Hyouka - Volume 03 - The Kudryavka Sequence - Welcome to KANYA FESTA! (1)

the gojuuon sequence, they both ran out looking excited. To be blunt, just by
observing the clues, anyone would have figured that out."
"It's true that you were the first to realize, but it's not like it's some big
discovery in itself."
"In other words, this was no big deal to 'Juumonji' himself. If instead of the
gojuuon sequence, he were to base his sequence on something more cryptic,
for example taking the letters from the slogan 'Glory To Kami High,' then he
would need to put more effort into it."
"I see. The gojuuon sequence just seems too easy to figure out."
I get what Oreki's trying to say. If 'Juumoji's' objective was merely to steal
stuff following the gojuuon sequence, then this prankster is a bit weird in the
head. But if that's not the case, then the gojuuon sequence is merely a process
for him to achieve something else.
I did not realize this until I'd personally participated in the Cultural Festival,
but it really is a unique moment. That uniqueness involves a sense of floating
around in a carefree way, and it's not strange to see people getting moved
along by strange pranks. But is that all?
...I think I'm becoming strange myself.
"Oreki, do you ever think of catching 'Juumoji' yourself?"
"Me?"
He looked surprised.
"Why would you think I'd do such a thing?"
"You look enthused."
Oreki snorted and went back to leaning on the back of his chair.
"It doesn't matter to me either way. Be it Juumoji (Ten Characters) or The
Man with a Thousand Faces. If he wants to steal something from the Classics