The next day, Shinichi Kudo, clad in his Teitan High School uniform, was walking home, accompanied by two girls.
The girl on his left possessed gentle features and warm, clear eyes. Her hair flowed loosely over her shoulders, and her fitted uniform accentuated her delicate figure. A soft smile played on her lips as she listened to Shinichi's enthusiastic chatter about a recent case and, of course, Sherlock Holmes. Even though she'd heard similar discussions countless times, her gaze toward Shinichi held a gentle warmth she tried to conceal.
The girl on his right had more defined, almost sculpted features, with bright, sparkling eyes. A few strands of her dark hair framed her forehead, while the rest cascaded down her back. Though not as tall as the girl on his left, her slender, well-proportioned frame and exquisitely beautiful face gave her an air of pure innocence. She glanced at Shinichi, still engrossed in his case discussion, then at the smiling girl beside him, and her lips subtly tightened. Her expression hinted at a touch of disappointment with Shinichi.
As they walked, a handsome young man approached, stopping directly in front of them. The trio halted, and Shinichi, racking his brain, realized he didn't recognize the man.
"Hello," Shinichi asked, "can I help you?"
The young man's eyes swept over the three, then he smiled. "Hello. Are you Shinichi Kudo, the 'Sherlock Holmes of the Heisei Era,' the one they call the savior of the Japanese police?"
Shinichi was taken aback, then a slightly embarrassed smile touched his lips. "That's a bit of an exaggeration. The media likes to say that. I'm nowhere near Sherlock Holmes' level. But yes, I'm Shinichi Kudo."
The young man's smile remained. "I thought so. My name is Akira Yumiya. I'm a detective from the Yumiya Detective Agency in 3-chome, Beika Town."
This handsome young man was, in fact, Akira Yumiya, who had come to make contact with Shinichi. He had considered visiting the Kudo residence directly, but, realizing they had never met and that the Kudo house wasn't a public detective agency, he decided against it. Instead, he opted for a "chance encounter" on the street.
After introducing himself, Akira Yumiya continued, "I took over my father's detective agency a month ago. I'm finding I have much to learn about detective work and reasoning."
"I've heard that the famous detective from Teitan High lives nearby, and I've wanted to meet him for some time. However, since we haven't had any prior contact, a sudden visit seemed inappropriate. Now that I've run into you like this, I was wondering if you might be willing to discuss reasoning and detective work with me?"
Shinichi was surprised. He hadn't expected Akira Yumiya to want to discuss detective work with him, and he hesitated, unsure how to respond.
"Didn't Senior Yumiya already graduate and get into Teitan University? How did you end up taking over the detective agency?" the girl on Shinichi's left asked, her voice soft and gentle.
Akira Yumiya looked slightly embarrassed. "Oh, I'm sorry. I was a bit flustered meeting Kudo-san. Please forgive my rudeness. Mouri-san, Kudo-san, hello."
"Eh? Ran, you know him?" Shinichi asked, confused.
The girl on Shinichi's left was Ran Mouri, his childhood friend.
"Yes," Ran replied, an admiring look in her eyes. "Senior Yumiya was the captain of our Teitan High School Men's Karate Club and a national runner-up. I watched his match against Makoto Kyogoku. It was incredible! I'm probably not even a match for him now."
"You're stronger than Ran at karate?" Shinichi's eyebrows rose. He looked at Akira Yumiya's handsome face and seemingly less-than-muscular physique, a hint of doubt, and perhaps a touch of jealousy, creeping into his mind. He glanced at the admiration in Ran's eyes and felt a flicker of unease. He was about to politely decline Akira Yumiya's request.
Akira Yumiya, noticing Shinichi's hesitation, quickly interjected, "To show my sincerity, I know a wonderful Japanese restaurant nearby. I'd like to treat you all to dinner. Your girlfriend and sister are welcome to join us, of course."
"Who said Ran's my girlfriend?!" Shinichi protested instinctively.
"Senior Yumiya, you misunderstand. Shinichi and I aren't…" Ran added, her face flushing.
"Such synchronization!" Akira Yumiya thought, but he feigned surprise. "Really? I've heard everyone at Teitan High say you two are dating. I must have been mistaken. My apologies." He gave Shinichi a slight bow.
"Ah, yes, that's right, it's a misunderstanding. Ran and I are just childhood friends…" Shinichi stammered.
"Hmm…" Ran murmured in agreement, her blush still prominent.
Akira Yumiya smiled. "Then, Kudo-san, would you be willing to accept my humble request?"
He paused, then continued, "My mother passed away when I was seven. My father raised me single-handedly. He was passionate about his detective work, and it's how he provided for me and my education."
"Now that he's gone, I don't want his agency to close. It means too much to me. That's why I gave up my place at Teitan University to take it over. I hope you can offer me some guidance." Akira Yumiya bowed deeply.
Shinichi, seeing Akira Yumiya's sincerity, began to waver.
"Brother," Kaede, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. "Since he's so sincere, why not agree? It's not a difficult request." Her voice, like a clear mountain spring, had a distinct timbre, a hint of ethereal beauty.
"Yes, Shinichi," Ran added. "Senior Yumiya is doing this for his late father, and he's even offering to treat us to dinner. My father has a case today and will be home late, so I don't need to make dinner. I can go with you."
"…Okay," Shinichi conceded. Seeing that both his sister and Ran were interested, and considering Akira Yumiya's request was reasonable, and, perhaps influenced by the thought that Ran might be his girlfriend (even if he hadn't admitted it), Shinichi nodded.
"Thank you so much!" Akira Yumiya beamed. "Please, follow me." He led them towards the Japanese restaurant he had mentioned.
As they walked, Akira Yumiya and Shinichi chatted. A mystery enthusiast in his previous life, Akira Yumiya had read numerous famous mystery novels and their analyses, including the Sherlock Holmes stories. He shared his insights, combined with his own understanding, and soon a lively discussion ensued.
Shinichi grew more and more enthusiastic. He quickly realized that Akira Yumiya had a genuine understanding of Sherlock Holmes, and many of his observations were refreshingly insightful. He went from calling him "Senior Yumiya" to simply "Yumiya," treating him with a growing sense of camaraderie.
Akira Yumiya, while chatting with Shinichi, also subtly included Ran in the conversation, sharing anecdotes and common experiences between her and Shinichi. He then used Ran as a bridge to engage Kaede in the discussion.
Kaede, however, remained reserved, perhaps naturally quiet or perhaps wary of Akira Yumiya. She rarely spoke unless directly addressed.
After a fifteen-minute walk, the Japanese restaurant came into view.