"Has the Demonic Sword appeared?" That evening, Zhang Fan visited Li Zi's room to discuss the day's events. Upon hearing the name of the Demonic Sword, Li Zi fell into deep contemplation, considering her close relationship with the Demonic Sword, Jeanne d'Arc, within the organization Yi.You.
Li Zi hesitated, contemplating whether to reveal to Zhang Fan that the Demonic Sword was, in fact, Jeanne d'Arc. She was unaware that Zhang Fan had already encountered Jeanne d'Arc multiple times.
"Yes, I've decided to capture Jeanne d'Arc and, as per our agreement, after eliminating Wei La De, you will testify for Aria's mother and return to Tokyo Martial Detective High through a judicial deal. Indeed, a happy ending for all," Zhang Fan expressed contentment with his plan.
"Do you know the true identity of the Demonic Sword?" Li Zi was most startled by Zhang Fan's knowledge of Jeanne d'Arc's identity.
"Of course. Did you not know Yi.You extended an olive branch to me?" Zhang Fan was now the one surprised, wondering how Li Zi could be unaware of Yi.You's overtures to him.
"Members of Yi.You seldom gather together. I never heard of your existence from Jeanne d'Arc," Li Zi shook her head, regretting not revealing her identity to Zhang Fan earlier and recruiting him. Now, she found herself having to betray the organization, which, despite her lack of attachment to Yi.You, was still frustrating.
"I see." Zhang Fan pondered over Yi.You's organization, unsure whether to label it as lax or meticulous.
"If Jeanne d'Arc appears, I'll let you know..." After a moment of hesitation, Li Zi ultimately decided to align with Zhang Fan.
"No need. You must be in a difficult position, Li Zi. Regarding Jeanne d'Arc, you don't need to get involved. I'll take care of everything." Zhang Fan's joy at Li Zi's decision to choose him was evident.
"But..." Li Zi began to protest but was cut off by Zhang Fan.
"That's settled then. I can be quite dictatorial," he quipped, winking at Li Zi.
"Annoying! You're a tyrant, Xiao Ya, but I like it," Li Zi playfully punched Zhang Fan's chest and then quietly nestled in his arms, relishing their shared warmth. She was with the man who could grant her freedom and her choice, Li Zi Robin IV.
The Tokyo Martial Detective High soon welcomed the opening ceremony of the Yad Athletics Tournament. To restore the reputation of the martial detectives, the event was opened to the public and even featured an all-female cheerleading squad at the closing ceremony.
"So, Aria, Bai Xue is in your care," Zhang Fan said before the start of the individual combat competition, the main event following the opening ceremony, as he donned his specialized combat gear.
"Stop worrying. I've got this," Aria confidently reassured, not participating in the competition but performing in the cheerleading squad, combining daggers and pistols into a unique routine.
In Zhang Fan's view, even the charm of these cheerleaders couldn't redeem the violent image of martial detectives in the eyes of the public.
"And Bai Xue, notify me immediately if anything happens. Don't act alone," Zhang Fan cautioned before leaving, deeply concerned for her safety.
"I understand, Zhang Fan. You can count on me," Bai Xue nodded submissively.
"Then, I'm off," Zhang Fan bid farewell and headed to the rest area, where martial detectives from around the world were preparing for battle.
Despite the predominance of A-grade martial detectives, the few S-grades present drew the most attention. While not all S-grades were guaranteed winners, A-grades specializing in certain skills posed a formidable challenge.
The competition began, and frankly, Zhang Fan found it somewhat dull. After effortlessly defeating his opponents, he advanced to the finals, only to face an unexpected challenger.
"So, you're Aria's partner?" Zhang Fan's opponent, a strikingly handsome youth with clean, jet-black hair and deep onyx eyes, inquired about Aria.
"Who are you?" Zhang Fan furrowed his brows. This character, not present in the original story, intrigued him.
"El Watson. Since you're aware of Aria's identity, you must understand my connection with the Watson family," the youth smiled enigmatically. El Watson, a member of the Watson family?
With Sherlock Holmes, one must mention his partner J.H. Watson. Their inseparable bond was the key to their combined strength. However, with Aria now paired with Zhang Fan, the sudden appearance of her fated partner Watson stirred curiosity and uncertainty. What did Watson's arrival signify?