By the time Ranran is finally declared fit enough to return to school according to the doctors who treated her, the CCTV footage of their fight versus an intruder went viral, spreading like wildfire here in Teitan Elementary where every single media outlet played the video on smartphones, tv, radio stations (just audio), causing the majority of the students to be paranoid over their safety.

Though the media was censored Ranran and Shinichi's faces in the video, it did little to hide their identities as it created such turmoil of emotions after they learn it was the two who were the unfortunate victims, thanks to one of the guests attending the party happens to be a parent of a kid who studies in Teitan Elementary.

Things grew from bad to worst when they learn through the assembly she studies in the same school as the victims...it was obvious fear turned to anger.

So much so...that as soon as Shinichi made that announcement about a reward for capturing her, the children of Teitan Elementary have gone vigilante style to locate who is this said 'bait' in question, in hopes to put an end to this rising fear.

And that suspected bait in question is none other than Suzuki Sonoko, who is nowhere to be found.

If she wasn't such a show off in posting that new rose hoodie she posted on Instagram, only to delete it on the day of the incident, the kids wouldn't have taken notice of her and suspected she had something to hide. Of course, there were doubts as well that she couldn't have been the one, considering others could've owned the same rose hoodie she is wearing.

That is until one of the kids googled something unexpected.

An interesting story, when an 80 plus-year-old fashion designer well-known for designing children's clothes entered Japan to end her final years, she decided to make two hand-sewn hoodies: one was given to Suzuki Sonoko as they have been family friends for a long time, the other was handed to her personal assistant's daughter, who later became the lolicon's accomplice. Suzuki who had no idea about this after being told only 2 of them were made, decided why not brag about this and post it on Instagram to pay homage to the deceased designer ( even in the caption she posted 2 of these were made). Somehow one of her followers was able to obtain the deleted image and posted it on the confession site of Teitan Elementary, resulting in the fallout she is dealing with right now.

While other kids were still busy trying to locate the suspected accomplice, the majority of the kids had gathered outside the school courtyard, stunned to see the unexpected.

When Hikari Takuma last saw his friend, Kudo Ranran left in tip-top condition, walking home from school with Kudo Shinichi.

Several days later, he would not have imagined Ranran to end up in a wheelchair with Shinichi pushing behind it, looking paler than her natural white as snow complexion as she held onto her bandaged head, her natural red as blood lips contrast brighter than it ever was while other kids turned pale in horror at the sight. Her red rondesu bag was placed on her lap, while Shinichi had his black one on his back, wheeling past the shell-shocked crowd.

When the intruder made a grab of the rabbit antique and slam it in the head, even though she was already treated with the medical necessities, it turned out their grandparents feared the worst when she passed out after instructing Shinichi on the plan of ousting the lolicon's accomplice, resulting in an emergency trip to the hospital.

There, they were horrified to learn she had a head concussion. Had they not checked, she could've died according to the doctors.

So it's no wonder as soon as Shinichi got word of this, he was so furious, he headed to school only a day after the incident, and, upon storming his way to the assembly stage podium much to the shock of teachers, students, and staff alike, he put out a hit onto the accomplice. Initially, he did not want to go through with Ranran's vicious plan but hearing from the doctor made him snap. This is attempted murder, and this sort of thing he won't tolerate!

Not even if the accomplice happens to be someone their age, let alone, will eventually get away with attempted murder because one is above the law!

"I don't need a wheelchair, Shinichi. I can technically walk."Ranran told him.

"Yeah, but your head has been hurting since this morning, no?"Ranran cringed in agony as she pressed onto her bandaged head, rubbing the part of her head from where she was hit, "You heard what our grandparents said, don't walk a while till your headache subside. Just wait for 3 days, it is over and we'll be back completing detective activities in no time."

"What about the investigation then? I can't afford to delay-"

"Leave it to me, I will finish up the loose ends. I am your apprentice, have you forgotten?"

Shinichi reassures Ranran as he wheeled their way to their classroom, which for the time being, be relocated temporarily on the ground floor. The grade 1 classrooms are normally located on the first floor above, but upon hearing of Ranran's situation, the family had their class relocated to continue her studies. Plus, they didn't want Ranran to use this as a reason to skip school later on in life as she already did back then.

"It's...why is she in a wheelchair?"One of the boys asked out of curiosity as he pointed at Ranran.

"That ain't your business!"Shinichi told him off as he was about to wheel her off, but Ranran raised her hand, stopping him from moving, "Since you are curious, I'll tell you."Ranran said with a serious expression.

"Ranran-"

"Shinichi, let me handle this."She turned away from Shinichi and to the boy, she goes, "I was attacked by the accomplice when she took Obaachan's favourite rabbit antique and hit me in the head here." she then pointed to her bandaged head.

"That bloody girl! If I ever know who is that girl, I am going to make sure she ends up in jail!"Shinichi spoke out of anger, as he added, "The doctor said she could've died had they not checked her head!"

This shocking revelation made everyone listening to this gasp in shock and horror, boys turned pale, some of the girls were either horrified or close to bursting into tears out of fear, now that the two confirmed the rumours were true, that the accomplice of a lolicon is among them.

At first, they didn't believe that a kid would do such a thing. They are schoolmates and classmates, why would they do such sick acts towards the other? Also, could it be Ranran made this story up?

But after hearing this from Shinichi, one who rarely jokes around on that sort of thing, they knew this was no longer a funny matter. Meanwhile, Takuma who heard this was overwhelmed by his guilt, as it dawned on him that the Watanabe is what landed her into this predicament. He needed to calm down. But... it was difficult, seeing her in a wheelchair."Ah, Tak-san! There you are!"

Ranran smiled cheerfully as Shinichi wheeled her to Takuma's direction and stopped in front of him, where Shinichi noted Takuma looked pale. Takuma tried to stay calm, he truly did. But it was difficult, "I am sorry."

"Sorry? For what?"Ranran asked, her eyebrows raised.

Takuma looked down and replied, "I didn't know that it would turn out this way...this...this is my fault."Takuma wasn't sure how to put his emotions into words, seeing that the friend who always ran around, is now bounded to a wheelchair because of him!" I just-" his voice cracked.

Having realized that she had appeared with a wheelchair in front of him, not to mention, notice his guilt-ridden face, she reassures him, "Tak-san, it ain't your fault."

"It is! If I didn't drag you into that case, that Suzuki wouldn't have spread rumours about the both of you, forcing you both to end up meeting that Lolicon-"Takuma whispered.

"It's okay, Tak-san. Also, the crossdressing lolicon accomplice situation is the reason why we got caught up in this mess, not the other case. Anyway, I have Shinichi here to look after me, and I be able to walk in a couple of days."Ranran looked into Takuma's eyes with a smile. "It's okay."

At those words, Takuma felt more guilty than ever."Hey, Ranran."Reina suddenly emerges next to her boyfriend.

"Hey."

Reina lowered herself a little, took Ranran into her arms, and rubbed her back. "It's gonna be alright."

"Thanks."

As soon as she let go, Shinichi asked Reina, "Where is the classroom by the way? I heard it move to the ground floor."

"It's the first room to the left as soon as to enter."Reina told him the directions before she frowned worriedly at Ranran, "Is she fit enough to do homework and pay attention to class as well?" she turned to Shinichi for answers, "I heard that bastard hit her hard in the head".

"Oh, believe me, she is still as cunning and vicious as I remembered, she'll be fine," Shinichi explained.

As soon as Shinichi passed the couple, Reina turned to her boyfriend and in low volume, tries to console him as she pull him into a hug, "Tak-chan. I know things are hard now but don't show that face to her, alright?" she pets his back while others watch in silence, as everyone is aware of their relationship.

"Rei-chan-"

"It will worry her more if she sees you like this and her recovery will be jeopardized. We have to be strong for her no matter what, ok?"

He shook quietly as he struggled to keep it together.

Miyama Emiko who is observing all of this from the crowd was in disbelief over the unexpected entrance that has taken place. At first, she assumed perhaps Ranran may have staged herself to look ill in a wheelchair, but seeing her constantly struggling to open her eyes while Shinichi argued with the boy earlier, it was clear cut she wasn't faking it. "So those rumours of her as The Fox were true, huh..."

She then glances at Takuma, whom the girlfriend later lets go of him and pet him on the shoulder with reassurance. Hikari Takuma, Teitan Elementary school's no.1 top star athlete...at one point, his reputation was close to the gutters if her memory serves her correctly. At that time, he didn't even give a glance at Reina when he was in his prime, let alone, resented Ranran for sending his friends away.

The boy she is staring at now...is very different from the former version he used to be.

How did Ranran become his friend now? This makes Emiko wonder as she headed into the school building, deciding not to waste her time focusing on the drama taking place. Of the many kids, she was able to guess what sort of character they are, Ranran is the only kid she cannot decipher.

Ranran was many things through the intel she gathered, a lot of them painted her as a merciless villainess who tramples on the weak. However, is she really?

Emiko is beginning to doubt that. She had personally witnessed that Kudo girl striving on her own by destroying the lives of other kids, most of the targets involved...are kids who always get a slap on the wrist for the things they do in school. Cheating, stealing, bullying, lying openly and brazenly while their parents justify their children's actions by saying they were too young to understand...they were the ones under Ranran often go after, and the punishments often ended up turning ugly overnight.

It was as if Ranran is single-handedly destroying the school hierarchy.

Thinking about this made Emiko truly impressed with the cunning girl, she always hated how the school kids who are at the highest of this dumb system, acting all so high and mighty, trampling those beneath them as if they were ants. At one point, Emiko considered wanting to get to know Ranran in person.

However, the memories of the yelling, the fighting, the lies, the accusations about her parents accusing each other of scamming money reminded her of her better judgment. In addition, the memory of a boy who is being kicked to the curb across the hallway nearby his class 2-D by other kids, who gleefully taunted him for having divorced parents, the same ones who also happen to be his friends, haunted Emiko.

That's right, she barely knows the true Kudo Ranran.

"Who am I to kid? That Kudo girl...probably would say 'I am too twisted, considering I am a daughter of divorced parents."

She thinks of this as a depressing reality, as she puts her shoes into her locker and switches it.

........

"Are you sure the chair needed to be removed?"Ranran asked.

"The classroom itself isn't big enough to park your wheelchair, so the chair place next to Shinichi had to be removed so you can use your wheelchair as one, "Reina explained.

After having cried enough, Takuma was seen carrying Ranran's chair out of the classroom, as the kids of 1-A who sat behind the two Kudos pulled their desks to the back, out of consideration and sympathy while Shinichi thank them before wheeling her at her designated spot. He then put his rondesu aside and hang it to the hook of his desk while she does the same. Shinichi then tells Ranran, "Stay hydrated, don't skip drinking water. If you have to go to the washroom, let me know and I will take you there. Now that all of this is done, I go finish up the investigation from the intel Takuma and Reina were able to gather on 'Echis' and what sort of connection he has with Watanabe. Meanwhile, you rest well, alright?"

Ranran nodded silently, as she leans back to the wheelchair, her head feeling a little heavy while Shinichi fished out the folder, he then opens the flap and pours the files onto the table surface to have them sorted out before reading them one after another," Do we really have to dig through all the way to Watanabe's past ranges from the time he was a child leading up to his arrest?"

"It's the only way to check how 'Echis' can build some sort of connection with Watanabe."Ranran commented, still feeling hurt from her head as she went on, not staring at back Shinichi with her eyes shut, "We were not getting anywhere since even his henchmen knew very little about his real life, aside from his accomplishment as a master criminal who manages to build his empire within a year. There gotta be some link in one of those files I told Tak-san and Rei-chan to dig."

Now the reason Ranran had Takuma and Reina gather info is simple, although they have very limited information over Echis' true identity, Ranran mentioned they hadn't been looking into Watanabe's criminal past well enough. Problem is, they didn't know where to look more besides the internet and local libraries, and since Reina has some connections in accessing old newspapers that are too obsolete, while Takuma has general knowledge on where to look for certain obsolete tabloid magazines that report on crimes like these, Ranran knew she can rely to them on that.

Considering Watanabe used to be a serial thief, Ranran had a suspicion that the man behind 'Echis' could've been one of his victims, that Watanabe may have unintentionally wronged the most dangerous criminal mastermind by robbing something he didn't know belonged to him. Out of anger and retaliation, he may have broken him out of prison just so Watanabe settle his 'payment'  for robbing him.

At first, Shinichi thinks this theory was Ludacris. After all, 'Echis' runs his criminal empire through organized crime, the profits he had earned throughout his regime if calculated correctly are sufficient for early retirement for a lifetime. Why bother to break him out since he is already making so much money?

However, Ranran's words stuck with him as she answers.

"There are things in life...no matter how much money you earn, not even the 8 figure you earn per month can bury the bitterness left behind by the person who wronged you."

And so, Shinichi didn't question her further and went on digging into Watanabe's background. So far growing up, his childhood wasn't the best of the best, having grown up in the slums with a father and mother that barely goes to school, living paycheck to paycheck with a sister who is a year older than him. By the age of 10, he was already pick-locking shops just to steal candy and popcorn for the kids who live in the same neighbourhood as him. By middle school, he has already graduated to stealing money from teachers and staff, ended up in juvenile by the time he turned 15. At age 16 he dropped out and committed a string of never-ending robberies one after another to support the family. After his parents passed away, around the age of 45 he retired. But then his nephew was unexpectedly born, resulting in him getting back out again to support his ageing sister and at that time, his infant nephew.

"Move the files underneath your desk, "Ranran whispered to him suddenly.

"Hmph?"He turned to her.

"You don't want people to see we are working on a case file, right?"

"Oh, right."Shinichi hastily moved the files as Ranran finally opened her eyes, turning to the right and noticed something, "Huh, Suzuki ain't at her desk."

"Hah?"Shinichi suddenly turned to where Ranran is staring, "Ah...now you mentioned it, where is she anyway?"

"She took sick leave for a week."Reina suddenly cut it, having entered the class with books pressed closely to her chest with her rondesu bag to the back, indicating to Ranran she must have headed to the student head council office after meeting her."Keep the files, the teacher be here in a minute." she told Shinichi before heading back to her seat.

"Don't need to remind me, "Shinichi said in a gruff, as he turned back to continue doing so.

"Huh, sick leave? Suzuki barely falls ill. What gives?"Takuma who overheard couldn't help but thinks in scepticism.

"I heard other kids said something about her standing in the rain after her drama club was suspended, so she caught a cold and didn't take leave till it finally caught up with her."Ranran rubbed her chin in a thinking posture," but isn't a week too ridiculous to recover?"

"Right?"Takuma said in suspicion, "I got sick from a cold, but it took me only 3 days to recover."

"Who cares? It ain't our problem to deal with."Shinichi shrugs, thinking Kami-sama(God) has finally answered his prayers and given him a week of peace to solve this case without having that annoying girl constantly interfere with their investigation, let alone, harass Ranran. Also, with Suzuki not around, he can breathe a sigh of relief that at least her life won't be in danger.
....

However, just because Suzuki isn't around, didn't mean the eyes on them did not subside.

"You are lucky to be friends with Takuma, otherwise, I don't know where else we would be hanging out alone, now that everyone is more curious than ever about what happened with us."

Shinichi remarks to Ranran as they both hang out at the American Football club, which is now empty considering it recesses at the moment. Takuma isn't around as the two stares at Takuma happily playing American football with his friends outside the yard of the school, meanwhile, his girlfriend is sitting on the bench cheering him over while eating her bento. Ranran still in her wheelchair, is eating her bento placed on her table while Shinichi has his, the Bentos they often eat are always prepared by their grandmother. Takuma offered Ranran the use of his club as a temporary refuge to hide from the other kids.

"But we can't keep relying on his help just because he is club leader. This isn't a long term solution."

"Agree."Shinichi nodded in silence, "I am certain his members must be worried that we may have discovered something about them that they have no idea about. Given our...reputation."

"I am sorry."

Ranran wasn't going to tell him not to, given that it was indeed his fault."Was Suzuki your choice of a friend?"

"Ah no, "He shook his head at her, "She was already Ran's friend when we knew each other through kindergarten."

"There is something I don't quite get, why did you befriend someone who isn't as smart as you? Is it her personality that draws you in, or.....?" Ranran asked bluntly.

She felt Shinichi pause. This wasn't something they talked about before. Then again, who likes speaking about their sad past, to begin with? Ranran expected Shinichi to not answer or to change the subject, she would have been fine with either, but Shinichi always finds ways to surprise her.

"Why you say?" Shinichi repeated though Ranran could tell it was because he was contemplating the question, not because she asked."Truthfully, I ain't sure anymore." He finally replied. When Ranran merely blinked at him, he began to explain."When we became friends back then, it wasn't as bad as it was now."

"On what grounds?"

"We used to be teased as a couple by Suzuki back then. But as we got older...I felt suffocated by it."

"That bothers you?"Ranran scoffs, "It's nothing but rumours."

"Is it?"He laughs bitterly, only to turn gloomy"All of a sudden my detective abilities did not matter anymore, it became...a running joke. My looks are emphasized more than my accomplishments. "

Ranran's eyes widened in silence.

"I am better of as 'Ran's boyfriend' since I am handsome, born into a rich family. They speak as if...I was a girl's handbag, being paraded upon as her accessory rather than be praised for my ability."He spoke sadly as he dropped over the side of the chair, "You on the other hand, already got recognition as The Fox, not as someone's girlfriend, nor even due to your looks."

"But no one knows about my true identity-"

"Yet, you still got recognition. The kids here...showered you with praises when it comes to you. They often compared me to you, a lot."He put aside his box, the food is feeling a little bitter as his mood."I want to be acknowledged like that."

"If Suzuki and Mouri hear of this, they would've mistaken you as some heartless boy who ditches his friends to pursue fame."Ranran chuckled cheekily, as he narrowed his eyes at her annoyingly, "I ain't that heartless."

"Hai hai," Ranran nodded as she waved her hand dismissively, not before she goes, "Are Mouri and Suzuki the type to understand when all of this is over? After all of the things they put me through-"

"Ah, don't worry about that. They may not be straightforward, but they ain't as bad as it sounds."Shinichi convinces the wheel-chair bound girl," They are actually nice, especially Mouri if you have gotten to know her. And definitely not cute with her temper. Still, I....owe her things I shouldn't have done to her. I mean, she put up a lot of my nonsense." Shinichi sighed.

"And how would you know that?"

"Well, when you are with someone who ain't as smart as you, constantly telling me off on my obsession with Sherlock Holmes to a point on telling me to sleep early instead of staying up all night reading, you'll get the idea," Shinichi replied dryly.

Ranran couldn't stop her red lips from twitching at that "Mmh, I guess you are right."Out of curiosity, she asks, "What if they have finally given up?"

"Then I will accept that our friendship is never meant to be right from the start. As you said, people come and go. There are always going to be better friends than them. "Shinichi stated matter-of-factly as he dipped a spoon into the box, finishing his meal. Ranran too did the same.

"But you been friends for a year, I don't think one can just walk away from it all."

"Exactly. I will miss their presence a lot. It wasn't all bad as it is now. "He shrugs, packing away their empty Bentos before placing them on Ranran's lap, then meeting her eyes."However, if I had learned anything throughout this apprenticeship, one shouldn't try too hard to trust a friend. If one does that, you ain't friends right from the start."

Ranran smiled softly. "You've grown a lot."

"I owe all of that to you, now it's my turn to ask about you," Shinichi stated before tilting his head and looking at her, his gaze sharp "'The Boy' in the photo you were with, what drew you to become his friend?" He questioned.

Ranran stayed silent at the question, but she answered all the same.

"Sincerity," She glanced away with a frown tugging at her red lips as she goes on to say."His sincerity...is something I can no longer come across ever in this life, ever again."

Even as she speaks of 'The Boy', this leaves a bitter taste in her mouth."Why? You two...aren't friends anymore?"Ranran remained silent, her hands folded in her lap, and her gaze remained at the window."He...we lost contact, for good."

"Ah...sou," Shinichi then recalled Ranran had lived in the U.K for almost 4 years of her life, so it would make sense why they are no longer in contact."Hah..."She sighs, "Looks like class is about to begin."

"You are right. Seriously, I don't want to keep dealing with everyone constantly poking their nose into our business."

"We can't even solve at our own grandparents' home, let alone, our own, cause our parents had headed home as soon as they heard what happened with us."The two look solemnly at the kids suddenly leaving the yard, as Shinichi huffs, "Come on, Ranran. I think they are done already, they may need to use this room."

She nodded as he collected her empty bento boxes and his.

....

Shinichi was wheeling Ranran across the school hallway while Ranran held onto the bento boxes on her lap, both of them felt the eyes of their schoolmates on the two. Shinichi tried to keep walking faster, but the stares kept going back and forth between him and Ranran."How annoying. I wish I have a bedroom of my own here to hide."Ranran spat bitterly.

That's when Shinichi realized something."Wait."

"Hmph? What is it, Shinichi?"

"You....haven't participated in a single after-school activity, deshou?"

Now Ranran avoided joining after-school activities for a reason, she thinks it is a waste of time. The time she spent on her gaming time would end up becoming wasted on unproductive after-school activities. To top it off, she'll be wasting more time in school instead of lying down on her comfortable king-sized bed, something she hates considering she already hates to deal with homework."It ain't a secret. Why?"

"I was thinking....there is a chance I might not be able to return to the soccer club, let alone, have my suspension removed."Shinichi explained, as he walks at a slow pace, so does the speed of her wheelchair, "So, I got a proposition for you. What if....we open our own detective club? Together?"

"Eh?"She whipped her head at him in surprise.

"It will kill two birds with one stone. We at least get a classroom for privacy reasons to solve cases. What do you say?"

Ranran quietly listens to the proposition, but it really doesn't seem like something she'd enjoy.

A Tantei business co-run between Shinichi and herself, she thinks that he got the wrong person.

The idea that she is forced to corporate with someone who lacks experience was already challenging enough. Now to even open a club, not to mention, run it with someone who she barely knows long enough, makes it harder for her in general for many reasons she could think of."First and foremost, how can you be certain your soccer club won't take you back?"

"Hah?"

"I mean that feud you had with that boy, surely some witness would've come forward already with the information that you are innocent.

Shinichi let out a long sigh."Don't bother, 'cause the first thing they will say is that they witness me throwing a punch at him."

"What?! Why did you—"

"Also, the entire soccer club dislikes me."Shinichi hung his head as he muttered.

"What?! But, that doesn't make any sense! How can this be? You actually knew all of those soccer mates in that club for like....since kindergarten? It doesn't make sense that no one has defended you, yet they've all made you out to be like some bad guy."

Shinichi let out a frustrated sigh, briefly shutting his eyes before opening them up again to look at him and frowning. "Believe me, they are capable of that."

"What did you do to make them resent you that much?"

"I told them that they aren't cut out for soccer for being constantly late for soccer practice," Shinichi muttered.

Of course, why isn't she surprised? Shinichi and his obnoxious nature.

"Why am I not surprised? With you and your nature of things?"Ranran sighs in disbelief.

"I was just being honest and unprepared!" Shinichi retorted.

"So unprepared to a point, you resorted to breaking into my house?"

"Again, I am sorry about that, alright?"Shinichi glanced away in shame.

Ranran sighed in exasperation."If you were going to be confronting assholes like them, you should've planned ahead!  Seriously....getting framed just like that and being all emotional over this....you're putting Sherlock to shame for crying out loud!"Shinichi sent her a small glare. Ignoring his glare, Ranran asked, "How long will you know your result?"

"I...don't know." Shinichi paused as he hesitated to continue, but when he saw the stern look on her face, he sighed in defeat. "The coach told me that until there's proof that I'm not the culprit, I'm suspended from all club activities."

Ranran's jaw dropped in disbelief. "Are you serious?"

Shinichi nodded."Then, why haven't you already done something about it? Like...look into that idiot who did this to you instead of going after me?"

Shinichi pursed his lips, staying silent. Her gaze felt so judgmental that she felt as though he was at their mercy again, and it made him uncomfortable."He moved away."

"!?"

Ok, she did not see that coming."Even so....the requirement to open a club here is rather strict. I mean one of them requires you to submit a report on our school activities, deshou? If we open one just merely over one case, the student council will obviously want to read reports of us solving other cases besides what we are doing now."

"Can't we just use the connection to find more cases as you did back then as 'The Fox'?" he asked.

"We could, but after what happened with our grandparents that day, you think they gonna allow me to do that?"

SIlence.

"Also, would adults actually trust us, school-going kids, to solve their cases involving murder or kidnapping since they can always go to a more experienced adult detective to do the job for them?"Ranran pointed out as she went on, "I bet as soon as we open, we end up receiving cases that involved locating missing pets! By then, I am gonna bet our reputation will tank and we be looked down similarly like Ran's dad for all we know."

It wasn't an exaggeration in Ranran's context, as Shinichi did notice based on the number of times he used to pay Ran a visit at her dad's detective agency. Because of his pea brain methods, it's no wonder why clients barely look up to him as some great Tantei. And yeah, they are school-going kids, getting clients to come over will be a totally different issue.

And Shinichi secretly thinks Ranran was right, the idea that they may end up receiving missing pets cases to solve instead of high profile cases will definitely be a stain on their reputation.

"Kogoro-Ojisan (Ran's dad) just open it recently, so don't judge him so harshly. I am sure with all the experience, he should be fine."Shinichi commented.

"I doubt it, all he ever does is drink sake, smokes, sing Karaoke with some stupid Oki Yono Idol, and flirt with pretty women that ain't Ran's mom."

Shinichi couldn't help but chuckle at Ranran's honesty. He couldn't help it.

"However, if media got word that we solve the Watanabe case while the police couldn't, public opinion toward us will change overnight, Ranran."Shinichi spoke with seriousness in his voice, Ranran was a little taken aback by his demeanour."Also, considering 'Echis', a feared criminal mastermind is involved, if we manage to have him captured, it will do our lives good as detectives, don't you think?"

"Ok, say we do have our own Tantei office of our own....it ain't going to be easy to convince our senseis to give us one of those rooms."Ranran brought up, "Do you remember the rules on applying to get one?"

"How can I not?"Shinichi then sighs deeply, "If our club fails to prove any activities has taken place, it'll be shut down."

"Exactly, this means our detective club had to keep solving cases to keep it afloat in school. Even if we were to solve Watanabe's case, what if people remain sceptical about us handling their case?"

Now unlike all elementary schools, the clubs in Teiten Elementary do not really have a proper permanent position in schools unlike most schools normally do. In general, every club itself has to earn their right rather than being given a permanent position in this school. Of course, it can just be judged based on how many members have to join alone. There is also the performance score that every teacher is assigned to judge. For performance, that would depend on the club's circumstances.

Say, for example, the soccer club be participating in a competition. If most of the students there are given second place, it is acceptable. But below the top 3 however, the school will shut it down without hesitation.

Thinking of this, you can't help but wonder 'Why is Teitan Elementary so harsh on its students?'

Well, there were times certain schools has limited funding for financing the resources and facilities of certain clubs. This school so happens to be enduring these unfortunate circumstances."Cases don't come up to our doorstep, Kudo."

"But if I recalled correctly, the council also mentioned certain terms can be negotiated depending on the nature of what we want in the club."Shinichi reminded her.

"Alright, say we negotiate that we can solve this, which.....we must, at all cost...what are we going to do if we still receive clients during our school holiday."

"Eh?"

"I mean let's be honest, we can't keep using our school as the main base on all of our Tantei activities. Our school has a serious policy regarding using it during school holidays."

"Then we might as well look for one outside our school then."

"....outside school....but then we would need to pay actual rent to get an office. Like, we are only 6 years old, even getting space here is costly. If you are thinking of getting it through our family, they are definitely going to be against it."

The two groaned, till, "Ah, there you are! I have been searching all over for the both of you."

"Eh?!" "Eh?!"The two kids turned to see who the voice did it belong.