Conan's other self

Inside a teahouse called Sakuraya in Pontocho.

Geisha Kayo Ichi is playing guitar and singing as accompaniment, and a maiko named Chiga Rei is dancing to the song.

At the end of the song, the dance took a break, and everyone applauded. Uncle Maori, who looked straight at it, shouted excitedly: "Oh! Miss Chiga Rei is number one in Japan!"

"Thank you for your compliments. Thank you."

Qian Heling bowed to thank him, then sat down next to Uncle Maori and poured wine for him.

Uncle Maoli quickly picked up the cup to receive the drink.

"My Majesty Mouri Kogoro, it feels like he is in heaven..."

"Then you will never come back!" Xiaolan, who walked into the room and happened to hear these words, said in a bad tone, and even the corners of her hair trembled.

"Pfft-why are you here?"

"Hey," Yuanzi followed Xiaolan and walked in, "That's what the abbot told us!"

"It turns out the abbot told you," Long Yuan said, "Then you guys, please sit down together."

Fengyuan followed Sonoko into the room and noticed that the three benefactors of Sannou Temple whom he met yesterday were also there, and they seemed to be regular visitors here.

Hattori Heiji said a few words to Kazuha, and finally walked in and sat next to Chiga Rei, "Ah, you are from Miyagawa Town..."

"Well, my name is Qian Heling. Thank you very much for last time."

"Do you know each other, Heiji?" Kazuha asked.

"Well, I met him once."

Previously, Chiga Rei and her companion, the proprietress of this store, encountered a robber on a bicycle while walking on the road. Hattori Heiji helped solve the incident, and thus got to know Chiga Rei.

Xiaolan on the other side angrily accused Uncle Maoli, who was dejected.

"Damn it, you'll do whatever you want if I don't pay attention!"

"Xiaolan, please stop blaming your father," Long Yuan helped smooth things over, "After all, this is what we invited him to come over."

"That's right," Sakura Shozo said, "We would like to ask the famous detective how he reasoned about Genji Hotaru's case."

"I heard that each of the members of Genji Hotaru has a copy of Yoshitsune, right?"

"I also have one in my hand. It's a really good book." Sakura Shozo looked at Saijo Taiga, "Right, he sells used books?"

"Yeah, but I don't like that book very much. Although the title is Yoshitsune, it is actually the Benkei Chronicle describing Benkei."

"I like it very much," Mizuo Harutaro, who was sitting on the other side of the table, disagreed. "Especially Anzai's Benkei, it's the best."

"What does Anzhai mean?" Yuanzi asked.

"That's one of the titles of Noh plays. In order to escape the pursuit of Yoritomo's men, Yoshitsune and his retainers disguised themselves as monks and planned to pass through the Anzai Pass."

"When Yoshitsune's disguise was about to be seen through," Shozo Sakura took over Mizuo's words, "Benkei suddenly took out the diamond rod and beat Yoshitsune hard."

"Eh? Why?"

"It's to deceive the guards at the pass. Ordinary people would never think that a retainer would dare to attack the master, right?"

"Later, Yoshitsune and his party successfully passed the test. Afterwards, Benkei immediately cried and apologized to Yoshitsune, but Yoshitsune praised Benkei for his quick response. This shows that their master-servant relationship is deep, and it became a good story."

Mizuo Harutaro ended the story, and the story was finally told.

Fengyuan also knew this story, but he still listened patiently to the story. There were too many people on the field, and even Conan, who always liked to be in the limelight, remained silent, and Maplehara also habitually suppressed his presence.

After saying a few words, Sakura Masazo seemed a little sleepy, so he planned to go to the room downstairs to take a rest.

Since there were no other guests tonight, the prostitute advised him to rest in the next room.

However, he said he was used to it and insisted on sleeping in the room below. He asked the other party to wake him up at nine o'clock and left the room.

Then, Sonoko opened the door on the other side and noticed that the river outside was the Kamogawa River.

"The cherry blossoms are really beautiful."

"Really." He Ye agreed.

"Xiaolan, why don't you come and see me too?"

Xiaolan walked over, and Kayo Ichi also said: "It's not bad for a couple to sit on the bank of the Kamogawa River and enjoy the cherry blossoms, but it's even more unique to enjoy the cherry blossoms on the other side across the river below."

Everyone's attention was temporarily attracted by the scenery downstairs.

However, Maplehara noticed at a glance that Officer Ayanokouji, whom he had seen on TV before, was looking up at them from below, and turned away after realizing that he was looking at him.

"Officer Ayanokouji?"

"Have you met today?" Fengyuan asked, and Conan's tone sounded more surprised.

"Well, he warned Hattori today not to interfere in the case..."

"Yeah, weird policeman..."

They made some casual remarks, and then, at the suggestion of Mizuo Harutaro, Ran, Sonoko and Kazuha went to the terrace downstairs to enjoy the beautiful view of the night cherry blossoms.

In the room, Uncle Maori and Qian Heling played the traditional game of "Jinkunluo Chuanchuan".

In the game, two people facing each other sing and make fists or cloths in conjunction with each other's movements. It is a reflex game.

Maplehara, Conan and Hattori were sitting on the edge, listening to the song, watching Uncle Mouri play, and chatting in low voices.

Conan and Hattori told Maplehara what they had gained today.

To sum it up simply, there is no gain.

"Then, you two had a car accident?" Fengyuan asked.

"How do you know?" Hattori Heiji was a little surprised, "The two of us tidied up before going back."

"But you didn't change your clothes, there are scratches on them," Fengyuan said casually, "There is still a mud spot on Conan's hair..."

"Ah?" Conan fumbled around on his head and took out a small, inconspicuous piece of mud. "Really, I didn't tell you earlier when I saw it..."

"I didn't have a chance before...what's going on?"

With Hattori Heiji's driving skills, it was obviously impossible for him to overturn his car without incident. Moreover, judging from Conan's appearance, they probably had some racing in the mud in the mountains.

Although he was glad that he didn't follow him, Feng Yuan was a little curious.

Hattori Heiji explained to Conan.

They investigated locations related to Yoshitsune and Benkei along the way. When at Kurama Temple, Hattori Heiji took Conan on a shortcut, and then was attacked with bows and arrows near the monk Kamiya Fudodo on the mountain.

Fortunately, Conan found out in time, Hattori Heiji was not hit by the arrow, and the two immediately chased each other.

Seeing that the opponent missed a hit, he ran away on a motorcycle. Hattori Heiji and Conan also rode motorcycles, and together they staged a Hollywood-like pursuit drama.

Then…

Not only did they fail to catch up, but the car overturned.

"My butt still hurts a little now..."

Conan couldn't help complaining, he was bouncing around in the back.

During this period, there was a section of the pursuit in the mountains and forests, which almost shattered his bones.

"So that person is actually targeting Hattori..." Feng Yuan said.

"Ah, I think so too," Conan agreed, "That man is very good at bows and arrows..."

"Yes..." Hattori Heiji nodded in agreement. After the pursuit failed, he and Conan looked back at the arrow that had been shot into the tree. It penetrated very deep into the tree.

"And among these recent incidents, the first person to die was killed with an arrow," Maplehara continued, "Let me ask, Hattori, have you got any clues that you didn't even notice?"

"How is that possible? I'm not an idiot..."

"Or is that person your love rival?"

"ha?"

"He Ye?" Conan raised his eyebrows.

"Idiot, it's impossible for anyone to like that stupid woman——"

"I'm talking about your first love." Fengyuan said.

His arrogant speech was interrupted, and Hattori Heiji was stunned for a moment, "How did you know?"

He told Conan about his first love today, but he hasn't told Maplehara yet...

Is it possible that there is telepathy between Kudo and Kudo?

Maplehara gestured towards the terrace.

"Really, why does this woman say everything," Hattori Heiji complained casually, "I don't even know who that person is. Besides, even if it's just because of this, I won't kill someone right?"

There's no telling what happened to Ke Xue... Fengyuan complained in his heart.

Conan also thought for a while, "Speaking of which, Hattori, I always feel like I've seen that love token of yours somewhere..."

"That crystal bead?"

After talking about this, Hattori Heiji took out a delicate little cloth bag from his arms, and then poured the crystal bead into his hand so that the two Kudos could observe it carefully.

"How was it? Do you have any impression?" Hattori Heiji asked.

He really wanted to find his first love who would impress him forever, so even though he might be teased by Kudo, he still had no intention of rejecting Kudo's help.

Of course, he didn't expect much, after all, he had been searching for so long without making any progress...

That's what he thought.

"Hey, Hattori, you met your first love at Sannoji Temple eight years ago, right?" Feng Yuan said.

"Ah? How did you -" In surprise, Hattori Heiji wanted to ask how Feng Yuan knew, but then realized that he had asked this question several times in a row, and stopped talking.

But Maplehara and Conan already understood what he meant.

"Idiot, I also know that you only mentioned it after seeing cherry blossoms," Conan said. "Sanno Temple happens to have cherry blossom trees and the kind of lattice windows you described. However, Maplehara has never heard you say this... so..."

He glanced at the crystal bead again, "Could it be that..."

"Well," Fengyuan said, "I think this crystal bead does not belong to Hattori's first love."

"What did you say? I obviously picked it up under the cherry blossom tree where she was shooting the ball..."

"This is the white hair on the forehead of the Buddha statue."

"Peko? You mean the glowing hair between the eyebrows of the Buddha statue?"

"Yes, some Buddha statues use crystal beads instead of white hair. You picked them up eight years ago, right? The lost Buddha statue at Sannou Temple..."

"It was also stolen by Genji Hotaru eight years ago." Conan suddenly realized, "I know! Maybe Genji Hotaru accidentally lost the white hair under the cherry blossom tree while stealing the Buddha statue, and then you happened to pick it up... "

"A few days ago, you were interviewed by a reporter, and you even took a photo to show off the crystal bead," Fengyuan said. "Only then did the other party know that it was you who picked up the pekoe..."

"That's why he attacked me..." Hattori Heiji suddenly realized, "I see, that makes sense..."

Although clues that may be related to the case were found, it also meant that the clues to his first love were cut off, and Hattori Heiji felt a little complicated.

"Ah, the moon has come out..." At this time, Ryū Yuan, who had just returned from going to the toilet, said, and Feng Yuan and the others also looked towards the moon.

"The moon..."

Looking at the moon, Conan looked nostalgic.

"What's wrong?"

"Ah, it's nothing. I just suddenly remembered the appointment I had with Xiaolan to meet... But by the time I thought of it, I was already two hours late..."

"Isn't that too exaggerated?"

"I originally thought she would have left long ago, but I still went to the meeting place to take a look. But she was still waiting for me there, still worried that something had happened to me..."

"That's when it was, right?" Hattori Heiji immediately cheered up, with a smirk on his face, "You found that she is no longer just your childhood sweetheart..."

"Idiot! That's not the case..."

Conan defended and looked at Xiaolan on the terrace below with some embarrassment.

Feng Yuan also remembered this incident, but he naturally did not have the sentimental thoughts Conan had now, but he picked up the juice and took a sip.

Seeing that Conan was lost in memories, Hattori Heiji turned his attention to Maplehara.

"Hey, Kudo," Hattori Heiji still had a smirk on his face, "That Kudo said it wasn't that, is that true?"

"Really," Fengyuan replied, "he is a little more precocious than you."

More than me...? If this refers to what happened when I was in the third grade of elementary school, then it means that Kudo was still before that...

What an exaggeration...

"What about you? When did you fall in love with your new woman?"

It would be nice if Hattori was mute...

Fengyuan sighed inwardly, "First grade of elementary school."

"Huh? You are in the first grade of elementary school now, right?" Hattori Heiji said, "Doesn't this mean you didn't say anything?"

Feng Yuan continued to drink his juice and didn't want to pay attention to him.

"However, I was quite worried before..." Hattori Heiji held his chin in his hands and thought for a while.

"ah?"

"Once I solved a love murder case," Hattori Heiji said, "At that time, I suddenly thought of what you two should do..."

"..."

"There's no need to worry about the result..."

Kaede originally wanted to ask Hattori who would support him if that were the case, but then he thought about how weird it was and gave up the idea.

Later, Uncle Maori and Qian Heling played another game called "Tiger" using a screen.

Long Yuan and the others also joined in, and the room became more and more lively, filled with singing and Uncle Maori's laughter.

Because it was too noisy and no longer suitable for chatting in a low voice, Fengyuan and the others also started watching.

After a while, almost just after nine o'clock, this harmonious and comfortable scene was broken.

A piercing scream came.

Everyone who heard the cry quickly ended the game and followed the sound to the basement, where they found Mr. Sakura Shozo dead in the underground warehouse.

"The carotid artery was severed with a sharp knife..."

Uncle Maori took one look and came to a conclusion.

The criminal's method was clean and neat, very similar to the recent murders, and it might have been done by the same person.

Maplehara stood by the warehouse door, watching Hattori Heiji and Uncle Mori check the situation.

Judging from the scene, Mr. Sakura Shozo seemed to be rummaging for something in the warehouse before his death.

The buttons on his suit jacket were torn off. It can be seen that the prisoner was wearing gloves and it was difficult to unbutton the buttons. The prisoner's motive was not money, because a wallet full of 10,000-yen bills was placed on Mr. Sakura's chest.

After a while, Officer Ayanokoji of the Toto Prefectural Police, who was originally nearby, arrived at the scene.

It's worth mentioning that his pet didn't come.

Because the room was far away from the basement and too noisy, Fengyuan did not hear the other party's movements when he committed the murder. He could only faintly hear the sound of something being thrown into the river, but he didn't take it to heart at the time.

He discussed it with Hattori and Conan.

Considering that if the door is opened, the proprietress who is near the door should be able to hear the noise, and the prisoner seems to know that Mr. Sakura Shozo was looking for something in the warehouse at that time, the prisoner is most likely one of those people present.

After that, they went to Sakura Shozo's antique art store on Teramachi Road and found a copy of Yoshitsune in his study, signed by Ise Saburo.

This means that Sakura Shozo is also a member of Genji Hotaru, and there is also a copy of the previous painting in the book.

Conan therefore believed that the person who sent the letter to Sannoji Temple might be Sakura Shozo.

Then, they returned to Shanneng Temple, checked the clues with Xiaolan and others, and learned that the police did not find the murder weapon in the store or in the river.

The case could not be solved for the time being, and the night was already deep. Everyone was a little sleepy after walking for a day, so they prepared to rest.

Hattori Heiji planned to take Kazuha back to Osaka.

And even though Maplehara reminded Hattori to be careful that the prisoner might still be staring at him, something happened to Hattori Heiji at night.

…

The next day, Kyoto, Umekoji Hospital.

Hattori Heiji was lying on the hospital bed with gauze on his forehead. Xiaolan and Kazuha went to buy fruit together. Maplehara and Conan took this opportunity to talk to him.

"So, you lost the kendo competition?"

"What are you talking about!" Hattori replied angrily to Maplehara. Judging from his performance, he was obviously recovering well. "That's because the guy was wearing a metal arm guard. I was just careless..."

Last night, when he was driving He Ye back on his bike, someone shot his car mirror off with an arrow, and then he was led into a small forest.

The man was carrying two bamboo swords and gave Hattori one, as if he was going to have a kendo duel.

Not to be outdone, Hattori Heiji went up and dealt a blow. As a result, he was cut on the arm guard and was cut between the eyebrows by someone's counterattack.

Even though it was just a bamboo sword, he was still seriously injured.

Then, his left shoulder was also slashed by the sharp blade that the other party took out later. Fortunately, Heye arrived in time and used a sock filled with stones to hit the other person back. He also lied that the police were coming and forced the person back.

"What about the anesthetic needle pistol I gave you last night?"

Because he was worried about Hattori Heiji's safety, Maplehara also handed Hattori Heiji the anesthesia needle pistol he carried with him.

"Uh..." Hattori Heiji was stunned for a moment, then used his good hand to take out the anesthesia needle pistol from under the pillow and handed it back to Maplehara, "This is a kendo duel, how can you use such a thing..."

"I think you just forgot." Conan couldn't help but complain.

Hattori Heiji was a little embarrassed because he had indeed forgotten. After all, it was barely a fair sword fight at the beginning, but it couldn't be considered fair after the opponent took out a real sword.

"Ahem, let's not talk about this." Hattori Heiji said, "By the way, Kudo, I accidentally dropped the bag containing the crystal beads last night, and the guy still wanted to pick it up..."

"So, Fengyuan's guess is correct."

"Yes...that guy really came for the crystal beads..."

Hattori and Conan were both lost in thought. Kaede glanced at his watch and calculated the time. It was almost time for Xiaolan and Kazuha to come back.

"Okay, I have to leave beforehand," Fengyuan said, walking towards the door, "Hattori, just have a good rest..."

Hattori Heiji and Conan looked at each other.

"What can happen to Kudo?"

"Ah?" Conan couldn't help rolling his eyes, "I said, can't you change your title?"

"cannot."

"...He should have gone to investigate the case," Conan gave up resistance and thought for a moment, "I am not familiar with him in Kyoto, and we don't know anyone..."

"Oh...find out the truth yourself, and then keep the anxious two of us in the dark..."

"yes…"

"Hey, Kudo..."

"I'm persuading the Department, don't you want to--"

"We're back."

Conan's words were interrupted by Kazuha's voice, and Officer Otaki came in with her.

Xiaolan put the fruit on the bedside table, and Kazuye asked about Hattori's situation with concern. Then, Officer Shiratori and Officer Ayanokouji also came to inquire about the case.

However, despite the delay, Hattori Heiji still sneaked out with Conan after the police officers left and Ye Yu went out with something, and Xiaolan also went out to call her father.

And Feng Principle came to Kyoto Station.