On the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kyoto.
The scenery outside the window passed rapidly in Toru's vision. He sat in an aisle seat, wearing a mask, calmly watching the landscape fly by. In the reflection on the glass, he could see his own face, like looking into a mirror.
Toru was now considered a celebrity. He wasn't like the TV idols who were constantly hounded, but he still drew attention in public, so he chose to wear a mask for some light disguise.
It was already warm during the day in April, except in the early mornings and evenings.
In the window seat, Haibara was flipping through a magazine casually.
It was a women's fashion magazine called Mina, primarily showcasing cosmetics and styling tips for women.
Even though she currently looked like an elementary school student and couldn't wear any of the outfits, Haibara still read it with great interest and never tired of it.
Toru's gaze drifted from the magazine to her face.
As she flipped through the pages, Haibara yawned, a sleepy look in her eyes.
Seeing this, Toru said softly, "Tired? You've been glued to the computer for days. Haven't had much movement."
"We still have a while until Kyoto. If you're sleepy, lean on me and rest. Don't think about research for a bit while we're here. Get some proper rest."
Haibara closed the magazine. With her eyes still shut, she said, "You didn't take APTX4869. If I don't develop a cure soon, I'll be stuck like this forever."
"What's so bad about being a kid? Everyone cuts you some slack."
Toru teased. "...If you're worried no one will want to date you looking like this, it's fine. I don't mind."
"Tsk. You're just like those American perverts."
Haibara shot him a glare full of disdain.
Noticing Toru scanning their surroundings, she asked curiously, "What are you looking around for?"
"Just a habit. I always check if we're safe. You never know, someone might plant a bomb on the Shinkansen."
In Conan's world, if you weren't constantly on alert, you'd have no idea how you died.
"Japan's still pretty safe."
Even so, Haibara looked relieved.
She was always on edge, expecting the Black Organization to be after her at any moment. Having someone like Toru, who paid constant attention to their surroundings, gave her a sense of calm.
"Japan was safe. But lately the crime rate's been spiking. It's nearly as bad as some South American countries now."
"You didn't see the news two days ago? A serial killer showed up in both Tokyo and Osaka, using the same methods."
Haibara had nothing to say to that. Crime really had been rising lately.
She gave up trying to argue. Her small body leaned onto Toru's shoulder, mumbling, "Wake me when we're there."
"Alright."
Toru looked down at Haibara resting on his shoulder. Even though she appeared to be sleeping, he knew someone like her could never truly let her guard down.
He picked up the jacket she'd taken off earlier and draped it over her. Then he held her small, soft hand in his own.
Ever since she turned into a child, her hands were far too tiny. Toru held her hand and hummed quietly, "Big hand holding small hand, no fear of slipping when walking..."
Haibara winced at his humming. She pinched his thigh hard and muttered, "Your singing is terrible. Stop."
Toru couldn't help but laugh. He stopped humming and leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to rest.
An hour later, the Shinkansen arrived at Kyoto Station.
Fortunately, without Conan around, there was no dramatic bombing incident or fight on the train. Toru didn't have to play hero this time.
"Haibara, we're here."
Toru rubbed her soft hair to wake her.
Haibara blinked awake, momentarily dazed, then a bit surprised.
She hadn't expected to actually fall asleep. Being beside Toru had made her drop her guard completely.
She scolded herself silently. That was dangerous. She couldn't rely on Toru for everything. If something happened to her, it would only cause him more trouble.
"Let's go."
Toru waited until most passengers had gotten off before he led her by the hand and exited the train.
Haibara tugged slightly, but couldn't pull away. Feeling the warmth and safety in his grasp, she quietly let it be and walked with him.
They had no luggage and walked hand-in-hand, looking just like a pair of siblings with a big age gap.
As soon as they exited the platform, Toru noticed many travelers staring in one direction with surprise.
He turned to look and saw several tall men in suits standing at attention with their hands behind their backs.
Seeing that, Haibara's face paled. She immediately felt a wave of unease and her palms began to sweat.
Toru gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
She took a breath and calmed herself. These weren't Organization members. At most, their black suits were a coincidence.
Toru approached calmly. The leader of the suited men was an older gentleman who had been watching Toru carefully.
Once he confirmed Toru's identity, he stepped forward and greeted him respectfully, "Young Master."
The group bowed together. "Young Master!"
Toru stopped in his tracks. Noticing that the other travelers were murmuring and pointing, he muttered, "Aren't you all embarrassed?"
The suited men seemed to think otherwise. The pay was good—no shame necessary.
Toru asked, "Did Grandpa send you?"
The older man nodded. "Yes. Master sent us to pick you up."
He felt thankful he had studied Toru's face beforehand. If he hadn't memorized every detail, he wouldn't have recognized him with the mask on.
Toru sighed. He didn't make it hard for them and said, "I was planning to look around Kyoto before heading to the estate."
The butler nodded understandingly. "Then please enjoy Kyoto for a bit longer. It might be a good chance to take this young lady sightseeing. Kyoto has many historic places worth visiting."
As Japan's ancient capital, Kyoto was filled with history and culture. The Americans had once planned to nuke it, but decided not to, out of respect for its heritage. So, only Hiroshima and Nagasaki got hit.
This butler didn't know what Haibara's relationship to Toru was, but he knew how to speak in a way Toru would approve of.
After a moment's thought, Toru said, "I heard there's a Ramen Street here at the station. I'll eat a bowl, then go with you."
The butler quickly responded, "Then we'll wait while you eat."
Toru genuinely liked ramen, and visiting Ramen Street had been part of his plan.
With Haibara in one hand and a group of intimidating men in black following behind, Toru headed toward Kyoto Station's Ramen Street.
Passersby took one look and scattered, assuming some yakuza boss's heir had arrived.
The station staff were so nervous they kept making calls. Only after confirming it was just the Fujiwara heir out for lunch did they relax.
"You really like ramen, huh?"
They entered a ramen shop from Kyushu. After queuing and buying tickets, they waited for a table to free up.
"You don't like it?"
Toru smiled as he handed over the tickets.
"It's just average."
Haibara pouted.
What she really liked was blueberry jam sandwiches.
But since Toru liked ramen… maybe she should learn to make it?
The thought came and went. She dismissed it quickly.
Simple dishes were often the hardest to get right.
A bowl of ramen might look easy, but perfecting the broth was a lot of work.
Their ramen finally arrived.
Toru took one bite and frowned.
He regretted it. The ramen was bad—worse than the ones at trendy chains.
Slurp!
He heard an enthusiastic slurp next to him.
He turned and saw a pink-haired girl one seat away, devouring her noodles with incredible speed and delight.
"Wow, the flavor's great, but I'm still not full."
The girl patted her stomach and smiled so brightly, it was impossible to tell if she was happy or just plain silly.
Toru recognized the face and asked cautiously, "Chika?"
(To be Continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)