Chapter 6: Yukiko Ikezawa's Commission

The morning breeze gently stirred the curtains by the window.

Down on the street below, traffic bustled back and forth, a lively scene full of vitality and energy.

On the fourth-floor balcony, Fujino stood by the window, overlooking the scenery below.

After a moment, his gaze fixed on the date displayed on his phone screen—Saturday the 22nd—and his mind felt a bit blank.

Although he had long known how strange the timeline in this world was…

Now that he was truly witnessing it himself, Fujino couldn't help but sigh, "As expected of you, Detective Conan world!"

After that, Fujino shook his slightly dizzy head, stretched lazily until his joints popped, and then slowly walked toward the bathroom.

After the sound of rushing water echoed for a while—

Fujino stepped out of the bathroom, immediately feeling much more refreshed.

However, when his gaze swept over the messy room, his brows furrowed again.

It was the typical room of a single man.

But his good mood from the pleasant morning was instantly ruined by the sight.

"Guess I should clean up the place."

Fujino sighed.

Today, he had plenty of time to clean his 100-square-meter bedroom. After all, it was Saturday, meaning he didn't need to go to school, and there was no such thing as makeup classes here.

Time passed quickly, and soon the sun was setting.

Fujino sat lazily on the sofa, wiping the sweat from his temples.

"Big rooms are exhausting to clean…"

Glancing at his bedroom—which was practically the size of someone else's three-bedroom apartment—Fujino couldn't help but sigh.

Just cleaning this one bedroom had already taken up his entire day.

As for the other rooms… forget it. He didn't care anymore. He was done.

Knock knock knock!

At that moment, a sudden knocking came from the door.

"Who would be coming to see me this late?"

Fujino frowned in confusion at the sound.

It was nearly dark now. Aside from someone he knew, it was unlikely anyone else would visit at this hour. After all, clients typically came during the day.

With that confusion in mind, Fujino opened the door—and saw a woman standing there, completely wrapped up from head to toe.

She wore a red, form-fitting dress, covered by a black coat. Her face was hidden behind a black mask, her demeanor furtive and suspicious.

"You're Detective Fujino, right?"

Without any hesitation, the woman walked right into Fujino's freshly cleaned room, gave the surroundings a quick glance, sat down on the sofa, and said bluntly, "I have something I need your help with."

Was this really how you asked for someone's help?

The corner of Fujino's mouth twitched.

After confirming that this wasn't some new kind of scam or a setup, but indeed a client, Fujino let out a breath of relief and sat on the sofa across from her.

"I was referred by a friend."

The woman spoke softly, "I heard your confidentiality is top-notch."

"Of course."

Fujino nodded slightly at her suspicion. "As a detective, I have a professional obligation to protect my clients' identities and the details of their cases."

In the detective community, Fujino had earned the nickname "Workhorse Saburou"—he'd take on jobs for low pay that others wouldn't do, and he'd work himself to death to get them done.

Because of this, within just a year, Fujino had earned himself a good reputation among the local detective clientele.

Most of his jobs came through word of mouth. He didn't need a signboard or to pass out flyers.

"That's good, then."

With that reassurance, the woman took off her mask, revealing her face.

"You're… Ikegawa Yuko?"

Fujino stared at the girl in front of him with a surprised expression.

Yes, a girl, not a woman.

Although Ikegawa Yuko looked very mature, in reality, she was only twenty-two years old. She just looked more mature because of the way she dressed.

"What? Are you a fan of mine?"

When Chizawa Yuko noticed that Fujino recognized her, she immediately became interested and teased him, "Do you want me to give you a signed poster, little brother?"

"No need."

Fujino shook his head, rejecting her quite decisively.

"Tsk."

Chizawa Yuko clicked her tongue in annoyance.

So he wasn't her fan? Annoying… She even thought he looked a little handsome.

Shaking off her disappointment, she pulled a photo out of her pocket and handed it to Fujino. "I want you to investigate this person."

Fujino took the photo.

The girl in the picture appeared to be around twenty years old, wearing a pink trench coat, with long brown hair. She was very pretty, radiating an aura of purity—a proper beautiful, innocent girl.

"This is…"

As Fujino examined the photo, she did look somewhat familiar. After thinking for a moment, he finally recalled: "That's Yoko Okino, isn't it?"

Confirming the investigation target, Fujino frowned. "So, Miss Chizawa wants me to investigate Yoko Okino?"

"That's right."

Chizawa Yuko nodded. "Preferably dig up some scandals on her. The juicier, the better."

"I see."

A playful smile tugged at Fujino's lips. Then he deduced, "If I'm not mistaken, Miss Chizawa's reason for hiring me is probably because you're still holding a grudge over Yoko Okino snatching your drama role, right?"

"Why are you asking so many questions?"

Chizawa Yuko rolled her eyes at Fujino and got straight to the point. "Fifty thousand yen. Can you take this job or not?"

"That's going to be a bit difficult."

Fujino scratched the back of his head. "After all, Yoko Okino is a top-tier idol right now. Investigating her is… complicated. Besides, if I get exposed, you might be fine, but I'll be the one who can't show his face again."

"What exactly are you trying to say?"

Chizawa Yuko narrowed her eyes.

Is this guy… threatening me?

After a brief silence, Fujino spoke: "You'll need to increase the payment."

"Huh?"

Chizawa Yuko was momentarily surprised and a little annoyed.

If you thought the money was too low, just say so. What's with all the suspense?

She had honestly thought this guy was trying to blackmail her.

Turns out… he just wanted more money.

After a brief pause, she said straightforwardly, "Final offer—six hundred thousand yen. Take it or leave it."

She understood that this kind of job wasn't something ordinary detectives would accept. Six hundred thousand was already the absolute limit of what she could offer. If he still wasn't satisfied, she'd just have to give up.

"Generous, boss!"

Fujino quickly pocketed the photo and eagerly poured Chizawa Yuko a cup of black tea. "Please, enjoy your tea, boss."

"…"

Chizawa Yuko was speechless.

Good grief… this guy changes his face faster than flipping pages in a book.

Is it okay to entrust this guy with investigating Yoko Okino…?

Suddenly, Chizawa Yuko got the feeling that she'd just boarded a pirate ship and couldn't get off.

And so, Fujino accepted Chizawa Yuko's commission and earned a cash advance of sixty thousand yen.

Originally, Fujino had planned to refuse—the risk of tailing a popular idol like that was way too high.

But Miss Chizawa had simply offered too much!

Six hundred thousand yen—that was no small amount. It was a considerable sum not only for Chizawa Yuko but also for Fujino.

Just as Fujino was about to put away the deposit, another knock sounded at the door.

Fujino blinked in confusion.

What, more business already?

He tucked the deposit into his system, stood up from the sofa, and opened the door again—only to see a girl standing outside wearing a crimson hat and a pink trench coat.

That girl—Fujino recognized her—it was none other than Yoko Okino, the very person Chizawa Yuko had just hired him to investigate.

Well, well—looks like the target has delivered herself right to my doorstep!

But speaking of which, why did this scene feel oddly familiar…?

(End of this chapter)