"Ms. Kisaki, you really invited Kudo Yukiko? I thought she was still in America?"
Toru feigned surprise, though the joy on his face was clear.
Eri looked slightly displeased. Even as a woman nearing forty, her competitive spirit was still strong.
Having been proud and strong-willed her whole life, seeing Toru unmoved by her looks while still thinking of Yukiko made her feel slightly irritated.
But she was a mature woman, after all. She quickly collected herself, adjusted her glasses, and said,
"Yukiko returned from America not long ago. She's currently in Japan. She hasn't been back to her hometown in Gunma Prefecture in a long time and plans to visit soon."
"She said she felt bored being alone and dragged me along. Coincidentally, I was also planning to take some time off, so I agreed."
"But even with the two of us keeping each other company, we still feel uneasy. Japan hasn't exactly been peaceful lately. So I thought of you. Since you said Yukiko was your idol, I figured I'd invite you."
"Of course, if you're busy, we'll drop it."
"I'm just a poor student. What would I be busy with? I've never been to Gunma either. Just let me know in advance when you're leaving, Ms. Kisaki."
She gave a teasing smile. "A poor student? If you're calling yourself that, then what are the rest?"
After a pause, she sighed. "...Alright, I'll go speak with the officers. Ever since I became your exclusive lawyer, it's been one case after another."
"And you—why do you always hit so hard?"
Toru shrugged. "No choice. That guy charged in with a knife at 190. There were unarmed girls beside me. If I didn't aim for a killing blow and one of them got hurt, that'd be my fault."
"Such a gentleman, always surrounded by girls." Eri chuckled.
"Exactly. Even going to Gunma this time, I'll be with a great beauty like you."
He grinned.
"It's Kudo Yukiko who's the great beauty, right?"
She shot back irritably. Then she stood up, exuding her usual confident aura, and headed over to handle the formalities with the police.
With both witnesses and physical evidence, not to mention his identity, it was clear this would be ruled legitimate self-defense.
For a top-tier lawyer like her, this was just routine.
...
At Kyoto Hospital, Heiji—bandaged and in a hospital gown—rummaged through the clothes he'd taken off earlier, muttering, "Huh? Where did that prayer bead go?"
"Prayer bead?"
Conan, sitting by the bed, looked over curiously.
"Yeah, Kudo. Remember that gang of thieves that once stole a Buddha statue? Well, the most important prayer bead went missing during the transport."
"I was just a kid at the time, playing around that temple. I found that bead without realizing what it was. That's why that guy came after me—to get it back."
"With that bead, the statue becomes priceless. But I always kept it in my jacket pocket. How did it vanish?"
He searched for a long time but still came up empty.
Conan thought aloud. "Could it have fallen when you fought that murderer at the Kamogawa River?"
Heiji groaned and clutched his head. "If it fell into the river... I just lost a national treasure."
"This wasn't your fault. If those thieves hadn't stolen the statue to begin with, none of this would've happened."
...
At the Kyoto Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, the Osaka Police Superintendent had personally arrived. After a brief statement, he offered high praise for Toru.
The identity of the masked man had been confirmed. He was indeed a member of the Kyoto gang of thieves and the serial killer that had been terrorizing multiple cities.
Because of internal conflict, he had killed all his former teammates.
Toru's decisive action had not only helped solve the case but also saved Heiji—the Superintendent's son.
Heizo even called to personally thank him, his voice filled with emotion.
He also extended an invitation for Toru to visit Osaka, saying he and his son would thank him in person.
Of course, Toru agreed. Mostly because Heizo said his wife, Hattori Shizuka, would cook for him herself. Just thinking of that refined, mature woman made his heart flutter.
Why are all the older women in this world so damn attractive? Eri Kisaki, Kudo Yukiko, Vermouth...
The murderer Conan and Heiji had worked so hard to track down—nearly dying in the process—was ultimately taken down by Toru, who got all the credit.
The Osaka Superintendent even said he would recommend him for the title of Honorary Citizen of Kyoto. Considering the Fujiwara Family's influence, it was as good as done.
After seeing him off, Toru returned to the car, took out a white prayer bead from his pocket, and looked at it.
He had remembered the plot from the Conan movie, so when checking Heiji's injury, he casually took the bead from his pocket.
Toru pulled out his phone and dialed.
"Boss? You're calling so late… need something?"
Mizunashi Rena's cautious voice came through.
"Kir, I've got a job for you."
"I'm listening."
"Find time to go to Kyoto. I'll send you an address. There's a dojo that lost a Buddha statue ten years ago."
"I've got the most important bead from it. See if you can locate the statue and sell it through the Organization's channels. I'm sure there are plenty of rich collectors."
"You keep your usual ten percent after expenses."
Toru had no guilt about selling national treasures. They were stolen goods anyway.
Someday, I'll steal from the British Museum too.
"Understood, Boss!"
He hung up, sent her the address, then stretched lazily.
It was already too late to visit the Ōoka Family, so he returned to the Fujiwara residence instead.
...
The next day, Kyoto Station.
Momiji, seated in her wheelchair and accompanied by the Ōoka butler, looked at Toru with a hint of grievance in her eyes, blaming him silently for not visiting the previous night.
"Toru-kun, safe travels. Text me when you get to Tokyo. Once my leg's better, I'll come visit you."
"But... if you came to Kyoto to visit me instead, that'd be even better."
She completely ignored Kaguya's gloomy face, clinging to Toru without a care.
Kaguya looked visibly upset, but she didn't dare show it in front of him, so she silently swallowed her frustration.
"If I have time, I'll definitely come visit. You need to focus on resting and make sure there are no lingering injuries."
Toru smiled warmly.
"I wouldn't dare let that happen. If I end up limping, Toru-kun might not like me anymore."
"Toru-kun, can I get a hug before you leave? As a farewell gift?"
Momiji opened her arms, cheeks slightly red.
"Of course. Perfectly normal etiquette abroad."
Toru leaned down and hugged her.
She rested her chin on his shoulder, eyes landing on Kaguya, her expression clearly provocative.
"This woman..."
Kaguya clenched her teeth hard. If she could, she'd punch her right then and there.
Hayasaka sighed. Well, that's what you get for not making a move, Kaguya-sama.
"See you again, Toru-kun!"
Momiji waved until his figure disappeared into the station. Only then did she leave reluctantly.
...
At the Shinomiya residence in Tokyo, Oko Shinomiya looked at Hayasaka kneeling before him and asked coldly, "How did Kaguya do in Kyoto?"
She hesitated but told the truth.
She couldn't afford to lie. Others had likely been observing too. If she lied, she'd only suffer more.
Hearing that there had been no progress between Kaguya and Toru, Oko's face darkened.
"Useless. The Shinomiya Family has no need for weaklings."
"Hayasaka, everything you are belongs to the Shinomiya Family, doesn't it?"
Hayasaka's expression turned solemn. "Yes."
"Then if Kaguya can't do it, you will. Set an example. If you fail... you know what happens."
Oko's tone was bone-chilling.
"I understand, Oko-sama."
...
Back at the Western-style house in Tokyo, Toru was preparing for school the next day.
While tidying up, the courtyard surveillance system triggered an alert.
He checked his phone and saw a girl pacing nervously outside the front gate.
He recognized her, he'd seen her once before. The young lady he suspected was connected to the Togawa Group.
After thinking for a moment, Toru threw on a jacket and walked out of the house, heading toward the girl waiting outside the iron gate.
(To be continued.)
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◇ 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.)