Conan: Chief of Rice Flower's Science Points

Chapter 576 Setting up the flag
"Huh? This looks like Shiraishi-senpai when he was in college, right? It brings back so many memories... Ayako, come here, you didn't know Shiraishi-senpai back then, did you?" Satsuki immediately called her best friend Ayako over to share the photo after seeing Shiraishi's picture.

When Ayako came over, she smiled and said, "Indeed, looking at Kuro now and then suddenly looking at Kuro ten years ago, there's a really big difference."

Judging from my older sister's tone and knowing her garden, I shuddered slightly and reminded the children, who were also showing interest, "Don't go over there yet, that's the adult world..."

Hearing this, Ayano and Mayoi, who were standing nearby, were a little disappointed that they didn't step forward. Mayoi was just as curious as any child, and as for Ayano... she was curious too.

Ai's face stiffened at this moment. Although she didn't go over immediately, she made up her mind to analyze what was going on later!

Meanwhile, Hara Yoshiaki was sweating profusely as he checked the equipment: "What's going on... This function isn't supposed to be there... Strange..."

It's one thing for bugs to appear or for incorrect function modules to be enabled, but what's the principle behind the sudden appearance of a function that never existed?
Shiraishi then spoke up to remind him, "Actually, it's not the same as it was ten years ago. It's probably just a genetic error... It's even stronger than I am now."

That's right, there are differences, though.

Although only a bust image was generated, the muscles are even more terrifying than Shiraishi's current state; he's nothing like the Shiraishi before he turned twenty...

Before the age of eighteen, Bai Shi had increased his [Constitution] to Lv10. Most of his points before the age of eighteen were also in [Constitution], so Bai Shi developed extremely well.

After turning 18, Shiraishi didn't grow much, but she didn't completely stop growing either; after all, she still had a growth spurt around 23 and another around 25...

Back then, Bai Shi was actually a bit worse than he is now; it's only in the last five years that he's truly "remained the same."

However, even from just the upper half of the body in the generated photo, Shiraishi, with his medical knowledge, could immediately estimate the overall height and build—it must be 2.6 meters tall…

Before anyone else realized it, Shiraishi had already put the photo away!

Bai Shi estimated that this thing's prediction was actually correct, but...

The genetic information it scanned should be from when it was eight years old. Then, based on the genetic information of "Shiraishi who already had a physique of Lv10 at the age of eight", it deduced what Shiraishi would look like at eighteen years old under this premise.

In other words, Shiraishi, who developed according to the [Constitution] Lv10 during his growth period and adolescence, will naturally look different from his actual appearance at age 18.

However, upon hearing Shiraishi say this, Hara Yoshiaki breathed a sigh of relief—if it was just a generation error, it was understandable.

"I see. It seems there are still many things that need to be adjusted. I'm really sorry, but I'll invite you to experience it again next time," Hara Yoshiaki said helplessly to Conan and Ai.

When Conan heard Shiraishi mention something about "ten years ago," he became distracted, clearly realizing something was amiss...

The three people who caused the bug—Conan, Ai, and Shiraishi…

So it's clear that this isn't a machine problem!
The three individuals share a clear commonality—they all took APTX4869, which likely altered their genetic information.

if it is like this……

Shiraishi was able to adjust himself and temporarily return his body to its normal state. At this time, the machine could still work normally for Shiraishi, but it couldn't work for Conan and Ai.

So, if we consider the pessimistic view, it's very likely because...

APTX4869 can destroy genetic information, making people unable to grow, and it may even cause the body to break down if maintained for too long, as Ai said.

The machine can predict what Shiraishi will look like at eighteen because of his current state; his genetic information has been repaired. However, it cannot predict Conan and Ai's future growth, which means... it judges that they cannot grow normally!
"It's a pity we won't get to see what Haibara looks like when she grows up."

"It's okay, we can try again next time with Kotomi..."

"That's right, don't be so discouraged!"

The three kids thought Conan and Ai's silence was because they were frustrated by this bug.

Helpless, Conan could only force a smile, while Ai was already deep in thought—the bad news was that the development of the "antidote" was even more urgent; the good news was that there was now a ready-made "near-successful case".

Judging from the state of this predictive device, it seems that Shiraishi's genetic information has been repaired?
Of course, a complete restoration is impossible, since if Shiraishi doesn't actively maintain her current appearance, she will revert to that petite, pitiful, and helpless eight-year-old.

……

At that moment, Secretary Sawaguchi received a phone call and then said to everyone, "Everyone, please come with me to the observation deck on the top floor. The president is there too."

The group then boarded the observation elevator and arrived at a height of 300 meters. The observation elevator was quite capable, and even with so many people, including Bai Shi, it was not overloaded.

Apart from Kogoro, whose legs went weak from the discomfort, everyone else was admiring the rare sight.

As you ascend, the observation elevator facing north passes by skyscraper after skyscraper until you can take in the mountains and hills of the Tama region.

"No wonder it's a skyscraper, the view is amazing!"

"That mountain doesn't look that big from here..."

"It's like slowly approaching heaven!"

The three little ones looked very excited at this moment.

Shiraishi:……

Shiraishi glanced at Ayumi, feeling that her analogy was rather unlucky.

The fact that you guys are here is enough of a challenge, so don't make any more.
Sawaguchi added, "This is still the north-facing view. From the observation deck, the south-facing view is even more impressive; you can see Mount Fuji!"

The three little ones became even more excited upon hearing this.

Sonoko was still holding her future photo, looking disgusted, as if she couldn't stand it no matter how she looked at it. Seeing this, Ayako said, "Actually, you're very pretty, and you look... very career-oriented!"

"Really?" Sonoko was a little doubtful; her older sister was just trying to reassure her.

After looking down at it twice, Shiraishi said, "Hmm, it looks a lot like Aunt Tomoko."

Sonoko: ...

thank you!

Sensing Sonoko's resentment, Shiraishi suggested, "Or... how about a different hairstyle? This predicted hairstyle is definitely inaccurate."

"Hairstyle?" Sonoko considered seriously. "This hairstyle was specially designed for us by Mom, and we can't change it before graduation!" Ayako emphasized.

This hairstyle was designed by Tomoko Suzuki, specifically to "seal off" your good looks!

In Sonoko's future photos, she also has short hair. I wonder if the machine's judgment on hairstyle is random or based on aesthetic analysis...

Satsuki, who was standing to the side, suddenly changed her expression and said, "Was it designed for 'you'? So, Ayako had this hairstyle in high school too, right? Can I see a picture from back then? I bet Shiraishi-senpai hasn't seen it either, has he?"

Ayako:……

"There really aren't many photos left from back then, hehehe..."

……

The elevator soon arrived at the 75th floor, which is the top floor of Building A.

This is a very spacious lobby, not divided into different rooms, with large sections of the surrounding walls made of expensive panoramic glass—just as Secretary Sawaguchi said before, as the top floor, this is also the building's observation deck!
It is currently being set up as a venue, and tomorrow's ribbon-cutting ceremony should take place here.

"Senior Mori!"

"Tokiwa-kun, it's been a long time."

When Tokiwa Mio saw Mori, she took the initiative to greet him.

However, upon seeing Tokiwa Mio, Sonoko's expression froze, and Shiraishi also tried to suppress a laugh. Ayako repeatedly reminded the two of their eyes not to laugh out loud. Tokiwa Mio also had the same short hair as the future Sonoko, or rather, the current Suzuki Tomoko, which might be a standard for strong women.

Seeing Ayako and Shiraishi approach, Tokiwa immediately greeted them: "Ms. Suzuki, welcome... This must be your boyfriend?"

With Shiraishi Kuro's figure, Tokiwa couldn't possibly mistake her.

Normally, Tokiwa Mio is only a year or two younger than Kogoro, which is eleven or twelve years older than Ayako. It wouldn't be a problem for Ayako to call her "auntie." However, Tokiwa Mio deliberately used the tone of "big sister" when talking to Ayako, which made it easier to make jokes and liven up the atmosphere.

Since Tokiwa Mio's father was a contemporary of Suzuki Shiro, Ayako wasn't surprised and exchanged a few pleasantries with Tokiwa.

However, when introducing other people, it was a little awkward—Ran is the daughter of "Mouri-senpai," so Tokiwa was a little unsure about his attitude towards Sonoko, Ran's best friend and Ayako's younger sister, whether she was a peer or an elder.

Fortunately, there wasn't much negotiation. Tokiwa immediately introduced the other three people to everyone, who were probably the guests they had previously received.

"This is my Higashijima painting teacher, Kisaragi Mineki-sensei..." Tokiwa first introduced the oldest one.

The old man, who appeared to be white-haired and white-bearded, was wearing traditional clothing from the eastern island nation.

When the students introduced themselves, he simply nodded indifferently to them, appearing unsmiling.

Shiraishi glanced at this "Teacher Kisaragi" a couple more times—a serious old man who was also an artist... that buff was already in place!

"So it's Master Kisaragi! I've heard so much about you. My father has one of your Mount Fuji paintings hanging in his study, which he treasures dearly." Ayako immediately flattered him after recognizing him.

Upon hearing this, Sonoko was still wondering—did her father have a painting of Mount Fuji in his study?

Upon hearing this, Master Kisaragi's expression softened considerably, and he said more kindly, "Chairman Suzuki has misunderstood."

Tokiwa then continued to explain to the younger, square-faced middle-aged man: "This is Hidehiko Kazama, who can be considered a rising star in the architectural world of Japan and even the world."

Kazama, who gave off an air of competence with a hint of seriousness, said, "Not at all. Compared to an artist like my teacher, I'm just a craftsman... Of course, I'm not like Professor Moriya, who is confined by art or even gets bogged down in trivial details."

Upon hearing the name Moriya, the atmosphere became somewhat awkward—the "symmetry maniac" Moriya Teiji had left a deep impression on everyone.

This Kazama is actually his student...

When Moriya-sensei was mentioned, Kazama specifically looked at Shiraishi—after all, it was Shiraishi who arrested Moriya!
“Of course, I’m very adaptable. I care more about the client’s needs than art.” Kazama added this sentence specifically—this was entirely for “Ms. Suzuki” to hear, since no one else had the opportunity to collaborate with him.

However, Shiraishi still couldn't help but glance at him a couple more times...

Who knows if Moriya taught him anything else!
"And this one... is Iwamatsu Oki, a member of the Nishitama Town Council." Tokiwa introduced last a balding middle-aged man who smelled of alcohol.

Sure enough, his identity and his slightly sleazy demeanor suited him quite well...

However, at this moment, Representative Oki seemed a little reserved. When Tokiwa introduced himself, he just smiled modestly and even tried his best to suppress the smell of alcohol on his body. He just looked at Shiraishi and said with a forced smile, "Ahem, Director Beika, right... I've heard so much about you."

Especially when he saw Shiraishi staring at him, he immediately broke out in a cold sweat and took a small step back.

Seeing this, Bai Shi became even more suspicious—if you don't want to blow up the building, what are you feeling guilty about?
"The councilor of Nishitama Town... What are your thoughts on the emergence of the largest building in Tokyo in the town?" Shiraishi asked tentatively.

“Eh? This… everything is compliant in every way… cough cough, anyway… it was everyone’s decision!” Oki blurted out, afraid that Shiraishi would suspect that he had gone through the back door to approve the building. Then, feeling Tokiwa’s reminding gaze, Oki changed his words again: “I mean… um, it will definitely be of great benefit to the development of Nishitama Town. I am very pleased… um.”

Shiraishi:……

Shiraishi could also tell that Daiki didn't have any negative feelings about the building.

As for feeling guilty...

Oki was simply afraid of the name "Chief Beika." From members of parliament to cabinet secretaries, Shiraishi had taken down far too many people. As a mere town councilor, Oki felt like a little karaoke in front of "Chief Beika," not daring to breathe loudly, for fear that he too would be arrested and add a not-so-obvious mark to "Chief Beika's" list of achievements...

After all, Oki knew he wasn't exactly a clean person. He was not only a town councilor but also a broker in building approvals, so he inevitably had some dealings with the gray areas.

Meanwhile, before the others could react to what Daiki said, Kisaragi Mine, who was standing to the side, suddenly became angry for some reason and said, "Mio! I'm going back!" and turned to leave.

"Ah... Kisaragi-sensei, let me see you off." Tokiwa quickly followed, smiling apologetically at the others.

Shiraishi:……

A wealthy female student from Maori, a rigid old artist, a student obsessed with symmetry, a sleazy politician, a highly skilled programmer... and a young female secretary!
In the awkward atmosphere, Shiraishi felt that the building was becoming increasingly dangerous.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

Dongdong: Today is October 28th. 103 years ago today, the Vatican assisted Italian fascists in taking over the Italian government. Please vote for me! Please vote for me! Please vote for me!
(End of this chapter)