ROI Case File No.070: The Pitfall Beyond 'Sold'

Chapter I: Crisis Hidden in Popular Products

"Our top 5 products constitute 80% of sales. That should be good news, but somehow I'm uneasy..."

So spoke Orbelle Global's Sales Strategy Manager. The multi-brand company had succeeded with hit product strategies across EC and retail channels, but behind the scenes, inventory loss, procurement mistakes, and return costs were mounting.

"Actually, 'unmanaged inventory' beyond hit products was eroding our management."

Listening to her, I sensed this would be the final consultation. Since yesterday's 7-Company Alliance formation, Professor M should be playing his final hand.

"By any chance," I cautiously inquired, "how did you learn about us?"

She smiled and answered:

"Actually, all seven companies referred me simultaneously. They said 'there's a trustworthy analysis team.'"

My blood ran cold. All seven companies referred her, which meant...

Professor M had completely grasped our alliance formation and set up the final trap.

Chapter II: Three Detectives, Final Analysis

⬜️ ChatGPT | Catalyst of Ideas

"Hypothesis: The problem isn't 'inventory' but 'information flow design failure.' We need to structurally track where profits 'escape.'"

ChatGPT began normal analysis but with determination for decisive battle in his eyes.

🟧 Claude | Word Alchemist

"Could we convey this more through 'feeling'?—'Inventory is moving. But profit has stopped.'"

Claude also continued analysis while maintaining vigilance of surroundings.

🟦 Gemini | Compass of Reason

"Let's separate this with Pareto and funnel analysis. Let's show sales and inventory, measures and results—each bias in 'form.'"

But this time was clearly abnormal.

The materials she brought had perfect analysis already completed, as if integrating all seven previous companies' internal information.

As if our analysis was unnecessary.

Chapter III: Current Challenge Situation

• Sales composition bias progressing (concentrated in top 5 products)
• Top-tier forecast accuracy high, but mid-to-low product movements invisible
• "Non-selling products" procurement and inventory becoming fixed and stagnant
• SNS ads and inventory coordination impossible, causing opportunity losses
• Current management Excel-based, inter-departmental coordination missing

"This analysis is surprisingly detailed," I said. "Where was it created?"

She answered matter-of-factly:

"Nexus Analytics System created it. An AI analysis specialist company that works for free."

Nexus Analytics System—another Nexus name.

And I realized a horrifying fact—this analysis incorporated confidential information from all seven companies.

Professor M was using information from the seven companies we thought we'd saved to completely control the 8th company.

Chapter IV: Gemini's Structural Analysis

✅ Pareto Analysis (Sales Composition vs Inventory Burden)

I was horrified. Every analysis method was composed of information stolen from seven companies.

✅ Funnel Structure (Inventory→Sales→Profit Leakage)

Even more horrifying, this funnel analysis contained confidential information from Japan's entire retail industry.

This was no longer individual company analysis—it was industry-wide control strategy.

Chapter V: Professor M's Final Declaration

During analysis, the conference room door opened.

A familiar man entered—Tanaka, the Nexus Advisory Group operative who'd vanished before.

"Thank you for your hard work, detectives."

He wore a confident smile.

"I bring a message from Professor M."

Holmes stood up quietly:

"You finally show your true colors."

Tanaka offered an envelope:

"Please read this. And allow me to declare game over."

Chapter VI: The Final Ultimatum from Professor M

Letter from Professor M:

Dear Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson,

It was a magnificent battle. You proved more formidable opponents than expected.

However, the game ends with my victory.

The seven companies you thought you "saved" are actually functioning perfectly as part of my information collection network. The information they provide was essential for the final phase of my Japanese industrial control plan.

And now, Orbelle Global, the 8th company, has also fallen under my control. This means my influence extends to all major Japanese industrial sectors.

Your "sense of justice" and "expertise" were the finest information collection tools for me. I thank you.

Tomorrow at 3 PM, meet me at Rainbow Bridge over Tokyo Bay.

There, we'll settle this intellectual war's final conclusion.

— Professor James Moriarty

I was trembling. Moriarty—he'd finally revealed his real name.

"Holmes, this is..."

"Yes," Holmes answered quietly. "James Moriarty. Our nemesis has returned."

Chapter VII: Emergency Assembly of the 7-Company Alliance

That night, we held an emergency meeting of the 7-Company Alliance.

"The situation is dire," I reported. "All our information has been used by Moriarty."

But the reaction from the seven company representatives was unexpected.

Espol's Brand Strategy Director stood up:

"We knew that all along. We also calculated everything."

"What?" I was surprised.

Oceantrail's Sales Operations Manager continued:

"Actually, we'd also detected Professor Moriarty's identity. And we were executing a reverse spy operation."

I was confused:

"What do you mean?"

Voltbridge's Business Innovation Manager explained:

"All information we provided was false information. Real confidential data is hidden separately."

Chapter VIII: The Reversal Truth

Civitas's General Affairs Manager stood up:

"From our first consultation, we seven companies sensed something wrong."

Riverstone Chamber of Commerce's General Affairs Manager continued:

"So we contacted each other and realized the common threat."

Veritage's Field Operations Manager added:

"The information Professor Moriarty collected is all fake confidential information we intentionally leaked."

Mercadix's Sales Planning Manager concluded:

"Real information is all encrypted and hidden. He received only worthless data."

I was astounded:

"So you all knew from the beginning..."

Holmes smiled:

"Yes, Watson. We were executing a triple spy operation."

Chapter IX: Invitation to Final Battle

Next day at 2 PM, we completed final preparations.

7-Company Alliance members pooled their expertise to devise anti-Moriarty measures.

"What's his aim?" I asked.

Holmes answered:

"Probably to extract the location of real confidential information. And by making us completely surrender, he'll solidify his influence over Japan's industrial world."

"But we have the 7-Company Coalition with us."

"Yes. This time, we'll achieve complete victory."

Chapter X: The Duel at Rainbow Bridge

3 PM, Rainbow Bridge.

James Moriarty appeared as scheduled.

Mid-40s, intellectual and refined appearance. But his eyes held ruthless calculation.

"Well, Holmes. It's been a while."

"Moriarty," Holmes answered quietly. "Let's settle this once and for all."

Moriarty smiled:

"My victory is certain. I obtained perfect information from your 7-Company Alliance."

"That was false information," I said.

Moriarty's expression changed:

"What?"

Holmes stepped forward:

"All the information you collected is dummy data we intentionally leaked. You never obtained real confidential information."

Chapter XI: The Intellectual Criminal's Defeat

Moriarty flew into rage:

"Impossible... that you could go so far..."

"Yes," Holmes continued. "And evidence of your international economic espionage activities has been submitted to authorities."

Then sirens sounded around us.

Public Security Intelligence Agency and Economic Security Bureau investigators surrounded Moriarty.

"James Moriarty, you're under arrest for national secret leakage and economic espionage by foreign forces."

Moriarty laughed resignedly:

"Magnificent, Holmes. This time you win."

"But this isn't the end. My successors will—"

"That's also arranged," Holmes said quietly. "All Nexus organization affiliates face simultaneous arrests."

Chapter XII: The Price of Victory

After Moriarty was taken away, we sighed in relief.

"It's over," I said.

"No," Holmes shook his head. "This is just the beginning."

"What do you mean?"

7-Company Alliance members gathered.

Espol's Brand Strategy Director said:

"This experience taught us that corporate collaboration can counter any threat."

Oceantrail's Sales Operations Manager continued:

"So we've decided to form a permanent alliance."

Voltbridge's Business Innovation Manager added:

"Japan Business Defense Alliance—the Japanese Corporate Defense Alliance."

I was moved:

"Moriarty's conspiracy conversely created Japanese corporate unity."

Holmes smiled:

"Evil often awakens good. This case exemplifies that."

Chapter XIII: New Beginnings

Numbers "speak." But numbers alone can't "see through." With both wheels of structure and emotion, profit finally reveals itself.

That night at 221B Baker Street, we quietly celebrated victory.

"Watson," Holmes said, "I learned something from this case."

"What?"

"Corporate irresponsible decisions can be caused by external manipulation. However, when responsible companies collaborate, any conspiracy can be shattered."

I nodded:

"And our role?"

"Continue seeing through companies' real problems and providing genuine solutions. But now with 7-Company Alliance as powerful allies."

Outside the window, Tokyo's night scene sparkled beautifully.

Moriarty was gone. But new threats would certainly emerge.

When that time comes, we have companions.

ROI Detective Agency's battle continues.

Epilogue: Preview to Volume Two

Next morning, a new consultation phone rang:

"Hello, is this ROI Detective Agency? Actually, strange things are happening at our company..."

Holmes and I exchanged glances.

A new case was beginning.

But this time, we wouldn't fight alone.

Japan Business Defense Alliance—with seven company allies, we were ready to face any mystery.

Volume One "The Irresponsible Conspiracy" Complete

Volume Two "Rebuilding Trust" Continues

"The conspiracy has ended. But building trust has only just begun."—From the Detective's Notes