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Fujino remembered Hattori Shizuka, who was Hattori Heiji's mother. In fact, he recognized her at first glance when they met.

It's just that the son is so dark-skinned, while the mother is fair-skinned and clean-cut... that's really a bit hard to believe.

The key point is that his father, Hattori Heizo either!

This is a bit hard to say.

As for Ikenami, Fujino feels it should be Hattori Shizuka's surname before she got married.

Hiding his surname is probably because he doesn't want to be recognized, since mentioning Hattori would likely make him immediately recognizable.

Fujino could understand her visit; it was all an act, a way of testing his limits...

I bet Hattori will say something bad about him again when he gets back, otherwise Hattori Shizuka wouldn't have bothered with him.

Thinking of this, Fujino narrowed his eyes, feeling that he should let that kid taste what it's like to talk badly about people behind their backs.

However, on second thought, he began to ponder the script planned by Hattori Shizuka.

She simply claimed that she wasn't married yet, and even gave herself a fake surname—the one she used before marriage—and hid her wedding ring...

What kind of family drama is this?

As for the reason, if she said she was already married, the detective would definitely be reluctant to accept the request. After all, it's not appropriate to help someone else's wife find a man she knew a long time ago.

This is probably why she hides her wedding ring.

Her plan was quite grand, even a little unsettling upon closer inspection.

Fujino didn't dare to think about it too much. After a moment's thought, he asked, "I heard on the phone that you have a photo of the person you're looking for. I wonder if you could show it to me so I can confirm that person's identity."

"Yes, but I feel there aren't many things we can refer to."

Hattori Shizuka spoke, she took out a photo from her small bag and handed it to Fujino: "The person holding the trophy in the middle of this photo is the one I'm looking for, Shibata Shiro."

"Judging from the location of the kendo tournament, the photos should be from a summer tournament in the Kansai region."

Fujino took the photo and looked it over.

The photo shows a group of three women and four men, all wearing protective gear from a kendo competition. The man in the center of the photo is holding a trophy.

Next to the boy was a cute girl with a ponytail and a slightly immature appearance.

At first glance, her face shape and features are exactly the same as Hattori Shizuka's; it must be her...

Fujino looked up and glanced at Hattori Shizuka, then looked at the photo.

The changes in thirty years are indeed quite significant...

The innocent young girl has become a wife with a mentally challenged son.

Hmm, it's true that good-looking girls will still look beautiful even when they get older in this world.

Fujino twitched his chin. "That girl with the ponytail next to me, that must be Ms. Ikenami, right?"

"Yes... that was me. We were indeed participating in the Kansai Summer Festival at the time. After graduation, I returned to Tokyo. I didn't expect to be recognized so easily."

Hattori Shizuka was slightly surprised, then looked up and met Fujino's gaze directly.

From the very beginning, the secrets she had been hiding were gradually unraveled.

Both the wedding ring that was cleverly hidden on her hand and the region depicted in the picture were noticed.

She had no doubt that if she revealed anything more, her true identity would be exposed.

It was truly terrifying, giving you the feeling that your hair stood on end... even though she didn't actually have any body hair.

Her purpose in coming here was actually to test the other party's strength and confirm whether her mentally challenged son had been bullied.

She had never met Fujino, but she had heard about him from her son and husband.

After her son sprained his ankle last time, and ever since they came back from Tokyo, he's been yelling things like, "What kind of monster is Fujino?" "That guy deserves to die!" "He's so awful..."

She had also asked her husband what Fujino was like, but the reply she received was something like "a very outstanding young man," "young and promising with a bright future," and "why doesn't Heiji learn more from him?" He seemed to think of Fujino as someone else's child and an outstanding young man.

So she subconsciously assumed that her son must have been bullied by this outstanding young man, and that she had come here to test him.

"You can tell just by looking at your appearance in the photo. After all, Ms. Ikenami, your appearance is like Phoebe. You can probably stand out in a crowd at a glance."

Fujino chuckled and said, "As for the Kansai Summer Tournament, I also study kendo, so I can naturally recognize it."

"That's too kind of you..."

Hattori Shizuka waved her hand somewhat shyly. "I didn't expect you to be learning kendo now."

At her age, being complimented on her looks by young people certainly makes her feel good.

At the same time, she felt a growing suspicion about the bullying her son had suffered.

How could such a eloquent young man be a bully who relies on his power?

However, we can't give an answer so quickly, after all, you can know a person's face but not their heart...

"Yeah, it's just something I'm learning for fun, I'm just learning randomly."

Fujino turned his gaze to Hattori Shizuka, pondered for a moment, and said seriously, "Now that the details of the commission and the person we need to find have been determined, it's time to talk about the commission fee... Judging from the difficulty, these photos are probably from a long time ago and not very useful. In other words, the only clue we have right now is that one name, which is quite difficult to find. Originally, my price was supposed to be 600,000 yen..."

"Six hundred thousand yen?"

Hattori Shizuka paused for a moment, then glanced at Fujino with surprise.

Although this amount of money wasn't much for her.

However, it is indeed a bit pricey if it's just for finding one person.

Clearly, she was still not quite familiar with how our Great Detective treated 'acquaintances'. In response, Fujino paused slightly before continuing, "However, since you were introduced by an acquaintance, Ikenami, I can give you a 20% discount and accept 500,000 yen... I have already prepared the contract when you arrive. If you agree, you can sign it and pay the deposit."

"Such a big discount... but it's still within an acceptable range."

Hattori Shizuka nodded, not expecting that she could get a discount of 100,000 yen just by saying that she was introduced by an acquaintance.

While 100,000 yen isn't a lot, it's still a significant discount compared to 600,000 yen.

"Well, no trouble at all. After all, we're all acquaintances. To repay everyone's support, I have to show my sincerity. Even if it's lower than the usual price and I lose some money, it's still a way to give back to my customers who support me."

Fujino used a familiar phrase from some of the family members, speaking politely and with a hint of reluctance, before pulling out a mobile POS machine from his pocket. "If you have a bank card, you can pay directly now. We support mobile payments here... As for the deposit, it's one-tenth of the price, which is 50,000 yen."

"Thank you for your help."

Hattori Shizuka took out her bank card and swiped it, feeling something was off.

The money's gone just like that?

It has to be said that the speed was really too fast. They accepted the commission and signed the contract before they even entered the door and said a few words... I have to say, the efficiency is quite high.

However, at the same time, a thought flashed through her mind.

An acquaintance... I wonder if my son counts?

After thinking about it, she felt a little sorry for Fujino.

After all, the other person is a child about the same age as his son.

Deceiving underage High School Detective in exchange for discounts or something.

I always feel a bit uncomfortable in my chest area.

"Yes, I will find Mr. Shibata as soon as possible."

Fujino straightened up, his expression and demeanor both improving, displaying extreme professionalism.

20% discount for acquaintances.

Raise the price before offering a discount.

Not only did I make money, but I also made my family feel like they had made a profit.

In short, it's a win-win situation; we're ecstatic about it.

"However, I actually have another request."

Hattori Shizuka suddenly said, "If possible, I would like to trouble the Detective Mouri who lives across the street to participate in this case."

In her memory, every time her son came out, there was always Mori Kogoro, the "sleeping Great Detective."

The last time I went to Kansai, I invited them, but they didn't come.

She suspected that her son was being exploited by Senior detective while being bullied by a slightly older, younger, and more outstanding Great Detective.

However, after some trial and error, she concluded that there shouldn't be any major problems with Fujino's side.

After all, how could a young man who was so polite, so disciplined, and even praised her beauty and called her 'Miss' be such a bad person?

"Two detectives investigating together?"

Fujino frowned slightly, hesitating about the request.

One client, two detectives.

Are you using a nesting doll?

But it also feels somewhat familiar...

This feels a lot like the story of two clients and one detective from back in the day.

Fujino was slightly taken aback.

It's nice to eat double portions when you're the only one eating them, but it's not so nice when it's your turn.

If the same commission fee is split between two detectives, the amount will definitely be reduced.

"I've heard that you two have a good relationship."

Hattori Shizuka noticed that her request seemed to have made the other party uncomfortable. "I think if two detectives were to investigate together, it would definitely be much faster to find the person. Of course, I will still pay the commission fee as usual."

"Well, since the client requested it, I'll take you to see Mouri-niisan now."

As he spoke, Fujino stood up and headed towards the bathroom. "But before I go, I still need to call my brother and ask if he wants to take on the case, since he's quite busy."

Hattori Shizuka said she didn't mind, "It's okay."

"Then I'll trouble you to wait a moment, Miss Ikenami."

Fujino turned and walked towards the bathroom, took out his phone from his pocket, and dialed Mori Kogoro's number.

The amount he commissioned was still quite high. If Mouri-niisan offered a price even lower than his discounted price, wouldn't that be a slap in the face for him?

"Ah, Fujino- kun, what's up?"

The background noise on the other Mori Kogoro of the phone was a bit loud; he was probably watching a ball game.

"Brother, I've taken on a case, but after commissioning me, the client specifically requested that you join the investigation as well."

"Should I investigate too?"

Mori Kogoro was also taken aback for a moment. "Hiring two detectives at once... that's a bit suspicious..."

"It's a request to find someone. The person on the other end is a middle-aged woman who wants to find a classmate from more than 30 years ago."

At this point, Fujino's tone lowered slightly, and he said in a low voice, "My offer is 600,000 yen..."

"Six... six hundred thousand?!"

Mori Kogoro was clearly taken aback by the price. "Six hundred thousand for just finding someone is just outrageous."

"So I gave a slight discount and asked for 500,000."

Fujino said calmly, "They agreed."

"Oh oh!"

Upon hearing this, Mori Kogoro immediately understood, and couldn't hide the amusement in his voice. "Then thank you, Fujino- kun!"

"Okay, I'll take some people over there right away. She has a photo and that person's name, so finding them should be easy."

"Okay! I'll get ready."

Mori Detective Agency.

"Ding-dong!"

Fujino rang the doorbell. "Mouri-niisan, we're coming in!"

"Please come in!"

It was Ran's voice that answered.

Fujino pushed open the door upon hearing the sound, and there stood Ran, carrying a dust bag and wearing a pink knitted top and light blue Ran.

Judging from their appearance, they must have been doing a thorough cleaning over the weekend.

Conan stood beside her, wearing a blue suit and shorts.

Fujino didn't quite understand why this kid would wear formal attire at home.

Could it be that Uncle Mori gambled away all the child support money and has no other clothes to wear?

"Where's Uncle Mori?"

Fujino walked into the detective agency office, with Ran Hattori Shizuka following behind. She gave Ran a slight bow in greeting.

"Dad is in the bathroom right now."

Ran replied to Fujino with a slight bow, then looked at Hattori Shizuka and said, "You must be the client. Please wait a moment!"

"She's a beauty!"

Conan's judgment is quite good; he glanced at Hattori Shizuka and secretly admired her.

"Cough cough..."

Hattori Shizuka felt a little uncomfortable and coughed lightly twice.

She glanced around the detective agency, observing silently.

The office was small, with a black television on the desk, a brown leather sofa next to it, and a light brown wooden coffee table. Documents were scattered on the filing cabinet next to it.

The air was thick with the smell of smoke... and dust.

Unlike the detective agency she had just visited, the environment here was meant to fit her stereotypical image of a detective.

It should be said that a detective agency office as 'spectacular' as Fujino's is quite rare.

"They've already arrived?!"

At that moment, Mori Kogoro emerged from the bathroom, wearing a dark blue suit.

He wasn't doing anything else just now; he was shaving...

After all, he is the person who made the recommendation; it wouldn't be good if he looked slovenly.

However, when he looked at Hattori Shizuka sitting on the sofa, he couldn't help but be slightly taken aback.

"She's a beauty!"

Well, just like that kid Conan.

Uncle Mori, realizing what had happened, looked somewhat regretful.

Why didn't Fujino- kun say earlier that the person he brought was a beauty...?

I should have dressed up more carefully.

"Ahem!"

Mori Kogoro coughed lightly, stepped forward, and said in a calm tone, "Brother Fujino, is this your client?"

"Are you the Sleeping Kogoro?"

Hattori Shizuka stood up upon hearing this. "My surname is Ikenami. Detective Fujino should have mentioned me."

"That's right, I am Mori Kogoro!"

Uncle Mori walked to the sofa and sat down, putting on a composed demeanor. "I have indeed heard about your matter from Fujino, but I still need to confirm the specific details again."

Ran: "..."

Conan: "..."

This guy is at it again!

Fujino's gaze flickered slightly as he looked at Mori Kogoro.

It feels like Mouri-niisan is courting disaster again.

"So, we're looking for this person named Shibata Shiro."

Mori Kogoro sat on the sofa, looking at the photo on the coffee table and murmured, "Then the girl next to her in the photo must be Ms. Ikenami... She's really changed a lot."

Conan, also curious, leaned closer, looking at the photo from the left and then at Hattori Shizuka.

It was also a silent lament about how time flies and makes people grow old.

Hattori Shizuka said, "After all, these are old photos from thirty years ago."

Thirty years ago?

Mori Kogoro was taken aback. "Then you are now..."

"That's right, I'm forty-two years old this year."

Hattori Shizuka remarked with emotion, "This photo was taken when I was in the second year of junior high school. Detective Fujino just said that it would be quite difficult to use this photo as a reference, but it's the only photo I have on hand."

"Is she already forty-two years old?"

Fujino sat to the side, pondering, "I thought Miss Ikenami was only in her early thirties."

"No... only in your early thirties or something, that's just an exaggeration."

Hattori Shizuka felt a little embarrassed, but her impression of Fujino improved considerably.

Just as my partner said, he is indeed young and promising, and can be called an outstanding young man.

She's much more obedient than that cheap son who usually calls himself "Auntie".

What are your hobbies and interests?

At this moment, Mori Kogoro suddenly asked a question, Hattori Shizuka, who hadn't reacted yet, casually replied, "His hobbies are probably related to kendo, since his kendo skills were quite good back then."

No.

Mori Kogoro, looking serious, said, "I was talking about yours..."

Hattori Shizuka: "Huh?"

Clearly, she hasn't caught up with Mori Kogoro's pace yet.

Although she wanted to interrupt the strange old man's seemingly flirtatious conversation, she remembered that she still needed to investigate whether the two detectives in front of her had bullied her son, Hattori Shizuka said helplessly, "Normally, I prefer to knit and stuff like that..."

"I see, that's a really good hobby."

Mori Kogoro said awkwardly, "Miss Ikenami must be a very virtuous person."

"I think Fujino- Senior is right."

Ran placed three cups of hot tea on the coffee table, interrupting Mori Kogoro and steer the conversation back to Fujino, adding, "Ms. Ikenami, your skin is so well-maintained; you don't look almost as old as my mother at all."

At the same time, she glanced at Mori Kogoro, and a deep, resentful feeling gradually surfaced on her face, as if to say:

You hit on a pretty woman, get beaten up, you get what you think?