What, Fujino Is Here? Then It Must Be Murder!

Everyone packed up their belongings, checked out, and did it all in one smooth motion.

Before getting into the car, Fujino did not forget to give Kyogoku Makoto, who had come out to see them off, a few instructions. "Kyogoku, make sure you rest. Don't go near water for the next few days. Training your qi should be taken slowly—it's not something you can master overnight. Keep up your usual training. Only through the ordinary can you comprehend the truth of a domain."

"I understand, Fujino!"

Kyogoku Makoto waved as he watched the car drive away, calling back in response.

Honestly, he could not help feeling a little touched.

His big bro could be kind of a jerk, but he really did care about his little brother.

Turning around, he headed back into the inn, clenched his fists, and reaffirmed his resolve.

He would definitely master a Cherry Blossom Blizzard like his big bro's, then confess his feelings to that girl with the huge forehead!

Kyogoku Makoto's private resolution was still completely unknown to Fujino, the mastermind behind all that nonsense.

By then, he had already driven the group back to Kikuemon's home.

Several police cars were parked outside Kikuemon's villa. Officers in uniform, transferred in from Shizuoka Prefecture, had cordoned off the surrounding area.

After all, a murder had occurred at the home of a famous ceramic artist. The police presence was bound to be substantial.

Fujino took out his identification, and as though Yokomizo had notified them in advance, he was allowed directly into the crime scene.

Yokomizo was standing in the courtyard. Beside him stood Kikuemon, whom they had met only yesterday. The two seemed to be discussing something.

When Yokomizo saw Fujino and the others, he walked over to greet them. "Detective Fujino, you're here!"