"If I were you, I'd stay down," Tsune said, tilting his head toward Pisco.
Vermouth glanced over, shaking her head slightly, signaling the old winery operative not to do anything rash.
She'd just warned him to be cautious, and now this mess happened so soon.
Getting old really does make you useless.
"Pay up for the drinks!" Tsune thrust out his hand, demanding money from the pair.
Vermouth frowned, utterly baffled by this thug-like shakedown.
She dutifully pulled a stack of bills from her jacket pocket and handed it to Tsune.
"Is that enough?"
"Not even close!" Tsune turned, glaring at Pisco.
Setting aside Vermouth as an unpredictable wildcard, he was debating whether to give the old man a few more kicks.
But two people meant at least two guns.
He wasn't like that couple, able to keep Vermouth from pulling the trigger…
"Pisco!" Vermouth cut through Tsune's thoughts, ordering the old man on the ground to cough up protection money.
Moments later, a bulging wallet was handed to the handyman.
"For this cash, I'll go easy on you next time we meet," Tsune said, shooting Pisco a look before vanishing into the darkness.
The alley was too narrow, and he wasn't wearing a bulletproof vest. No way was he sticking around for a life-or-death brawl.
What a day, though!
Just like that, he'd extorted a few hundred thousand yen.
Consider that revenge for the unpaid drinks.
Some witch you are—thought I couldn't catch you?
…
"What the hell was that?" Pisco asked, leaning against the wall as he struggled to his feet, staring at Vermouth.
He was seventy-one, not some young buck. That kick from Tsune left him reeling for ages.
"As you saw, I owe him for some drinks," Vermouth said, leaning against the wall and lighting a cigarette.
The tension earlier had been palpable.
She could feel he was ready to throw down at any moment.
"I'm asking about your relationship with him," Pisco pressed.
That guy in black might not be some big shot, but he was definitely a thorn in the organization's side.
What's the deal between you two?
Vermouth gave Pisco a cold stare.
The alley fell silent.
"Get lost," she said icily. "And remember my warning."
Pisco said nothing, limping along the wall toward the exit.
…
The next day.
At Teitan Elementary.
"What!"
"You're saying Tsune-nii's treating us today?"
During a break, Genta shot up from his desk, slamming it with a shocked expression as Conan shared the news.
"Shh!"
Conan noticed classmates turning curiously and quickly signaled Genta to lower his voice.
It's just a meal at a restaurant—why the shouting?
"Seriously, Genta, didn't Tsune-nii give you a ton of snacks last time?" Ayumi said, thinking there was no need for such a fuss.
Conan: Heh, those were my snacks…
"But that place is crazy expensive," Genta said, counting on his fingers to figure out how many eel rice bowls he could get for the same price.
Nope, too many to count!
"Yeah, maybe we should pick a cheaper restaurant," Mitsuhiko suggested, trying to save the handyman some cash.
"Looks like someone struck it rich. Maybe he just robbed a bank," Haibara said from her seat, smirking at the detective.
When are you going to arrest this Dark Knight?
"Huh?!" The trio's eyes widened, turning to Conan.
Genta, the group's leader, grabbed Conan. "How much did he steal?"
From his expression, you'd think he wanted a cut.
"If Tsune-nii really robbed a bank…" Ayumi tilted her head, picturing the handyman crashing his truck through a bank's doors.
"Conan, this is serious!" Mitsuhiko pointed, rattling off potential prison sentences.
Conan rolled his eyes in exasperation.
When I try to fool you guys, you're not this gullible.
"It's Sonoko-neechan. She gave Tsune-nii a bunch of vouchers for that restaurant," Conan said quickly as Genta's scrutinizing stare got too close. "They expire tomorrow."
Geez, Genta, what're you gonna do to me? I'm not the one who robbed a bank.
"Lame, I thought something big happened," Genta said, letting go with a relieved sigh.
"Don't scare them like that," Conan said, glancing at Haibara as the trio started debating what to order tonight.
I'm trying to live a little longer here—can you and Tsune cut me some slack?
"Did I?" Haibara smirked, flipping through her textbook and ignoring her deskmate.
How's it feel getting grilled by the group leader?
…
That evening.
Tsune and Dr. Agasa drove the kids and Miyano Akemi to a high-end restaurant.
It felt less like a restaurant and more like some wealthy family's estate.
The garden, corridors, and koi pond were meticulously designed.
"Welcome!"
Tsune flashed the vouchers at the entrance. A pretty young woman led them through a corridor to a private room.
They slipped off their shoes and settled around a long table.
"They didn't even ask questions and just let us in!" Mitsuhiko said, surprised by the cozy, elegant room.
He'd expected a barrage of questions when using vouchers, but it was so easy.
"People with unconditional vouchers like these are big shots they need to please. To survive, they learn to shut their mouths, cover their ears, and follow orders," Haibara said calmly, sipping hot tea.
Their priority even trumps regular customers paying cash.
Everyone at the table blinked at her, including the young woman who'd just entered with the menu.
"I am indeed a big shot," Tsune said with a grin, nodding in agreement.
"Fair point…" Conan propped his chin, his expression a mix of exasperation.
If word got out that the Dark Knight was dining here, forget the police.
The crowd of onlookers alone would fill both streets.
Tsune ordered with his usual flair, pointing at the menu. "One of everything, top to bottom."
"Please wait a moment. We'll prepare it for you," the young woman said with a smile, leaving without a hint of surprise.
Mitsuhiko leaned toward Genta and Ayumi. "Don't you think Haibara says the wildest things sometimes?"
(End of Chapter)
--+--
T/N: Although I'm an inexperienced Editor, I do have a Patreon account! Although it seems like I don't have many supporters right now, my webnovel will be released in full every day, and the advanced chapters will be uploaded to Patreon.
It may not be worth it now, but who knows, it might be different in the future. Who knows!
patreon.com/DaoistRoeoNQ
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