Bandage Man

Watching Ikeda Chikako's annoyed expression before him.

Fujino couldn't help but frown.

He finally understood why Takahashi Ryoichi was so determined to kill this woman.

The woman he had a crush on was driven to death by her, yet she showed no guilt, instead putting on a proud front, smug about her small gains.

She would even lash out at anyone who mentioned that girl.

If it were him, he probably wouldn't be able to suppress the flames of revenge in his heart either.

Even Fujino, an isekai protagonist, felt this way. The native inhabitants of this Conan-esque world were clearly much more honorable.

Rumble!

A drizzle began to fall from the sky, quickly turning into a downpour.

Suzuki Ayako went to the kitchen to prepare dinner for everyone.

Meanwhile, Takahashi Ryoichi went to repair the villa's roof, preparing to carry out his murder plan.

Ikeda Chikako, upset from the earlier unpleasantness, ran outside for some fresh air, followed by Kakunori Hiroki, whose middle-parted hair made him look like a lovesick puppy.

At this moment, only Ran, Conan, Fujino, Sonoko, and that "Chicken Brother" were left as idlers in the spacious villa.

"Honestly, it's actually raining."

Ran stood by the window, gazing at the pouring rain outside, and lamented, "Now we can't go out to admire the beautiful autumn leaves..."

"Yeah, yeah, this awful rain!"

Sonoko grumbled beside her, then turned her gaze to Fujino, murmuring inwardly.

What a shame, I can't go out to admire the leaves with Fujino-senpai...

It's so easy to compose a romantic love story amidst nature's beauty!

This rain is truly the worst!

At this moment, however, Fujino wasn't chatting with the two girls. Instead, he looked out the window silently, lost in thought.

"I wonder if you'd like to go for a walk with me?"

Just then, a man's voice rang out.

Fujino turned his head and saw Ota Masaru cornering Ran against the wall.

He didn't quite manage to pin her, but he definitely cornered her.

"But it's raining outside!"

Ran chuckled awkwardly, her expression showing a hint of reluctance.

"Walking in the rain would be even more romantic!"

Ota Masaru, perhaps oblivious, continued to hit on her.

Or perhaps he was bad at reading people, or maybe he was just a shameless scumbag at heart.

Fujino leaned towards the latter.

You jerk!

Beside them, Conan watched Ota Masaru with a furious expression.

If looks could kill, he would have long ago become a menace to society, a psychopathic killer.

"Walking in the rain is romantic, huh?"

Just then, Fujino spoke up, walking in front of Ran and chuckling lightly, "In that case, Mr. Ota, why don't you and I go for a walk?"

"Tch!"

Ota Masaru frowned upon hearing this, clicking his tongue gloomily, and then left in dissatisfaction.

"I've seen plenty of playboys like him."

After Ota left, Fujino revealed a smile and said to Ran, "Ran, you should reject playboys like him when you need to. Don't be shy. Once someone like that gets a foothold, they'll push their luck endlessly."

"Thank you, Fujino-senpai."

Ran breathed a sigh of relief and bowed slightly to Fujino in thanks.

At that very moment, Conan, standing nearby, had a wide grin on his face.

Well done, Fujino!

Even though this guy is a bit annoying, he's incredibly reliable when it matters!

Was I wrong about him after all?!

Fujino paid no mind to Conan's gaze, simply turning around and waving without looking back, "I'm going out for some fresh air. If that guy dares to bother you again, just use your karate on him."

"Wait, senpai, how about we..."

Sonoko, having just snapped out of her daze, made a sound, but when she looked up, Fujino's figure had already pushed open the door and disappeared into the rain.

"Sigh..."

Watching the retreating figure disappear into the rain, she couldn't help but let out a long sigh.

If only she had thought of taking a walk in the rain sooner.

But as soon as she thought about it, a strange smile spread across her face.

That senior just now was so cool!

In the forest outside the villa.

"It should be about time."

Fujino, holding an umbrella, surveyed the surrounding scenery and muttered to himself.

If his plan hadn't gone wrong, Takahashi Ryoichi should have come to eliminate him by now... but he still hasn't shown up. Could the plan have changed?

Raindrops pattered down, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees, creating soft rustling sounds.

"Thump, thump, thump..."

Suddenly, footsteps approached from behind.

"Is that him?"

Fujino heard the sound and tossed his umbrella aside.

He activated his enhancement and leaped forward, tucking the wooden sword he'd taken from his necklace behind him.

At the same time, a loud noise erupted from behind him.

He turned his head and saw a figure in a black robe, a bandage-covered oddity, swinging a large axe. The axe landed directly where he had been standing.

Seeing that his attack had missed, the 'Bandage Man' quickly pulled the axe from the mud.

He swung it one last time, bringing it down on Fujino again.

Fujino's mind stirred, and the effect of the Advanced Reaction ability card activated.

[Advanced Reaction ability boost activated for host; Countdown 0-9-59]

In an instant, the world in his eyes changed dramatically.

The falling raindrops slowed down.

The splashes from the raindrops hitting a pond became clearly visible.

Simultaneously, the Bandage Man's axe swing also seemed to be in slow motion.

Is this the Advanced Reaction Enhancement Card?

It seems to be countless times stronger than a regular enhancement card.

As expected of a purple item...

Fujino marveled inwardly.

Afterward, the wooden sword pendant held behind his back gradually began to grow from its original small necklace form.

In a moment, the wooden sword returned to its original shape, and he gripped it tightly.

Then, mimicking the Heavenly Soaring Dragon Flash from the Sword Flying Heaven Style, he swung the wooden sword in his hand.

The wooden sword collided with the large axe, producing a harsh metallic clang.

The next moment, the Bandage Man stumbled backward repeatedly.

When he recovered, he stared at Fujino with an incredulous gaze.

His hand, gripping the large axe, was trembling from the kinetic energy of the collision.

This force was in stark contrast to his slender frame.

He gasped for breath and swung the large axe again, delivering a horizontal slash towards Fujino.

Fujino narrowed his eyes slightly, raised the wooden sword horizontally, and directly blocked the full-force axe strike.

Another crisp collision sound.

This was followed by a muffled thud as something fell into the water.

The large axe, shaken by the powerful kinetic energy, flew out of the strange person's hand and landed in a nearby pond, creating a large splash.

Seeing that his tool had been disarmed, the Bandage Man decisively turned to flee the scene.

"Good opportunity!"

"Hokushin Itto-ryu, basic attack!"

Seizing this chance, Fujino naturally wouldn't stand idly by. He mimicked a drawing stance and charged directly at the Bandage Man.

He raised the wooden sword and brought it down on the back of the Bandage Man's head.

Dear readers, don't worry, the team can lose, but that woman must suffer a fate worse than death.