i am just a student? in Conan world

"Ahem."

Fujino cleared his throat, feeling that things were starting to go south.

He quickly turned to Ooka Momiji and continued with his attempt at smooth-talking, "It's just possible... but I'm not really sure of the details myself. Besides, I can't recall memories from so long ago. It could be something subconscious."

Fujino paused for a moment, then continued in a deep voice, "And besides, Miss Ooka, we've only just met. A favor like this..."

Ooka Momiji nodded, seeming to understand Fujino's hesitation. "Iori, cancel the operation."

She put away her phone and wiped away a tear from her eye before asking, "So what about our agreement?"

"Well, given my personality, it's unlikely I'd say something like that," Fujino said seriously. "After all, you mentioned it was a matter of lifelong importance. I can't make any rash conclusions before I remember it fully."

He smiled warmly. "Miss Momiji, could we wait until I recover my memories before I give you an answer?"

"Momiji..."

Ooka blushed, feeling closer to him. She sighed softly. "I understand... but until then, I'm not giving up!"

Fujino sighed in relief.

The Fujino Persuasion Method was a huge success.

Why does it feel a bit like APU, though?

...

Later, the group, led by Hattori Heiji and Toyama Kazuha, toured Osaka.

From Ooka Momiji, Fujino gained more information.

No wonder his last trip to Kyoto felt so familiar—he'd been there before.

It was about ten years ago when his parents took him to Kyoto to handle some matters, and they stopped by the Ooka family on the way.

Ooka Momiji was seven at the time, and it happened to be Children's Day, so they went out to play together.

But on the way back to the Ooka residence, they encountered a stray dog.

Although Fujino successfully fended off the dog, he got bitten in the process.

That event was the source of the misunderstanding.

Fujino racked his brain, trying to recall his memories, working so hard it felt like his mental CPU was overheating.

But still, he couldn't remember anything about the scene under the maple trees.

It seemed like there was no way to clear up the misunderstanding, for now.

Fujino sighed softly.

Being entangled with a young lady like this could be quite troublesome.

...

Time flew by, and soon it was 6 PM.

Conan and Hattori Heiji, with a curious attitude, didn't bother solving the code.

As the time for Fujino's predicted clue—8 PM—approached, the group decided to return to the Suzuki Art Museum.

Conan and Hattori, however, used the excuse of sightseeing to continue looking for Kaito Kid's target location.

Fujino didn't follow the group. Instead, he began acting alone.

When asked by Conan and Hattori what he was up to, Fujino simply replied, "It's part of the plan," before quickly disappearing, leaving the two bewildered.

Ooka Momiji, after Fujino left, said, "Thank you for today," and also departed.

...

After parting ways with the group, Ooka Momiji made a phone call.

Moments later, a man dressed in a black coat, wearing a butler's uniform underneath, along with a knit cap and glasses, approached from nearby.

The man's name was Iori Muga, Ooka Momiji's butler and bodyguard.

According to Fujino's memory, he was likely a former member of Japan's public security agency.

"Iori, what do you think of Touji?" Ooka asked as Iori walked toward her.

"Miss, you sure know how to pick them," Iori said, removing his knit cap. "Calm personality, guarded in speech, and impeccable appearance."

He paused before continuing, "I can't assess his deductive abilities just yet, but during your time together, he noticed me several times, so he can't be lacking in that department."

Ooka was surprised. "He noticed you?"

"Despite changing disguises three times and maintaining a distance of several dozen meters, he still picked up on me as I got closer. That level of observational skill is beyond most people... even me," Iori said, narrowing his eyes. "He didn't expose me, but I believe he deduced I was your butler."

Ooka nodded in satisfaction. "No wonder he kept glancing back—he must have spotted you."

Iori continued, "In addition to that, I found out more about his background. While I'm unsure about his combat skills, I did investigate his kendo progression. His instructor is Suwa Yuji, an eighth-dan master from a distinguished kendo family, which speaks to his competence."

"He even has a talent for business. Recently, he opened a store called 'Snow King Ice City.'"

"All things considered, he's nearly perfect. He could protect you, Miss... if it were him."

Iori paused for a moment before adding, "I, Iori, will fully support this."

"He is my future husband, after all," Ooka Momiji laughed before asking, "So, what about the car accident he mentioned? Did you find out?"

"I did."

Iori explained, "As he said, after finishing filming the detective show 'Neon Perspectives' and solving a murder case, he got into a car accident on his way home that night."

Ooka looked concerned. "How bad were his injuries?"

"The driver died, and based on the insurance report, the scene was likely horrific... but I couldn't find out the extent of his injuries because he didn't go to the hospital for treatment."

"He endured it alone?"

Ooka lowered her head in silence.

"Most likely."

Iori nodded. "I consulted experts at Kyoto University. They said such a severe accident, combined with psychological trauma, could cause stress-induced memory loss."

Ooka asked, "Is there any way to treat it?"

"Not at the moment."

Iori shook his head. "Recovery relies on his own mental state. He could regain his memories tomorrow, or he might never recover them."

"I see."

Ooka felt a little down but quickly regained her spirit. "I won't give up."

...

Meanwhile, atop Tsutenkaku Tower.

The illuminated tower wasn't a castle but the famous Tsutenkaku, and its "glow" came from the large weather display.

Fujino remembered this detail.

After slipping away from the group, Fujino donned an assassin's cloak and snuck onto the rooftop of Tsutenkaku, planning to surprise Kaito Kid.

Soon, the sound of a cape flapping in the wind could be heard in the distance.

Fujino turned to see a figure in white approaching.

It was Kaito Kid!

Kaito, dressed in his iconic white suit, descended onto the rooftop.

The wind caught his cape, making him look dramatic.

He climbed onto the tower's antenna, striking a heroic pose.

"Ladies and gentlemen!"

Kaito Kid shouted from his perch.

Fujino couldn't hold it in any longer.

"Hello, Kaito Kid," Fujino teased, as he stored his cloak away and stood up, throwing some shade. "Seriously, though, isn't all that drama a bit cringe?"

"Kaito?" 

Kaito Kid noticed the voice and turned to see Fujino standing at the base of the billboard in a black suit, his coat swaying in the wind—a stark contrast to Kaito's outfit.

"Ahem."

Kaito coughed, feeling awkward after being called out. 

After a deep breath, he regained his composure. "You actually figured it out, huh? Impressive."

He pulled out a remote.

Beep!

With a click, lights in the distance illuminated Osaka Castle, launching colorful fireworks into the sky.

It was a fireworks show, filling the night sky with bursts of color.

Even the surrounding area was lit up.

"You sure like to set the mood," Fujino said with a smile, watching the display.

After a moment, he asked seriously, "So, are you planning to blow up the power station?"

"You figured that out too?"

Kaito turned to Fujino, surprised.

"I just deduced it," Fujino said, his tone serious. "Nakamori's hidden the item somewhere else, and you learned this by eavesdropping with pigeons. The fireworks are to draw attention and provide temporary light, right?"

"You've got it," Kaito sighed, pulling out another remote.

"You've gone too far this time," Fujino said sternly. "This isn't like the usual capers. People could die."

"They won't..." Kaito waved dismissively. "I've checked the hospitals and hotels nearby—they all have backup power, and the fireworks will hold people's attention. Nothing will happen."

"But what about traffic lights? People on ventilators at home?" Fujino pressed, his face darkening. "If someone's not distracted by the fireworks and crashes at an intersection, or someone relying on a machine suddenly can't breathe, have you considered those consequences?"

(End of chapter)