The luxury limousine pulled up smoothly in front of the Kudo Mansion. Shinichi Kudo was already waiting at the entrance, hands in his pockets and a look of slight impatience on his face. As the car came to a halt and he prepared to step forward, his gaze caught the scene in the back seat through the window—Ran and Kanjuro were sitting side-by-side, very close to each other. Sunlight filtered through the glass and bathed them in its glow, creating an indescribable sense of... harmony?
Shinichi's brow furrowed instantly. He pulled open the car door, intending to sit naturally next to Ran, only to find that the seat beside her was already occupied by Kanjuro, leaving only the window seat on Kanjuro's other side vacant. His face darkened, and he could only crawl in sullenly, slamming the door shut and sitting down next to Kanjuro.
The atmosphere inside the car became stifling. Shinichi could clearly see the faint, indifferent smile on the corner of Kanjuro's mouth beside him, as well as Ran's profile, which seemed exceptionally relaxed due to Kanjuro's presence. This realization made his chest tighten with frustration.
He took a deep breath to suppress his displeasure, turned his head, and looked sharply at Kanjuro. In a volume only the two of them could hear, he spoke in a cold voice laced with undisguised warning:
"Kanjuro, I don't care what your goal is, you'd better be smart and stay away from Ran and Sonoko. If I find out you're doing anything illegal or hurting them, I will absolutely, positively not let you get away with it."
His voice was kept very low, but the determination and hostility within it were unmistakable.
Upon hearing this, Kanjuro did not get angry. Instead, he turned his head and gave Shinichi Kudo a perfect smile—one filled with a touch of helplessness and tolerance—as he responded warmly:
"Classmate Kudo, it seems you really have a prejudice against me. I'm just out for an excursion at the invitation of Sonoko and Ran. Is spending a weekend with friends such a suspicious thing?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Ran, sitting on the other side, caught the low murmurs. She immediately turned her head and looked at Shinichi Kudo with dissatisfaction, her tone defensive:
"Shinichi! There you go again! I told you Brother Kanjuro isn't a bad person. Stop always saying such groundless, suspicious things! It's very rude!"
Seeing Ran defend Kanjuro so urgently, Shinichi felt a surge of nameless fire rush to his head. He gritted his teeth, his agitation and ignored concern making him reckless with his words. He no longer lowered his voice, but spoke with blatant sarcasm, his eyes locked onto Kanjuro as he enunciated every word:
"Prejudice? Kanjuro, you don't think I'd easily forget those murky cases you're involved in, do you?"
He paused deliberately, observing Kanjuro's reaction, before dropping a bombshell:
"The School Trip, that Elementary School Camp Incident where everyone except Tsurumi Rumi died mysteriously... and even further back, eighteen years ago, the mysterious case of the Research Institute beneath the Sobu High School Old School Building where unspeakable rituals were rumored to take place... I've heard quite a bit about these."
His eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, trying to find a single flaw on Kanjuro's face.
"Don't let me find evidence connecting you to the truth of these events. Otherwise..."
The smile remained on Kanjuro's face, but a trace of extreme coldness flashed deep in his eyes. He was just about to speak, perhaps to counter with more sophisticated words or to continue playing the innocent part quietly.
"Shinichi Kudo! Shut up!"
Sonoko, in the driver's seat, slammed on the brakes. The car jerked slightly as she turned back furiously, glaring at Shinichi Kudo:
"You've been saying these depressing things since you got in! We're out to have fun today! If you're going to keep being paranoid and ruining the mood, get out of the car right now! You're not welcome!"
Her tone was decisive and blunt.
Ran also reached out immediately, gently squeezing the back of Kanjuro's hand on his knee as if to comfort him. She looked up at Kanjuro, her eyes clear and steady, her voice soft yet full of strength:
"Brother Kanjuro, don't mind what Shinichi says. I believe you; I believe you're innocent. Those things definitely have nothing to do with you."
Her palm was warm, conveying unreserved trust.
Feeling the warmth on the back of his hand and seeing Ran's trusting eyes, the smile on Kanjuro's face seemed to become a bit more genuine. He turned his hand over and gently patted the back of hers, saying softly, "Thank you, Ran. A clear conscience fears no false accusations. I'm fine."
He presented himself with such magnanimity and tolerance, forming a sharp contrast with Shinichi Kudo's aggressiveness.
Shinichi Kudo watched the scene before him—Sonoko's scolding, Ran's defense and intimate contact with Kanjuro, and Kanjuro's display of being wronged yet strong and patient—and he was so angry he felt like he might explode, yet he was helpless. He slumped back against the seat, crossed his arms, and stared out the window with a grim face, not saying another word.
An awkward silence fell over the car, with only the roar of the engine audible. The road to the park seemed to grow longer and more volatile because of this interlude. In a corner where no one could see, the corner of Kanjuro's mouth curled into an almost imperceptible, cold arc. Shinichi Kudo's hostility and investigation didn't make him feel threatened; instead, it made the game much more interesting. The four arrived at the famous Roller Coaster attraction, where the crowds were bustling and full of laughter. Kanjuro looked at the three people beside him, each with different expressions, and a calculating glint flashed in his eyes.
He suddenly stopped and smiled warmly at Sonoko and Ran. "Sonoko, there seems to be a new limited-edition ice cream over there. Why don't we go buy some and try it? We'll leave the task of waiting in line to Shinichi and Ran." He subtly paired Ran and Shinichi together.
Hearing there was something delicious, Sonoko immediately responded enthusiastically, "Great idea! Ran, you and Kudo wait in line first, we'll be right back!" Without a second thought, she happily pulled Kanjuro toward the snack stalls.
Ran opened her mouth to say something, but seeing Kanjuro and Sonoko walking away and looking at the still-sullen Shinichi beside her, she ultimately swallowed her words and silently stood in the queue.
Shinichi watched as Kanjuro easily led Sonoko away and deliberately created a moment for him to be "alone" with Ran. His suspicions deepened, but he held back, intending to see exactly what kind of trick Kanjuro was trying to play.
However, the time alone for these childhood friends was not pleasant. Silence stretched between them until Shinichi finally spoke, his tone still filled with dissatisfaction: "Ran, don't you think Kanjuro is suspicious? He clearly did that on purpose just now..."
"Shinichi!" Ran interrupted him, her brow furrowing slightly. "Why do you always have to think the worst of Brother Kanjuro? He was just being kind enough to go get ice cream so we wouldn't have to stand around waiting for nothing. You're overthinking it!"
"I'm overthinking it?" Shinichi was exasperated. "The way he looks at you, the way he talks, and the timing of his appearance—everything is too coincidental! Ran, wake up!"
"I am awake!" Ran's voice also rose with anger. "You're the one who isn't! You're just full of hostility toward someone because of your groundless suspicions! Brother Kanjuro is very good to me, very gentle, and very respectful! He even... even tried to set us up!" By the end, her voice dropped, carrying a hint of grievance she hadn't even noticed.
"Set us up?" Shinichi felt like he was hearing a joke. "That was a total 'retreat to advance' tactic! He's trying to win your favor and sympathy! Ran, can't you feel it?"
"I can't feel it! I only feel your malice toward him!" Ran turned her head away, not wanting to look at him anymore. The atmosphere between them dropped to freezing point... Meanwhile, at the snack stall.
Kanjuro and Sonoko stood side-by-side. He carefully ordered the flavors he thought Sonoko might like and then thoughtfully took the ice cream and handed it to her. As Sonoko ate the cool, sweet ice cream and looked at Kanjuro's handsome profile and gentle expression, she felt as light as a cloud in the sky.
"Brother Kanjuro, you should try mine too. This flavor is su—per delicious!" Sonoko scooped a spoonful and instinctively held it up to Kanjuro's mouth, the movement so natural it seemed rehearsed a thousand times.
Kanjuro was slightly taken aback, looking at Sonoko's bright, expectant eyes. He then followed her lead, lowering his head to eat the spoonful of ice cream from her hand before nodding with a smile. "Mmm, it is indeed delicious."
This act of an indirect kiss made Sonoko's face flush instantly, her heart racing like a startled deer. The atmosphere became ambiguous in an instant. The two shared the treat and chatted easily. Kanjuro occasionally helped Sonoko wipe away the cream from the corner of her mouth, and Sonoko excitedly fed Kanjuro bits she found tasty. They looked inseparable, like a couple in the throes of a passionate romance.
Driven by an impulse and the sweet atmosphere surrounding them, when Kanjuro lowered his head again to taste the food she offered, Sonoko looked at his close, handsome face and his smiling lips. In a moment of heat, she actually stood on her tiptoes and quickly, gently pressed a kiss onto those lips!
Time seemed to stand still for a moment.
Kanjuro also seemed stunned for a second, but he didn't push Sonoko away. Instead, after a brief pause, he responded gently to this innocent kiss. Though it was only a shallow contact, it was enough to make all the blood in Sonoko's body rush to her head.
When the kiss ended, Sonoko suddenly took a step back, covering her burning face with her hands, so embarrassed she wanted to crawl into a hole. "I, I... I'm sorry, Brother Kanjuro! I, I don't know what came over me..." She was incoherent and completely at a loss, feeling both shy and afraid that Kanjuro would think she was too frivolous.
However, Kanjuro wasn't angry. Seeing Sonoko's embarrassed and cute appearance, he instead let out a low laugh, one that was pleasant and magnetic. He reached out and gently ruffled Sonoko's hair, his tone carrying an unprecedented intimacy and a hint of doting:
"It's okay, Sonoko."
"It turns out... Sonoko is so cute."
These words of praise and tolerance acted like the most effective sedative, instantly calming Sonoko's panic. She lowered her hands and looked up at Kanjuro's gentle, smiling face, overwhelmed by a massive sense of joy and sweetness. She felt so happy she was about to faint!
(Brother Kanjuro... he doesn't hate me! He said I'm cute!)
She broke into a brilliant smile again, her previous shyness turning into deeper infatuation. As for Kanjuro, looking at the young girl completely immersed in his charm, there was a calm sense of control deep in his eyes. Shinichi Kudo's argument with Ran, Sonoko's involuntary kiss... everything was proceeding steadily along the tracks he had pre-set. The four of them boarded the Roller Coaster, each with their own thoughts. Shinichi Kudo was still stony-faced, Ran was lost in thought looking out the window, and Sonoko was immersed in the sweet afterglow of the kiss, occasionally peeking at the composed Kanjuro beside her.
However, just as the Roller Coaster climbed to its highest point and was about to plunge down for that ultimate thrill, a sudden change occurred!
A short, shrill scream came from ahead, followed by the terrified shrieks and commotion of the passengers! When the train slowly pulled back into the station, the scene before them made everyone's skin crawl—the head of a male passenger in the front row had vanished, blood staining the seats and the track, while the headless corpse remained stiffly in its sitting position!
"Ahhh!!!" Witnessing this horrific sight from such a close distance, Sonoko and Ran screamed simultaneously.
Shinichi Kudo pulled himself out of his personal emotions almost instantly, his gaze becoming incredibly sharp. He dashed forward and shouted loudly, "Nobody move! Protect the scene!" He began to quickly observe the surroundings, searching for any possible clues.
The scene was in chaos as panic spread through the crowd. Although Ran also practiced karate and wasn't lacking in courage, her face couldn't help but turn pale and her body trembled slightly in the face of such a bloody and bizarre scene.
As for Kanjuro, amidst the initial confusion, his eyes keenly caught two figures sitting several rows behind them, who were now taking advantage of the commotion to leave the scene low-key—two men dressed in black, wearing fedoras, and exuding a cold aura.
(Gin... Vodka...)
(As expected, according to the 'plot', they appeared here.)
(What an... interesting coincidence.)
Kanjuro sneered inwardly. He didn't feel much fear toward the headless corpse before him; instead, he felt this sudden murder was like a drama tailored specifically for him to test human nature.
His gaze swept over the two trembling girls beside him. Sonoko seemed quite frightened, her hands tightly covering her eyes. But through the gaps in her fingers, she saw Kanjuro looking at her and immediately seemed to find her pillar of support. With a sob, she whimpered even more exaggeratedly, "Wuu... so scary... Brother Kanjuro... I'm so scared..."
As she spoke, she leaned into Kanjuro's arms as if she couldn't stand steadily.
Kanjuro immediately understood her intention. A flash of realization crossed his eyes, and he cooperatively opened his arms, gently pulling Sonoko into his embrace. He patted her back, his voice so gentle it could practically drip water, "Don't be afraid, Sonoko. It's alright now, I'm here. Close your eyes and don't look."
His comforting was focused and considerate, as if the entire world consisted only of Sonoko in his arms.
Ran, who had been left to the side, felt a surge of indescribable bitterness and loss as she watched this scene. She was also frightened, her face pale, and she needed comfort too. She subconsciously looked at Kanjuro, hoping to receive the same gentle care he had shown her in the past.
However, Kanjuro's attention seemed completely captured by Sonoko, who "needed protection more." He didn't even look back at her, focusing only on patting Sonoko's back and whispering comforts.
(Brother Kanjuro...)
(Is he... is he only concerned with comforting Sonoko?)
(I'm very scared too...)
A feeling of being ignored and neglected, mixed with the discomfort of the bloody scene, made Ran's heart tighten. She looked at Kanjuro and Sonoko embracing tightly, and saw the corner of Sonoko's mouth, which seemed to be secretly upturned while buried in Kanjuro's chest. A nameless sense of grievance and... a hint of jealousy she didn't want to admit even to herself quietly rose in her heart.
Shinichi Kudo was busy investigating the scene, trying to find the real culprit, and for a moment had no time to worry about Ran's state.
Ran stood alone, surrounded by the panicked crowd and the cold corpse. Watching Kanjuro's back as he tenderly protected Sonoko, she felt a chill rise from the bottom of her heart, making her feel worse than seeing the headless body. She began to doubt if Brother Kanjuro's previous kindness and "sibling-like" care were... actually not as special or unique as she had imagined?
Out of the corner of his eye, Kanjuro glimpsed the look of loss, confusion, and hurt on Ran's face. His heart remained untroubled, even feeling a coldness that his plan was proceeding smoothly. He had successfully used this accident to further drive a wedge into Ran's pure trust in him and deepen his importance in Sonoko's heart.
This murder case on the Roller Coaster not only revealed a tip of the iceberg of the Black Organization but also became a catalyst stirring the emotional vortex between the several people.
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