As high school friends, Eri and Yukiko had known each other for many years, and they were undoubtedly best friends.
One had a serious personality, the other was lively. It was precisely this contrast that kept their bond strong over time.
Because of this, Eri could tell that Yukiko wasn't joking—she was serious.
Eri frowned deeply, countless thoughts flashing through her mind. She tentatively asked, "Did Yusaku cheat?"
That was the most reasonable explanation she could think of.
Only if Yusaku had cheated would Yukiko consider such an act of retaliation.
Yukiko hesitated for a moment before answering, "Probably not. I'm not really sure."
Yusaku was a well-known writer, but his only truly published work was the "Night Baron" series—a mystery novel.
In simple terms, Yusaku's novels were praised by critics but weren't commercial bestsellers.
The world's top-earning authors were mostly European and American, writing more mainstream genres.
Still, Yusaku earned millions annually from royalties, and when he released a new book, his income would increase. That already put him among the higher-income authors.
But because his genre was niche, his readers were highly loyal. Add in his good looks as a middle-aged man, and he had no shortage of female fans.
So Yukiko couldn't be sure whether he had really done anything wrong.
She didn't want Eri getting the wrong idea, especially since this involved an international criminal organization. If Eri got involved, her life would be in danger.
So Yukiko smiled charmingly and said, "Eri, don't overthink it. What's wrong with me liking young, handsome boys?"
Eri sighed.
Well, technically, there was nothing wrong with that.
Even though Yukiko was acting differently than how she remembered her, she didn't seem like someone who would act casually without reason.
But it also made sense. Yukiko had lived abroad for years, and open relationships were more common over there.
Eri thought for a moment, then said, "Alright. I'll find a time to invite him out for dinner and drinks, so you two can get to know each other."
She paused, then added, "...Actually, Fujiwara likes you quite a bit. He's watched all your old shows and films. He even asked me if I could introduce you to him. You could say it's mutual interest."
Yukiko acted surprised, covering her mouth with a laugh. "Then it seems I just have to crook my finger and the little puppy will come running. Oh dear, I wonder if I still have the charm I had back then."
As she said that, she even pulled out a mirror and looked at herself seriously.
At that moment, Yukiko confirmed in her heart that the Black Organization's intel was accurate—Toru really was her fan.
In that case, this task might not be so difficult.
"Good wine only gets better with age. Yukiko, you're at the age where a woman has her greatest charm. Look at your face. How is it any different from a girl in her twenties?"
Eri complimented Yukiko, which also doubled as a compliment to herself, since they were the same age.
"You lawyers are all smooth talkers. Sigh... Eri, please don't tell Yusaku about this."
Yukiko felt guilty. She wasn't a loose woman who would sleep around.
She silently told herself that she had no choice. She had to betray Yusaku for the sake of her family's safety.
"I'm not someone who gossips."
Eri didn't want to interfere in other people's marriages. If things went wrong and she got blamed, it could ruin their friendship.
"Okay, then it's settled. Eri, find a time to arrange the meeting. The sooner, the better."
Yukiko urged her.
It wasn't because she was desperate. The Organization had given her a time limit.
But Eri didn't know that. She muttered to herself, "How thirsty are you really? Fine, I'll try to arrange it quickly. Yukiko, you're in bad shape right now. Want to rest first?"
Eri looked at Yukiko's tired expression and advised her.
"It's fine. I can hold on... I'll head back to the hospital. Yusaku's hurt, I need to take care of him."
With that, Yukiko opened the car door and got out. Standing by the roadside, she waved at Eri. "Drive safe, Eri."
Seeing her like this, Eri didn't say more. She nodded, started the car, and drove away.
"Phew..."
Yukiko sighed softly, then returned to the hospital's VIP room. She looked at Yusaku, still unconscious on the hospital bed, her heart in turmoil.
...
"Haibara, how's the research coming along?"
In the mansion where Toru lived, he adjusted his formal suit in front of the mirror and asked casually.
In the living room, Haibara sat on a high stool, wearing a gray plaid skirt. Her slender legs dangled beneath, pale feet bare.
She curled her pink toes and typed quickly on the keyboard.
"How could there be progress that quickly? But I did find something interesting in Kudo Shinichi's bone marrow."
"The cells in his bone marrow are in a dormant state. When stimulated, they become highly active, leading to rapid cell replication and growth."
"This growth is beyond imagination. If I can isolate the substance that triggers the growth and stabilize it, I might be able to reverse-engineer the effects of APTX4869."
Resting her chin on her palm, Haibara's narrowed eyes shone with intelligence. Though she looked like a grade-schooler, she spoke with mature confidence.
She listed chemical and biological terms effortlessly. Toru didn't fully understand, but he listened carefully.
After her explanation, Haibara suddenly realized something. She looked at Toru, who was dressed formally, and asked, confused, "Are you going to school? Why the formal suit?"
"No, I'm heading to Kyoto."
"Kyoto? For what?"
Haibara's expression turned tense. She didn't want him leaving.
"My grandpa's birthday is tomorrow. Even if I don't care much about the Fujiwara family, the old man has been asking me to come. I don't have much choice."
Toru explained.
Two days ago, Fujiwara Yoshitaka had called, asking him to go to Kyoto to celebrate Master Fujiwara's birthday.
Respecting elders is a virtue, and the old Master had nothing to do with the mess between Toru and Yoshitaka.
Both emotionally and logically, he had to show up.
The old Master was already quite advanced in age. Though still in good health, anything could happen.
Toru didn't want to make him unhappy.
"C-Can I go with you?"
Haibara bit her lip, quietly saying something that made her feel embarrassed.
Would this make him misunderstand?
Toru replied, "Your identity is complicated. I'm having people in the U.S. forge new documents for you."
"Once they're done and can pass inspection, you'll be introduced as my adoptive sister."
Haibara also knew that her current identity couldn't withstand scrutiny. After a short silence, she asked, "Would your adoptive father really allow that?"
Toru chuckled. "He's adopted many children. Some were normal adoptions, others had special abilities."
Haibara immediately understood that the CIA Director had his reasons for adopting them.
She wasn't one to act selfishly, especially about important things. Turning away, she said, "Then come back early."
"Don't worry. I'll only be in Kyoto for two days at most. If I don't go back to school soon, it'll be hard to make excuses. When I'm back, how about I take you out? You must be tired of staying inside all day."
Haibara answered like a typical homebody. "There's nothing wrong with staying in."
"Well, if you get hungry, just order delivery. Or cook."
"I'm not a child. I don't need you telling me that."
Toru wasn't worried about Haibara.
As long as the Black Organization wasn't involved, she was calm, intelligent, and capable of handling herself.
"Alright, I'm heading out. I'll send you some photos from Kyoto."
"Fujiwara!"
"Hm?"
"When you come back, don't forget to take me out."
Haibara crossed her arms and tilted her head, speaking with a queen-like air.
Toru smiled. "Got it!"
But just as he reached the door, he stopped again.
Haibara looked confused. "What is it?"
Toru grinned. "Just kidding. Your identity's already been taken care of. Want to come to Kyoto?"
Haibara's face darkened. She turned away. "No way!"
"Alright then. Take care while I'm gone. Don't open the door for strangers, especially ones in black."
Haibara let out a laugh through her nose in irritation. She jumped down and ran upstairs.
"Wait for me! I'm changing!"
...
Chiba Prefecture, a luxury apartment.
"Mom, why did you call me back?"
Haruno asked after returning home. She looked at her mother, who sat on the sofa sipping tea.
Dressed in a formal kimono, Madam Yukinoshita set down her cup and said, "Tomorrow is Master Fujiwara's birthday banquet."
"Our Yukinoshita family isn't qualified to attend, and we didn't get an invitation. But I submitted a request, under the pretense of expressing our thanks to Fujiwara-kun."
"The old Master often talks about his grandson. Fujiwara-kun's recent accomplishments have made him very proud. As soon as he heard I wanted to thank him, he approved right away."
"Haruno, go pick up your sister from where she's staying. I've prepared formal wear. We'll head to Kyoto together."
Haruno didn't criticize her mother's schemes. Instead, she saw the exhaustion in her.
She knew one day she might become like her.
And she was willing.
If she didn't bear this burden, it would fall on Yukino.
She wanted her sister to stand on her own but didn't want her to live unhappily.
"Alright. I'll go get Yukino now."
...
In a luxury Tokyo villa, Kaguya was reading at her desk.
Hayasaka Ai, dressed in a maid uniform, stood beside her and bowed.
"Kaguya-sama, Master and Oko-sama ask you to go to Kyoto."
Kaguya looked up from her book. "Is it for Master Fujiwara's birthday?"
The Shinomiya family attended every year.
"Yes. And also for you to meet Young Master Fujiwara."
"Didn't we agree on arranging a 'coincidental' meeting?"
Kaguya asked in confusion.
"Things have changed. Young Master Fujiwara is too famous now. A chance meeting wouldn't be appropriate. Oko-sama thinks it's better to be direct."
"Is that so? Then I'll follow his lead."
Kaguya's response was calm and indifferent.
Seeing her reaction, Hayasaka felt utterly exhausted.
Kaguya had no idea what kind of uproar Young Master Fujiwara had caused.
She didn't know a thing.
She never used the internet. Her phone was an old model with no camera. Her access to outside information was almost nonexistent.
Sometimes, Hayasaka felt like Kaguya didn't even live in the modern world.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)