Sonoko's hands moved like the wind, quickly engaging Shinichi in a physical scuffle.
Of course, it was a beating in the most literal sense.
Because of Ran's favoritism, still tugging at Shinichi's ear, Shinichi was scratched several times by Sonoko, left utterly overwhelmed.
Finally, Ran took pity and released Shinichi, allowing him to escape further torment.
Even so, Sonoko emerged triumphant, smirking proudly at Shinichi.
"That hurts, Sonoko, you busybody…"
Though Shinichi lost the physical fight, he refused to lose the verbal one, grumbling defiantly.
Sonoko, having gotten the upper hand, didn't stoop to his level. After all, they were friends, and she knew exactly what Shinichi was like.
Having won the physical battle, she was fine letting Shinichi have a little verbal victory.
Besides, as a refined young lady, she wouldn't lower herself to bicker with him on the street.
That would only put Ran in an awkward spot.
As her best friend, how could Sonoko make things difficult for her?
Ran shared a similar sentiment, swiftly cutting off Shinichi's grumbling.
"Alright, Shinichi, Sonoko didn't mean it. Let's drop it. First, let me introduce you to your saviors."
Hearing this, Shinichi promptly shut his mouth.
Ran pointed to Morpheus and Nanami, saying, "This is Nanami Aoyama, who just rescued you from the kidnappers. And this is Morpheus, the god Nanami reveres."
"A god?" Shinichi instinctively glanced at Morpheus, sizing him up.
This world was a chaotic mess, filled with all sorts of things.
But a god? That was something he'd never seen.
Was this bystander teen really a god?
Shinichi didn't argue, but he was skeptical. As a detective, he believed only in evidence, not in fanciful legends.
Even though the words came from his childhood friend Ran, he'd rather believe Ran was deceived than accept a god standing before him.
It was just too absurd.
Morpheus saw through Shinichi's skepticism but didn't care. He knew exactly what kind of person Shinichi was.
Having watched hundreds of episodes of Detective Conan, how could he not understand Shinichi's personality?
Unless you shoved undeniable evidence in his face, Shinichi would doubt everything.
It wasn't just Shinichi's flaw.
It was a flaw of all detectives.
Morpheus couldn't be bothered to perform for Shinichi, so he ignored the detective's doubtful expression, giving a casual nod to brush him off.
Ran also noticed Shinichi's skepticism but knew it was just his nature, leaving her exasperated.
She shot him a glare, urging, "Shinichi, hurry up and thank them."
Though Shinichi doubted Morpheus's identity, he was sincere in his gratitude.
He bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle to Morpheus and Nanami, saying loudly, "Thank you for saving me. If you ever need anything in the future, just come to me, and I won't hesitate to help."
Nanami quickly waved her hands. "Please, don't do that. Ran and I are friends—it's only natural I'd help you."
Shinichi insisted, "Even so, I'm incredibly grateful. If it weren't for you, I might've been done for."
"Truly, thank you."
During his kidnapping, he'd overheard the kidnappers clearly: once the ransom was paid, they planned to kill him.
These kidnappers were clearly out to get revenge on his father, Yusaku Kudo.
They had no intention of letting him live.
And they were highly professional, leaving him no chance to escape.
At the time, Shinichi thought he was doomed, never expecting to be rescued.
This was nothing short of a life-saving debt.
So, he was genuinely grateful to Nanami and Morpheus.
Nanami, helpless, accepted Shinichi's thanks.
Then, Shinichi asked how Nanami had managed to save him from the kidnappers.
He was too curious. Nanami seemed like an ordinary high schooler—what ability did she have to rescue him from professionals?
Nanami, being honest, told the truth.
Shinichi's eyes lit up after hearing her explanation. "So, you're saying you rescued me without alerting the kidnappers, and they still don't know I'm gone?"
Nanami nodded.
Shinichi clenched his fist in excitement. "That's perfect. Ran, let me borrow your phone."
Ran handed it over.
Shinichi took the phone and immediately called Inspector Megure.
About ten minutes later, Inspector Megure arrived with a dozen officers.
Among them were the ever-lucky Takagi Wataru and the pride of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police, Sato Miwako.
"Kudo, you're alright—thank goodness."
Seeing Shinichi safe and sound, Inspector Megure was deeply relieved. He'd been frantic when he heard Shinichi had been kidnapped.
This kid couldn't afford to get hurt.
If anything happened to him, Megure's position as inspector would be in jeopardy.
After all, Shinichi was far too famous.
If he died, Megure's career would be over, possibly demoted to the bottom.
So, seeing Shinichi safe now, Inspector Megure was genuinely thrilled.
Shinichi waved a hand. "Now's not the time for catching up. The kidnappers who took me are in that house. There are three of them, all highly professional."
"Not only are they agile, but they're armed with guns."
"Are the people you brought really up to this?"
It wasn't that Shinichi doubted the police's abilities, but these kidnappers were just too formidable.
Ordinary officers couldn't handle them.
A few officers bristled at Shinichi's comment but stayed silent. Only Sato Miwako stepped forward, exuding confidence.
"No matter how strong the enemy is, we'll apprehend them and bring them to justice."
Though her determination was admirable, Shinichi wasn't optimistic about her chances.
Inspector Megure, aware of this, said, "Don't worry, Kudo. I've called for backup. They'll be here soon, and with them, it'll be fine."
"Backup? What backup?" Shinichi asked curiously.
Just then, a wobbly figure approached from the distance.
***
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