22 - The Idol Murder Case, in the Secret Room! Conan is so jealous!

Outside the high-end apartment building…

A taxi pulled up to the curb.

"I've got it," Azuma Shoyo said, pulling out his wallet to pay the fare before stepping out with Ran Mouri and heading toward the sleek building.

Just as they were about to enter, sirens blared from a nearby intersection. Seconds later, several police cars screeched to a stop.

"Inspector Megure?!"

Ran gasped, spotting Inspector Megure stepping out. She hurried over. "Inspector, what's going on here?"

"Oh, Ran!" Megure nodded, his face serious. "We got a call about a murder upstairs. We're heading up to check it out. What brings you here?"

"My dad took a case, so he's here," Ran explained.

"Huh? Mouri's on a case?" Megure blurted, then caught himself with Ran still there. "I mean, this case involves him?"

"I'm not sure," Ran said, shaking her head.

"Alright, let's head up and see," Megure sighed.

Something about cases tied to Kogoro Mouri always seemed to spiral into chaos.

At the entrance, Megure noticed Azuma, still in his school uniform with a backpack.

"One of your classmates, Ran?"

He recognized the Teitan High uniform.

"Yeah. Azuma, this is Inspector Megure—he used to look out for my dad a lot," Ran introduced.

"Hey, Inspector Megure," Azuma greeted the plump officer.

This guy was a veteran. Conan was death's shadow—where he went, people died. Megure? Where there was a body, there he'd be—or at least get a mention.

"Hello," Megure said, giving Azuma a quick once-over out of professional habit before leading his team into the building.

They took two elevators to the 25th floor. Azuma and Ran trailed behind Megure's group and soon spotted Kogoro Mouri—and Conan hovering nearby.

"Conan, how could you just follow him like that?!"

Ran stormed over, hands on hips, scolding him.

Conan scratched his head sheepishly, mumbling, "Sorry, Ran-neechan," while apologizing profusely.

Then he noticed Azuma in his uniform and feigned ignorance. "Ran-neechan, who's this big brother?"

Ran eased up after a few stern words and turned to answer. "This is my classmate, Azuma Shoyo. Conan, call him Azuma-niichan, got it?"

Conan nodded, eyeing Azuma warily.

Why's Azuma here with Ran? Does he have a thing for her?

The jealous little detective's mind raced, instantly suspicious.

"You must be Conan, huh?" Azuma crouched down, ruffling Conan's hair with a grin. "Your Ran-neechan mentioned you before. Into detective stuff at such a young age—planning to be a famous one someday?"

"Hi, Azuma-niichan," Conan said, stepping back like he was shy.

Inside, though, he was fuming. This jerk's petting my head like I'm a damn cat or dog! How'd I miss what a smug ass Azuma is?

"Azuma, I'm gonna say hi to Dad," Ran said.

"Sure, go ahead. I'll keep an eye on Conan," Azuma replied with a nod.

"Thanks!" Ran said, heading over to Kogoro inside the apartment.

Meanwhile, Conan shot Azuma a death glare.

Damn it! He's even calling her Ran now? I've only been gone a few days!

The jealousy vat had officially tipped over—Conan was drowning in it.

Hmph! But you'll never guess, Azuma—I've never really left. I've been here all along! he thought smugly.

With him around, no way was Azuma getting any openings. No chance!

"First, though, let's crack this case," Conan muttered, glancing inside before trying to slip away.

"Conan, no wandering off," Azuma said, catching him mid-sneak with a laugh and grabbing his collar.

"Azuma-niichan, I need to find my master!" Conan squirmed.

He'd barely tolerated calling Kogoro "master" before—Kogoro's detective skills were a joke compared to his own. Age aside, the guy didn't deserve the title.

"Oh, alright. I'll go with you then," Azuma said, pretending to mull it over.

He hauled Conan along.

"Uncle Mouri, Conan says he wants to learn from you," Azuma said, finding Kogoro and shoving Conan forward.

"This kid…" Kogoro started to grumble about the brat interrupting his work, but then remembered Conan was his "apprentice"—and paying for it. He relented grudgingly. "Fine, stick with me and watch closely. Don't touch anything without my say-so, got it?"

Kogoro bent down, wagging a finger at Conan.

Conan smirked inwardly. You? Solve a case? You're lucky if you don't tank it.

But on the outside, he nodded obediently. "Yes, Uncle Mouri."

"It's Master!" Kogoro snapped, then ignored him.

His attention was fully locked on Yoko Okino nearby—who had time for a pesky kid?

--- Translator Note ---

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