"Old man, I heard you were sick a while back. I thought I might have to visit you in the hospital. Seeing you still up and about to celebrate your birthday now, I'm relieved."
Old Master Fujiwara led Toru forward to greet him, his tone laced with sarcasm. For someone of his standing, speaking like that was fairly impolite.
Toru had never met the head of the Ōoka family in person, but he was very familiar with him from the internet and newspapers.
After all, this man had served as Prime Minister for over a year.
"Heh, you aren't dead yet, so how could I die first? When the time comes, I'll make sure to bring flowers to your grave."
The old man from the Ōoka family responded without restraint. Saying something like that at a birthday banquet was a straight-up curse.
Even the couple beside him, as well as a tall, beautiful girl in a kimono with short curly brown hair, looked visibly uncomfortable.
If it had been anyone else, they would have been thrown out on the spot for saying something like that. Cursing someone to die at their own birthday celebration was outrageous.
But Old Master Fujiwara clearly did not mind. He was used to this man's foul mouth.
He introduced Toru. "This is my grandson, Fujiwara Toru."
The Ōoka patriarch gave Toru a sharp look, then his expression softened. "I know him. He's been all over Japan's headlines lately. You did well, kid. That kind of thing takes guts most people don't have."
Then he shot Old Master Fujiwara a glance and muttered, "You actually have such an outstanding grandson, old man."
He looked genuinely envious.
Old Master Fujiwara beamed with pride and patted Toru's shoulder. "Of course. Look whose kid he is."
The Ōoka patriarch, who had been rivals with the Fujiwara for decades, clearly understood that this visit was meant to formally introduce Toru.
He did not say anything else and turned to Toru with a grin. "Toru-kun, is it alright if I call you that? If you have time, come visit my house."
The couple, who were likely the second generation of the Ōoka family, bowed respectfully to Old Master Fujiwara. The kimono-clad girl also placed her hands in front of her abdomen and bowed lightly. "Greetings."
This proud young woman glanced at Toru with a hint of curiosity.
After the Ōoka patriarch left with his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter, Old Master Fujiwara spoke to Toru.
"The Ōoka family used to be nothing more than merchants. After the Kazoku system was abolished in the 1950s, they seized the opportunity and entered politics."
"Over several generations, they built a solid foundation and became well known in Kyoto. In this generation, they reached their peak when he became Prime Minister."
"But their roots are still shallow. He made a foolish decision during his term and was forced out after just over a year. Now the family is facing even more trouble."
"Toru, you are still young. There are things I did not originally want to tell you yet, but since we have reached this point, I will."
"For families like ours, unless we are fully prepared, it is better not to aim for the Prime Minister's seat. Becoming a key cabinet minister is already very good, and far safer."
"Take your father for example. His ability is average. Even if he wanted to compete for Prime Minister, I would never allow it. Remaining Chairman of the National Security Committee is far more reliable."
Toru nodded lightly. "What is our relationship with the Ōoka family?"
"Both rivals and allies," the old master replied. "Here in Kyoto, we compete fiercely. Both families want our own people to become governor and control the local councils."
"But once it reaches the level of the National Diet, we cooperate. Your father becoming Chairman and that old man becoming Prime Minister both required support from the other side."
He paused, then continued. "Originally, we intended to form a marriage alliance to strengthen our relationship."
"But the Fujiwara only has daughters in this generation, and the Ōoka family also has only one daughter, Ōoka Momiji, the one you just saw. So it never worked out."
Even now, with Toru as a male descendant, a marriage alliance was still impossible. No matter whether Toru married Momiji or Momiji married into the Fujiwara, neither family would accept it.
So their relationship could only remain as it was, waiting for the next generation.
"The Ōoka family was actually the best choice for a marriage alliance. The Shinomiya family is only the second choice. Since the best option is unavailable, we must settle for the next one."
While speaking, Old Master Fujiwara led Toru toward another group.
Toru recognized them immediately. Director Shiratori of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.
Alongside him were the Kyoto Police Superintendent and the Osaka Police Superintendent, Hattori Heizo, along with his family.
For someone like Director Shiratori to attend personally was not only because of the Fujiwara's influence. It was also because Toru's father was Chairman of the Public Safety Committee.
To reach that position, competence alone was not enough. Understanding social dynamics mattered even more.
"Master, you are as healthy as ever. Fujiwara-kun, I never had the chance to personally thank you for the previous matter. I came today to express my gratitude."
Director Shiratori stepped forward with a polite smile.
"Director Shiratori, there's no need. That was simply something anyone with a conscience would do. On the contrary, if the public could see how diligently you work, they should be the ones thanking you."
Toru's words made the plump man beam. "Hahaha, Fujiwara-kun really knows how to speak."
After that, the Kyoto Superintendent also exchanged greetings with Toru.
Then came the Osaka Superintendent, Hattori Heizo. The order of appearance carried its own significance.
Heizo's dark complexion and narrow eyes gave him the look of a seasoned fox.
Beside him stood a graceful and elegant woman with the charm of a mature beauty. That was his wife, Hattori Shizuka.
Behind them stood a high school student.
Toru recognized him instantly.
Hattori Heiji.
Toru instinctively glanced around. Conan was not here, but with Heiji appearing, trouble might still follow.
Compared to Heiji, Toru was more interested in Shizuka, but given the setting, he naturally did not stare.
After the formal greetings, Heiji stepped forward, eyes shining. "I've watched all of Fujiwara-kun's videos. Your karate is incredible. Fujiwara-kun, do you know kendo?"
"A little."
For Toru, once his physical ability surpassed normal human limits, the style hardly mattered. Strength alone made everything effective.
This was what people called overwhelming power.
Karate, kendo, Jeet Kune Do, they were all methods of applying force. With Toru's ability to control every muscle in his body, reaching mastery in any style was trivial.
If he wanted to go beyond that, he could always rely on his cheat.
Heiji's eyes lit up. "Fujiwara-kun, if you have time, please guide me in kendo."
He knew his limits. No matter how he looked at that video, Toru felt like a monster.
Hattori Heizo nodded inwardly, thinking his son had finally learned how to build connections.
Then Heiji spoke again, making veins pop on his father's forehead.
"Fujiwara-kun, do you like detectives?"
"Heiji," Heizo growled.
In a setting like this, talking about detective games was completely inappropriate.
But Heiji ignored him and stared at Toru expectantly.
Toru replied calmly, "In my opinion, detectives are unnecessary, especially in criminal investigations. That should be handled by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Detectives will eventually be phased out."
Heiji frowned. "How can you say that? So many cases in Japan are solved by detectives."
Toru's smile did not change. "Detectives need the police to grant them investigation rights. They also lack the authority to arrest criminals."
"More importantly, detective work depends heavily on talent. It cannot be standardized or taught on a large scale. I believe the police should focus on strengthening their investigation departments and using scientific methods that anyone can learn."
Toru felt helpless about how underdeveloped criminal investigation was in this world.
"So in my view, detectives should fall under the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Of course, I know you, Hattori-kun, the famous high school detective from Kansai."
"If you want to continue solving cases, I suggest joining the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department after graduation."
Heiji felt both annoyed and pleased. Annoyed that Toru looked down on detectives, but pleased that Toru knew his name.
He did not realize Toru's words were carefully chosen for boys like him.
Heiji still had a strong case of chuunibyou. He had no intention of listening to his family and joining the police. He wanted to be a free detective.
Meanwhile, Director Shiratori, Hattori Heizo, and the others were extremely satisfied. This only confirmed that Toru truly carried the blood of the Fujiwara.
If only they had such a son.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department had never liked detectives. Every case solved by one was an embarrassment to them.
Heiji muttered under his breath as he was pulled away by his parents, who repeatedly apologized to Old Master Fujiwara.
After they left, Toru shook his head. "If he joined the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, with his ability and his father's support, climbing the ranks would be easy."
"All he wants is to solve cases. The police have countless unsolved ones. That is where he could truly use his talent."
Compared to Kudo Shinichi, Heiji's future path was far smoother. After all, his father was the Osaka Police Superintendent.
Old Master Fujiwara smiled. "Not everyone is as mature as you, Toru. It is normal for children to rebel. Once he grows older and enters society, he will understand."
As they spoke, another group approached.
Toru finally saw her.
His nominal fiancée.
Kaguya Shinomiya.
(To be continued.)