Chapter 44: The Bandaged Freak
Looking at the furious expression on Chikako Ikeda's face, Fujino couldn't help but frown slightly.
At last, he understood why Takahashi Ryoichi was so obsessed with wanting to kill this woman.
The woman he secretly loved had been driven to death by this person, and yet, not only did she feel no guilt, she even put on an arrogant attitude, smug over her little achievements.
Anyone who mentioned that girl would immediately provoke her wrath.
If it were him, Fujino wasn't sure he could've held back his flames of revenge.
Even he, as a transmigrator, felt that way. How could the Conan world's original inhabitants, already living under the law of murder mysteries, not be even more overflowing with violent intent?
…
Rumble…
The sky gradually let down a fine drizzle, which quickly turned into a torrential downpour.
Suzuki Ayako went to the kitchen to prepare dinner for everyone.
Takahashi Ryoichi, meanwhile, had gone up to the roof to "repair" it—preparing to enact his murder plan.
Chikako Ikeda, annoyed by the earlier unpleasantness, had gone out for some fresh air, with the middle-parted simp Hiroki Sumitani following behind like a loyal lapdog.
At this point, only Ran, Conan, Fujino, Sonoko, and a couple of other idlers remained in the huge villa.
"Ugh, it's raining now," Ran murmured regretfully, standing by the window and watching the pouring rain outside. "That means we won't be able to go out and admire the beautiful autumn leaves…"
"Yeah, yeah! Damn this rain!" Sonoko also pouted in frustration, then stole a glance at Fujino, sighing in her heart.
What a shame… She couldn't go enjoy the autumn scenery with Fujino-senpai.
Nature's picturesque beauty was the perfect setup for a romantic encounter!
This damned rain—utterly hateful!
But Fujino wasn't chatting with the two girls. Instead, he remained silent, deep in thought, staring out the window.
"Would you… like to go for a walk with me?"
At that moment, a man's voice interrupted the quiet.
Fujino turned his head and saw Masaru Ota leaning in with a kabedon on Ran.
The don might have missed, but the kabe was there.
"But… it's raining outside," Ran replied awkwardly, clearly uncomfortable.
"Isn't walking in the rain even more romantic?"
Either Ota didn't get the hint or he simply didn't care—possibly because he was just a scummy, thick-skinned playboy.
Fujino was leaning toward the latter.
Bastard.
At the side, Conan was glaring at Ota with fiery anger.
If looks could kill, Conan would already be well on his way to becoming the very kind of socially dangerous psychopath Fujino teased him about earlier.
"Romantic, huh? A walk in the rain?"
Just then, Fujino finally spoke up, stepping in front of Ran with a faint smile. "If that's the case, why don't you take me for a walk instead, Mr. Ota?"
"Tch."
Ota clicked his tongue, frowning gloomily, then left with obvious irritation.
"I've seen plenty of guys like that," Fujino said after Ota left, smiling at Ran. "When it comes to those types, Ran, you shouldn't hesitate. The moment you let them get a foothold, they'll keep pushing and never stop."
"Thank you, Fujino-senpai," Ran let out a breath of relief and gave a polite bow in gratitude.
Meanwhile, Conan, standing off to the side, was practically beaming with joy.
Nice job, Fujino!
Even though the guy was kind of annoying sometimes, in key moments, he was solid!
Had he been wrong about him all along…?
Fujino paid no attention to Conan's look. He simply turned around and waved without even glancing back. "I'm heading out to get some fresh air. If that guy comes back to bother you again, just use your karate on him."
"Wait, Senpai, why don't we—"
Sonoko had just started to speak when she looked up and saw that Fujino was already out the door, his figure disappearing into the rain.
"Ah…"
She let out a wistful sigh, staring at his silhouette fading into the downpour.
If only I'd thought of suggesting a romantic walk sooner…
But then she smiled playfully to herself.
That was pretty cool just now.
…
Outside the villa, deep in the forest—
"It should be about time now."
Holding an umbrella, Fujino surveyed his surroundings and murmured.
If his plan hadn't gone awry, Takahashi Ryoichi should be making his move soon…
But since he hadn't shown up yet, was there a change of plans?
The pattern of raindrops mixed with the whisper of wind through the trees, making a constant shh shh sound.
"Tap… tap… tap…"
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps approached from behind.
"Finally."
Without hesitation, Fujino discarded the umbrella.
Activating his enhancement ability, he leaped forward, simultaneously pulling the wooden sword pendant from around his neck and hiding it behind his back.
Right at that moment—
Boom!
A loud crashing sound came from behind him.
Fujino glanced back and saw a figure dressed in black, face wrapped entirely in bandages, swinging a massive axe straight at the spot where he'd just been standing.
Having missed, the "Bandaged Freak" yanked the axe free from the mud.
Without pause, he raised it again and swung toward Fujino.
With a thought, Fujino activated the effect of his Advanced Reaction Enhancement Card.
[Advanced Reaction Enhancement activated. Countdown: 0-9-59]
In an instant, the world before his eyes transformed dramatically.
The falling rain slowed to a crawl.
Even the splash of droplets hitting puddles became crystal clear.
The swing of that heavy axe looked like it was being played back in slow motion.
So this is the Advanced Reaction Enhancement, huh?
Definitely on a completely different level than the ordinary enhancement cards.
No wonder it's a purple-tier item…
Fujino admired the sensation for a brief moment.
Meanwhile, the pendant in his hand transformed—its short, ornamental necklace form elongating and thickening.
In just a few breaths, it returned to its original wooden sword form, now firmly gripped in his hand.
Next, he imitated the form of the Amakakeru Ryū no Hirameki from Hiten Mitsurugi-ryū, swinging the wooden sword straight at the incoming axe.
Clang!
A sharp metallic sound echoed as the wooden blade and the heavy axe collided violently.
The next moment, the Bandaged Freak staggered backward several steps.
When he finally regained his footing, he stared at Fujino with wide, disbelieving eyes.
His hands, tightly gripping the axe, were trembling from the shock of that blow.
The strength behind that strike stood in stark contrast to Fujino's lean figure.
Panting heavily, the Bandaged Freak raised his axe once more and attempted a wide horizontal sweep toward Fujino.
Fujino narrowed his eyes, lifted his wooden sword horizontally, and caught the full-force swing head-on.
Another crisp clash of metal on wood.
Followed by the thud of something heavy crashing into the water.
The massive axe, forced loose by the rebound of energy, went flying into a nearby pond, sending up a massive spray of water.
Seeing his weapon lost, the Bandaged Freak immediately turned and tried to flee.
"Perfect opportunity!"
"Hokushin Ittō-ryū, basic attack!"
Seizing the moment, Fujino wasn't about to let him get away. He assumed a battōjutsu stance and dashed after the Bandaged Freak.
Raising the wooden sword high, he swung it hard—
—right onto the back of the fleeing man's head.
(Author's note: Don't worry, readers. Group fights can be lost, but that woman—she's going to suffer a fate worse than death.)
(End of Chapter)