Chapter Fifty-Two: Don’t Take Steps That Are Too Large

Officer Megure cast a glance over the gathered crowd, then turned to Officer Takagi and instructed, “Takagi, quickly investigate which guests entered the restroom after the victim.”

“Yes, sir!”

“No need to trouble yourself. I already know who the culprit is,” Haruaki Suzuki interrupted, stepping forward to stop Takagi. Pointing at Jūsandō Tonoyama, he declared, “The murderer is you!”

“What?! Young man, don’t speak nonsense. How could I possibly be the killer?” Tonoyama’s face shifted with a hint of distress as he looked at the doubtful gazes of the onlookers. He pleaded with Officer Megure, “You can’t believe a child’s wild talk. Police need evidence to solve a case, right?”

Megure leaned in and asked, “Haruaki, do you have any proof?”

“Of course I do. Sir, the bandage wrapped around your finger looks a bit different from how it was before,” Haruaki said with a teasing tone, watching Tonoyama’s complexion change drastically. “If I’m not mistaken, you first strangled that young lady with the bandage, then stabbed her heart with a dagger, dropped her body through the gap above the stall into the cubicle, and finally pulled out the dagger using the bandage to stage the crime scene we just saw.”

(ΩДΩ)

Seeing Tonoyama’s face grow pale with discomfort, Officer Megure pressed on, “Sir, may we examine the bandage on your hand? If Haruaki’s theory is correct, it should be stained with the victim’s blood.”

“You insolent brat! Step aside!”

Tonoyama dared not let the police inspect the bandage. In a panic, he shoved through the crowd and sprinted toward the restroom door.

“Watch out—”

“Bang!”

Just as Tonoyama, a burly man, was about to collide with Eri Kisaki standing at the restroom entrance, she swiftly sidestepped his grasp, spun around, and executed a perfect shoulder throw, knocking him unconscious to the ground.

Seeing Tonoyama’s bewildered expression, Officer Megure shook his head in disbelief. “I told you to be careful.”

Though Eri Kisaki was the least combative among the Mōri family trio, she was still more than capable of taking down several adult men. Tonoyama’s attempt to attack her was sheer folly.

Once handcuffed, realizing he could no longer escape justice, Tonoyama quickly confessed, revealing the full story.

The victim had been Tonoyama’s mistress, but lately, she had been pressuring him to divorce his wife and marry her. Tonoyama had no intention of divorcing and felt cornered, which drove him to commit this foolish murder.

“Haruaki, you were amazing just now—like a real little detective,” Ran Mōri praised, patting his head generously after Officer Megure led the culprit away.

---

“It’s nothing,” Haruaki said modestly, slinging his arm around Conan’s shoulders. “If Shinichi were here, he’d have solved it even faster. Right, Conan?”

╮(╯▽╰)╭

Conan smiled awkwardly. “Y-Yeah, probably.”

Sorry, I’m not as impressive as you think.

Still, this kid’s deduction skills were undeniably sharp—he had solved cases faster than Conan more than once. If the first time could be called a coincidence, the second and third times certainly could not.

Though Conan had always known Haruaki to be clever, he had instinctively treated him like a child. Now that Conan himself was shrunk, getting up close to Haruaki revealed a surprising intelligence that surpassed many adults. He was no ordinary child.

Excellent! Looks like I have a new rival, Detective Haruaki.

“Hug~ Hug hug~”

Just as Conan accepted Haruaki as a worthy opponent, Haruaki’s adorable face lit up and he spread his arms, coaxing Eri Kisaki with a playful pout.

“I can’t help myself with you,” Eri said tenderly, bending down to scoop him into her arms.

(*^▽^*)

Resting quietly in Eri’s strong embrace, Haruaki’s lips curled into a satisfied smile.

That little rascal!

At this moment, Conan no longer dared to regard Haruaki as a mere child and was certain the boy was deliberately taking advantage.

---

“Ran, Aunt Eri, fancy seeing you here,” Sonoko Suzuki greeted warmly upon arriving at the rendezvous spot, spotting Ran and Eri beside Prince Wakaōji.

“Sonoko…”

As Wakaōji prepared to speak to Sonoko, Haruaki suddenly asked with innocent curiosity, “Big brother, what did you mean earlier when you said women are easy to win over with sweet words?”

“What did you say? Haruaki, did you really say that?” Sonoko’s expression darkened immediately.

Haruaki nodded earnestly. “Yes, those were your exact words, big brother. Ran and Aunt Eri heard them too.”

“Sonoko, please let me explain…”

Before Wakaōji could finish, Sonoko slapped him hard and stormed off.

Over the years, Sonoko had dealt with many unfaithful boyfriends; just hearing those words was enough to brand Wakaōji a playboy.

“Sonoko, wait for me…”

As Wakaōji tried to persist, a cold gleam flashed in Haruaki’s eyes. He commanded sharply, “Do the splits—right here!”

Words are binding.

With a surge of spiritual energy flowing through his voice, Haruaki’s command struck Wakaōji’s mind with a strange force.

Wakaōji, chasing after Sonoko, suddenly stopped, spread his legs wide, and sank forcefully to the ground.

Rip—

The sound of tearing fabric echoed as his designer trousers instantly became crotchless pants.

“Ah!!!”

Wakaōji finally understood the danger of overstepping—how a single misstep could cost dearly.

“Ugh…”

Watching Wakaōji writhe on the ground clutching his crotch, the men present instinctively crossed their legs.

Perhaps things had gone a bit too far, hehe~

Seeing this, Haruaki turned his head, a little embarrassed.