Hakuba Saguru: Damn, a New Kind of TV Scam!

But thinking about it more carefully, why would the twins give themselves invitation tickets?

Fujino's expression was somewhat strange.

Although he is indeed handsome, talented, and has some special abilities, well...

Forget it, why think so much?

Fujino snapped out of his thoughts and was about to say something when he suddenly heard a news report about himself playing on the television.

"The perpetrator of the series of attacks on girls has been arrested, and Detective Fujino once again performed admirably."

The soundstage of my newly purchased 50-inch plasma TV is exceptionally wide, and even the female host's voice sounds much better.

But as the praise went on, it suddenly took a turn. "But this time, it seems that Fujino- kun got into a conflict with passersby at the crime scene... Please watch the exclusive video sent by a concerned citizen."

Fujino: "Huh?"

Before Fujino could even catch his breath, a video of a picture-in-picture nesting doll started playing on the TV behind the female host.

[If you don't have the ability, then don't... I'm not changing my name or surname, Fujino Doji. I'm a detective, part-time Criminal Consultant for the Metropolitan Police Department's Criminal Investigation Department. If you want to complain, then complain. At worst, I'll just quit!]

A familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar voice rang out, Fujino stared blankly at the screen on the television for a moment.

Isn't that me?

Did you record all of this?

Who the hell recorded this?

Fujino's lips twitched. Looking at the somewhat blurry image, he naturally guessed that it was recorded by one of the "enthusiastic" audience members.

However, this also made Fujino take a closer look at the program.

After all, to some extent, this is digging up dirt on him.

But it would have been better if I hadn't seen it at first; upon closer inspection...

Why does that blond-haired guy sitting on the edge of the seat look so familiar?

Hey there, isn't that Hakuba Saguru?

You've been on variety shows for the past few days!

Fujino stared at the familiar blond-haired man on the screen and couldn't help but make a few sarcastic remarks in his mind.

That's right, it's a variety show. In Fujino's world, this program should be an evening skit that reports on detective news and invites guest commentators to give their opinions.

It seems they even sent people to interview people when they rescued the plane before.

Then he ripped me off.

"Next, please welcome our special guest, Mr. Shigetama Yuro!"

After the video finished playing, the female lead introduced herself, and then the camera switched to a middle-aged man with a mustache and some gray hair. "Mr. Shigetama is an expert in criminal psychology at Teitan University. What do you think of Fujino- kun's performance in the video just now?"

"They're still too young and arrogant. They only got a couple of criticisms from the victim's family and this is their attitude? They want to file a complaint as they please? What kind of attitude is that? They're utterly disrespectful!"

Shigetama Yuro's voice rose a few decibels, his tone laced with some inexplicable hostility. "The Metropolitan Police Department made a complete personnel mistake. Instead of employing various experts and professors, they appointed such an arrogant minor as an advisor. It was an absolutely wrong decision!"

Fujino: "..."

Where did this so-called expert come from?

There's a hint of sourness in her words.

The more I look at it, the more it resembles a rare species.

Unlike Fujino, who still had the leisure to joke around, Hakuba Saguru's face had darkened, and he looked extremely gloomy.

Originally, he participated in the show because he hoped to increase his fame and earn some extra pocket money.

After all, in the Conan World, it's commonplace for detectives to participate in TV shows. They can earn money and fame, so why not?

But this time, these people went a bit too far...

No, that's practically suicide.

Whether it's the program team or that expert.

"And what about Hakuba- kun?"

The female host was naturally aware that this topic was a bit too sensitive, but due to pressure from the production team, she could only awkwardly smile and ask Hakuba Saguru.

Hakuba Saguru: "..."

What do you want me, Fujino's partner, the son of the Metropolitan Police Department's top officer, and an active High School Detective, to say?

Are they trying to capitalize on my popularity to create hype?

Even though Hakuba Saguru wanted to tear the production team apart, he couldn't say it out loud. His expression darkened slightly, clearly showing his extreme dissatisfaction with the production team's actions.

The original plan was to just have a couple of lines in the script and be done with it, but now we're facing a life-or-death choice.

Hakuba Saguru sighed, frowned, and recalled the words Fujino had used in the interview video he had watched. Then, he said coldly and seriously, "Opinion? What opinion could I possibly have?"

"Didn't he say that if you want to complain, then complain about him? Besides, he even said his job title and name, so there's nothing wrong with it."

Hakuba Saguru glanced at the female host, then stood up, familiar lines already flashing through his mind. "No country can guarantee that its police can solve 100% of cases. In comparison, our police's ability to solve cases and their professionalism are already very high. Under these circumstances, it's unreasonable to blame the police for the victim's death. No wonder Fujino- kun is angry; after all, he's one of the 'police officers' active on the front lines. Saying something like 'police are useless' to his face is really hurtful to those officers who work on the front lines..."

"If you invited me for such a trivial matter, then goodbye for now."

Hakuba Saguru didn't give anyone a chance to speak before turning around and leaving the stage.

Wow, a new kind of TV scam!

Hakuba Saguru had a strange expression on his face, and after walking backstage, he silently complained to himself.

He was still a little intimidated by Fujino; who knew if that guy would get the wrong idea if he saw him on the show today.

You can't do that if you upset Fujino.

Given that guy's personality, he'll be retaliated against in no time.

Thinking of this, he quickly fled this place of trouble.

"This kid has really grasped the essence..."

Fujino watched Hakuba Saguru leave with a cold expression on the TV, feeling both amused and exasperated.

Why does this dialogue sound so familiar?

This guy is a die-hard fan; he's watched a lot of his interview videos!

By shifting the topic and changing the concept, the opposing side was directly transferred to the police, while also giving the police a chance to sympathize with the situation.

That means you've grasped the essence of it.

After a pause, Fujino seemed to suddenly remember something, and took out his phone to dial Hakuba Saguru's number.

The call was answered shortly afterward, and the expected voice came from the other end. "Calling me at a time like this, you didn't happen to see that show, did you?"

Fujino did not reply; his silence spoke volumes.

Hakuba Saguru sighed and explained helplessly, "I really don't know what they're thinking. Speaking of which, when I came to participate in a variety show, those guys didn't follow the script at all... I'm never participating in any show again."

"Alright, your answer was pretty good. It felt like I was facing a reporter. You're a good student. Keep up the good work and you'll probably have my style."

Hakuba Saguru: "..."

Although he was somewhat speechless, it was undeniable that he had indeed learned something from Fujino. Otherwise, he wouldn't have responded with such a combination of offense and defense, while also feigning poverty.

Fujino found Hakuba's explanation rather amusing, as if he'd been caught red-handed, but didn't dwell on it too much, getting back to the main topic. "By the Kaito Kid, how's that Kid kid doing lately? You've got time to participate in variety shows?"

There was silence on the other end of the phone.

You've lost on a losing streak, haven't you?

Fujino glanced at his phone, already picturing the look on the other person's face as if they'd just eaten shit.