"On that front, Akechi-kun really did better than a lot of people." Saguru Hakuba nodded in agreement, his words equally full of teasing. "So, shall we leave the East's representative to you this time? Honestly, I don't think I can represent the East either."
Compared to his activities in England, his fame and credibility in Japan were far inferior in every respect.
To be invited to compete under the title of high school detective representing the East had honestly come as quite a surprise to him as well.
"If you think that, why did you accept the show's invitation?" Heiji Hattori pressed his brows down strangely. "I also think Kudo should be the East's representative. How could it possibly be you?"
Though he was speaking to Saguru Hakuba, the corner of his eye remained fixed on Akechi Goro, as though he were terrified the other man would not understand whom he meant.
"Of course I dislike this sort of thing. There was only one reason I accepted the invitation." Saguru Hakuba looked toward the camera on the table, clasped his hands together, and leaned slightly closer. "Naturally, a certain director from the production team called my home directly and said that Shinichi Kudo refused to appear on camera no matter what. He said he had a case on his hands and hoped I could take up his burden so the East would not be disgraced..."
Everyone silently looked at Akechi Goro first, then at the camera on the table. The condemnation in their gazes was unmistakable.
Putting aside the fact that they had invited Saguru Hakuba only because they could not get Shinichi Kudo, making it sound as if he were some sort of substitute—it was not that they could not do that, but they could at least avoid saying