Convenience store since the stand has BYO. When I arrived, I saw my father lying in a pool of blood. I did my best to revive him but...”
~
“Piii.” (“Hmmm.”)
Naruto continues. “The Police and ambulance came and did whatever they could for my father. They took me in for questioning. An hour later, they immediately arrested me on suspicion of murder!”
Hinata puts her hands on the security glass. “Ohhh, Naruto-kun...”
Naruto smiled. “I guess the only upside is that I’m safe from the real murderer if I’m in their custody.” Naruto’s smile fades. “Until I’m proven guilty. And from the look of things, the evidence is pointing that way. I mean, I did pull the weapon out of my father’s wound in my attempt to stop the bleeding, which could explain how my fingerprints got there.”
Pikachu looks at Hinata and she understood. “The trial is tomorrow, Mr. Ketchum.”
“Pikachu pika.” (“Security tape,”) mumbled Pikachu.
“Security tape?” asked Hinata, confused at what Pikachu meant.
“Oh yeah, the 24 Hour Convenience store,” Naruto said. “I remembered that there’s a sign on the outside saying that there are cameras in there.”
Pikachu nods and Hinata finally understood what Pikachu really meant. “If it can prove Naruto-kun’s innocence, I’ll go get it.”
Hinata runs out of the visitor’s room, leaving Pikachu with the client. Pikachu looks at Naruto. “Pi pika chu...” (“One last thing...”)
“I won’t talk without you present, Pikachu,” finished Naruto.
*
The Next Day, Tokyo District Court, Defendant Lobby
Pikachu and Hinata are with their client, Naruto Uzumaki in the lobby.
“Pika pi pika chu?” (“Did you get it?”) Asked Pikachu
Hinata nods. “And it’s even got a time stamp on it and I even saw the guy at the store who saw Naruto-kun that night because it was near the end of his shift at Midnight.”
“Chu pikapi chu kachu?” (“What time is that?”)
“Five minutes to midnight,” answered Hinata. “I also saw the recording just to confirm it.”
Pikachu smiled. This would be enough to prove Naruto’s innocence.
~
Tokyo District Court, Courtroom 1
“All rise for Judge Hida!” the Bailiff called out.
Judge Iori Hida sits at his stand. “We will now begin the trial of Naruto Uzumaki. Are the Prosecution and Defense ready?”
The prosecutor stood at the Prosecutor’s desk. “Prosecutor Hikari Kamiya is ready.”
Pikachu is standing on the table representing the defendant with Hinata behind the yellow mouse. “Pikachu Pikapika pi pikachu pipi Pikaka Chupi pi pikachu chu pika.” (“Pikachu Ketchum for the Defense with Hinata Hyuga as assistant is ready.”)
Judge Hida nods. “Very well. Prosecution, you may begin your opening statement.”
Hikari picks up a sheet of paper. “The Defendant, Naruto Uzumaki, is from a village known as Konoha. The victim happens to be the Defendant’s father, Village Leader Minato Namikaze.”
Pikachu looks at Hinata, pointing at Naruto’s name on the file, reading ‘Naruto Uzumaki’.
“Naruto’s full name is actually Naruto Namikaze-Uzumaki,” whispered Hinata. “But because the village elders couldn’t risk having a Village Leader’s son outside of the village without any precautions, so Naruto only used ‘Uzumaki’ for his university application.”
Pikachu nods as he continues to listen to the opening statement.
“The prosecution believes that the defendant murdered his father so that he could claim his place as village leader.”
“Is that the motive they concluded?” Hinata whispered to Pikachu.
Hikari continues. “The Prosecution is submitting these set of Crime Scene Photos as evidence.”
Judge Hida nods. “Very well, the court accepts this as evidence.”
Pikachu received his copy of the photos and had a look at them. It’s not looking good for Naruto.
The first photo shows Naruto’s hands and clothes covered in his father’s blood.
“The Prosecution calls for CSI Detective Naru Narusegawa to the stand,” Hikari announced.
Naru Narusegawa walks up to the stand. “CSI Detective Naru Narusegawa reporting to the stand.”
“You may begin your testimony, detective,” said Judge Hida.
CSI Narusegawa’s Testimony: The Case
“Unfortunately, the wound was so severe that the victim had no chance of surviving even if he gets taken to a hospital immediately.”
“Of course, we arrived, finding clues by using cameras with massive close-ups and taking photos before picking up the evidence.”
“Followed by the Medical Examiner hogging the body until it was taken to the morgue for the usual post-mortem autopsy.”
“Anyway, we found evidence pointing to the Defendant as the murderer.”
End of Testimony
Once the testimony has finished, Judge Hida nods. “Very well. You may now do your cross-examination, Mr. Ketchum.”
Hinata whispers to Pikachu. “I heard rumors that CSI Narusegawa has a mega punch that can send her husband flying to the clouds. Though anyone other than her husband probably has little chance of surviving the fall. So, try not to press the wrong buttons, Mr. Ketchum.”
Pikachu nods.
Cross Examination: The Case
“And of course, the Medical Examiner hogging the body until it was taken to the morgue for the usual post-mortem autopsy.”
“Pika pi!” (“Hold it!”) Yelled Pikachu. (“And what did the autopsy report say?”) Pikachu asks.
Naru slapped her forehead. “I knew I forgotten something.” Naru takes out the Autopsy report and submits it as evidence. “Cause of death is a serious allergic reaction. But the wound is estimated to be inflicted sometime between the reaction and death. The ME estimated that Time of Death is at 11:57 pm.”
“Pi chu.” (“I see.”)
Pikachu looks at the judge. (“Your Honor, I ask that the results of the autopsy report be added to the testimony!”)
“Granted.” Judge Hida bangs the gavel.
Pikachu continues the cross examination.
“Cause of death is a serious allergic reaction. But the wound was inflicted is sometime between the reaction and death. The ME estimated that Time of Death is at 11:57 pm.”
“Pika pi!” yelled Pikachu. (“Hold it!”)
Pikachu clears his throat. (“If the autopsy report states that the cause of death was a serious allergic reaction, then what about the earlier statement about the victim having ‘no chance of surviving even if he gets taken to a hospital?’ from that wound he received?”) Pikachu asks.
“That was the paramedics’ initial report at the time when they arrived at the crime scene,” Naru answers. “And of course, during the autopsy, we saw a few suspicious rashes around the victim’s mouth, indicating an allergic reaction. However, a check in the victim’s stomach contents shows that his last meal was the Ramen from the nearby Late Night Ramen stand and the victim has no history of allergies.”
“I think these CSIs watch too much of those Medical shows instead of Crime shows,” Hinata whispered to Pikachu. “Besides, if Naruto-kun was allergic to something, I would have known about it.”
Pikachu begins to think. ‘Speaking of CSI, perhaps now is the time for me to use the “evidence”.’
Pikachu raised his paw and yelled. “PIKACHU!” (“OBJECTION!”)
Pikachu brings out a video tape. (“Your Honor, what I have here is evidence that proves that my client did not kill the victim.”)
“What is it, Mr. Ketchum?” asks Judge Hida.
(“Surveillance video from the nearby 24-Hour convenience store,”) Pikachu explains. (“You see, the defendant and victim were on their way to the Ramen Stand and the Victim went on ahead to get a seats while my client went into the store because the Ramen Stand allows for BYO.”)
“I see. We will see the video first before I can accept this as evidence,” Judge Hida said. “Bring in a TV and VCR.”
After watching the video, Judge Hida has reached his verdict. “It appears that the Defendant is at the store around the time of death, which proves that he did not poison his father.”
“Objection!” screams the prosecutor. “Even if the Defendant did not poison his father, it could only mean that he sent someone else to do the job for him.”
“You have a point, Miss Kamiya,” said the Judge. “However, unless you have evidence to prove that, then I’m afraid that you have no case.”
“There’s more to this case than meets the eye, Your Honor,” said Hikari. “Detective Narusegawa, I’m sure you have more evidence for us to hear.”
Judge Hida looks at the detective. “Is there anything else for you to add, Detective?” asks Judge Hida.
Naru nods. “Of course, Your Honor. I’ll move on to the next part of the testimony.”
CSI Narusegawa’s Testimony: The Weapon
“Before the paramedics arrived, the defendant was with the victim, doing his best to resuscitate him.”
“It also appeared that the defendant pulled the weapon out of the victim’s wound.”
“This is the weapon that was used to stab the victim sometime before his death.”
The CSI detective shows a photo of a sharp knife-like object covered in blood.
“This weapon is known as a Kunai. Only certified Ninjas are legally allowed to carry them and both the Defendant and Victim are certified Ninjas.”
“Other than the victim’s, we were only able to find the defendant’s fingerprints are on the weapon. No other fingerprints are found due to the amount of blood on it.”
End of Testimony
Pikachu looks at Hinata, with the look on his face reading, ‘Is there something else I’m missing, Hinata?’
“About that.” Hinata tapped her fingers. “Both Naruto-kun and I are Ninjas. So is Naruto’s father. You see, Konoha is a Ninja Village, so almost everyone there are Ninjas.”
Pikachu rolled his eyes. ‘My first case here and someone is not making it easy.’ Pikachu beings the cross-examination.
Cross Examination: The Weapon
“Other than the victim’s, we were only able to find the defendant’s fingerprints are on the weapon. No other fingerprints are found due to the amount of blood on it.”
“Pika Pi!” (“Hold it!”) Pikachu looks at Detective Narusegawa. (“Even though the defendant’s fingerprints are on the Kunai, that doesn’t mean that he did it. After all, you said that the defendant pulled the weapon out of the victim’s wound.”)
“I know, but that doesn’t mean that he didn’t put it in after finding his father’s body on the ground,” retorted Naru.
Pikachu is now confused. “Pika...” (“Wait...”) Pikachu recomposed himself before he continued. (“Don’t you CSIs follow the evidence before you accuse someone?”)
“Only in America, Pikachu,” said Naru. “Anyway, this whole testimony is pretty much a moot point considering that the defendant didn’t have anything to do with the death of his father, as proven by your piece of evidence.”
“Objection!” yelled Hikari. “Whose side are you on, Detective?”
“I only follow where the Evidence takes me, Prosecutor Kamiya,” answers Naru.
Judge Hida nods. “I agree with the detective. Now then, I have reached a verdict. The Defendant Naruto Uzu...”
“OBJECTION!”
Hikari is calm, even though the Objection she raised was pretty loud. “I have a witness who made the claim that the Defendant is responsible. After all, we must clear all doubts before you can make a verdict, Your Honor.
Judge Hida agrees. “Very well. Court will go into a 5-minute recess so that the Prosecution can get their witness ready, Miss Kamiya.”
6 Minutes Later...
The witness is now at the stand.
“Witness, your name and occupation,” said Prosecutor Hikari.
The witness nods. “Daisuke Motomiya, owner and cook of his own Ramen Stand.” Daisuke suddenly lean towards the prosecution’s side. “By the way, are you still dating TK, Kari?”
“Davis, could you please remember that you are in a court of law?” said Hikari as she crossed her arms.
Daisuke nods. He then looks up at the judge and waved at him. “Hey, Cody!”
Judge Hida glares at the witness. Even though the Judge is younger than the witness, he does have more authority than some Ramen Stand owner. “Davis...”
“Sorry...”
Pikachu rolled his eyes. ‘This is just great. Prosecution, Judge and Witness know each other. What’s next? My client has a demon inside him?’
“Anyway, you may begin your testimony, Witness,” said Judge Hida.
Daisuke’s Testimony: What happened?
“That night, sometime around five minutes to midnight, the only customer that came is the victim himself.”
“Suddenly, some kid that looks like my customer ran up to him and stabbed him.”
“So, I called the police and ambulance.”
“At least know I know why I’ve been hearing rumors about my joint being called a ‘late-night deathtrap’.”
End of Testimony
As soon as Pikachu heard the testimony, everything became clear to him.
Judge Hida looks at Pikachu. “The Defense may begin their Cross-Examination...”
Cross-Examination: What happened?
“PIKACHU!” (“OBJECTION!”) Yelled Pikachu. (“That entire testimony is full of holes! And that proves only one thing: this witness is the real murderer!”)
Daisuke suddenly begins to sweat and he appears to be suffering from a chill, even though the temperature isn’t very cold inside the courtroom.
Judge Hida looks at Pikachu. “Mr. Ketchum, what is your reasoning for this accusation?”
Pikachu smiled. (“Simple, Your Honor. Remember the autopsy report? ‘Cause of death is a serious allergic reaction.’ If that is the case, why did the Witness say that ‘some kid ran up and stabbed’ the victim? In fact, why the stabbing if he had ‘a serious allergic reaction’? I think that this ‘serious allergic reaction’ is in fact, ‘severe food poisoning’. That is what I believe to be actual cause of death. I believe that the point of the stabbing was to throw suspicion off the food.”)
“What about the fingerprints?” the Prosecution asked. “There are no sign of other fingerprints except for the victim’s and the defendant’s.”
“Pika pikachu.” (“It’s simple,”) said Pikachu. (“The witness is a cook. Legally, he has to wear gloves while handling food or risk losing his license to sell food. But, because it was so late, the witness must have forgotten to put on the gloves due to tiredness from the late waiting. That loss of concentration is probably what resulted in the food poisoning. The witness couldn’t risk anyone finding out the truth, so he must have taken one of the victim’s Kunais and stabbed him with it while wearing gloves hoping that the autopsy would assume that it was the kunai that killed the victim, not the food. Unfortunately, whatever that caused the food poisoning also caused an allergic reaction the victim’s never knew he had...”)
Daisuke couldn’t handle it anymore. “Ok! I admit it!” yelled Daisuke. “It was late and I was so tired from all that waiting for my customers that my mind slipped on basic hygiene when I served the customer! I panicked! I had no intention of deceiving anyone. It’s just that none of you understood... my true self. My dream was that I wanted to have my own ramen stand. But now, with this... my dream is dead.”
Hinata, Prosecutor Kamiya, Judge Hida and Pikachu are surprised at this confession. Pikachu being the most surprised because he didn’t expect the witness to crack at what he just said because it was simply a theory. Nothing more...
An Adjournment Later...
Naruto is hugged by Hinata as he shakes Pikachu’s paw. “Thank you for all your help, Pikachu.”
“Chu pika Pikaka pikachu pipi chupi pika chu.” (“I’ll let Hinata handle the bill for you,”) Pikachu said after getting his paw released from Naruto’s hand.
~
Epilogue: Ketchum & Ketchum Law Offices
Pikachu and Hinata are sitting in the office with a client.
“Though your J-Pop Band might consider a change in name,” said Hinata.
(“I can settle for Copyright cases, but incurring the wrath of a God is something I would prefer to avoid,”) said Pikachu.
The Client sighs. “Fine, I guess ‘SOS Brigade’ is off the list of names. It had a nice ring to it.”
Pikachu rubs his chin. (“If you are desperate, I have an idea. How about if we make it so that you had copyrighted the name came up before the Series even existed? All it takes is one phone call.”)
“I’m willing to try anything,” said the Client.
Pikachu nods as he taps a few numbers on the phone. He is relieved that the call is answered. (“Squirtle, how well are you at forging copyright?”)
End of Turnabout Noodles