The Old Auntie's Scent of Conspiracy

Meanwhile, at Teitan Elementary School.

"It'll be our turn soon!"

Ayumi stood at the infirmary door, unable to contain her excitement. "I wonder if I grew a little taller over summer vacation..."

"How could you have grown taller..."

Conan was speechless behind her. "This is the regular checkup after school started, right? If I remember correctly, it hasn't been that long since the last physical examination."

"Mm, Edogawa is right."

Haibara, standing in front of him, nodded slightly and crossed her arms. "Children do develop quickly, but there shouldn't be much change in such a short time."

"Eh!"

Ayumi looked dejected. "But a whole summer vacation has passed..."

Mitsuhiko asked in confusion, "By the way, why do you want to grow up so badly, Ayumi?"

Ayumi gave an adorably blank answer. "Because then I can give Brother Fujino chocolate next Valentine's Day!"

"Hey, Haibara..."

Conan jabbed Haibara's waist with his elbow. "Looks like you've got a rival in love."

Haibara: "..."

I really want to punch you twice right now!

"Next, Yoshida!"

"I'm coming!"

Sumiko Kobayashi's voice came from inside the infirmary. Ayumi answered and hurried in.

But when she saw the doctor performing the checkup, the little girl could not help exclaiming in surprise, "It's Doctor Shinide!"

"Shinide...?"

Hearing the commotion, Haibara looked puzzled. She poked her head out and peered through the infirmary door, then froze where she stood.

At that moment, Tomoaki Araide sat behind the desk in the infirmary.

She wore a stethoscope around her ears and held a notebook in her hand.

As though she sensed someone watching her, she raised her head and forced a warm, neighborly big-brother smile.

Yet to Haibara, that smile seemed exceptionally sinister.

After just one glance, her heart began pounding violently, while her limbs turned cold and numb.

As