Birthday/Shikanoin Heizou

• Sender: Shikanoin Heizou
• Time/Date: 2022-07-24 (During Version 2.8)

Ooohh, it's a great day today.

You immediately understood what I meant, right?

But I'm in such a delicate situation that I don't have the appetite for dinner. You see, I can't directly invite you as a guest, because you might think that I'm expecting a gift!

We just became friends, I don't want you to think that I'm someone who takes advantage of others' kindness.

Oh! How about this: you help me with this dilemma of wanting to see you but being afraid of offending you, and I'll help you with a puzzle you want to solve.

If one puzzle isn't enough for you... Let's say two puzzles, because I would like you to gain from this exchange.

Hey now, don't just look stunned after reading this! You know where to find me.

• Sender: Shikanoin Heizou
• Time/Date: 2023-07-24 (During Version 3.8)

Do you already have dinner plans? Let me treat you to a meal!

Don't worry, there's no hidden snares here. Our friendship is stable and mature, but we still need a bit of "declension" every now and then, to help it shine with the radiance of a freshly-cut gemstone. After all, since you've been helping me out for so long, I should have found an opportunity to return the favor long ago… My my, this invitation is starting to sound like some sort of long-premeditated plot.

Though if we do want to talk about "plots"... I've heard detective novels are quite popular in Fontaine, so if you get a chance in the future, don't mind bringing me back a couple? I'd like to try my hand at guessing the culprit. But there's always a gap between fiction and reality, so if I guess wrongly, try not to be too disappointed in me, okay?

Oh, right, I've already informed the restaurant as to your dietary preferences and tastes. So no need to worry, just relax and enjoy the meal.

• Sender: Shikanoin Heizou
• Time/Date: 2024-07-24 (During Version 4.8)

Oh my, hearing about your recent adventures has deeply inspired me that I ended up reading through quite some unsolved case files in one go. Speaking of which — If you receive a letter from a friend you don't often see, who, nonetheless, accurately describes your recent activities and seems overly friendly and enthusiastic, it's best to stay alert. You never know what ulterior motives they might harbor. What's worse, the sender might not be the friend at all...

My instincts tell me that your cautious nature has already made you question about this one, am I right? Ha, that's exactly the kind of awareness I was hoping for. To be honest, the only "motive" I have is to invite you for a small gathering today. I've found this peaceful location, so I won't be accidentally caught up in work.

If you're still unsure about the sender's identity, feel free to come to the Police Station and report it to Doushin Shikanoin. I'll be there waiting for you, ready to set out together.

• Sender: Shikanoin Heizou
• Time/Date: 2025-07-24 (During Version 5.7)

Even on a day like this, your ever-vigilant Doushin Shikanoin remains on duty, patrolling the bustling streets of Hanamizaka. And wouldn't you know it — just as I was passing by, the crackling of sizzling oil reaches my ears. A sign, perhaps? Looks like today's "surprise case" left behind some decisive clues the moment that hot oil began to fly.

I conducted a thorough investigation which may have included a "taste test" or two, and successfully secured the prime piece of evidence: one caramel-crusted katsu, dipping sauce included. If I remember correctly... this happens to be your favorite flavor.

So, now that you're holding this letter, what do you say? How about lending me a hand in closing the case? I could really use a sharp-eyed witness like you to help wrap up this birthday surprise.

And hey, don't worry. No interrogations. No paperwork. No need to bring anything... Just show up hungry.

• Sender: Shikanoin Heizou
• Time/Date: 2026-07-24 (During Version "Luna VIII")

Now, this might be a little forward, but.. you've set eyes on this letter. Which means now you're my "accomplice." Case closed.

Hehe, relax. My only "crime" was wanting one perfect day without case files getting in the way, and so I decided to make a clean getaway from the Commission. If that ever-diligent general asks, she'll find my statement on the desk: "Out surveying terrain beyond the city with the Traveler. All day."

Now, for this scheme to stay perfectly airtight, I'll need a little cooperation from the famous Traveler — just enough to make sure our testimonies line up.

Fortunately, I've already taken care of the rest. The meeting place will be a breezy spot on Byakko Plain, with excellent scenery and not a hidden lookout in sight. And since every good accomplice deserves a little compensation, I've readied some delicious snacks as your "hush money."

Well? Will you come, my accomplice? But don't take too long, or they might've dragged me back to my desk by then.