Mr. Kanjuro drove the still-unsettled Suzuki Ayako to the concert venue. The area outside the stadium was packed with people, bustling and noisy, with colorful neon lights dotting the night sky like daylight. He shielded Ayako, walking gracefully and calmly through the crowd toward the ticket gate.
Just as they were about to enter the inner venue, Mr. Kanjuro's keen eyes caught several familiar figures in the bustling crowd. The corner of his mouth curled into an imperceptible, playful arc.
He saw Ran waving excitedly in his direction. Standing beside her, in addition to the always-grumpy Kogoro Mouri, was a small boy wearing large-framed glasses and a small suit.
(Oh? This is... Conan Edogawa?)
(It seems that kid Shinichi Kudo has indeed successfully "shrunk." He moved quite fast.)
Mr. Kanjuro understood the situation, as if watching a play unfold according to plan. His gaze met that of the little boy—Conan. Behind the lenses, the child's eyes held a sharpness and inquisitiveness unbefitting his age, but the moment they touched Mr. Kanjuro's deep eyes, a flash of instinctive wariness and... an irrepressible hint of timidity quickly passed through them.
"Mr. Kanjuro! What a coincidence, are you here for Ms. Okino's concert too?" Ran Ran over happily, her face brimming with a pure smile. She was dressed in casual clothes today and looked full of energy.
"Yes, what a coincidence, Ran." Mr. Kanjuro responded with a smile, his gaze sweeping gently over her before naturally landing on Kogoro Mouri and the little boy. "Good evening, Mr. Mouri." He greeted politely.
Kogoro Mouri grunted with his hands in his pockets as a response. His attention was clearly more drawn to the upcoming concert, especially the figure of Yoko Okino who was about to take the stage, making his eyes light up.
"And this is...?" Mr. Kanjuro feigned ignorance, looking at Conan with just the right amount of curiosity in his tone.
Ran hurriedly introduced him: "Ah, this is Conan, a child from the neighborhood. He's temporarily staying at my father's house." She smiled and rubbed Conan's hair affectionately.
Kanjuro nodded, sneering in his heart. (Living together? It's more like surveillance and seeking refuge.) He noticed that Ran's form of address for Kogoro Mouri was 'Uncle' instead of 'Dad'. This confirmed that Eri Kisaki had already told Ran part of the truth—at least regarding the fact that Kogoro Mouri was not her biological father—yet Ran still didn't know that he, Kanjuro, was her true biological father.
"I see. He's a very cute little boy," Kanjuro commented in a flat tone, devoid of any emotion.
Just then, Conan suddenly tugged at Ran's sleeve and pleaded in a feigned, innocent childish voice, "Ran-neechan~ It's so crowded in here. I want to sit on your lap to watch, okay?"
This brat... is he trying to use this to get close to Ran and separate her from Kanjuro? Shinichi Kudo, even after shrinking, your schemes remain the same.
However, before Ran could answer, Kanjuro had already moved.
He struck like lightning, moving so fast it was almost a blur. One hand, like a steel pincer, easily grabbed Conan by the back of his collar. Amidst the young boy's stunned gaze, he effortlessly lifted him up and then casually—almost with a hint of disdain—tossed him toward the nearby Kogoro Mouri.
"Hey! You brat!" Kogoro Mouri subconsciously caught the 'air-dropped' Conan, nearly losing his balance as he grumbled in dissatisfaction.
Kanjuro acted as if he hadn't heard. He turned to Ran, his face wearing a brotherly, indisputable concern, though his tone remained gentle:
"Ran, even though he's just a boy, he should still learn proper boundaries. I see something not quite right in this kid's eyes; he's far too precocious for his age. You should pay more attention and not spoil him too much."
His words were high-sounding and dignified, pointing out Conan's 'impropriety' while appearing to be looking out for Ran's best interests.
Conan was tucked under Kogoro Mouri's arm, struggling with his glasses askew. He was so angry his teeth itched, yet he couldn't refute anything. He could only glare at Kanjuro with a resentful gaze. (This Kanjuro! He definitely did that on purpose!)
Ran was taken aback by Kanjuro's words. She looked at Conan, who was being held by her uncle looking utterly aggrieved, and then at Kanjuro's 'righteous' expression of concern. Her face flushed slightly as she felt Kanjuro's words made some sense, so she nodded. "Mm... I understand, Brother Kanjuro."
"Alright, it seems our seats are nearby. Let's head over," Kanjuro said, ignoring the little interlude. He turned and spoke tenderly to Suzuki Ayako, who had been standing quietly by his side, while naturally gesturing with the tickets in his hand.
Ran also nodded quickly. "Mm! Our seats seem to be over here too!"
Thus, the group found their respective seats. Coincidentally (or rather, a 'coincidence' Kanjuro had long since arranged), their seats happened to be adjacent. Kanjuro naturally sat in the middle, with Suzuki Ayako sitting submissively to his left and Ran sitting to his right.
Conan was placed in the seat next to Kogoro Mouri, forced to watch helplessly as Ran sat close to Kanjuro. The atmosphere between them was harmonious, and Ran had a smile of trust and dependence on her face. He clenched his small fists, his heart filled with a sense of powerlessness and a deeper wariness toward Kanjuro.
The lights for the concert dimmed, the music began, and Yoko Okino shone brilliantly on stage. However, for some of the people in the audience, the excitement of the concert was likely far less compelling than the silent undercurrent of confrontation happening right beside them.
Kanjuro leaned back leisurely in his seat, flanked by his two 'daughters' who held different emotions for him but were equally drawn to him. He felt the hostile and probing gaze coming from Conan on his right, a faint, cold smile playing on his lips.
(Shinichi Kudo, no, Conan Edogawa...)
(Watch closely; this game I am leading has only just begun.) The atmosphere of the concert reached its climax when Yoko Okino took the stage. Like a true pop queen, she radiated brilliance, her beautiful voice and energetic dance moves igniting the passion of the entire audience. Multi-colored lights chased her graceful figure, while below the stage was a sea of waving light sticks and frantic cheering. Ran and Suzuki Ayako were also completely immersed in the feverish atmosphere, swaying gently to the rhythm with excited smiles on their faces.
Kanjuro sat between them, his face wearing an expression of appreciation no different from those around him, as if he too were intoxicated by this audiovisual feast. However, deep within those profound eyes lay a cold calculation and playfulness. In the shadows where no one noticed, his fingertip twitched almost imperceptibly.
A trace of extremely subtle, twisted dark energy, like a living venomous snake, silently emanated from his fingertip. It glided along the ground, swiftly and precisely wrapping itself around a key load-bearing node of the main stage structure.
Just as Yoko Okino reached the most stirring chorus of a song, she enthusiastically walked toward the edge of a high platform extending from the stage. She waved to the surrounding audience, her face beaming with a brilliant smile as she prepared for a closer interaction with her fans—
Crack!
A slight but heart-stopping sound of snapping was drowned out by the deafening music and cheers.
But immediately after, a sudden change occurred!
The seemingly solid edge of the platform beneath Yoko Okino's feet abruptly tilted and collapsed without warning!
"Ah—!!"
The smile on Yoko Okino's face instantly froze, transforming into extreme terror. She let out a short scream, her body losing balance in an instant. Like a butterfly with broken wings, she fell toward the ground several meters below the stage!
This sudden accident caused the entire venue to fall dead silent for a second, followed by an explosion of chaotic shouts and screams!
"Miss Yoko!"
"Danger!"
The backup dancers and staff on stage were scared out of their wits, trying to rush over but it was already too late. The security guards below the stage panicked instantly, and the crowd surged forward as the scene spiraled out of control.
Ran and Suzuki Ayako covered their mouths in horror, their eyes wide with disbelief at what was happening. Kogoro Mouri bolted upright, his face pale. Conan's pupils shrank suddenly as his brain worked at high speed, trying to find the cause of the accident, but it had happened too fast and too strangely!
At that critical moment!
A figure moved, fast as a bolt of lightning tearing through space!
It was Kanjuro!
No one saw clearly how he moved; it was as if he had been standing there waiting for this moment all along. Under the horrified, panicked, and helpless gazes of everyone, and just as a spotlight—sweeping wildly due to the chaos—happened to hit the point of impact—
Kanjuro appeared as if out of thin air, standing firmly directly beneath where Yoko Okino was falling. His posture was upright and his demeanor so composed it didn't look like he was responding to a disaster, but rather like he had rehearsed it a thousand times.
He opened his arms elegantly and powerfully, his timing precise to a miraculous degree!
The falling Yoko Okino landed perfectly right in his embrace. The massive force of the impact was easily dissipated by his seemingly slender but infinitely strong body; he didn't even wobble for a second.
Time seemed to stand still at this moment.
The beam of the spotlight, as if by destiny, locked onto the two of them. Kanjuro lowered his head slightly. In his arms was the shaken, pale-faced national idol Yoko Okino, looking like a startled fawn. His peerlessly handsome profile appeared like a sculpture under the light, carrying a sense of otherworldly calm and power.
As for Yoko Okino, lying back in his solid arms and looking up at this face so close at hand—a face that had saved her like a deity and was breathtakingly handsome—her mind went blank. All that remained was the violent pounding of her heart after the narrow escape and an indescribable sense of shock.
"It's alright now."
Kanjuro spoke, his voice deep and magnetic, carrying a strange soothing power. It reached Yoko Okino's ears clearly and also spread faintly through the nearby stage equipment and microphones.
At this moment, in the chaotic venue, under countless shocked, relieved, and admiring gazes, he was no longer the manipulator hidden in the shadows. He had transformed into a radiant, heroic 'Prince Charming' who had saved the falling 'Princess' in her moment of peril.
The silence of the scene was broken, exploding into thunderous applause and cheers mixed with lingering fear and excitement!
Ran and Suzuki Ayako also breathed a long sigh of relief, clutching their chests. Looking at that radiant figure on stage, their eyes were filled with reflected pride and an even deeper layer of admiration.
Only Conan had his brow tightly furrowed, his gaze behind his lenses sharp as a knife, staring fixedly at Kanjuro on stage, who was holding Yoko Okino and receiving the attention of the masses.
(It's too coincidental...)
(The collapse of that platform... and his reaction speed...)
(It's almost as if... he knew it was going to happen beforehand!)
However, his suspicion seemed so weak and powerless amidst the surrounding praise for the 'hero'.
Kanjuro gently helped Yoko Okino steady herself. Only after confirming she could stand did he gentlemanly release her. He turned toward her and the shaken crowd below, offering a gentle and reassuring smile.
"Everyone, it was just a small accident. Miss Yoko is unharmed. Please maintain order; the concert can continue."
His words carried an indisputable sense of control, instantly calming the commotion at the scene.
Behind him, Yoko Okino looked at his back. Her cheeks involuntarily flushed, and her heartbeat remained erratic, but the reason had quietly shifted from fear to a complex emotion mixed with gratitude, shock, and... a fluttering heart.
Kanjuro felt the burning gaze behind him, as well as the admiring looks from Ran, Ayako, and the others below, along with that suspicious but helpless gaze hidden in the crowd. His heart was a void of icy calm.
(See? This is power.)
(To create chaos with ease, and then just as easily become the savior.)
(The human heart is such an easy thing to manipulate.)
This accidental "hero saving the beauty" was merely an improvised yet effective note in his dark movement. And Yoko Okino, the beautiful national idol, seemed poised to become another shining label in his collection. On stage, the shaken Yoko Okino was surrounded by staff. After confirming she wasn't injured, everyone's attention focused on Kanjuro. The spotlight still lingered longingly on this sudden hero.
"Th-thank you very much!" Yoko Okino panted slightly, her cheeks flushed with shock and bashfulness. She looked up at Kanjuro, her eyes filled with sincere gratitude and a hint of undetectable curiosity. "May I... may I ask your name?"
Kanjuro nodded slightly, his smile gentle and appropriate, carrying a perfect amount of humility. "My name is Kanjuro. You're welcome, Miss Yoko. It was just a small effort." He paused, adding with a sincere tone, "Please keep it up. I've always admired your performances; I'm a fan of yours."
The word "fan" made the flush on Yoko Okino's face deepen. After experiencing such a terrifying moment, being saved by such a handsome and powerful "fan," the complex mix of lingering fear, gratitude, and being recognized made her heart flutter incessantly.
"Mr. Kanjuro...?" she repeated the name softly, as if to etch it into her heart. "Truly... thank you so much! I will definitely keep working hard!"
Kanjuro gave her another encouraging smile. Then, surrounded by staff and security, he calmly turned and left the center of the stage, returning it to the true protagonist. His back looked tall and mysterious under the lights, leaving behind countless gazes of speculation and admiration.
The concert finally ended in a slightly strange but still enthusiastic atmosphere. The audience slowly filed out, discussing the accident and curious about the "hero."
Kanjuro returned to Suzuki Ayako's side, as if the thrilling scene from just now was merely a minor interlude. He naturally took Ayako's hand and said tenderly, "Sorry for worrying you. But fortunately, Miss Yoko is fine. Next, let's enjoy the time after the concert, shall we?"
Looking at his calm profile, Ayako's heart was filled with an indescribable sense of security and admiration. He had just saved a national idol, yet he returned to her side so calmly... This stark contrast made her even more addicted to his charm.
Not far away, Ran watched the backs of Kanjuro and Suzuki Ayako talking intimately as they left together, and a trace of bitterness inexplicably welled up in her heart. She had wanted to go forward to greet Brother Kanjuro and cheer for his heroic actions just now, but seeing Ayako-neesan already by his side, the harmonious atmosphere made her hesitate.
(Brother Kanjuro and Ayako-neesan... they seem like a good match...)
But... why does my heart feel a bit stifled?
She sighed softly, suppressing this inexplicable emotion.
"Ran-neesan, let's go back to Uncle's house?" Conan keenly sensed Ran's momentary dejection and tried to pull her away from the environment where Kanjuro was. He instinctively felt that Kanjuro was very dangerous and didn't want Ran to have too much contact with him.
Ran snapped back to her senses and shook her head, her tone somewhat distant. "No thanks, Conan. I'm going to stay with Mom." Since learning that Kogoro Mouri was not her biological father, although she still respected him, the intimate sense of "home" had faded quite a bit. She preferred to return to her mother Eri Kisaki's side.
Seeing that Ran had made up her mind, Conan could only push his glasses up helplessly, his vigilance and suspicion toward Kanjuro deepening. (This guy is not only suspicious, but now even Ran...)
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