60: Chapter 60: The Soccer Player Intimidation Incident

[Plagiarism Scandal Author Ikeda Chikako Admitted to Aoyama Mental Hospital!]

[Author Ikeda Chikako Currently Undergoing New Electroconvulsive Therapy Introduced by Famous Psychiatrist Dr. Fukuyama...]

["The Blue Kingdom" Pulled from All Theaters Due to Screenwriter Ikeda Chikako's Plagiarism Issues.]

[High School Detective Fujino Douji Solves Another Baffling Case! What is the Relationship Between the Junior Detective League and Fujino?]

[With Kudo Shinichi Missing, Will Fujino Douji Become the New Sherlock Holmes of the Heisei Era?]

[Metropolitan Police Detective Suffers Fractured Arm While Apprehending Suspect; Amidst Rising Crime Rates, Should Police Welfare Benefits Be Increased...?]

"Sent to a mental hospital already?"

The next morning, Fujino sat on his sofa, scanning the day's newspapers. He couldn't help but sigh. "Those companies sure work fast."

Following the plagiarism scandal, amidst public outcry, "The Blue Kingdom" was pulled from theaters nationwide.

The production company suffered heavy financial losses and significant damage to its reputation.

To prevent further negative impact, they swiftly cut all ties with Ikeda Chikako and had her committed.

"But hold on," Fujino frowned, rereading a line.

"Aoyama Mental Hospital... and that electroconvulsive therapy... why does that sound familiar?"

"Lightning Saint Fukuyama Shimei?" (Reference to a character known for using electroshock therapy.)

Looks like Ikeda Chikako was in for a rough time.

Shaking his head, Fujino checked his phone. September 12th.

"How is the timeline messed up again?!" he complained. After a moment, he changed into his school uniform and hurried off to Teitan High.

Teitan High School Parking Lot.

"Hey, Fujino!"

Just as Fujino opened his car door, a familiar female voice called out.

He looked up to see Hiratsuka Shizuka getting out of a sleek red Aston Martin, waving him over.

"Hiratsuka-sensei?"

Fujino watched her approach, surprised. Then his gaze drifted to the red sports car behind her, and his mouth twitched. Seriously? An Aston Martin? Don't tell me this violent beauty is also loaded?

"So, was the commission handled?"

"Yeah, all done," Fujino nodded as Shizuka reached him. "That case took longer than expected." He paused, then added sincerely, "Couldn't have finished it so quickly without the leave you approved for me. Thanks."

"Hehe, no need for thanks," Shizuka waved dismissively. "Just treat me to ramen next time."

"Ramen?" Fujino raised an eyebrow. Then again, that did seem to fit her style.

"Next time, definitely."

Class 2-B Classroom.

"Fujino-senpai! Are you going to the Teitan University festival tomorrow?"

Fujino had just settled into his usual seat by the back window when Sonoko immediately rushed over, asking excitedly.

"Teitan University festival?" Fujino asked, unfamiliar with the event.

"Senpai, you don't know?" Sonoko looked surprised.

"Everyone in class has been talking about it."

"Fujino-senpai hasn't been to school for the past few days. It's normal he wouldn't know."

"Oh, right," Sonoko scratched her head sheepishly.

"So, what's this festival about?"

"Basically, it's just a really lively event..." Sonoko explained vaguely.

"I heard there's a pretty good mystery play being performed... Ran and I are going. Wondering if you wanted to come along, Fujino-senpai."

"A mystery play?" Fujino's interest piqued.

"Alright, sure. I'll check it out... mystery plays sound interesting."

Hmm, it wasn't really about hanging out with two cute high school girls for a relaxing day. Mostly, he wanted to see Conan and the Detective Boys potentially make fools of themselves on stage.

Evening that day.

After a full day of classes (and minimal proficiency gain), Fujino drove home and parked in the underground garage on the first floor. As he reached the fourth floor via the stairs, he saw a girl standing outside his apartment door.

She looked about sixteen or seventeen, wearing a white sailor uniform, with short black hair. She seemed anxious, clearly waiting for him.

"A sailor uniform?" Fujino observed, puzzled. "From Beika High?"

The girl turned at the sound of his approach. Seeing Fujino, she asked urgently,

"Excuse me, are you the high school detective, Fujino Douji?"

"I am..." Fujino frowned slightly.

"May I ask why you're waiting outside my apartment, miss?"

Usually, his ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠clients were adults. He rarely encountered high school girls seeking his services. His client base mostly came through referrals; walk-ins were rare. Strange, thinking about it, my business model feels kinda weird...

"Oh, thank goodness I found you!" The girl visibly relaxed upon confirming his identity. "There's something I desperately need your help with!"

Once invited into the reception room, the girl explained her purpose.

Her name was Naota Ryoko, a first-year student at Beika High.

She needed Fujino's help finding Akagi Mamoru, the younger brother of the famous soccer star Akagi Hideo.

Mamoru, an elementary school student, had been kidnapped.

Hearing her description, Fujino instantly recalled the case... Ah, the Soccer Player Intimidation Incident.

[New Detective Profession Task detected. Please check.]

The familiar system prompt chimed in his ear. Fujino paused, then opened the interface. A new task appeared:

[Detective Profession Task: Soccer Player Intimidation Incident]

Objective: Rescue the kidnapped child.

Reward: 250,000 Yen Bounty, +100 Detective Reputation.

"So, let me get this straight," Fujino confirmed,

"kidnappers took Akagi Hideo's younger brother to force him to lose the upcoming Big Osaka vs. Tokyo Spirits J-League final?" (Correcting the event based on the typical case details).

"Yes! That's right!" Naota Ryoko nodded frantically, pulling out a threatening letter and handing it to Fujino.

"If Hideo doesn't lose the match, the kidnappers will kill Mamoru!"

"Usually, kidnappers demand money... but this is just about forcing Akagi Hideo to lose..." Fujino examined the letter, his expression serious.

"If I'm not mistaken, this kidnapping was specifically planned to target Akagi Hideo."