December 28, 2016

Okay, guys. This chapter may have been out late then it use to, but you all already (maybe, kind of.....I don't know.) know that I'm a slow updater. 

One thing that I hate about writing stories is that it keeps making my back ache. Second, research. Things that I wish and don't like that I either find the subject interesting or not. 

Anyhow, this chapter and the next chapter will take me a long time to write because it involves a lot of research base on soccer moves, techniques, rules, and the concept of how each player, specifically, have to take on a role. I mean, the roles and rules seem easy enough to write, but the hard part is for me to make a clear description of how the game is played out. Especially the dribbling, juggling, kicks, and all of those cool moves that I have to watch on YouTube. 

(Yeah, I take my research so seriously.( -_- ))

Anyway, thank you for those who have been enjoying my books, and that I hope you got to understand the concept of the game. 

Enjoy~ 

M

~Previously on (Don't) Judge A Book By His Cover~

Suddenly, the air around them shifted in a puff of smoke where Shinichi felt a warm, soft, texture of cloth draped around his shoulder before finding himself in someone's school uniform jacket.

"Kuroba-kun!?"

Kuroba Kaito grin as he happily said, "Yo! It's been a while, Edogawa Conan".

M

The class, Aoko noted, has been suspiciously quiet and peaceful for a while now. She couldn't help but wonder (and fear. Much to the students' twitch of anxiously). Cautiously, she thought that maybe Kaito is taking a break with the whole "Love and Wonder of Magician's Prank Step: 2" operation ever since they had graduation from their First Year of High School. However. The beneficial of being the only girl whose childhood life is one who endured all of Kaito Kuroba's effervescent; Aoko only know one truth of the matter.  

Her childhood friend is planning. 

Planning is essential for those who organizes efficiently and precisely to one's depiction. The use of taking one step, for each element to slowly come together, piece by piece, before revealing the big finale. 

The overall approach seems so harmless; simply because it relates to how a person wants to get the job done. Nevertheless, if a student of  Ekoda High School was able to survive since his or her First Year with Kuroba Kaito; the word "Planning" can literally spell out Doom for all Tricks and Play. 

Aoko sighs and might as well check up on her childhood friend for any forthcoming tricks. Cautiously, she took a quick glance towards where Kaito is sitting and was shock and confuse. 

"Huh? Where's Kaito?"

When she accidently said the words out loud, everyone quickly converts all their attention to the empty seat in the back. Indeed, the magician prankster is nowhere to be found. Most seemingly out of character, they took their eyes everywhere in search of the vanish trickster, even if it's under their desk, chair, the ceiling, and even the inside of their backpack. (They find it quite horrifying to see a head of one of their student (literally) eating a sandwich from one of the girl's lunch boxes)

It wasn't long before Aoko finally found out where he is. Grumbling in annoyance, she puffs her trusty mop out of nowhere, before stomping her way to the window, slams it open, and howl out, "Bakaito! What the hell are you doing!? Class is not even over yet! Get back here this instant!"

Everyone in the field took that time to glance back to see a strange girl  making a commotion while waving a distinct weapon that made Shinichi wonder, "Why is she holding a mop?"

Kaito, on the other hand, nearly cringe when she use a specific threat that involves those f-f-f-f-finnnys~ for dinner. 

"Hey, isn't there suppose to be a game over there?"

"Yeah. Looks like someone is hurt."

"Oh my gosh! There's a hot guy over there!"

"Huh!? Seriously!? Where!?"

"Come on guys! Let's check it out!"

"Yeah!"

The conversation soon got a little bit out of hazard as they hurriedly ditch their lesson in favor of watching the show that is about to start. Which leave the teacher to froze in shock and won't be coming out anytime soon. Which left Aoko a choice: stay or go, but possibly have a detention for this stunt.........

"Oh for goodness sake!" 

 M

Sooner or later, the entire school will be coming out anytime soon, which leave Shinichi some time to ask, "Kuroba-kun? Not to be rude or anything, but why are you here?" 

Kaito simply narrowed his eyes at the sight of an injured lady and answered, "I thought that something happened here and wanted to check it out. Is she going to be alright?" 

"Yeah. Adding pressure to the wound will temporarily stop the bleed from flowing faster. However, it's best if she gets sent to the hospital as soon as possible for them to have a look." 

"What happen exactly." 

Kaito subconsciously steps closer to him, but not close enough to make Shinichi uncomfortable. 

"Let's just say that those girls over there doesn't seem to know how to follow the rules of the game." 

Said girls gasps in disbelief before one of them protested to Shinichi's "ridiculous" statement. 

"Are you saying that we cheated?!"

"Yes. That's exactly what I'm saying." 

"Ha! As if you would know. Do you have proof that we even cheated in the first place?" 

"As a matter of fact, no. But witnesses are also considered to be worth evidence as well as the spectators." 

The girl open her mouth to say more, but Shinichi's glare left her wordless and a strike of fear that course through her legs and arms. It wasn't until the blond girl, Tomiju Miyo(1), step forward and demanded, "You. What is your name?"

"Edogawa Conan."

"Edogawa......Conan....." 

For a while, the girl stood there. Her eyes stripping every detail, every feature, that Conan could possibly present. The way her eyes lit little by little in lust and delight made Kaito's stomach churn in disgust and-

'Damn it, stop staring at him like he's yours already!'

 Tomiju Miyo, satisfied from what she got so far, offers, "I have a proposition for you, Conan-kun-"

"It's Edogawa.(2)", Shinichi granted, while cutting her off. 

Tomiju Miyo blinked. 

'Did he just-?'

"Oh~~~Ohohoh! You're actually quite interesting. Fine then. As I was saying, I'm wondering if we can sort out this argument into a game." 

"A game."

"Yes. You see, the spectator over there isn't too keen on finding any fault in our game in the first place."

"Of course he didn't because you had used the "impeding the progress of an opponent" method. In this case, however, instead of using the method against your opponent, you used it illegally against outsiders from the playing field." 

*The Obstruction rule actually doesn't exist in the rules of the game anymore and is now called "impeding the progress of an opponent". It basically means moving into the path of the opponent to obstruct, block, slow down or force a change of direction when the ball is not within playing distance of either opponent.*

" *tsk* Anyway, let's just settle the matter with a game. If my team loses, then we will admit any false play that you have, accusingly, blamed us for." 

"And if we lose?"

"Simple. You're going to have to go on a date with me."

.

.

.

Someone must of swallow a rock. Or maybe they just didn't hear her correctly. 

Kaito was certain that she was joking. However, depending on how she seem to continue to stare at Conan's body OR the fact that Conan is visible twitching like her gaze his giving him frostbite; then no. She is not joking. If Kaito have to say anything it would be that Shinichi is not stupid enough to-

"Fine. I accept."

"What!?"

In a dose of lightning flash, he swiftly took hold of Conan before both of they vanish a good few meters away from the scene. 

"Are you crazy!? Why would you even accept that scandalous deal of theirs?"

"Uhhh-because they are breaking the rules?"

"So! You said so yourself that witnesses are evidence, right?"

"Yes, but I also need solid evidence to back up their claim as well."

"Well, where can you find that solid evidence of yours?" 

Shinichi sigh, which, for some reason, made Kaito irritated. 

"Here's the plan." 

M

Next chapter might take longer to update. Please don't kill me.....

  References: 

1) Tomiju "wealth and longevity" Miyo "beautiful generation"  

2) For last names in Japanese, it is the person's decision to give the right to choose those who they consider the closest to say their first name.