Compared to the others, who had gone from mourning to confusion, Fujino's gaze remained clear and perceptive.
Of course, not the foolish clarity of a university student.
It was the insight of someone who had read the script.
"If I remembered correctly, the Kudo Shinichi in front of us wasn't Kudo Shinichi, but Fake Kudo, someone who had undergone plastic surgery to become Kudo Shinichi."
"His goal should have been to smear Kudo Shinichi's name."
"Hachiko should be trapped by some imprisonment play he pulled on her right now."
"But it wasn't a big problem. That corgi-sized body of hers would be able to get out soon."
"Mm, I'd get to watch another round of the real and fake Hachiko storyline."
Fujino watched the location beacon for a certain Hachiko flicker repeatedly above his glasses as he thought this.
The villagers, however, had completely different thoughts.
They harbored deep hostility toward this Washing Machine.
After realizing that the person they had rescued was actually their enemy, they immediately felt disgusted.
"Huh? This guy is Kudo Shinichi?"
"What a waste of effort. Why did we save a beast like this?"
"If we'd known, we never should've bothered!"
"It would've been better if he'd died!"
"Hey, what kind of thing is that to say?!"
"Enough, Heiji..."
Hearing the villagers talk about his best friend like that, Hattori Heiji immediately flew into a rage. Kazuha had to talk him down before he finally let it go.
At that moment, the Kudo Shinichi sitting on the ground spoke. "Um, could someone give me some clothes? I don't think I'm wearing anything."
"Tch."
Fujino looked at the Kudo Shinichi sitting on the ground, clicked his tongue, and silently marveled at how ruthless this guy had been to himself for the sake of impersonating Kudo Shinichi.