《Beyond the Truth: Mouri's Odyssey》 Chapter 0001: I Became Kogoro Mouri Chapter 0001: I Became Kogoro Mouri Chu Feng woke up from his sleep, feeling a splitting headache. He couldn''t help but groan in pain as he massaged his temples with his fingers. Recalling fragments of last night, he could still feel the slippery sensation on his hands, the startled cries of a woman, her tear-streaked face, and the exhilarating thrill of the moment. Yet, his mind was devoid of clear images, only lingering impressions remained. Chu Feng remembered calling out a name last nightEri Kisaki. Eri Kisaki. In a cluttered detective agency, a well-built man suddenly sat up. He looked at his bare body in shock. This physique and its age-defying muscular tone clearly werent his own. Hurriedly, Chu Feng scrambled up, his naked body rolling around the messy office. He found a mirror under a cabinet, and one glance left him utterly stunned. He had merely resembled Kogoro Mouri before, but now, his hairstyle, mustache, and build had all transformed to match the manga character. "I''ve transmigrated," Chu Feng thought to himself. He recalled the events prior to his transmigration. On the verge of giving up years of following Detective Conan, he had stumbled upon a previously unseen Conan manga at a comic shop. He bought it, went back to his rented apartment, and started reading. As he read on, something felt off. It turned out to be a fan-made adult version of Detective Conan from Japan. At the climax, an old, dilapidated ceiling light in his apartment crashed down on him. When Chu Feng regained consciousness, he was groggily drunk, his own memories and Kogoro Mouri''s from the Conan world overlapping in his mind. Afterward, he found himself indulging in intimate moments with a beautiful body, tearing off clothes, and reveling in the experience. So, Ive become that useless, lecherous old man from the mangathe dumb detective who gets shot with tranquilizer darts daily without suspicion, Kogoro Mouri. The lingering effects of alcohol and the side effects of transmigration left Chu Feng groggy. Adding to that, the sticky sensation of white and blood-streaked liquid on his lower body made him feel uncomfortable.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. He stepped into the bathroom, letting hot water cascade down and wash away the filth, revealing his sturdy physique. "I broke the fourth wall and came to the world of Conan. Why do I feel so excited? The real world was so dull. Even though Im not the protagonist, being a supporting character with plot armor is good enough to survive in this crime-ridden world." However, thoughts of Ran Mouri suddenly made his heart ache. Before transmigrating, she had been his favorite charactergentle as water, pure as an angel, yet with extraordinary martial prowess. Now that she was his daughter, would it be too monstrous to have feelings for her? Chu Feng began absorbing Kogoro Mouri''s memories, and the more he delved, the more surprised he became. Steam rose in the bathroom, veiling Chu Feng''s peculiar expression. He muttered, "Mouri, youve truly given me a big surprise. After so many years of watching the manga, I never knew what kind of person you really were." After fully merging with Mouris memories, a strange electronic voice suddenly sounded. [Host consciousness restored. Host memory repair complete. The Strongest Detective System is now at your service. Guide Spirit greets the host.] New memories and information flooded Chu Fengs mind. He learned that after being killed by the falling light fixture, the system had merged his soul with his blood and memories, allowing him to be reborn in the Conan world as Kogoro Mouri. His memories and the system had remained dormant until last night when both awakened simultaneously. While his memories fused, Chu Feng had drunkenly indulged himself, only now recalling the details. With the fusion complete, a system prompt appeared in his mind, and a game-like interface visible only to him materialized. Snapping back to reality, Chu Feng felt a surge of excitement. This must be the legendary transmigration system! Classic protagonist treatment. Guide Spirit, huh? Ill call you V-Chan. What does the Strongest Detective System do? The now-bound V-Chan replied in a seductive female voice, [Greetings, host. This system aims to cultivate you into the strongest detective in this dimension.] Wait, this dimension? Does that mean I can leave this dimension someday? [The question is too profound. Complete tasks, accumulate points, and upgrade the system to find the answer.] Chu Feng sighed, realizing the AI wasnt particularly advanced. Its evasive answer basically confirmed his suspicion. He checked his stats: Character: Chu Feng (Kogoro Mouri) Personality: Appears to be a middle-aged, alcohol-loving, womanizing failure of a detective, but has actually been taken over by an otherworldly soul. Now awake, his predecessor''s life feels like a fleeting dream. Physique: 15 (Remarkable recovery ability; tranquilizer darts have minimal effect.) Strength: 825 (Impressive combat power, dulled by alcohol and lust.) Intelligence: 518 (Exceptional intellect, but dulled similarly. However, it can burst beyond limits when loved ones are involved.) Speed: 9 (Normal human stats average at 10 points.) Skills: - Karate: Mastery Level (Adept enough to dominate opponents in Japan but dulled by vices.) - Firearms: Basic Proficiency (Learned during his past as a police officer.) Skill Levels: Novice, Basic, Proficient, Master, Perfect, Grandmaster. Seeing his stats, Chu Feng was at a loss for words. Twirling his mustache, Chu Feng muttered, There should be a newbie gift pack, right? V-Chan responded timely, [Would you like to open the newbie gift pack, host?] Of course! [Congratulations, host. Youve received three Beginner Illusion Cards and a Grandmaster Singing Skill.] What the heck? Arent newbie packs supposed to have things like cleansing pills? Or maybe some detective skills to make me a famous sleuth? Why give me singing skills? Am I supposed to join Japans Got Talent? Free stuff clearly wasnt worth much. However, when Chu Feng saw the three Beginner Illusion Cards, he couldnt help but grin. These seemed pretty useful. Beginner Illusion Card: Sets up a small illusion lasting one hour, either as an area or on an individual, capable of altering memories. V-Chan chimed in, [Detecting a strong inner desire from the host. Generating mission: First Flight: Solve your first case perfectly. Rewards: Cleansing Pill (refines body and removes impurities), Multiverse Lottery Ticket (quality depends on mission performance)] Chapter 0002: The Idol Yoko Okino Chapter 0002: The Idol Yoko Okino "This is simple enough. I''ve watched Detective Conans 700-800 episodes countless times. Even if you give me a movie version, I can solve it perfectly for you." Kogoro Mouri suddenly felt emboldened. [V-Chan reminded the host: Reality differs from the anime world. The criminals may also be different. Please treat it seriously.] Hearing this, Kogoro Mouri immediately sobered up. Indeed, there''s no such thing as a free lunch in this world. After taking a shower, Kogoro Mouri came out wrapped in a towel. His back bore red scratch marks. The Mouri Detective Agency was located in Beika City, Tokyo, at 39th Street, 5th Block of Beika Town. It wasnt too remote or bustling, just an average residential area, only a few streets away from Shinichi Kudos home in the 2nd Block. The building had three floors. The first floor was a caf, the second floor was the office area for the agency, and the third floor was where Kogoro and his daughter Ran Mouri lived. This apartment building had been constructed decades ago, so both the office and the third floors interior were slightly outdated. However, it was still livable. Kogoro Mouri walked out of the bathroom and into the living room. He checked the clock and saw that it was already past 10 a.m. Ran Mouris room door was still tightly closed. From his memory, Ran usually woke up around 7 a.m., prepared breakfast, ate, and then went to school. But now, there was no breakfast on the dining table, and Ran hadnt woken up yet. That didnt seem right. Even if it was a Sunday, Ran didnt have the habit of sleeping in. Kogoro Mouri frowned and walked to Rans room, opening the door. A surprising wave of heat hit him from inside the room. Ran Mouri woke up instantly from the noise, her face flushed with an unhealthy red hue. Ran saw Kogoro Mouri. "Dad" Kogoro Mouri immediately walked up to her, reached out, and touched her forehead. Her skin was covered in sweat, and her temperature was high. His concern was evident. "Ran, you have such a fever, why didnt you say anything? Youre a grown-up now and still dont know how to take care of yourself? Come on, were going to the hospital."Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "No, no, Dad. I dont need to go to the hospital. I already took medicine last night. A little more sweating, and Ill be fine. Didnt you teach me that?" Ran blinked her big eyes and tightly gripped the blanket, refusing to get up. Seeing her determined refusal, Kogoro Mouri estimated that he wouldnt be able to drag her out while she was sick, so he could only sigh and give up. Only then did Kogoro Mouri have the time to carefully look at his daughter. In the anime, she was the female protagonist, and even in real life, Ran Mouri remained stunningly beautiful. Her skin was fair, her big eyes innocent, and she perfectly embodied the gentle nature of Japanese women. Even lying on the bed with her hair wet from sweat, her charm stirred something in Kogoro Mouri. But the thought that she was his biological daughter instantly deflated him. Kogoro Mouri turned on the heater, afraid that his precious daughter might catch a chill. Then, he said gently, "Alright, Ran, you rest well. Ill go make you some food." "Dad, let me do it," Ran said, struggling to get up, but Kogoro pressed her down firmly. As Kogoro placed his hands on Rans shoulders, her body trembled involuntarily. "Be good and listen." Kogoro Mouri left the room and went to the kitchen. Japan was an extremely patriarchal country. In the original work, after marrying Eri Kisaki, Kogoro Mouri never cooked once. After their separation, Ran took over the responsibility of all three meals. Thus, before regaining his memories, Kogoro Mouri strictly followed the script and had no experience in cooking. However, the current Kogoro Mouri had crossed over from another world and was quite skilled in cooking, being a food lover. He opened the refrigerator, prepared rice porridge with vegetables and meat, and soon, a Cantonese-style mixed congee was ready. The room was filled with its aroma. Kogoro Mouri served a portion of the congee and brought it to Rans room before leaving again. After taking care of his own hunger, Kogoro dressed neatly and went downstairs to the office. Ran was still drenched in sweat. She looked at the fragrant congee on the cabinet beside her, her big watery eyes filled with surprise. She picked up a spoon and took a small bite, and her face instantly lit up with joy. She couldnt help but eat heartily. "Dad can cook such delicious congee? I thought itd be instant noodles." After finishing the congee, Ran felt slightly better. However, a hint of sadness lingered in her eyes. Hugging her long legs, she murmured, "Mom" The office had a grayish tone, giving it a very old-fashioned look. Even though it was already the new century, the office still retained a retro style. Kogoro Mouri frowned. He had been struggling financially for so long that there was no money left to renovate. Kogoro Mouri sprawled on the sofa and casually turned on the television. It was an old-fashioned CRT TV from the last century, broadcasting news. Kogoro stroked his mustache on the right side and absorbed the information from the TV. He thought to himself, "That brat Conan hasnt shown up yet. I wonder when itll happen. But according to my memory, Ran is already in her second year of high school, so the plot should start soon." Thinking of Conan made Kogoro Mouris temper flare. He wasnt like the original clueless detective. In the original story, Conan even bathed with Ran. That couldnt happen. Itd be like letting a wolf into the house. Having that brat live here would bring nothing but trouble, especially with him shooting tranquilizer darts at me every day. If it were Haibara Ai instead, thatd be more acceptable. But if I dont let Conan live here, the plot will spiral out of control, and Ill lose my advantage as a foreseer. Its so frustrating. Fine, Ill let that brat live here when the time comes, but Ill have to train him first. As Kogoro Mouri was thinking about how to deal with Conan, the doorbell rang: Ding-dong, ding-dong. Business had arrived. He opened the door to see a man and a woman standing there. The man was of average build and plain appearance, someone who would easily get lost in a crowd. The woman behind him, however, was wearing a pink trench coat, highlighting her graceful figure. Her right hand was adjusting her hat, and a large pair of sunglasses covered half her face. She glanced around cautiously. "Please come in." From Kogoros perspective, the womans outfit was stylish, and the fabric was high-quality, clearly marking her as a wealthy client. His smile deepened. "Wait, this face looks very familiar." Kogoro turned to look at the poster on the wall. The face was identicalit was Yoko Okino. Chapter 0003: The Idol Locked Room Murder Case Chapter 0003: The Idol Locked Room Murder Case Yoko Okino was a member of one of Japan''s top girl groups. Along with BoA from Busan and the healing beauty Aragaki Yui from Okinawa, they formed a group called "Dream Girls," often abbreviated as "Dream Team." Currently, the Golden Music Festival, a popular music program in which Yoko Okino participated, was being broadcast and was in full swing. The Golden Music Festival was somewhat similar to the show *I Am a Singer.* Kogoro Mouri sifted through his memories and realized that, in this world, Japan and South Korea had merged into one nation. History had diverged during World War II; while Japan was defeated, it managed to annex both North and South Korea. Now, the population of this country was a blend of Japanese, Koreans, and Chinese, living together without distinction. Interestingly, the K-pop groups from his previous life also existed here. Currently, the most popular song was "Nobody." Yoko Okino was the main vocalist of her group, lauded as the "Maiden Diva," and her popularity was rapidly rising. Who would have thought she''d show up here today? Kogoro Mouri led Yoko and her manager into his office and seated them on the sofa for a discussion. This version of Kogoro Mouri, having traveled from another world, was no longer the lecherous man he once was. Sitting across from Yoko Okino, he brewed her a cup of tea with a calm demeanor. "Miss Yoko, it turns out Im a fan of yours. Shouldnt you be busy preparing for the Golden Music Festival right now?" Yoko Okino removed her hat, revealing her lovely but somewhat weary face. She appeared haggard. With a bitter smile, Yoko explained her case. As expected, it was the plot of the Idol Locked Room Murder Case. Yoko said that every time she returned to her apartment, she noticed signs that her furniture had been moved. Strange postcards were sent to her, and there were mysterious phone calls with no sound on the other end. Her rigorous practice schedule for the Golden Music Festival had already left her physically and mentally drained. Returning home only to be frightened further had made it impossible for her to rest. Passing by Kogoro Mouris Detective Agency, she decided to seek his help along with her manager.Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. Her manager, Yamagishi You, chimed in: "Detective Mouri, please help us. This program is incredibly important for Yoko, and we need to resolve this matter quickly." In the system space, V-Chan spoke: [Novice task activated. Resolve your first case within 12 hours. Failure to comply will result in punishment. Punishment: Chicken Buffyour intelligence and physical strength will be reduced to that of a chicken.] "Damn it! Why didnt you mention punishments earlier, you lousy system!" Although Kogoro Mouris mind was filled with curses, outwardly he maintained a confident smile. "Miss Yoko, rest assured. I accept your commission. Ill find out the truth behind this. Lets head to your apartment right away." The three of them quickly set off, riding in Yoko Okinos van. Looking at the bustling streets outside, Kogoro Mouri thought to himself: The system wasnt wrong; reality truly was different from the anime. In the anime, Conan and Ran Mouri should have been present during this case. However, now, only the three of them were heading to the apartment, and Conan had yet to appear. Yoko Okino observed the detective sitting across from her. Her curious eyes flashed. Initially, seeing the poster on the office wall, she had assumed this man was just an old fan. But he didnt seem the least bit interested in her, even with a beautiful woman like herself sitting right in front of him. Playfully, Yoko decided to test him. Pretending to feel hot, she removed her coat, revealing her pale arms. Her Pikachu tank top stretched tightly across her chest. Stretching lazily, she glanced at Kogoro Mouri to gauge his reaction. However, Mouri, lost in thought about the case, paid her no attention. This unexpected reaction made Yoko feel a newfound trust and admiration for the detective. The trio soon arrived at a high-end apartment complex near the Golden Music Festivals recording venue. Yokos agency had rented this temporary residence for her. Dream Teams official dormitory wasnt here. Yamagishi You led the way, taking them up the elevator to Yokos apartment door. From her pocket, Yoko retrieved the key and unlocked the door. Upon seeing the scene inside, she screamed. "Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Her manager, peering inside, was equally shocked. As for Kogoro Mouri, he had already anticipated this situation. Sure enough, there was a mans body on the floor of Yokos room, a knife plunged into his back, blood pooling everywhere. Kogoro Mouri maintained order at the scene, ensuring Yoko Okino and her manager didnt disturb the evidence. After calling the police, Inspector Megure and his team arrived shortly. Inspector Megure looked just as he did in the anime: a rotund man wearing a yellow coat and hat year-round, with a jovial yet stern face. When Megure saw Kogoro Mouri, his expression soured. "Mouri, what are you doing here?" Kogoro, recalling his memories from this world, realized he hadnt left a great impression as a police officer. His cases with Megure had reduced their overall clearance rate by 30%. Letting out an awkward chuckle, Mouri quickly explained, "Inspector Megure, I was commissioned by Yoko Okino to investigate her being stalked. But when we entered her apartment, we found a dead body. The cause of death was a knife wound to the heart, leading to massive blood loss. The room felt unusually warm, and there was a puddle of water on the floor." Megure waved dismissively. "Mouri, spare me the unnecessary details." Mouris face twitched in irritation. Originally, he had planned to present his deductions immediately, but now he stood aside, arms crossed, watching with a cold smirk. Yoko Okino, her face pale, occasionally glanced at the blood-soaked corpse. Her expression flickered with fear. "Miss Yoko, do you know the deceased?" Megures sharp gaze turned to her. "Ah," Yoko stammered before quickly denying it. Chapter 0004: Idol Ikezawa Yuko Chapter 0004: Idol Ikezawa Yuko How does Okino-san explain the fact that the deceased was found in her room? Inspector Megure asked, pressing her step by step. Ah, I... I don''t know, Yoko stammered, trembling slightly under Inspector Megure''s interrogation. Okino-san, is the key to this room in your possession? Is there a spare key anywhere else? Inspector Megure advanced toward Yoko, his gaze locked on her. In my opinion, the murderer who killed this man is none other than Okino-san. You hired Kogoro to create an alibi for yourself, didn''t you? As expected, Inspector Megure''s reasoning soared to dramatic heights. Kogoro stepped forward hastily, holding Yokos trembling shoulders. Inspector Megure, with Okino-sans petite frame, how could she possibly kill such a strong man? Feeling the solid chest behind her, Yoko felt slightly reassured. She caught a whiff of the strong male scent, her cheeks flushing red. Inspector Megure, I happen to have made a discovery. Inspector Megure''s round face grew serious. Please elaborate. Before Inspector Megures arrival, Kogoro had already scoured the room thoroughly. He remembered the prompt from System V-chan, noting that these cases differed from those in the anime. The investigation results indeed reflected this. I had mentioned earlier that the temperature in this room seemed unusually high. The air conditioner remote was set to over thirty degrees. Its possible someone wanted to confuse the time of death by manipulating the temperature. Moreover, I found an earring under the sofa. I asked Okino-san about it, and she confirmed it wasn''t hers. This means someone else entered this room. Incidentally, Ive seen someone wearing this earring before. A nearby officer bent down to pick up the earring. This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there. Ive been following recent music programs. During the Golden Music Festival, Ikezawa-san, who is in competition with Okino-san, wore this earring during her performance. I think Inspector Megure should bring Ikezawa-san in for questioning. Yokos face lit up in surprise as she looked at the earring. It really is Yuko-sans earring! Her manager, Yamagishi-san, chimed in, Right! I remember losing a set of keys backstage during last weeks recording, which included a spare key to the apartment. I didnt expect Yuko-san to have taken it. Why would Ikezawa-san steal Okino-sans key? Inspector Megure asked, stroking his chin. Yamagishi-san became animated. Obviously, she wanted to steal our young idols original songs! Yoko has been advancing in the competition with her original music, steadily making her way to the finals. Yuko-san wanted to steal our songs to sabotage us, singing them first so wed have nothing left to perform. How malicious! Inspector Megure held back the agitated manager, glancing at Kogoro with mild reproach. If you had this information, why didnt you say so earlier? Alright, call Ikezawa-san and have her come over. Before long, a stylishly dressed woman entered the apartment. It was Ikezawa Yuko, a contemporary of Yoko, known for her charming voice but often overshadowed by Yoko. She wore a spotted white coat, leather pants highlighting her long legs and curvaceous figure, high heels, and a cold, imposing expression. To Kogoro, with his connoisseurs eye, she had the ideal figure. Yuko, the type of woman more in line with Kogoros preferences, didnt align with Japans taste for innocent young idols, which allowed Yoko to outshine her. Yuko exuded confidence, pointing at Inspector Megure with a commanding presence. Ive never seen any spare keys. Are you joking? Calling me here over an earring? Im exhausted from rehearsing. Are you even serious? Beads of sweat formed on Inspector Megures forehead. This case had become highly challenging. Both individuals involved were rising stars in the Golden Music Festival, with countless fans. A mistake in the investigation could lead to an uproar. Inspector Megure turned his gaze toward Kogoro, who seemed deep in thought. This guy had made significant progress recently. Thinking this, Inspector Megure smiled slightly. Kogoro, do you have any discoveries? Kogoro glanced at Inspector Megure. I do have something, but well need to wait a bit. Yuko noticed Inspector Megures hesitance and smiled slightly. Picking up a sculpted lighter from the table, she lit a cigarette. Im done talking. I havent even used the restroom since coming here. Excuse me. She turned and headed toward the bathroom. A smile spread across Kogoros face. With a thought, he pulled out a Beginner Hypnosis Card from the system space. The card, glass-like in texture, shattered instantly as he activated it. An invisible green mist enveloped everyone in the apartment. The group briefly froze before returning to normal. Kogoro followed Yuko. As she was about to close the bathroom door, he blocked it with his hand. What do you want? Yukos brows furrowed. You perverted old man! The police are right there. Youve got some nerve! Strange, isnt it? Ikezawa-san claims never to have entered this room, yet she knew the sculpted object on the table was a lighter and also knew where the bathroom was. Ikezawa-san, I suggest you start being honest. Kogoros face displayed a catlike grin. He had her cornered. Yukos expression changed drastically, panic flickering in her eyes. Glancing around to ensure no one was watching, she pulled Kogoro into the bathroom. What are you talking about? I dont understand. Is it wrong to recognize a lighter design? And isnt it obvious where the bathroom is in such a small room? You cant convict me with this nonsense. Yuko, a rising star known for both her singing and acting skills, regained her composure quickly and refuted each point. Oh, really? Ikezawa-san, do you think I cant convict you? Remember, Im a detective. Nothing escapes my eyes. Chapter 0005: Ikezawa Yuko Chapter 0005: Ikezawa Yuko Snap, snap Hearing the sound of the shutter, Ikezawa Yuko was startled. What are you photographing? Kogoro Mouri was fiddling with a compact Sony camera. He glanced at the photo, which was incredibly clear. Evidence of you committing murder, Kogoro Mouri said with a faint smile. A flash of panic crossed Yuko-sans face. What are you saying? Murder? How could I possibly kill someone? You did kill someone, though you might not even realize it yourself. Theres blood on your bracelet, Kogoro said as he gently removed the bracelet from her wrist. He displayed a dried bloodstain before casually pocketing it. What are you doing? Give it back! Yuko-san, now resembling a raging banshee, lunged toward him. Kogoro easily fended her off and pointed to the camera, which was recording everything. Realizing this, Yuko-sans body lost all strength, and she collapsed onto the floor. The man you killed wasnt a good person at all. Do you know what I found in his pocket? Handcuffs, a sedative, and this Sony camera. Kogoro displayed the items one by one. He had secretly collected them while investigating the corpse, before Inspector Megure arrived. If my deduction is correct, this man had been stalking Yoko-san for a while. His plan was likely to ambush her when she was alone, drug her, and assault her. Then he would photograph her and blackmail her into submission, turning her into his personal ATM. But instead of Yoko-san, he encountered you, Yuko-san, as you came to steal her song. Since neither of you turned on the lights, he didnt realize he had the wrong person. He tried to threaten you with a knife. But he didnt know that not only are you a talented actress and singer, but also skilled in karate. During your struggle, you accidentally stabbed him to death.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. After the murder, you attempted to clean up the scene and create a false narrative. You poured hot water nearby, toppled a chair, and set the air conditioner to a high temperature to stage a suicide. However, your methods were not flawless. There were many clues left behind. You didnt clean the fingerprints from the scene, you left behind an earring, and although you changed out of your bloodstained clothes, you forgot to replace this bloodied bracelet. Tears rolled down Yuko-sans cheeks. Enough! Stop it, you devil! Were you watching me the whole time? How do you know all this? I didnt want to kill him! He tried to assault me; I fought back in self-defense. Im innocent! Im innocent! she repeated, her face lighting up with hope. Yes, Im not guilty at all. Kogoro adjusted his jacket. Youre right, youre innocent. But what do you think your fans will say if they find out their idol killed someone? Regardless of whether it was self-defense, your career would be over. Yuko-san froze, her eyes locked onto Kogoros. If her fans discovered she had killed someone, accidental or not, her career in entertainment would be ruined. No one would want to work with a murderer. She pleaded, Kogoro-san, please dont tell anyone. Ill do anything you want! Seeing the proud beauty now so submissive, Kogoros eyes gleamed with a heated intensity. That mans death was his own fault. I can clear you of this, but youll have to pay the price. Kogoro reached out toward Yuko-san. Not here, please, she murmured, lightly pushing against his chest. Her resistance was feeble, almost nonexistent. Dont worry, no one will hear us. Kogoros hand moved to Yuko-sans thigh. Years of dance training had made her legs firm yet supple to the touch. He kissed her passionately as his other hand slid up her waist, finding something soft. (This portion omits extensive details.) (Ultimate Harem Fan: "Hey everyone! If you''d like me to include an erotic scene of my own in this story, feel free to let me know in the comments. For those on Scribble Hub, there''s also a poll availablebut no worries if you''re not on the platform, you can simply leave a comment here. That said, I might still skip the erotic part unless a Patreon subscriber specifically requests it. Rest assured If you subscribed, there will be plenty of chances for steamy scenes in upcoming chapters! If you ask for it, I''ll make sure to write it all.) Meanwhile, inside the apartment, due to the effects of a low-grade illusionary device, neither Inspector Megure, Yoko-san, nor the forensic officers heard anything. They remained focused on their tasks. About 40 minutes later, Kogoro emerged from the restroom, looking refreshed. This time, he had rushed to save on using another illusion card, but it seemed Yuko-san had paid a hefty price. She had lost the virtue she had painstakingly preserved in hopes of marrying into wealth. Yuko-san, now disheveled, felt her dreams of a glamorous future crumble. Ignoring her despair, she quickly dressed and began cleaning up any traces of what had transpired. In Japan, a land of contradictions, the general public often has open attitudes about such matters, but the upper echelons remain conservative and prize chastity. As an aspiring star aiming to marry into a prominent family, Yuko-san had taken great care to protect herself. Yet now, in the restroom of her rivals apartment, she had been violated by a man she barely knew. Though devastated, Yuko-san knew she had to maintain her composure. She adjusted her clothes and stepped out as if nothing had happened. Kogoro exited the restroom unnoticed, as if he had never been there. With five minutes remaining, he pulled out a handkerchief and carefully wiped the fingerprints from the murder weapona knife he had examined earlier. Satisfied, Kogoro smirked. Now its time to present the truth I want the world to see. Chapter 0006: The First Case is Solved Chapter 0006: The First Case is Solved Once the five-minute window passed, Inspector Megure and the others felt a sense of clarity as the effects of the beginner-level illusion array disappeared. Inspector Megure glanced at his wristwatch. "Ah, we''ve been on the scene for quite a while now. It''s about time we wrapped up. Daisuke, please bring out Ikezawa Yuko-san and Yoko-san. You both will need to come to the station for further questioning." The bathroom door creaked open, and Ikezawa Yuko emerged. Her eyes were red, her face carrying lingering traces of emotion, although covered by foundation. She leaned against the wall, unconsciously rubbing her stomach. "Yuko-san, are you alright?" Inspector Megure asked with concern. "Oh, it''s nothing, really. I just slipped and fell in the bathroom," Ikezawa Yuko replied. Her gaze shifted toward Kogoro, and her entire body trembled, though no one else noticed. Kogoro looked at Yuko with a faint, knowing smile. "If you''re fine, Yuko-san, then please come with us to the station for questioning," Megure said. Ikezawa Yuko involuntarily glanced at Kogoro again. Kogoro smiled back at her and spoke. "Please wait a moment, Inspector Megure. I believe Ive figured out the truth behind this case." "Kogoro, you can''t be serious! If you knew, why didnt you say something earlier?" Inspector Megure exclaimed, overjoyed, as he grabbed Kogoros arm. Kogoro casually freed himself from Megure''s grip and stepped closer to Yoko. "Yoko-san, you lied, didnt you? You know the deceased." Yoko remained silent, her gaze meeting Kogoro''s sharp eyes. Inspector Megure immediately imagined a dramatic revelation. "Someone, detain Yoko-san!" Kogoro turned back toward him. "Inspector Megure, you''re jumping to conclusions too quickly. Yoko-san isnt the killer. But she does know the victim."Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Yamagishi You interjected. "Detective, whose side are you on? Theres no way we know the victim." "Yoko-san, trust me. Ill prove your innocence, but first, you need to tell me the truth. Please believe in me," Kogoro said, looking resolutely at Yoko. Nearby, Yukos jealousy burned intensely. ''You shameless detective,'' Ikezawa Yuko thought bitterly. ''After what we did in the bathroom, youre turning around to defend Yoko? How dare you!'' Yamagishi attempted to maintain his composure. "Inspector Megure, Ive already contacted my companys lawyer. Until they arrive, I wont say another word." "Senpai, please stop," Yoko interrupted. She looked up. "Detective Mouri, its true. I know the victim." The room fell into an uproar. Yamagishi looked disheartened, the officers were stunned, and Kogoro stood with a confident expression. "He was my boyfriend in high school, Fujie Akira. After we graduated, we broke up. I never imagined hed die here today," Yoko explained, tears streaming down her face. Kogoro handed her a handkerchief. "Yoko-san, theres no need to cry over a man who committed suicide. He only sought to ruin you." He subtly touched the evidence in his pocket. ''Not only to ruin you but to enslave you for eternity, to drain you of everything.'' Inspector Megure frowned. "Suicide? Thats impossible, Kogoro. Are you joking?" "Its true," Kogoro replied calmly. "Yoko-san had asked me to investigate who had been stalking her recently. As it turns out, the one spying on her was him." Kogoro pointed to the corpse on the floor. Inspector Megure grew impatient. "If the victim committed suicide, how could he stab himself in the back? Thats utterly impossible! Kogoro, stop messing around." His stern gaze swept over Yoko, Yamagishi, and Yuko, pausing on Yukos suspicious demeanor. Years of experience told him there was something off about her. However, before he could think further, Kogoro interrupted. "But what if an ice block and a knife were involved? This suicide method is entirely feasible." The room fell silent as Kogoros words shattered the fog of doubt. Without further explanation, Kogoro gently helped Yoko to her feet. "Yoko-san, theres no need to feel guilty. None of this is your fault. After you graduated, you both went your separate ways. You, a young and beautiful talent, entered the entertainment industry and thrived. He, on the other hand, lived an ordinary life, eating junk food and becoming overweight. Bitterness consumed him." Kogoro glanced at the lifeless body on the floor. "The fond memories of youth turned into venom. Seeing Yoko-sans radiant presence on TV, Fujie Akira grew envious and resentful. Why had their lives diverged so drastically? His jealousy festered." "Unable to bear it any longer, he became Yoko-sans stalker. Watching her every move, he hoped to reconcile with her. If Im not mistaken, Yoko-san, youve rejected him before, havent you?" Yoko gasped. "So it was him! During the Golden Music Festival, a fan came on stage to confess to me. I didnt recognize him at the time. Hed changed so much." Kogoros gaze was piercing. "And so, everything unfolded. Rejected and hopeless, Fujie Akira snuck into Yoko-sans home, fixed a knife into a block of ice, set the air conditioning to high, and stood on a chair before falling backward to his death." "He sought to leave the most gruesome scene possible, ensuring Yoko-san could never forget him. Moreover, his twisted mind aimed to drag her into despair, tarnishing her reputation." "The high temperature of the air conditioning caused the ice to melt, leaving a puddle of water behind." Inspector Megures eyes lit up as he listened to the deduction. Such a method was indeed plausible. At that moment, an officer entered hastily. "Inspector Megure, the victims identity has been confirmed. His name was Fujie Akira, 22 years old, a graduate of Kohnan High School, the same school as Yoko-san. He was employed at Kakuho Corporation." With this revelation, the truth was evident. Inspector Megure sighed as he glanced at the still-crying Yoko. He called for the officers to wrap up the scene. Chapter 7: Favorability Achievement Chapter 7: Favorability Achievement After Inspector Megure left, Fujie Akira''s corpse was taken away. With the case solved, Inspector Megure no longer required the women to visit the police station immediately. Instead, he only asked them to come by later to provide a statement. Ikezawa Yuko watched the officers leave and finally felt relieved. Looking at Yamagishi You''s disgusted expression, she quickly regained her cold demeanor. With trembling steps in her high heels, she exited the apartment. Kogoro placed his hands on Yoko''s shoulders as tears streamed down her face. "Yoko-san, pull yourself together. You still have to prepare for the Golden Music Festival. There''s no reason to grieve for someone like him. He couldn''t reconcile with you, so he chose suicide, even trying to frame you and ruin your life. Yoko-san, your ex-boyfriend was no good and isn''t worth your tears." With Kogoro''s comforting words, Yoko soon stopped crying. Her tear-streaked face was heart-wrenching; her fans would undoubtedly be shattered if they saw her like this. "I''m sorry, Mouri-san. I couldn''t help feeling sad when I realized someone so close to me once could act this way. But you''re right, Mouri-san. I still have my fans and the music festival to prepare for. I won''t let this bring me down." Ding dong, ding dong. The doorbell rang, and Yamagishi You opened the door. A tall figure burst in energetically. "Yoko! Yoko! Are you alright?" The woman looked as if she''d just returned from dance practice, dressed in hot pants that showed off her long, toned legs, glowing white under the light. Draped in a denim jacket with a plain white tank top beneath that revealed her navel, it was Boa, a member of Dream Team. "Yoko, I heard there was a murder here. Are you okay? Who''s this old guy, and why''s he so close to you?" Fiery by nature, Boa immediately became hostile upon seeing Kogoro''s hands on Yoko''s shoulders. "Boa, I''m fine. This is Detective Mouri, whom I hired. If not for him, I would''ve been taken to the police department today," Yoko quickly explained, easing Boa''s expression. "So, this detective actually knows his stuff, huh?" If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it. As the two women hugged and talked, Yoko''s mood stabilized. Kogoro got up. "Now that everything''s resolved, it''s time for me to take my leave." Yoko quickly looked up, her gaze meeting Kogoro''s. Something flickered in her eyes as she handed him a slip of paper with her number on it. "Mouri-san, this is my personal number. Please keep it safe." Beside them, Boa gaped in shock. "Yoko!" The two women playfully teased each other, their interaction truly a feast for the eyes. Kogoro left the apartment under Yamagishi You''s respectful escort. Yamagishi took a white envelope from his pocket. "Mouri-san, this is the fee for this case. Unexpected twists arose during the investigation, and without you, Yoko-san''s reputation would''ve taken a significant hit. We''ve doubled the payment as a token of our gratitude. Please accept it." "You''re too kind, Yamagishi-san. I''ll count on you to refer me more business in the future," Kogoro replied, casually pocketing the thick envelope and bidding farewell. Inside the elevator, Kogoro''s grin widened. Two million yenwhat a generous sum! Thats about 13,000$, enough to resolve his financial troubles for now. But monetary rewards were secondary; the real prize was the system''s tasks. [Congratulations, Host, for unlocking the Favorability Achievement. Reaching 100 Favorability will grant you a lottery chance and points!] - Yoko Okino: Favorability 70 - Ikezawa Yuko: Favorability 75 - Boa: Favorability 12 **(Favorability Scale)** - Acquaintance: 10 - Nod of Recognition: 20 - Casual Friend: 40 - Good Friend: 50 - Kindred Spirits: 60 - Close Bond: 70 - Deep Affection: 80 - Unbreakable Love: 90 - Life-and-Death Commitment: 100 **(Negative Favorability)** - Disdain: -10 - Malicious Intent: -20 - Concealed Hostility: -40 - Resentment: -50 - Deep Hatred: -60 - Mortal Enmity: -70 - Lifelong Feud: -80 - Unforgivable Enmity: -90 - Arch-Nemesis: -100 So, there''s such a system? A strategy game? I like it! Yuko-san, icy on the surface but fiery within, already sees me as more than just a casual acquaintancejust a step away from deep affection. A few more breakthroughs, and it''ll be in the bag. [Congratulations, Host, on successfully completing the Rookie Mission. You''ve earned one Body Refinement Opportunity, 588 points, and a Universal Lottery Chance. Would you like to use the lottery now?] "Hold on. I have a question. The true culprit in this case should''ve been Ikezawa Yuko, but I pushed the conclusion toward Fujie Akira''s suicide during the final deduction. Why did I still succeed? I thought Id have to deal with some rookie penalties." [Host misunderstood. This system''s goal is to nurture the strongest detective. As long as the Host uncovers the truth, whether or not it''s revealed to others, the mission is considered successful.] "So as long as I uncover the truth, I can present my deductions however I like?" The system hesitated briefly. [In principle, yes.] "I knew it. My system isnt like those cheap knock-offsso considerate. Alright, lets do the lottery." Without waiting for the system''s response, Kogoro initiated the lottery. In his mind, a dazzling wheel appeared, spinning rapidly before stopping. A beam of light shot into his forehead. [Congratulations, Host, on obtaining Master-Level Disguise Skills and three one-time-use Master Disguise Masks.] - Master Disguise Mask: Single-use item. Infuse it with your intent, and your appearance will change. In this world, no one can see through it. The items have been stored in the system space, accessible anytime. (Note: System space only stores system items and cannot hold external objects.) Kogoro rubbed his chin. Disguises frequently appear in Conan''s world. While it wasnt something from another realm, this draw was still pretty decent. As for the Body Refinement Opportunity, he decided to use it after returning home. "What about these points? Arent there supposed to be exchange shops?" [Insufficient conditions. The Universal Shop is currently under renovation.] "Renovation? Youre a system shop, not a construction site. Impressive." Soon, Kogoro exited the elevator and stepped onto the street. Suddenly, a Maserati pulled up beside him. The window rolled down, revealing Ikezawa Yuko in the drivers seat. The combination of a beautiful woman and a luxury car was breathtaking. "Get in," she said. Chapter 0008: Kogoro Mouris Evolution Chapter 0008: Kogoro Mouri''s Evolution Kogoro Mouri sat inside the pink Maserati sports car. With a press of the accelerator, Ikezawa Yuko sped off, the car disappearing into the distance. The neon lights outside flickered past as Kogoro unabashedly stretched out and fixed his fiery gaze on Yuko-san sitting beside him. Yuko-san couldn''t help but glare at him a few times, but she soon gave in under the intensity of Kogoro''s actions. "Stop it. Don''t do this." The car raced like a pink flash to the riverside, where it came to a stop. Soon, soft gasps filled the car, only to fade away shortly after. Kogoro chuckled, wiping his damp fingers. "We havent separate from each other for long, and you''re already craving more?" Yuko-san''s face turned cold. "You..." "Its just a joke. No need to be so serious." Looking at Yuko-san''s sour expression, Kogoro scratched his head in frustration. After his earlier antics, her favorability had dropped by five points, leaving it at only 70. Looks like relying on sheer desire isnt enough to build a lasting connection. Yuko-san calmed herself before speaking. "When do you plan to return the camera and bracelet? I won''t let you manipulate me like this forever." Kogoro didnt reply. Instead, he began to hum softly: "Kisha wo matsu kimi no yoko de boku waStolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. Tokei wo ki ni shiteru Kisetsu hazure no yuki ga futteru... Fuzakesugita kisetsu no ato de Ima haru ga kite kimi wa kirei ni natta Kyonen yori zutto kirei ni natta." Using his master-level singing skill, Kogoro sang Nagori Yuki with a melodious and emotional tone. The song, known in his past life as a classic from the 1970s in Japan, carried an ethereal beauty. When the song ended, the tension in the car evaporated, leaving only the pure and poignant melody of Nagori Yuki. The beauty of the song moved Yuko-san to tears. As an artist with a deep appreciation for music, she gazed at Kogoro with tearful eyes. "You''re already my woman," Kogoro said with a smile. "You''re participating in the Golden Music Festival next week, right? Consider this song my gift. Bring back a championship for me." Hearing this, Yuko-sans eyes lit up with determination, and her favorability soared from 70 to 80. Looks like winning over a career-focused woman like her requires a different approach, Kogoro thought. With the sheet music in hand, Yuko-san momentarily forgot about the camera and bracelet. She left Kogoro on the curb and drove off to the practice room to rehearse. Standing by the roadside, Kogoro sighed in exasperation as the Maserati disappeared from view. Just you wait, Yuko-san. Next time, Ill make sure you can''t get out of bed! Realizing how late it was, Kogoro suddenly remembered Ran was still sick and hadnt eaten yet. Hailing a cab, he rushed home, arriving at eight in the evening. With no time to cook, he stopped by a bustling bento shop. Carrying two bentos, Kogoro returned to the agency, turned off the lights on the ground floor, and headed up to the third floor. "Ran, Ran, dinners ready!" To his surprise, the room was empty. "Strange," he muttered. "Rans sick. Where could she have gone so late?" He reached for his phone to call her but was startled when her ringtone came from the room. Looks like Ill just have to wait. Recalling the body transformation opportunity granted by the system, Kogoro quickly entered the bathroom. "System, activate the cleansing process!" [As you wish, Host.] A mysterious force surged through Kogoros body. His cells seemed to vibrate as if sweet dew was washing over them. His skin turned beet red, like a boiled shrimp, as impurities oozed out of his body. The years of indulgence and alcohol vanished from his physique, revealing toned muscles and a chiseled six-pack. [Congratulations, Host! Your attributes have increased.] Kogoro felt invigorated as he opened his character status: Attributes: - Physique: 20 (Energetic; capable of staying awake for three days and nights, with enhanced resistance to low-level poisons.) - Strength: 28 (Exceptional combat ability, fully restored to the peak of youth. At full power, capable of lethal strikes.) - Intelligence: 20 (Brilliant mind; on par with that brat detective.) - Agility: 15 (Swift and nimble; capable of winning a 100-meter dash.) (Normal human attribute baseline: 10) Skills: - Karate: Master-level (Unmatched in hand-to-hand combat across Japan.) - Firearms Proficiency: Basic (Gained from his past as a police officer.) - Singing: Master-level - Disguise: Perfect-level Kogoro admired his rejuvenated physique in the mirror and grinned. This is going to be fun.
A Special Thank You!: I want to extend my deepest gratitude to [Shawn Morwood], for supporting me on Patreon!
Chapter 0009: Conan Appears Chapter 0009: Conan Appears The cleansing of Mouri Kogoro''s body through the ancient method had finally concluded. Water poured down from the lotus pod, washing away all the grime, leaving him spotlessly clean. Staring at the mirror, Mouri Kogoro saw a middle-aged man who was undeniably handsome. His skin was as tender as that of a young idol, his muscles perfectly proportioned, radiating a charm that could melt any girls heart. Gone was the lecherous aura that had once defined him. Instead, he had transformed into a suave gentleman, brimming with elegance. His chiseled facial features, coupled with a hint of melancholy in his clear eyes, made him immensely satisfied with this body. Testing his strength, he delivered a spinning kick, the sound of which roared through the room. As expected, his agility had fully returned. Feeling rejuvenated, Mouri Kogoro stepped out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel, his body brimming with vitality. Upon opening his door, he immediately heard Rans voice from the living room. Conan, you have to behave, okay? Dont cause trouble. I got it. What the heck?! Rushing to the living room, Mouri Kogoro found two familiar figures. One was Ran, clad in her green coat, and the other was a little boy in a blue suit. It was none other than Edogawa Conan. ''What did I miss? How did this brat suddenly show up?'' Dad! Ran called out, noticing Mouri Kogoros presence. Sigh... As someone who had grown up with her, Ran quickly sensed the changes in Mouri Kogoro. This air of confidencesomething long absenthad returned.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Dad, what happened to your beer belly? Where did it go? And why do you have abs now? Oh, your old man has been working out lately and drinking less. So I got back in shape, Mouri Kogoro replied casually, his sharp gaze fixed on the adorable Conan. No way! You still had a belly yesterday. How could it disappear so fast? Ran looked skeptical, her cheeks turning slightly red as a thought crossed her mind. And whos this little guy? Mouri Kogoro asked, sitting on the couch with his arms crossed, eyeing Conan critically. ''This is bad! His presence is so overwhelming. Is this really the Mouri Kogoro I remember? Such a man doesnt resemble a washed-up detective at all. I cant handle this!'' Having just undergone a transformative experience, Mouri Kogoro exuded the commanding aura of a karate master. He locked eyes with Conan, making the boy feel as though he were being stared down by a predator. Conans heartbeat quickened. Dad, dont stare at Conan like that. Youll scare him, Ran pleaded, her voice tinged with sympathy. Still, Mouri Kogoro sought an explanation, so Ran began recounting the days events. It turned out that Ran, after recovering from a cold, had gone to the amusement park with Shinichi Kudo. They encountered the roller coaster murder case there. Later, Shinichi disappeared, and when Ran went to his house to look for him, she met this little boy, Edogawa Conan. Through some convoluted persuasion by Professor Agasa, Ran ended up bringing Conan home to stay for a while. ''Professor Agasa sure is crafty. He wont let Conan stay with him, yet he treats Haibara Ai, a girl he barely knows, like his granddaughter. Could he have ulterior motives?'' Dad, please! Conan is really pitiful. His family isnt here, and hes quite capable too. On the way back, he even helped find a missing little girl. Ran clung to Mouri Kogoros arm, pleading persistently. ''A missing girl? Could it be the daughter of that wealthy chairman? Damn it, I only left for one case, and Ran and Conan have already been through so much. Truly, the title of "Death God Elementary Schooler" is well-deservedcases follow him everywhere.'' ''Letting him stay might not be a bad idea. Having a walking case generator could be useful. After all, the moment Conan appeared, the system had activated two missions'' --- [Daily Mission: Congratulations, Host, on entering the main storyline. In this city of sin, countless cases await your resolution. Solve each case to earn points and rewards, with items determined by the cases complexity. Main Mission 1 C Detective Duel: In upcoming cases, outsmart Detective Conan by deducing the truth faster. Reward: Multiverse Lottery Ticket.] --- Under Rans persistent pleading, Mouri Kogoros attitude began to soften. Taking in this kid isnt impossible, but he has to meet my conditions, Mouri Kogoro said sharply, fixing his eagle-like gaze on Conan. Kid, how old are you? Conan blinked his large eyes and replied in a childlike voice, Uncle Mouri, Im seven years old. And Im not kidmy name is Edogawa Conan. Seven years old, huh? So, you should be able to bathe and do laundry by yourself, right? Well, Im not very good at bathing myself Conan glanced at Ran and gulped. Oh, so Conan-kun cant bathe on his own? Then let Ran-chan teach you, Ran suggested with a kind smile. Absolutely not! Ran, you must never bathe with anyone except close family! Mouri Kogoros expression darkened ominously. If this were an anime, flames would be blazing behind him, his eyes glowing red. How dare this brat claim he cant bathe himself? If I dont teach him a lesson now, hell be climbing the walls next! Grabbing Conan, Mouri Kogoro said, Remember, boys shouldnt bathe with girls. If you do, something bad might happen. His sinister smile sent shivers down Conans spine. Since Conan-kun cant bathe himself, Ill teach you! With that, Mouri Kogoro dragged Conan back to the bathroom. Ran, Ive decided. This kid can stay with us. Outside the bathroom, Ran giggled brightly, like a blooming flower. Dad really likes Conan-kun, huh? However, she didnt notice Conans muffled cries from inside the bathroom. His hopeless eyes filled with despair as the door shut. A single tear of humiliation rolled down his cheek. ''No! I want Ran to help me bathe! Not this scary old man!'' The boys soul screamed in agony, echoing within the confines of the bathroom. Chapter 0010: Scrubbing Conan Chapter 0010: Scrubbing Conan "Conan-kun, taking a bath is simple. Like thisyou turn on the hot water, and then you can start scrubbing." Kogoro Mouri looked at the completely unclothed Conan in front of him, feeling immensely satisfied. In his hand was a brush made of boar bristles, which he mercilessly scrubbed against Conan''s skin. After all, Shinichi Kudo, who had transformed from a 17-year-old into a 7-year-old boy, now had delicate skin like a child. As soon as the boar bristle brush touched him, Conan let out an extremely miserable wail. Red marks appeared all over his body, but unfortunately, the bathrooms soundproofing was excellent, and Ran, outside, didnt hear a thing. Conan was in so much pain that tears rolled down his face. He tried to escape but was pushed down by Kogoro Mouri. With one hand pressing Conans head against the ground, Mouri raised his "instrument of torture" with the other and continued scrubbing, saying: "Conan-kun, learn this well. This is how you clean yourself properly." The boar bristle brush relentlessly ravaged Conans back as tears of humiliation streamed down his face. After what felt like an eternity, a refreshed Kogoro Mouri walked out of the bathroom, looking back with a smile. "Conan-kun, have you learned how to bathe by yourself now? Or does Uncle need to teach you again?" Inside, Conan, who looked utterly defeated, trembled upon hearing those words and hastily exclaimed, "No need, Mouri-ojisan! Ive completely mastered how to bathe myself nowno further lessons needed!" "Then, can Conan-kun also wash his clothes by himself? What about his underwear?" Kogoro gave him another glance. Conan immediately stood at attention, his face serious. "Mouri-ojisan, I think I used to know how to wash clothes. I can handle this myselfno need for you or Ran-neechan to worry about it!" "Thats amazing! Dad is such a good teacherConan learned how to bathe and do laundry all at once. Incredible!" Ran clapped her hands with a smile. "Wow, Conan! You and Dad look so refreshed after your bath. Your complexion is glowing!" "Alright, its getting late. Ran, you and the little guy should eat dinner and get some rest. Tomorrow, we need to help this kid with his school enrollment," Kogoro said, unwilling to let Conan relax too easily.Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings. "Enrollment? No, no, no! Mouri-ojisan, I dont want to go to school!" Conan protested, struggling to resist, only to receive a swift flick to his forehead from Kogoro, leaving a massive bump. "Children must attend school. Without a proper education, you wont survive in society. I think Teitan Elementary is perfect for you." Ran chimed in supportively, "Thats right, Conan. Starting tomorrow, youll be going to school like all other kids." Exhausted from everything hed been through that daysolving cases, shrinking, solving more cases, and then being tortured by KogoroConans childlike sleepiness soon overwhelmed him. Before long, he was sound asleep on the bed. In the living room, Kogoro Mouri sat on the sofa wearing a loose bathrobe. Beside him, Ran wore her pajamas, her well-proportioned figure highlighted by the snug fabric. Mouri tried not to look too much and silently recited the Fudo Myo-o mantra several times in his heart. ''This girls figure is almost as good as Eris.'' "Dad, I know Im adding to your burden. The agency hasnt had business in nearly six months, and now Conans here, which makes things even harder." Rans face was filled with guilt. She knew the familys financial situation wasnt great. With no income from her father for half a year, it wasnt easy to support another person. Life here wasnt cheap, after all. Looking at Rans apologetic face, Kogoro thought she looked stunning. She was truly kind-hearted. Ran wasnt dumbshe was just too trusting because of her kindness, which was why she was so easily fooled by Conan. "Dont worry, Ran. Look!" Kogoro pulled out a white envelope and displayed it proudly. "Today, your old man accepted a case. Heres the commission feetwo million yen!" "Seriously?" Ran snatched the envelope and quickly began counting. Only then did Kogoro realize Ran had a little money-loving side to her. Though the anime never portrayed Ran worrying about money, real life was nothing like a cartoon. The hardships of life were never shown in the anime. After confirming it was indeed two million yen, Ran looked at Kogoro with admiration. But she quickly locked the money in a cabinet and hung the key around her neck. "Hey, hey, Ran! What are you doing? Give me the money back!" Kogoro fumed as he watched the cash get locked away, veins popping on his forehead. "No way. If I let you have it, itll be gone in no time on drinking and gambling. This money should go toward living expenses. By the way, we still owe Nishimoto-san downstairs." Ran spoke righteously. Since Kogoro and Eri had separated, it was Ran who kept the household running. With Kogoro out of work for half a year, Ran had to either ask Eri for money or borrow from Nishimoto-san, who owned the caf downstairs. For half a year, Ran had been holding the family together. Watching her protect their resources like a mother hen guarding her chicks, Kogoro didnt feel annoyedhe found her even more adorable. His heart nearly melted. He pulled Ran into a hug and murmured, "Dont worry, my good daughter. Ive turned things around now. I wont let you suffer anymore. Ill make sure you have a good life." Ran, suddenly hugged, froze. She seemed to remember something and was about to pull away, but when she heard her fathers heartfelt words, her expression softened. She looked uncertainthis was a side of her father she hadnt seen before. Father and daughter embraced, sharing a warm moment. Ran savored it deeply. It felt like shed returned to her childhood, back when she could cling to her father and act spoiled. Those days were so wonderful. Thinking about Conan staying with them, Kogoro decided he needed to be vigilant. He couldnt let Conan take advantage of Ran. "Ran, that little brat Conan is sly for his age. Earlier, he clearly wanted you to help him bathe. He might have other inappropriate ideas. Dont let him take advantage of you." Still in her fathers embrace, Ran found his overprotectiveness a bit much but also strangely cute. She smiled. "I know, Dad. I wont let anyone take advantage of me." Kogoro suddenly felt the atmosphere grow ambiguous. His palms started sweating, and his heart began to race. Standing abruptly, he patted his head. "Ran, get some rest. Youve got school tomorrow." With that, he fled to his room in haste. Chapter 11: The Treasure Map Incident Chapter 11: The Treasure Map Incident The next morning, Kogoro Mouri took Conan to Teitan Elementary School to complete his enrollment. In Japan, enrolling children in school was relatively simple. As long as there was a guardian nearby and the necessary fees were paid, it was easily arrangeda very convenient process. Inside the taxi, the radio broadcasted the morning''s hot topics. A sweet female announcers voice came through the speakers: ...Last night, near the Tokyo Tower, the leader of the Italian robbery gang, Dino Cavane, was arrested. However, he has remained silent. The police are still tracking down Cabanas accomplices, but no leads have surfaced so far. Additionally, the 15,000 maple leaf coins they stole are still missing... ...The maple leaf coins were specially minted by the Italian government as commemorative coins, each weighing 12.41 grams. The front features a maple leaf design by a renowned artist, while the back depicts the Italian government office building. These coins hold significant collectible value. Each coin is now worth 40,000 yen, making the total value of the stolen coins a staggering 600 million yen... Kogoro Mouri stroked his chin, surprised that this treasure map incident had emerged so quickly. Six hundred million yena hefty sum! That would translate to over 3,9 Milion dollars, a substantial amount indeed. Coincidentally, he had just promised Ran last night that he would ensure a better life for her, and now this treasure map case had appeared. It truly felt like divine providence. After all, taking ill-gotten gains wasnt unjust. At that moment, the system chimed in: [Mission released: Find the treasure. Reward: 1,000 points and one universal lottery ticket.] The taxi driver, like drivers everywhere, began chatting endlessly: All these collectible prices are inflated by us in Japan. Theyre not worth nearly as much abroad. Its just like that big boss from the Suzuki Corporation, such a sucker! Who knows how much money hes wasted on foreign collectibles? And now, hes planning to hold some art exhibition...The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. The drivers chatter was relentless. Meanwhile, Conan, sitting to the side, looked drowsy. Just thinking about having to go back to elementary school with a bunch of kids made him wince in pain and despair. The radio continued its broadcast: ...In Osaka, a serial murder case is spreading toward Kyoto. So far, five victims have been found. There appears to be no connection between them, except that they all ingested the same fatal poison. This case has been ongoing for over a month now. At a recent press conference, the Osaka Police Department issued an apology to the public. When will this serial murder case finally be solved... Hearing this, Conan immediately perked up. A serial murder casethis was intriguing. Kogoro Mouri was also taken aback. A serial murder case lasting over a month? This was unheard of in the original anime. After all, Aoyama-senseis manga was originally aimed at children, so cases this terrifying were never depicted. How interestingan entirely new type of case. Just as Conan wanted to hear more details, the radio switched to another segment. The driver up front complained, Honestly, Japans public safety is getting worse and worse. Serial murdersits terrifying just to think about it. Osakas police are completely useless. I just hope the killer doesnt come to Kyoto. ... Under the verbal bombardment of the driver, they finally arrived at Teitan Elementary School. As Conan and Kogoro stepped out of the taxi, they couldnt help rubbing their ears, marveling at how chatty Kyotos taxi drivers werejust like those in the bustling cities of their previous lives. The two entered Teitan Elementary School and made their way to the faculty office. Kogoro had called ahead the previous night, so the director and a teacher were waiting for them. You must be Mr. Mouri, whom we spoke to last night. Nice to meet you. Let me introduce you to this childs homeroom teacher, Sumiko KobayashiKobayashi-sensei. Turning to look, Kogoro saw that the homeroom teacher was indeed a rare beauty. In the original work, Sumiko Kobayashi looked almost identical to Miwako Satoshort hair, a round face, and round glasses. She wore a tracksuit and sported a cheerful smile, exuding a slightly tomboyish vibe. Kogoro extended his hand to shake hers, wearing a mature mans smile. Kobayashi-sensei, Ill leave this child in your capable hands. As he spoke, Kogoro leaned closer to her ear and whispered, This kid is quite mischievous, and his parents arent around. I hope youll be strict with him. Feel free to use corporal punishment if necessary. Conan, now wearing a deadpan expression, thought, What the heck? Whispering such loud "secrets" right in front of meis this some sort of joke? Do you think Im invisible? Kobayashi-sensei covered her mouth and laughed. Mr. Mouri, youre quite humorous. Then, she bent down, peering at Conan. Her glasses gleamed ominously as she adopted a fearsome expression. Conan-kun, listen up. Ive been given full authority by Mr. Mouri. In my class, youd better behave and not cause trouble! The chubby director, sweating profusely, pulled out a handkerchief and chuckled nervously. Mr. Mouri, rest assuredTeitan Elementary is a proper school. Kobayashi-sensei just has a strong personality. Seeing Kobayashi-senseis tiger-like demeanor, Kogoro was thoroughly satisfied. Conan-kun, enjoy your stay. After settling Conans school arrangements, Kogoro left Teitan Elementary and headed to a nearby caf. Unlike the original Kogoro, who loved gambling and drinking, he had no interest in those vices anymore. Moreover, he needed to find those maple leaf coins worth 600 million yen. But everything depended on that little chubby kid, Genta, getting his hands on the treasure map. Chapter 12: The Gap Between Anime and Reality Chapter 12: The Gap Between Anime and Reality Time flowed like a river. Kogoro Mouri spent his day in a caf reading the newspaper. Women nearby couldnt help but glance at him. After all, handsome older men like him were quite rare. Around 3 p.m., Teitan Elementary''s school bell rang, and a group of children poured out of the building. Kogoro folded the newspaper and carefully observed the crowd. As expected, on Conans first day of school, he had already teamed up with those three little troublemakers: Genta, the chubby boy; Mitsuhiko, the freckled one; and Ayumi, the cute little girl. The four of them walked in the same direction, chatting and bickering all the way. Genta and Mitsuhiko competed for Ayumi''s attention, their behavior far too precocious for their age. Quietly, Kogoro followed the children. With his skills and heightened senses, it was easy for Kogoro to remain unnoticed by a group of kids. Following Gentas lead, the four children arrived at the Tokyo Museum of Fine Arts and began exploring inside. Kogoro stayed outside quietly. His memory served him well: this was the spot where Genta would later pick up a treasure map drawn by a notorious criminal. Thinking about how that gang of international thieves planned to recover the map, Kogoro knew he needed a thorough plan to deal with them. Turning into an alley, Kogoro pulled out a human-skin mask from his systems inventory and put it on. His face rippled like water, transforming into the visage of a young, wandering artist. But this disguise wasnt enough. Using his perfected disguise skills, Kogoro removed his suit, smeared mud from the ground onto his pants, and tore holes in his clothes. His transformation was complete; he now looked like a bohemian street artist. Returning to the museum entrance, Kogoro waited patiently. Soon enough, Genta and the others came out, chatting enthusiastically. There are so many treasures in the world! Im going to become a treasure hunter. If I find treasure, I can buy lots of eel rice bowls!The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident. Idiot. Without a treasure map, you wont find anything, Mitsuhiko retorted. Ive decided! Lets form a treasure-hunting team. From now on, well be the Junior Detective League, and Ill be the leader! Genta declared, his round face brimming with excitement. Wow, thats amazing! Long live the Junior Detective League! Ayumi cheered, clapping her hands. Conan, meanwhile, looked utterly unenthusiastic, rolling his eyes in exasperation. Just then, Genta picked up a piece of paper. Huh? Whats this? Before Genta could examine it closely, a large hand snatched the paper away. Thanks for picking this up for me, little boy, said Kogoro, who had been waiting nearby. He deliberately altered his voice. Wow! Mister, are you an artist? You look so cool! Ayumis eyes sparkled as she admired Kogoros shabby yet stylish appearance. Ayumi, dont get too close to this guy. He might be a homeless man wholl kidnap you, Mitsuhiko said with jealousy, his tone particularly unpleasant. Kogoro ignored their remarks and glanced at the group of men in black hiding around the corner. Without further ado, he walked away. The Junior Detective League noticed nothing unusual, though Conan felt something was off. That mans silhouette seemed familiar, but before he could dwell on it, Genta dragged him away. Meanwhile, Kogoro observed the three men tailing him: two Italians and one Japanese, all dressed in black trench coats with fierce expressions. Confident in his restored karate skills, Kogoro led the men into a secluded alley. Hey, you! Stop right there and hand over that piece of paper! barked the Japanese man, who appeared to be their leader. You mean this? Kogoro waved the treasure map, then casually folded and tore it in half. Youre dead! The three men lunged at him, but Kogoro was ready. With a swift block and a powerful punch, he sent one of the Italians flying into a wall, where he collapsed like a rag doll. One strike was all it took to incapacitate him. The other two men hesitated, realizing they were up against a martial arts expert. They drew their guns. Kogoros pupils narrowed. ''Damn it! Three against one, and they pull guns?'' Tensing every muscle, Kogoro launched himself forward at full speed. Before the men could react, he delivered a high kick to the second Italian, who crumpled to the ground. Only the Japanese man remained, retreating while firing his weapon. Kogoro quickly used the unconscious Italian as a human shield. The Japanese man hesitated, unwilling to risk hitting his comrade. Summoning all his strength, Kogoro hurled the unconscious man at the Japanese assailant. Sliding low to the ground, Kogoro closed the distance and executed a precise low blow. The Japanese man collapsed, completely incapacitated. Kogoro finished him off with a swift chop to the neck. Damn it. Almost got taken out by these thugs, Kogoro muttered, tying up the three men with their belts and confiscating their firearms. ''Reality really isnt like anime,'' he thought bitterly. ''In anime, they never pull guns. I got too careless.'' Leaving the men tied up in the alley, Kogoro called the police from a nearby public phone to report their location. As for the treasure map, Kogoro had already memorized the symbols. His intellect, enhanced by the system, quickly deciphered the maps clues: the symbols referred to neon signs. As night fell, Kogoro followed the neon markers to an abandoned riverside building. Climbing the stairs cautiously, his instincts screamed danger. Without hesitation, Kogoro dove forward. A gunshot rang out, then silence. ''Crap! Never shouldve trusted the plotline,'' Kogoro thought, taking cover. Despite his quick reaction, he couldnt avoid the bullet entirely. His arm was grazed, and the pain reminded him that even peak human reflexes couldnt outrun a bullet. Meanwhile, on a nearby television screen, a news anchor reported: Breaking news: Italian gang leader Dino Cavane escaped custody this evening after injuring a guard. Be advised, he is armed and dangerous... Chapter 0013: Striking It Rich Overnight Chapter 0013: Striking It Rich Overnight The entire building returned to silence. Kogoro Mouri didnt dare to lift his head, unsure if the enemy was waiting to shoot him. His arm had been hit, and the artery was wounded, with blood constantly oozing out. What now? Kogoros forehead was drenched in sweat. This time, he had messed up badlyacting recklessly and getting himself injured. The standoff between the two sides had lasted for a while. Finally, the robber, Dino Cavane, who occupied the high ground, could no longer hold back. The sound of leather shoes echoed on the stairs, click, click, click Kogoro Mouri held a transparent card in his handa Beginners Illusion Cardand muttered under his breath, Come closer, just a little closer. He soon heard the enemys footsteps approaching. Quickly, Kogoro crushed the card in his hand, releasing an invisible wave of energy that swept outward. Dino Cavane was pulled into an illusionary trap. Damn it! I almost died! Kogoro Mouri tore a piece of fabric from his pants to bandage his arm and stop the bleeding. Then, he stood up, pulled the Italian mans belt off, tied his hands together, and secured him to a railing. With one swift kick, Kogoro sent the man dangling outside the abandoned building. Dino Cavane, now fully caught in the illusion, was completely powerless to resist. Meanwhile, Kogoro ascended the stairs to the rooftop, where stacks of maple leaf coins had already been packed into a large bundle by the robber. V-chans voice echoed: [Congratulations, Host, for completing the task. You have earned 1,000 points and the ability to perform a multi-universe lottery draw.] Congratulations my ass! Cant you see Im about to bleed out? System-kun, do you have any features to heal injuries? Kogoro Mouri said weakly. [Host, dont push your luck. In this situation, you should be heading to the hospital.]Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Useless system! Ruined my youth. What good are you to me? [Host, you might try the multi-universe lottery. Perhaps you could win something to heal yourself,] V-chan suggested. Then hurry up and draw! Kogoro felt a dizzying sensation as a brilliant roulette wheel spun in his mind. It soon stopped spinning. V-chans playful voice spoke: [Congratulations, Host, for acquiring the Healing Skill.] Healing Skill: Can heal severe and minor injuries but cannot be used on near-death wounds. Usable up to three times per day. Kogoro Mouris eyes lit up immediately. Its truethe darkest hour is just before the dawn! He quickly used the Healing Skill on himself. Tiny specks of light gathered around his body, converging on the wound in his arm. In no time, the pierced artery was healed, and the bullet lodged in his bone was expelled by his muscles. Fresh tissue grew over the wound, and soon, Kogoros arm was as good as new. I was wrong, System-sama! Youre not uselessyoure my lifesaving angel. V-chan seemed annoyed and ignored him. After recovering, Kogoro flexed his arm, now completely healed, and couldnt help but laugh. However, his stomach suddenly growled with intense hunger, as if he could devour an entire cow. It seemed the Healing Skill consumed a significant amount of his energy. Looking at the glittering maple leaf coins before him, Kogoros mood soared. After searching for so long, he had finally found them. Quickly, he packed up the coins. With his monstrous strength, he lifted the enormous bundle in one go. As Kogoro descended the stairs, he glanced at the foreigner dangling outside the building. A surge of anger rose within him as he remembered the pain of being shot earlier. He pulled a pistol from his pocket and aimed at the Italian mans arm. Unfortunately, Kogoros shooting skills were mediocre at best. Even with such a large target, he missed and hit the mans thigh instead. The Italian woke up from the illusion and howled in pain. Kogoro fired again, this time hitting the mans arm, and left the scene satisfied. Suspended midair, Dino Cavane was both terrified and confused. Moments ago, he was inside the building, ready to finish off that vagrant. Now, he was severely injured and hanging outside, while the vagrant, unscathed, continued to shoot at him. Was this man a devil? Dino Cavane felt like crying but had no tears. Kogoro didnt care whether the man bled to death. Carrying the bundle of coins, he moved them to a safe location. Then, he used a public phone to call the police, reporting Dino Cavanes whereabouts. Later that night, Kogoro discreetly sold the 15,000 maple leaf coins on the black market. As an experienced detective, he naturally knew where to find such places. Although the price was heavily discounted, he still managed to sell them for over 500 million yen. Staring at the string of digits in his account, Kogoro raised an eyebrow. I guess Im a small-time millionaire now. The neon lights of Tokyos night were as dazzling as ever. Moving through the shadows by the riverside, Kogoro removed his human skin mask, which disintegrated into particles and vanished. At the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, officers responded to the call and rescued Dino Cavane, who was dangling from the abandoned building. The man was delirious, muttering, The vagrant the vagrant --- The next morning, Conan saw Kogoro Mouri sprawled on the sofa at the detective agency, reeking of alcohol. Empty bottles were scattered around, and the table was littered with food containers. Conan hurried over and checked Kogoros shoes. They were different from the ones he saw on the mysterious figure last night. I must be overthinking this, Conan thought. On the sofa, Kogoro squinted his eyes and chuckled to himself. Never underestimate that kid, no matter the situation. Fortunately, he had erased all traces of last nights events and replaced his clothes and shoes with new ones. Ran looked at her father, snoring away, and complained, Really, Dad, how can you drink so much again? She grabbed a blanket from the cabinet, gently draped it over him, and then left with Conan for school. Chapter 0014: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (1) Chapter 0014: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (1) Friday evening arrived quickly. Kogoro Mouri had already adjusted to life in Japan, and the little rascal, Conan, obediently attended school every day. Surprisingly, no cases had occurred in the past few days, which left Kogoro somewhat astonished. Had Conans Grim Reaper aura not fully activated yet? Previously, Kogoro had only solved a case involving Yoko Okino. Since Yoko was a prominent celebrity, her company had suppressed news of the incident, and it hadnt spread widely. As a result, the Mouri Detective Agency remained in a gloomy state. Dad, why did you buy so many things again? Ran asked, her tone laced with a hint of complaint as she looked at the furniture, appliances, and decorations delivered by the logistics company. These were the spoils of Kogoros recent ventures. Having suddenly come into wealth, he indulged in a shopping spree. The house underwent a complete transformation. The walls were covered with wallpaper, and the three-story residences dull gray tones were replaced with bright yellow and orange hues. Modern furniture and appliances filled the space, giving the home a fresh and lively appearance. Conan was tasked by Kogoro to discard the packaging materials, working tirelessly like a small dog and sweating profusely. You must have kept some of the money from your last commission for yourself! How despicablehiding a stash like that! Ran scolded him with feigned anger. However, her expression betrayed her delight as she admired the new furniture and appliances, walking with an extra spring in her step. In truth, Kogoros spending spree didnt end there. He had also purchased a luxury apartment in an upscale district nearby. He had subtly asked Ran if she wanted to move, but she declined. Ran felt their current home was perfectit was close to her school, and the neighbors were friendly. Thus, Kogoro dismissed the idea of moving. The upscale apartment near Kyotos bustling economic district ended up becoming Kogoros personal retreat. Over the past few days, he had been "practicing marksmanship" with Yuko Ikezawa, testing her "depths." Kogoro was also planning to buy a car in a few days.Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! While the family was busy redecorating, Kogoros phone rang. Moshi moshi, this is Kogoro Mouri. Oh, Miss Yoko? The music festival? Sure, Ill be there. Conan and Ran both looked up. Dad, who was that? Kogoro replied nonchalantly, It was a former client, Miss Yoko Okino. I helped her out recently. She just called to invite us to watch the live Golden Music Festival tonight. Ran, stop what youre doing and get ready. Lets go. Wow! Is it that super popular music show? I love Ayumi Hamasaki! Shes truly Japans pride. Last weeks My All took first place! Ah, I cant believe Ill get to see her in person. I need to change my clothes! Rans eyes sparkled with excitement as she rushed to her room. Kogoro hadnt expected Ran to be such a fangirl. Conan, on the other hand, stared at Kogoro in shock, as if seeing him for the first time. Kogoro walked over and gave Conan a swift flick on the forehead. What are you staring at, kid? Go get changed too. Rubbing the large bump on his head, Conan reluctantly went to change. The three of them soon took a taxi to Kyoto Television Station. The Golden Music Festival was very similar to the show *I Am a Singer* from Kogoros previous life. Seven professional singers competed each week, with one challenger joining and one singer being eliminated in every episode. Unlike the show from his previous life, this competition was broadcast live, and scoring was done by 500 professional judges. The current lineup of singers included pop diva Ayumi Hamasaki, the young songstress Yoko Okino, Korean stars Rain and Lee Hyori, Yuko Ikezawa, and a Filipino singer, Asibian, who was on the verge of elimination. In the taxi, Ran couldnt contain her excitement. Like a little girl, she enthusiastically introduced the show to Kogoro and Conan. Seeing her this happy, Kogoro felt a pang of guilt. This is how a sixteen-year-old girl should be, Kogoro thought. In the past, their poor living conditions had forced Ran to take on responsibilities beyond her years. Like children from impoverished families, she had developed a strong and gentle demeanor. However, deep down, she yearned for her parents to reconcile and for their family to become harmonious again. Now, seeing Kogoros transformation, Ran felt a burden lifted from her heart. She began to reveal her suppressed girlish nature. Kogoro glanced at Conan and silently made a decision. Ill protect my daughters smile. You, little bratAoyama-sensei has kept you as Conan for seven or eight hundred episodes without letting you return to normal. If I let Ran follow the same miserable path from the anime, Id never forgive myself. I wont let you and Ran be together! The taxi arrived at the dazzling Kyoto Television Station. The thirty-story building was illuminated with starlight, and the Golden Music Festival was being broadcast live on the eleventh floor. As soon as they arrived, a long-legged beauty in a red hoodie approached them. Uncle, youre so late! Yoko is rehearsing, so she sent me to fetch you. The woman pulled down her hoodie, revealing a delicate, oval-shaped face. It was none other than Boa from Dream Team. Wow! Its Boa-san! Conan stared at her legs, which were longer than his entire height, with an enraptured expression. What an adorable little boy! Boa, oblivious to Conans ogling, praised him casually. A tick mark appeared on Kogoros forehead as he gave Conan another flick on the head, leaving a large bump. Boa-san, dont be fooled by this brat. Hes very precocious and even snuck off to watch adult videos the other day. Dont let him take advantage of you, Kogoro said, shamelessly throwing dirt on Conan. Rans eyes widened in shock. Conan-kun, did you really do that? Thats wrong! Boa immediately stepped back in disgust. Clutching the bump on his head, Conan looked like he was about to cry. I didnt do it! Ran, you have to believe me! Call me *onee-chan*, Ran said, her face stern and ready to strike. Boa quickly clapped her hands to break the tension. Alright, the shows about to start. Lets go up. The incident was temporarily brushed aside. Conan glared at Kogoro with resentment, while Kogoro smirked triumphantly, reveling in his successful prank. Chapter 15: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (2) Chapter 15: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (2) The group of three followed Boa into the tokyo Television Station. Built 30 years ago, the station, though renovated multiple times, still had a slightly outdated feel. Boa introduced the rooms they passed as they walked along. "This is the recording room, this is the dance studio, and this is where the trainees practice." Inside the station, Boa strutted around like a boss. Every trainee who passed by greeted her, but she didnt bother responding to most of them. Ever since SM Entertainment popularized the trainee system, it quickly became a trend across Japan. Even long-established tokyo Television Station housed a group of young trainees. As expected, beauties were everywhere along the way. Conans wide-eyed stare made his fascination evident, which only confirmed Ran and Boas suspicions about what kogoro had said earlier. kogoro chuckled inwardly, thinking, ''Seventeen-year-old boys full of hormones really cant control themselves.'' The passing trainees occasionally glanced back at kogoro. "Whos this handsome older gentleman? Boa-san is personally accompanying him." "He looks so sophisticated. I dont think hes an artistmaybe an executive from an entertainment company. Boa-san is so lucky." The girls eyes sparkled as they stared at Kogoro, while the younger male trainees looked on with jealousy and envy. Soon, the four arrived backstage at the Golden Music Festival recording area. Led by Boa, they entered Yoko Okinos private dressing room, where a camera was currently filming Yoko practicing. "Mouri-san!" Yoko immediately stopped her practice upon seeing kogoro and stood up with an eager expression. "Yoko-san, are you practicing a new song?" kogoro approached with the others. "Yes! This is my secret weapon for tonighta song Boa wrote for me called Golden Shine. Im confident itll help me make it to the top three this time." Yoko radiated energy as she spoke.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings. In truth, Yokos journey in the Golden Music Festival was quite challenging. She constantly faced three towering competitors: the pop diva Hamasaki Ayumi, the seductive goddess Lee Hyori, and the soulful ballad king Kazumasa Oda. Yoko and Yuko Ikezawa often lingered around fourth, fifth, or sixth place. However, Yoko had it slightly better than Yuko, as she consistently managed to keep her in check. But once the Filipino singer Asibian was eliminated, Yoko and Yukos standings would become precarious. "I didnt realize Boa-san was so talented," kogoro remarked. "Of course!" Boa lifted her head proudly, showing off her elegant, swan-like neck. "And who are these two?" Yoko asked curiously, looking at Ran and Conan. "My daughter, Ran, and a freeloading little pervert living at my house named Conan," Kogoro introduced, never missing an opportunity to throw shade at Conan. "Uncle Mouri! How am I a pervert?" Conan protested and lunged at Kogoro, only to be met with a swift flick to the forehead. He clutched his head in pain and crouched down. ''Why does bullying a child feel so satisfying?'' Kogoro thought smugly. Yoko laughed. "Mouri-san, your family is so amusing. By the way, aside from the challenger contestants, there are also special guest performers tonight. I think youll be pleasantly surprised." At that moment, a bespectacled man in a suit entered the room. Mouri and the others immediately recognized him as Matsuo Takashi, the announcer and chief producer of the Golden Music Festivala familiar face indeed. Matsuo had earned the title of the "man Japanese people most want to punch" because he dragged out the results announcement times for the show, much like a certain infamous host from a past life. However, he was dedicated to the program and personally handled all matters, including informing singers before their performances. "Yoko-san, the live broadcast is about to start. Please get ready," Matsuo said before leaving to notify the other singers. "My apologies." Yoko bowed politely. "In that case, well go watch the broadcast. Good luck, Yoko-san!" kogoro stood to leave, and Boa led the group out of the room. Feeling curious, Kogoro asked, "Boa-san, do you know who tonights challenger contestant is?" "Of course I do. I watched the rehearsals. Its a hip-hop artist from a boy band named Kwon Ji-yong. This guy has a strong backgrounddrug scandals, partying, and fooling around with women, yet no real accomplishments. But thanks to his connections, he managed to edge out Yamashita-san and become tonights challenger." "I find it strange. Matsuo, who has such high standards for music, rejected so many candidates who tried to buy their way in. How could he let this guy participate? Honestly, theyd be better off letting me perform," Boa complained. The group soon reached the live broadcast hall on the eleventh floor, which was already packed with an audience. "Wait, Boa-san, this isnt the way to the audience seating," Kogoro pointed out. Boa turned back with a sly smile. "Of course not. Were going backstage. You can see better, hear better, and even meet the contestants. Come on." With Boa leading the way, they moved effortlessly past security and reached the backstage area. There, Hamasaki Ayumi was adjusting her breathing while a camera captured the moment. Rans eyes lit up immediately. Truth be told, Ayumi wasnt particularly beautifulshort in stature and heavily made up like a Barbie doll. But her singing was undeniably exceptional, and even Ran was a fan. Nearby were a few sofa chairs. The group sat down and watched the stage, where a comedy duo was warming up the crowd. Soon, the comedians left the stage, and the Golden Music Festival officially began. Matsuos voice rang out: "The seventh round of the Golden Music Festival begins now. Please welcome last weeks champion, the diva Hamasaki Ayumi, performing her song ''Dearest''!" The stage lights illuminated everything, making the stage shine brilliantly. The band started playing, and invigorating notes filled the air as Ayumi strode forward with an explosive aura. ''"Hon''t ni taisetsu na Mono igai subete sutete Nokoshita mono ni kidzuku"'' The venue erupted into cheers. Ran stood up excitedly, her eyes sparkling. "As expected of Ayumiso amazing!" The powerful voice from such a petite frame unleashed the full aura of a diva. Even Kogoro, with his masterful singing skills, found Ayumis performance nearly flawless. Everyone was immersed in the beautiful music, even Boa, who stood up to wave her light stick and cheer. But then, a jarring noise broke through. Conan, tone-deaf as ever, was singing along while holding a water bottle as a microphone, polluting everyones ears. Even the usually gentle Ran couldnt help but scold him. "Conan, stop it!" Conan was left feeling utterly defeated. Chapter 16: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (3) Chapter 16: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (3) As expected of Japans premier music festival, it was utterly captivating. When Hamasaki Ayumi finished her performance, the applause was thunderous and prolonged. The next performer was Ikezawa Yuko. Wearing a snow-white long dress, she appeared like a fairytale princess under the enchanting lights. With dry ice spraying around her, the stage seemed like a magical wonderland. Please welcome Ikezawa Yuko-san with her newly released single, Nagori Yuki (Lingering Snow). *Kisha wo matsu kimi no yoko de boku wa* *Tokei wo ki ni shiteru* *Kisetsu hazure no yuki ga futteiru* *Tky de miru yuki wa kore ga saigo ne to* The melodious voice immediately transported everyone present into a pure, white world, evoking memories of beautiful past romances. Wow, I never expected Yuko-sans singing to be this amazing, Ran said, immediately falling in love with the pure and heartfelt song. Next to her, Boa looked visibly unsettled; this song was far better than the one she had written. The song Nagori Yuki, chosen by Kogoro, was indeed a masterstroke. It instantly captured the hearts of everyone in the audience. Yukos performance was on par with the diva who had just performed. Hearing Yukos rendition, top-tier musicians in their private roomsLee Hyori, Rain, Kazumasa Oda, and Yoko Okinoall became visibly tense. Their advanced musical training allowed them to recognize the songs brilliance. Even Ayumi, back in the waiting room, couldnt help but clap. --- In one of the VIP boxes in the audience, the Suzuki sisters were nodding along to the rhythm of the song. Sitting beside them was an elegant woman who exuded the grace of a Persian cat. The three women were enjoying the wonderful music together. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. Sonoko had managed to get into the show by tagging along with her sisters friend, Yukihiro Karasawa, who owned the box. Yukihiros eyes were slightly narrowed, radiating a sense of guardedness. She seemed both immersed in the music and detached from the world, her elegance underscored by her soft smile. Holding a green tea cup, even her stockings seemed to shimmer with an unusual gloss. Ayako-san, have you given it some thought? The Ginza clothing store is truly remarkable. Would you consider partnering with me? Yukihiro asked. The Suzuki familys eldest daughter, Ayako, responded with a gentle smile. Since youve spoken so highly of it, Yukihiro-san, Ill invest 80 million yen. Watching her older sister and Yukihiro discuss business so gracefully, Sonoko felt a bit disheartened. Both women were so elegant and capable. --- The music festival was nearing its halfway point. Apart from the third performer, Asibian, who left Kogoro deeply unimpressed, the rest were outstanding. Kogoro hadnt expected Asibian to be such a character. Looking exactly like a certain comical TV personality, he sang with a heavily Filipino-accented style that was difficult to appreciate. In Japan, overly Filipino-flavored songs struggled to resonate, which explained why Asibians rankings always lingered at the bottom. He seemed destined for elimination this round. Meanwhile, in the VIP box, Sonoko was enthusiastically cheering for Asibian. This prompted Ayako and Yukihiro to sweatdrop; Sonokos taste was as unique as ever. Backstage, Matsuo Takashi didnt appear to be enjoying the music. Instead, he kept glancing at his watch and checking his phone. After the fourth performer, Rain, finished his song, Matsuo stepped onto the stage. Next, well take a five-minute commercial break. After the ads, the excitement continues! The Golden Music Festivals two-hour broadcast featured only a single five-minute ad break, a rarity in todays industry. After making the announcement, Matsuo disappeared from sight. As the five-minute break neared its end, Matsuo returned, sweating and slightly out of breath. Kogoro paid no attention to this. He was engrossed in a conversation with Boa. Boas musical acumen was exceptional, and her compositions were excellent. Listening to Kogoros critiques of the performances, she found herself enlightened repeatedly. The two quickly became absorbed in their discussion. Ran, however, glared at her father intensely. With Eri absent, she took it upon herself to keep her dad in check and prevent him from flirting with other women. But her glares were ineffective against Kogoro. Conan sat alone in a corner, doodling circles on the floor. Today had been an unlucky day for him. Actually, ever since moving into the Mouri household, every day had been unlucky. Conan thought it was simply because Kogoro disliked children, so he lived cautiously. Yet, he still couldnt escape Kogoros schemes. --- Kogoro-san, I didnt expect you to have such deep musical knowledge. I feel like Ive met my teacher, Boa said, her eyes sparkling with admiration as she moved closer to him. For a proud woman like Boa, only someone who surpassed her in her field of expertise could win her respect. Kogoro had done so effortlessly. Seeing Boas favorability score rise rapidly on his internal affection meter from 12 to 45 pointsjust shy of the good friend thresholdKogoro felt a sense of accomplishment. When Ran noticed her father growing increasingly close to this seductive woman, she quickly intervened. Grabbing Kogoros arm, she said, Dad, Mom said shes coming back this weekend. Feeling the soft pressure on his arm, Kogoro tried to shake free but couldnt. Ran, dont make things up. Eri didnt say anything about coming back. As the group bickered, a line of youthful and beautiful girls appeared near the backstage curtain. Their familiar faces instantly captured everyones attention. Matsuos voice returned to the speakers. The commercial break is over, and the competition resumes. Now, please welcome this episodes special guest performers: the sensational girl group, Girls Generation, performing their hit song, Gee! Nine girls dressed in pink quickly walked onto the stage, brushing past Kogoro as they went. Their dazzlingly fair legs and faint fragrance left him slightly dazed. Even Conans eyes widened, nearly drooling. Everyone, we are Girls Generation! The nine girls appearance instantly electrified the live audience. Viewership ratings soared as the group began to sing and dance. Their addictive performance of Gee left countless fans in the audienceespecially male otakuabsolutely ecstatic. Chapter 0017: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (4) Chapter 0017: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (4) The Girls'' Generation, as expected of a top-tier idol group, managed to ignite the live audience''s enthusiasm even more intensely than a diva''s performance. The male audience members were ecstatic, fervently cheering as they watched the sizzling dance moves. Subsequent contestants took the stage to perform, but none could reach the same level of excitement. Even the young songstress Yoko-san gave it her all, but her performance received little acclaim. After witnessing those perfectly white legs, it seemed the world had lost its allure to the audience. Backstage, the waiting area gradually became crowded. Seven performers were about to finish their performances, and it was almost time for the final challenger to take the stage. At that moment, a staff member hurried backstage and whispered something to Matsuo Takashi. What? Youre saying GD is missing? How could this happen? Matsuo Takashi immediately panicked. He pulled out a handkerchief and began wiping his sweat. Noticing that Rains performance was nearing its end, Matsuo quickly instructed an assistant to head to the waiting room. On the live broadcast, the camera captured the assistant entering the waiting room and saying a few words to Taeyeon-san, the leader of Girls'' Generation. The nine girls huddled together for a brief discussion before following the assistant out of the room. As Rains performance concluded, Matsuo Takashi, who had been announcing from backstage, stepped onto the stage. Holding a microphone, he addressed the audience. Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for a minor issue during the Golden Music Festival live broadcast. The challenger has encountered an unexpected situation. We ask for your patience. As compensation, please enjoy another performance by Girls'' Generation! Matsuo Takashi remained calm on stage, handling the live broadcast mishap with remarkable composure. The audience was delighted with the arrangement. However, backstage, a middle-aged, sweaty man with a serious expression rushed over to Matsuo Takashi as he stepped down. If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it. Matsuo-san, we found Kwon Ji-yong-san in the mixing room on the third floor, but hes dead. Should we call the police? The mans voice, loud with panic, was overheard by Conan and Kogoro Mouri. V-Chan''s voice echoed: [Main quest activatedDetective Duel 1: Solve the mystery faster than Conan. Reward: 2,000 points and one Universal Lottery draw.] [Task issued: Fame in TokyoThis is your chance to make a name for yourself at Tokyo Television. Seize this opportunity and showcase your deduction skills. Rewards will vary based on audience reach.] Kogoro and Conan immediately dashed toward the third floor, followed closely by Boa and Ran. Matsuo Takashi, now flustered, instructed his assistant to call the police and chased after them. On stage, the nine girls continued their seductive dance moves, captivating the audience. Little did they know that beneath the dazzling spotlight, a murder had occurred. When the group reached the elevators, they found that all four were out of service. Maintenance workers were conducting routine checks. Matsuo Takashi explained, From 7 to 9 PM tonight, the elevators are scheduled for maintenance. We cant use them. Lets take the stairs. Following Matsuo Takashi, they hurried down the stairs from the eleventh floor. However, when they reached the eighth floor, they found the staircase had collapsed. This area had an accident before and is now inaccessible. Lets use the emergency exit stairs. The group retraced their steps, winding through the maze-like building before finally reaching the emergency exit. After a long and arduous journey, they arrived, breathless, at the mixing room on the third floor. A crowd had gathered at the doorway, many taking photos with their phones. Kogoro pushed his way in and saw the gruesome scene: a red-haired young man with a gunshot wound to the forehead, his brain matter splattered, slumped against the walla truly horrific death. Oddly, behind him was a large, old-style tilting window, which could be flipped open. Bullet holes dotted the walls on both sides. Ran and Boa screamed at the sight. Matsuo Takashi, sweating profusely, shouted as he arrived, Who are you people? What are you doing in there? Wheres security? Kogoro quickly responded, Im Kogoro Mouri, a detective. Someone has died here, so dont even think about covering this up. Ran, call the police. Boa chimed in, I can vouch for him. Mouri-san is indeed a detective. Hearing this, Matsuo Takashis eyes briefly flashed with nervousness. He quickly said, Ive already instructed someone to call the police. Dont worry, Ill fully cooperate with such a serious matter. After speaking, Matsuo lowered his head, a look of frustration crossing his face. Why is there a detective here? This didnt escape the notice of Kogoro and Conan. Who discovered the body? Kogoro asked sharply. A man with a middle part hairstyle stepped forward. It was me. I came to unlock the mixing room and found Kwon Ji-yong-san dead inside. I immediately reported it to Matsuo-san. This was the assistant from earlier. His nametag read Suwa Michihiko. He was sweating profusely from the chase earlier. Does anyone else have a key to this room? Kogoro asked. No, the mixing room is highly secure. I keep the key on me at all times. No one else has access. But I had a severe cold yesterday and didnt come to work. The room has been locked since then. Today, with the live broadcast of the Golden Music Festival, I came directly to the hall after arriving. This was my first time coming here today, so how could there be a corpse inside? Suwa stammered, his face pale. Conan observed Kogoro in surprise. The questions he asked were all critical. Kogoro stroked his chin thoughtfully. Based on Suwas account, the room had been locked since yesterday, and the key never left his person. Yet somehow, a body appeared inside the sealed room, riddled with bullet holes. This was a classic locked-room murder case, deviating significantly from the events in his previous life''s anime. The crowd outside murmured amongst themselves, pointing fingers at Suwa. Matsuo Takashi yelled at the crowd, Enough! Stop talking! Theres been a murder, and this is a serious matter. Delete any photos you took. If I find out someone leaked anything, dont blame me for being ruthless! Chapter 0018: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (5) Chapter 0018: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (5) Matsuo Takashi said, "Disperse now! Why are you all standing around? Dont you have work to do?" Kogoro said quickly, "Im afraid we cant let everyone leave just yet. After Mr. Suwa opened the door, he didnt go inside; instead, he immediately ran to inform Matsuo-san, correct? That means its possible someone in the crowd couldve taken the chance to escape from this locked room. Or, the culprit might still be among us and took the opportunity to tamper with the scene. We cant rule out these possibilities, so for now, I cant allow anyone to leave." "Matsuo-san, could you please find a room and keep everyone inside for the time being?" Although the possibility seemed slim, Kogoro still acted cautiously. He also wanted to keep Matsuo Takashi, who was behaving oddly, occupied with something to distract him. "Alright, no problem." Matsuo Takashi immediately led the five onlookers to a nearby room. The five began to complain: "Whats the big idea? We were just watching! Do you think were criminals now?" "Yeah, these brain-dead celebritiesdoing drugs, overdosingwho knows if its just a suicide? And now were suspects?" Matsuo Takashis eyes turned cold. "Got a problem?" The five fell silent instantly. Matsuos imposing presence left no room for argument; he was clearly someone who brooked no dissent. At that moment, two figures who had been recording the program earlier appeared at the door of the mixing room: Yoko Okino and Lee Hyori. Both looked shocked. Lee Hyori exclaimed, "Wow! Someone really diedand its GD, Kwon Ji-yong! Amazing." True to her reputation as the bold and straightforward Lee Hyori, she made a joke even about a dead man. Yoko quickly hugged Boa and looked at Kogoro, who frowned. She couldnt help but explain, "It was Boa who texted me just now saying someone died in the mixing room on the third floor. I heard you were investigating, so I came down to check. Hyori-nee saw the text and came with me to join the commotion." Kogoro glanced at Lee Hyori, who showed no fear of the corpse, and couldnt help but sigh, dark lines appearing on his forehead. He told them to stay outside and not enter the scene, then began his investigation. Meanwhile, Conan darted around inside like a curious child.Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. The deceased, Kwon Ji-yong, appeared to have died from a gunshot wound to the head. A bullet hole could be seen on the glass window. He was dressed in trendy attire, but white powder seemed to be present around his mouth and nose. There were traces of the powder scattered on the floor as well. Kogoro pinched some between his fingers and sniffed it. It seemed to be drugs. As expected, he was a drug user. On the ground lay a sheet of music. The title was "Christmas Night," a Hip-Hop song. Suwa Michihiko said, "This was the challenge song Kwon Ji-yong was going to perform tonight." The lyrics were absurd and vulgar, completely lacking any sense of decencyutterly unfit for public consumption: > "Pure white powder walks on the board > Before I depart, we light up the load > > My Hip-Hops a treasure trove of gold and silver bills > Counting cash at the party, Kush Kush Kush burning it down > > All the bitches stay at my crib > Posing as Santas little reindeer > Ride on their shoulders, drain the fuel tank, and sing Jingle Bells > > Eyes filled with killing intent > Every one of my brothers is motherfucking dope > Bullet loaded, lets fire shot after shot, Biu Biu Biu" Songs like these could still gain popularity, boasting thirty million fangirls. Truly, brain-dead fans exist in every world. Conan, pretending to be an innocent child, looked up at Suwa and asked, "Mr. Suwa, why did you come to work today despite having a cold? And why did you go to the mixing room before the Golden Music Festival performance ended?" The question hit a key point. Kogoro also fixed his gaze on Suwa Michihiko. After all, the prime suspect was still him, as he was the only one with a key. Under the intense scrutiny, Suwa began to sweat. Gritting his teeth, he finally spoke: "Since this guy is already dead, Ill tell the truth. As everyone knows, the Golden Music Festival is a program with a high standard of musical excellence. We invite only skilled singers who are exceptional at live performances. This means my job as a sound mixer isnt really necessary most of the time. "However, tonights challenger, Mr. Kwon Ji-yong, had a terrible singing voice. So, during his performance, Matsuo-san instructed me to tweak his sound. Thats why I had to come to work despite my cold and why I came to the mixing room during the final segment. I didnt expect to find a corpse." "Oh, so thats how it is." The crowd nodded in understanding, their gazes toward the corpse tinged with disdain. ... About fifteen minutes later, Inspector Megure arrived at the scene with his officers from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Their swift response was thanks to the close proximity of the police station. "Kogoro, and Yoko-san, its you two again?" Inspector Megures head began to ache at the sight of familiar faces. When his eyes fell on the corpse of Kwon Ji-yong, he nearly wept. This was not just a hot potato; if they couldnt solve the case, GDs thirty million fangirls would tear him apart. Inspector Megure hated cases involving celebrities. After exchanging a few words with Kogoro, Megure allowed him to continue his investigation. The scene offered plenty of clues but not enough to form a complete deduction. After Inspector Megures arrival, Matsuo Takashi also showed up. He continued remotely managing the eleventh-floor live broadcast with his phone, instructing Girls Generation to keep singing. The group was thrilled, enjoying the chance to perform extensively on such a grand stage. Their enthusiasm grew with each song. Although Matsuo maintained a calm demeanor in front of Inspector Megure, Kogoro noticed his trembling hands. Clearly, his inner state was far from composed. GDs body was taken away by the police, and Kogoro opened a window to look upward. On the ninth floor, directly above this room, there was an identical window. Inspector Megure, holding the lyrics to "Christmas Night," mused, "Kogoro, could this be a suicide? Look at these lyricsdrugs, gunfire Could he have overdosed and hallucinated before shooting himself?" Inspector Megures deduction, as always, was less than helpful. Kogoro asked, "Then how do you explain the locked room, Inspector?" "Ah, well, that that" Inspector Megure scratched his head, unable to answer. Chapter 0019: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (6) Chapter 0019: The Murder Case at the Golden Music Festival (6) A flustered young officer ran into the room. Takagi, whats the rush? So this is Takagi, huh? He really does resemble the anime versionalways so jittery. Megure-san, the time of death has been determined. It should be around 8 PM tonight, during the live broadcast of the Golden Music Festival. Suwa Michihiko and Matsuo Takashi immediately looked relieved. Suwa quickly spoke up: In that case, we wouldnt have had the time to commit the crime. During the live broadcast, there were plenty of people who can vouch for us. The kid, Conan, piped up: But wasnt 8 PM during the commercial break of the live broadcast? I couldnt find Matsuo-san anywhere around then. Matsuo wiped his sweat with a handkerchief and laughed nervously: Kid, I went to the restroom. Besides, five minutes of commercials isnt enough time for me to run down from the 11th floor, commit a crime, and come back. Also, I dont have a key. Megure narrowed his eyes, and Takagi sighed as he went to test it. Sure enough, with all the twists and turns inside the TV station, it took at least eight minutes for a round trip. At that moment, an elderly man appeared at the scene. He was Miyamoto Takeichi, the president of Tokyo TV. His imposing presence was unmistakable. The moment he arrived, he scolded Matsuo harshly: You useless fool! How could you let this happen? Are you trying to ruin our station? Matsuo looked terrified: Miyamoto-san, please forgive me. You know how important todays program isthere are big names watching! And yet such a blunder occurred. Now get back upstairs and continue hosting the live broadcast. Ill handle things here. Matsuo was temporarily off the hook and turned to Megure: Im sorry, Megure-san. I must return to host the Golden Music Festival. Please excuse me.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Megure could only watch helplessly as Matsuo left. Mouri Kogoro opened a window and noticed a large window on the 9th floor, directly above where Kwon Ji-yongs body was found. Suwa-san, whats on the 9th floor at that location? Suwa thought for a moment before answering: That should be our stations storage room. It used to be a props room, but its been neglected over time. Without hesitation, Mouri rushed to the 9th floor, with Conan close behind. Conans face lit up with excitement. This sense of urgency is so rare! Mouri-Ojisan, I didnt expect you to hide your skills so well. Youve beaten me by a step this time, but just waitIll uncover the truth faster than you. The two of them ran quickly and soon reached the storage room on the 9th floor. The door was ajar, and the room was cluttered with various items. Mouri quickly found what he was looking for, and his reasoning became increasingly clear. He glanced at Conan, who had followed him, and put on an oblivious act: Kid, why are you following me? This isnt a place for you. Uncle, I just wanted to see how you solve cases. Mouri looked around the storage room, then rushed back down to the 1st floor. Conan hadnt found any useful clues and could only watch as Mouri left. Anxious, he used his photographic memory to recall the storage rooms contents before quickly chasing after Mouri. Unfortunately, his short legs couldnt keep up, and by the time he reached the ground floor, he could only see Mouris back. At this moment, Mouri was conversing with the system. [V-chan: Submitting the reasoning process is a one-time opportunity. Are you sure you want to proceed?] Yes. [Understood. The task result will be notified upon the cases conclusion.] Mouri looked slightly dejected. The system didnt provide any feedback to confirm his reasoning, but it didnt matter. Mouri had complete confidence in his deductions. Outside the TV station, Conan observed the two large windows above and noticed a bullet hole on the ground. As all the clues connected in his mind, he suddenly realized the truth. He hurried to catch up with Mouri. Mouri, with a spring in his step, returned to the crime scene on the 3rd floor, where everyone else remained puzzled. Miyamoto-san, I believe Ive figured out the truth. However, Ill need your cooperation. Megure was delighted: Mouri-kun, have you identified the real culprit in this locked-room murder case? Quickly, tell us! Miyamoto squinted his eyes. Since the officer here trusts you so much, do as you please. But if I find out youre damaging our stations reputation, youll face the consequences. I can make sure you dont get any work in Tokyo again. Mouri chuckled coldly: From what I see, your stations reputation is already in shambles. Whats left to protect? Miyamotos face turned red with anger. You sharp-tongued detective! Despite his fury, the old man complied, instructing the vice president to follow Mouris orders. Meanwhile, Yoko, Boa, and Lee Hyori couldnt help but admire Mouris boldness. Miyamoto Takeichi, who had managed Tokyo TV for 40 years, was a major figure with immense power. Yet Mouri dared to challenge him without hesitation. Yokos eyes sparkled with admiration. Mouri exuded a unique charm in moments like this. Struggling to climb back up, Conan arrived, panting heavily. Before he could figure out what was happening, Ran grabbed him: Conan, youre too naughty! You cant just run around. Dad is about to present his deductionsstay here and behave. Conan panicked and struggled. No way! Theres no way this useless ojisan can solve the case faster than me. His reasoning must be wrong! I even prepared my tranquilizer needle for this. But Rans iron grip was unyielding. Conan eventually pretended he needed the restroom to escape, only to find a television showing Mouri already beginning his explanation. Standing confidently, Mouri spoke: Allow me to unveil the solution to this locked-room murder case. But first, lets bring the culprit to the scene. Please invite Matsuo-san here. Chapter 0020: Nationwide Spotlight Chapter 0020: Nationwide Spotlight Miyamoto Takeichi immediately erupted in anger. "You despicable person! How dare you slander the golden planner of Kyoto Television! You''re courting death! How could Matsuo-sensei possibly be the culprit in this case? Tell me, who instructed you to make such an accusation?" The elderly man brandished his cane, attempting to strike Kogoro Mouri, but Kogoro caught it effortlessly and gave a casual push, sending the old man stumbling backward. Kogoro adjusted his sleeves calmly. "Only the truth commands Kogoro Mouri." This statement, broadcast live on television, immediately caused Boa and Yoko-san''s eyes to light up with admiration. Miyamoto Takeichi refused to believe that Matsuo Takashi was the culprit. Moreover, given that this was a live broadcast, he naturally didnt want Matsuo to come down to the scene. Inspector Megure spoke from the side, "President Miyamoto, please cooperate." The old man, stubborn as ever, ignored Megure completely, even as he leaned heavily on his cane. At that moment, a middle-aged man clad in a black suit, resembling a butler, appeared. Miyamoto Takeichis demeanor changed drastically upon seeing him, becoming exceedingly respectful. "Sato-san! Why have you come down here?" The man addressed as Sato responded with a calm yet indifferent tone. "What is happening here? Her Highness the Princess has been waiting for over half an hour, yet the challenger has not appeared. President Miyamoto, care to explain?" Cold sweat immediately formed on Miyamotos forehead. "My apologies, Sato-san. There was an accident during the live broadcast. It seems the challengers match cannot proceed. Please convey my sincerest apologies to Her Highness." Sato lightly touched his earpiece, as if communicating with someone. Everyone present dared not disturb him. After a moment, Sato finished his call and turned to Miyamoto with a chilling glance. If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation. "Her Highness has spoken. Deceiving the royal family carries consequences. You know what they are." With that, Sato ignored everyone and left the room. Miyamotos expression darkened, and his face contorted with unease. He glanced at Kogoro Mouri, who remained composed. "Very well. If you insist on seeing Matsuo, I shall oblige." He turned to his vice president. "Cut this detectives broadcast into the live feed of our Golden Music Festival. Lets see what shocking truth this obscure detective has to reveal." The vice president hesitated but quickly carried out the order. Miyamoto muttered under his breath, leaning heavily on his cane as he left the room. ''This stubborn fool... Don''t blame me for ruining your reputation and using you to appease Her Highness''s wrath.'' Watching this sudden turn of events, Kogoro Mouri felt an internal surge of joy. ''How convenient! I was just wondering how to complete the second task of making my name known across Kyoto. What perfect timing. I should thank that butler later.'' Inspector Megure, however, frowned at Kogoro. He was well aware of who Sato was and the terrifying power backing him. If Kogoro made even the slightest mistake today, he would face utter destruction. Meanwhile, on the 11th floor of the Golden Music Festivals live hall, Girls'' Generation had just finished performing five songs when the music abruptly stopped. The massive screen on stage suddenly displayed a live feed of Kogoro Mouri, and the broadcast instantly went out to millions of households, appearing on giant screens in shopping malls and plazas across the nation. "Nani?" Millions of viewers were stunned. They had been enjoying Girls'' Generations performance, only to be abruptly interrupted by a middle-aged yet strikingly charismatic man. The accident at the festival was already known, but no one expected another mishap to follow so soon. The raspy voice of Miyamoto Takeichi came through the microphone. "To all viewers watching Kyoto Television, I am Miyamoto Takeichi, the president of this station. I apologize for the unexpected events during todays broadcast. Earlier tonight, the challenger, Kwon Ji-yong, was found dead in the third-floor mixing room, shot in the head. The man before you, Kogoro Mouri, claims to have uncovered the truth. The floor is now his." This announcement caused an uproar. The nations most popular music program had turned into a murder investigation. Paparazzi rushed to the television station, viewers locked their screens on Kyoto TV, and even pedestrians halted their steps in bustling city squares. Taxi drivers parked their cars to watch. For the first time in history, a live broadcast was being used to unveil the truth of a murder case. Kwon Ji-yongs fans were in disbelief until footage of his bloodied corpse was shown on screen. It was a grim reality they could no longer deny, plunging them into grief. Girls'' Generation members stood on stage, frozen in shock, unsure how to react. From behind the curtain, Matsuo Takashi sighed deeply. ''What must happen will happen.'' He walked onto the stage, dismissing Girls'' Generation and stepping forward to handle the situation. Kogoro Mouri took the microphone and began speaking. "Earlier tonight, during the Golden Music Festivals live broadcast, at approximately 8 p.m., Kwon Ji-yong was shot in the third-floor mixing room, his head obliterated by a single bullet." "Whats shocking is that the mixing room had only one key, which remained with the sound engineer, Suwa Michihiko, throughout the night. Suwa-san was present in the live hall on the 11th floor until after 9 p.m., with the key always in his possession. This makes the case seemingly impossible." Kogoros eloquence captivated the audience, drawing them into the mystery. "After my investigation, I concluded that the murderer is present here at the Golden Music Festival." The audience stirred, both in the hall and across the nation. "Yes, the murderer is none other than the person currently standing on stageMatsuo Takashi. Matsuo-san, the culprit is you." This declaration caused a nationwide commotion. Although Matsuo Takashi was widely disliked, the idea of him committing murder was unthinkable. Known for his controversial antics on weekly broadcasts, seeing him accused of such a crime was surreal. "Mouri-san, are you joking? Ive been hosting the program all evening, making announcements nonstop. My voice has been heard nationwide. Everyone can vouch for me." The broadcast cut to a split screen, showing both Kogoro and Matsuo in heated debate. The editors worked swiftly, piecing together their live confrontation for the nation to witness. Chapter 21: The Case is Solved Chapter 21: The Case is Solved Yes, Matsuo-san, the producer, was indeed present backstage throughout todays live broadcast. I saw it myself. Except during the brief ad break at 8 PM, Matsuo-san was there the whole time. Kogoro Mouri''s sharp gaze cut through the air. Sweat began to bead on Matsuo Takashis forehead. Mouri-san, are you joking? Ive already explainedI only went to the restroom during that time. Besides, the ad break was just five minutes. We all had to run downstairs because the elevator was broken, which took way more than five minutes. The editing team swiftly spliced a video showing Officer Takagis test run from the 11th floor to the 3rd-floor mixing room. The footage proved that a round trip would take at least seven to eight minutes. Seeing himself on the broadcast, Takagi jumped in excitement. Im on TV! Im on TV! Kogoro grinned, his rugged charm captivating the female viewers watching at home. Many thought, *What a dashing man.* Running from the 11th floor to the 3rd-floor mixing room would indeed take too long. However, running to the 9th-floor storage room is a different story. That timing would work perfectly. Matsuo-san, isnt that right? This room behind me must be familiar to youits the scene of your crime. The camera panned, revealing a dusty storage room. Matsuos pupils dilated, and he fell silent. Kogoro directed the cameraman to point the lens outside the window. The audience saw the third-floors massive bloodstained window, visible from the storage rooms vantage point. Conan observed silently, immediately realizing Mouris deductions were spot-on. He slumped like a deflated balloon, his energy drained. The outer walls between these rooms were perfectly shrouded in shadows. Without close inspection, no one would notice anything unusual. Kogoro fiddled with the rooms suppliesropes, pulleysbefore assembling a makeshift rigging system by the window. He secured a dummy weighing about the same as Kwon Ji-yong, attached it to the wires, and slowly lowered it out the window. The storage room, converted from an abandoned prop room, had everything needed for such a setup, making preparation remarkably convenient. While working, Kogoro explained, Two days ago, you learned that Suwa-san had caught a severe cold and planned to take leave yesterday and today. Thats when you decided to execute your plan. Before leaving work the day before yesterday, you visited the third-floor mixing room under the pretext of discussing business with Suwa-san. Secretly, you opened the only window in the room, then left work with him as usual. Suwa Michihiko, now seated in the audience, looked utterly shocked. Thats exactly what happened! But how did Mouri-sensei know?Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. The broadcast shifted to a montage of concerned performers and guests in the waiting lounge. In the VIP suite, the Suzuki sisters and Yukihiro Karasawa watched intently, while Sonoko exclaimed, Wow, sis! Sis! That dashing man on TV is Rans dad! I almost didnt recognize him. Why didnt Ran tell me her dad had become so handsome? In another, even more opulent suite, a woman seated in the center lit a slender cigarette and exhaled gracefully. Watching the broadcast, a sly, blood-red smile spread across her lips. Interesting, she murmured. Her butler, Satou, bowed respectfully beside her. You then set up the system I just demonstrated in this very room. The tools here made it all too convenient. Kogoro continued, his hands deftly manipulating the rigging. During todays Golden Music Festival, you constantly checked your phone and watch. During the one break in the live broadcastthe five-minute ad breakyou made your move. Matsuo-san, you hid in this storage room on the 9th floor. Using your phone, you summoned tonights challenger, Kwon Ji-yong, under the guise of needing to discuss urgent tuning issues. You likely threatened that failing to show would sabotage his performance and career. Naturally, Kwon Ji-yong arrived on time. Matsuo, standing on the stage, was drenched in sweat but still managed to retort, This is all just wild speculation, Mouri-san. Kogoro ignored him, continuing relentlessly. When Kwon Ji-yong entered, you ambushed him with a blow to the head, knocking him unconscious. You then tied him to the rigging system and used the pulley to lower him to the open window of the third-floor mixing room. After that, you took a handgun, aimed at the spot where youd already struck him, and fired. A single shot. Bang. His head was blown apart. You then retracted the wire, leaving his body inside the room, creating the illusion of a locked-room murder. Kogoro demonstrated by lowering the dummy into the third-floor mixing room. He then dismantled the equipment and checked his watch. The entire process took less than three minutes. Ingenious, I must admit. But Matsuo-san, your arrogance was your downfall. You staged additional details to frame Kwon Ji-yong for drug use, stuffing substances into his mouth to make it appear as though hed hallucinated and shot himself. But your fatal mistake was underestimating forensic science. The traces of the drug powder found here on the 9th floor were identical to those found at the scene, confirming this as the real crime scene. Matsuos voice quivered with desperation. That powder could belong to anyone! Maybe some addict snuck in here. Thats hardly proof of anything! You cant prove I committed this crime! Youre just a lousy detective making baseless accusations! Kogoros expression darkened. Matsuo-san, perhaps youre unaware: a gunshot fired downward leaves blood splatter and bullet holes distinct from those of a suicide. The forensic evidence is clear. Theres blood on the outer wall and a bullet mark on the ground below, both impossible in a suicide. He displayed photos to the camera. Takagi rushed outside with a flashlight, quickly verifying the evidence on the third-floor wall. The audience erupted in shock. Moreover, Kogoro added, Kwon Ji-yongs phoneyour method of luring him hereis missing. Given your limited time, you couldnt have hidden it far. Id bet its still on you. And lets not forget the bloodstains on the rigging, your fingerprints on the dismantled tools, and the gunpowder residue on your handkerchief. The evidence is overwhelming, Matsuo-san. Care to explain each point? Matsuo collapsed to his knees, tears streaming as he finally broke. He could no longer argue against the mountain of evidence. Viewers finally understood the truth: the mastermind producer Matsuo Takashi had orchestrated the murder. People stared at their screens in disbelief. Miyamoto Takeichi, watching in the Tokyo TV stations control room, turned pale and fainted. The shame of harboring a murderer overshadowed the glory of Kogoros success. In contrast, Li Hyori watched Kogoro with curious admiration. Meanwhile, Yoko-san, Boa, and Ran had already transformed into ardent fans, cheering as if theyd solved the case themselves. At that moment, Kogoro Mouris reputation skyrocketed nationwide. Viewers across Japan would remember the suave, middle-aged detective with a sharp mind and undeniable charm. A legion of new fans began forming the Mouri Supporters Club. Kogoro sighed, asking, Tell me, Matsuo-san, why throw away everything you had to commit murder? Matsuos face twisted with madness as officers restrained him. Why did I kill him? Because that talentless fool dared to defile my masterpiece! he roared. The Golden Music Festival is my life, my faith. I dedicated my soul to this stage, only for him to tarnish it with his incompetence. My family was threatened; money couldnt sway me. This stage is sacred, and Id rather die than let it be desecrated! As officers led him away, Matsuo shouted one last plea. President Miyamoto, pleasecontinue the Golden Music Festival! The audience was stunned. Many, moved by his passion, began to sympathize with him.
A Special Thank You!: I want to extend my deepest gratitude to [Matthew], for supporting me on Patreon!
Chapter 0022: Activating the Points Exchange Shop Chapter 0022: Activating the Points Exchange Shop At this moment, the neatly dressed Megure stepped onto the stage. [I am Megure from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. While Matsuo Takashi''s pursuit of music is admirable, it does not grant him the right to judge others'' lives at will. I hope the viewers of this broadcast take this as a warning: do not tread the path of crime.] After speaking, Megure stepped down from the stage with a righteous air. The live broadcast ended, and the vice president hastily filled the screen with a previously aired program. As soon as Megure left the stage, his expression transformed into one of glee. Takagi, standing nearby, chuckled like a loyal sidekick. "Megure-san, your speech was fantastic. The way you walked down was so commanding!" Megure laughed so heartily that his hat nearly flew off. "Takagi-kun, dont say that. Your moves while arresting the suspect were pretty stylish too." The two shared a hearty laugh beneath the stage. Although the live broadcast had concluded, its impact only grew stronger. Online, Kwon Ji-yong''s thirty million fanatics stirred up a storm, demanding the death penalty for Matsuo Takashi. At the same time, loyal viewers of the Golden Music Festival argued that Matsuo was a pure artist who had done nothing wrong. Both sides engaged in a heated war of words. Meanwhile, at the live venue, staff were escorting the audience out. The singers, who had been waiting in the lounge for the rankings to be announced, looked at one another in confusion. How would the competition proceed now? With Matsuo Takashi arrested, who would announce the results? Ikezawa Yuko was seething with frustration. She had painstakingly prepared a song to crush that "little tramp" Yoko, only for her plans to fall apart. After the broadcast, nobody cared about the songs performed by the seven singers. What stuck in everyones minds was the elegant, flawlessly logical deduction by the handsome Detective Mouri Kogoro, the story of a man who killed for music, and, at the very least, the image of nine long-legged girls who sang and danced across five performances. As for the singers? Excuse me, what singers? Were they even relevant to today''s program? --- [Congratulations to the host for completing the main task: ''Detective Duel I Activated''. You have earned 2,000 points and one Multiverse Lottery Spin] [Congratulations to the host for achieving the mission: ''Fame in Tokyo'' with a completion rate of 8,290%, far exceeding expectations. You have earned 82,900 points. With your points exceeding 5,000, the Points Exchange Shop is now available.] Mouri Kogoro looked at V-chan, beaming with satisfaction. Thanks to the live broadcast of the Golden Music Festival, he had struck gold. Points from typical tasks only amounted to a few thousand at besthardly satisfying. But now, with a sudden leap to over 80,000 points and the shop unlocked, the feeling was incredible.The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon. Mouri eagerly accessed the newly unlocked Points Exchange Shop. He had been dreaming of this moment for a long time. At first glance, the shop was indeed packed with treasures. The beginner-grade Illusion Talisman from a previous lottery was available for 3,000 points each, while intermediate ones cost 30,000 points. The most expensive items were advanced technological equipment, martial arts manuals, and powers from the Marvel universeIron Mans armor, mutant abilities, and X-genesall starting at five million points. However, the truly high-tier items were not displayed. The most expensive item currently visible was a martial art called ''Buddha''s Palm'', priced at a staggering ten million points. "Wait, V-chan. Isn''t this supposed to be a Multiverse Points Exchange Shop? I want to exchange for cultivation techniques, supreme bones, heavenly flameswhere are they?" V-chan replied, "[Your conditions are insufficient, so they are not displayed.]" "Damn it! This trashy system, playing games with me again." If V-chan had a physical form, she would have rolled her eyes a hundred times over. With a total of 86,488 points, Mouri had a substantial amount to work with. The items he could afford spanned hundreds of screens, leaving him dizzy from the variety. Mouri spoke up, "V-chan, recommend something for me to exchange." V-chan replied, "[I recommend the ''Advanced Universal Guidance Technique'' for 50,000 points. It significantly enhances the host''s attributes and offers the best value for its price.]" Mouri gritted his teeth and made the exchange. Instantly, an image of a stellar body map appeared in his mind. Within the map, starlight flowed continuously through the depicted human body. Practicing this technique required no physical movementmerely meditating on the stellar map. Browsing further, Mouri spotted an ''Infinite Ammo Desert Eagle''. His eyes lit up. No matter how strong one''s martial arts were, a gun always had the upper hand. Since the Guidance Technique would take time to master, the gun would be an ideal defensive tool for now. He spent 2,000 points on the Desert Eagle, leaving him with over 30,000 points. With his reduced points, Mouri decided to save the remainder for emergencies. The shop was accessible at any time, so there was no rush. "V-chan, spin the Multiverse Lottery for me." The dazzling wheel spun and quickly came to a halt. "Congratulations to the host for obtaining the item: ''Time Reversal Card''." The ''Time Reversal Card'' was a one-time-use special item. Its description read: ''Triggers upon encountering specific individuals. Please handle with care.'' A purple-gold card with intricate patterns appeared in Mouri''s hand. Although its description remained vague, he put it away for now. Despite all these exchanges and spins, only a fleeting moment had passed. Ran and Conan arrived on the ninth floor, accompanied by Yoko, Boa, and Lee Hyori. Mouri glanced at the group and noticed that Yokos affection level had skyrocketed to 82deeply in love. Her gaze indeed carried a hint of tenderness. Beside her, Boas affection level had risen to 60, marking her as a close friend. Strangely, Lee Hyori also appeared on the list with an affection level of 48. Mouri was puzzled. Boa, looking admiringly at Mouri, said, "Detective Mouri, you''re amazing. How did you find all those clues and evidence? Your reasoning earlier was so incredible! I never wouldve figured it out." "Boa-san, its not that you couldnt; you just didnt think in that direction." Yoko chimed in, "Mouri-san truly deserves admiration. In such a chaotic situation, only you could step in and save the day." "Yoko-san, youre too kind." The flattery of these three beauties made Mouri feel indescribably elated. Nearby, Conan had a blank expression, his trademark deadpan look. He felt utterly defeatedhe couldn''t solve the case, had to watch the useless detective bask in glory, and was now saddled with the nickname ''Perverted Boy Sidekick''. What was even the point of living anymore? At that moment, Sato the butler, who had appeared earlier, returned, accompanied by the now-conscious Miyamoto, the company president. Miyamoto was groveling. "Sato-san, please, put in a good word for me with the princess. Ask her to give me one more chance. I swear Ill properly manage Tokyo TV and prevent any further blunders." The old man was utterly pitifulhis former arrogance completely gone. He dared not even use his cane, hobbling behind Sato. But Sato didnt spare him a glance. Sato approached Mouri with a warm smile. "Detective Mouri, I am Sato Shosuke. Your deductions earlier were extraordinary. On behalf of my master, Id like to invite you for a meeting." Satos courtesy was impeccable, from his bow to his handshakeeverything was precise, like it had been measured with a ruler. Seeing this, Miyamotos face contorted, a mix of jealousy and despair. At last, he could only put on a bitter smile, gazing at Mouri with pleading eyes. Ignoring the pitiful president, Mouri, feeling triumphant, followed Sato Shosuke to his masters private box.
A Special Thank You!: I want to extend my deepest gratitude to [Vinicius Mattos], for supporting me on Patreon!
Chapter 0023: Princess Kiko Chapter 0023: Princess Kiko Kogoro Mouri followed Shosuke Sato to the VIP box on the eleventh floor, located at the live broadcasting venue. By now, most people had already left the area. Ran Mouri wanted to accompany them inside, but Shosuke Sato stopped her. Ran, please wait outside for a moment, Kogoro said, his curiosity piqued by the butlers mention of a princess. Who could this woman be to strike such fear into President Miyamoto? The two men entered the box, which was lavishly decorated, exuding sophistication and grandeur. Positioned directly facing the Golden Music Festival stage, it offered the best viewing spot. In the middle of the room, sitting on two light-purple sofas, was an elegant and noble woman. She wore a pristine, form-fitting white gown that accentuated her long, slender legs. A golden embroidered short jacket adorned her chest, featuring a tulip flower motif. Beneath her small European-style hat was an exquisitely beautiful face, as delicate as a porcelain doll. The woman held a glass of red wine, sipping lightly, her lips turning a rich crimson. This was none other than Princess Kiko Akishino, a woman of significant standing in this nation. Born from the union of the Emperors son and a prominent family of the Han lineage in Seoul, she was a figure who graced the spotlight frequently. Known for representing her nation at major events and having recently ventured into politics, she was hailed as a rising political star of Japan. Her vision included bridging Japan and Korea, striving to unite the two nations harmoniously. Princess Kiko gestured with a wave, prompting the butler, Sato, to leave and stand guard outside the door. Mouri-san, I watched your deductions earlier. They were truly extraordinary. I never expected to witness such a thrilling display while taking a break today. Princess Kiko, you flatter me. Seeking the truth is merely my duty; its nothing remarkable. Mouri-san, youre too modest. Please, have a seat. They took seats opposite each other on the two sofas, separated by a small round table. Princess Kiko rose gracefully, picked up a chilled bottle of red wine nearby, and poured a glass for Kogoro Mouri. Her movements were impeccable, a testament to her royal upbringing. Your performance during the live broadcast was captivating. Please forgive my audacity in inviting you here, Mouri-san. Kogoro, visibly pleased by the compliment, responded playfully, How could I mind? Princess Kiko is so stunning. I imagine countless people in Tokyo are lining up for a chance to meet you.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Princess Kikos eyes flickered with a trace of surprise. Given her status, few dared to speak so casually to her. She couldnt help but laugh softly, covering her mouth. Mouri-san, youre quite amusing. Ha, beautiful faces are a dime a dozen, but an interesting soul is one in a million. Princess Kiko, not only do you have an intriguing spirit, but your beauty is unparalleled, Kogoro said, a glint of mischief in his eyes. Princess Kiko was no ordinary person. Kogoro had also activated his achievement system regarding her favorability. However, during their conversation, her favorability fluctuated between positive and negative forty, spending most of the time in the negatives. Despite her pleasant demeanor, she harbored little goodwill toward Kogoro, evidence of her shrewd mind. Mouri-san, your wit truly reflects your reputation as a great detective. But, isnt it a waste for someone of your talents to remain confined to a small detective agency? At that moment, Kogoro felt something brushing against his leg. Glancing down, he saw it was Princess Kikos foot gently rubbing against him, her face betraying no emotion. The current state of the country is tense but brimming with opportunity. With your intelligence, Mouri-san, why waste your time in a modest agency? Wouldnt you consider assisting me instead? Princess Kiko smiled brightly, her expression resembling a blooming blood rose. Kogoro finally understood that the princess valued his intellect and sought to recruit him as an advisor. He politely declined, saying, My abilities are humble, Princess Kiko. I doubt Id be of much help to you. Please forgive me. Mouri-san, if someone of your intellect is considered humble, then no one in Tokyo could be deemed brilliant, Princess Kiko replied. Hearing his rejection, she withdrew her foot and her demeanor shifted dramatically. Her smile faded, and she crossed her arms, exuding the aura of a queen descending upon the room. This was a side of her that she never revealed publicly, further evidence of her great ambition. She picked up a document and began flipping through it. Mouri-san, refusing me is not a wise decision. Lets see your agency is located in Beika Towns Fifth District, isnt it? A place associated with the local boss, Koguro Takako. Is that a threat? Kogoros expression turned icy. You have a daughter named Ran Mouri, sixteen years old, quite a lovely girl. Arent you afraid something unfortunate might happen to her? Princess Kiko said, completely unaware of the dangerous path she was treading. Hearing his daughter being used as leverage, Kogoro could no longer restrain himself. Everyone has their limits, and this had crossed his. He lunged at the princess, pinning her to the sofa. Princess Kiko screamed in panic, shouting, How dare you defy the royal family! She reached for her handbag to activate an emergency alarm but was thwarted when Kogoro tossed it aside. Princess, do you know what I despise most? Those who act more arrogant than me. Threatening me is one thing, but dragging my daughter into this? Thats unforgivable. You might know me as a detective, but I much prefer taking action over thinking, Kogoro said brazenly. Empowered by his system, he felt invincible. As he tore the golden tulip from her chest, the luxurious sleeve revealed her impressive figure. Princess Kiko had never encountered such a situation before. She realized Kogoro meant business and knelt on the sofa, pleading, Please, no! The chaos in the ornate box continued, with spilled wine staining the carpet and the air heavy with tension. Meanwhile, outside the box, Ran and the others grew restless. Shosuke Sato checked the time and said, Princess Kiko and Mouri-san must be having a delightful conversation. Theyve been inside for two hours discussing important matters. We shouldnt disturb them. Conans fish-like eyes narrowed as he muttered, Ran-neechan, Im tired. Lets go home. Conan-kun, please wait a little longer. Dad will be out soon, Ran said gently. Just then, the box door opened, and Kogoro emerged, followed by the composed Princess Kiko. The two exchanged polite farewells, their faces calm and smiling. Mouri-san, our conversation today has been enlightening, Princess Kiko said. Its rare to meet someone as exceptional as you, Princess Kiko. Take care. I look forward to our next meeting, Kogoro replied with a roguish grin as he approached Ran and the others. Ran, were you waiting long? Lets head home, he said. As Kogoro walked away with his group, Princess Kikos smile vanished. She barked orders at her butler, Prepare the car. And remember, keep your mouth shut about everything that happened here. Shosuke Sato broke into a cold sweat as he hurried to carry out her orders. Once alone, Princess Kiko slumped against the wall, her composed fa?ade finally crumbling. Chapter 0024: The Appearance of Fumiyo Edogawa Chapter 0024: The Appearance of Fumiyo Edogawa Yoko-san and Boa were already taken away by their managers. If they hadnt left in time, Yoko-san would probably have been "Double-Killed" by the still-excited Kogoro Mouri. They escaped just in time. Kogoro Mouri fully experienced the thrill of a victorious conqueror. With his superior physical strength, he could have continued for another two hours without any problem. By now, it was close to midnight. Luckily, tomorrow was the weekend. As they stepped out of the Tokyo TV station, the outside was immediately illuminated by a series of flashing lights. Theyre out! Quickly, take pictures! A flurry of flashbulbs went off. At that moment, [V-chan] played the theme of ''Sherlock Holmes''. Dun dun dun dun dun dun This feels pretty amazing, Kogoro thought. --- The next morning, Kogoro Mouri sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, reading the newspaper. Shocking! The Case of the Century Solved! Japans Brightest Detective, Kogoro Mouri!!! Perfect and Meticulous Deduction Unveils an Impossible Crime! Japans Sherlock Holmes! Tokyos Gleaming Pride! The Nemesis of Crime! Savior of the People, Kogoro Mouri!!! --- Mixed in were some ridiculous tabloid headlines: My Night at the Izakaya with Kogoro Mouri. The True Address of the Mouri Detective Agency. This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work. Lonely Yet Gleaming Soul! An Exclusive Look into Mouris Separation from His Wife. At this moment, the most trending name in Japan was Kogoro Mouri. Fans of Mouri Mouri had spontaneously formed support groups online, even creating websites for him. Some even argued with foreign netizens on his behalf. My Kogoro is the worlds strongest detective. Hes both handsome and dignified. Your British loner addict doesnt hold a candle to him. I suggest Sherlock rename himself as Britains Mouri Detective if he wants to be recognized! What the heck?! Seeing such posts on YouTube, Kogoro Mouri was stunned. Curious, he searched online and found that in London, at 221B Baker Street, there was indeed a renowned detective named Sherlock Holmes. Now this is getting interestingSherlock Holmes actually exists. Beside him, Conan glanced at Kogoro with a deadpan expression. Sherlock is an international detective and my idol, Uncle. You should just give upyou cant compete with him. Such provocative words earned Conan a freshly roasted "Fried Chestnut Smash" on his head. Rubbing the swelling bump, Conan tearfully scampered away. Darn it, bullying a child again! Ran was sweeping the floor in the office when she looked outside at the falling snow. Wow, its snowing already. Its so early this year. Noticing Conan squatting on the ground, nursing his bump, she said, Conan, your parents are so irresponsible. Theyve left you here for so long without checking innot even a phone call. Cold sweat trickled down Conans forehead. Theyre really busy. Theres so much for them to take care of overseas. Kogoro Mouri chimed in, Oh, come on! No matter how busy they are, they cant just leave their child here unattended. Tell you what, Ill call them. I remember Conan was entrusted to us by Professor Agasa. Lets ask him about it. Conans face turned pale with panic. Its overIm done for! Seeing Conans reaction, Kogoro felt a surge of satisfaction but maintained a calm facade. Just then, the doorbell rang. Ran quickly went to answer it. A plump woman in a red coat and glasses stepped in. Conan, Mommys here to pick you up. Conan froze in shock. Kogoro immediately realized what was going on. This is that storyline where Yusaku and Yukiko disguise themselves to mess with Conan. He couldnt help but smirk and decided to play along. But at that moment, a recall card in the system space began to tremble slightly. Shes not my mom, Conan said solemnly. The woman produced a name card and handed it to Kogoro. It read Fumiyo Edogawa. She said, You naughty boy, always playing pranks. Im Fumiyo Edogawa, Conans real mother. Oh, really? Conan, your moms here to pick you up. Arent you happy? Ran said with a smile. The plump woman grabbed Conan by the arm. Come on, my little darling. Dont be mad anymore. Youve been waiting long enough. Conans mind went blank. The name Edogawa Conan was one he made up himselfhow could a real mom exist? Should he reveal his true identity to Ran and mouri? For a moment, Conan couldnt decide. In his confusion, the woman dragged Conan downstairs and into a car. From the back seat, Conan looked out with hollow eyes at Kogoro. mouri-ojisan, arent you supposed to be smart? Youre a great detective, right? Cant you see this is a bad person? Save me! But Kogoro only smiled coldly. Serves you right for always pestering my daughter. Enjoy your suffering, brat. Detective Mouri, thank you for taking care of Conan all this time. Ill be sure to send you a token of gratitude, the plump woman said, throwing Kogoro a flirtatious glance. Her exaggerated expression made Kogoro shudder. Yukikos acting and disguise skills were truly top-notch. As Conans desperate eyes begged for help, Kogoro and Ran cheerfully waved goodbye. Snow fell heavily as the car sped away. Kogoro finally had a moment to examine the recall card. Its mysterious patterns shimmered and trembled with light. V-chan: [Mission issued: Encounter a specific individual and use the recall card. Details of the mission and rewards are unknown. There are no penalties. The card will turn to ash if unused within one hour.] This is a strange mission, Kogoro thought. But confident in his abilities, he accepted it without hesitation. The recall card emitted a dazzling light, and an extraordinary force pulled Kogoros soul into a journey through endless time. --- Second Volume: The Recall Mission 20 Years Ago Volume 2: Chapter 1 : Teitan High School 20 Years Ago Volume 2: Chapter 1 : Teitan High School 20 Years Ago A sudden blur overcame Kogoro Mouri. When he came to his senses, he found himself back at Teitan High School. To his astonishment, he was even wearing the school''s uniform. The Recall Card shimmered once again: "A momentary glimpse back to the towering mountains of time reveals the truth that I am not myself, yet I am still me." V-chan said, [Recall Card usage is complete. A new recall task has been initiated: Crossing the river of time, you have returned to Teitan High School 20 years ago. Perhaps you can alter certain events. Please note, your every action may have profound effects on the future. Proceed with caution. The task will only be considered complete when you return to the present, at which point the completion rate will determine your reward.] ''What a bizarre task,'' Kogoro thought. It was the first time he''d encountered something so abstract and surreal. Still, he muttered, ''Since I''m here, I might as well make the most of it.'' Looking at his younger self in the mirror, Kogoro saw his short, neat hair and the striking aura of a confident young man. He quickly checked his stats. Fortunately, all his skills and states were intact, and his system inventory remained accessible. That brought him some relief. Suddenly, a rush of memories surged into his mind. These were the memories of Kogoro Mouri at 18 years olda vivid recollection of his youth spent alongside Eri Kisaki, his childhood friend. For most people, unless they had an exceptional memory, it was impossible to recall every moment of their lives. Usually, only significant fragments remained. Even during past memory fusions, it had felt more like waking from a dream. If not for this sudden influx of 18-year-old Kogoro''s memories, Kogoro wouldn''t have remembered the long years he had shared with Eri. The memories were startlingly vivid, as if he had lived them all over again. Or rather, they were his own experiences. In the original timeline, Kogoro Mouri wasn''t portrayed as particularly sharp or heroic. Yet the Kogoro in these memories was exactly that: wise and bold. At this time, Kogoro Mouri was a prominent figure at Teitan High School. Known as the school''s "Knight," he was admired by countless students. He also served as the president of the high school karate club. The more Kogoro delved into these memories, the more uncanny they felt. The actions of the Kogoro in these memories mirrored his own choices. It was as if they were one and the same.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. "What the heck is going on?" Kogoro demanded. "V-chan, get out here and explain why the memories of this version of me don''t match the original story''s lazy and clumsy Kogoro!" V-chan said, [It seems you''ve noticed the anomaly. As the system''s host, uncovering the truth is your mission. Please explore it yourself.] And with that, V-chan disappeared. No matter how much Kogoro called out, there was no response. While Kogoro was processing his memories, a familiar voice called out from behind him. "What are you doing, spacing out here?" He turned around to see Eri Kisaki, 20 years younger. She wore a simple Teitan High School uniform, exuding the aura of a queen. Her black hair was tied into a neat ponytail, and her glasses accentuated her proud and confident expression. This was none other than the "Queen of Teitan," Eri Kisaki. Her brilliance was unparalleled; at just 16, she had received an acceptance letter from Harvard in the United States but had turned it down. Now, she had passed the entrance exam for Tokyo University with a perfect score and was admitted to the Faculty of Law. Her commanding presence was undeniable. Beside her stood a lively and adorable girl. She had golden curls framing a small, delicate face. Her crescent-shaped eyebrows complemented a pair of smiling eyes. It was said that anyone with such eyes was destined for happiness. This was the youthful Yukiko Fujimine, though at this time, she hadn''t yet taken the stage name "Yukiko Kudo." With her angelic beauty, she was hailed as the "Princess of Teitan." The two stood before Kogoro Mouri, their presence lighting up his world. Yukiko teased him with a grin. "Well, well, our school''s Knight, the mighty Kogoro Mouri, isn''t scared, is he? Hiding here all by yourself? Are you nervous about this afternoon''s martial arts competition? Oh, if your club members saw this, they''d be so heartbroken." As Eri''s best friend, Yukiko was also a close friend of Kogoro''s. "Yukiko, don''t say such nonsense. There''s no way Kogoro would be scared," Eri defended him. "Wow, wow, wow! Such a loyal childhood friend," Yukiko teased further, making silly faces. "And why are you so free today, Yukiko? Did you fail that big movie audition you were preparing for? Tsk, tsk. That''s not good. When will you finally become a big star?" Kogoro countered. At this, Yukiko''s face turned red with frustration, her golden curls bouncing as she fumed. She lashed out with a light kick to Kogoro''s shin, but it didn''t hurt him at all. Kogoro stood confidently. "Just you wait. Winning that youth martial arts tournament is a piece of cake for me. I''ll bring back the championship." With his maxed-out karate skills and the peak physical condition of his younger self, Kogoro was confident he could dominate the competition. In the original timeline, Kogoro Mouri had been so nervous before the competition that he couldn''t perform well and never won. But the current Kogoro was no longer that timid, underperforming man. Yukiko crossed her arms, her expression doubtful. "Hmph, I don''t believe you''ll win the championship. The youth martial arts tournament has many events: seven disciplines, including karate, judo, kendo, iaido, aikido, sumo, and taekwondo. Each one crowns a champion, and then the ultimate martial arts champion is chosen from among them. Do you think your arrogance alone can win?" Her skeptical gaze stoked Kogoro''s competitive spirit. "How about a bet? I''ll prove I can become the ultimate martial arts champion. The loser has to grant the winner one request." "Of course, Ill bet! I''ve never misjudged anyone. If you win, I''ll grant your request, no matter what. But if you lose, you must fulfill one of my requests." "Anything, even something naughty?" Kogoro smirked. Yukiko''s face flushed with anger. "Eri, control your Kogoro!" Eri''s glasses glinted coldly. She reached out and pinched Kogoro''s ear. "How dare you, Kogoro-kun! I didnt know you were such a pervert." Kogoro instinctively tried to dodge but failed. Clutching his ear in pain, he flailed his arms. "Ouch, ouch, ouch! Eri, let go! I still have a match this afternoon!"
A Special Thank You!: I want to extend my deepest gratitude to [Nik Dunlap], for supporting me on Patreon!
Chapter 0026: Kyōgoku Mamoru—Father of Kyōgoku Makoto Chapter 0026: Kygoku MamoruFather of Kygoku Makoto Yukiko spoke about the Youth Martial Arts Tournament, which was being held in Kyotos high school division. Teitan High School served as the karate venue, while the other six disciplines were hosted at various high schools in Kyoto. Champions for the six other martial arts had already been determined, leaving only the final karate match this afternoon. After the seven martial arts champions were crowned, they would compete in the finals on Sunday at Beika University to determine the strongest youth martial artist. Kogoro Mouri, Eri Kisaki, and Yukiko Fujimine arrived at the martial arts hall, which was the karate clubs activity space repurposed for the competition. When Kogoros club members saw him, they shouted excitedly, Boss! and seemed ready to rush toward him. However, a cold gleam flashed in Eris eyes, and the group immediately froze, their faces turning pale with fear. The title of "Queen of Teitan" was well deserved. The martial arts hall was already filled with students. Female high schoolers waved colorful pompoms, cheering enthusiastically: Teitans pride, the righteous knight, Mouri, Mouri, the worlds best! Seeing the beautiful young girls from years ago idolizing him, Kogoro couldnt help but grin broadly. Behind him, Eri rubbed her forehead in exasperation. Yukiko smirked and said, I didnt realize this guy was so popular. Suddenly, a male voice rang out, Long live Teitans Princess Yukiko! Yukiko immediately beamed with delight and waved energetically at the boys who had called out. One student tried to shout, Teitans Queen but froze under Eris icy glare, quickly covering his mouth and refusing to utter another word. Kogoro soon changed into a karate uniform. His tall and sturdy physique radiated power. Feeling the lively atmosphere of the martial arts hall, his youthful heart began to stir with excitement. He stepped onto the stage with confidence.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. On the opposite side of the competition ring stood a man whose skin was dark as coal. His name was Kygoku Mamoru, the heir to the Kygoku Dojo in Kyoto. His karate skills were reputed to be among the strongest in Japan. Could this guy be Kygoku Makotos father? It certainly seems possible. Theyre both ridiculously dark-skinned and share the same surname, Kogoro thought. The referee had already taken his position. Kygoku Mamoru rose slowly, like an ancient pine tree. Cheers and applause mean nothing. Strength alone determines victory. They say Kogoro Mouri is Teitan High Schools karate ace. It seems his reputation is overblown. Kogoro chuckled. I hope youll still be able to talk like that in a few minutes. Kogoros stats were incredibly high, even before. After acquiring advanced cosmic guidance techniques from Slant, his abilities had further improved, thanks to being bathed in cosmic energy. Attributes: - Physique: 28 (Vigorous energy; can stay awake for three days and nights; greatly enhanced resistance to poisons.) - Strength: 35 (Be careful not to get too excited; a casual strike from you could be fatal.) - Intelligence: 24 (With your IQ, you could become a scientist who benefits humanity.) - Speed: 22 (Your speed rivals that of a cheetah; perhaps youll be the next king of the jungle.) These stats were superhuman. His immense strength and durability, combined with his master-level karate skills, left Kogoro confident that he could not lose. Kygoku Mamoru appeared equally confident. As the referee signaled the start of the match, he moved swiftly, his martial arts uniform rustling loudly with each step. Kogoro let him make the first move. Kygoku launched a powerful thrust punch, following it up with a forward lunge to get behind Kogoro and attempt a front leg sweep. Too slow, Kogoro thought with a faint smile. His eyes glinted coldly as he seized Kygokus thrust punch and executed a flawless over-the-shoulder throw. Kygoku flew through the air and landed heavily on the ground, unable to get up for a long time. The martial arts hall fell silent before erupting into thunderous cheers. Mouri, Mouri, the worlds best! The cheerleaders threw their colorful pompoms high into the air, and the atmosphere reached a fever pitch. Wait a minute! That wasnt karate. Over-the-shoulder throws are a judo technique. This victory is illegitimate; I should be declared the winner! Kygoku Mamoru shouted as he struggled to his feet, addressing the referee. While martial arts techniques often overlap, and many masters incorporate techniques from other disciplines, the over-the-shoulder throw is traditionally a signature move of judo. The referee hesitated, caught in a dilemma. Hearing this, members of the Kygoku Dojo who had accompanied Mamoru began shouting, Rigged! Rigged! Kogoro looked at Mamoru with disappointment. Is this all youve got? His commanding tone silenced the hall. Martial arts are a convergence of disciplines. As you advance, youll discover that techniques across martial arts often share similarities. My karate incorporates not only judo but also techniques from aikido and jiu-jitsu. Ive even drawn inspiration from iaido and kendo. To me, martial arts are about finding strength in imperfection. Only by embracing different disciplines can one achieve mastery. Mamorus face lit up. Very well. Since youve asked for it, lets fight again. Referee, you heard him. The referee signaled the start of the rematch. This time, Kogoro also moved. In an instant, he became a blur. Before anyone could react, Mamorus body was flung five meters into the air, crashing heavily onto the ground, unconscious. It had been a simple karate thrust punch. The back-to-back displays of overwhelming strength sent the crowd into a frenzy. Teitan High Schools students rushed onto the stage, hoisting Kogoro high into the air. Hooray! Hooray! Eris cold expression softened into a faint smile, while Yukiko looked conflicted. Im doomed. If this guy is really that strong, Ill lose the bet. What if he asks me to do something perverted? As she watched Kogoro being tossed into the air, Yukikos cheeks flushed. Wait, why am I thinking this? How could I steal Eris boyfriend?
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Chapter 0027: Eri and Chocolate Chapter 0027: Eri and Chocolate The martial arts dojo gradually emptied, but the high school students from Teitan High School were still excitedly discussing the one-hit knockout they had just witnessed. Isnt Kygokus dojo supposed to be the strongest in Kyoto? Turns out its just an empty reputation. I thought that dark-skinned brute would be formidable, but our president defeated him in one move. Hes not even worth my time. A member of the karate club chimed in arrogantly. That dark-skinned guy even asked for a rematch, but he was still knocked out with a single punch. Hearing these remarks, members of Kygokus dojo walking nearby flushed with embarrassment. Luckily, Kygoku Mamorus dark skin concealed his blush. From that day on, Kygoku Mamoru regarded Kogoro Mouri as his lifelong rival. Upon returning to his dojo, he went into seclusion and refused to meet anyone. Later, after marrying and having children, he rigorously trained his son, Kygoku Makoto, teaching him that the Mouri family was their lifelong enemy. Little did Mouri know, he had unknowingly set Makoto on a challenging path. Kogoro Mouri, Eri Kisaki, and Yukiko Fujimine walked along the path of Teitan High School. Passing students gazed at them with admiration, making Kogoro feel a little smug. At that moment, a young and beautiful girl suddenly appeared, holding a bouquet and a letter atop it. She approached Kogoro with a shy expression. Mouri-senpai, congratulations on winning the championship! This is for you. Please make sure to read it. This seemed to be the trigger. Soon, several other pretty female students also brought bouquets, love letters, and gifts. Kogoros arms were quickly full of presents. Wow, these students are so enthusiastic, Kogoro remarked as he prepared to open one of the love letters. Suddenly, he felt two piercingly cold glares from behind him. Turning around, he saw Eri Kisaki radiating an almost visible aura of anger, while Yukikos face showed equal indignation. Kogoro instantly deflated, hurriedly tossing the gifts to the ground. Hmph, these students are so inappropriate. As students, they should focus on their studies.You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Only then did Eri look satisfied. She raised her head proudly, her swan-like neck exposed, exuding queenly elegance. Yukiko mimicked her, looking equally adorable. Kogoro couldnt help but find it strange. Eris earlier glare had made him instinctively shrink back. It was almost a reflexa phenomenon he found baffling. Catching up to the two women, he resumed their playful banter. Under the setting sun, the shadows of the trio intertwined. --- In the evening, Kogoro escorted Eri home. Yukiko, coming from a wealthy family, had her own driver to pick her up, so she didnt need to walk. As they walked through a dimly lit alley, Kogoro glanced at Eri beside him. Comparing her to his memories, he couldnt help but admire how beautiful she looked in her youth. Unlike the sharp demeanor she later developed as a lawyer, her current aura was softer. Her long legs, exposed under her skirt, were as white as jade, and wearing high heels made her even more captivating. However, her chest wasnt as full as it would become later. He recalled that after giving birth to Ran, she reached a D cup. What are you staring at? Eri snapped, hitting Kogoro on the head with her bag. Though it didnt hurt, Kogoro had learned to feign pain to gain sympathy. Eri clapped her hands and continued walking. You won the karate championship this time, but your future opponents are much stronger. Listen carefully: the taekwondo champion is Kang Shin-cheol from Seoul, a master of leg techniques. Then theres The iaido champion is Miyamoto Shinbu from Hokkaido. He claims to be a descendant of Miyamoto Musashi, though hes abandoned his ancestors dual-sword style in favor of single-sword techniques. His swordsmanship The kendo and aikido championships were won by the Osaka Twin Stars, Hattori Heiz and Toyama Ginshiro Judo was claimed by an overseas returnee named Kuroba Hajime. Lastly, the sumo champion is a local, Oki Saddle, from Kyoto. Hey, are you even listening? Eris growing irritation broke Kogoros daze. Eri, youre so beautiful, Kogoro blurted out, looking at her slightly weary face. Remembering how she had run around gathering information for him all afternoon, he felt deeply moved. What? Eri froze, unsure how to respond. Pretending she hadnt heard, her ears quickly turned bright red. For you, Eri, I will win the martial arts championship, Kogoro declared, thumping his chest confidently. Eris expression softened momentarily before darkening again. She grabbed her bag and chased after him. Win the championship? So you can have Yukiko do something indecent for you, right? I cant believe youre still thinking about that! Its a misunderstanding! I was just teasing Yukiko because she bullied me. Im not thinking about her. Eri, having you is enough for me. Hey, stop hitting me! Kogoro pleaded as Eris blows left his arms bruised. --- The two eventually arrived at Beika Park. The moonlight shone brilliantly, and the park, newly built in the last couple of years, was stunning. Illuminated by soft lights, it appeared almost dreamlike. Eris gaze lingered on the parks entrance, and Kogoro immediately understood her intention. May I have the honor of accompanying Miss Kisaki on a tour of Beika Park? Kogoro, still in his school uniform, asked in a gentlemanly manner. Youre so corny, Eri retorted, but she placed her hand in his. Kogoro spread his fingers, interlocking them with hers as he led her into the park. Inside, the park was quiet, the romantic atmosphere enhanced by the enchanting lights. Eris entire face was flushed, and warm breath escaped from her rosy cheeks. She found herself led to the artificial lake. Eri, I have a gift for you, Kogoro said. Eri tilted her head to look at the lake, feigning indifference. However, her trembling hands betrayed her excitement. Close your eyes, Kogoro instructed. Eri pouted but obediently closed her eyes. Open them now. Ta-da! Your favorite chocolate, Kogoro announced, holding out a box of carefully prepared Ghirardelli chocolates. Eris face lit up with delight. Hmph, how unoriginal, she said, but she quickly took the chocolates. Sitting on a bench by the lake, they unwrapped the packaging and began to enjoy the treat together. Chapter 0028: Eri! Eri! Chapter 0028: Eri! Eri! Cuban chocolate, known for its unique production method using traditional Cuban techniques, is exceptionally rare and highly sought after. With its rich aroma and a hint of bitterness, it commands a high price. Kogoro Mouri had spent considerable effort before finally locating some in a small shop. Eri Kisaki appeared to be in an excellent mood as she took out a piece of the chocolate. Her lips parted slightly, and the rich aroma of the chocolate filled the air as she savored it, closing her eyes in delight. Kogoro Mouri, witnessing this scene, felt a surge of passion. ''Were a married couple, so what am I hesitating for?'' he thought as he leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. Eri''s eyes widened in shock, her pupils contracting. The chocolate''s aroma seemed to burst forth between their lips, its bitterness sinking deep into their hearts. For Eri, this was her first kissa moment she would never forget. Even the moon seemed startled by the lovers, retreating behind the clouds. Kogoro intensified his actions, his hand moving upward. Eris breathing grew rapid, and Kogoro pushed her down onto the park bench. His other hand ventured downward. No, not here, Eri suddenly snapped back to her senses and delivered a sharp knee strike to an unsuspecting Kogoro. Grimacing in pain, Kogoro got up, clutching his stomach. Thankfully, it was only his abdomen that bore the brunt of her strike. Unfazed, Kogoro cupped Eris face in his hands. Eri, have you forgotten the promise you made to me? What promise? Eri turned her head away, feigning ignorance. You promised to be my girlfriend if I won the karate championship. Eri, from today on, lets officially date, okay? Kogoros gaze was filled with tenderness, as though he were holding a priceless treasure.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings. Seeing the passionate sincerity in Kogoros eyes, Eris heart raced. A barely audible Mm escaped her lips. Kogoros face lit up with joy, and he lifted Eri into his arms, twirling her around by the lakeside. The ice in Eris demeanor melted away, and her smile was dazzlingly beautiful. Under the cover of night, the couple left the park, inseparable as they wandered through shopping malls, watched movies, and strolled down streets hand in hand. At that moment, Eri was undoubtedly happy. Strangely enough, Kogoro also felt a youthful exhilaration, his heart racing as though he were a boy experiencing first love. Even Teitan High Schools Ice Queen couldnt resist the allure of love. Caught up in Kogoros schemes, Eri completely forgot about returning home and ended up at the Beika Grand Hotel. Love had lowered Eris sharp intellect. Under Kogoros coaxing, she found herself in a suite, utterly dazed. Eri, I really, really like you. I cant stand being apart from you for even a moment. No matter how many years Ive known you, I cant get enough of looking at you. Please, dont leave me. When youre out of my sight, I feel like Im going to die. Listen, can you hear my heart? Its about to stop. Just call your mom and tell her youre staying over at Yukikos house tonight. Dazed, Eri complied. For the first time in her life, she lied to her mother, telling her she would spend the night at Yukikos. Wow, this suite even comes with complimentary champagne. Eri, come try it; its delicious. Its a little warm in here, isnt it? Youre sweating. Your school uniforms too thick; let me help you take it off. Now its a bit chilly. Lets talk on the bed. Dont worry, I wont do anything. When did I start liking you? Hmm, thats a tough question. Was it the summer camp when you were thirteen, and you sneaked off to bathe by the river? Hey, dont hit me! I was worried about you, not peeping on purpose. Maybe thats when I started liking you. Or maybe it was the first time I saw you in elementary school. What? Whos prettier, you or Yukiko? Do you even have to ask? Of course, its you, you silly girl. How can you not see how beautiful you are? Eri, its so cold. Let me just hold you, I promise I wont do anything. Huh? Im not sweating. Eri, just a kiss. I promise, nothing else Ill stay on the outside, I wont do anything Ah so tight. (A metaphorical narrative skips ahead.) A symphony played out in the suite of the Beika Grand Hotel, lasting from midnight until past three in the morning, finally reaching its crescendo. ... The next morning, sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a glow on Eris skin. Her hair fell loosely as she lay in peaceful slumber, emanating a uniquely feminine charm. Clinging tightly to Kogoro, she appeared as delicate and affectionate as a small bird. Kogoro, having overindulged the previous night, had pushed Eri to tears multiple times. Unable to bear her suffering, he used his healing technique to restore her completely. Now fully recovered, Eris eyelashes fluttered as she began to wake. Kogoro, seeing this, pounced on her like a hungry tiger, planting kisses. Eri gasped, It hurts, but quickly realized she felt perfectly fine. Taking advantage of the moment, Kogoro turned the tables and initiated another round of morning exercises. Even when Eri answered a phone call from Yukiko mid-session, the interruptions did not halt his enthusiasm. (Another metaphorical narrative skips ahead.) Chapter 0029: The Martial Arts Murder Incident Chapter 0029: The Martial Arts Murder Incident At the entrance of Beika University, Yukiko was anxiously waiting. Just then, Kogoro Mouri and Eri Kisaki appeared at the University gates, with Eri holding onto Kogoros arm. Yukiko was quite surprised. Upon noticing Yukiko, Eri quickly released Kogoros arm and returned to her usual composed demeanor as the "Queen of Teitan." Yukiko still felt something was off. Eri, you seem a bit strange. Eris heart raced, her expression unreadable. Didnt I mention on the phone that I caught a cold? Oh, thats right. I forgot. When youre sick, you need to take better care of yourself, Yukiko said, her smile returning. She turned toward Kogoro, her irritation evident. You almost showed up late again! How can you be so careless? You only advanced by sheer luck. Now that you''re up against real experts, lets see how you plan to win. Kogoro lazily opened his mouth. Why dont you focus on your own business, Miss Yukiko, who failed her acting auditions? With a smirk, he raised an eyebrow and led Eri into the University. Yukikos fury was ignited. You arrogant jerk! Do you have any idea? Im todays opening performance guest! She bared her teeth and claws, trailing behind Kogoro as if ready to pounce on him. Passersby couldnt help but comment, Such a cute girl, yet so violent. Hearing this, Yukiko immediately composed herself into a ladylike demeanor. Glaring at Kogoros back, she clenched her teeth in frustration. Beika University, the largest in Beika City, occupies a vast area in this land-scarce region of Kyoto. The Youth Martial Arts Tournament was being held in its gymnasium. The gymnasium, capable of seating thirty thousand spectators, was impressive in scale. The drawing ceremony for the tournament would take place at noon, determining which of the seven participants would get a bye in the first round. The first match would follow in the afternoon to determine the top four contenders. The semifinals and final would be held the next day, Sunday, to crown the strongest youth martial artist.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it. The drawing process was simple: just seven bare-chested participants. However, it was inevitable that Miyamoto Shinbu of the Iaido University and Hattori Heizou of kendo would face each other to determine who advanced to the semifinals. Because kendo and Iaido practitioners use weapons, their matches against other martial artists would be restricted. All weapons were to be replaced with wooden replicas, and there were specific scoring rules. Overall, the rules were considered fair. The martial arts competition drew a large crowd, significantly increasing foot traffic at Beika University. Kogoro Mouri entered the gymnasium with Eri and Yukiko amidst the bustling crowd. The six other youth martial arts champions were already seated. Among them was Hattori Heizou, Heijis father, a burly man with sharp, fox-like eyes honed by years of kendo practice. Also present was Ginshiro Toyama, Kazuhas father, who radiated a righteous aura. Representing taekwondo was Seoul Universitys Kang Shin-chul, a lean man draped in a golden robe, his sharp eyes exuding strength and confidence. Kang was no ordinary individual; his taekwondo dojos had expanded not only in Seoul but also throughout South Koreaand even in Kyotowith many high-ranking officials among his disciples. The judo champion was Kuroba Ichi, a rather plain-looking man whose name struck a chord of familiarity with Kogoro. There was also Miyamoto Shinbu, who clutched a large blade and meditated with his eyes closed. Finally, there was the sumo wrestler Omiki Kura. Though hefty, his build was relatively modest for a sumo wrestler, making him appear only slightly larger than Hattori Heizou. As Kogoro surveyed the participants, he spotted someone familiar in the crowda scholarly man with gold-rimmed glasses and a book in hand: Yusaku Kudo. Kogoro was surprised to see Yusaku at Beika University. Turning to glance at Yukiko, Kogoro wondered why they hadnt reunited yet. Could this be another butterfly effect? Yusaku Kudo had recently published his first mystery novel and was gaining fame. Hearing about the martial arts tournament at Beika University, he had come to gather material for his next book. Yusakus sharp intuition quickly noticed someone observing him. Kogoro hastily turned away, blocking Yusakus line of sight to Yukiko. Eri, why dont you and Yukiko find seats at the back? The drawing ceremony is about to start here, he said. What? Theres plenty of room right here, Yukiko complained, but the newlywed Eri was surprisingly compliant, taking Yukiko to the back. Onstage, the host appeared. The moment weve all been waiting for has arrived! Our nations young martial artists have finally come of age. Now, lets welcome our sponsor, Shiro Suzuki, to address the audience. Shiro Suzuki, Sonokos father, was already in his thirties and had established the Suzuki Financial Group, making him a leading figure in the business world. Dressed in an orange suit, he exuded the aura of a successful man. Hello, everyone. Im Shiro Suzuki. It brings me great joy to see so many talented young martial artists in our country. When I was younger, I dreamed of studying martial arts, but, alas, my stomach didnt cooperate, he said, patting his beer belly, eliciting laughter from the crowd. However, the Suzuki Financial Group has always been dedicated to supporting the martial arts community. If theres an opportunity to contribute, well seize it. This tournament is one such opportunity. As a reward, the champion of this Youth Martial Arts Tournament will receive a special gift from the Suzuki Financial Group. A staff member unveiled a red cloth, revealing a gleaming blade underneath. This is Chidori, the famed sword of the legendary general Tachibana Dosetsu. The champion will take home this treasured blade. Miyamoto Shinbu, who had been meditating, immediately stood up, his eyes filled with undisguised greed. That sword is mine. His words caused those around him to frown. Kogoro Mouri, however, remained indifferent. He had little interest in Japanese swords. Perhaps if it were a Gutting Knife, he might have been more intrigued. Chapter 0030: The Radiant Yukiko Chapter 0030: The Radiant Yukiko "Then youll probably have to pay to buy it from me," retorted the frail Kuroba Ichi sharply. "You" A cold flash gleamed, and in an instant, a katana struck out in an iaido move, stopping just short of Kuroba Ichi''s neck. At this moment, the tallest and most muscular Oki An stood up and waved his hand to mediate, saying, "Dont do this, dont do this. Were here to exchange ideas, not to really fight." Hattori Heizo and Tooyama Ginjiro also stood up to mediate, prompting Miyamoto Shinbu to withdraw his blade. He cast a disdainful glance at Oki An and remarked, "Your build and your courage are truly mismatched." After speaking, he confidently walked onto the stage first, with the others following behind him. The host on stage wiped the sweat from his brow with a towel, clearly having witnessed the earlier scene. "The personalities of these young martial arts champions are truly out of the ordinary." The seven participants stood on the stage. Miyamoto Shinbu and Hattori Heizo stood side by side, one holding a katana and the other a sword, both appearing imposing. Miyamoto Shinbu made a throat-cutting gesture toward Hattori Heizo, whose fox-like eyes betrayed no emotion. The audience in the gymnasium erupted in enthusiastic cheers, as such blatant provocation was thrilling to them. At this moment, the host brought out a black box from the sidea drawing box containing colored balls. Among them, the white balls represented a bye round. In the audience, Yukikos eyes were fixed on the stage. Beside her, Eri Kisaki was also paying close attention. When Kogoro Mouri drew a white ball from the box, Yukiko immediately showed a disappointed expression, while Eri had a smile in her eyes. A gentle voice came from beside them: "Hello, Im Yusaku Kudo. Do you know anyone on stage? You both look very curious." Even if Kogoro had wanted to intervene earlier, Yusaku Kudo still managed to spot Yukiko at first glance in the vast stadium. His gaze seemed magnetically drawn to her, prompting him to approach and strike up a conversation.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. The two women were accustomed to such situations. Upon looking up, they saw that Yusaku Kudo, with his refined demeanor, did not evoke any aversion. Yukiko mischievously smiled. "Hey, classmate, your way of striking up a conversation is a bit old-fashioned." Yusaku Kudo smiled calmly. "Given the stark contrast in your reactions earlier, the only one on stage who fits the situation is Kogoro Mouri, who drew a bye. This means the person you know must be the knight of Teitan High School. Judging by your distinctive temperaments, Ive also heard of Teitan High School having a queen and a princess. If Im not mistaken, you must be Eri Kisaki and Yukiko Fujimine. Im Yusaku Kudo, author of ''The Baron of the Night'', a mystery novelist." "Wow." Eri nodded slightly at this deduction, responding, "Youre right. The Kogoro Mouri on stage is my boyfriend." "What?" Yukiko exclaimed in shock upon hearing this. Her emotions were in turmoil, like a jar of mixed flavors, with an inexplicable sourness and bitterness. "Eri, when did this happen? Why didnt you tell me?" Yukiko immediately turned toward Eri, feigning an interrogative demeanor, completely ignoring Yusaku Kudo. "Hey, keep your voice down," Eris face flushed red. "It was just last night. He confessed to me." "And you just agreed?" Yukikos expression turned odd. Looking at the shy Eri, she pretended to give advice. "Eri, youre too easy! Men dont cherish whats too easily obtained. You shouldve tested him first, or he might betray you someday." Eris queenly aura suddenly erupted: "He wouldnt dare!" Yusaku Kudo and Yukiko were both startled. At this moment, Kogoro Mouri walked over. Eri immediately transformed into a gentle and loving demeanor, leaning affectionately against him. This scene stunned Yukiko. It was as if she was meeting this best friend for the first time, feeling an inexplicable sense of betrayal. Yukiko pouted in dissatisfaction, glancing at the couple. "Hmph, I have to go perform now. Ill deal with you two later." With that, she walked toward the stage without sparing Yusaku Kudo another glance. Yusaku Kudo could only bid farewell to Kogoro and Eri upon seeing this. Music began to play, and the youthful and energetic Yukiko, as the lead dancer, stepped onto the stage with lively steps. Behind her was a large group of female high school studentsthe schools cheerleading team had been roped in. On stage, Yukiko exuded an extraordinary charm. It was as if she was born for the stage. Tossed high into the air, she executed one challenging move after another with ease, dancing like a graceful sprite. Even Kogoro couldnt help but be captivated, let alone the other male spectators, who roared enthusiastically. Suddenly, shouts echoed through the gymnasium: "Teitan Princess! Teitan Princess!" Kogoro Mouri turned his head to see the instigatorshis karate club members from school. They quickly stirred up the entire gymnasium, which began cheering for Yukikos title. This was undoubtedly her moment to shine. Beside him, Eri leaned against Kogoro. "Isnt she beautiful?" "Yes. Who knew she could look so good when dressed up?" "Hmm?" Eris cold glare pierced him, but Kogoro, a seasoned martial artist, wouldnt falter so easily. "But no matter what, she cant compare to my Eri. Its like the difference between gravel and pearlsworlds apart." Only then did Eri nod in satisfaction. Soon, Yukikos performance ended, and the martial arts tournament began. The matches were as follows: Taekwondos Kang Shin-chul versus sumo wrestler Oki An. Aikidos Tooyama Ginjiro versus Judos Kuroba Ichi. Kendos Hattori Heizo versus Iaidos Miyamoto Shinbu. Kogoro Mouri, the karate representative, had a bye. Miyamoto Shinbu glanced at Yukiko as she descended from the stage and leered. "Hey, classmate, are you free tonight? Want to have some drinks with me?" He burst into wicked laughter, a glint of malice flashing in Kogoros eyes. Chapter 0031: Beginners Misfortune Talisman Chapter 0031: Beginner''s Misfortune Talisman ''Yukiko is someone only I can tease; no one else is allowed to.'' Kogoro Mouri exchanged 1500 system points for a Beginner''s Misfortune Talisman. With a flick of his hand, he threw it directly at Miyamoto Shinbu. Miyamoto Shinbu, who was laughing triumphantly on the elevated platform, suddenly felt the belt tying his martial arts uniform loosen. In an instant, his pants slipped down. The crowd in the gymnasium erupted in thunderous laughter. His tight underwear exposed the outline of his... feature, which wasn''t much bigger than a worm. Realizing the cold draft below, Miyamoto Shinbu quickly reacted and pulled up his pants. "Outrageous! This is a complete humiliation!" His face turned beet red. Yukiko couldn''t help but sneer. "With that tiny worm, you still dare ask me out for drinks? Go home and drink your mom''s milk instead." "How dare you!" Miyamoto Shinbu''s face twisted in anger as he lunged forward. Kogoro''s speed burst forth as he instantly positioned himself in front of Yukiko to protect her. Watching from below, Yusaku Kudo adjusted his glasses thoughtfully, seemingly deep in contemplation. With Kogoro shielding her, Yukiko grew bolder and made a few funny faces, infuriating Miyamoto Shinbu even further. As Miyamoto Shinbu charged, his foot suddenly stepped on a puddle left uncleaned by the staff. He slipped, landing flat on his back. To make matters worse, his poorly made pants tore apart during the fall, fully exposing his backside. Scars from whip marks were clearly visible. The gym once again exploded with laughter. Members of Kogoro''s karate club took the lead in chanting, "Worm Man! Worm Man!" The phrase echoed throughout the venue. Miyamoto Shinbu scrambled to cover himself and stumbled off the stage in utter humiliation. Along the way, he kept trippingover wires, water bottlesuntil by the time he reached the door, not a single intact piece of clothing remained on him. He had become a completely naked runner. At that moment, a swarm of reporters entered from outside. Witnessing this sensational scene, they immediately captured the moment.The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. That evening, the news headline read: ''The Decline of the Miyamoto Iaido ClanTheir Young Master Goes Viral for Naked Streak in Gymnasium.'' The effects of the Beginner''s Misfortune Talisman were truly remarkable and worth every point spent. Yukiko, seeing how Kogoro had selflessly protected her, narrowed her eyes with a satisfied smile. "Come on, stop attracting attention on stage. Let''s go back and watch the matches." ''This guy.'' Yukiko''s forehead practically sprouted a hashtag in irritation. ''Why does he always say such annoying things?'' She endured it as they returned to their seats in the audience. Although the earlier scenes were rather unsightly, the host quickly restored order, bringing the gymnasium back on track. The first match began: Kang Shin-cheol versus Oki Saddle. From the outset, it was a fierce battle. Kang Shin-cheol''s mastery of Taekwondo was evident in his precise and powerful kicks. He started with a triple kick and continued to maintain aerial dominance. Oki Saddle, however, adopted a defensive stance. This burly man countered every attack with devastating force. From Kogoro''s martial arts perspective, Kang Shin-cheol was indeed impressive. However, Oki Saddle was stronger and seemed to be holding back. Yukiko turned to ask, "Eri, Kogoro, who do you think is stronger between the two?" Eri Kisaki replied, "Probably Kang Shin-cheol. Look, hes pressuring Oki Saddle. Right now, Oki is purely relying on his physical endurance." Kogoro gave a simple response: "Oki Saddle will win." Yukiko scoffed, "Then I say Kang Shin-cheol will win. Eri, let''s bet on him. Kogoro, do you dare to bet with us? Loser treats dinner!" "Sure, no problem. It''s always nice when someone offers to pay." To Kogoro''s surprise, the match lasted nearly 30 minutes, and in the end, Kang Shin-cheol defeated Oki Saddle. As the referee raised Kang Shin-cheols hand on the stage, he waved a golden robe draped over his shoulders, drawing applause from the crowd. Kogoro felt something strange but was quickly interrupted by Yukikos cheering. "Yay! Someones treating us to dinner!" Yukiko teased, making more funny faces at Kogoro. The second match, between Kuroba Ichi and Toyama Ginshiro in a judo versus aikido bout, was one-sided. Despite Kurobas lean appearance, he dominated Toyama Ginshiro. In under five minutes, a single over-the-shoulder throw knocked Toyama Ginshiro out cold. The final match featured Miyamoto Shinbu versus Hattori Heiz. Miyamoto Shinbu, having changed into a pristine white samurai uniform and wearing a headband, carried himself with the air of his ancestor, Miyamoto Musashi. However, as he entered, the audience erupted in laughter again. Cries of "Worm Man" rang out, making his veins bulge with anger. He wanted to flee, but the sword ''Chidori'' on the stage drew him like a magnet. Blocking out all external distractions, Miyamoto Shinbu steadily walked up to the platform. His expression was calm and focused. When the referee gave the signal, both fighters readied themselves. Since this was an armed match, they used their own weapons instead of wooden substitutes. With sharp eyes, Hattori Heiz gripped his long sword tightly, a cold glint flashing in his gaze. Miyamoto Shinbu crouched, slowly lowering his body and gripping his sword hilt. The battle was on the verge of exploding. Hattori Heiz quickly closed the distance. Miyamoto Shinbu saw his chance. Using the Iaido draw-and-strike technique, he unleashed a One-Sword Style slash in an instant. ''Whoosh...'' It felt as if a flock of crows flew across the sky. Miyamoto Shinbu looked at his weapononly the hilt remained. The blade had shattered completely inside the sheath. The gym once again erupted into laughter. But Hattori Heiz wasnt planning to let him off. Earlier, Miyamoto Shinbu had mocked him, and Hattori Heiz was not one to forget grudges. He knocked the broken hilt from Miyamoto Shinbus hand with his sword, then landed a hard kick to his face. What followed was akin to a father disciplining his son. Without his weapon, Miyamoto Shinbu lost 90% of his combat effectiveness. He was utterly defeated, left with no choice but to crawl under the stage and wave a white handkerchief in surrender. Thus, the four semifinalists were decided: Hattori Heiz, Kuroba Ichi, Kang Shin-cheol, and the lucky one with a bye, Kogoro Mouri.
A Special Thank You!: I want to extend my deepest gratitude to [Hidden], for supporting me on Patreon!
Chapter 0032: A Murder Occurs Chapter 0032: A Murder Occurs The match had ended, and the people in the gymnasium gradually dispersed. Tomorrow would feature the semifinals and finals. Among the four remaining competitors, only Kogoro Mouri was a local from Beika City. The other three had traveled from far away, so Beika University arranged for them to stay together. As for the three martial arts champions who lost, they did not leave either. Observing the battles of top experts was far more effective than training alone behind closed doors. The three decided to remain at Beika University and followed the staff to the same accommodation. Kogoro Mouri, being a local, naturally had no reason to join them. --- Later that evening, three young adults stepped out of a barbecue restaurantit was Kogoro Mouri and his companions. Yukiko, looking thoroughly satisfied, patted her stomach. She had been completely unreserved during the meal, specifically ordering Kobe beef and squeezing Kogoro''s living expenses dry. "Thanks for the treat, Mouri-san!" Yukiko said with a bright smile. Kogoro, both annoyed and amused, turned to Eri. "Eri, let me take you home." Yukiko immediately cried out in protest. "No way! Dont think I dont know what youre up to. You just confessed yesterday, and now youre already planning something bad. Eri, dont worryIll protect you. Tonight, Ill have my driver take you home." Kogoros smile froze, concealing a strong urge to curse. What does she mean by "something bad"? Eri''s already mine! he thought bitterly. Eris face flushed crimson. Having recently tasted the sweetness of love, she was reluctant to part from Kogoro. "Yukiko, dont think so poorly of Kogoro. Besides, were not even going in the same direction." "No problem! I have something I want to talk to you about, anyway," Yukiko declared with a determined tone, pulling Eri toward a nearby Bentley. Kogoro was left standing alone in the chilly night. The car window rolled down, and Yukiko smiled brightly. "Mouri-san, well see you tomorrow morning at Beika University. Eri and I will be there to cheer you on!"You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author. Eri, sitting beside her, looked at Kogoro with an apologetic expression. With that, the Bentley drove off into the distance. Kogoro sighed and began walking home. --- Kogoros residence was the same three-story building he would live in twenty years later. At this point, however, it wasnt a caf or detective agency but rather rented out as a warehouse. Kogoro still lived alone on the third floor. The surrounding buildings were much shorter compared to the high-rises of twenty years later. Near his residence was a pawn shop. As Kogoro approached, a woman and a young girl came running out of the shop in panic. "Mrs. Nishimoto!" The pawnshop owner, Kirihara Yosuke, chased after them. He was a middle-aged man with a balding head, an oily demeanor, and an unattractive face that reeked of corruption. Kogoro disliked this neighbor intensely. He had once caught the man secretly watching child pornography and frequently harassing young girls on the street with vulgar remarks. After a short pursuit, Kirihara gave up and turned back to his pawnshop. Soon, the sound of shouting and fighting could be heard from inside. Kogoro glanced at the retreating figure of Mrs. Nishimoto and her daughter. The little girl turned back briefly, and Kogoro noticed her eyes, which resembled those of a cat. He sighed. Life was already hard enough, especially for a single mother raising a child. Mrs. Nishimoto was a pitiable woman who had no choice but to sell her body to make ends meet. This brief incident didnt weigh heavily on Kogoros mind. If memory served, the oily middle-aged pawnshop owner would soon die mysteriously in an abandoned building. After that, the Nishimoto family would quickly vanish from his life. Kogoro had no intention of saving such a despicable man. The sooner he dies, the better, he thought. He returned to his room on the third floor and began meditating, preparing for tomorrows competition. What exactly is this guiding technique? he wondered. He still had no clue. --- The next morning, Kogoro woke up early. The more he practiced the guiding technique, the more refreshed he felt. Now, he only needed four hours of sleep to sustain himself for an entire day. He had arranged to meet Yukiko and Eri at the entrance of Beika University. The three of them gathered there early. However, just as they entered the university, the sound of police sirens echoed nearby. Shortly afterward, several police cars drove into the campus. A familiar chubby figure stepped outit was a young Inspector Megure, twenty years younger. At this age, Megure was only slightly overweight, unlike his future self. However, his love for yellow clothing had already become a long-standing habit. His appearance wasnt much different from twenty years later, though his younger self seemed more agile. "Is the crime scene inside the gymnasium?" Megure asked. A murder case had occurred. Kogoro immediately sprinted toward the gymnasium, with Eri and Yukiko close behind. Megure shouted after them, "Hey! Who are you? Dont enter the crime scene! Youll destroy the evidence!" The three of them entered the gymnasium and, as expected, found a corpse lying in the center of the martial arts stage. It was Kang Shin-cheol, a Taekwondo master, who had been stabbed in the abdomen. His posture suggested an attempt at seppuku, but the sight was horrifying. A pool of blood had formed beneath him, though it had already dried. Beside the corpse, two men wearing white gloves were crouched down, examining the scene. They were Yukiko''s husband, Kudo Yusaku, and Hattori Heizo. Seeing these two, Kogoro felt as though he were looking at the younger versions of Kudo Shinichi and Hattori Heiji. V-chan said, [Main Task: Detective Showdown II C Dominate the Scene: Kang Shin-cheol from Seoul has been brutally murdered. The culprit is among the people present. Pay attentionthere are four highly skilled detectives here: Kudo Yusaku, Hattori Heizo, Toyama Ginshiro, and Eri Kisaki. Solve the case faster than anyone else to uncover the truth. Reward: 5000 points and one draw from the Multiverse Lottery.] Hearing the task, Kogoros lips curved into a confident smile. Interesting, he thought. Chapter 0033: Display of Abilities Chapter 0033: Display of Abilities Inspector Megure rushed to the scene, shouting, "Who are you? What are you doing so close to the body?" Kudo Yusaku adjusted his glasses and stood up. "Based on the coagulation of the blood, this man, Kang Shin-cheol, likely died between 2 and 3 a.m. last night. The victim shows signs of struggle before death, with multiple techniques employed against him. The fatal wound is a self-inflicted stab wound to the abdomen with a small knife." He continued, "I am Kudo Yusaku, an individual with a knack for criminal deduction. I can assist in solving this case." Toyama Ginshiro stood up as well. "Given Kang Shin-cheols upright posture, his grimacing expression yet pristine appearance suggests he was knocked unconscious and later arranged in the ceremonial samurai death position. This proves the assailant vastly outclassed him in skill. Kang Shin-cheol was a Taekwondo champion, which means the primary suspects are likely among the participants in this martial arts tournament." He gestured to himself and another. "I am Toyama Ginshiro, and this is Hattori Heiz. We are fourth-year students at the Osaka Police Academy and contestants in this martial arts tournament." Hattori Heiz chimed in, "Furthermore, this knife in Kang Shin-cheol''s hand is no ordinary blade. If Im not mistaken, its a standard weapon used by dual-wielding swordsmen from the Miyamoto Dojo. Isnt that right, Miyamoto Shinbu?" At this, Miyamoto Shinbu''s face turned pale, and sweat dripped profusely from his forehead. "It wasnt me! It wasnt me!" he shouted before attempting to flee the gymnasium. However, Kuroba Ichi swiftly intercepted him with a well-placed kick, causing Miyamoto Shinbu to lose balance. He then executed a powerful shoulder throw, slamming Miyamoto onto the cement floor. Miyamoto groaned in pain. Inspector Megure immediately ordered the officers, "Handcuff Miyamoto Shinbu." As Hattori Heiz, Toyama Ginshiro, and Kudo Yusaku stood upright, their gazes clashed, and tension filled the air. Mouri Kogoro observed their reasoning skills and acknowledged their expertise. Kisaki Eri adjusted her glasses thoughtfully, while Yukiko Fujimine seemed overly excited. "Wow, Kogoro! A deduction showdown! Not that a musclehead like you would get it."Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings. Hearing this, Kogoro felt a sharp pang in his head. ''What does she mean by "musclehead"?'' Realizing the others had started making progress, Kogoro felt a sense of urgency. He rushed toward the martial arts venue, hoping to gather clues. "Hey, hey, who are you? You cant go in there!" Megure shouted, grabbing Kogoro. "Why can they enter, but not me?" "They''re skilled in deduction, and two of them are trainee officers. They can contribute to the case. What can you do? Stay put and wait outside." Megure, still fiery in his youth, shoved Kogoro toward the group of onlookers. "Damn it," Kogoro muttered. If not for their years of camaraderie, he might have cursed Megure on the spot. Left with no choice, Kogoro decided to approach the situation from another angle. --- As the investigation commenced, Kogoro overheard fragments of conversations. It turned out that the person who discovered the body was Sumiko Kobayashi, a judge for the martial arts tournament. She had found the body early in the morning when she unlocked the venue and immediately reported it. Kogoro doubted that Miyamoto Shinbu was the killer. With his long blade shattered and much of his martial ability lost, he was unlikely to overpower Kang Shin-cheol and arrange the scene as it was. The crime seemed beyond his capability. If not Miyamoto Shinbu, then the culprit must be among the remaining four suspects. Hattori Heiz and Toyama Ginshiro would later rise to prominent positions in law enforcement, making them unlikely perpetrators. This left Oki Saddle and Kuroba Ichi as the main suspects. No, theres one more person, Kogoro thought, turning to Sumiko Kobayashi. As a judge, she had the authority to intervene in matches at any time. Hired by the Suzuki conglomerate for her renowned expertise in multiple martial arts, Kobayashi, despite her advanced age, could feasibly commit the crime. Just as Kogoro reached this conclusion, Kudo Yusaku approached after speaking with the university staff. "The student responsible for arranging your accommodations confirmed that Judge Kobayashi stayed at the university last night. Is that true?" Sumiko Kobayashi frowned deeply. "Yes. After handling the arrangements, it was already late, so I stayed overnight, knowing Id need to be at the gym early today." Kudo Yusaku pressed further. "If my memory serves, Judge Kobayashi, you are proficient in multiple martial arts styles. Twelve years ago, you had a match against Kang Shin-cheols father, Kang Gwang-ho, and suffered a severe defeat, requiring six months of recovery. Isnt that correct?" Kobayashi hesitated but eventually nodded in agreement. Kogoro frowned. ''Missed another step,'' he thought. Yukiko Fujimine quipped, "Who wouldve thought this seemingly clueless guy is actually so sharp?" Kobayashi defended herself, "That was an event from years ago. No matter how much I struggled, I wouldnt harm my opponents son, let alone kill someone." The trail of clues seemed to end here. Inspector Megure waved his hand. "Judge Kobayashi, please cooperate with our investigation." He directed officers to question her further. Miyamoto Shinbu shouted, "Ive already told you, it wasnt me! Why dont you believe me? Last night, I was drinking alone in my room and passed out. The knifethis knife went missing days ago! How would I know how it ended up here? Someone must be framing me! What rotten luck!" Meanwhile, Kogoro closely observed Oki Saddle and Kuroba Ichi. Both appeared calm, but something about them unsettled him. "Why would such a bizarre incident happen? Kang Shin-cheol died such a miserable death." Oki Saddle maintained a nonchalant demeanor, seemingly entertained. Seizing the opportunity, Kogoro pretended to twist his ankle and fell toward Oki Saddle. Instantly, he felt Okis body tense, his eyes sharp, and his right hand reflexively reaching behind him. Oki quickly masked his reaction, offering an innocent smile and helping Kogoro up. Chapter 0034: Mouri’s Deduction Chapter 0034: Mouris Deduction At that moment, Shir Suzuki stormed into the gymnasium with a furious expression, while his assistant kept bowing apologetically beside him. "How can you be so careless? The Chidori sword I entrusted to you has gone missing! Do you still want to keep your job? Didn''t you assure me it would be fine in the school exhibition hall? How am I supposed to explain this to the martial arts tournament organizers?" Shir Suzuki entered, only to find a much graver situation than the theft of the Chidori swordthere was a dead body in the gymnasium. "Whats going on? Did the martial arts tournament start already? And someone died during the matches? Weren''t wooden weapons supposed to be used? Why are the police here? Oh, perfect! Officer, Id like to report a theft. Last night, the Chidori sword, a blade once wielded by the famous swordsman Yukimichi Tachibana and entrusted to the Beika University exhibition hall, went missing. That sword was intended to be the prize for the tournaments strongest fighter, and now its been stolen!" Upon hearing this, Hattori Heiz, Miyamoto Shinbu, and others looked concerned. For these martial artists, the allure of the Chidori sword was undeniable. As Shir Suzuki, the head of the Suzuki conglomerate, brought this up and Megure began questioning him, Kogoro Mouri took the opportunity to approach Kang Shin-cheols corpse. Hattori Heiz glanced at Kogoro with his fox-like eyes but quickly lowered his head again. In Hattori Heizs mind, Kogoro, who hadnt stayed at Beika University the previous night, was almost entirely free of suspicion. The deceaseds muscles were already stiffened, far too quickly for the circumstances. This guy really met his end prematurely. He probably wanted to make a name for himself with this tournament and expand his dojos in Kyoto. Now, all of that is nothing but a pipe dream in the afterlife. But something felt off. The golden robe the deceased always wore was missing, and the abdominal wound didnt look right. It didnt seem to match the blade of the small knife nearby. Noticing Kogoro also staring at the wound, Hattori Heiz whispered, "Youve realized it too. This small blade from Miyamoto Shinbus dual-wielding set isnt the murder weapon. For a penetrating wound like this, it mustve been a large blade or a sword." "So youve chosen to withhold that information," Kogoro replied quietly. Hattori Heiz motioned towards Miyamoto Shinbu with his chin. "Tch, I dont want to end up like that fool and get detained by the police. Ill reveal it when the truth comes out." This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there. Kogoros mind raced: stiffened muscles of the corpse, the peculiar penetrating wound, Miyamoto Shinbus panicked demeanor, Kobayashi Sumikos expertise in martial arts, Kuroba Hajimes silence, Oki Saddles sharp instincts, the expanding taekwondo dojo, the missing Chidori sword, and the golden robe... Each clue spun in his mind like a whirlwind until a sudden flash of insight struck him. "V-chan, I need to submit my deduction." V-chan said, [Confirm submission?] "Of course. If I wait, the culprit might escape!" Inspector Megure, after recording Shir Suzukis report of the Chidori sword theft, planned to take Miyamoto Shinbu and Kobayashi Sumiko back to the station for further questioning. One was connected to the murder weapon, and the other had a motive related to the victim. To Megure, the culprit was likely one of the two. Ysaku Kudo sighed as he watched Inspector Megure preparing to wrap things up. "If only we had the latest fingerprint scanners from the U.S., this case would be much easier to solve." In this era, Japan lacked fingerprint scanners, and autopsy methods were rudimentary. Inspector Megure turned to Shir Suzuki. "Dont worry, Mr. Suzuki. Well do our best to recover the Chidori sword. Alright, team, lets wrap it up." At this moment, Kogoro Mouri spoke up. "Inspector Megure, if you close the case now, youll not only miss recovering the Chidori sword but also let the culprit get away." Everyone turned to look at Kogoro in surprise. Even Yukiko had a shocked expression. Shir Suzuki immediately asked, "So, are you saying you know where the Chidori sword is?" Inspector Megure, now facing Kogoro, locked eyes with the young detective. "Alright, lets hear your theory." "This theft of the Chidori sword and Kang Shin-cheols death were committed by the same person. The fatal wound on the deceased couldnt have been caused by Miyamoto Shinbus small knife. The true murder weapon was none other than the Chidori sword." Hattori Heiz fell into deep thought upon hearing this. Of the three weapons capable of causing such a wound, one was the large blade Miyamoto had carried, which had shattered in front of everyone the previous day. The second was Hattori Heizs own sword. But everyone had overlooked the third: the Chidori sword, intended as a tournament prize. Forensic personnel reexamined the wound and confirmed Kogoros claim, nodding towards Inspector Megure. "So, whos the culprit?" Megure asked, his eyes full of anticipation as he looked at Kogoro. Miyamoto and Kobayashi both seemed hopeful their innocence would be proven. "Its none other than the hidden master, Oki Saddle." Oki Saddle recoiled in shock, taking two steps back and waving his hands. "Thats impossible! Didnt everyone see yesterdays match? Im no match for Kang Shin-cheol!" "Indeed, you lost yesterdays matchbut it was intentional. Youre faster and stronger than Kang Shin-cheol, yet you deliberately dragged out the fight for thirty minutes. Upon examining the corpse, I noticed the body shouldnt have stiffened this quickly. The prolonged fight yesterday left Kang Shin-cheol covered in bruises and severely weakened, setting him up for your attack later that night." Oki Saddles face darkened further. "Late at night, you knocked on Kang Shin-cheols door. Exhausted and sore from the fight, he was no match for you and quickly passed out. You then carried him to the gymnasiums martial arts arena under cover of darkness, retrieved the Chidori sword from the school exhibition, and stabbed him to death. Afterward, you planted Miyamotos small knife to frame him." "While Im unsure why you went to such lengths, I suspect you were mesmerized by the beauty of the Chidori sword and couldnt resist letting it taste blood. You even staged Kang Shin-cheols body to mimic a traditional Japanese warriors ritual suicidetruly twisted behavior." "Your execution was clean and meticulous, leaving no loose ends. A professional killers approach." Oki Saddle sneered. "Mouri-san, slander is a criminal offense. Do you have any evidence?" "Evidence? Oki Saddle, your confidence is impressive, considering youre carrying so much in your outfit." "Strange, isnt it? A sumo champions build is only slightly larger than average. You avoided wearing traditional sumo attire yesterday because you didnt dare reveal your physique. Right now, under your uniform, youre not hiding your body but the Chidori sword and its golden sheath." "Additionally, youre left-handed. Your right arm swings broadly as you walk, while your left arm stays close to your body. Though your fingertips lack calluses, youve clearly developed habits consistent with wielding blades skillfully. How could anyone believe youre Oki Saddle, a man who conceals his identity and avoids showing his true face?" Eri Kisaki, watching from the side, smirked proudly. As expected of my boyfriend. Ysaku Kudo and Hattori Heiz both sighed in admiration. Yukiko looked doubtful. "Wow, thats unbelievable!" Inspector Megure stepped forward. "Oki-san, Ill need you to cooperate." Chapter 0035: The First Encounter with the Black Organization Chapter 0035: The First Encounter with the Black Organization Oki Saddle clapped his hands. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. As expected, this place is full of hidden talents and clever people. I should have listened to your advicekilled him and left. It wouldve been much simpler." Inspector Megures expression immediately turned serious. His right hand moved subtly to rest on his gun''s grip. "Oki-san, I must ask for your cooperation." Oki Saddles face maintained a smile. "Relax. I did kill that guy. Now then" Suddenly, his chest-length samurai robe tore apart, and he tossed the Chidori blade into the air. Standing nearby, Kuroba Ichi caught the Chidori blade with one hand while holding small, bead-like objects between the fingers of his other hand. He threw them to the ground, instantly creating a dense cloud of smoke. A youthful voice emerged from within the haze: "I told you beforeyou shouldve just sold me this sword!" The unexpected chaos threw everyone into a panic. Suddenly, a womans piercing scream echoed through the air. "Ah!!!" Kogoro Mouris pupils constricted. That screamit was Yukikos! Damn it! He sprang forward like a leopard. "Let go of me! Let go!" The roar of an engine sounded. Rushing outside the gymnasium, Kogoro saw a speeding Porsche with a terrified Yukiko in the passenger seat. At the wheel, a blond-haired man in black wore a wicked grin. "Fuck!" Eri Kisakis voice called out, "Mouri! Save Yukiko!" Kogoro leapt into a police car, threw out the officer inside, and activated the system. "V-chan, give me the driving skill. Now!" V-chan responded, [8,000 points have been deducted. Driving skill acquired.]Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work! Driving Skill (Mastery): Perfectly controls all types of vehicles, whether land, sea, or air. Slamming on the accelerator, the police car roared to life and sped off. "Ah!" Watching from behind, Yusaku Kudo stomped his foot in frustration and scrambled to find another car to join the chase. Meanwhile, a glider appeared in the sky. On it was Kuroba Ichi, holding the Chidori blade. He even had the audacity to wave farewell to everyone below. Heizo Hattori and Ginshiro Toyama watched the retreating glider, muttering, "Kaitou Kid!" Those outside the gymnasium, including Inspector Megure, could only gape at the sight. someone muttered. "This kind of escape is practically cheating. How are we supposed to catch him? Even the police headquarters doesnt have its own helicopter!" Despite their frustration, they couldnt simply let him get away. Inspector Megure shouted, "Get in the cars and give chase!" The officers scrambled into their vehicles, but anyone could see that chasing on land was futile. Eri clasped her hands together, silently praying. The engine roared. Tires screeched. The flashing lights of the police car, driven by Kogoro Mouri, illuminated the road. Ignoring traffic lights, he pressed the accelerator to its limits, closing the distance between his car and the Porsche ahead. The two vehicles sped down Beika Avenue like arrows shot from a bow. Cars on both sides of the street pulled over to make way. Was this a real-life version of a police chase scene from an action movie? With the help of the system, Kogoros driving skills grew sharper. Sharp turns, drifting, acceleratinghis maneuvers were seamless. The distance between the two vehicles shrank steadily. Trailing behind, Yusaku Kudo could only eat the dust kicked up by the chase. In the Porsche, Yukikos hands were tied. She turned her tear-filled eyes toward the rearview mirror, where hope flickered for a moment. However, the black-clad man in the drivers seat pulled out a gun from his jacket. Fear filled Yukikos eyes. No! A gunshot rang out. Kogoro felt a sharp sense of danger, like an icy blade piercing his brow. He immediately jerked the steering wheel. With a loud bang, the windshield shattered into a foggy mess. With his vision obscured, Kogoro kicked the windshield out with a powerful thrust of his foot. Two more gunshots echoed. He swerved again, narrowly avoiding the bullets. This sudden maneuver widened the gap between the cars again. Nearby civilian vehicles steered clear of the scene, their drivers hastily calling the police. This was a real-life police chase with gunfire! "V-chan! Recommend a skill to counter this, now!" Kogoro pressed the accelerator again. The police car moved like a living thing, zigzagging to dodge the incoming bullets. V-chans alluring voice responded,[Gun Kata recommended. Cost: 24,000 points. Redeem?] This was a matter of life and death. Kogoro shouted, "Redeem! Redeem!" Gun Kata (Beginner): Enhances precision and maximizes damage with calculated attacks, hitting even the most concealed targets. Includes proficiency in advanced gun techniques and the ability to redirect bullets. Upon detecting the users existing gun skills, they are merged to create Master-level proficiency. An influx of information flooded Kogoros mind, and his mastery over firearms increased dramatically. When the black-clad man fired again, Kogoro could predict the trajectory of the bullets just by listening. His movements became even more agile. Kogoro wasnt planning on engaging in a gunfight on the streets. He intended to save his trump card for a decisive, surprise attack. The man in black emptied his magazine, his brow furrowing. "Damn it! How can this be? I missed every shot?" Reloading his gun, he put it away and stomped on the accelerator. The Porsches speed surged forward once more. The chase led the two cars to Beika City''s abandoned western dock. Chapter 0036: The Young Gin Chapter 0036: The Young Gin The blond man in black abandoned the Porsche, clutching his gun as he dragged Yukiko deeper into the dockyard. The place was littered with shipping containers, and he quickly found a vantage point, hiding in the shadows of the stacked crates. Yukiko cried out repeatedly, her voice trembling with fear, but the man shoved his gun against her. "Shut up." Tears welled in Yukiko''s eyes as she fell silent, her terror palpable. The screech of tires soon echoed through the empty dockyard. Kogoro Mouri had arrived, jumping out of the car and sprinting toward the direction of the containers. From his elevated position, the man in black threw Yukiko to the ground and focused on his target. His reputation as a marksman was flawlesshis bullets never missed their mark. Yet, on the earlier chase, something inexplicably went awry. A cruel smile curled his lips as he muttered, "Goodbye." The gunshot roared. Hearing it, Kogoro instantly calculated the source of the sound and pinpointed the shooters location. He could have dodged the shot entirely if he ran with all his might, but instead, he did something shockinghe charged straight toward the bullet''s path. The impact tore through his body, creating a gaping wound on his back. ''This pain damn it hurts!'' Kogoro thought as he gritted his teeth and pushed forward, using his momentum to disappear from the mans line of sight. The blond gunman sneered and readied to fire another shot, but Yukiko, watching from the ground, burst into tears and lunged toward him, attempting to fight back. The man silenced her with a brutal slap, leaving her crumpled on the ground.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement. Meanwhile, Kogoro activated a healing technique. Though the gunshot wound on his lower back was severe, the energy from his cosmic cultivation quickly regenerated the torn tissue, consuming far less energy than before due to his increased mastery. At that moment, another car skidded into the dockyardit was Yusaku Kudo. He jumped out, clearly disregarding his own safety for Yukiko''s sake. From below, Kogoro frantically gestured for Yusaku to retreat, pointing toward the gunmans hidden position. However, Yusaku seemed oblivious to the danger, walking straight into the shooters line of fire. The man in black smirked. "Another one for the body count." Despite his mixed feelings toward Yusaku, Kogoro couldn''t bear to let him die. Using the commotion as cover, he stealthily maneuvered around the containers to flank the shooter, retrieving a Desert Eagle from his system inventory. Approaching closer, he heard Yukikos faint sobs. Then, an idea struck himhe crushed a low-level illusion talisman and directed its power at the man in black. "Encountered antagonist aura. Special item nullified!" The talisman dissolved into ash, rendering it useless. ''What the hell?!'' Kogoro cursed inwardly. ''Is this guy a main antagonist? Blond hair impossible! Could this be Gin from the Black Organization when he was younger? No wonder hes so damn hard to deal with!'' Before Kogoro could act, another gunshot rang out. Yusaku clutched his abdomen, collapsing to the ground in pain. Kogoro clenched his jaw but had no time to intervene. The timing was perfect. Kogoro activated his gun combat technique, his mind flooded with an endless stream of data, calculating the optimal angle and trajectory. He fired. As the bullet flew, Kogoro felt his energy completely drain. The advanced technique took a toll on his stamina. Gin, relying on his combat instincts honed from countless life-or-death battles, sensed the incoming threat and executed a tactical roll. The move should have saved himexcept the bullet curved mid-flight, striking his left shoulder. Gin winced, his pupils contracting as he turned to face Kogoro, who stood unscathed. ''How is this possible?!'' Gin thought, his face contorted with disbelief. But his sharp mind quickly adjusted. With a swift motion, he grabbed Yukiko and threw her toward a nearby passageway. Kogoro bolted forward, determined to catch up, but his path was suddenly blocked by a wall of burning oil cascading from above. He cursed under his breath, realizing the opportunity had slipped away. ''This guy is insane!'' Kogoro thought bitterly. ''Even injured, he has backup plans for every scenario. Is this what they mean by the "antagonists halo"?'' Gins retreat was methodical, each step covered by pre-planned traps that slowed Kogoros pursuit. Eventually, Kogoro reached the edge of the dockyard, where Gin had boarded a speedboat. Beside him was another speedboat rigged with explosives. Yukiko was bound to it with heavy iron chains. Gins left shoulder was clearly fractured, his arm hanging uselessly. Still, he smirked as the wail of approaching police sirens reached his ears. "Ill let you live this time," Gin taunted, his voice eerily calm. "But Ill make you watch the woman you love die. That pain itll haunt you forever." His laughter, sharp and chilling, echoed across the water as he revved the boats engine.