"Me?" Ren Kuroda froze for a moment, taken aback that the kidnapper had singled him out so quickly.
Wow… this guy's got some serious eyesight…
"Yes, you! Hurry up and bring me that case!" The masked kidnapper's voice carried a trace of impatience. He kept glancing at his watch, clearly worried about the timing of the operation.
"Alright." Ren calmly walked over to Shinichi and took the money case from his hands.
He turned and approached the masked man—but just three steps away, the kidnapper barked a command.
"Enough! Give me the case!" There was excitement in his voice… after all, a hundred million yen practically fell into his lap without any risk. Who wouldn't be pumped?
"Sure." Ren raised his hands obediently and handed over the case.
The masked man grabbed it and backed toward the van, slamming the door shut. "Got the money. Let's drive—"
But he wasn't a professional.
Too excited, too distracted. He instinctively used his dominant right hand to close the door, while the gun remained in that same hand.
At that precise moment, the muzzle was no longer aimed at Ren and the others.
Ren seized the opportunity instantly.
He launched forward with zero hesitation, moving like a predatory leopard.
The masked man's eyes widened as he realized his grave mistake.
He tried to swing the gun back toward Ren—but they were too close.
The muzzle barely turned before Ren was already in front of him, using his left hand to shove the barrel aside.
Almost instinctively, Ren's right fist struck the man's throat, then his hand shot toward the driver.
The driver's face went pale at the sudden assault. He tried to redirect his gun to assist his partner, only to have Ren seize his arm.
Ren's left fist smashed twice into the driver's nose.
Crack. The nasal bridge snapped.
The driver didn't even grunt—he was out cold instantly.
Ren glanced back at the masked kidnapper, who was now clutching his throat, gasping in pain: "Huh huh huh…"
A single reverse punch later, and the kidnapper was also unconscious.
All of this happened in a matter of seconds.
Shinichi had taken two steps forward, intending to help—but the fight was already over.
He froze, jaw dropping.
Ran and Sonoko were equally stunned, their eyes now full of admiration—and relief.
Good thing Ren realized in time and gave up on kidnapping us…
Given the skill those two had, the police might not have caught them otherwise.
"Done." Ren stepped out of the van, a feeling of satisfaction washing over him.
Now I get why people spend real money in games…
The "pay-to-win" experience really is that thrilling—skip the long grind and go straight to the fun!
"Ren… Ren Kuroda?" Shinichi stammered, still in disbelief. "You… you're amazing! You handled both of them all by yourself?"
Ren smirked. "I specifically learned combat for the kidnapping plan… didn't expect I'd end up using it to protect her instead."
"Ren… you learned to fight for me?!" Ran's eyes sparkled as she hugged his arm, utterly thrilled.
"Ugh, this kid's hopeless," Shinichi muttered. He learned to fight for a kidnapping… and she's ecstatic about it?
He glanced at Sonoko, hoping for some solidarity.
"So cool!" Sonoko said, full of envy.
Shinichi scratched his head, completely at a loss. Were they crazy, or was he just overthinking? Unable to figure it out, he pulled out his phone to call the police.
"Wait, you're the one who took down those two masked kidnappers? Incredible!" Detective Wataru Takagi said after hearing the story.
He wasn't overly shocked—high school students assisting the police had become surprisingly common lately.
Ran and Shinichi, after all, often helped out on cases themselves.
"They were careless, or I wouldn't have had the chance," Ren replied modestly.
If they hadn't slipped up, he would have planted a tracker on the van. Either way, those kidnappers weren't going anywhere.
"These two criminals will be taken back to the precinct and dealt with seriously. Don't worry, Ran, we'll make sure justice is done," Takagi said to her.
"I trust the police!" Ran responded with a light laugh.
"Then we'll take our leave!" Takagi said, climbing back into the squad car.
The two masked kidnappers, now handcuffed, glared at Ren with murderous intent.
One hissed, "I'll remember you, brat! When I get out, I won't forgive you!"
Before he could finish, fellow officer Chiba barked, "Shut it!"
The kidnapper went silent, but his glare remained feral, as if he wanted to devour Ren on the spot.
Ren frowned slightly, then relaxed.
He walked to the driver's side of the van, leaning on the window. "Detective Takagi, could you consider adding an intimidation charge while you're at it?"
"Of course!" Takagi replied without hesitation. His kindness wasn't reserved for ruthless criminals.
The kidnappers' faces darkened even further.
"Thanks," Ren said, taking a few steps back as the police car drove away.
He looked at Ran, whose car was already waiting. "Looks like afternoon tea's off. You should take this money home first."
"Alright, we'll save it for next time," Ran said, nodding. She understood the situation—there was no time for tea right now.
She waved goodbye and got into her car.
"Sonoko, Shinichi, see you at school tomorrow," Ren said, nodding to them before leaving.
"See you tomorrow!" Sonoko replied politely.
"Sonoko, Shinichi… she's calling you by your first names already? We're not that close," Shinichi muttered, a bit confused.
"Well, we will be eventually. What's the harm in getting used to it now?" Sonoko shrugged.
Shinichi thought about it and decided not to worry too much.