"Red bean paste, you Marseille!" Inspector Samezaki and Officer Sato bowed, apologizing.
"What's the point of telling me?" Manager Odagiri snapped. "Hayashi Shuichi's live interview saved us. Reporters couldn't stir trouble. Next time, don't let detectives outshine you!"
"Yes!" they nodded.
"Is Hayashi interested in becoming a detective?" Odagiri asked. "Recruit him to the First Investigation Division, and I'd worry less."
"I asked," Samezaki said. "He wants an easy civil servant job. If he fails the exam, he might consider detective work."
"He's young; minds change," Odagiri smiled. "Stay close, build a rapport. Even if he doesn't join, he could consult."
"Sir," Samezaki hesitated, "Hayashi's parents died years ago. He's adopted, works at an izakaya, likely strapped for cash. Maybe…"
"A subsidy?" Odagiri frowned. "Tricky."
"Why not hire him now as an investigative consultant?" Samezaki suggested.
"I'll try," Odagiri said. "Convincing the brass to hire a minor won't be easy."
Teitan High School Gate
Hayashi Shuichi wrapped up his case report. "In future investigations, I'll work with the Metropolitan Police to protect Tokyo and bring criminals to justice. Sorry, class starts soon!"
He slipped through the reporters, darting into school toward the classroom.
"Shuichi!" Kogoro and Eri caught up.
"What?" Hayashi asked, still wearing his polished smile.
"Stop that smile," Eri grimaced. "It's creepy."
"Haven't done it in a while," Hayashi said, rubbing his stiff face, reverting to normal.
"Why give the Investigation Division all the credit?" Kogoro asked. "They did nothing yesterday."
"Call them useless with the reporters?" Hayashi countered. "They can't touch the press but can hassle us. I don't need trouble. Plus, being a 'genius detective' means what? Dropping out to sleuth? And offending Samezaki would hurt your First Investigation Division dreams."
Convinced, Kogoro hugged him. "You're my brother, Shuichi!"
Yukiko, trailing behind, muttered, "Hypocrite." Still reeling from her shaken confidence, she disliked Hayashi. "Hey!" she called. "We agreed: I distract the reporters, you tell me about the gym case and your other solved cases. It's not my fault they came back!"
"I won't break my word," Hayashi nodded.
Yukiko's mood lifted slightly.
Morning classes were a gauntlet of stares and questions. Hayashi, though reserved, answered to avoid isolation. Eri did the same. Kogoro, initially quiet about the judo club, couldn't resist the attention. He bragged wildly about Hayashi spotting the killer instantly and his own heroic tackle of Hoshino.
"You don't know, after Shuichi named the killer, Hoshino grabbed Inspector Megure. I rushed in…" Kogoro boasted at the podium.
During lunch break, Eri went to the bathroom. Hayashi, tired of classmates' questions, planned to eat quietly with her later. Yukiko approached his desk. "Forgot our deal? Planning to back out?"
"Kogoro's telling it now," Hayashi pointed.
"His story's nonsense," Yukiko scoffed. "I want the real version."
"Fine," Hayashi sighed.
"Follow me. I know a quiet spot at noon," Yukiko said, grabbing her lunch and leading.
With Eri still gone, Hayashi followed Yukiko.
Three minutes later, Eri returned. "Shuichi, let's eat…" She stopped, seeing his empty seat. Scanning the room, she asked Kogoro, mid-speech, "Where's Shuichi?"
"Not at his desk," Kogoro said. "He was just here…"
"He left with Fujimine-san," a classmate said.
Eri's heart skipped, but she thanked them calmly and returned to her seat. Kogoro, unbothered, kept bragging.