The unscrupulous detective in Conan

Chapter 1480 Tokyo, Gotham City
First, praise the person; second, introduce them; third, build rapport; and fourth, give them money.

Fujino pondered this in his heart, and immediately understood the intricacies of the matter.

That's just how interpersonal relationships are. It's a society based on personal connections; wherever there are people, there are personal connections.

Knowing this well, Fujino didn't wait for the other party to pay.

If it comes down to paying money, then that's considered disrespectful.

As for not paying?
If I don't pay you for taking on apprentices, you'll see if I mistreat your kids.

That's how experienced craftsmen are; if you don't pay them enough, they'll definitely make things difficult for your child.

Fujino coughed lightly and said, "Yes, I've always thought Conan was smart and a pillar of society. Now that Yukiko has spoken up, how could I refuse?"

"Great!"

Yukiko Kudo smiled and took out a check from her bag, handing it to Fujino in a gentle tone, saying, "Please don't mind this small reward, Fujino-kun. This is from the child's parents who asked me to pass it on. After all, learning anything requires tuition, and we're also troubling you..."

"We've become too distant..."

Fujino refused somewhat awkwardly, but took the check, glanced at it briefly, and then stuffed it into his pocket.

Yes, it's about 20 million yen.

It's not a lot, but considering the fact that he's taken on apprentices, it's already quite a lot.

It cost more than the accommodation fee.

Fujino remembered that Conan only received ten million yen when he moved into the Mori family's house.

Thinking about it this way, the money should be calculated based on the commission price, since taking on an apprentice is a long-term and high-difficulty commission.

Fujino agreed to the request.

Yukiko Kudo immediately put on a smile: "There's no need to be so formal. I'll be troubling you, Fujino-kun, to look after Conan from now on!"

"He's disobedient, you must discipline him properly and push him to improve!"

Conan: "..."

Is this definitely her biological mother?

He dragged me over to become his apprentice, and then made the other person relentlessly push him.

Is it true that encouragement or discipline is not the same as physical punishment?
Conan's eyes were lifeless, and his expression was one of wanting to cry but unable to, which made him look very uncomfortable.

Ai Haibara squinted and frowned.

Looking at the scene before him, there was a hint of suspicion in his eyes.

Ai Haibara was a little confused about what trick Conan was up to this time, but judging from the expression on his face, she thought he might be forced to become Fujino's disciple.

But thinking about it carefully, my relationship with Fujino is more like that of siblings...

"Am I now a nun in the Edogawa school?"

"But as for a nun or something..."

Ai Haibara couldn't help but think this way, but then she realized something was off, so she shook her head and changed her perspective, thinking to herself, "It should be Master's wife."

As Ai Haibara was thinking this, Yukiko Kudo wasn't idle either.

Ai Haibara's thoughts remained only at the level of imagination, while Yukiko Kudo had already looked at Conan and smiled, "Speaking of which, Fujino-kun is my junior brother, and Conan has become Fujino-kun's disciple, so in that case, I'm Conan's junior aunt!"

Conan: "..."

Why do you have to abandon being a good mother and insist on recognizing me as your nephew!
What on earth is going on in your head, Mom?
Really...

Conan felt that having a mother with such a quirky and somewhat childish mindset was really tiring.

He sighed, unable to help but mutter under his breath, "What 'little aunt'? Aunt is aunt, and she is indeed older, but that has absolutely nothing to do with 'little'..."

"Um……?"

Yukiko Kudo has excellent hearing, and upon hearing this, her gaze towards Conan immediately turned hostile.

She felt that this child's mouth was just too cheeky...

I kind of regret not giving my own kid a good talking-to when he was little.

That's pretty much how the apprenticeship process goes. Fujino originally planned to have Conan kneel down before him and pour him a cup of tea from a scalding hot teacup.

But thinking about it, I've already paid so much money, so I'll just forget about it.

Moreover, Fujino figured that Yukiko Kudo would probably help deal with the kid later.

Yukiko Kudo did not immediately deal with her child.

After all, the child he's currently raising isn't officially his child...

Moreover, family scandals should not be aired in public!

Slightly calming her near-furious emotions, she turned her head and looked at everyone present.

She had met Akemi and the Shimokasa sisters before.

Thinking back to when we first met, these two sisters even asked me for their autographs.

As she looked around, she suddenly noticed a strange face that she had just overlooked.

She was a cute girl with short, slightly wavy blonde hair. She wore a white undershirt, a beige tweed shawl, and loose-fitting trousers in the same color and fabric. Even though her undershirt was peeking out from the unbuttoned shawl, she still exuded a calm and dignified air.

Yukiko Kudo immediately came to a conclusion: "This girl is definitely not from an ordinary family. She must be from a family with some status and background, and not just an ordinary family."

As a former national idol, Yukiko can tell just by looking at the clothes that flatter her figure that the designer has adjusted the pattern according to her body size.

Ordinary people obviously wouldn't go out of their way to hire a designer. Only formal occasions would require such a design. If someone has to design everyday clothes, it must be a sign of a wealthy and influential family.

Ooka Momiji naturally noticed Kudo Yukiko, who was looking at her.

She had been observing him ever since he became her disciple.

Seeing that Fujino had taken on a disciple, she thought to herself, "It seems that I'm now, too, his wife..."

"Should we give that child a red envelope?"

"After all, I am your teacher's wife."

At this moment, noticing Yukiko looking her over, she smiled and said, "My name is Ooka Momiji, and I'm Fujino's fiancée, though we're not officially engaged yet..."

"Ms. Kudo, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"No, this is it." Yukiko Kudo replied with a smile, her mind a little confused.

Well, she thought this girl was a foreigner, but now it seems she's mixed race, since she looks somewhat Japanese.

It's just that his Kyoto accent sounds a bit strange.

It's roughly like a pretty French girl who speaks with an old British accent.

However... he doesn't have a fiancée yet.

Fujino, that kid, has this kind of talent too.

Yukiko Kudo pondered this to herself.

At this moment, Ooka Momiji took the initiative to speak: "Speaking of which, I've seen quite a few of your works, Ms. Kudo. I heard that you've rarely appeared since you got married, and it seems that you recently settled in the United States. I really didn't expect to meet you here..."

"And he also knows Fujino."

"Speaking of which, Miss Kudo, are you related to this child?"

Yukiko Kudo smiled and replied, "Yes, I came here today at the request of this child's parents."

"I see..." Ooka Momiji nodded in response, her smile widening as if she were lost in thought. Kudo Yukiko's smile remained unchanged, but a slight unease crept into her mind: "After asking so many questions, is this girl jealous of me?"

"You're actually jealous of me..."

"that is really good!"

Yukiko Kudo was still very touched.

I never imagined that at my age, I would still be called "old auntie" by my own child, and that I would even be jealous of young women.

"Doesn't that just mean I look young?"

Yukiko Kudo was secretly delighted, completely absorbed in her own world.

It just goes to show that as women get older, they do try to prove they're young...

Even without trying to prove it, I'm still happy to be complimented on my youth and beauty.

After Conan finished his apprenticeship ceremony, he quietly walked to the side, revealing a dead fish-like expression.

He felt like a dog on the street, ignored by everyone.

Of course, he just felt that there were still people who cared about him, such as Ai Haibara.

Ai Haibara, wearing slippers, slowly walked to his side, glanced at him, and then crossed her arms:

"It seems someone isn't too happy about having another master."

Conan, with deadpan eyes: "You think I'm not satisfied?"

Ai Haibara raised her chin: "I think you should be quite satisfied now."

Conan gritted his teeth and said, "Yeah, I'm satisfied."

Conan was definitely dissatisfied, but despite his dissatisfaction, he still had to become an apprentice.

After all, to get involved in a case, you need to have an identity.

Moreover, his mother is putting a lot of pressure on him now.

I should have known better than to tell that old lady about it.

Ai Haibara smirked: "Would you like to call me 'Master Aunt'?"

Conan's dead fish eyes became even more lifeless. He glanced at Ai Haibara and said in a low voice with annoyance, "Heh, should I call you 'Master's Wife' or not?"

"Then give me a shout?" Ai Haibara blinked, inexplicably wondering, "Is this for real?"
Conan: "..."

Destroy it, this world is beyond saving.

Conan's already somewhat despondent spirits sank even further.

Ooka Momiji and Kudo Yukiko got along quite well. It should be said that Ooka Momiji's social skills are already maxed out.

Although she usually puts on a high pedestal with people she doesn't really want to know, she generally manages to build good relationships with those she wants to befriend.

After all, she is the daughter of a prominent family, and she has a clear understanding of how to weigh the interests in interpersonal relationships.

As they were chatting, Sonoko Suzuki suddenly appeared.

Clutching a flyer, she called out to the crowd, "Hey, Ran, Momiji, and Fujino-senpai, how about we go to the beaches in Okinawa after winter break? It's really warm there right now..."

She only got halfway through calling out before noticing Yukiko Kudo, and then said with an embarrassed smile, "Aunt Yukiko is here too!"

Yukiko Kudo: "..."

Are all kids these days so impolite?

Fujino and Ooka are better; at least they both affectionately call her "elder sister."

Yukiko Kudo forced a smile: "Yes, I brought Conan here to become my apprentice..."

After hearing what had happened, Sonoko narrowed her eyes and looked at Conan suspiciously: "So, does this kid even have the intelligence?"

"Conan is still very smart, okay?" Ran seemed a little unconvinced by her best friend's words.

Ran thinks that although Conan has all sorts of problems, and even some mental illness, he is at least very smart.

Sonoko narrowed her eyes suspiciously, then finally nodded: "That's true. At least with this kid around, there's bound to be some murders."

Conan: "..."

Be careful, or I'll sue you for defamation!

You're slandering me!
Conan's deadpan expression remained unchanged; he felt as if the whole world harbored deep hatred for him and was targeting him.

At this moment, Ooka Momiji suddenly interjected, "Sonoko, you just said you were going to the beach in Okinawa?"

“Yes, yes!” Sonoko pointed to the brochure. “The weather in Okinawa is still very nice right now, not cold at all.”

"Thinking about this winter break, it's been so long since I went to the beach."

Ooka Momiji thought for a moment, seemingly somewhat tempted, and nodded in agreement, saying, "The seaside sounds like a good place to go for a visit and enjoy the scenery."

Sonoko, hands on her hips, exclaimed, "Right? I can even change into a swimsuit and show off my figure!"

Upon hearing this, Ooka Momiji lowered her head, frowned, and stroked her chin thoughtfully, saying, "That's true..."

Sonoko clapped her hands: "In that case, it's settled!"

As she spoke, she glanced around and asked, "Who else wants to go?"

"Xiaolan, you're going, right?!"

Xiao Lan thought for a moment and said, "I don't have anything to do lately, so I can go."

Sonoko wasn't surprised by the answer, and turned to look at Fujino beside her, asking, "Does Fujino-senpai have time?"

Before Fujino could speak, Conan interrupted, "I remember Fujino-nii is currently working on a very important case, so he probably doesn't have time, right?"

Sonoko was slightly taken aback upon hearing this: "Huh? Is that so?"

"Yes, that's true..."

Fujino responded, still thinking about how to explain, but before he could continue, a phone call came in.

It was Miwako Sato who called.

As soon as the call connected, a voice came from the other end: "Fujino, something bad has happened! Honjo and Itsuki have been dumped at the entrance of the Metropolitan Police Department!"

Fujino wasn't surprised, but he still feigned surprise and asked, "What happened?"

Miwako Sato explained helplessly, "It was probably last night when our colleagues found it after get off work. Along with the evidence he had taken and the tools he used to commit the crime, he had thrown them at the door..."

Fujino stroked his chin: "Isn't this good?"

Miwako Sato took a deep breath: "The key point is, it seems that it was Catwoman who captured that guy!"

Fujino was slightly taken aback: "Catwoman? What do you mean?"

Miwako Sato gritted her teeth and said, "It's Catwoman from Batman! That guy said it was Catwoman who did it, and now besides that Beika Batman, there's another Catwoman popping up!"

"They might even be in cahoots!"

Fujino thought for a moment and said, "Isn't this great? Tokyo's safety will be much better now."

"What's so great about it..." Sato Miwako was a little speechless: "We were almost there, but they beat us to it. First Batman, then Robin, and now Catwoman has appeared. The higher-ups are getting a little angry, okay?"

"If things continue like this, just like Chiba said, Tokyo is about to become that Gotham City!"

Upon hearing this, Fujino thought for a moment and reminded him, "Speaking of which, isn't Tokyo already a crime city comparable to Gotham?"

(End of this chapter)