Chapter 771: Investment Rationalization [Happy New Year!]
A group of people disassembled the wooden planks of the display stand, put them into boxes, packed them up with the cloth, and moved the boxes to the Storage Room before stopping.
"Alright, everything's packed up," Mouri Ran smiled at Haibara Ai, then turned to Chi Feichei, who was standing Aside watching, and said, "Brother Hichiji, we're heading back now. Tomorrow, I'm going mountain climbing with my Father, and Ai wants to come too. Why don't you join us?"
Chi Feichei nodded. "Okay."
"You're all going mountain climbing..." Suzuki Sonoko hesitated, looking dejected. "No, I have to at least make an appearance at the Banquet tomorrow night. It starts at six in the Afternoon, and if I go mountain climbing, I definitely won't make it..."
Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko exchanged a few jokes, then, taking Kid Conan, said their goodbyes and left.
Doctor Agasa also went back with them, offering to drive the Three People Home.
Haibara Ai stayed at Chi Feichei's place. After being busy all Day, she watched the Television News for a bit and started feeling sleepy. She turned to see Chi Feichei engrossed in his Laptop, yawned, and went to Wash Up on her own. When she came out, she saw that Chi Feichei still hadn't moved.
"Brother Hichiji, I'm going to bed first. You should get some rest too."
"Uh-huh."
Chi Feichei responded and continued looking at the Data on his Computer.
He needed to Check the Market Research, Sales Condition, and Marketing Plan for Pet Supplies and Food, as well as Umbrella's Network Plan. Additionally, Sawada Hiroki had gotten involved in Smartphone R&D and sent him a bunch of News.
Haibara Ai didn't disturb Chi Feichei further, passed through the Kitchen to the Next Door Living Room, and Returned to Room.
After finishing the pile of Data, Chi Feichei replied to Emails from Da Shan Mi, Wilson, and Sawada Hiroki. Then, he Got Up, took his Laptop to the Balcony, poured another Glass of Wine, and started listening to Ubu Saika's Surveillance Recording.
It was clear that Kurahashi Kenichi didn't identify with the Organization. He was just suppressing his thoughts out of Fear of the Organization. After experiencing being threatened with his Daughter, betraying his Companion, participating in Murder, being investigated by the Police, and seemingly being under Surveillance by the Organization at all times, This Situation was normal.
Something was off with Ubu Saika. He hadn't had much contact with people with Stockholm Syndrome, or rather, he might have encountered them before but hadn't paid attention. So, he couldn't Judge if Ubu Saika was experiencing This Problem.
If so, had Ubu Saika previously seen him as the perpetrator? Did she Think that everything she had experienced was caused by him?
He'd take the Responsibility for that. After All, he couldn't escape the Relationship.
It's Just that he felt one Condition wasn't being met—his face-to-face Communication with Ubu Saika wasn't enough.
Some Research has shown that Stockholm Syndrome is more likely to develop Under Circumstances where guards and Hostage have face-to-face Communication. In Other Words, Hostage have the Opportunity to Understand the guards' or perpetrators' Childhood History, Life goals, Problems they've encountered, and Reasons for their Bad Deeds, gradually leading Hostage to believe the perpetrators' Viewpoint is correct. However, if Hostage are masked or kept isolated, Stockholm Syndrome is less likely.
Beside him, high up on the eleventh floor, a Figure riding a Broom and wearing a Black Cloak slowly ascended.
Koizumi Akako controlled the Broom to continue ascending and moving. When she reached the Balcony, she hopped off, adjusted her waist-revealing Witch Outfit under the Cloak, Reached Out to flick away a Hair Strand that the Night Breeze had blown into her Line of Sight, and looked at Chi Feichei with a smile. "Won't you offer me a Glass of Wine?"
Chi Feichei completely ignored Koizumi Akako's current good Appearance. It was going to fall apart any minute anyway, and he was almost used to it. "Underage drinking is prohibited."
Koizumi Akako walked over and sat opposite Chi Feichei, crossing her arms with a proud look. "Witch don't have to follow the Rules of Ordinary Person."
"Help yourself." Chi Feichei didn't insist.
Koizumi Akako looked at the bottle of Bourbon Whiskey on the Table, glanced at the Alcohol Content, and decisively chickened out with a hint of pride. "Cough, Never Mind. I don't really feel like drinking tonight. What are you Thinking about, sitting here all alone?"
Chi Feichei went back Inside the Room, poured a Glass of Ice Cubes for Koizumi Akako, filled it with Lemon Juice, added a touch of Gin, and brought it to the Balcony, placing it in front of Koizumi Akako. It was a low-alcohol Cocktail to make Little Girl happy, "Stockholm Syndrome."
Koizumi Akako looked at Chi Feichei, puzzled. "Is that the thing where Hostage develop a strange complex towards their Kidnapper...?"
Chi Feichei briefly explained Ubu Saika's Situation to Koizumi Akako.
After listening, Koizumi Akako sorted out her Clue. "Do you Think it's Weird that you've become someone she depends on?"
"Isn't it Weird?"
Chi Feichei stopped listening to the Recording and turned off his Computer. Ubu Saika had only contacted two Classmate afterwards and hadn't done anything suspicious.
"Then I'll Ask the Crystal Ball."
Koizumi Akako slammed the Crystal Ball in her hand onto the Table with a 'duang~', thoroughly embodying her 'Crystal Ball for everything' philosophy.
"Let me Check..." the Crystal Ball said casually. "This is simple. When Little Girl face Predicament, they need emotional Support. They lean on it, and it becomes dependency. They overthink it and Mislead themselves into thinking it's love. They keep Misleading themselves, and they can't escape... Ah, what exactly it is, I don't Understand either. I'm not a scholar~"
"When people who think they're morally superior do despicable things, or when people who think they're smart do stupid things, it creates Cognitive Dissonance. They then take Behavior to reduce that imbalance, which is a driving force behind Stockholm Syndrome," Chi Feichei mused, seeing Koizumi Akako looking Stunned. He explained, "For Example, Researchers Observed an Extreme Cult. The Leader said a flood would descend from the sky on a specific date, and only their Believer would be saved. The Believer were tricked into Investment all their wealth and Energy. When that Day came and no Disaster occurred, the Believer didn't feel deceived. Instead, they felt they had saved the World and became even more devoted to the Cult. Also, Girls imprisoned for years, after being rescued, said their Childhood was Just different, that they hadn't Missed anything. They even said they avoided Bad Habit like smoking and drinking and didn't make Undesirable Friend because of it, and that their Kidnapper were good to them. You could say it's Investment Rationalization. They ignore unbearable Loss and Damage, replacing it with a Statement they can accept internally, convincing themselves of it."
"Isn't that Just self-deception?" Koizumi Akako summarized, trying to recall if she'd ever fallen into such a Pitfall.
"From a Social Identity perspective, Stockholm Syndrome is Recategorization," Chi Feichei continued. "Initially, Hostage divide their Hostage Group and Kidnapper into 'We' and 'They'. But during the hostage situation, a strong sense of dependency develops between Kidnapper and Hostage. Kidnapper know they'll face violent Suppression from the Police without Hostage. Hostage know their Life is in the hands of Kidnapper. If Kidnapper are cornered, they might be injured or even killed. They both depend on each other for Survival. Originally opposing Hostage and Kidnapper, due to their shared Fate, Recategorize 'We' and 'They' into 'We', while the Police are seen as 'They'. If the Police don't meet Kidnapper's Request or threaten them, leading to Hostage being harmed, the Police become the common 'Enemy' in the eyes of Hostage."
Koizumi Akako listened to the string of 'We' and 'They', feeling a bit dizzy. "So, what exactly are you trying to Do?"
"I want to Understand the Reason behind Uryu's Transformation," Chi Feichei said calmly. "You can also think of it as me being bored and just Thinking randomly."
Stockholm Syndrome is a double-edged Sword, but he wasn't interested in dominating or controlling Ubu Saika. He didn't Care About harming Ubu Saika or whether Ubu Saika forgave him, which would largely prevent This Situation from Impacting him.
He was Just Thinking about Ubu Saika's Situation when he was bored, Judging whether there was a Possibility of Ubu Saika deceiving, betraying, or selling him out.
The corner of Koizumi Akako's mouth twitched slightly. "You really are bored. So, what have you Figured out?"
"Regarding the 11 people you control in Red Umbrella, you need to do two things. First, have them complete Tasks that are dangerous or require significant Effort, but not pointless Tasks. They should be Tasks that strengthen Red Umbrella, increasing their Investment," Chi Feichei took a sip of Liquor. In this Weather that had just warmed up, drinking Whiskey with Ice Cubes outdoors, the icy coldness with the Smell of Alcohol sliding down his throat, was a unique experience. "Second, stop saying 'I' and 'You'. Try to say 'We' more often, like 'We Umbrella,' 'We Red Umbrella.' Keep doing that, and even if The Vatican discovers something and breaks your control over them, they won't believe The Vatican's Statement that 'you controlled them with Magic.' Instead, they'll think The Vatican is using despicable Means to sow discord. Not everyone will think that way, but some will remain loyal."
Koizumi Akako Stared at Chi Feichei, Stunned.
Someone was really good at using this.
"Actually, many Business face the 'Investment' Problem," Chi Feichei pondered. "Sometimes, setting up a Target Enemy isn't just about increasing Cohesion. Everyone is Investment, and they also enjoy the Honor they get from it. The more they Investment, the more they Hope the Company becomes stronger."
Koizumi Akako Stared at Chi Feichei for a long time before finally saying, "Evil Child of Nature!"
"Your pride makes you disdain using This Means, but changing your Ideology, it's all for Umbrella, so we have the Confidence to stand against The Vatican," Chi Feichei said, looking directly at Koizumi Akako. "Using Magical Method is no Different from other Means."
Koizumi Akako tilted her Head, looking at Chi Feichei. "You said 'We'? Why do I get the feeling you're using that Means on me?"
"No," Chi Feichei's Tone remained calm. "Umbrella originally includes you, and People All need a sense of belonging. You need it, and so do I."
Koizumi Akako Thought for a moment, Nodded, and said, "Okay, I'll Think about what Tasks to assign them and then rotate them through the Tasks."
Chi Feichei silently drank his Liquor.
Actually, when His Dad offered Koizumi Akako Shares, he had already shifted from 'You' and 'Me' to 'We' with Koizumi Akako. Afterwards, as Koizumi Akako busied herself, it was already supporting her 'Investment'. He didn't even need to coax her; Witch Lady was already trapped. The more she Investment, the less she could escape.
But he hadn't deceived Koizumi Akako. Humans inherently have a Need for 'We'. He and Koizumi Akako were the Same. It was just Humanity.
And for the entire World, this 'We' could even promote Social Development. It wasn't a Bad Deeds. When everyone stopped recognizing 'We', that kind of World would be terrifying.
"Ah, By the Way," Koizumi Akako finally remembered why she came. "Did you get a really magical Doll? I want to Check it out."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 772: Home is Getting Weirder and Weirder [Happy New Year]
As soon as Chi Feichei heard it, he guessed which Doll it was. The only Doll he had received recently was the one Ayumi had given him. He went inside, took out the Box that was on the Table, put it on the Table, and opened it.
The Doll in the Box was indeed miserable to look at. It was originally an Empress Doll from the Girl's Day Doll set. White-faced, with vermilion lips, wearing twelve layers of unlined robes, and in a kneeling posture, it should have been dignified and elegant. However, its hair was disheveled, its Face was covered in Blood Stain, and its Head was slightly tilted, looking just like a deposed Empress who had been thrown into the Cold Palace and turned into an Evil Spirit.
"That's right," the Crystal Ball exclaimed, "Lady Hongko, it's this Doll. It's not a Magical Product in itself, and there's not even any Strength interference, but it blocked a fall injury and an Evil Dog bite for its original Master. It's very magical, oh!"
Feimo, who had been dozing off Aside, perked up. Like an Animal guarding its food, it hopped onto the Table, moved in front of the Box, spread its Wings to block the Plush Toy, and also blocked Koizumi Akako's Gaze, which wished it could take it apart for Research.
This was a very special Plush Toy that Hassashi had found for their Doll Wall!
"I won't take it apart then," Koizumi Akako said, feeling guilty under Feimo's crimson Eyes. She shifted her Line of Sight, rummaged under her Black Cloak, took out a Test Tube that was usually filled with green Reagent, and looked at Chi Feichei with anticipation. "However, no matter how I look at it, it doesn't look like a Substitute Doll. This is a Magic Potion that can give it Magic Power. Whether or Not you want to Try and see what kind of Plush Toy it will become?"
Chi Feichei Reach Out and moved Feimo aside, stroked Feimo's Fur with his Finger, and signaled with his Gaze that Koizumi Akako could start.
Feimo smacked its beak a little. Never Mind, as long as Master is happy.
Hassashi also poked its Head out from Chi Feichei's Collar, Curiously watching Koizumi Akako pour the Reagent onto the Plush Toy.
The liquid Reagent, upon contacting the Plush Toy, turned into a gel-like substance with silver light spots flowing inside, enveloping the Plush Toy and being absorbed by it bit by bit.
When all the green Reagent was completely absorbed, the Plush Toy also returned to its original state.
"Hmm..." Koizumi Akako seriously sized up the Plush Toy. "Indeed, it's not a Substitute Doll, it's a Household Doll."
Feimo 'cawed' once, "Master, it's moving, it's moving!"
In the Opened Box, the disheveled and dirty Japanese Doll's loose Skirt Hem was still made of fired clay, but it strangely had a soft feel. After standing up, it detached from the Base, placed its hands in front of its Skirt Hem, and bowed...
With a 'thud', the Blood-stained Head fell in front of it.
The Doll squatted down again, picked up the Head that had fallen on the Base, bowed, its Face hidden by messy Long Hair remained unchanged, and a ghostly Sound came from its Body:
"Sorry, my Head fell off."
Chi Feichei: "..."
Could it be a slightly more...normal Doll?
The Doll used its small, porcelain-like hands to put its Head back on its Neck, looked up at Chi Feichei, and faced Chi Feichei with its Bloodstains-covered Face. Its Sound was cold and mechanical as it greeted, "Hello, New Master, I'm very happy that you could let me come to your Home. My name is Xiaomei, Ayumi calls me Xiaomei..."
"Thud."
The Doll's Head fell off again.
Due To looking up at Chi Feichei, this time it fell behind it.
Chi Feichei watched the Plush Toy turn around and feel for its Head on the Base, then Expressionless Look Towards Koizumi Akako, "Household Doll?"
Looking at this Doll's Appearance, what kind of Housework could it do?
"It seems..." Koizumi Akako sweated a little, "Doing Housework is a bit difficult, but it is indeed a Household Doll."
The Doll put its Head back on again by itself, and said faintly, "Please don't throw Xiaomei away. Even if doing Housework is a bit difficult, I can still sing..."
Midnight ghost song?
Chi Feichei felt he couldn't imagine it, "Can it be repaired?"
At least make the Head stick on a little tighter...
"Likely not," Koizumi Akako said with some difficulty. "It became like this because it blocked disaster for its Master. It can't be repaired by conventional Means at all. There will always be many Accidents that make it revert back, especially since it has now become a Magical Creation. Even if you sew its Head back on with String, the String will disappear. It's also very difficult to use Magical Method, at least I have no Method to repair it at the Present."
"It's okay..." Hassashi crawled from Chi Feichei's Collar onto the Table, feeling that the Temperature of early spring was still freezing for a Snake. It stiffened for a moment, then used its Tail to wrap around the Doll's Shoulder, just like a Human putting their arm around someone else's Shoulder. "Having a Little Partner is also quite good..."
"Thud."
The Doll's Head was knocked off again by Hassashi's Tail.
Hassashi used its Tail to Help roll up the Doll's Head and put it back on. "Oh! Apology."
"Thank You, No Need for Apology," the Doll said faintly, "You are a Good... Snake."
Chi Feichei Discovery the Key, "Xiaomei, can you Understand Hassashi's Words?"
"Yes, my Master." The Doll Nod, making Chi Feichei Worry that its Head would fall off in the next second.
"What about Feimo's?" Chi Feichei Ask Again.
After the Experiment, it was proven that the Plush Toy could Understand Feimo's Words, so Chi Feichei threw it back into the House together with Hassashi and Feimo.
Making a simultaneous Translator for Hassashi and Feimo would also be good, saving them from each chattering away when they get anxious.
But there is one Point to note, the Doll speaks audibly, and it's still a standard Kyoto Accent.
Although it was slight, that kind of cold and eerie Sound was quite scary at Night. At Chi Feichei's Request, the Doll repeatedly Promise not to scare Others.
Koizumi Akako did not Stay Long. She finished the glass of simplified low-Alcohol Content Cocktail, then got up, rode her Broom, and went back.
When Chi Feichei Packing Up the Table and took the Wine Glass into the House, he Discovery that Hassashi and Feimo were again using Black Wool Yarn to hang the Plush Toy on the Wall.
Hassashi hung it up while comforting it, "Xiaomei, don't worry, staying here won't attract attention. Look, the Clown next to you with Blood on its Face looks much more exaggerated than you."
Feimo took two steps back, Looked at the area of strangely shaped Plush Toys, Nod, and said, "Indeed, it's not Weird."
Chi Feichei: "..."
No, his Home is getting Weirder and Weirder.
Hassashi saw that Chi Feichei was going to Wash Up, and quickly went to open the Room Door. Before leaving, it also dragged a Phantom Thief Kid Plush Toy and hung it beside the Plush Toy. "Let me tell you, this is Phantom Thief Kid. The first generation was Master's Teacher, and the second generation now is Master's Younger Brother. He's a Good Person, let him Keep Company you. Good night, Xiaomei~"
The Doll leaned its Head against the Phantom Thief Kid Plush Toy and said faintly, "Good night."
Chi Feichei maintained Silence.
Letting the Phantom Thief Kid Plush Toy Keep Company it, also...
...is Okay, right?
...
At seven o'clock in the Morning, Haibara Ai woke up and left her Room, rubbed her sleepy Eyes, walked through the Kitchen and Dining Room to Chi Feichei's Living Room, didn't notice the Doll that had just hung itself back up on the Wall, Looked at the Books and Magazines that were stacked neatly and the Table that had been wiped clean, Discovery that there was no Movement from Chi Feichei's Room, Turn Around and returned to the other Living Room to Wash Up.
Brother Hichiji, what time did he sleep last Night...?
On the Wall, the Doll broke free from the Yarn on its Body, climbed down the Black Wool Yarn on the Wall to the Ground, dragged the Base hidden Under Table to the Wall Side, knelt down, climbed up the Wall, hung itself up again consciously, tilted its Head and leaned against the Phantom Thief Kid Plush Toy, and murmured faintly, "Xiaomei is working hard, oh. Sleepy, going to sleep."
Chi Feichei woke up, left his Room Door, and Looked up to See Haibara Ai sitting in the Living Room reading a Magazine.
"Feimo flew out by itself this Morning. Breakfast is in the Dining Room, Sandwich and Milk. I can only make this," Haibara Ai said, looking at the Magazine without raising her Head. "Sister Ran Call ten minutes ago, they have already Packing Up."
Chi Feichei Discovery that there were Traces of Packing Up on the Table, didn't Ask More, went to the Dining Room, and solved the Breakfast problem in less than a minute.
Haibara Ai followed into the Dining Room, watched Chi Feichei's whirlwind-style eating method, and couldn't help but remind him, "Stay up less late at Night."
"The Mountain Climbing gear I used is already Packing Up from last Night. Go put on a Long-Sleeved Coat, get ready to leave." Chi Feichei Say, finished drinking the Milk, Turn Around and put the Cup into the Vegetable Sink.
Haibara Ai helplessly returned to the Living Room over there to put on a Coat.
Brother Hichiji, she really can't Care about him, it's really worrying.
Chi Feichei left the Kitchen, Go To the Doll Wall Side, Reach Out and poked a certain disheveled Doll, and said in a low voice, "No Need to Help Packing Up in the future, I'll do it Oneself."
It's just a matter of a few moments for Oneself to Packing Up. If it's changed to the Doll's small arms and legs, Guess it would take a long time to busy, giving him a Feeling of exploiting child labor.
This is even more pitiful than child labor.
The Doll said faintly, "I can Help wash dishes..."
"I'll do it Oneself, it will be much more Convenient and much Faster."
"Xiaomei wants to be a Doll with Value."
"Then Casual, don't mess up Things. My Room No Need to Packing Up, I'll do it Oneself."
Chi Feichei didn't persuade further and returned to his Room to get his Backpack.
The Doll 'click' Lower Head and Look Towards Hassashi crawling on the Floor, "Is Master angry?"
"Probably not," Hassashi Turn Head and Looked at the Room. "Master is just like this, you'll get used to it. But there are some Things in the Home that are Master's hidden Secrets, which cannot be Discovery. Just don't Find them and let Others See them."
"Understand, then Xiaomei will still wash dishes." The Doll Nod, and its Head fell off again.
When Haibara Ai Come Over, she See Hassashi crawling on the Doll Wall, Helping the Japanese Doll put on its Head, Look Towards Chi Feichei who came out of the Room, "Has the Doll Ayumi sent been hung up yet?"
"Hassashi and Feimo hung it up last Night." Chi Feichei Go To the Main Entrance. "Hassashi, let's Leave."
Hassashi climbed down the Doll Wall and followed Chi Feichei. "Xiaomei, Master and I are going Mountain Climbing, see you at Night~"
On the Doll Wall, the Household Doll saw Haibara Ai following Beside Chi Feichei, did not Speak Out a Response, just Reach Out its Hand wrapped in Black Wool Yarn and waved it, then tilted its Head and continued to sleep.
...
Chi Feichei drove Haibara Ai to the Mori Detective Agency, picked up Mori Kogoro, Mouri Ran, and Conan, drove to the Vicinity of Little Tengu Mountain, parked the Car in the Parking Lot, and then transferred to a Bus to the Mountain Foot.
Mori Kogoro got off the Bus, stretched, looked around, and complained listlessly, "Hey, hey, there's not even a Figure here, let alone any Beautiful Woman to Look at..."
Chi Feichei Looked at the lush Scenery in the distance and nearby. He hadn't been to the Wilderness for a while. Suddenly being in this natural Environment, his whole Body relaxed.
As For Whether or Not there are Beautiful Woman to Look at, that's not Important. With the arrival of the Mori Detective Agency trio, Today will definitely not be peaceful.
"Weird, the Travel Brochure clearly Say that this place has been very popular with Female College Student Recently." Mouri Ran put on an Appearance of Doubt.
"Really," Mori Kogoro helplessly walked towards the mountain Aisle. "That Travel Brochure is probably talking nonsense!"
Mouri Ran secretly Blink at Chi Feichei, Conan, and Haibara Ai.
In order to coax her Old Dad, who drinks, gambles on Horse Racing, and watches Television all day, out to Exercise a bit, she also had a hard time.
[Character missing], ask for Monthly Pass
[Character missing]
[Character missing]
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 773: Conan, This Troublemaker![Happy New Year]
A Group of People hadn't even had Time to go up the Mountain yet when the Door of the Administrator Office at the Mountain Foot was Opened. A Man wearing a Work Uniform, carrying a bundle of Rope on his back, and holding a Safety Helmet in his Hand, came Out. "Got it, got it. I'll go fix it now, alright?"
Conan Stop Walking and Turn Head curiously to Look.
"Wait a minute, Hirai!" The Man who followed him Out also wore a Work Uniform. His Hair was dyed Brown, and his Face was rugged and kind. He reminded him Smilingly, "That Location is special, you must be especially Careful with your Work!"
Chi Feichei saw Conan Staring at the Two People and Glance at them a Bit more.
Wherever the Gaze of the Death God Elementary School Student falls, someone is bound to die from Murder or be in Trouble.
He couldn't recall this Plot for the Time being, so he would Check it later.
"Oh, right!" The Black-haired Man named Hirai Turn Head to Look at his Companion, his Tone playful. "Otherwise, it would be terrible if another Accident happened~"
The Brown-haired Man gritted his Teeth, and the Smile on his Face also disappeared.
"I Think, for you, my Accident is probably something you've been hoping for, right?" Hirai Said, then Turn Around and walked towards the Mountain.
"What kind of Words are those!" The Brown-haired Man was annoyed.
Hirai climbed the Mountain Path without turning his Head, saying casually, "I'm going to Work now~"
The Brown-haired Man then Look Towards Chi Feichei's A Group of People, and quickly Said with an Apology Face, "Good morning, everyone. Because some parts of the Handrail at the Observation Deck are broken, you need to be a Bit Careful!"
"Ah, Okay." Mori Kogoro replied dryly.
"Thank You." Mouri Ran Said Politely.
Haibara Ai saw Conan and Chi Feichei Staring at the Figure of the Man going up the Mountain, Lower Head, and fell into Silence.
Why did she Feel that coming to climb the Mountain today was a Mistake? Look, Plague God Brother Hichiji is here, Plague God Edogawa is here, Plague God Uncle is here...
The Brown-haired Man gave a couple of instructions, telling A Group of People not to pick Alpine Plants and not to disturb or catch Animals, then went back to the Office.
Chi Feichei Found Safety Rope from his Backpack, one for each Person, and handed them Out.
"Is this really No Need?" Mori Kogoro Lower Head and tied the Tape around his Waist. "We're not going rock climbing."
Chi Feichei squatted down, Adjusted the Safety Rope around Haibara Ai's Waist, and then helped Conan Adjust his. "Safety First."
Conan gave a dry laugh. Okay, with Chi Feichei around, there was No Need to Worry about any Accidents when going Out to play.
After Staring at A Group of People tying on their Safety Ropes, Chi Feichei started moving up the Mountain.
Recently, he had Adjusted his exercise Time to the evening or Before going to bed at Night. Occasionally, there would be a Day or Two without exercise, But his Foundation was there, so he wouldn't be Unable to Endure climbing the Mountain.
Mori Kogoro, however, was Enough tired. Before reaching the Mid-Mountain, he was Already covered in sweat and slowly moved his Footstep. "Re- Rest a Bit."
"We Just Now rested. Refuel, Father! Conan and Ai haven't Said they're tired yet," Mouri Ran Turn Around to cheer on Mori Kogoro. Seeing Hissashi swimming and crawling Whoosh Aside, she had Half-Moon Eyes. "I Feel like Hissashi has Better Stamina than you..."
Mori Kogoro Looked at the Energetic Hissashi and was speechless for a Moment.
That Snake had followed them up from the Mountain Foot, occasionally crawling to the Front of the Team, and occasionally turning back to wait for him, the one falling behind. Its Energy was truly abundant.
Hissashi crawled back and forth proudly in front of Mori Kogoro. "I also exercise often!"
Mori Kogoro watched Hissashi crawl. For some reason, he Felt like he was being mocked. With Black Lines on Forehead, he Said, "Hissashi, Go Away, don't sway in front of my Eyes."
Hissashi continued to be proud, crawling over, crawling back, shaking its Head, wagging its Tail.
Mori Kogoro Suddenly bent down, Reach Out, and missed. He chased Hissashi upwards. "You Stop Walking!"
"It seems Uncle has Strength Again," Haibara Ai Look Towards Chi Feichei. "Let's Go To."
For the rest of the Road, Hissashi would Stop Walking and Go To, teasing Mori Kogoro into climbing upwards.
Chi Feichei led Haibara Ai past the resting Mori Kogoro, then Look Towards the Madly proud Hissashi, fell into Silence, and walked past.
"Refuel." Haibara Ai Said a Sentence, and added in her Heart: Hissashi.
Mouri Ran also led Conan past. "Hissashi, I'll Entrust To my Father to you."
"Hey, you guys..." Mori Kogoro saw that no one was waiting for him, only a proud Snake, and with Black Lines on Forehead Again, he started chasing Hissashi.
At the Mid-Mountain, there was a wide Flat Ground, at the End of which was an Observation Deck with a Guardrail.
As soon as they reached the Flat Ground, a Cool breeze blew towards them.
"The Scenery here is really Good!" Mouri Ran Sigh.
"Uh-huh!" Conan Nod Smilingly.
Chi Feichei Turn Head and Glance back, finding that Mori Kogoro was still climbing up with difficulty. He walked towards the Guardrail. "I'll Go To Smoke There."
Haibara Ai Look Towards the front of the Observation Deck Guardrail, finding that there were People wearing Work Uniforms and Safety Helmets squatting there to repair it. She reminded him, "Don't lean on the Guardrail, it Seemingly has many broken parts here."
"Got it."
Chi Feichei did not go to disturb the Administrator's Work There, and walked towards the Guardrail Aside.
Just as he walked halfway, the Man at the Edge of the Observation Deck Guardrail Seemingly tripped while squatting and moving, and suddenly fell Downwards.
"Ahhh—!"
Chi Feichei's Hand, which was taking a Cigarette Out of his Pocket, paused for a Bit. He stuffed the Cigarette Case back in and instead walked towards the damaged Guardrail There.
Was this an Accident? Impossible, he didn't believe it.
Conan had been talking to Mori Kogoro Before, and when he heard the Scream, he Turn Head and Found that the Man who had been squatting in front of the Railing was gone. He instantly realized what had happened and quickly ran towards the Guardrail.
Mori Kogoro, who had Just Now reached the Flat Ground, was stunned for a Moment and also followed the chase. "Hey, you Two People don't get so close! Careful—"
In front of the Observation Deck's Guardrail, Chi Feichei, who heard Mori Kogoro's Shout, Turn Around. Conan, who had Step Forward running, was Scared by Chi Feichei's Sudden action and couldn't brake, directly colliding with Chi Feichei. And Chi Feichei, while retreating to avoid him, stepped on a damaged cylindrical Steel Pipe on the Ground...
On the Flat Ground, Mori Kogoro's Footstep froze. Mouri Ran and Haibara Ai were also Astonished.
At the Edge of the Observation Deck, the Wind blowing from the Mountain became stronger.
Conan Astonished Looked at Chi Feichei's Figure losing his Center of Gravity and falling towards the Cliff Face. For a Moment, he couldn't React and belatedly Reach Out his Hand.
Under Chi Feichei's Black Hair, messed up by the Wind, the expression on his Face was Calm. In his Mind, the Figure of a Black Clothes Moustache Big Man with a Kansai Accent Suddenly appeared.
That was the Figure of Tequila, who died in an Explosion After being Stared at by Conan.
Conan, this Troublemaker, Indeed can harm People!
"Whoosh..."
Hissashi Suddenly shot Out, darting past Conan's side and lying on the Edge.
"Click."
Chi Feichei quickly Reach Out and pressed a Buckle with a Rope onto the Guardrail Steel Pipe. The Rope around his Waist quickly pulled his falling Body.
Conan had Already run to the front of the Guardrail and leaned over, but was grabbed by Mori Kogoro by the Collar and pulled back.
"You Kid, get behind me!"
Mori Kogoro Said, then Turn Around and bent down, Reach Out towards Chi Feichei. "Hissashi, are you Okay?"
"Please step back," Chi Feichei didn't Reach Out. "I can get up."
Mori Kogoro Looked at Chi Feichei's Calm Face, the Corner of his Mouth twitched slightly. But seeing that Chi Feichei was temporarily out of Danger, he still pulled Conan back and Subsided.
Chi Feichei waited for Hissashi to crawl back under his Clothes, then both of them Seize the Rope Above, pushed off the Cliff Face with their Feet, flipped up, stood up, and Said to Mouri Ran and Haibara Ai who had run over, "Alright, I'm Okay."
The Others: "..."
They were Scared to death, but the Person involved looked indifferent, as if saying: It's Just that I almost fell off a Cliff...
Conan couldn't help but Lower Head to Look at the Safety Rope around his Waist. This Thing was sometimes truly life-saving.
Chi Feichei indeed didn't Worry about his Security Issue. He had a Dagger and other Tools in his Pocket. Even if he fell, as Long As he didn't panic, it was impossible to fall. And he clearly wouldn't panic. By the Way, he reminded A Group of People, "There's no Signal on the Mountain for Mobile Phones. Go Down the Mountain to the Administrator Office and use the Landline Phone to Report to Police."
The other four People then remembered that someone had fallen off the Cliff Before. They didn't get close to the Guardrail Again and ran Downwards from the Mountain Path to the Administrator Office at the Foot of the Mountain to explain the Situation.
Half an Hour Later, Mori Kogoro Found Hirai's Already Cool Corpse at the Foot of the Cliff. After checking his Vital Signs, he solemnly declared his Death.
"He's beyond saving, he's Already stopped breathing..."
"Hirai! Hirai!" The Brown-haired Man called out repeatedly, kneeling in front of the Corpse, covering his Face with his Hands. "It's all my fault, it's all because of me!"
"What do you mean by that?" Mori Kogoro asked, looking Sideways.
The Brown-haired Man removed his Hands from his Face and Looked at Mori Kogoro with a pained expression. "I was the one who Requested him to come. The Handrail at the Observation Deck was broken, so I asked him to come and fix it. If I... if I had fixed it Oneself, this wouldn't have happened!"
After Saying that, he covered his Face with his Hands Again and began to sob.
Chi Feichei watched quietly Aside. This was another Murderer who wasn't very Good at Acting. When People make such sobbing sounds, they Should be accompanied by Tears. This Person couldn't even shed Tears, their Acting Skill was really poor.
But Just Now, when he almost fell off the Cliff, he Seemingly saw a very Weird Thing stuck on the Cliff Face...
Conan was in Silence, Lower Head and Found that the Rope on the Ground was a Bit Weird. He squatted down, picked up the Rope End, and Stared at it.
Chi Feichei Glance at it and Found that the Rope End had Traces of being tied in a knot for a long Time. Moreover, it wasn't just the section Conan was holding; there were Two People Ropes on the Ground, and both Rope Ends had Traces of being tied in knots. There were Traces of being folded in the middle section. He couldn't help but Look Towards the Place on the Cliff Face where that Weird Thing was stuck.
The material of the Rope itself has a certain Ability to recover. The appearance of folded Traces in the middle section indicates that the middle section of the Rope was stuck in a Place less than one centimeter wide, and there was Gravity pulling both ends of the Rope backwards...
Haibara Ai saw Conan squatting and looking at the Rope, and Chi Feichei looking up at the Cliff Face. She sensed that something was Wrong, stepped Forward, and asked in a low Tone, "This Matter... is there anything Wrong?"
"Uh-huh..." Chi Feichei's Line of Sight moved Downwards. He Stared at the Crooked-Neck Tree Below the Cliff Face for a Moment, then immediately Turn Head to Look at the Corpse.
Conan followed his Look and Found something white and fibrous on the side of the Corpse's Coat. He was stunned for a Moment, leaned closer, and touched it with his Hand.
"Father!" Mouri Ran ran from Outside the Forest. "The Police Car and Ambulance will be here soon!"
"Is that so?" Mori Kogoro helped the Brown-haired Man, who was kneeling beside the Corpse, Get Up. "In my opinion, this Should be an Accident. Let's keep this Place as it is for now, and we'll go back to the Office to wait for the Police to arrive Before discussing it further!"
"Okay." The Brown-haired Man Nod.
Mori Kogoro Look Towards Chi Feichei Again. "Hissashi..."
"Wait a minute!" Conan, with a Child's Voice, Acting Cute, pulled Chi Feichei's Hem, looking like he wouldn't let Chi Feichei Go To. His small Face, however, was very Serious. "I want to Say something to Brother Chi... consider it an Apology, I'm sorry."
This Fellow Chi Feichei Definitely had some major Discovery. It would be Better to have some Communication. Of Course, having almost knocked Chi Feichei off the Cliff, he also Felt it was necessary to Apology.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter 774: Meeting Them Was Really Unlucky
"Might as well," Mori Kogoro turned around and walked towards the Office, complaining speechlessly, "You Kid are just reckless…"
The Brown-haired Man had a forced smile on his Face, "You must be Careful by the Guardrail Side, the Cliff here is very High, falling down is very Danger."
Chi Feichei raised his Eyes and stared, "…"
Is this Murderer stupid?
Conan and Haibara Ai looked up in astonishment one after another and stared, "…"
Did they mention before that Chi Feichei almost fell off the cliff? It seems they didn't.
Mouri Ran turned her Head and stared, "…"
Could it be that when she went to Call the Police and call the Ambulance, Old Dad and the others talked about it?
Mori Kogoro walked two steps out, also sensed the Problem, turned around, and stared, "…"
He was sure that on the way here, they only exchanged Names, the Management Situation here, and the Place where one might fall after falling off the cliff. They didn't talk about Chi Feichei almost falling off the cliff!
"W-What's Wrong?" The Brown-haired Man felt uncomfortable all over from being stared at.
"Cough, Mr. Kondo," Mori Kogoro stared at the Brown-haired Man, Kondo Eiichiro, "How did you know that Conan had to apologize to Hissashi because Hissashi almost fell off the cliff?"
"This…" Kondo Eiichiro only then realized he had let slip, and sweated a bit, suddenly finding himself unable to argue back.
There were too many Reasons for a Child to apologize to an Adult, for Example, making a fuss on the Road, arguing on the Road, losing Things, etc. There was no way he could explain Why he knew it was about falling off the cliff, unless…
Chi Feichei saw Kondo Eiichiro looking him over and couldn't help but remind him, "Don't Look, I packed up on the way down the Mountain."
It was impossible to see any Trace of falling off a cliff on him.
The only way he would know about him falling off the cliff was if Kondo Eiichiro was on the Observation Deck at that Time.
In Other Words, the Person they saw at that Time, wearing a Safety Helmet, wearing a Work Uniform, squatting with his back to them in front of the Railing repairing the Guardrail, and then accidentally falling off the Cliff, was Kondo Eiichiro.
And when they came down the Mountain, Kondo Eiichiro was fine and stayed in the Office, while another Administrator named Hirai was dead. This clearly showed that it was a Murder Incident where Kondo Eiichiro killed Hirai and faked an Accident…
"This… I was Because…" Kondo Eiichiro made a Decision between 'Silencing' and 'Escape'. Due To the presence of Mori Kogoro and Chi Feichei, two Adult males, he chose the 'Escape' Route, silently treating the side where Haibara Ai was standing alone as a Breakthrough, showing a ferocious Expression, turning around and rushing towards Haibara Ai, "Dodge!"
Haibara Ai found a small bead from her Pocket, and 'pop' it smashed onto the Ground. A ball of white smoke enveloped the Two People, and was quickly dispersed by the Mountain wind.
After the smoke dispersed, Kondo Eiichiro, who was rushing forward, still maintained his Body's inertia, rushing past the dodging Haibara Ai's side before falling headfirst onto the Ground.
Mouri Ran, who was preparing to step forward to support, stopped in confusion, "Ai?"
Chi Feichei also cast a doubtful Gaze.
Haibara Ai looked up at Mouri Ran, pretending to be a Child, and acted cute in a Child's Voice, "Doctor has been Researching Sleeping Gas Recently, and gave me two Gadgets. He said I could throw them onto the Ground if I encountered a Bad Person, and then just hold my breath myself. I Unexpectedly didn't think the Things Doctor Researched would be so Intense!"
Conan gave a dry laugh, hey hey, why are you imitating his acting cute and using Doctor Agasa to take the blame…
"So it was the Sleeping Gas Doctor made for you," Mouri Ran was relieved and said with a smile, "He seems to just like making some Strange Things for you, But this can only be used on Bad People."
"I know," Haibara Ai finished acting cute in a Child's Voice, and walked to Chi Feichei's Side. Seeing that Chi Feichei was Staring at her, she steeled herself and whispered to mislead him, "You Said to make Safety preparations before taking Action, so I Researched Sleeping Gas a Bit, But I didn't want Sister Ran to think I was Strange. If it gets out, Children who are too smart will be looked at strangely by Others, Isn't It?"
Chi Feichei Nodded, withdrew his Line of Sight from Haibara Ai, and felt emotional inside.
Paying attention to Safety and preparing means of self-preservation is a Good Deed. Although he Don't Think Sleeping Gas is useful against People from the Organization, in the Moment of seeing the white fog, Experienced People will Subconsciously hold their breath, But at least it can Handle these ordinary Criminals.
Haibara Ai also Realized the same Point, and sighed helplessly inside.
She couldn't be clearer about how ruthless that Group of People from the Organization are. Even If they accidentally inhaled Sleeping Gas, to stay conscious, those People can even stab themselves with Knives. It's also difficult with other Medication. Not to mention how to gasify, how to compress, how to ensure the concentration is enough to be effective after inhalation, how to ensure it's effective in a windy Environment, those are not Problems. The Problem is how to avoid being affected oneself at close range.
Can't beat them in a fight, can't drug them, if logistics and medical personnel go to the Battlefield, it seems they can only wait for the right Timing to Sneak Attack, and it's Not Necessarily useful… But she and Doctor have also been Researching these Problems Recently.
Conan looked towards Kondo Eiichiro who had fallen to the Ground, his Mood was subtle.
Meeting them, this Fellow was really unlucky.
Uncle knows Judo, Ran won the National High School Karate Grand Competition Champion, and that Fellow Chi Feichei's Skill goes without saying. He has Anesthetic Needles, and this Time Haibara even brought Sleeping Gas. No matter which Direction he ran, he couldn't escape.
But there are still Problems that need to be solved now, which are those suspicious Traces…
"It seems Mr. Kondo first killed Mr. Hirai, then put on a Safety Helmet and stood with his back to the Mountain Path, pretending to be repairing the Guardrail," Mori Kogoro stroked his chin and Said, "Waiting until he found we arrived at the Observation Deck, he then pretended to accidentally fall off the Cliff, making us think the one who fell off the cliff was Mr. Hirai who went up the Mountain earlier for repairs. As for himself, after falling off the Cliff, he then threw Mr. Hirai down, and he himself ran back to the Office. But he really went all out, to cover up the Murder Method, he Actually jumped down the Cliff himself. If he wasn't Careful, the one who died would probably be him."
No…
Conan Pondered, looking towards the Cliff.
Uncle's Crime Process wasn't wrong, But Kondo Eiichiro didn't necessarily jump down the Cliff without any Preparation. Since it was a long-planned Murder, he must have used some Means to avoid the Possibility of 'failing to Murder and dying himself instead'.
"Huh?" Conan looked at the Cliff, Suddenly discovered there was a small Point faintly reflecting light on the Cliff Face below the Observation Deck, and quickly acted cute to remind them, "Uncle, Brother Chi, there seems to be something there…"
"Climbing Piton," Chi Feichei Said.
"Huh?" The Others looked at Chi Feichei in Astonishment.
"When I fell and was pulled by the Safety Rope, I looked downwards for a Glance. That Thing wasn't far below my Feet. It was a Climbing Piton used for Mountain Climbing, it had Already been nailed into the Cliff Face, and an Iron Chain was attached to it," Chi Feichei picked up a Tree Branch and squatted down, lightly drawing the Observation Deck, Cliff Face, and the Tree at the Foot of the Mountain on the Ground, and drew a Point below the Observation Deck, "This is the Location of the Climbing Piton. As Long As two Ropes are prepared In Advance, respectively passed through the rings of the Iron Chain on the Climbing Piton, one is pulled to the Tree at the Foot of the Mountain and tied securely, the other is pulled to the Observation Deck, and using the Climbing Safety Rope Technique, tied around one's Waist, when falling halfway down, the tightened Rope will stop the fall. Then, Mr. Kondo only needs to grab the other Rope tied to the Tree at the Foot of the Mountain, reach the Tree, then untie the two Ropes, and throw them beside Mr. Hirai's Corpse, and That's Enough."
Mori Kogoro looked towards the Ropes on the Ground, "Looking at it this Way, these are the two Ropes Mr. Kondo used. There are also Traces of knots having been tied on the Rope End. But, If he wore Gloves while preparing and jumping off the Cliff, and no Fingerprints or Skin Tissue were left on the Ropes, there's no Way to use it as Evidence of his Murder…"
"This must be the Tree he came down from," Haibara Ai stood below the Crooked-Neck Tree, looking up at the Tree, "There are fine small Points on the Tree Trunk, they should be left by the Shoe Spikes of Old-Style Climbing Shoes. Modern Climbing Shoes, Even If they don't leave Shoe Spikes, can still have good anti-slip Effect. Not many People wear this kind of Old-Style Climbing Shoes. Mr. Kondo happens to have a pair on his Feet. And there are Traces of Ropes rubbing on the Tree, which can also prove that Mr. Kondo Indeed tied Ropes on the Tree."
Conan looked towards that Tree, a flash of inspiration in his mind, completed the last Puzzle Piece, and acted cute to remind them, "Brother Chi, there's a Bird Nest on that Tree!"
Chi Feichei, "…"
Thank You, But No Need to treat him as Mori Kogoro.
"Hey hey," Mori Kogoro stared at Conan speechlessly, "What Time is it now, you're still looking at Bird Nests?"
Conan looked up and stared back at Mori Kogoro, with a serious Expression, "But I want to know what kind of Bird it is!"
"White-eye Bird," Chi Feichei glanced at the Bird Nest on the Tree, walked to Mr. Hirai's Corpse, and looked down at the White Silk-like Material on the side of the Corpse's Waist, "When white-eye birds build their nests, besides using Branches and Grass, they will also use Spider Silk to secure it. Mr. Kondo didn't push Mr. Hirai down Initially, Instead, he first placed Mr. Hirai on this Big Tree. After he got from the Cliff to the Tree, only then did he throw Mr. Hirai down from the Tree to his death. Doing this should be to avoid the Time he pretended to fall off the Cliff not matching Mr. Hirai's Time of Death. After All, he couldn't predict when we would arrive at the Observation Deck. If he killed Mr. Hirai too much In Advance, then the Autopsy would definitely reveal Problems. But, this Way, As Long As the Police test it, and Confirm that the Spider Silk stuck to the Corpse's Waist is consistent in composition with the Spider Silk from the white-eye bird Bird Nest on the Tree, it can prove that Mr. Hirai was placed on that Tree Before."
There is no Direct Evidence proving Kondo Eiichiro committed Murder, But these Circumstantial Evidence that can be Connect is also enough for the Police to file a Murder Case and Investigate.
"Then…" Mouri Ran looked left and right, Suddenly realized there seemed to be Nothing left to do, Stepped Forward and guarded Beside the fainted Kondo Eiichiro, "Next, we Just wait for the Police to Come Over!"
A Group of People began to wait silently.
Chi Feichei and Mori Kogoro walked Aside to Smoke.
Haibara Ai followed for a while, saw the White-eye Bird's Mother Bird return, and ran Under the Tree to watch the Mother Bird feed the little Birds.
Mouri Ran sat down on the Grassland, turned back and waved at Conan, "Conan, Whether or Not you want to Come Over and sit for a while?"
"Ah, okay…" Conan broke out in a sweat.
This Case Solving Pace is too fast, Isn't It? Now they are guarding the Corpse and the Criminal waiting for the Police to Come Over, Just like being on an outing…
Waited for a while, a rustling Sound came from the Shrubbery.
Mouri Ran turned her Head curiously, saw a yellow Wild Rabbit dart out, her Eyes lit up, "Ah, it's a Rabbit!"
Conan, Haibara Ai turned their Heads to Look, a certain Rabbit even twitched its Ears.
Mori Kogoro turned his Head, "Oh, it's a Wild Rabbit!"
Chi Feichei Staring at that Rabbit, Cookbooks started flashing in his mind, and he muttered in a low Voice, "Spicy Rabbit Head, Dry-Fried Rabbit Meat, Braised Wild Rabbit, Rabbit and Radish Stew, Cold Rabbit, Steamed Rabbit Meat with Rice Flour, Honey Herb Roasted Rabbit, Hand-Torn Sauce Rabbit Leg, Yam and Rabbit Soup…"
Mouri Ran, Haibara Ai, Mori Kogoro, Conan, and a certain Rabbit all looked at Chi Feichei simultaneously, their Eyes were filled only with Horror.
Seeing such a cute Rabbit, how could one…
"Gurgle…"
Mori Kogoro's Belly sounded an Alarm.
Conan, "…"
Such a cute Rabbit, seems to look very delicious?
End of Chapter
Chapter 775: Is He That Honest?
"Cough..." Mori Kogoro straightened up and coughed dryly, adjusting his expression. He was pondering what to say to ease the awkwardness when he suddenly saw the Rabbit turn around and dart into the Shrubbery. Anxious, he quickly chased after it, shouting, "Stop!"
"Father!" Mouri Ran quickly Got Up.
Haibara Ai glanced at Conan, who had already opened his Watch and was Aiming at the Shrubbery beside them. "Edogawa, what are you trying to do?"
Seeing Mouri Ran also Turn Head and Looked over, Conan closed the Watch Cover, Smilingly Acting Cute. "Um... I Just wanted to Check Whether my Watch was broken..."
(╥ω╥`)
Anyway, there's No Need to use Anesthesia on Uncle for Case Solving anymore. The Anesthetic Needle is just left over anyway, wouldn't it be nice to shoot a Rabbit?
But he didn't dare to say these words.
After A Bit, Kondo Eiichiro woke up, covering his Head and sat up. "Uh..."
Mouri Ran Turn Head and advised, "Mr. Kondo, you should wait for the Police to Come Over and actively Surrender to the Police!"
"You can't escape!" Mori Kogoro darted back and forth In the Forest, chasing the Rabbit.
Conan Looked at Kondo Eiichiro with a Glance, then Turn Head to Look Towards Mori Kogoro.
The Criminal Definitely couldn't escape. He was more concerned now Whether Uncle could catch that Rabbit.
His Spicy Rabbit Head, Dry-Fried Rabbit Meat, Braised Wild Rabbit, Rabbit and Radish Stew, Cold Rabbit, Steamed Rabbit Meat with Rice Flour, Honey Herb Roasted Rabbit, Hand-Torn Sauce Rabbit Leg, Yam and Rabbit Soup...
Relying on Uncle was completely unrealistic. Chi Feichei, this Fellow, also hadn't made any Action.
Just as Conan cast a Gaze of Help towards Chi Feichei, the Police also discovered that there was no one in the Office Down the Mountain and had also found their way In the Forest.
Seeing the Police Come Over, Kondo Eiichiro was still a Bit unwilling. He Got Up from the grass and said, "Hey, hey, you're treating me like this based on just one Sentence from me? That doesn't Seemingly right, does it?"
"But..." Mouri Ran saw Kondo Eiichiro's Appearance of refusing to admit anything. Subconsciously, she Looked Towards Mori Kogoro In the Forest, finding that Mori Kogoro was still focused on chasing the Rabbit. She then Looked Towards Chi Feichei, finding that Chi Feichei didn't even Give the Police and Kondo Eiichiro a direct Look. He stood Aside, watching Mori Kogoro catch the Rabbit, clearly indicating he wouldn't say any Reasoning in front of the Police.
Conan Go To Aside, Open the Watch Lid, Aiming at Mori Kogoro who was running around In the Forest. Seeing the Timing, he Subdued him with one Anesthetic Needle, sighing in his Heart.
With This Is, that cute Rabbit had completely gotten away from him...
Under the Reasoning of 'Sleeping Kogoro', and witnessed by two Police Officers, Kondo Eiichiro could no longer argue and knelt on the Ground.
"Damn it...!" Kondo Eiichiro, Staring at the Ground with an ugly Face, said, "You Don't Know how many prohibited Alpine Plants and Animals that Fellow Hirai took and sold at a High Price to the Unscrupulous Dealers at the Foot of the Mountain. Not long Before, in order to obtain Evidence, I and the Female Employee who died from falling off the Cliff a month ago started investigating and Surveillance his Actions. One Night, we personally Saw the Fact of his Crime. But, when I was arguing with him, I accidentally bumped into that Female Employee, causing her to fall off the Cliff and resulting in her Death..."
Chi Feichei glanced sideways: "..."
No, according to the usual Plot, shouldn't the Development here be 'Hirai killed that Female Employee to escape guilt, and I'm taking revenge for her'? 'I accidentally caused her to fall off the Cliff'? What the heck?
"Hirai kept blackmailing me Afterwards," Kondo Eiichiro knelt on the Ground. "That's why I decided to finish what I started... But, perhaps This Is the best Outcome. Only This Is can atone for the Sin of accidentally causing her Death..."
Haibara Ai Looked at Kondo Eiichiro, who was prostrate on the Ground. A trace of confusion flashed in her Eyes. She Looked Towards Chi Feichei beside her.
This bizarre and strange thought process almost made her unable to figure it out. She Didn't Know if Brother Hichiji had figured it out...
Chi Feichei was Silent for A Bit. "In short, he committed Murder Because he couldn't stand the blackmail."
So Many other Things he said were meaningless!
...
The Police took away Kondo Eiichiro.
Chi Feichei carried the still unconscious Mori Kogoro onto the Bus, making Preparation to head back Home with the others.
Originally, Little Tengu Mountain had three Administrators. One died a month ago, one died today, and one was arrested. They were completely wiped out.
There was no one else in the entire Scenic Area except the five of them. Without Administrators, continuing to play around Seemingly felt A Bit off. Moreover, this Scenic Area would Probably be closed for a period of Time, until the development company hired new Administrators.
In the Setting Sun, the Bus drove along the Mountain Path towards the City Area. Apart from the Driver, there were only five people on the Car, the Same as Before, deserted and quiet.
Mori Kogoro, who was snoring asleep in the last row, Suddenly woke up. He Turn Head and Looked Outside the window in a daze, his Eyes lit up. He pulled the Binoculars hanging around Conan's Neck and Looked Outside the window.
Conan, whose Neck was being strangled by the Binoculars Strap: "..."
This Is Murder, Uncle!
"Father, what did you See?" Mouri Ran asked in surprise. "Why..."
Chi Feichei and Haibara Ai, sitting in the second to last row, Turn Head to Look.
Mori Kogoro focused on Staring Outside the window with the Binoculars, a perverted smile gradually appearing on his Face.
Chi Feichei picked up the Binoculars he Found from his Backpack and Followed suit, Looked over.
A expanse of white backs...
Three young Girls bathing in the Open-Air Hot Spring without Clothes...
"Hahahahaha..." Mori Kogoro in the back row let out a string of strange laughter.
Once Seeing This Situation, Mouri Ran Suddenly Guessed the Reason. Her Face darkened slightly. She Step Forward and snatched the Binoculars from Mori Kogoro's Hand, Aiming them at the Car Window to Look out.
Conan, whose Neck was being strangled by the Binoculars Strap: "..."
Can you please take the Binoculars strap off his Neck first? He's going to be hanged...
As Mouri Ran Looked through the Binoculars, her Face slowly turned red. She gritted her Teeth, and her Fingers gradually tightened their grip. With a 'crack', a Crack appeared on the Binoculars.
In the row in front, Haibara Ai was A Bit Curious. She pulled Chi Feichei's Hem. "I want to Look too."
"No!" Mouri Ran's Reaction was very intense.
"Children can't Look." Chi Feichei put down the Binoculars with a Calm Face, having no Intention of Handing them Over To Haibara Ai.
"Uh-huh, Uh-huh!" Mouri Ran Nodded with a Serious Face, then Aimed a Danger Gaze at Mori Kogoro.
"Well..." Mori Kogoro felt flustered in his Heart. He Smilingly dryly waved his Hand. "I Just... uh..."
"What exactly were you Looking at Just Now, Father!" Mouri Ran Roared, her Face red.
Mori Kogoro, with a guilty conscience, said, "I Just happened to..."
"You were Looking at other people with Binoculars, and you call that by chance?" Mouri Ran angrily waved the Binoculars.
Mori Kogoro shrank back A Bit, lest he be Hammered by Mouri Ran. "I really did Just happen to See it!"
"You've even led Brother Hichiji astray, you perverted Old Man!" Mouri Ran continued angrily. "Even If it's Brother Hichiji, what will happen If Conan thinks it's interesting and Follows suit to sneak a Look?!"
"You Stubborn Daughter!"
"Is that so? If Mother finds out, I Don't Know what she'll Say Again!"
Listening to the noise from the back row, Haibara Ai propped her Face with her Right Hand on the Seat Handrail. She Looked Towards Chi Feichei, who had resumed his proper sitting Appearance, with a blank expression. "What exactly did you See Just Now? Young and pretty Girls?"
Conan, sitting beside Mori Kogoro, gave him Half-Moon Eyes and thought "heh heh" in his Heart.
Most likely not anything related to Health...
Chi Feichei, with a Calm Face, said, "Three young and pretty Girls without Clothes bathing in the Open-Air Hot Spring."
Haibara Ai froze for A Bit, then awkwardly Turn Head and averted her Line of Sight.
(///ˊˋ///)
Is Brother Hichiji that honest...
Conan: "..."
Uncle and Chi Feichei are really... Too Excessive!
Mouri Ran was Stunned by Chi Feichei's Calm Attitude. She choked for A Bit, then Turn Head to Stare at Mori Kogoro. "It's all your fault, Father! As a Teacher, you're not setting a good role model. Leading Brother Hichiji to drink is one Thing, but you even took him to sneak a Look!"
Looking at Brother Hichiji's Appearance, he didn't have any evil thoughts at all. So, it's still that perverted Old Man's Responsibility!
"Hey, hey, Tell me clearly," Mori Kogoro retorted, not convinced. "What's wrong with me as a Teacher?"
...
The argument continued all the way. The Outcome was that by the Time they ate Dinner, the Father and Daughter would occasionally look at each other, but then turn their Heads away with a cold snort.
Conan ate Rice with his Head down. No Spicy Rabbit Head, but Stir-Fried 'Fly Heads' is also Good.
Haibara Ai and Chi Feichei also ignored the Father and Daughter's Conflict and ate Rice unhurriedly.
"Ding-a-ling..."
The Landline Phone rang.
"Okay, Okay," Mori Kogoro seized the opportunity to propose a reconciliation. "Stop Sulking, and quickly Go and answer the Phone Call!"
Mouri Ran put down her Dishes, glared at Mori Kogoro with a Glance, and Got Up to answer the Phone Call.
If Not for Thinking that Brother Hichiji, Conan, and Ai would be awkward if this continued, she wouldn't Compromise with that Slothful Old Man!
"Hello, this is the Mori Detective Agency. How can I Help you?" Mouri Ran answered the Phone Call. After listening for A Bit, she Turn Head and Said to Mori Kogoro, "Father, it's for you!"
"Who would be looking for me at This Time..." Mori Kogoro muttered as he Got Up to answer the Phone Call. "Hello, this is Mori Kogoro... Oh! It's Kuroki. Is Master Seizan's Body doing well Recently?... Uh, is that so? Okay, I See. I'm free Recently, so let's make it Tomorrow. We'll take the Train at 1 PM Tomorrow... Ah, I might bring Others Go Together... Not at all, we're the ones causing you Troublesome! ... Okay, then I'll See you at the Station Tomorrow!"
Mouri Ran waited until Mori Kogoro hung up the Phone Call before asking, "Father, What happened?"
"It's about Master Seizan, the Painter famous for his Sketch," Mori Kogoro Go To the Dining Table and sat down, explaining with a solemn Expression. "The Phone Call Just Now was from his Disciple Mr. Kuroki Jiro. When I was a Police Officer, I once Handled a Burglary case and got to know Master Seizan and Kuroki. Master Seizan is a very strong-willed person who cares about Face, but he's very Polite and Enthusiastic towards me. We've been friends through drinking for So Many years. Kuroki Just Now said that Master Seizan has fallen into a slump, and This Time it Seemingly very Serious. He Already hasn't had any new Work for a long Time, and there are Seemingly Signs of suicidal thoughts. He wants to Request me to Go and Check on him under the Reason of passing by for Tourism and visiting By the Way. If possible, he wants me to try and guide Master Seizan."
"That Master Seemingly Already 70 years old, right?" Conan asked.
Mori Kogoro Nodded, his Expression still not showing Relaxation. "Yes."
Seeing Mori Kogoro so solemn, Haibara Ai was A Bit unaccustomed to it. She tried to Help with the Analysis. "Perhaps he hasn't had much Inspiration Recently, which led to a bad Mood. And a bad Mood makes it even harder to get Inspiration, falling into a Malignant Cycle."
"That's a Possibility. Anyway, I promised to Go to Kanagawa Prefecture Tomorrow to Check. You'll Know when you Check then," Mori Kogoro's Serious Face collapsed in a second. Looking at Chi Feichei, Haibara Ai, and Conan across the Dining Table, he laughed heartily, "Alright, if you want to See my Work as a Famous Detective, you can sign up Now!"
Conan gave him Half-Moon Eyes, heh heh. That Uncle is Indeed the Same as Before.
Haibara Ai Turn Head and asked Chi Feichei, "Brother Hichiji, do you have any Intention of Going to Check?"
Chi Feichei Nodded. "I haven't had much to do Recently."
"Okay, it's rare for you to be so leisurely Recently," Haibara Ai Said casually. "Then I'll also sign up for the Kanagawa Tour Group."
Mori Kogoro Speechless corrected, "Hey, hey, I'm Going to Work..."
"Then let's Go Together!"
Mouri Ran Smilingly Interrupted, "I heard Master Seizan is someone who likes a leisurely life. His Residence has a quiet Environment, it's a good Place for Relaxation. Maybe we Still Can admire Master Seizan's Paintings from Previously."
(End of Chapter)