"The deceased was stabbed in the abdomen with a sharp knife, which is the same as the situation a year ago."
"The deceased was a tourist."
"The estimated time of death was between 8 and 9 last night, which was when the fireworks display ended."
The area in the woods where the body was found had already been cordoned off by the police.
Outside the line were a large number of local residents and tourists murmuring among themselves.
Just from the locals' chatter, everyone quickly picked up the story — a year ago, a brown-haired girl had also been found dead, stabbed in the abdomen. Due to the lack of witnesses, the case had remained unsolved.
Now, a year later, most had forgotten about it — until today.
"They say the murderer specifically targets brown-haired girls. My hair is brown too…"
Standing on the edge of the crowd, Sonoko found herself oddly uncomfortable.
People were talking about her appearance — some even glanced at her with concern.
Hayashi Yoshiki reassured her with a gentle smile.
"I'm right here. And you've got Ran with you, Sonoko. Even if a criminal showed up, I'm sure he'd be easily subdued."
"Yes! If a criminal really appears, I'll take them down myself!" Ran added playfully, trying to lift the mood.
The comment did give Sonoko a little comfort.
Meanwhile, Haibara Ai was quietly curling a strand of her hair.
She glanced around — and soon spotted Conan, walking back with a heavy expression.
"Brother Yoshiki, why don't you go say hi to that police officer?" Ran asked.
Since they were in Izu, the investigation wasn't under Inspector Megure. Instead, the officer in charge was Yokomizo Sango.
"He seems really busy. Let's wait until we have something concrete to contribute."
Shortly after, the police called a vehicle to transport the body out of the forest.
With nothing else to see, the crowd quickly dispersed.
With the mood soured, the group decided to return to the hotel.
Back in his room, Hayashi Yoshiki opened his notebook and jotted down a name:
He wasn't sure whether the man would continue bothering Sonoko after the earlier encounter. But the Fudou Kyousuke case had taught him a valuable lesson: Sonoko was a kind person, and he didn't want her facing unnecessary danger.
At that moment, a message arrived on his other phone.
Glancing briefly at Conan, who stood nearby, he stepped out of the room with a smile.
Gin: "The mission target has been sent to your email."
It seemed Gin had finally found time to assign a new target.
There were also several unread messages from Chianti — that unhinged woman had been messaging him ever since her unsolicited "enlightenment." Hayashi Yoshiki had no intention of replying.
He checked another phone.
Shimizu Reiko: "Mr. Hayashi, another mission's available~"
Shimizu Reiko: "[Picture.jpg]"
Shimizu Reiko: "[Picture.jpg]"
In the background: a bathroom. In the foreground: a woman with an exceptional figure sitting at the edge of a bathtub. The first photo was from a top-down angle — practically photo-realistic in how revealing it was.
The second was taken from behind. Under the soft light, her fair, sculpted curves shimmered with a sensual glow.
Hayashi Yoshiki did not reply.
After a long downtime, the Zoo's Killer Platform had finally been restored, and the data was intact. Still, after the public chaos, it seemed many clients had withdrawn their funds. The long-term consequences remained unclear.
He also noticed that Gin's bounty had risen to 15 million dollars.
Just then — footsteps.
He turned. It was Kyogoku Makoto, approaching with a serious expression.
"I know you, Hayashi Yoshiki."
"Ah. Well, I did check in under my real name."
What Kyogoku really wanted to say was: I know who you are. The detective. The novelist.
Those two identities alone were more well-known than Kyogoku's own as a national karate champion. And then there was that face…
Just by looking at him, Kyogoku felt like his odds weren't great. Still, he gathered his courage and asked:
"Are you... sincere toward that girl?"
"Which girl are you talking about?"
"The brown-haired girl. Her name's Sonoko."
"...So you like her?"
"Please answer my question."
His intentions were exposed — and even though it was he who brought them up, Kyogoku Makoto couldn't help the flush rising on his sun-darkened face.
Hayashi Yoshiki found himself genuinely liking this kind of person — someone who just said what they felt.
A man who could dodge rifle bullets, crush stone pillars with his bare hands, and catch BB pellets fired by eleven people simultaneously — even Gin wouldn't survive a full-on fight with him unless he went all-in with his life.
"Before I answer... can you tell me who's stronger, you or Satoshi Maeda?"
Kyogoku answered seriously.
Satoshi Maeda, the previous karate champion, was the one who had inspired Mouri Ran to take up karate.
"I've watched his matches. He's strong. But I'm confident I can win."
"I see." Hayashi Yoshiki chuckled.
"As for your question... Sonoko is definitely a very cute girl. But what's the point of you asking? Would you back off based on my answer?"
"If you were the kind of man who gives up that easily, you wouldn't be standing where you are today."
Kyogoku remained silent.
Hayashi Yoshiki was right. Even if he gave an answer that seemed favorable, Kyogoku wouldn't back off — not unless Sonoko herself told him she was in a relationship.
"So you... treat her—"
"Want to go for a walk with me?"
Hayashi Yoshiki cut in, calm as always.
After a pause, Kyogoku Makoto nodded.