Dr. Agasa's residence was right next to the Kudo household. It was precisely because Dr. Agasa had been Kudo Shinichi's neighbor since childhood that, after shrinking, the first person Shinichi thought to turn to was Dr. Agasa.
Afraid of implicating his parents, even after the Kudo couple returned to Japan, Shinichi, now living as Conan, continued to stay at Dr. Agasa's house instead of returning home.
After school on Friday, Conan, who had just finished another day of elementary school classes, walked down the street with his backpack, heading home.
Passing the gate of what used to be his house, he subconsciously stopped and looked inside, just in time to see Yukiko, all done up with exquisite makeup, about to head out.
"Mom, are you going on a trip?"
Yukiko, who was pushing the door open, was startled. After seeing it was Conan, she laughed and scolded, "You little brat, you almost scared me to death."
Conan curled his lip. "What shady thing are you planning? You look guilty."
Yukiko did feel a little guilty. She knew her son's observation skills were sharp, but her acting wasn't bad either. Tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, she replied, "I'm planning to go back to Gunma Prefecture."
"Gunma? Why are you going there?"
"Shinichi, did you forget? Your mother is from Gunma Prefecture."
Yukiko grew annoyed. She squatted down and grabbed Conan's ear.
"Ow, ow! That hurts! Be gentle, Mom! Of course I know you're from Gunma, but why are you suddenly going back?"
"Your maternal grandparents passed away early. I'm going back to offer incense and meet up with some old classmates."
"Then what about Dad if you go to Gunma?"
"You still remember you have a father? It's been so many days. Have you even gone to see him?"
Faced with his mother's 'devil claws,' Conan didn't dare resist and quickly flashed a fawning smile.
Yukiko let go of him and said, "Go visit your father these next few days too. Don't let him feel abandoned."
She let out a soft sigh, her heart full of helplessness and pain at the current state of her family.
She had thought her life would be smooth and happy. She never expected to go through this kind of thing in her thirties.
And the root of it all was none other than that brat, Shinichi.
"Okay, I get it. But the crime rate has been kind of high lately, so be careful."
"Look at you, acting like you care. Don't worry, I'm going with Eri, and Fujiwara-kun will be with us too. There won't be any danger."
As soon as the words left her mouth, Yukiko thought, Crap, why did I mention Toru?
Conan jolted as soon as he heard that name. Countless thoughts flashed through his mind.
How does Mom know Fujiwara Toru?
He tried to recall but couldn't think of when the two had ever met.
Just what kind of relationship do they have?
But Conan's thoughts remained relatively simple. He didn't consider the possibility of a romantic relationship between them.
What he was thinking now was that this might be a perfect opportunity to investigate Toru, to use his mother as a bridge to get close.
"Mom, it's been a long time since I visited Grandma and Grandpa's graves too. Wait a sec, I'll go with you!"
After saying that, Conan immediately ran toward Dr. Agasa's house.
"Shinichi, don't…"
Yukiko grew anxious.
If you come with me, how am I supposed to do anything?
But since Shinichi had already spoken, she knew she couldn't shake him off. All she could do was stomp her feet, stewing in frustration.
Very quickly, Conan returned after dropping off his backpack. He hadn't even changed clothes.
"Mom, let's go!"
Yukiko had no choice but to take Conan into the car, all the while thinking about how to shake him off once they arrived in Gunma.
...
In the northern district of Tokyo, Toru changed his clothes and asked Haibara, who was sitting in front of the computer, "You're really not coming with me?"
Toru found it strange. For the past two months, Haibara had followed him wherever he went.
"My research has reached a critical point. I'm not going."
Haibara stared at the screen, typing rapidly, not even glancing at him.
Toru studied her expression. She didn't seem angry. It really looked like she couldn't leave right now because her research was too important.
"Then take care of yourself. You can leave the cooking and cleaning to Togawa."
"I'm not a child. You're only going for two days. I can handle it."
Hearing Haibara's impatient tone, Toru said, "Alright then, I'm off."
Haibara still didn't look up and waved a hand at him.
During this recent research phase, Haibara had discovered something interesting. She found that a certain compound might affect mitochondrial function after shrinking.
While she wasn't certain it would restore someone to their original body, it should have some effect.
Once the drug is developed, I'll test it on Kudo Shinichi first.
...
At Tokyo Station, Toru parked the Panamera in the lot. Following the location Eri had sent him, he first found her at the station entrance.
Eri was dressed in a sharp women's suit. Her hair was tied up neatly, and she wore glasses on her nose. She exuded the air of a confident and composed elite woman.
Toru quickly walked over. His gaze casually swept across her, noting her hip-hugging skirt. Below it were a pair of long, shapely legs in sheer stockings and black heels. The sight stirred some thoughts.
He quickly looked away and asked, "Ms. Kisaki, just you? Where's Ms. Yukiko?"
He looked around but didn't see her.
Eri frowned slightly. "The first thing you ask is about Yukiko? I'm starting to think you'll never find a girlfriend, Fujiwara-kun. Your words could make a woman die of anger."
"You don't need to worry, Ms. Kisaki. I don't need to find a girlfriend. My family already arranged a fiancée."
"You…"
Eri looked irritated. "Let's go inside. Yukiko is waiting in a coffee shop. She got here early and went in first."
The two walked into the station and headed toward the café.
Inside the café, Conan was originally sitting by the window with his mother. His eyes happened to catch sight of Toru and Eri approaching.
That's Fujiwara Toru… Hmm? That girl isn't with him?
Not seeing Haibara at Toru's side, Conan was stunned for a second, then broke into a smile.
This is it. This is the chance.
He had always wanted to investigate Toru and Haibara but hadn't found an opportunity.
Toru was too strong. Conan didn't dare sneak into his place casually.
But now Toru was going to Gunma with his mom and Eri, leaving only that girl at home.
Couldn't he take advantage of this chance to sneak in, investigate, and figure out who Haibara really was?
Compared to Toru, Conan was even more curious about Haibara's true identity.
"Mom, I just remembered I have something important to do, so I won't be going to Gunma. With Fujiwara Toru around, I'm not worried about your safety. Have fun with him and Ms. Kisaki."
Saying that, Conan didn't even finish his coffee. He jumped off the chair and ran straight out of the café.
Yukiko's heart skipped a beat when she heard Conan's words. What do you mean, have fun with him? She felt like there was a hidden meaning in that sentence.
Seeing Conan run off, she subconsciously called out, "Shinichi…"
In a flash, he was gone.
"This kid, acting on a whim again. One minute he says he's coming to Gunma, the next he's gone."
Yukiko felt a little disappointed but even more relieved.
Without Shinichi around, she felt much more at ease. Her son's observation skills were just too terrifying. She was afraid she'd slip up.
Toru and Eri had seen a child run out of the coffee shop.
Toru said thoughtfully, "Wasn't that Conan?"
Eri frowned. "Yeah, that kid. Yukiko said he's a relative's child. What's he doing here?"
Toru also found it strange, but seeing that Conan had run off, he didn't bother to think more about it.
Walking into the café with Eri, Toru immediately spotted Yukiko.
She was wearing a light blue fuzzy sweater that showed off her collarbone like smooth bamboo.
Her brown fitted pants had wide cuffs, giving them a strong sense of style. A bit of her fair calves was visible above her sheer short stockings, and she wore white high heels.
Eri's outfit gave off the aura of a powerful woman, but it was also too uniform.
Yukiko, on the other hand, was different. A former top actress, her fashion sense far surpassed the average person.
Toru walked over excitedly. "Ms. Yukiko?"
"Fujiwara-kun, nice to meet you. It's really troublesome to have you accompany me and Eri to Gunma."
Yukiko smiled lightly. Her tone was cheerful and youthful, not like a woman with a high school son, more like a carefree girl.
"Not at all. When Ms. Kisaki told me I'd be traveling with you, Ms. Yukiko, I was overjoyed. I've seen all your movies and shows. You haven't changed at all since retiring."
"Hehehehe…"
Yukiko covered her mouth as she laughed.
This boy, only a few years older than her son, was handsome, capable in every way, and knew how to talk.
She hadn't experienced this feeling in years, and at her current age, she was at her most 'thirsty.' If something happened with a boy like this, especially since he was her fan…
That thought stirred something deep inside Yukiko.
She had always been a rebellious woman. Years of being a wife and mother hadn't changed her. Only morality had held her back.
But now, with a reason and an excuse, and under this kind of tension, the devil inside her was starting to wake.
She shifted slightly, uncrossed her legs, and changed posture.
Her underwear was already a bit damp.
(To be continued.)
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