#I WILL NOT LET GOSHO PUT ME DOWN

[whenishipiluxurycruiseit]

AIGHT FOUND SOME SPOILERS BUT IM A KAISHIN SHIPPER EVEN BEFORE I WAS BORN LEZZGOOOO I WILL NOT STOP WITH THIS SHIP FRICK

[alexiethymia]

In which Aoko meets Kaito?

Or someone who sure awfully looks a lot like him. What was it they said about karma again? Kaiao. Shinran. Here we go again.

sapphire & spade; Part of the shuffle the deck fic series; dcmk verse fics of rare encounters with the dcmk kids, while flirting loosely with canon. part character analysis, character interactions. much love for gosho’s couples.

Gong-gong

‘Oh no, Aoko’s going to be late!’

She breathes a panicked huff, still ruffling her hair to put it into some semblance of a nice chignon. Rather than anything elegant, she suspects that it probably resembled a bird’s nest. She tried to stem the tears she feels coming up. Aoko knew that this wasn’t like her, to be putting her hair up when she would just as comfortably let it flow loose. She remembered another time she acted like this – during her supposed ‘date’, but she could be forgiven for her nerves then considering that she was trying to prove her best friend’s innocence (ha, funny that).

Anyway, just as it was then, today was a special occasion. And just as it was then, it had something to do with Kaito.

Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Just there looking effortlessly cool wearing a dark jacket and slacks as he checked the time, stood her best friend. She blows away a strand of her hair in frustration. Kaito’s hair was as messy as hers, but why was it that on him it looked windswept rather than like her chaotic mess? 

But her happiness overcomes her frustration and insecurity. It’s been a week since she saw Kaito last, something about taking time off work to guest star in a magic show in America. At least to herself, she can admit, she missed him. It was their anniversary – in more ways than one. Of when they met and many other new beginnings. He swore up and down it would be nothing like her near-disastrous birthday. He promised that he’d be there and on time. As the gong was about to strike twelve midnight, Aoko was as happy as she could remember ever feeling to see he kept his promise.

‘I swear, no more lies, Aoko.’

Except…

She slows to a stop in front of him.

“Aoko! Here you were making me promise to be on time, and you’re the one who was almost late. Good thing Cinderella didn’t turn into a pumpkin or anything like that,” he jokes with a wink. 

His smile could blind her.

At the mention of Cinderella, she remembers a magical transformation and the warmth of his arms. But Kaito had never been her prince charming, rather he was the magical wizard who always did his best to grant her wishes.

Did his best…

Smile straining, she greets him, “Good evening, Kudo-san.”

At his honestly confused face, Aoko could very well applaud him. She could see that he inherited his mother’s skill.

“What are you talking about, Aoko?”

She breathes in and tries her best to be patient. “Kaito couldn’t make it, huh? I’m sorry you got roped into that idiot’s silliness, Kudo-san.”

“No, really,” he says, brows furrowed and looking utterly penitent, “What’re you talking about, Aoko? I am Kaito.” And as if to prove each and every one of her doubts wrong, a blooming rose still wet with dew appears in front of her face.

She would love to believe him, she really would, but Aoko’s had enough practice – and disappointments – in her life.

“Ok then. Aoko believes you,” she could have melted at his relieved expression, “So you’ll accept Aoko’s welcome home kiss, won’t you?” She clasps her hands behind her back and stands on her tip toes to draw her lips to his, closer and closer she draws and feels his breath intermingling with hers.

Just as she thinks they’re about to touch, a high-pitched noise makes her head ring just before she feels the softness of feathers caress her lips.

“That idiot…” she hears in Kaito’s voice, or something close to it. She’s impressed by the subtle shift. When before it had been laced with mischievous laughter, now it was smooth and mildly apologetic, “I’m really sorry about this, Aoko-chan.”

A slight shift in posture, a hand smoothing over his hair, and just like magic, instead of her best friend, there stood in front of her, one famous metantei.

Shinichi knew he shouldn’t have given in to Kuroba.

‘C’mon, Kudo, you owe me. Haven’t I dressed up as you enough times to save your butt?’

‘Yeah,’ he had replied while rolling his eyes, ‘Almost as many times as it caused me trouble.’

‘Onegai,’ Kuroba had pleaded, palms together. ‘Won’t you do your favorite cousin a solid?’

‘You’re my only cousin.’

‘Seriously, Shinichi,’ And he had looked serious, rare as that was, ‘I want to make this special for Aoko. Just think of it as practice for our body-switching trick for my next show.’

Shinichi had been ready to fall for it, before he sighed sufferingly, ‘Again, when did I ever agree to join –‘

‘Plus, if you do this for me, I promise I’ll get you a free three-night stay at the Ritz Carlton in New York. I got complimentary passes since I’m doing a show there. Isn’t your and Ran’s anniversary coming up?’

Damn it.

At the thought of Ran’s overjoyed and wonderstruck face, he decided not to listen to his brain for once. But looking at Aoko-chan trying to keep her smile up and herself strong had Shinichi rethinking this whole thing. No matter how happy Ran might be to spend their anniversary in New York, he’s sure she’d just as well get mad at him for putting one of her girl friends through the wringer. Again, he thinks with feeling, ‘That idiot…’

‘Why did I agree to this again?’

‘That’s no mystery. You pretend like you don’t care, Shinichi, but of course you do. I still remember how ‘Conan-kun’ helped Takagi-keiji out, and Kyougyoku-san too. As much as you say otherwise, of course you’d worry about Kuroba-san.’

‘At least I’m not as bad as you with Hattori and Kazuha-chan.’

‘Don’t fool yourself, Shinichi’, Ran had said laughing sweetly at him, ‘We both know you’re worse.’

Well, he’d agree with worse things than being accused of caring about his troublemaking cousin the moment she laughed happily like that.

Subtly guiding the forlorn woman to sit on a nearby bench, Shinichi tries his best to cheer her up. “You look really nice tonight.” Shinichi meant it honestly. While Ran looked great in lavender and red (probably one of the reasons why it was his favorite color in the first place), he tended to favor blue for himself. Meanwhile, blue seemed to favor Aoko-chan. In her glittering sapphire dress and crystal pumps, she looked every bit a modern-day Cinderella. Or maybe it was the total opposite and it was that modern-day Lupin running out of time. Speaking of…

While he knew he had an overinflated ego at times, Shinichi would like to think he wasn’t as bad as his dad. While he wasn’t as good as Kuroba, he thinks he’s picked up some things from his mother.

‘Ha, everyone knows I’m the one who took after Yukiko-obaa san.’

‘…’

‘I’m telling kaa-san you said that.’

‘W-wait, I actually have a reason I can call her obaa-san now.’

‘Ha, as if that’ll stop her.’

At the very least, he shudders to think he was as bad as Hattori, so he can’t help but ask, “How could you tell?”

Aoko-chan still seemed blue but lifts up a corner of her mouth in reply, “Kaito doesn’t usually wear dark clothes.”

Remembering countless pre-heist preparations, Shinichi opens his mouth ready to object before Aoko interrupts, “Aoko knows what you’re going to say, Kudo-san. Kaito wears dark clothes when he wants to hide, but for something like this he wouldn’t be able to help but draw attention to himself. He’d wear white or something bright.” Or something colorful and loud. Thoughtlessly she reaches up to stroke the feathers of the dove which had comfortably made a home on her head. She gives up the hairstyle for a lost cause and gets lost in her thoughts.

Aoko had always hated the dark. It reminded her too much of the silence of an empty home. But Kaito was always loud and bright, sometimes blinding. Like a beacon she would always be drawn to him in a crowd and then she wouldn’t be alone anymore.

She decides to continue, “Also, remember what you said earlier,” she smiles wryly, “Kaito wouldn’t compliment what I was wearing. You’re too much of a gentleman, Kudo-san, it still shows. You didn’t call me ‘Ahouko’ even once.”

Shinichi’s sure Aoko-chan’s expression was mirrored by his own deadpan look. They really resembled Hattori and Kazuha-chan at times, for better or worse. He knew that every couple had their own quirks and expressions, but he couldn’t help but worry. Since he wouldn’t ever admit being worried for that menace, let’s just say he was worried about Aoko and leave it at that.

“Still,” Aoko says while fiddling with her fingers, “You almost had Aoko fooled. You did his trick exactly like he would have done it. Is that why Heart-chan is with you?”

He takes a split-second before answering to ask, “Heart-chan?”

Aoko nods like he’s supposed to get it, “Yeah, Hato-chan.”

Shinichi deadpans. Well what else could he expect from someone who loved his punny riddles? Rather, ‘Heart-chan’ was supposed to keep an eye on him, and anyway ‘this little gal knows you already’ before said dove had disappeared into his clothes. Shinichi doesn’t admit to being impressed especially when he could tell how the other man had done it within five seconds. “Something like that,” he answers instead.

Kuroba should be satisfied that she’d done her job, Shinichi thinks, remembering the aftertaste of feathers. And yet he also remembers that annoyingly high-pitched feedback. Grimacing, he thinks that he better be satisfied. At the very least Shinichi was grateful so he gives the dove a pat of his own.

Shinichi was no magician, but if Kuroba could play at being detective, then he could do no less. If they were two sides of the same coin then something like replicating a trick he’s cracked the mystery to was as simple as child’s play.

Still, he was a detective and eternally curious at heart, “So how?” He simply asks, trusting Aoko-chan to understand.

Aoko smiles, a bit brighter than before, “The rose would have been blue,” since it was a special occasion after all, “And,” here Aoko pauses feeling herself blush, “Kaito breathes differently, ifthatmakesanysense,” she exclaims in a rush. She peeks up at the older detective, almost feeling embarrassed at being judged. She can’t help it, Kudo-san and Ran-chan always seemed to her to be so sophisticated and mature, a steady and steadfast couple if anything, that she worried if she was still childish in comparison.

Rather than shocked though, Kudo-san looks like he understands. “I get it, Aoko-chan.” And he really did, she didn’t have to explain. He’d compared women to mysteries once (with time he can look back on it now and see it as a child’s frustration and fear at not being able to understand the heart of the one dearest to him), but they were incredible detectives too. He remembers being shocked that Ran could tell Kuroba wasn’t him (sometimes he might underestimate her too much, it’s a lesson he’s happy to keep relearning), and surmises that this must be something like it. No wonder, Kaitou Kid had always been so tight-lipped. The greatest danger to his identity hadn’t been him, but Nakamori, albeit a different Nakamori than everyone thought.

Aoko breathes in the cold night air. It would be midnight soon. “So what happened? Did he…start again?”

Aoko released a huge sigh of relief when Kudo-san shakes his head empathically, “Kuroba knows better than to break your heart like that,” at her snort, he grins, “Well at least he should know better because you’d be the first to haul him right to jail, with me and Hakuba right behind you. I’m sure Hattori wouldn’t want to be left out either.”

At her energetic response of ‘much better’, Shinichi smiles feeling happy that he managed to allay a bit of her worries.

“It’s just that…he could have told Aoko he couldn’t make it. He said no more lies after all.” She sighed.  

“Aoko doesn’t want to hold him back from doing what he loves. She knows how much he enjoys the stage and spotlight, but sometimes Aoko just enjoys the simple things. Just him being here is enough for Aoko. She wonders if she’s selfish for feeling this way,” she says while placing her chin on her palms, pouting.

Shinichi nods noncommittally. It’s not as if he doesn’t get it. Although it’s been years, his heart still twists at the memory of Ran bursting into tears after smiling so brightly. It wasn’t his place to say, ‘maybe he really had a good reason’ when excuses were just another kind of lie. ‘There was only one truth,’ right?

Even if he could understand Aoko’s pain, it also wasn’t his place to chastise Kuroba when he had been the same. Detective and thief, critic and performer, truth and lie - they were indeed two sides of the same coin because, unlike Hattori, unlike Hakuba, they made their home in that grey area in between.

One truth that he can be sure of though, enough that he can confidently tell Aoko is this, “At the very least, Aoko-chan, no matter what mischief that guy gets up to, he’ll always return home to you. If there’s anything he’d wish for the most, it would be your happiness.” For the man with a thousand faces who knew everyone and could become anyone, there was at least one person in the whole world who knew the person behind the mask absolutely and completely.

He hears a soft ‘thanks’ at the same time a small smile tentatively blooms on Aoko’s face.

3…

2..

1.

GONG

‘It’s showtime!’

Ok, that hadn’t been a whisper from the mic he was wearing on his collar. He’s sure he had been listening in through that nifty accessory Heart-chan was wearing from who knows where, and finally decided to make his entrance.

Geez, that guy sure liked to make people wait (Shinichi thinks he deserves to be purposefully obtuse for once. He’s made too many comparisons between them already).

At the wonderstruck expression on Aoko’s face at the multitude of blue fireworks scattered across the night sky above the clocktower, Shinichi hopes that she and he would think this was all worth it.

Ironic that he’d find himself here again, finally facing his rival after so many years after that first meeting that they had both forgotten, and in vastly different circumstances too. He has to admit though that he is relieved to find out that that once moonlighting thief had managed to protect what was important to him.

He watched with Aoko as a glider with a jet engine sky wrote the words, ‘Happy anniversary!’ (As he remembers free falling off a blimp, Shinichi thinks wryly that he finally managed to solve that problem.)

Unlike Aoko though, he didn’t shout a delighted gasp of surprise when a pillar of pink smoke and glitter suddenly puffed in between them.

“Kaito!”

No matter how many times she’d seen it happen, she would probably always react in wonder as if it was the first time. (Not for the first time for him when looking at Aoko, he is reminded of Ran’s reactions after every successful deduction. Well, the very first time wasn’t really the awed reaction he’d hoped for. Still, he treasured that moment).

Kuroba Kaito, Kaitou Kid, the world’s most daring magician appeared with a bang. He might have had thousands of fans (in both personas), but from the wide grin and manic energy he had now it seemed like he was performing for the entire world in the form of one person.

“What’s that supposed to be, Ahouko?” He says pointing to the ruffled mess left of Aoko’s hair when Heart-chan left to return to her rightful master. It was teasing but still all the fonder for it.

“Mou, don’t tease, Kaito. Not when you’re so late,”

“On the contrary, I’m right on time,” and with a snap of his fingers, Aoko’s hair transformed into the elegant chignon she’d be wrangling it into the whole night.

Hands in his pockets, Shinichi observed the other man dressed to the nines in a white and blue suit. He could be accused of cosplaying a very popular phantom thief except the shade of blue was slightly different, and instead matched the eyes of his lovely companion. “Dummy?”

He was referring the obvious decoy still writing above them, but as expected when Kaito drew closer and narrowed his eyes at him, he’d gotten the double meaning.

“I thought I might have had to ruin my cue and come in too early, but good thing you were here, huh?” Kaito scratched Heart-chan on the top of her feathered head for being such a good girl, before whirling to point at his near doppelganger, “And you! A great detective shouldn’t be trying to steal a phantom thief’s job. That was way too close a call! Don’t make me tell on you to Ran.”

Shinichi scoffs lightly. Now he understood what Hattori must have felt back then, and inspired, he just says with a smirk, “Let’s just say we’re even now.”

Kaito narrows his eyes further if that were even possible. “You hold onto a grudge for way too long.”

“Says you.”

"Wow," Aoko says awed, "Looking at the both of you side-by-side like this...it's like looking at a mirrored reflection!" 

"What're you talking about, Aoko? I'm obviously more good looking," Kaito boasts. "Anyway..."

Shinichi could tell he was planning something from how he was creeping closer but not even he could have expected being blindfolded with magic scarves.

“Oi, Kuroba!”

Kaito knew he probably should have just waited till Kudo left but he never could keep his cool around Aoko. In a whirlwind rush, he drew her in a dance position and finally stole her lips.

Could it be called stealing if they were his in the first place? He may have been a retired thief, and call him a hypocrite if you had to, but he would never let anyone steal this. He may have been forced to look for Pandora, but all the world’s jewels could not compare to this one precious sapphire.

The moment he saw her in her get-up, his heart stopped and he suddenly couldn’t sit still. It was a surreal experience watching her with ‘himself’ from the outside, and to still feel jealous even when it was his own plan.

Arghh, just call him a hypocrite and be done with it, because the moment of that near-kiss, his life suddenly flashed before his eyes and all those times he took Kudo’s place with Ran. He apologizes to the metantei in his mind. Man, even if he did use him as bait for his trigger-happy black organization, Kaito realizes that that little detective must have had so much patience with him to not just punt him to the moon for all the stunts he did back then. He suddenly shudders remembering that ominous flash of glasses that signaled an ass-kicking. On principle, he started staying away from glasses-wearing grade schoolers after that. Trauma ran deep after all.

But he felt everything settle into place the moment he felt Aoko melting into his arms. He thought he knew temptation when he had a chance to steal a first kiss back then, but he had been content to let Sleeping Beauty rest. And yet, even after biting the bullet (and the plush apple that was Aoko’s lips), temptation still continued its siren call every time he saw her.

He must have really missed her.  

A rude cough woke him up from his wonderful dream, as Aoko squeaked and hid behind him.

“I’m giving you three seconds, so the moment I remove this I better not see anything scarring.”

“You wish,” Kaito responds childishly.

As Shinichi sighed sufferingly and peeked from beneath the blindfold, he remarks, “Should I be thankful you didn’t use sleeping gas?”

Interlacing Aoko’s fingers with his own, he shoots his cousin a finger salute and jokes, “Could still be an option.”

“Just try it. I’d tranq you first,” he says, narrowing his eyes at him, “But, I don’t want to ruin Aoko-chan’s evening after she waited so long for you.”

“Pot,” Kaito points to him, then to himself, “Meet Kettle.”

Shinichi rolls his eyes, but didn’t say anything knowing he had a point. “So, any reason why you couldn’t just wait until I left?”

“Because,” Kaito says cheekily before turning to Aoko with a bright, blue rose suddenly in his hand, “I just wanted to show you how it’s done.” Aoko looked even more delighted with the sudden gift.

“Right, right,” he says playing along, as he ruffles his hair. “Well, I’m off. It’s an early day tomorrow, and knowing Ran she’s probably waiting up,” partly to hear any ‘juicy details’ in her own words. “You kids have fun now,” he says with a wave as he turned away from them.

“Oi, metantei!”

When Shinichi turns back, he sees Kaito look unexpectedly sheepish, “Thanks again for this.”

With a small smile, he just replies with a ‘Hai, hai,’ as he finally leaves them to enjoy their anniversary in peace. He’d heard from Ran who heard from Aoko-chan that it was the anniversary of when they met, as well as the anniversary of when the Kaitou Kid had finally given up his mantle and the exciting life of a phantom thief to confess to his best friend. Rumor had it than even when he had the entire female population’s attention, he had only ever and truly sought after the regard of one specific person. Perhaps it was some kind of karmic justice that it was also the same person who hated his guts, and would continue to do so as long as he was still stealing. And so he’d given up the gold to get the girl. Or so the rumor went.

It was a long day and he’s just about ready to snuggle with Ran in bed as he entertained her with the kind of story she’d love.

From the excited gasp he heard behind him, he’s sure Aoko-chan had finally seen what his quick gaze noticed as soon as Kuroba whipped up that rose – another blue rose nestled in its petals, or more accurately it was an asteria, a star sapphire inlaid in a white-gold setting fashioned after a rose. Miniature vines made up its small band. Shinichi’s pretty sure it would fit perfectly, even imagined Kuroba dressing up as Aoko-chan to make sure it really did fit.

Another thing he noticed, the slightly off-kitler English letter ‘H’. Everything else in the message had been lowercase. Shinichi knew Kuroba, whether he was Kaitou Kid or not, being the perfectionist he was, wouldn’t make a mistake like that. Maybe it wasn’t supposed to be an ‘H’ and he had to improvise. Shinichi couldn’t be sure, but it almost looked like it could have been an English letter ‘w’.

Aoko-chan might not get the implications right away. Diamonds were traditional after all (like his and Ran’s), but when had Kuroba ever been conventional?

Seeing that gem had brought back memories of a fallen emperor, a chain of red lights, a forced landing, and a heartfelt confession. As if Shinichi could ever forget. It could have been the same gem that he tried to steal back then.

“I promise I didn’t steal this one, Aoko. Really!”

Just maybe scoured the world for it, which was why he had been missing for a week in the guise of a show. He’d used his own legal (and extra-legal too) contacts in the police, and even Shinichi’s. In the end he’d even asked Sonoko, Momiji-san, old man Suzuki, and when he’d run out of billionaires to ask, his dad and mom. They might have heard something. Even Kuroba as much as it pained his pride to do it, asked his oyaji who had heard of news of the missing gem during his own escapades.

Maybe he wasn’t a detective, and no longer a thief, but Kuroba was still a master storyteller. A star fit perfectly with the moon. And what’s more…

Destiny, Hope, Faith. What they had encountered was a fake empress with a fake gem, but he thought the genuine article fit Aoko-chan perfectly. That true and utter - some would say blind – faith in him, the real him under the smoke and mirrors.

Maybe he had almost lost hope, but just like Pandora, he kept a little bit of it close to his heart. So long as she was there waiting for him and believing in him.  

And just like that, no matter how many obstacles there were of other’s and their own making, maybe it was just destiny for them to be. Together.

Or maybe, he laughs at himself, he was just the sentimental fool Ran said he was, to be comparing their situations.

They were alike, as much as he hated to admit it. Maybe blood really did run that deep. So, he can say that Kuroba could be as stupid as him sometimes. But at the same time, he knew that Kuroba knew how lucky he was to have her, after everything. And they could only be so lucky not to mess up again and end up having to let go.

Maybe his original plan was to make it into one spectacular show, but he’d always been good at improvising, and no magician worth his salt would leave a young woman’s wish unheard and not granted. And so, his original plans took a back seat, and he turned it into something private and just for them instead. Despite that, he can understand if Kuroba still needed his critic one more time, to have someone witness no matter what he decided, and to stop him from running away if needed.

But…

He takes one last look as soon as he’s far enough. Aoko-chan had her arms around him, tight as if she never wanted to let go as she admired the ring on her left finger over his shoulder. Kuroba looked caught off guard, bright red and blushing with no trace of a suave Phantom Thief on his face, just a man flustered in the embrace of the one he loved, before he held her back, equally as tight.

He doesn’t think he needs to worry about anything on that front. He’d once been a thief, and thieves tended to guard their treasures zealously.

And well, Shinichi thinks chuckling, if it was witnesses he needed, then witnesses he’d get. By tomorrow, everyone of their acquaintances would hear of the happy news, courtesy of Ran.

He’s sure to enjoy the chase.

‘Good luck, Kaitou Kid.’

[leonawriter]

i know im late but

Kogoro Mouri?

First impression

That was a long, long time ago, but probably "deadbeat who can't be bothered to deduce his way out of a paper bag hat." A lot of frustration, or just dismissing him outright at times, probably.

Impression now

I still feel the frustration, but I feel like a lot of it is more on Gosho shoehorning him into the role of "needs to be a dumbass" rather than Kogoro actually being a dumbass. He's had so many times when he's shown how smart he is that there are some times when he acts stupid that just... don't make sense.

Favorite moment

I think it's the Fourteenth Target movie, where he shoots Eri with perfect aim in order to get the guy holding her to let go?

More recently, I can still remember the moment from the Stradivarius case where he does exactly what Conan says without even asking or complaining and only then does he ask himself why he just... followed the orders of a seven year old.

Basically, any moment that lets him be a badass.

Idea for a story

Anything where he puts things together.

Kogoro having a one to one with "Conan" and getting a few ground rules down, talking things over, so they end up collaborators and the whole "Sleeping Kogoro" thing is a joint effort.

Shinichi at one point saying "Sure, sure. But if you start derailing an investigation, I WILL knock you out and take over."

"Deal."

Unpopular opinion

What are the unpopular Kogoro opinions? I mean, part of me sometimes wonders if it'd be better if he and Eri split up properly and just let themselves be friends, at times. Gosho wants to show that they're still in love, but unless Kogoro's womanising is a bluff, that's... hm. She could do better.

Favorite relationship

Funnily enough, I love seeing how he is with Conan/Shinichi! Kogoro is basically like Shinichi's second dad (fitting, considering how Yuusaku is absent so much), and it shows. They'll mirror each other and not even realise it. Kogoro will also, in spite of how he complains about "the brat," protect him just as much as he protects Ran.

Favorite headcanon

That he's put things together, no matter what Gosho says.

Just now I was even thinking that he could easily have come up with a "deduction" that is scarily accurate, but he convinces himself that it "can't" be true because it's just the sort of thing that those around him usually laugh at him for coming up with. It doesn't leave his head, but it's just like a conspiracy theory that refuses to not make sense.

There've been times he should have been looking straight at Conan when he shot his dart, or should have woken up before the deduction is over. It fits.

[detshin]

oooh could you rank the bo members? rum, gin, vermouth, vodka, chianti, korn? (it's 6 sorry jedjsh)

HELL YES. Gosh, I need me more bo related questions so OF COURSE.

Again you guys this is just my preference so:

1. VERMOUTH. (Like ... there's no other possible number one in my book. She is just- so freaking interesting. I love her character. I need more of her gosho pleaseee)

.

.

.

.

I guess we'll continue lmao but they're not even close!

2. Gin. (Not because I like him. I loathe him, but because he's the villain here lmao. I do not quite like what they're doing with him as of late, he's more goofy and all of that and eeehhh no. Let's keep him intimidating and scary yeah? Please and thank you!)

3. Vodka. (SOOO UNDERRATED. Never forget that if, it was for him, Shinichi would have been long dead! I expect great things from him. He's got great potential)

4. Rum (I can't quite put him above because he's basically done NOTHING. PLEASE MOVE. *pokes him with a stick*. Seriously, I was terrified when he said to find info on Shinichi. But now the hype is dying down... I need him to take action asap)

5. And 6. They could be interchangeable honestly. Chianti and Korn. I just.... don't care about them. Sorry!

Thank you for the ask!!! 🩷

[marylynaaartsblog]

My Thoughts on Movie 26 (Black Iron Submarine)

Warning: this post contains spoilers, if you haven't seen the movie or don't want to receive any spoilers, don't continue your reading.

Without further ado, let's start.

I finally got the chance to watch Movie 26 and, two days after, I'm ready to draw my conclusions.

This Movie didn't have a good start at all: in April 2023 Twitter was full of posts inviting to boycott the film. On the other hand, one must recognize the huge revenue achieved, which, up to this date, it's the highest of all Detective Conan movies.

The result makes me genuinely happy since I'm also supporting DC franchise but I also think that this movie could have been much better.

The idea of semi - canon movie brings both advantages and risks. If on one hand there are profits that skyrocket, on the other there are obvious issues with the canon plot. This is the case of Movie 26.

The main problems are:

1) CHARACTERS THAT ARE OOC

• Vermouth

I didn’t like her behaviour in this movie at all. First of all, I find it absurd and senseless that, while at work (and talking about a person that the Organization plans to kill later), she casually looks at the site where it is announced the contest to win the Fusae brooch. I want to stress the fact she is not a frivolous character.

Going back to the pin, to put it simply, Vermouth wants it and Ai gives her the last ticket in order to win it. That’s why Vermouth decides to help Ai in this movie.

Seriously? Are we talking about the same Vermouth who hates the Miyano family and their project with all of her heart and tried to kill Ai twice?

I don’t even want to mention how nonsensical it is that Vermouth bothers to go to the Philippines, disguise herself as Shiho at different stages of her life and prove that the facial recognition program is flawed. I might accept the explaination that probably it was the Boss' order but still was all of this necessairy? I think there must have been an easier way. 

(Side note: enough with the scenes where Vermouth has a towel on. There is an abuse of these scenes ever since the Mystery Train. What is refined in Gosho’s work becomes vulgar in others).

• Gin

He has become the most reckless and irascible character in the entire universe. The coldbloodness and logic that distinguished him have definitely disappeared in the movies. This issue, already traced in the previous movies, here is taken far beyond, since he orders the kidnapping of Ai trusting a program rather than real investigations. Now it is ordinary for him to make everything explode and kill other members of the Organization as if it were nothing: no matter if the characters are non - canon, it is against the logic that the Boss manages to maintain a certain balance between the members. Moreover, he is the only who can decide who must live and who must die.

• Kir

I can’t fathom why Kir decides to help Ai since they've never met.

2) CONSEQUENCES ON THE MAIN PLOT

• In case this movie is considered canon, the suspicions about Kir would increase significantly. 

• For Ran, this would be the third time he comes into contact with the members of the Organization and, especially after seeing Ai kidnapped, now she must have some suspicions.

• It remains unclear why Rum wanted to use the program to track down the Boss. In the canon plot, there is no mention of the members, let alone Rum, the second-in-command, not knowing where the Boss is. What's more, all of the members carry absolute respect for the Boss and it would be a nonsense to use a program to track him down.

I'll leave aside the comments on the laws of physics (totally non-existent in the movies) and on Akai who managed to knock out the Organization TWICE and none of the members does anything about it.

In order to give an overall assessment, I have created a small list with the criteria that I consider important in a movie and my marks:

Plot: 7/10

In general, the movie still managed to be interesting and not to bore me. I didn’t feel like I wasted my time and I didn’t check the time too much while watching it. Pinga and Rum could have been better exploited (I feel like they are kinda wasted here).

Coherence with the Canon Plot: 2/10

The reasons are widely discussed above.

Quality of the Animation: 8/10

There are some frames that aren't the best but the movie truly is of high quality, nothing to say.

OST: 7/10

No OST really pierced my heart but I still found them suitable for the scenes they were connected to. Honorable mention to the OST of Gin in the Porsche and Beautiful Fin.

Characters' Realtionships: 5/10

Aside from CoAi (yes, because this is a film about this ship, it's useless to deny it) there are no other relationships that are deepened. In this movie, the members of the Organization act on their own and Pinga has no contact with Rum. No comment on the TOTALLY senseless kiss between Ai and Ran.

Voice Acting: 10/10

I just love the voice actors, their work is flawless.

Merch/ Events: 9/10

Movie 26 really had the best merch and  sponsoring so far. The icing on the cake was Black Crow Sing, I hope that in the future there will be other similar events.

Overall score: 6,85/10

A nice movie to watch if you have two hours of spare time.

[sakura-samsara]

Ikemen Genjiden: Prologue (Part 10 of 10)

← Part 9

Yoshino: It’s such a grand building…!

Shigehira: Of course it’s grand. This is where the Sei-i Taishōgun lives and administers state affairs.

I looked upwards in awe at the towering, majestic gateway to the estate…

Retainer 1: Yoritomo-sama! Where in the world did you suddenly go on such urgent business? We were so concerned…

Several people who seemed like Yoritomo's retainers ran out from the gate and surrounded Yoritomo.

Yoritomo: I’m so sorry to have made you worry. But all of that business has been finished.

Yoritomo: It is because I have utmost faith and trust in you all that I was able to leave the Gosho in your hands. Thank you all very much.

Retainers: We don’t deserve such kind praise from you!

Yoshino: How did he change his personality just like that… It’s scary.

Morinaga: Ahaha! You’re so honest, Yoshino. But with the exception of us few, Yoritomo-sama acts that way towards everyone.

Yoshino: Really?! That’s almost amazing…

(He did the same thing right in front of me when we had first met, but I’m still shocked by how suddenly and completely he changed. Yoritomo-sama really is a wolf in sheep’s clothing!)

Kagetoki stepped forward and fixed a withering stare on the retainers.

Kagetoki: All of you are crowding around us like ants around sugar. It’s about time that you hurry on back to your colony, don’t you think?

Kagetoki: Yoritomo-sama is a bit worn out from tonight’s activities. He doesn’t have the time or energy to be exterminating pests.

Retainer 2: …! How discourteous of me to not have noticed his tiredness! Please have a restful night!

The retainers snapped to attention like they’d been struck by lightning, silently moving out of the way and bowing deeply to us before they rushed back into the estate.

(That was a harsh tongue-lashing… It looks like the retainers are really scared of Kagetoki-san.)

Yoritomo: Thank you for that, Kagetoki. I can finally get some peace and quiet around here.

Already having regained his bold smile, Yoritomo turned in my direction.

Yoritomo: This is where you will live from now on. The attendants will prepare as much fine food and as many pretty clothes for you as you wish.

(What…?)

He reached out his hand and tilted up my chin, looking at me possessively.

Yoritomo: But, kitsunetsuki—from today onwards, you belong to me.

(“You belong to me”!? I know that I’m in his care, but he could have said it in a way that didn’t sound so wrong!)

Yoritomo looked down at my shocked face and let me go with a satisfied smirk.

Shigehira: …If you’re not prepared for any of this, you’d better get lost now.

Kagetoki: Certainly so, Shigehira. If you end up becoming a burden to us, I think we ought to swiftly dispose of you.

(How could I be prepared for something I didn’t even imagine would happen in my wildest dreams?! …I’m getting more and more anxious about the prospect of living here.)

Morinaga: Alright, everyone, that’s enough. You can’t just say whatever you want to her like that.

Morinaga smiled jovially and put each of his hands on top of Kagetoki and Shigehira’s heads.

Kagetoki and Shigehira: ……

He slammed their heads together with a thud, and the two grimaced in pain as he let them go.

(Ouch!!!)

Kagetoki: Gh… Morinaga, you…

Shigehira: Oww… Why did you do that, Morinaga-san?!

Morinaga: Yoshino, don’t let these guys bother you.

Yoshino: T-That’s easy for you to say…

Tamamo: It seems like we’re in for a fun time here, don’t you think, Yoshino?

Yoshino: Fun for you, maybe. I get the feeling that we’re in for a lot of trouble ahead of us. But with that being said…

(For the sake of the Kamakura shogunate, and for Tamamo’s sake… I’ll have to face Yoshitsune-sama and the crow-tengu Kurama on the battlefield.)

(Their allies, too… Benkei-san was so strong, and Yoichi-san didn’t seem like your average person either.)

(But I have no choice but to fight them, because this is the decision I made.)

(I’ll collect enough magical power to break my pact with Tamamo… And once I’m free, I’ll finally open my own pharmacy!)

Inspirited by the thought of a wonderfully average everyday life, I turned to face everyone.

Yoshino: Thank you, everyone! Please take care of me!

At that moment, little did I know…

That an epic romance would blossom amidst the turmoil of war and turn my whole life upside down.

Prologue Summary Comic

Notes:

The exact word used to describe the heroine's profession, 薬師 (kusushi), is an archaic term for a physician/pharmacist. I like translating it as “apothecary” because it has the same old-timey feel, but sometimes “doctor” and “pharmacist” sound better or make more sense in context.

[equal-shipping]

Why Kaishin Still Holds Up, Even Now.

I FINALLY watched the 23rd Detective Conan and let me tell you what...

Why are there not more episodes with these two working so closely together? Like please?! They got that solved so quickly and just shared information with one another and can I please just have them interact before the series ends pleaaaaaase.

Yet I'm not here for begging. I'm here to rant and cleverly disguise that rant as an essay.

I want to rant about trust in Detective Conan (specifically with a look at Kaishin) and the Enemies turned Rivals turned Friends turned Lovers trope.

[Mild Spoilers Ahead]

Trust as a Driving Force in Detective Conan

If someone asked me what is one of the many driving forces in the DC plot as well as the cornerstone of many of the relationships in DC it would be trust. Most of the characters in DC are living their lives with lies as the foundation of who they present themselves to be.

And here is something that I love about the relationship these two have with one another:

The trust that Shinichi has on Kid was earned and vice versa.

I don't think that Shinichi thinks that Kaito Kid is the most honest person in the world, but he does know that the magician works by a code and he trusts him to not put someone in any immediate danger despite the fact that Kaito Kid does not inherently talk too deep about his heists with him.

Ask yourself this. Where in canon did it say that in Kid's heist nobody gets hurt by Kid? I've read the manga and nowhere does he really say 'this is a safe show for everybody!' Let me tell you where it says it: Nowhere.

So why do we all assume it to be that way? Because even we have trust in our favourite thief that he won't do something to actively hurt someone. Since the story is being told in Shinichi's point of view, most of the times, we can rely on the trust that Shinichi has placed on Kid to not get anyone hurt.

One big example of this would be in the Detective Conan Movie: The Sunflowers of Inferno:

Leaving Ran in Kid's care is a conscious decision he is doing despite the fact that he doesn't know if Kid is even going to make it out. Shinichi loves Ran probably more than he loves himself and he wants her out of danger enough to place trust in someone that, situation wise, has no business whether Ran or Shinichi live or not. I honestly think that even Kid was surprised that Shinichi made that decision.

Now I'm not going to put my shipper goggles when I make this statement and go 'OH MY GOD THEY LOVE EACH OTHER SO MUCH IT SHOWS IT EVERYWHERE. LOOK AT THE SHOW, STUPID."

But these two have something that not many of the characters in DC have and that is a mutual trust without knowing all the details of their lives.

Kaito happened to guess that Conan was Shinichi and I doubt that Shinichi is going to meet Kuroba Kaito by the end of the series. These two barely know each other but through their interactions just happen to understand each other enough to work together amazingly when thrust into a situation where they have to help each other out.

Which brings me to the second thing I want to talk about.

My Enemy Went From Being My Rival to My Friend to my Lover, What Happens Now?

I want to break into Gosho's house and ask him to please let Kaito Kuroba meet Shinichi Kudou. Like this is such a might need that I'm almost scared of looking forward to the ending of DC because I just have a feeling it isn't going to happen.

I might also ask him why the hell every side character needs a romance subplot but that is neither here nor there.

But now that the ships have been decided and canon has sealed the final nail on everything, I just want to talk about the trope that makes Kaishin just so amazing for me.

If I am remembering my facts right, Magic Kaito came before Detective Conan. Kaito was a realized character, somewhat, and was clearly a very likable chara with a ridiculous high IQ and a secret he couldn't reveal to anybody.

I mean he's a goddamn beautiful man is what I'm trying to say.

When I first read the series I could immediately tell that Aoko was set to be the romantic interest, Gosho really ain't fooling nobody. She seemed cute, extroverted and a girl who seems to really care for Kaito. Of course there was the juicy tidbit of Kaito being the thief her father is hunting down that also kept the relationship interesting.

So I was more than okay with having these two together.

I was already a bit aware of Detective Conan so I was all for the ShinRan as well. The pining, the secrets, the care that Shinichi has for her that transcends the organizations doing!

Also fun fact: Kaito/Aoko was the basis for Shinichi/Ran! Which is why ShinRan is thematically better than Kaito/Aoko but I will not go into that.

So one sad day during quarantine, I decided to rewatch the series to see if I could get any writing inspiration.

Now I don't know if it was quarantine or a change of heart or just me growing up but Gosho's friend trope seemed boring to me the more the episodes continued on. I AM NOT THROWING THE FRIENDSHIP TROPE DOWN, IT IS BEAUTIFUL I STILL SHIP SHINRAN

But I was tired of picking vanilla and wanted to see what else was on the menu.

And as luck would have it, I had decided to watch episode 515: Kaito Kid's Teleportation Magic and fate decides to deliver me a wonderful hit to the heart:

What is it about characters pointing guns at each other that I love so much?

And Shinichi doesn't react like a normal fucking person he just goes:

He knows this man ain't gonna shoot. They have had five interactions before this (if we are going by anime episodes) and through all those interactions Shinichi managed to get to a level of banter with this guy that he hasn't had with any of his other enemies.

If he even considered Kaito Kid an enemy to begin with.

Both Kaito and Shinichi have a mutual respect for each other's skill.

They test each other out in several situations and are pleased when the other figures it out, kinda transitioning their little chases to more of a 'two really smart guys trying to outwit each other' and less of a detective trying to outsmart a thief.

Shinichi enjoys figuring out his magic and Kaito enjoys the challenge of making some of his magic tricks near impossible to figure out. Their friendship is something really special and if they can have it without even knowing the details of each other's life, imagine how strong it would be if they truly met each other face to face.

I don't really want to cross into headcanon territory that would turn them into lovers, lord knows we have more fanfiction to do so, but it is just wonderful to see these two men both living a lie respectively but finding some solace in each other that they can shut their brains off for one second and just...play.

Hell, Kid's heists might be Shinichi's safe place. In those heists he is known as the 'Kid Killer' and not just some brat who happens to figure shit out. His opinion matters in those heists.

And not just to the police, but to Kaito as well.

BUT IM GETTING OFF TOPIC!

I just wanted to show love to this wonderful ship q wq

[awake-my-oceans]

so sorry for the dumb question but i recently started the cased closed manga after i saw ur posts and was confused where kaito kid came in?? are they in the same universe? i searched it up and i found some results saying that he's from another manga by the same mangaka but some that say that he's in case closed too. tysm!!

Dear anon, that’s not a dumb question; this is a weird topic with a weird fan base. Detective Conan (the English dub is called Case Closed) has been running since 1994, and it’s has a relatively small fan base outside Japan (where it’s HUGE). Aka, most people talking about Detective Conan will assume that you’ve been following the ins and outs of it for years, and will therefore fail to explain things like how Kaitou Kid is kind-of-and-kind-of-not a crossover. Bear with me.

I’m putting the rest under a cut since I got excited and this got long.

To be clear, I’m not one of those longtime fans, I got into it like……..8 months ago shgjwngjwnjfms. I guess I just followed the fandom convention of not explaining stuff. Until now!

Let’s start with the author, Gosho Aoyama. Early in his career, he starts a fairly lighthearted manga about the mishaps of a teenage magician who goes the not-at-all convoluted path of trying to hunt down his father’s murderers by being an international jewel thief. He also starts a child-aimed manga called Yaiba about a boy who’s competent at being a samurai and incompetent at pretty much everything else; when he learns he has to defeat a great evil, he goes on adventures via The Power Of Friendship.

At this point, Gosho says “ok but I want to launch a more successful manga.” Fair enough! So he starts Detective Conan, which turns out to be a whopping success. He’s having fun quietly referencing Yaiba in the background—it’s the show the Detective Boys/Junior Detective Club (depending on sub/dub) are obsessed with.

Gosho decides to have even more fun by bringing in Kaitou Kid for a one-off crossover. Except he made the (excellent) mistake of making Kaitou Kid so incredibly fascinating and have such great interactions with Conan that Kid keeps coming back out of sheer demand. Seriously. He keeps ranking second in popularity polls and it’s not even his manga. The fandom took one look at him and said “yeah, we’re keeping this one.”

(Then again, how could we NOT? Look at him. LOOK AT HIM.)

A lot of the groundwork for Detective Conan was lifted straight from Magic Kaito. Like. Shinichi (Jimmy in the dub) looks identical to civilian Kaitou Kid. In the non-canon movies, Kid keeps using his real face to disguise as Shinichi, to Conan’s great displeasure, and it’s hilarious. Plus, aside from the fact that Magic Kaito has one character who uses magic and Detective Conan is author-confirmed to not have magic, they live in the EXACT same world in the EXACT same city and the two mangas will in fact occasionally reference each other.

Most people gave up at this point, threw their hands in the air, and decided that for fandom purposes, Detective Conan and Magic Kaito were functionally the same universe narrated from two different perspectives. Hence, pretty much everyone referring to this as DCMK—aka Detective Conan-Magic Kaito.

Tldr—technically Magic Kaito is a different manga, but 1) they’re almost identical worlds and 2) Kaitou Kid appeared once in Detective Conan, making him so popular that he’s been brought pretty fully into the Detective Conan universe. He’ll pop up every fifty to a hundred episodes or so. Which I know sounds like a long time, and it is, but also the anime just celebrated its thousandth episode, so, uh, yeah.

If you want to speed run all the Detective Conan appearances of Kaitou Kid, you totally can—you don’t need canon context. I do recommend going in release order, because Conan and Kid’s relationship has fascinating development. The one Detective Conan plot-heavy episode featuring Kid is the Mystery Train episodes (701-704), so you might want to skip that for strong Detective Conan spoilers. Note that Kid works out that Conan is Shinichi early on in the timeline of the non-canon movies, but we have no confirmation that he knows this in canon, although there is plenty of speculation.

If you want a full-on dose of Kaitou Kid, you can also jump over to the Magic Kaito manga and anime! Featuring this mysterious, elegant, and highly competent gentleman thief being a very sweet teenager who is an absolute disaster at everyday life. I think that’s only in sub, not dub, but I could be wrong. Either way, it’s absolutely worth your while.

If you want more DCMK content, you can also hang around this blog, follow @redrobin-detective who has excellent DCMK stuff and actually dragged me into DCMK herself, and go check out the ao3 tag. Trust me, fully half of the DCMK tag is Conan or Shinichi interacting with Kaitou Kid.

Once I finish my vast DCMK wip, you can read that, too! It’s postcanon fallout of everything, with Kid and Shinichi/Jimmy as the main (platonic) relationship.

[mrs-tsunderemeitantei]

Wakasa Rumi Theory Series: Part 1 of 3

It's been such a long time coming but I've finally done it! My Wakasa Rumi Theory is here and I can't wait to hear everyone's thoughts and opinions 🙌🏼 💛

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD

Before I jump right in, I'll be breaking down the theory into a 3 part series because there's just soo much to cover 😅. By the end of it I will have covered the following:

Why I think she's Asaca.

Her probable relationship to Haneda Koji.

How she became Amanda's bodyguard.

What might have happened on the day of Haneda Koji's murder.

How Haneda Koji's dying message directly refers to RUM as his killer.

Why Wakasa went on a hiatus for 17 years since the murder.

Reason behind Haibara liking Wakasa.

As y'all can see I'm going to cover a lot so I hope this explains why it took me so long to put it out, so sorryyyy 🙈🙏🏼 The ones in bold are the ones I'm covering in this post...

Anyways enough stalling and on with the first point:

1. Why I think Wakasa is in fact Asaca.

Well, let's start with what we know about Asaca. She is a woman who was mysteriously hired as Amanda Hughes' bodyguard, and is a strong, skilful fighter. Her identity is shrouded in mystery and ever since the murder, she has disappeared with no one knowing who she was and where she went. Now coming onto Wakasa...She's an obviously strong, ruthless fighter who was even able to take on Rei in the Eerie Farm Chapter.

There were also two foreshadowings made. The first was in chapter 954 when Akai asked if there was a careful, strong fighter who appeared around the girls and Sonoko answered that Ran is the closest person to match such a description and calling her a bodyguard. From this, we can assume Asaca, like Ran, is a fierce fighter but because they appear kind, their power is underestimated...just like Wakasa.

The second foreshadowing was the fact that Wakasa's introductory case revolved around unsolved events that started 10 years ago. I find this eerily similar to the whole Haneda Koji situation.

The last reason that makes me think Asaca is Wakasa is this panel from Chapter 1072 which is eerily similar to Asaca's picture from the blog.

Now moving onto the second part of the theory:

2. Her probable relationship to Haneda Koji.

For this part of the theory, I'll be honest I have no concrete evidence on any of my assumptions. I'm only basing them on an easter egg I noticed in the second case she was involved in. With that being said, I think she is probably his love interest. I'm not sure if they were in a relationship, but there seems to be some sort of connection between them. The reason why I don't think she is his sister is because there was no mention of a 'sister' going missing since the murder. With his family being rich and influential, they would have also made a fuss about their daughter going missing. So the likelihood that Wakasa is related to him through blood is slim. However, if she was his girlfriend or just someone he loved, his family may not have necessarily found out about her yet. Also the second case she was involved in since her introduction served as an easter egg in my opinion.

In Chapter 978, the case was about a sports player flying overseas for a championship and was leaving his girlfriend behind. While the events are not 100% identical, there are subtle similarities between the case and Haneda Koji travelling overseas for a chess championship.

One last thing I noticed is a parallel between her flashbacks and Jodie's flashbacks of her father's murder.

In the Vermouth Arc, there was a lot of speculation that Jodie could be Vermouth and she was the one who killed the man from her memories, but that did not turn out to be the case. In the current RUM arc, it was presumed that Asaca is RUM but that also has been debunked. Wakasa's memories of Haneda Koji would seem to imply she was the one who murdered him, but judging by Gosho's pattern of making innocent characters seem most suspicious, and the fact that Asaca isn't RUM (who is the true murderer), it just makes me believe that Wakasa is probably his love interest just like Jodie was the daughter.

Onto the third part of the theory:

3. How did Wakasa become Amanda's bodyguard.

If Wakasa isn't lying about her age, she would have been 20 years old at the time of the murder. Most probably at 20, it is hard to believe she would have been a full-time employee for some security company. Therefore, one can assume if she was Haneda Koji's love interest and he is aware of her skills, he could have offered Amanda that Wakasa helps guard her for the time they're spending in the States. So if this was done as a favour between friends, it would make sense why Amanda's family knew nothing about her or how she was hired. This is just my speculation but I honestly can't think of anything else to explain how she became her bodyguard 😂.

This is it for this post! In Part 2, I'll discuss what might have happened in the murder and the meaning behind the dying message (linked here). So I hope you enjoyed this post and happy reading for the next one 😁💛

[shuxjodie]

Let's talk GOSHO AOYAMA'S POV For Movie 18' Promise (Canon or Not)!!!

What this post will cover-

The Explanation of Movie18 promise

Why Jodie is different from other agents? Answered with the reference taken from this promise.

Shuichi's current feelings for Jodie as a conclusion

The explanation that why there are High possibilities that the promise is Canon by what Gosho said about this movie in his interview.

NOTE: It's going to be a long post! Because I'm going to explain every single thing in detail. Well there is a treat awaiting for Redstarling fans too 😉

So first let's take a look at the scene of Promise. This is the scene of the Detective Conan Movie: Dimensional Sniper👇

They say this scene is not canon. But really?? If this is canon, then why? What are its possibilities that it is Canon? Let's keep in mind that this Movie is different from the movies that were previously made (It is explained later). And rather than going with the general idea of "movies are not canon" let's see what Gosho said himself regarding this movie!

Before that, let's break down what Shuichi promised Jodie and what he exactly meant.

Explanation of The Promise

The promise is made in a technical manner. So we need to understand the promise using technical knowledge. It's not what it looks like.

So what Shuichi said there?

"Don't worry. As long as I'm around, you will NEVER have to do something like that. I PROMISE."

First of all, I thought the same as many think that Shuichi said that because Jodie is unable to shoot a shot like that. But the promise is more than that.

To understand the whole situation, let's have a look at Jodie's shooting skills.

Jodie's skills as a shooter

If we compare what kind of shooter she is, it turns out to be that she is an extremely high skilled shooter! (And I will be using reference from specifically Manga not anime)

Jodie threw Vermouth's gun by shooting at it, faster than her. She is good at aiming by taking decisions within a fraction of seconds. This is a sign of a very well-trained agent.

Jodie threw the gun away without harming Vermouth, at that sudden moment. Although she was interrogating her, she grasped the situation quickly and reacted accordingly.

Jodie was able to shoot at her even when she was injured, and almost got killed ( Conan said that while talking to Vermouth and explaining why he changed his plans). Still, she had the confidence to give the warning that her next target will be Vermouth's head. Jodie would have shot at her head to save her life and other people's life involved in that case, because there was no other way around. But she stopped because her attention went towards the footsteps approaching her and she thought it's over but that footstep turned out to be Shuichi's.

Jodie shot at Vermouth's shoulder only to threaten her even when she was heavily panting, not in the condition to move either but used most of her strength to hide in the blind spot and still she shot her in that worse condition. She didn't miss the shot by harming Vermouth more. The bullet could have penetrated through her shoulder or any other part of her body, maybe hitting the vitals but it just passed aside. It was certainly a good shot to threaten. And she could have missed the shot by aiming in the wrong direction. But she made that shot successfully.

In the Kir arc, she shot very well at the sprinklers using the silencer. And she moved silently so no one noticed. Kir only noticed the sound of the sprinkler, not her moves.

Conan was caught by Kir when he was trying to retrieve the transmitter. So, Jodie was ready to shoot at Kir, to save Conan. In manga many people were around Kir, running here and there to get away from the rain. And it started to rain for real. But still, she was prepared to save Conan. It was a risky shot as people are around, running here and there.

In fact, her debut was made as she is a great shooter. Gosho can't show us actual shooting but video games and if you remember she was able to use her left hand to shoot.

And she never made a mistake while shooting.

Now one needs to complete their bachelor's degree to enroll into the FBI. Jodie must be atleast 22y by then. They need the experience of 3years. Then they have to give physical and written test followed by a background check. And after passing it they go through an intense training of more than 800 hours in Quantico. After spending 20weeks there, they get into the FBI. So she must be 25-26 years at that time. After joining it, they have a probationary period of around 2 years where they practically do nothing but observe and learn under under their assigned training agents. So she completed all these by 27-28years. And now she is 28y/o. So with less than a year of experience she did a great job!

CONCLUSION:

Jodie is extremely good at short-range shooting.

She can take decisions in less than a second and make a clear shot.

She can pull a headshot even when she is gravely injured, to the point of unable to move.

With less than a year of experience, she did a great job!

So let's keep all these points in mind as I will be using them many times.

Shuichi's promise and breaking it into fragments-

Now why Shuichi said that Jodie will NEVER have to do something dangerous like pulling a headshot, unless he is around while making the promise? She doesn't need him in the short-range shooting. She can handle things as she did at the port. She is a pro! Then why?

What did he mean with that slight smiling reaction he gave? So, let's break down his body language.

Shuichi's promise can be interpreted in these 5 ways-

1. He is a better agent and sniper. He is more confident and experienced. But-

Jodie is a highly skilled short-ranged shooter, who can pull a head shot when gravely injured. So basically she doesn't need his help in short-range shooting including dangerous things.

She doesn't like to do things without making efforts on her own either, which means she trusts herself and is very confident. That means she gives her best too!

But still, Shuichi promised her. That means he doesn't want her to get tensed about these dangerous things. He will take care of long-range, short-range or any dangerous things on his own. He promised her and this shows a sign that she can rely on him every time.

2. She won't have to kill someone facing the killer/target putting herself in dangerous situations.

There is a very high possibility that the opposition can have weapons too. Her chances of getting killed will always be there. That's why it's a dangerous job!

"Face the target HEAD-ON and aim for the tip of their nose"

That is advised by the best shooter/sniper of the DC world.

Well, it's the same strategy used in real life. Imagine the T shape between the head and nose and aim at the horizontal line of the letter. It's a perfect kill that the target won't get a microsecond to think or act! So it's very dangerous for the one who is aiming to. Because it gives a chance of killing and getting killed. This T strategy is shared by an ex infantryman of the army 👇

So her life will be at risk.

But she is willing to take risks-

Jodie faced Vermouth. The FBI didn't have much idea about her as Shuichi never saw her before but he confirmed on the port. And they were attacking each other face to face.

In the clash of Red and Black, Jodie decided to dispose of the bomb, on her will. James initially asked Shuichi to dispose of the bomb in a vacant area because he wasn't confident either, but Jodie came forward and took the job.

Jodie is willing to risk her life for Shuichi. In the mall, she knew BO men were waiting to kill Shuichi but she didn't waste a single second and ran to save him.

But still, Shuichi promised her. When he used "Never", he meant both long-range and short-range. That means he is not willing to risk her life at any cost. He doesn't want to lose her.

He will do anything and everything to save her life. Even with the endless and enormous amount of several uncertainties, he is not willing to risk her life at any cost, since it's a promise!

3.She won't have to do a dirty job and take responsibility.

Before I proceed, let me point out, Jodie can take responsibilities-

Vermouth asked her whether she has permission to use the gun in Japan. And she said she was going to accept all the charges anyways and was prepared to face them.

It's very hard to accept that this woman won't take any responsibility.

If you would look at it, killing a culprit is not as simple as it sounds. It comes with loads of responsibilities along with so many rules. If not justified, then they will face punishments and charges, even worse, it can cost their job. They can be called murderers.

Unlike soldiers who are prepared to kill men in masses, FBI agents are also prepared but not like them. They have to think before shooting and in worst case- kill, but soldiers shoot to kill. Hence, cannot be compared.

The first attempt of an FBI agent is to stop the culprit. So they shoot to stop the target from escaping. The killing comes afterwards in the worst-case scenario when they have no way around it.

FBI agents are strictly prohibited to kill until the situation demands or/and they get an order. Even when they work undercover, they are forced to obey the rules.

Killing a culprit without orders comes with a huge responsibility. If the action couldn't be justified by rules, the agent might cost their job along with mandatory punishments and charges.

If one is saving their colleague, there are two chances- to kill the opponent or to injure them so that they won't attack any further. It gets really complicated, in situations when all they get are a few seconds to decide. Because by harming, the culprit can be caught and the partner's life will be saved.

So it's a very big responsibility and commitment on a professional level and even on a personal level.

So when Shuichi committed Jodie, that he is willing to kill for her-

He is also willing to take the very huge responsibility at a professional level that will come all along.

The situation becomes worse when they get stuck in a situation when they can't or won't get any further orders.

Even when his top priority is his job because of his personal reasons, he is willing to take responsibility for her.

It's very very less likely that he'll fail but nothing can be taken for granted. He gave his commitment to Jodie when future circumstances are not known to anyone. There are uncountable uncertainties. And this can affect his job.

This proves that Jodie is a very very important person for him so he won't let her compromise her job at any cost because he is willing to take responsibility for her. As he mentioned that he won't let Jodie do anything ever if he is around, so it's a lifetime promise!

Even Gosho never made Shuichi kill anyone. Vermouth as the serial killer escaped him, Kusuda Rikumichi and Scotch committed suicide. Even in M18, he didn't kill the culprit. So to think about it from manga pov it's a very strong and big commitment, which he will fulfil in anyways and by any means.

4. Shuichi is willing to protect and defend Jodie at an emotional level.

As I mentioned before she is highly professional at the short-range shooting. Then why did she hesitate?

This is a very risky job and it's humans' natural tendency to think before acting when their life will be at stake. But that doesn't mean that an FBI agent should back off. They should learn to cope up with fear and do the job. Initially, everyone fears. But with time they learn. Jodie hesitated a little showing the "natural reaction" of any human being to save their life. But she prepared herself when the time came to eliminate the sniper. She remembered what Shuichi said and thought-" I have to do it!" So even if she hesitated, that doesn't mean that she'll never try to do attempt anything dangerous. In Manga, she prepared herself to shoot at Kir even there were people running around her.

Maybe Jodie's past is related somehow. To think about Jodie, she gets sentimental when it comes to killing someone, especially while smiling. But her past was very tragic since her father was burned by a mysterious woman. And at that time she was only 7-8years old so we can't blame her. It must be so traumatic. But now she has a strong and cheerful personality irrespective of the trauma she has faced.

Irrespective of her past, she is very professional and keeps her emotions away from her working space. Even though she has a personal hatred towards Vermouth, the FBI let her carry out the mission on foreign land, without permission. This shows her professionalism and the trust that the FBI put in her.

People get emotional when they face harsh and critical time. It was her worst time when we realised her past, before catching vermouth and about her relationship with Shuichi.

Even after Shuichi's death, she didn't have a mental breakdown. She strongly implied to Camel that the FBI wasn't scared of BO either. This shows she is a very confident woman, who doesn't rely on anyone, is aware of practical things and can deal with things on her own.

And maybe she was hesitant regarding killing someone, like that. Doing a dirty job. Generally speaking, not every FBI officer kills the criminal and they try to avoid killing criminals as much as possible because of rules and regulations and some avoid that for personal reasons but they have to do it when ordered. And along with killing someone, this thought comes along-" If I'll kill them, will I take the CHANCE away from them of having a new and different life? And what if they want to start a new life by accepting the punishment?" This is a very complicated decision and morals and values are the core of our life. That's why it is a very tough decision. Moreover, this is detective Conan in which Gosho never makes any good character to kill ever.

It's very unlikely that the FBI have the mindset of soldiers in war who are trained that way to kill thousands. It can be up to some extent the training of FBI agents is different from soldiers. Soldiers are trained to kill without thinking but FBI agents have to think before killing someone. Here another confession by an ex- infantryman 👇

Killing is not the same for everyone. Some might feel bad and some may not. It varies because of personal reasons, past, the surrounding they grew up etc.

And Shuichi knows Jodie very well without a doubt. He knows how capable she is and only he knows how worse her driving skills are. So, he doesn't want her to kill someone if he is around her. Shuichi is more experienced although he never killed someone, as far as we know.

So he asked her directly and without giving her a second to think, the next moment he promised her.

It's not like he is stopping her to do her job because a mindset to face difficulties is necessary for FBI agents. That's why he said until he is around and situations in which he won't be able to make it. But according to him, it's not that necessary either to let her kill someone if he is around or if he can do whatever he can to help her out.

Let me clear something-

Shuichi doesn't enjoy killing, like Korn and Chianti. They asked gin to let them kill because they carve killing( FBI vs BO part-1,2). Especially Chianti loves to kill.

Shuichi feels proud when he saves the people and threatens or eliminates the opponent, to serve his Nation. Even the best sniper of the (real) world said in his interview that he doesn't hesitate to kill as the opposite side are about to kill his brothers( his teammates, his friends). According to him, it's better to kill the people who can harm his side than to see his people die and their family suffer. That's what an ex infantryman stated-

So Shuichi is very different from BO men.

And by offering Jodie, to the extent of promising, that he'll kill for her, it gotta be really serious. So he is ready to kill on behalf of her which is protecting her physically and mentally.

5. He is willing to protect her life, putting his own life in danger.

With uncountable and enormous uncertainties, no one knows who can fire at him, at what time, from which direction and so on.

It's never just one culprit they will be facing, like the M18 climax. There can be more in number, increasing the level of danger.

He won't get the chance to use sniper always. Using a sniper needs a good place to aim and to find it the place it requires time and he should reach there in time. Jodie can get into trouble in any situation which may or may not be favourable for using a sniper. So he might need to shoot from any range, like short-range, which should be suitable for the situation. After all, he is going to protect her.

There can be a good sniper, that he might be facing as an opponent. So there is this uncertainty of not knowing the capabilities of the opponent too.

The bullet won't spare anyone, not even him or the culprit will not spare him at any cost. If he is aiming from a long-range then not necessarily the bullet won't reach him. And if the opposition is the men of b.o they'll definitely not!

So Shuichi is not willing to lose Jodie at any cost! Even he is ready to sacrifice himself for her life. For her, is willing to face anyone to save Jodie.

So in the trailer, what he said-

Don't make that kind of face. I'll protect you even if I have to give my life.

it turns out to be the same!

For "don't make that kind of face", he used the phrase "Don't worry / Just relax" which he usually uses when he is with Jodie.

So Shuichi is willing to risk/ give up on his own life to save Jodie's life. She is so important to him that he can't imagine risking life at all! Isn't it the reason he promised her?

Some other important points, while Shuichi made this promise-

By promising Jodie, he doesn't mean that he doesn't trust her. While working with agents, one has to trust each other on their skills because it's teamwork. He is well aware of her skills. If he had doubts about her skills, he wouldn't have let her take Haibara to the port. So he trusts her. The promise is all because he worries about her.

The promise is a lifetime promise. Using "never", means shows till he stays alive. Never letting her do anything dangerous is until he retires or if ever needed to do after the job and protection is for a lifetime.

Shuichi promised Jodie as soon as he asked her, just after the moment she hesitated, for like a second. That means he had made his mind way before to protect her no matter what and he'll do dangerous things for her. Because this promise is not some daily chores that he'll promise out of nowhere. The promise just described his feelings in words in front of Jodie during that time.

In the promise, he didn't mention specifically about headshot but he said "something like that" which implies she doesn't have to do anything dangerous like pulling a headshot. So he will do any dangerous activities in which Jodie's life will be at stake or if she will hesitate.

While promising her he said, "until he is around". That means it's not only for the mission but anytime he is around and anything and everything he can do to help her out. He is willing to go out of his way for her.

Just because Jodie hesitated doesn't mean that she will never try to do any dangerous activities. It's a human's natural tendency to think before acting when it comes to risking their own life. FBI agents need to learn things, cope up with pressure and have to act accordingly. Here, it's Shuichi who doesn't want Jodie to get involved in any dangerous activity. This shows his care and the fear of risking her life, which he doesn't want to do at all. Rather he will give up on his own life.

He is a practical and serious-minded person. So if he promised this for a lifetime, he gotta be damn serious. He is willing to anything and everything for her and he will go to the lengths of giving up on his life for her.

Body language. They play a very important role.

A. During that conversation, he looked straight into her eyes twice, even while driving-

While asking if she can do the dangerous things

While making the promise.

This shows his how much he wants to protect her. People look into eyes while saying truth and emphasising it even more. This also shows seriousness. Here Shuichi not only made a promise but made her at ease. She doesn't need to take stress for that.

B. While giving the promise he smiled. Facial expressions are a very important part of body language. And the promise is the most important part because he is talking about something really serious. And while smiling like that he clearly indicates how much important and precious Jodie is to him. He can give his life without a second thought. Well to keep an important person safe, the willingness to give up on his own life shows exactly how important they are- more than one's own life.

And Gosho makes it a very big deal when he smiles. It's rare. It is such a warm side of him to witness from a person who doesn't have a bright personality, considering his personality what James said ( FBI vs BO P-1,2 ch-504,505) and Masumi still believes that he never smiled at. Maybe he never did in those types etc but he does smile at her but she is unaware. So it's a biggie if he smiles at someone. Moreover, he smiled at the promise of risking his own life.

C. While promising, he performed a drastic activity. He pointed his fingers forming a gun at her. Why did he do that?

Showing drastic activity or any different activity from what usually one does in certain situations shows a different state of energy. Here he showed his eagerness and willingness. He didn't need to explain it by pointing at her nose. Generally, anyone can understand where to point if explained well. But he surprised her by showing how difficult the work is and the next second promised her. This shows his unhesitating mindset of sacrificing himself for Jodie.

Surprising Jodie like that had a purpose. Shuichi didn't want her to do anything like that all from the beginning. Understanding where to point, that is at the nose, is no rocket science that is difficult to understand. So he surprised her, showing the level of risk while shooting a headshot, on purpose. She got surprised at the moment which made her hesitate and the next second followed his promise. So surprising her which followed by the promise was on purpose.

This shows their closeness to each other. Shuichi or anyone ( in general) won't point his fingers like that at one who ain't close to him. But he did because it's Jodie after all. One gets more expressive and free to do things with closed ones.

10. The scene is after Vermouth arc, Japan.

Thanks @geissbock ! you can spot important things like Shinichi does! The numberplate used in the scene is Japanese.

It's matches with the time line too- 10 years ago, he was 21-22 as now he is 31-32. There is uncertainty in the age gap by consecutive numbers because we don't know anyone's birthday. So 10 years ago he informed his family in Japan that after 3 years of experience and written tests he can join the FBI. So he must have joined the FBI at the age of around 24-25 years. And Gosho said that he dated Jodie soon after he joined the FBI. Now 5 years ago when he broke up with her, he was around 26-27 since he is 31-32 now and had long hair back then. Now it would be impossible that his hair grew so long, covering his back within a span of a year. Imagine this situation- he promised when he was 25-26( his hair were short)and at 26-27(his hair covered his back) he broke up. And since he used the word "sacrifice" he should have dated for some time to the point of loving her that deeply. So it's impossible that he promised her in NY but he did in Japan.

This proves that Jodie is a very close and important person in Shuichi's life and he cannot afford to lose her even at the cost of his life. Even that, so much has happened between them.

That past wasn't in their favour and nor the present is.

Past involving that he used a very kind-hearted woman for his mission + that woman played all along with him for God knows how long, which must be so terrible even just to think + she risked her own life + did a huge favour for Shuichi's mission when this mission was his personal goal+and she died. Then Shuichi failed his promise which he gave to Shiho back then + Shiho lost her only family. And most importantly Akemi's life purpose didn't fulfil- to take her sister out of BO. Moreover, almost every FBI agents know that he was affected by Akemi's death. This is so complicated!

This means Jodie holds a very important place in his heart and she plays a very important role in his life. His feelings are really at a deeper level for her that he didn't hesitate to promise something so big! Hence the past is not interfering between them up to the extent of him to admit on his own that how much she still means to him! To add more to it, he smiled! Gosho makes a huge deal when he smiles. And it's a promise for a lifetime!

He won't do this for everyone, because he promised only to Jodie.

There will be many agents who are trained and willing and inclined to carry out difficult operations and might hesitate a little. Not necessarily he will always take the charges. Hesitation is a natural tendency, not a sign of never trying to attempt. Everything is done for the first time in the beginning and sure they would have felt nervous. But that doesn't mean they won't do things. It's just a part of learning.

He will take charges when the job comes to the best sniper in the world. He can't take away other's jobs and chances.

He won't go out of his way, that is besides missions to save every FBI agent. He is not everyone's saviour.

In fact, it's impractical to save every FBI agent every time. It's a very risky job to do that can cost lives. He knows the reality very well.

That's why in the clash of Red and Black he suggested not to focus on Esuke's life that much, although he was the one who saved him at the end.

In the recent chapter of the FBI serial murder case, he didn't go to shoot before, while they were trying to capture BO members. He went after, was required to, that is as the best sniper who can shoot for more than 1300yards and saved Camel's life by shooting at the torch while he was literally running.

Now for Jodie, according to his promise-

He won't let her do something dangerous like pulling a headshot, either on a mission or not, in any condition except it's impossible for him to be with her.

He'll protect her no matter what! By physically and mentally.

He is willing to give up in his own life.

So he is willing to stay with her after all, for a lifetime!! By promising this, he gave her the exact picture of how much she is important to him and what she means in his life.

And let me point out very clearly - He is not a jerk who is maintaining this relationship just to work with her. He can work without getting closer and she is highly professional. If he can work with Bourbon who hates him to death( Asaka case and now he is even willing to work with him since he and Yusaku proposed to him something, the Tea party ), he can work with an ex without faking anything. So he ain't faking anything with her and that's not his personality either. So they have to stay in contact and have to work together in future and maybe they will possibly hang out too.

Now, how Jodie should perceive this? What should she think about this promise considering their current relationship and future? His lifetime protection, the friendship, his act of care. How long should she take this and how long she can? Is he implying that he is stuck with his past but doesn't want to leave her either BUT with the condition of being friends? Did they ever decide this?

WHEN?

When did they agree by exchanging words to stay ONLY friends forever? Did Shuichi ever tell her if he has feeling for another woman? Did he ever ask her to stop hoping if they can get back together? DID THEY HAVE THIS IMPORTANT TALK EVER?

NEVER!!!!

If we look at the panel of clash of Red and Black, Jodie assumes that he still thinks about her. And they knew this because of the expression he gave after Akemi died. That means he never told Jodie anything about his exact feelings for Akemi.

"And when she died, you could tell from Akai-Kun's expression that..."

"Probably Shuu, still thinks about her."

So after coming back he never said anything about it.

Jodie started to work on this mission when Sharon died. It was around or less than a year before Akemi's death. And at one point in time, they agreed to work together. And sure it must be uncomfortable in the beginning. So in those months, he didn't have time to have this important conversation with her especially IF he never wanted a relationship in the first place? It would be foolish to assume by anyone, that an ex who hasn't moved on yet for god sake 5 years, won't seek anything in future. And it's even stupid if the ex would just want to be a friend forever without any talk or any clarification.

So we can clearly say that it's just their mutual understanding that they didn't speak about it, moreover a common sense at the moment because-

He was on a run, and it was the time when he should avoid getting close to her so that enemies won't have a clue. Imagine if he would visit his family at that time. No, he won't, so he stayed away from her for her safety.

They both, especially Jodie, were mostly focused on the mission. The mission was connected to their life's purpose!

It wasn't the right time to talk about their relationship when the time was about life and death.

So basically, they never talked. But that doesn't mean denial. Just because one can't be in a relationship in the present time, doesn't imply that they don't have feelings of love. There wasn't a little hint ever if Shuichi ever told her that they can't be in a relationship ever or neither he showed any hint like he tried to avoid her INSTEAD here, he showed her that she means to him more than his own life.

In Jodie's flashback, all she recalls is the breakup and straight after that, she thinks that she was happy to work with him anyway. This doesn't show any refusal for the future. It just shows that they broke up but she was happy to stay with him again while working with him.

Feelings and context don't give the slightest hint if he ever denied their future. Honestly, refusal becomes a very important thing in these kinds of situations especially when people want different things from each other. And people get uncomfortable n this type of situation so they talk, clarify or give hints by body language like maintaining distance etc. But there is no slight hint if he ever denied or had that important talk ever instead it shows other things way around. Rather he has never shown a little discomfort around her, the way she behaves and how he promised her something really important.

And Jodie can actually tell things from people's expressions.

In the Kir arc, she saw Conan's scarred face and she continued to investigate( ch-500).

In the Scarlett investigation, she noticed Conan's expression and went to Raiha Pass.

In the clash of red and black (Ch-599) it was Jodie who caught Shuichi's reaction that he looked excited. Even James had to confirm what she implied before-"about what?"/"what can I say?").

So if Shuichi would have shown a little hesitation, Jodie would have known. But we have never seen anything from Jodie's side if he is keeping a distance because of the relationship. And if he would have done that, Jodie wouldn't have hoped anything ever and would have kept her distance by herself. She never said anything from her side and focused on the mission. She knew this is no time to speak about their personal matter. So from the flashback, it's clear he never denied anything for their future.

And Shuichi knows how much he means to her. He knew how much she would suffer when he was about to fake his death. He knew from the beginning that she still loves him. So why is he showing two different emotions? But is he? We can say that he won't want to be in a relationship at that time for various reasons like-

It's not the right time to get back together when they both are on this important mission which is their life's purpose.

There is this uncertainty of if he'll live at the end or not. So giving her hope and taking it away when things aren't in his hand can make it very hard in future. He surely hates to hurt her.

They both don't have time right now to date each other.

Shuichi got many things to do, before personally getting involved with her again. He has to repay the debt by saving Haibara.

But that doesn't mean that he doesn't have feelings for Jodie. They are working together, are in contact with each other so it's satisfactory according to the critical circumstances they are facing now.

So without any CLARIFICATIONS, this can be complicated way too much in many ways-

If he doesn't want a relationship at all so she should move on according to him when he deeply cares for her feelings.

He can lose his friendship with Jodie, which he has right now. Which he surely won't like as she is very important for him in his life.

But if she didn't move on when he wasn't around her how will she if he is promising such a big thing!? She never stopped loving him, even after knowing that he broke up with her because of the mission and he had to date another woman. But still, she loved him then and still loves him unconditionally for more than 5 years.

Now, how Jodie should perceive this promise as? An ex, who gave her this promise in which he doesn't want to lose her, to the point of willingness to lose his own life, but probably thinks of another woman, maybe mainly because of guilt, but don't want to lose her either at any cost?

The feeling of being so important to him, even more than his life, without any important talk can become so complex that it is way out of imagination.

It becomes so hurtful to stay with someone you love on the terms of friendship. And this becomes worse with time. And by promising her, Shuichi clearly stated to her, that how much she still means to him, in his life, his willingness to stay by her side, especially after they broke up.

Jodie's feelings are her responsibility but Shuichi has his responsibility too. He should not make things harder for her. And he will never make it worse or even hard since he hates to hurt her.

Honestly, it can become really hard for Jodie in future and the present can leave her in a dilemma. And these things contradict so much when he gates to hurt her. It's clear from this post that he doesn't want to her at any cost 👇

And Shuichi is well aware of everything. He doesn't take part in any complex things if he has no interest in them.

Denying to act as a father figure, wasn't easy, especially after knowing that there is a little kid, who will never receive fatherly love at such a tender age. She will not only miss her father but also her big brother.

Leaving his whole family wasn't easy.

Reducing his communication, even cutting the communication completely, with his family, especially his little sister, wasn't easy. In ch-1035-38 it's clear that he loves his little sister so much!

He was well aware of the fact that his decision will shock and hurt Mary so much. As a mother, letting her child investigate something so dangerous, the decision was no easy at all.

But he wanted to catch them and give them the punishment they deserve because they made his family suffer. His sister never saw their father, his mother suffered as she lost her husband and he and his little brother lost their father. So he denied it straightforwardly to Mary. And Mary, with time, wanted the bad guys to get punished too, so she agreed and let Shuichi do what he desired.

So, if he is offering from his side something like that, he must have thought about everything in his mind from the beginning! Because the promise he made is no child's play. It's serious as fuck! Well, he doesn't like it when she gets hurt emotionally. He felt so bad and disappointed when she didn't take him seriously and was worried for her in the clash of Red and Black. And he never showed that worried of face ever (till now) in the manga. He was worried for her because she will get hurt because of his stunt.

So if he doesn't want anything except friendship terms then he should have told Jodie sometime or at least, should have implied indirectly. If she agrees, stay friends and if not then maintain a healthy distance. Instead, he told her he is willing to give his life for her.

Idk what kind of ex who doesn't seek things himself but will never clarify directly or indirectly especially when they don't want to hurt their ex-partner and doesn't participate in complicated things when they don't have interest at all. That means they have to be on same the page regarding these feelings considering he never denied their possible relationship especially if he never intended to have it in future. That should be taken care of first when promising something so big like that.

Some Important things to be noted-

He broke up for his job, not because his feelings changed. Since he replied just after she asked that he has to crush this organization by any means, it's clear that he did for his mission. Well, that's what Gosho said in SDB.

It must be so heartbreaking for himself as he was really sad while saying that, to leave a person he was so serious. The word "Sacrifice" is way beyond to explain. This word is used when people have to give up on something which is very precious to them, close to their heart that they personally don't want to lose but have no other choice.

He wasn't able to look at her until he admitted his inability to date, two women.

He closed his eyes while saying he has to break up with her, like his heart was resisting to say that but he did for his family and for her safety. He looked so unhappy there. It's tough to lose first love after all whom he dated for real.

Let's make this clear, he won't date unless he won't be really serious and will never waste a single second in the first place when he joined the FBI to catch the people who are responsible for his father's disappearance. So he was really serious with her while dating.

That means his feelings never changed for her in the very first place because he won't fall again for anyone after suffering through that horrible incident. He loved her back then and he still loves her to the point he won't lose her.

Conclusion:

Shuichi still loves Jodie, more than his own life!

Now that we understand the promise which helped us to know about Shuichi's current feelings for Jodie, it's time to decide whether it's non-Canon or not.

Let's see what Gosho Aoyama has to offer!

Before that let's see first how much Gosho is involved in the process of making movies. This will show Gosho's dedication to movies in general- ( it's from Gosho Aoyama interview 2014, for Movie 18 . You can find it just after the Lupin III interview on detectiveconanworld website.)

Actually, Gosho showed Shuichi's feelings for Jodie on a larger scale! Since the trailer mostly focused on Shuichi and Jodie, especially his promise, it's obvious that that the promise scene was the most important scene of the movie!

Even though Monkey Punch's motto is to let them do everything, he still gets involved! There is no chance that he will change an important and famous character's feeling like Shuichi just because it's a movie!

Even if the staff tries to add anything they want, they end up changing everything. And after completing it, Gosho checks and reviews it👇

He checks the storyboard and scripts and he even ends up changing god knows how many things if it doesn't get matches with the Manga!!! Since he said all scripts that mean he does that for almost every movie! Then surely for this dialogue, he would have agreed before they can animate anything. Gooood how much work you do so that we can enjoy Sensei!!!!! Seriously people need to stop criticising him!!!

Now the question arises: What does Gosho think about this MOVIE in particular?

Well, he mentioned that IT'S THE FIRST TIME, THE MOVIE HAS THE SAME STORY AS MANGA!!

There is nothing new in the story that hasn't been shown in MANGA !!!!

So no question arises if he changed Shuichi's feelings for the sake of fans and he altered them because this is particularly a movie! Well, the spoiler was there anyways. So we can safely say from his statement that this story is the SAME as the ORIGINAL story. And by the same, I am saying some particular scenes, the feelings of the character, not all the events that occurred in the movie like destruction etc. It's up to Gosho if he wants to make the whole movie canon or not. And we can also conclude that the warning Shuichi gave was nothing like a friend, although they are on terms for NOW.

It's the first time and the story is the same as Manga!!! ( Read the last line. It's the interview taken from 2014 interview that was taken before the movie release) So this movie is different from other movies that were released before!

He said that it can't be done in manga. That means it cannot be drawn in Manga as art. He didn't say that it can't be in Manga. He said it can't be done as Manga but only in anime! Here he meant by action scenes. It's very difficult to draw in manga each and every move." And since it'll be done as an anime they added tons of action scenes to it. " Many action scenes like Ran beating the culprit so that he can get caught alive, Jodie firing the car of the culprit while saving Conan and Masumi and so that the culprit can run away, Conan chasing the culprit and Masumi picking him up on the road are important for the story to proceed! And since it's an anime, they added more like bike stunts and blasts etc. Actions scenes are something that can only be shown in anime, mentioned by Gosho. Well, he told the same for Movie20, where he wanted to show Shuichi and Amuro fighting. Imagine how difficult it is to draw every single move to show the fluency of the fight. And he said in movies he likes to blow cars which gives his assistant a hard time! ( His assistant starts crying - that's what he said to be specific. I wish I could upload that SS but 10 pictures are the limit on Tumblr) He also said the same when he was questioned about yaiba and about the action scenes involved in the series. ( The interview was published around 2014-16 and can be found on detectiveconanworld website as well)

And he said there are a lot of ties with the original story! Now, what can be the ties? Whatever that can coincide or fit in Manga. If we consider Manga, Shuichi always followed Jodie when her life could be at risk. And he saved her 3 times in manga.

Vermouth arc. It was unplanned that Shuichi will go. Jodie didn't know he would come. She was surprised as he came. She thought that she would die but he came and saved the day. And he went there because he got worried as he didn't get any updates.

In the bus hijack, he went there. In the end, he said the target didn't appear, it was for Sherry. If Jodie was going anyway, why did he go there? It was because this time she was going outside of the school premises where Vermouth can easily harm her. Shuichi and Jodie had no idea that Vermouth was well aware of the fact that FBI agents sneaked into her house. Vermouth thought the FBI can help her find out Sherry, so she decided to act like she didn't notice anyone sneaked into her apartment. Similarly, if she would have found Sherry and if she would have got a way to kill her at that time, she might have done that. But he went there instead of letting any other FBI agent follow her, who came to help Jodie. The fact that he was working with Jodie should be hidden at all cost but for Jodie's safety, he took the gamble. Well, it's clear from this post that he did his best to hide himself from Vermouth while he was working with Jodie.👇And he did his best, especially for Jodie!

3. In Red T-Shirt omen, Shuichi said he saw someone familiar on TV. But in Scarlett's prologue, he explained why he visited the Mall. He was referring to Jodie there. ( In Manga it's only Jodie in the background) So what did he do? He saw scar Akai but followed Jodie to know the whereabouts of scar Akai. He knew that Jodie would be BO's first target. And after Jodie and Conan asked the saleswoman, he asked about what Jodie asked her too, to grasp the situation. Then he spotted scar Akai. And after the case was solved he was waiting near the exit because he knew Jodie is highly willing to follow scar Akai. So he saved her life again.

4. In the car chase, he said that Bourbon would try to capture ONE of his close colleagues. And they knew that Jodie would definitely come once she started to doubt the death. So they wanted to catch her there. And Shuichi was well aware of the fact that she will definitely go to investigate. So he followed there too and since Camel went all along so he saved both.

Saving Jodie has always been canon no matter what the situation arises as written in point 1,2,4 and the promise is related to her safety. And since it is so connected with the original story and that scene is one of the most important scenes of the movie, this is one of the things that have ties with the original story! Well, don't expect he'll tell this directly. He is a mystery writer after all. He only gives clues and makes us deduce.

Conclusion:

From what Gosho said, it is clear that this promise can be categorised as CANON or has TIES with the original story! Especially when at the end he said the movie lots of ties with the original story, considering it's a promise made by an important, serious and famous character like Shuichi!

Gosho drew Shuichi there. He was the one who came up with the scene and even he wasn't, then he 100℅ agreed with the scene as he checks and changes the script before it gets passed as a storyboard. Because they needed the vision to animate before, Gosho gave them a perfect picture of how Shuichi should talk and smile. Now Gosho made him smile that much( look at the one above the snap of the animated one) given that he rarely smiles, and he makes a big deal when he smiles so it's a biggie!

Here is the treat ;) Gosho actually loved that scene! He was so much excited to see the scene of Jodie and Shuichi and he loved it! Here is the article 👇

I believe it was said by Monkey Punch, the one who draws for the movies. Here is the translation- again thank you @geissbock ❤️❤️

"Gosho loves the scene of Akai and Jodie most. He was really excited. He is some kind of weird person that loves that scene right?(laugh). When I write something different from him he's not that excited. I think he feels good when he sees something new and fresh"

Mark Gosho's love for the scene and his excitement! Now that scene is iconic for Shuichi himself! It's very important for Shuichi considering his dark past with both the women especially when the scene is after Akemi's death. Then Gosho must be really careful about doing something like that. But he even included that scene on his own, we can say that from the translation part, drew Shuichi himself and checked the script and what not, to pass on the storyboard to animate it. He could have simply added something while they were dating but...he didn't. So? Yep, it's very very safe to say that Shuichi still loves Jodie, from Gosho's POV and his works( isn't that how we perceive the ultimate truth of the DC universe?).

Fan services

Fan service is a broad term. After collecting information is from various sites like Wikipedia, Medium daily, qoura and every other sites that appeared after googling it, here is what I analysed and here it is summarised-

Fan services are the scenes in Anime as well as Manga, which are done to please the audience which has no relevance with the actual story whatsoever. Example- Zero's tea time. It has no connection with the Manga as it doesn't contribute to the original story. Similarly, the plot of movies is considered non-canon because they are for fans to enjoy, a type of fan service and doesn't contribute to the original story. Fan services are also there in anime, as well as manga which may or may not contribute nothing to the main story. For example, bikini shots of female characters etc. These kind of racy sexual scenes are fan servises. Conan blushing at Ran's cleavage, his nose starts to bleed etc are fan services but it is 100% Canon. It was purely done for fans to enjoy the chapter. If we take out this scene, the case of Masumi is from Akai family, Conan noticing child form of Mary on Masumi's phone and the murder case would have proceeded without any disturbance. Masumi getting impressed by Momiji's bust size is fan service too. Actually Momiji's bust size doesn't even contribute to the BO investigation XD. Now take an important note that fan services aren't negative thing what usually comes in our mind and not necessary that it's not canon. In manga, it's canon but only for the sake of viewers to enjoy, presented in a flow with the story.

But for this movie, specifically it was mentioned by Gosho that there are a lot of ties with the original story. There is nothing new shown in this movie that hasn't been shown in the manga. And the story is similar to the original story. Okay, I'm not saying the whole movie is considered as canon but from what Gosho said that this movie has lots of ties with the original story. Saving Jodie has always been an important part of the original story and has been contributed to the investigation of BO. She appears only when BO chapters continues. A serious character like Shuichi promising something is not a joke! Also it has been 100% Canon that she does hold an important place in Shuichi's heart. She is an important part of his life, in his past, in the preset and now that I have already proven that how much she is important to him so also in future. Its undeniable that she is different from other agents. So Jodie's safety has always been canon, important for the main plot of BO, and her importance in Shuichi's life. It's not only canon but it contributes to the main story, that is BO. HENCE IT'S NOT A FAN SERVICE! So it's certain that this scene is one of the things that has ties with the original story which is not done just for the viewer to enjoy but will contribute to the original story. But the whole movie, blasts, accidents Jodie meeting Masumi, these are non-canon.

Summary-

It has been proven that, Shuichi still loves Jodie, more than his own life. He is willing to go to any lengths to save her life. His terrible past didn't make him hesitate a little to practically admit in front of Jodie, that how important she is to him. This means his feelings for Jodie never changed! That's what his CURRENT feelings for Jodie. Finally, and most importantly this particular scene from the movie, is Canon! Said and hinted so many times by Gosho himself!

And now, here is a short clip of all scenes of Restarling from the M18 trailer! 😉❤

And really really, thank you for your patience.

❤R❤E❤D❤❤S❤T❤A❤R❤L❤I❤N❤G❤

[teatime-scans]

Wild Police Story - Chapter #11 Text Translations

Hi! Here’s a text translation of Chapter 11. Scanlations of this chapter (and the previous one) are being worked on at the moment! ^^

Be aware that since this hasn’t been proofread yet - this is basically the translation as it came out of our minds - some parts might not be very clear, especially the Nagano Dialect part which is just a partial localization we came up with and will probably be changed in the final version.

Translation: Holmes Translation check: Manaphy

CASE 11. Convening and discussing

[Original Work: Aoyama Gosho Artist: Arai Takahiro]

[His fury, yet unbeknownst to everyone, lies hidden deep inside him.]

[The eagerly-awaited first volume will be on sale from the eighteenth of November on!] [Second chapter of the Morofushi Arc! With their hearts set on their beliefs, this is the story of their youthful days during the half a year spent at the Police Academy!]

[Morofushi's past is going to be related right now...]

Morofushi: Understood! I’ll tell you... Morofushi: About that night from 15 years ago...

Morofushi: Enshrouded in that stench of steel... Morofushi: A night of dismay which made my inner clock’s hands... Morofushi: Freeze in place...

Morofushi: Someone came at around 7 PM when I was having dinner with my father and mother... Morofushi: Together with a loudly rung bell... *ding dong* *ding dong* *ding dong*

Morofushi: The visitor was apparently an acquaintance of my father's. Morofushi: At first, they conversed quietly by the entryway, which I could hear while being in the kitchen...

Morofushi: But before very long, the man started raising his voice... Morofushi: and as soon as my mom went to the entryway to check on them...

*GWAAAAAH* Morofushi: I could hear my father groaning... Morofushi: And so my mother came back with a radically changed facial expression, and told me...

Morofushi: “Stay hidden here for a while!”... Morofushi: “Don't come out at all costs, till I tell you it's okay to!”... That's what she said.

Morofushi: As my mom said that, she put me inside a store cupboard... Morofushi: then, in turn, she went and quarrelled with that man... Morofushi: but soon after I couldn't hear her voice anymore, either...

Morofushi: and, what's more, a stench of steel started hanging over... Morofushi: To the point even I could smell it, despite being inside the cupboard. Hagiwara: What's this “steel” you've been talking about since earlier?

Furuya: He's talking about the smell of blood! Furuya: The haemoglobin contained in the red blood cells is mainly composed of iron. That's why. Hagiwara: I see...

Matsuda: So, what happened later? Hiromitsu: I could hear him humming... Date: What? Humming?!

Hiromitsu: Yeah... It wasn't dad's voice, nor mom's. Hiromitsu: It was a shrill-made coaxing voice... Hiromitsu: He was repeating the same phrase while putting it in rhythm, again and again...

Hiromitsu: T-Therefore... Hiromitsu: I gingerly peeked out of the store cupboard from its opening...

Hiromitsu: And I saw a man holding a bloodstained knife, humming a tune... Hiromitsu: It went like, “it's fine nooow!”... Hiromitsu: “come out, pleeease!”...

Matsuda: What about the face?! Matsuda: Didn't you see that bloke's mug?! Hiromitsu: No, I didn't... Hiromitsu: I was too scared...

Furuya: How come that man was looking for you, though? Hiromitsu: Nah, he wasn't looking for me. Hiromitsu: I know because he called a girl's name after “come out please”.

Hiromitsu: That's right... The girl with whom I used to play when I was a kid's... Hiromitsu: “Yuri”, the name of the little girl looking just like the one who was reported missing last night!

Date: Why was he looking for that kid at your house? Furuya: What was her surname? Hiromitsu: I don't know... I always called her by her name... Hiromitsu: After she died from an illness, I did attend her funeral, but I was just a first-year elementary school pupil...

Hagiwara: You didn't see his face, but you did see the tattoo on his shoulder, didn't you? Hiromitsu: Yeah, I did. That man apparently tripped up because of all the blood, and he banged with his whole body against the armoire I was hidden inside... *BANG*

Hiromitsu: When he moved away, for an instant... Hiromitsu: I saw on his shoulder... Hiromitsu: a tattoo shaped like a goblet!

Matsuda: Did he really have it on his shoulder? Hiromitsu: There’s no doubt! Hiromitsu: After moving away from the cupboard, he clutched his shoulder, as if it hurt...

Hiromitsu: So and at that moment, the tattoo that was visible just before... Hiromitsu: Got hidden by his bloody hand, rendering me unable to catch sight of it...

Date: And? What did he do after that? Hiromitsu: I don't know... Hiromitsu: Before I could notice... I fell asleep.

Hiromitsu: After that, I woke up to the sound of doors and stuff being opened and closed... Hiromitsu: and just when I was squaring off, thinking “shit! I’m gonna get found!”... *clatter rattle clatter*

Hiromitsu: someone opened the cupboard's shutter! *slide*

Hiromitsu: It was my older brother, who had just come home from camp middle school... [Komei: Hiromitsu... Mom and dad are dead... Komei: What happened? Can you tell me?] Hiromitsu: It was noon of the following day already... Meaning I had been sleeping in the cupboard for half a day.

Hagiwara: So you had an older brother...? Hagiwara: I heard that, nowadays, he's a skilful police detective in the Nagano prefectural police, and is called the “Koumei of Nagano”! Matsuda: I like Guan Yu* better, though... Date: Who cares about The Records of the Three Kingdoms right now! [* TN: Both Koumei (Kong Ming in Chinese) and Guan Yu (Japanese name: Kan’u) are Chinese strategists whose feats are narrated in the Records of the Three Kingdoms.]

Date: Go ahead. Did you tell your brother about the murderer's tattoo? Hiromitsu: No, I didn't... I've been slightly amnesiac due to the shock caused by that case... Hiromitsu: and in addition, I've also been suffering from aphasia...

Hiromitsu: Later, we were put in our relatives' care — I was sent to Tokyo kinsmen, and my brother with Nagano's, and I changed scenery... Hiromitsu: Yet, my aphasia didn't heal for a while...

Hiromitsu: until I met Zero in Tokyo! [Furuya: It'd be way greater fun if you talked, y'know?]

Hagiwara: So you attended this place, the police academy because you want to seize the murderer? Hiromitsu: Spot on. Plus, I remembered several things recently... Hiromitsu: And I decided that I want to properly draw conclusions about what that was all about from a policeman's point of view... Hiromitsu: and transmit all that information to my brother in Nagano!

Hagiwara: And in the meantime, you chanced upon three suspicious individuals... Hiromitsu: R-Right...

Hiromitsu: There’s Irie-san, who runs a hardware store... Hiromitsu: and has a goblet tattooed on his shoulder...

Hiromitsu: Then, Tomori-san, who has a laundromat... Hiromitsu: and has on his upper arm a tattoo of Kannon, alias the Guanyin...

Hiromitsu: And the clerk of the motorbike shop who has a scorpion tattooed on the back of his neck... Hiromitsu: If I remember well, he’s called Monobe-san...

Hiromitsu: But it's simply impossible for the murderer to be in Tokyo and not in Nagano... Hiromitsu: and, what's more, for him to coincidentally be in my surroundings... Isn't it? Matsuda: We went and questioned those three people, y'know?

Hiromitsu: Wha...?! Matsuda: Ain't that right? Hagiwara: Bullseye. Date: We all split up... Furuya: Since it's for your revenge, Hiro!

Hiromitsu: Hold on a second, though... How'd you know I'm looking for the murderer who killed my parents, in the first place? Matsuda: Of course we’d know. Matsuda: You were always looking up “Nagano Couple Slaughter Case” on the internet over and over... Hagiwara: Although it is the first time we hear in detail about the tattoo and the murderer's behaviour.

Furuya: Well then, let's start with the squad leader, who was in charge of dealing with Irie-san. Date: He's a silent person, so having him spit something out was a whole pain in the butt...

Date: His name is Irie Sumio. He is forty-six years old and lives along with his wife. Date: He set up a hardware store in this city fourteen years ago. Date: He's a taciturn, unfriendly guy, but he's peerless when it comes to sharpening knives... That's his reputation in the neighbourhood.

Date: His shoulder tattoo is from 10 years ago... He tattooed the championship cup from when he won a ping-pong tournament hosted by the neighbourhood association. Matsuda: Ten years ago...? Date: Yes. I also checked on it with Tomori-san, whom he was paired with back then, so there's no doubt about it.

Date: After that, he told his wife something about horses and flowers, or something... Hiromitsu: You mean... Hiromitsu: He told her to “hose down the flowers”?

Date: Yes! That's it! Hiromitsu: In Nagano dialect, “giving” is often replaced with “hosing”! Hagiwara: Hold up! If that's the case...

Matsuda: But if he got his tattoo done ten years ago, the figures just don't add up, do they? Furuya: Then, Let's move on to Tomori-san, whom Hagi talked to...

Hagiwara: His full name is Tomori Hajime. He is fifty years old and lives alone. Hagiwara: Originally, his laundromat was run by an uncle of his, but he ended up straining himself... Hagiwara: so he planned to help him out till he was dismissed from the hospital, but he ended up continuing even after he passed away... Which brings us here... Apparently.

Hagiwara: He tattooed the Kannon, alias the Guanyin, on his upper arm when, 20 years ago, he lost his wife and mother at the same time in a traffic accident... Hagiwara: He apparently did it in order to mourn the two of them...

Hagiwara: He's also got a reputation in the neighbourhood as a repairman. Hagiwara: Since he came out of some college's engineering department, it seems he used to repair simple electric appliances. Hagiwara: A tad like you, right, Jinpei-chan?

Hagiwara: He paired with Irie-san because he's a friend who comes from his same town... That's what he said. Furuya: If he got his tattoo twenty years ago, he did already have it fifteen years ago... Furuya: but a picture of the Kannon doesn't look like a goblet at all, no matter how you look at it...

Matsuda: Actually, speaking of goblet look-alikes, we have that motorbike shop clerk. Matsuda: His name is Monobe Shuuzou and he is thirty-five years old. Matsuda: He has a scorpion tattooed behind his neck, which is the logo of a group he used to be part of back when he was a rascal...

Matsuda: whose name is, in fact, Scorpion Glass! Hagiwara: So he rather modeled it after a goblet!

Matsuda: He said he got it tattooed when he was twenty, so I guess it kind of could barely fit...? Hagiwara: It's located behind the neck, though... Matsuda: Same as Tomori-san, he also lives alone.

Hagiwara: Huh? What's the matter, you two? Date: I don't know, there was just something... Furuya: Yeah, me too...

Hiromitsu: ... Matsuda: What's with you, Morofushi? Matsuda: You, too?

Hiromitsu: Yeah, well... Recently I phoned my older brother to tell him what I remembered about the case anyway, and... [Komei: Haste makes waste...]

[Komei: Don't be in a hurry to seek success by consulting me without sufficient forethought. Komei: The place you were hidden in was not a store cupboard, but a closet equipped with kannon-biraki, alias double doors opening from the centre. Komei: That house was in Western-style, so it didn't have any Japanese store cupboards or sliding screens in the first place.]

Hiromitsu: That's what he told me. Hiromitsu: I'm sure I was in a cupboard, though... Furuya: Maybe aren't you mixing it up with your relatives' house here in Tokyo you were entrusted to?

Furuya: Since that house was Japanese-styled, and, conversely, only had sliding screens and cupboards... Hiromitsu: T-That could be...

Matsuda: If that were the case... Matsuda: wouldn't it be strange, though?

Matsuda: If you had been hiding in a closet with kannon-biraki double doors... Matsuda: then its door should've got shut when the murderer banged into it after tripping up...

Hagiwara: That's true... And in order to see the killer clutching his shoulder afterwards... Hagiwara: you would've had to open the shutter of the closet by yourself...

Matsuda: You... You opened the door in that situation? Hiromitsu: No way I could! Date: Then couldn't it be that the gap you were peeking out from...

Date: wasn't vertical but horizontal...? Date: The slit in the closet... Date: would allow you to look outside with the shutter closed, wouldn't it?

Onizuka: It's almost four o'clock... Onizuka: Maybe I should go check on those chaps a bit...

*rattle* Onizuka: Huh?

Onizuka: Hey, hey, hey... Onizuka: The dressing room is still dirty as hell?

Onizuka: Hey, you bums! You only have an hour left, y'know? Onizuka: As it is, you'll never make it in... *creak*

Onizuka: Hold on...

Onizuka: They're gone!

[Vertical and horizontal... The five have noticed something. Continued in the next issue.] [Continues in SS #50]

[thelastyetfabolousmidwestmadman]

Detective Conan Deconstruction/Plot Twists/Subversion's

Howdy!

I've been thinking a lot because I haven't slept or been made sensible enough to see reality through rational means of comprehension.

For a black and white series of tales such as Gosho Aoyama's DCMKverse I can sure think of a multitude of ways to turn it grey. So many dark, bloody possibilities, such a endless plethora of grief, angst, and schadenfreude, of voided bowels and lost innocence, so many terrifying ideas yet so little time...

Anyway, to summarize the contents of all that verbal diarrhea, my mind has created a vast orchestra of sinister ideas that I can't put them all in one or more stories. Some of them I'll use later, some of them I will not. I guess my main inspiration for this stream of consciousness that shouts madly into the abyss of the World Wide Web, is the idea that some intrepid, curious wanderer may come across my inane rantings and be inspired to write their own atrocities.

Or maybe it will the stoke the wondrous imagination of a writer who is more of a sick fuck then I am, (:

There are five areas that can be twisted into something cruel. They contain the following:

Cases

Heists

Romance

Character Flaws

Black Organization

Get it on!

Case’s

Suspect Gets The Last Laugh- Killer is revealed but manages to poison the victim with Ricin or something more subtle allowing the target to die a couple days later. Simple enough.

More Then One Killer- The killer is caught! However a quick look back at the scene reveals he wasn’t alone and he ain’t spilling the beans.

Hannibal Lector Wannabe- A killer decides to fuck with our beloved Teen Detectives by playing a game of manipulation and horror while he threatens their loved ones into continuing.

Escaping Through Statute Of Limitations- When Our Teen Detectives decide to give their customary breaking speech,

Killer Gets Out Of It, Now After Detectives- The killer proves much too clever and sees through our casts tricks. Maybe he begin’s to notice Conan’s con and swears revenge out of his ego.

Loved Ones Hurt In The Crossfire- They were too quick for Conan’s soccer ball, Heiji’s sword, Kogoro’s Judo, or Division One’s reflexes. The bullets, blades, bludgeons. and Pelvic Thrusts couldn’t be avoided and the innocent were hurt before they could be saved.

It’s Too Much All At Once- When the cast see a suspect state his intention to kill himself, especially in the early episodes, the cast would dare them to do it, thinking it is a bluff. It isn’t.

All For Naught- Going down a dark rabbit hole isn’t worth it, if a killer turns out to have escaped or has been dead for a long time.

Big Troll- There was no murder or kidnapping, they just wanted to humiliate them.

Green Mistake- Not all detectives succeed at once. Sometimes they make mistakes... Okay just here me out here. I sincerely doubt that all those amateur detectives despite their talent have a perfect track record in solving cases or even not getting a innocent person hurt. Just look at Heiji’s, Kogoro’s, and Sera’s early (or in Kogoro’s case many) mistakes. It’s statistically impossible to get it right all the time.

Victim Is Worse- Conan and the gang successfully prevent a client from being murdered. The criminal screams at them, telling them how evil he was, and how this was mistake. When they learn of the clients sick actions, they understand why.

Romance

Waiting For Someone Who Is No Longer There- Lets think about the situation between Shinichi and Ran for a sec. if your like me you come to a unfortunate realization that was also in the OVA “Stranger In 10 Years.” Shinichi may never get back to the way he was. Maybe there is no antidote. What if he disappears in that time? And I don’t mean move on, I mean dies without anyone knowing. Ran now has to deal with both a missing Shinichi and a vanished Conan. Yet, throughout her whole life Ran holds out hope, waiting for them. Waiting for Shinichi to call. She refuses to fall in love with someone else and becomes obsessed with finding them... Until in her old age, she dies.

The Sleeping Sleuth Sleeps Around- Okay just listen to my reasoning here for a sec. I know many of you are probably sharpening their knives in the comments but let’s really think about this for a sec. This is the same Kogoro who smacked the butt of one of the Black Bunnies, and repeatedly motorboats whatever young woman he comes across. I doubt if Eri is okay with that. Plus, alcoholism and nymphomania is not a winning combination. He could easily make a mistake while in his delirium.

Shinichi’s Toxic Jealousy- Once again bear with me on this. I don’t think either Shinichi (or Kogoro for that matter) are evil. They have flaws just like any other person. However, Shinichi can be sort of a dick with it comes to how territorial he is with Ran. Just look at Eisuke. Unlike most of the perverts who are after her, Eisuke is a genuinely nice guy and Shinichi treats him like garbage. That got me thinking... Maybe Shinichi’s claims about wanting Ran to be happy aren’t entirely true. A part of him knows what he’s doing is wrong but a selfish side can’t. What if Shinichi’s jealousy starts to hurt Ran severely? Again it have to be written well so Shinichi doesn’t come off like a unrepentant dick but I think there’s something there.

Character Flaws

Hot Headedness Get You Or Others Killed- This idea concerns Heiji mostly. A rather temperamental fellow isn’t he? Always rushing into danger without thinking or having trouble with guile... Ain’t that a losing combination innit? I wonder how many criminals can take advantage of that eh? How easy it would be to trick Heiji to go into a trap if Kazuha is threatened, how simple it would be to switch a blunted blade with a sharpened one, how effortless it would be to get important information, how utterly painless it would be to manipulate him... Well I’ll leave you lovely sick bastards to come up with more.

Dysfunction Junction- Let’s talk about the Mouri’s. They’re... Not healthy to say the least. With Kogoro’s gambling/drinking/man-whoring problem barely touched upon, as well as his abuse of Conan along with Eri’s absenteeism I can say that’s a huge target for blackmailers, debt collectors, and Count Of Monte Crisco wannabes.

Conan The Gremlin- Y’know for such a seemingly innocent little boy, he sure gets into a lot of trouble don’t he? Murders keep happening around him like a curse, and that animal tranquilizer can’t be healthy for Sonoko and Kogoro... Plus people could find out who he truly is and... Well it would probably be really messy wouldn’t it?

Incompetence From The Police- In all seriousness, let’s think about this for a second. You have a overburdened police dealing with a intense rise in the murder rate, illicit narcotic consumption, and terrorism... But before we can get any further let’s talk about real life Japanese criminal procedure. In Japan you can be held for 21 days in a tiny dark cell without due process or access to a lawyer. Your are also being interrogated with the police officers using abusive tactics such as telling you how ashamed your family would be, something that can’t happen in a culture based on Confucian values. You confess but take it back only to find that you’re basically fucked since Japan has a 99% conviction rate regardless of innocence. If your a drug addict, you are literally considered nonhuman by the public at large and due to the Reaganite standards treatment isn’t a option. If your on death row, you are never told when your going to die and even if innocent is unlikely to get out. Stressed at the rising crime rate, the police refuse to investigate any suspicious death and just like in Osaka (yes this actually happened) will simply not add to the police statistics. If your a police officer what are you to do? Just a few years ago there was so little crime and now your stressed to the bone. You’re largely conservative and full of pride so you won’t admit that you must change tactics. This quick jump to conclusions and borderline incompetence can be seen in so many episodes of Detective Conan that’s it’s a wonder that more people haven’t been wrongfully convicted or got away with it... Or perhaps they have.

Black Organization

Government Corruption- Given how much sway the BO has, it got me thinking. What if everything wrong with the Japanese Government is because the BO IS the government. Something sorta akin to how the Russian Mob are basically government officials. So many possibilities other then the usual blackmail, assassinations, and bombings. Electoral fraud, jury tampering, manufacturing consent, subtle revisions of the law to encroach on democratic rights such as those the Third Way, and Neoconservatives did in the west. So many more subtle yet intriguing ways to go about this! Perhaps the BO serves as a lobbying for other more savory companies that proudly align with them such as legalizing gambling or deregulating protections.

Caught!- The BO discovers Conan’s true identity. Hell follows.

Heists

Heist Bombing- Some madman or maybe the MK organization decides to bomb the Kid Heist. Lots of people die, are traumatized and have to deal with the aftermath. I’ll leave the rest up to you guys.

Crazy Fans- Self explanatory until you really think about it. If Kaito Kid is real in this universe, how toxic is the fandom? How many of them have pedophilic undertones with the beloved Kid Killer? What if a stalker discovers Kaito’s real identity and goes psychotic? Riots could happen! So many possibilities! Doesn’t have to dark like in my sick mind, can be played for laughs.

One last thing, because of how long this took to write, a certain beloved detective’s birthday is here.

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY SHIN-CHAN!!!

[leonawriter]

Every time I see people suggesting a m/m ships has a chance of being canon in DCMK I'm just, uhhh... gobsmacked? Because Gosho is THE most het writer, to the point that even his most tomboy female character can't be "too" boyish. He toned her androgynous look and vibe down immediately after he revealed she's a girl, and that's what pissed me off back when. I think I made a post about it, even.

The series is THE example of "you have to build off or ignore the canon if you want anything queer from it, because you won't be getting anything legit from the author."

Maybe that's cruel to say, but I think it's crueler to let someone believe a lie, and think they have a chance.

Are some of the things he does/that are in the movies queerbait, then? I'd actually say yes. Because it'd be put there specifically to be bait, only to only ever fall back on the same m/f ships he's been writing from the start.

[detshin]

Omg I hope all of us shinran fanatics are not getting our hopes up! I feel like this whole thing could go a bunch of ways and if we are lucky- all of them! I’m so behind but am currently trying to catch up on anime but from what I’ve seen there has to be another suspicion arc for Ran coming I feel like. She’s gotten more lax about seeing him in crime scenes and seems to be helping when she can. And then the Rum and Mary situation I feel like will def be handled. There arc has gone for awhile- Sera’s especially. Not sure what will happen with Rum but I feel like Mary and them will of course figure that Conan is Shinichi but some way by the end of it they realize they need to back off and causing problems- more harm than good. Which they may realize from raising Rum’s suspicion even more and that they are ANNOYING. 😂 maybe just my wishful thinking on the end there. But it would also be good for all of that to trigger shinran. Like Ran hearing he was in the area (which would be to clean up Sera’s mess) and being upset that he can’t even spare his girlfriend a visit. Put him in a bad situation where of course he’ll do whatever he can to get another antidote to fix. IDK!!! I’m all over the place! I just hope this isn’t something that lets us all down 😂 I love seeing all the theories cause they are all so good!!! Let’s hope they aren’t better than what gosho actually has planned

Aaaahhhh!! Hiii ✨ it's been so long~ hope you're doing good 😊

Oh yeah. I completely understand you, no worries, I feel like I should probably read some of the latest stuff because I'm also a little lost but still.

I would loooove for some drama. Maybe not the miscommunication trope again cause it's always kind of used with them (although I guess it's compulsory to have it given their central plot line is a secret lmao). I would prefer for them to talk. I want them to have the most healthy development possible. Them not talking recently doesn't quite sit right with me and I've said it before but I'll say it again: I think it was a little bit of bad writing on Gosho's part. I don't know. It just doesn't really make much sense that they're shy NOW after everything.

And there seems to be a big agreement among a lot of us that Sera and Mary will do something. I don't know if they'll mess it up for Shinichi again and try to manipulate him by using Ran as a shield (if you give me the antidote I won't say anything or something like that) cause Sera has already done that and I see her capable of more or worse really. I don't know I'm not really liking thimeir behavior.

Let's cross our fingers and hope for something good!

[sagurus]

two lives counterclockwise - a playlist for saguru and kaito

created for: @ask-the-gosho-boys​ gosho boys playlist boom ↳ submission [ 3 / 3 ]

detailed tracklist under the cut; each song has an indicated pov!

ready to go (get me out of my mind) – panic! at the disco – saguru you're such a pretty thing to be running from anyone a vision with nowhere to go

razorback – rachel mallin – saguru distance, distance keeps you safe and i don't wanna scare you away your laughing 'cause it's funny how you're fooling everybody but me

fluorescent light – stars – kaito so come out with me tonight, come out with me tonight no one falls in love under fluorescent light

do i wanna know? – arctic monkeys – both are there some aces up your sleeve? have you no idea that you're in deep? i've dreamt about you nearly every night this week how many secrets can you keep?

grace kelly – mika – kaito i could be wholesome i could be loathsome i guess i'm a little bit shy why don't you like me without making me try?

factories – autoheart – saguru you are my delightful intruder taking lessons from the deluded i'm the wretched obstacle in your way

fourth of july – fall out boy – kaito you and i were fire, fire fireworks that went off too soon you are my favorite "what if" you are my best "i'll never know"

believe – mumford & sons – saguru This is never gonna go our way If I'm gonna have to guess what's on your mind

when the party's over – billie eilish – kaito don't you know too much already? i'll only hurt you if you let me call me friend but keep me closer (call me back) and i'll call you when the party's over

no one's here to sleep – bastille – both what goes on behind these doors i'll keep mine and you'll keep yours we all have our secrets

no one is lost – stars – saguru you had the looks, you had the lover you're being brave, but we know that you're afraid put your hands up if you ever feel afraid

superposition – young the giant – saguru i don't believe in fate no psychic vision but when things fall into place, superposition in any universe you are my dark star

skydiving – lights – saguru it all starts here, with a rush of blood to the head and i feel no fear, and nothing's happening yet

young – vallis alps – kaito look back to when midnights broke their sleep awake in our memories of when we would make believe collide

bloodstream – transviolet – saguru jumping frames in strobing light fingertips drip down my spine cruel desire, danger in our consequence you look my way and I lose my--

sirens – soren bryce – kaito it's fine when you go off at midnight not worrying you're head about how finite life is lying, say it's tiring sleep til the days out, sleep when you got down

collar full – panic! at the disco – saguru i won't leave any doubt or stone unturned i've got a collar full of chemistry from your company so maybe tonight I'll be the libertine

the last of the real ones – fall out boy – kaito i am a collapsing star with tunnel vision but only for you my head is stripped just like a screw that's been tightened too many times when i think of you

lazy lies – capital cities – saguru sick and tired, and you wanna see a change but you don't wanna change for me be so kind to explain what's on your mind you’re the riddle of the century

clementine – halsey – kaito because in my world, i'm constantly havin' a breakthrough or a breakdown, or a blackout

catch your death – skittish – saguru you'll catch your death, you keep living like this. you clearly care none for yourself, just please don't leave me here alone. ‘cause i know plenty of dead folk

the crossfire – tom dickins – saguru and you'll keep your thumb hovering by the button while i try to keep you under my thumb but i'll be your parachute if you'll be my trigger tonight is the catalyst, bring us undone

fever dream – mxmtoon – kaito life's a losing game when you don't play don't hold your cards too close is what they say now, love is just another leap of faith but i jump right in

never look away – vienna teng – kaito so if you're out there in the cold i'll cover you in moonlight if you're a stranger to your soul i'll bring you to your birthright i want the storm inside you awoken now i want your warm bright eyes to never look away don't you ever look away

clover – cold weather company – both there's a reason why two lives can feel like they're both counterclockwise, know that you were still made to feel aligned

[sternentinte]

Emogust 2019 - 12.08.|Life/Death AU

(Life I)

(In which Ran won’t let Shinichi be dead)

Sometimes Ran regrets that Shinichi doesn’t have a grave. It had been her decision, back then. She can still see it clear as day. It was almost a year after he had stopped calling and the police had just given up on looking for him. Ran had cried and been angry and very tempted to smash her hand against the wall of the police department until she broke all of her bones. She’s kind of glad she didn’t—it would make playing the piano a lot harder now.

Yuusaku and Yukiko Kudou had come to visit her. She was angry at them, too. She was angry at everyone and she was desperate, and she wanted Shinichi to tell her it was okay.

“Ran-chan!”

Shinichi’s mother had hugged her.

“Isn’t it terrible?”

Ran nodded mutely; she didn’t know what else to say. She didn’t say much in those days.

“Ran-kun.”, Yuusaku was calmer than his wife in front of him. “How are you doing?”

Ran searched his face. He didn’t look exactly emotional, but was visibly exhausted, more so than she had ever seen him. He had always been so composed.

She also didn’t know how to answer the question. What did they think how she was doing?

“Why are you here?”, she asked instead. Why are you here now?, is what she doesn’t say. Why weren’t you here before? When Shinichi needed you?

Yuusaku took a breath as if too ready himself.

“We’ve been thinking”, he says, “of getting a grave for Shinichi.”

Ran stares blankly.

“But we wanted to ask your opinion. We don’t even live in this country and this is were Shinichi would want to stay…”

Ran doesn’t hear the rest.

“He’s not dead.”, she whispers barely audibly.

“What’s that, darling?”, Yukiko asks.

Ran raises her shaking voice. “He’s not dead. You can’t know that.”

Tears are in Yukiko’s eyes again, but right now, Ran can only resent her for it. Yuusaku sighs.

“I know this is hard for you, Ran-kun, but it is time to face the fact that Shinichi is probably not going to be found anymore. It has been too-”

Blood rushes through Ran’s ears.

“Shut! Up!”, she yells, the words falling out of her without permission. But now the dam is broken.

“How dare you say this? How dare you give up on him? How dare you show up here now, way too late when he’s gone and- You should be out there looking for him? Aren’t you the oh-so-smart Mr. I’m-cleverer-than-police-but-their-work-bores-me-so-I-prefer-to-make-things-up novelist? Why aren’t you out there looking for him?”

He doesn’t seem fazed by her words, doesn’t seem angry, just tired, and maybe sad and that makes Ran even angrier. He has no business being sad!

“I did everything I cou-”

“Oh but you didn’t! You should have helped him long ago, when he first got into this mess, when he stopped going to school or sleeping at home, you should have interfered than, should have saved him, should have made sure this never even happened! You have no right to bury him now and pretend you did everything you could!”

Ran breathes heavily. She hadn’t meant to say this, but she wouldn’t apologise for it either. It’s one of the things she’d come to realise in the past couple of months—how little Shinichi’s parents had been there for him, not only just now, but ever since they left to live in Los Angeles. Ran was more than aware that her parents weren’t perfect, but at least she was sure they wouldn’t have left her like this.

She wouldn’t apologise—that’s why she just looked at him defiantly. For the first time there was real pain in his face, the way his eyebrows crinkled together and the hard line of his mouth. Yukiko had stopped crying. Ran couldn’t look at her.

“Yes”, he says, his voice still calm, but tainted by an unspeakable emotion, “you are right. I will respect your wishes, Ran-san.“

Ran had nodded stiffly.

Four years later, when Koizumi Akako, chief editor of Red Hearts magazine, steps into the interview room at the Suzuki building, Ran thinks of the grave Shinichi never got.

-

(Death I)

(In which Aoko thinks her life is over)

Aoko first thinks of it in the middle of the night and in the instant the thought strikes her mind, she is sure she is right.

She scrambles out of bed a little awkwardly, switches her bedside light on and grabs her phone from the nightstand, quickly entering her code.  She opens the app she uses to track her period. She is right—three week overdue.

It doesn’t have to mean anything, she tells herself, but it doesn’t work. Aoko doesn’t really think she knows herself to well, but something has been different, and everything seems to suddenly make an astonishing kind of sense. This is true, her instinct tells her and Aoko can’t get her mind to win the yelling match.

Instead, she panics.

She steps out of bed profusely, almost running towards the bathroom, lights on, door locked. But once inside, she doesn’t know what to do either.

Pregnancy test, she tells herself, right now.

Except neither her nor Ran have one of those lying around their bathroom and at two am, there isn’t really any way to obtain one.

Aoko stares at herself in the mirror, her hair messed up from bed, her face pale in the strange light. She takes a step back, bumping against the glass wall of the shower. She lets her legs give out under her and slowly slides to the floor.

What on earth have I been doing?

The question is not new, not really. She’s asked herself the same thing so many times over the course of the past few months, but it never felt as real as it does now, as if they were lone sane thoughts in the middle of a fever dream she has only now woken up from.

Kaito, she thinks. It’s a nonsensical thought, because Kaito has nothing to do with this, nothing whatsoever, except that if he finds out he will never look at her the same way again (—then on the other hand, why shouldn’t he? His significance in that aspect is a projection of her feelings, not his—) and that she really wished he did. That’s why she is in this mess at all, isn’t it? Stupid feelings.

But Aoko can’t shake them either, and the mixture of hurt and shame that fuels these second thoughts can’t overcome her initial thought, her instinct.

The phone is still in her hand.

She doesn’t think when she dials. Kaito picks up on the first ring.

“Aoko? Are you okay?”

Aoko’s stares at the phone in her hand.

“Aoko?”

“Yes, I’m alright.”, she presses, to quickly, “wrong number?”

She feels the tears coming down her face silently.

“Wrong number?”, Kaito asks, confused, but amused, “Who else do you call at two am? All your secret boyfriends?”

That one hits home too close, even if Aoko did never have KIDs phone number.

“Butt dial…”, she mumbles instead, trying to keep the crying out of her voice, but he notices anyway. Of course. He has always been better at reading her than she is at reading him.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes, bye!”, Aoko mangles out quickly, and hangs up immediately.

She lays her head on top of her knees and cries.

-

(Death II)

(In which Ran accepts an ending)

“Good morning, Mouri-san!”

Koizumi-san seems highly professional, and from a past interview, Ran remembers her as being not unkind—but like many journalists, at least many in the celebrity gossip branch, she has something of a shark. Ran knows she is not going to go easy on her, but that’s alright today. It’s what she wanted.

“Good morning, Koizumi-san. I am happy to be speaking to you today.” She does her best to smile.

“That is what I should be saying to you. Do you mind if I call you Ran-chan? It fits the tone of our magazine better.”

“Of course.”

“So, Ran-chan. The Gosho Girls are famous for not singing love songs.”

Here we go.

“As the main lyricist, you have always claimed that you wanted to produce more songs about other values such as friendship for example, since those themes are not as widely explored, as you told Teen Idol last October. Is there more to the mysterious lack of love songs in the Gosho Girls’ repertoire?”

Ran takes a deep breath.

“It is true that I believe that in our culture, relationships that aren’t romantic aren’t appreciated enough. I, personally, have gotten so much support from my family, my friends, and of course the fellow Gosho Girls over the course of my life and putting them at the center of my art is my way to thank them. I am very connected to my art and I express my feelings in the songs I write.”

“Why not do both? Write lyrics about friendship and romance? It is a popular demand among your fans and has been for quite some time. Have you ever considered it? If so, why did you decide against it?”

“As I said before, I feel deeply about the lyrics I write. My friendships and family relations in the past years have been more prominent and important to me than any kind of romance. My art reflects that. Some have suggested, that because of this, I might be damaged or incapable of true feelings. I consider those comments to be very inappropriate, especially seeing that many of my fans are young girls, who should not be subjected to the idea that romance is the only valid form of love or that they aren’t a full person without it, which I deem a dangerous and damaging idea. I am sure you agree with me there.”

I dare you, Ran thought, I dare you to contradict me.

She didn’t.

“The subject of your love life itself took heightened interest after an interview you gave about a month ago, where you insisted on being very private on that matter. After that an article made headlines claiming you were in a relationship with Kudou Shinichi-san, who was quite well known for being a high school detective. Is there any truth to those claims?”

And so the shark surfaces.

Be honest, Ran tells herself, takes a deep breath and starts doing what she came for.

“Shinichi and I were childhood friends. We met in pre-school and were very close for a very long time. He was an exceptionally smart child, a little arrogant at times, but very loyal and brave. He started solving crimes in high school, but he was always interested in them. He was a huge fan of Sherlock Holmes and his father, Kudou Yuusaku, is well known for the Knight Baron-series, of course. He was a great detective, anyone who knew him at the time could tell you that. I used to call him a mystery geek and a deduction nut. He was a good soccer player, too, but he quit after middle school to focus on being a detective.”

“Ran-chan, you don’t have to give me Kudou-san’s life story to answer the question.”

“I know, but this is very important to me, and I think your readers will find it very interesting as well.”

She paused.

“Please.”

Her voice was calm, but she felt her hands shaking. Koizumi-san waited for a moment, unconvinced, but the she nodded.

“Go ahead.”

“So when we were in our second year of high school, I won the regional karate tournament. Shinichi had promised me he would take me somewhere if I won—he had come to the tournament to support me and then left at some point to do some detective business. I was a little mad for him because of that so that was his way of making it up to me.”

“A date?”

“Not really. We weren’t dating at the time, but I guess it did fit the bill. Anyway, we were on our way home, when Shinichi must have seen or heard something, I’m not sure. He told me to go ahead and stormed. I had a bad feeling, but I did anyways.”

“He doesn’t seem like the most reliable guy. Bailing out on his girlfriend’s tournament and ditching her on the way home…”

“Oh, but he was. In fact, I think he was one of the most reliable people I have ever met.”

“How so?”

“Well, for one, he was there many times when I really needed him. Sure, he missed the tournament, but ultimately, he had good reasons—he left in order to investigate the death of another person. I think finding a murderer is, in the grand scheme of things, of higher priority than my match was. And I loved that about him. He valued the human life so much, I would be a bad person to truly hold that against him.” She stops for a moment. “Also, I wasn’t his girlfriend, don’t forget that.”

Ran takes another breath.

“I called him later that night of our not-date, but he didn’t answer. I was very worried, and I even went to his house, but he hadn’t come home yet. I couldn’t do anything but wait. When he didn’t come to school the next day, I almost called the police, but he eventually called me back. I was very relieved to hear from him. He told me that he had run into a difficult case and that he might stay away a while to solve it. I wasn’t too thrilled to hear that, I was still worried, but I knew he felt he needed to do that. I think the case turned out to be harder than even he thought it would be. Over the course of the next year, he called me regularly, but I only ever saw him a couple of times. I was, as you can imagine, in a constant state of worry, because I didn’t know where he was and what he was doing, and he only gave me vague answers. At one point my father and me went on a holiday to London. I met Shinichi there coincidentally. I was quite mad at him, and hurt, to be honest, because I had told him that I was going and he had said nothing about being there. We had an argument and he ended up confessing that he was in love with me.”

Ran took a break and sipped on her glass of water. Somehow saying all of this, relaying it to a stranger like a story had something liberating about it.

“He vanished right again after that. I could only give him my answer at our school trip, where he showed up again. We started dating there, but he disappeared again. His case wasn’t solved yet.”

“So you were, in fact, in a relationship with him?”

“Yes. However, shortly after, he stopped calling me. It was about a year after he had disappeared. Nobody ever hurt from him again. I filed a missing person report, but the investigation didn’t lead anywhere.”

Ran feels her voice breaking and takes another sip of water.

“It is likely that he was victim of a crime. Of course, we can’t know for sure, but the investigation was eventually stopped. Shinichi is presumed dead.”

Ran pauses and Koizumi-san doesn’t fill the break.

“This wasn’t mentioned in the article about Shinichi and me, which is why I thought it would be a good idea to clear it up.”

She closes her eyes, then opens them again.

“Shinichi was one of the best people I ever had the luck to meet. He was kind and brave and he had strong morals, and I think that was his own misfortune. He will, of course, hold a place in my heart forever. Above all, however, I don’t want his legacy to be that he was the guy that turned Idol Ran-chan bitter. It doesn’t do justice to him. I ask all of my fans to be respectful of that, please.”

I did it, Ran thinks. I said it all. .

In a strange way she feels free—freer than she has for a long time.

You didn’t get a grave, she thinks to wherever Shinichi is now, but I just gave you a eulogy.

-

(Life II)

(In which Aoko faces a beginning)

The morning sickness starts two weeks later.

Aoko hates it, partly because it is so cliché, but also because it is a reminder she can’t ignore this forever. She has to do something. Tell someone. But even that possibility leaves her terrified. And who would she tell? KID?

She had taken a (more accurately, three) pregnancy tests the day after her realisations and had her fears confirmed, but she had yet to actually do something about it.

She had tried to bring the topic up to Ran, ghosting around it by talking about having children and did Ran ever plan on it? But sadly (or luckily?), Ran couldn’t read her thoughts and dismissed the whole thing by saying it was hardly an option for her. Sometimes Aoko wished Ran wasn’t such a saint. Maybe that would make it easier to spit it out.

So there she was, the second day in a row, puking her guts out in the bathroom at their practice room.

The door opens and Aoko winces. She doesn’t really want to see anyone to see her like that, but now it’s too late for that anyway.

“Jeez”, Kazuha-chan’s voice says, “Are you alright, Aoko-chan?”

“Just a stomach thing”, Aoko starts saying, but she breaks into tears in the middle of the sentence. Stupid hormones.

“Are you sure?”, Kazuha kneels down beside her. “Hey, what’s up?”

Aoko can’t tell her. She cannot.

“Did you eat something bad?”

Yes, is what Aoko wants to say, but instead she just cries harder.

Kazuha puts her hand on Aoko’s forehead as if to take her temperature, but instead she lets her eyes glide over her thinking.

“Aoko-chan”, she says, carefully, “You aren’t pregnant, aren’t you?”

Instead of answering, Aoko throws up into the toilet again.

-

Kazuha drags her to her apartment after practice.

Aoko hasn’t been at Kazuha’s place a lot—usually all of them meet up at her and Ran’s place or at work. She knows that Kazuha’s friend Hattori-kun lives here, too, but there doesn’t seem to be a trace of him.

“So”, Kazuha says, “how are we feeling about this thing?”

Aoko blinks.

“Are we happy about it or not so much?”

“Not so much.”, Aoko presses.

“Okay”, Kazuha says, as if her own feelings don’t really affect the ‘we’ at all.

“Do you want to tell me how this happened?”

“I suppose you don’t want a breakdown of human reproduction, right?”

Kazuha smiles a little. “I think I’m good.”

She leans her head form one side to the other, as if looking for words.

“So, you don’t have to tell me, but what I’m thinking that happened is that you and Kuroba-kun let out your repressed feelings at some point at each other without actually dealing with them…”

Aoko actually laughs.

“It’s worse.”

Kazuha blinks, and Aoko can practically see her resetting the pieces in her mind.

“So it wasn’t Kuroba-kun?”

“I had sex with someone else in order to deal with my repressed feelings by pretending that someone else was Kaito.”, Aoko clarifies.

Pause.

“Okay, that actually is worse.”, Kazuha admits eventually, “Do you, eh, was it someone you know well?”

“Kind of? Not really, but somewhat, I guess?”

“That’s not very clear.”, Kazuha says because it isn’t. It also is something Aoko has trouble explaining even to herself.

Aoko takes a deep breath.

“Kazuha-chan, can you please not judge me?”

“I’m sorry, I hope I didn’t give you the impression I was. I don’t think you’re a bad person for…”

“No”, Aoko interrupts, “it’s just. I slept with the Kaitou Kid.”

Kazuha stares.

“How did that ever even happen?” The incredulity in her voice is almost tangible.

“It’s kind of a long story.”

“Okay, okay.”, Kazuha pauses for a moment as if to reorientate herself in the conversation, “Do you have any way to contact him?”

Aoko shrugs. “Usually he just finds me?”

“Usually?”

“No judging, right?”, Aoko says, “it’s bad enough as it is.”

“No, it’s just a little crazy. I’m sorry, but it just is.”

“It’s insane.”, Aoko agrees.

They pause again.

“I’m sorry, I’m not very good at this.”, Kazuha says eventually.

“Me neither.”, Aoko says. She buries her head in her hands. “Oh my god, Kazuha-chan, I am going to die. What is wrong with me? Why the hell did I do that?”

“Well, I don’t know why you did it, but you are not going to die. We’ll make sure of that.”

“Can we?”

Aoko feels her starting to cry again. “Didn’t you just hear anything I said? I got pregnant from sleeping with a freaking ghost, which I only did because I’m hopelessly in love with my best friend, who is starting to feel like a damn ghost, too. I’m majorly screwed over. And I can’t even be private about the whole thing because in at least a couple of months I’m going to be huge and I’m in a somewhat successful girl band and there are social media accounts dedicated to pictures of my butt. This is a catastrophe!”

“Hey, hey”, Kazuha says, and puts her arms around Aoko, a little awkwardly, but that doesn’t really matter. “We’re the best at dealing with catastrophes, aren’t we? Ran and Sonoko are dealing with one right now, and that’s just the newest iteration of the never-ending Kudou Shinichi-catastrophe. We stick together and we’ll work something out.”

“But how can you know that?”

“Well, something has to happen. The world always keeps turning somehow, no matter how bad it is. I bet you already noticed that, too. And there are a lot of people, who love you and who will help you.”

“Do you really think so?”, Aoko asks.

“Of course.”, Kazuha replies, as if the idea that people are going to turn away in disgust hearing about this is completely foreign and absurd to her. “You have all of us—me, and Sonoko-chan, and Ran-chan—Have you told Ran-chan about it yet?”

Aoko shakes her head and guilt floods her. “I tried, too, but I don’t know, I felt so bad and it’s kind of a hard topic to bring up with her…”

Kazuha raises her eyebrows. “What do you mean with her? I mean it’s obviously not an easy topic, but why is it harder with her?”

“Well…”, Aoko trails of. Why is Kazuha-chan so perceptive? “I tried to sort of lead into it by talking about kids in general and, you know, how they change a lot and if she’s ever thought about it and she basically just said that it’s not really an option for her, so she pretty much doesn’t think about it, and yeah. Probably not the best way to try and say that ever.”

“Probably not.”, Kazuha agrees, “But she has to know, soon. She’s your roommate. You can’t not tell her. Also, she’s one of your closest friends. You’re closer to her than to me and you’re talking to me.”

“Well, yeah.”, Aoko says. Sometimes she forgets how direct Kazuha can be. About some things. Others, not so much. “But I only told you because you cornered me with it. Wait, how did you even know?”

“My mum’s a midwife. She’s told me about a million things about it, so I know a lot of signs, I guess.”

“Makes sense.” Aoko pauses. “But, you know, the thing about Ran-chan is that she’s been through so much and none of it was her fault? And she’s still so kind and good and resourceful and she works so hard? And I’m such a mess and I have no clue how to pick myself up at all, and she does it all the time.”

“So that just means she can help you do it. She has experience.”

“Maybe.”, Aoko says. She’s not too convinced.

“And besides, you still have Kuroba-kun to help you, don’t you?”

“Why would he help me?”, Aoko asks, and almost wants to start crying again.

“He’s your best friend. You just said it.”

“Well, yeah.”

“There you go, then.”

Aoko doesn’t think Kazuha understands the mystery that is Kuroba Kaito, and she is too tired to explain something she doesn’t really get herself.

“Also”, Kazuha says, and her voice is quieter now, more careful, “you don’t have to keep it, you know.”

“I thought about it”, Aoko says.

It’s true. She has done her research about this, thinking it was maybe the only solution for this. She looks at Kazuha. She sighs.

“Kaito lost his father when he was nine.”, she finds herself saying, instead of answering the implied question. Kazuha lets her.

”He was a magician, too, world famous, maybe you’ve heard of him. He and Kaito were really close and when he died, Kaito was devastated. And he changed. He closed off from everyone. You know, magic is all about distraction and being flashy so no one can see where the real trick is happening. Kaito is really good at that. For a while it became really hard to actually pin him down, to see what he really thought or felt. I think I always was a little bit better at it than most people, because I could see through his charm-attacks. We insulted each other a lot, but it was more honest. He was getting better. Mostly he was annoying and ridiculous, but he was getting better. I was glad.”

Aoko closes her eyes and opens them again.

“But sometime in high school, it changed again. I don’t know what happened, but he closed off even more and I had no idea what to do about it and it just kept getting worse. Still does, actually. I try so hard to figure out what he’s thinking, but most of the time it is impossible. I can’t really get to him anymore. I can’t figure out what he thinks about anything, even how important I really am to him.” She pauses. “That’s why I’m not sure how he will react to any of this or if I can count on his help.”

I really want to tell him, though.

“Also, I feel guilty about it. For a lot of different reasons.”, she adds.

Kazuha doesn’t ask about that. Maybe she understands it, in some capacity.

“I don’t really know Kuroba-kun at all. But if he still spends time with you and talks to you, even after so many years when it would be easy to just grow apart or be too busy, then I’m sure he cares about you.”, she says.

It helps a little. “Thank you.”

“Maybe”, Kazuha says, “he’s just got a little dumb-boy disease. I have a lot of experience with that.”

Aoko grins a bit. “I can imagine so.”

Then she gets a little bit bolder, because if they can talk about her worst problems, than she can ask questions, too.

“Say, Kazuha-chan”, she says, “why are you and Hattori-kun not a thing?”

Kazuha blinks. “So that is kind of out of nowhere.”

Aoko shrugs. “You don’t have to say.”

But Kazuha just shakes her head. “I guess I owe you a truth here, too.” She hesitates, albeit briefly. “It’s because he doesn’t want to.”

That’s Aoko’s turn to be surprised. “Did he say that?”

“Yep”, Kazuha says, like it’s a comedy movie instead of her life. “It was a long time ago, though, so don’t worry. I’m mostly used to it.”

“Why though?”, Aoko can’t help but ask. “I was so sure he liked you.”

Kazuha shrugs. “Maybe he does. I figure he has his reasons. Dumb boy disease, I’m telling you.”

“I’m sorry.”, Aoko says, because even if Kazuha has seemed to make some sort of sense of that, she hasn’t. She just thinks it’s awful. And stupid. And hurtful.

But, to her surprise, Kazuha actually smiles at that. “Don’t be. Because I’m not. I’m still his best friend, and the most important woman in his life that’s not his mother, and I still make sure he doesn’t kill himself on account of being an idiot. I value that. Also, it’s not like I never date anyone because of him.”

“True.”, Aoko says, even though to her, none of Kazuha’ occasional dates seem exactly serious. Still, for some reason she is impressed by the sentiment.

“But you do get jealous when other women as much as talk to him?”, she says eventually, because regardless of what Kazuha says, Aoko has witnessed this a couple of times.

Kazuha sighs. “Do you have to call me out like this, Aoko-chan? I mean, yeah, you have a point. I guess nobody’s perfect, right?”

“Certainly not me.”, they both say at the same time.

They look at each other, then they laugh.

It takes a while for them to stop, even though there is no legitimate reason to be laughing at all, because everything is really not going the right way, but maybe that, precisely, is the reason.

When they stop and the apartment is silent again, Aoko makes a decision.

“I’m going to keep it.”, she says, and she knows it so surly like she knew of its existence even before she took the test.

“Are you sure?”, Kazuha asks.

Aoko nods.

“Okay.”, Kazuha says.

“Okay.”

——

@mintchocolateleaves, @sup-poki

So this is super late and only fits the prompt with a stretch of imagination and a lot of sense for metaphorics (or something), and it definitely went off-rail somewhere, but at least it’s long?