After the white tiger case had come to a close, Ranran decided why not named their first case as: 'The Extinction Heist'. And in typical fashion, everyone had to key in the report of their POV, as in making them relive all of the horrors they had to go through.

Mouri Ran and Fuyuko Junko had a hard time typing it all down, as it was a memory neither girls wanted to recount. However, they didn't have much of a choice, given that Tantei association under school grounds falls under the school club category. To maintain their office in school, they had no choice but to produce evidence that activities were done.

The remaining four members, however, had no issues typing it down as if it was normal for them, the two girls do wonder whether the 4 of them are born with defects that made them unable to feel fear after what had happened. After all, the two girls had to see a school counsellor because of all of the kidnapping and gun threats!

Ranran remains leaning on her chair, rocking it back and forth out of boredom. She recently finished up her report while waiting for her apprentice Shinichi to finish it out on the school's laptop.

"Why must I do yours as well!?"He whined, forcing himself to write two reports, one belonging to him and the other belonging to hers. He is rushing to complete both of theirs as the deadline is within an hour, after all, the two have to attend the school assembly on a Monday.

"After breaking into my house, you think I am going to let you off easy?"

"But-"He tried to argue.

"Those two tantei tests I placed on you ain't punishment, that is your apprenticeship test with me."Ranran reasoned.

Alright, she made a pretty fair point in that. "Finally!"Shinichi sighs of relief, "I only have the remaining 5% details to complete for the both of us."

"What is the 5% details you need?"

"The motive part."

"Ah, you mean why Watanabe chose to betray us? Sometimes not all criminals has a motive, they just choose to do it without reason. Just add because of his nephew."Ranran explain based on experience.

"But Ranran, I feel like...there is more to it."He deeply frowns, not understanding the why part.

"Since you noticed, I'll give you a hint."Ranran repositions the chair back to the usual, "Open Takuma's report."

"Why?"He turned to her.

"Just do as I say."

Reluctantly, he moves the cursor before opening Takuma's report."Ok," He then felt intimidated by the many paragraphs in his report, "Ranran, I can't go through reading every single-"

"Check paragraph number 24."

"Number 24?"Shinichi then scrolled down as Ranran went on to explain, "When Tak-san headed over to pay a visit to Watanabe's surviving childhood friend Hashimoto Fujio the 2nd time, I had Tak-chan asked why did Watanabe bothered to learn how to crack cages? There...is where you'll find his motive."

"His motive?"Intrigued, Shinichi went on to read the said 'motive'.

Watanabe Ikeda sighed as he counted the money for the nth time.

No matter how he looked at it, it wasn't enough."Ikeda-san, just send Botan to a normal school. It's not necessarily sending him to the most expensive school that would secure him a better future. What your Nee-san(elder sister) said is wrong."

His sick friend tries to convince him out, they were at the hospital where Watanabe's remaining childhood friend, 60-plus-year-old Hashimoto Fujio lay sickly on the bed, while Watanabe gathered his stolen money here. "She was right, had I put her through overseas school, she wouldn't end up-"

"That's her problem! I'll bet even if she ends up in a normal school, it wouldn't make a difference either way! Who asks her to sleep with Botan's dad in the first place!? She shouldn't have dumped her problems on you just because your parents treasured you more than her!"His friend argued, but not before coughing.

Deciding to stop counting his money, Watanabe Ikeda left it a while before petting his ailing friend's back, trying to soothe him, "Better?"

"I would if you stop doing this for your sister's unreasonable demands."Hashimoto pouted.

The friend manages to clear his throat, as Watanabe returned back to his table counting the money. The money he recently stole from a pawn shop, there are some documents of old historical records. How much he can sell, he can't help but wonders.

The friend sighs, before continuing, "Sure, your parents are the ones who force her to quit just so to send you to school, as they were desperate that you may not be able to survive on your own after learning you were a slow learner, but it ain't like they are biased onto the both of you, you know!?"

"I know."Ikeda's eyes are still focused on the money.

"Then why did you go back to crime? You were doing well at that amusement park-"

"Neh, Fujio."He cuts his friend off, "Do you recall the happiest time when we were kids?"

"Eh? When we were kids...."He trailed off before recalling, "The only time was when all of us were at a zoo."

"That's right, the only time all of us were happy, was when we were lucky to enter the zoo for  free during the weekends."Watanabe Ikeda's eyes lit up, as his scarred face seem a little scary with a smile on his face."Back then, whenever our neighbourhood organize a fun activity, the first thing our families did was organize us a trip to the zoo."

Watanabe lean his head against his elbow that is planted on the table, where the money didn't matter to him as he fondly recounted:

"My father never hit her for once with those bottles, my sister didn't steal toys from me and pulled me over to ride on the elephants and our 7 member group, us, Daisuke, Haruto, Eizo, Himari, and Ichika over. We were by far the only kids that lived in the slums besides my sister and me. For once, our problems were back at home as all of us were having the time of our lives observing the tigers, giraffes, elephants. Whenever that happens...we were literally living a normal life for once as a kid with normal parents, away from the slum life without thinking or fearing that we won't have money to go by."

"Ikeda..."

"Then when the zoo no longer offers free entrance anymore due to the government having bought over for-profit purposes...all of us were disappointed. We wanted to keep the fun times rolling, but we had no money to run a zoo."Ikeda thinks back in a melancholy state.

"I remembered, "Fujio nodded to him smiling back sadly, "Back then, we used to stage protest after protest, the 7 of us including your sister, but it was no use. Although we were too young to understand what is a government, I recalled all of us think they are the true villains' for robbing our fun time, and we are never going to obey them."

"We even made a promise."

"That's right when we grow up, we will run our own zoo that is free so everyone will remain happy forever."Fujio's grin grew wider on his wrinkled face, but then it shrank back to bitterness, "Then life happened. Although we all had our own separate lives, we remain in each other's lives."

Ikeda nods to his friend, before he grieved, "Sensible Ichika died being abused by some rich scumbag who tricked her into thinking he will marry her, then the hardworking Himari died because she was tricked to work for free in the Philippines as a maid till old age..."

"That's right, then careless Daisuke got scammed over his mortgage money and committed suicide...sickly Eizo died after a long term childhood illness that isn't treated, and finally..."Watanabe was hesitant to bring out painful memories, but he had to, "The youngest one in the group, Haruto, the only one who always smiled and the most optimistic one despite all of the harsh things he had to deal with...died of a broken heart after some dickhead robbed his idea of a book and made millions out of it." For once, the room remains silent."And then...there is you to think about."The serial thief cast his glance sadly at the dying Fujio, "You who were the only one who managed to break out of poverty and live a very normal life on his own...is about to die."

"Ike-san, I lived a fulfilling life already. It's bound to happen sooner or later."Fujio gave a toothy grin, before coughing further.

"I doubt it."

"Ikeda, we are bound to die sooner or later-"

"That's right, I am aware. But I can't accept this. All of our friends have died such unfairness because of opportunistic idiots like them!"Ikeda screeched bitterly to himself, over why all of these tragedies kept hanging above their heads.

Even with what Ikeda could spare, and all the cash he manage to make through robbery, he barely had enough to pay the bills for the month for his dying friend. Let alone, send Botan to a better school."We couldn't even afford to give them a proper funeral. Their corpses just decomposing like a dead pigeon on the side of the road, where the flies festered onto it till they were left with bones."

Fujio didn't know how to answer Watanabe's bitterness.

"Dammit." Watanabe let his head thump against his chair."And I mastered the methods of cracking a cage that is meant for animals, all for what? Is it too late already for them? To fulfil this dream? Running a zoo together despite all of this!? I couldn't even afford to buy them a gravestone with their names on it when they all died...and they were the second family we only had compared to our own families..."

For the first time, Ikeda broke down in tears, thinking of his dead childhood friends. He was just so tired. All the time. Tired of life, tired of things not going well for all of his friends, tired of spending every day wondering if he'd make enough for his nephew, sister and himself to get by.

"He not only wanted to open a free zoo but to have his friends buried there? That's surprising,"Shinchi's mouth fell, who knew a criminal like Ikeda, one who is capable of betraying them, had such a sad dream: to be together once more. That was an image Shinichi couldn't see onto the scar-faced man.

"As soon as I found out about the motive over why Watanabe learn to crack cages, I have been wary that he is very likely to betray us not only due to his financial situation, but also the despair of the broken dreams he can never fulfil."Ranran sighs, pondering how unfortunate Watanabe was."It kinda make sense looking back, you know? I mean it wouldn't make sense for him to stay back, knowing he already messed up big time with The Snake thanks to financial hell he has caused. He was risking being here partly for his dead friends, the ones he could never leave them behind."

"I find it hard to believe it, given that he aided The Snake into stealing Fifi."Shinichi scoffed."If one is willing to open the zoo, one wouldn't even have the evil thought of smuggling a tiger in the name of profit. It's just not right."

"You might be right, Watanabe did after all aid him to steal the tiger, but his betrayal would've profited him more in terms of mass burial plots of his dead friends, not to mention, sending Botan to a top-level school."

"Eh!?"

"You have to remember he already had to deal with the death of his friends due to cruel circumstances, and that Botan's mom is no longer around...I think in his mind he must be thinking now that he is too old to achieve an unachievable dream, he might as well try to make the best of it for his 'final act'. If he didn't betray us, he'll be risking his life in our hands, a group of children with no experience on how life is like in the criminal world unlike he does. Making out alive with no money to finish the dream...I think he grew tired of death surrounding him. Tired that he has no control over anything."

Ranran can picture Watanabe in his cell, numbed, emotionless now that his dreams to die with his childhood friends is no longer feasible, let alone, in a zoo no less. Everything around him has changed, except him. Presumably, Watanabe has never once changed. Maybe deep down, he is still the same little boy who is still hopeful, hoping to reunite with the happy times with them, rather than be the criminal he is now.

"....you think so, huh?"Shinichi observed the photo of Watanabe attached to the report."I heard his prison sentence maybe extend to 3 years now?"

"I mean after what he had done to us? It's understandable."Ranran suggests."High risk, high rewards."

"But he failed, so no reward."Shinichi responded, frowning before closing Takuma's file and proceeding to type in the motive, "After this incident, we need to consider weapons."

"Finally!"Ranran rolled her eyes, "I've been pleading this forever!"

"It's only been a week since we open Association. Also, "He frowned again, "Although we made it to the news, our names aren't on it for safety reasons."

"But our HQ name is on it. Not to mention, it was published all over online."Ranran pointed out.

"True, but the news never specifies where is the location in case anyone asks to seek our service."

"It'll be a matter of time, Shinichi. The media have their way of doing things as they did with me when I was The Fox." Ranran growl to herself, "But seriously, I wonder who is the idiot who found out about my presence? I made sure no one can sneak past."

"I've been wanting to ask you about this, but how bad the media can be? When one becomes a famous detective?"Shinichi couldn't help but ask out of curiosity."I mean...surely the press be lenient towards us since we are kids?"

Ranran closed her eyes, before giving him an odd look, "Well, you'll learn soon."

"Eh? What do you mean by that?"

"You'll see."Her face darkened a little, but she quickly recovered.

After Shinichi completed the files, he emailed the files to the school's administration."Done!"He exhales in excitement before shutting the laptop."Shinichi."

"Yeah?"He asked, putting away the laptop.

"Remove Ran out of the association.."

If it were the old Shinichi, he would've assumed Ranran wanted to get rid of her because she was into him. However, Shinichi knew Ranran a while to know she isn't the type to do without reason."Are you kicking her out since it have something to do with her report stating how scared she was when the gunmen threatened to kill her? I was scared too when you had a gun on my head, you know? That is a normal reaction for anyone."

"It is, "Ranran admitted, before adding, "But no, it has something to do with the second contract I issued to everyone."

"Hah? Do you mean the part you added? When did you decide to declare to everyone you'll be going after The Snake for personal reasons? And that if anyone dies because of it, the association won't be held accountable?" Shinichi continued, a vein twitching on his temple. "Do you know how irresponsible that sounds?!"

Ranran blinked. "What?"

"'If you all think I am dragging all of you in this mess, please leave and don't sign."She was looking away from his blatant stare as he mention her added condition from memory. "What happened, Ranran? What made you decide this is personal?"

"About that," the words were spoken died out as he anticipate what's is to come. Her fringe covered her eyes, making him wonder what was she thinking."If I were to tell you," she said, "I may have to end up burying you."

Wait, what?

Ranran didn't strike him as the type of person who enjoyed talking about her feelings."Ranran..."

"Alright, since you ask. I might as well tell. Though not all of it."Ranran observe him, sensing nerves getting to him, "He murdered a child before."

Shinichi's eyes fluttered at her in confusion, "And you know this because it was on the police record?"

"No, I know this because I recognize he was one of the killers who murdered my mentor,"Ranran whispers.

Shinichi doesn't speak or move, his eyes fixed on Ranran as she confesses her secrets. That was when he froze at this revelation."Eeeeeeeh!?"Shinichi was beyond mortified. This was something he did not foresee from Ranran. The anger he had initially towards Ranran, assuming she was irresponsible left him shocked into silent stillness. He wanted to ask how and why.

"How?"Ranran suddenly said as she noticed his surprised expression, "Sure, the day he died...I heard his Jaguar left the scene."

"Eh? Jaguar? You mean a car?!"He stared at her wide yee.

"Not just any Jaguar, but a Jaguar I Pace, the same car The Snake lent to The Crows."

Shinichi blinked, not understanding where she was heading with this.

"If a car approaches in a certain distance, that 'wrrrrrrrrrr' sound can be heard for those blind people who come into contact with the car so that they could avoid it. At that time...I know of someone my mentor come across, one who owns that car on the day of the murder."

Shinichi fished out his smartphone to google the car, the search results about the car appeared before him as he reads, "Hmm...not many of these cars are manufactured due to a buggy feature, where one stand close to the car when parked, the car makes 'wrrrr'-"

That made Shinichi halt to what he was reading."Ranran, although not many of these cars are made-"

"I thought so too, till I saw that plushie hanging in his car interior."

Shinichi's posture stiffened, "Plushie? The hanging white deer-"

"That one was something my mentor had a company custom made for me."Ranran spoke in a bitter tone," When I zoomed in using Majima's phone, it revealed its green and blue buttons to have red X on it. He had that hanging in his Jaguar car the other day when we were spying on The Crows."

Shinichi's eyes widen as he later gasps, "No way...that killer you've been after is The Snake? And wait, when you said child killer...that meant your mentor is a child!? A kid our age?!"

"Yes, he was 8 when he passed away."Ranran cast a resentful glance on the table, drumming her fingers on the table."All for money he can never possess."

Shinichi mumbles."No way....he even murdered an 8-year-old boy...for money."

"That's why you should tell Ran to leave. Now you know how dangerous this is?" The founder implores raising her voice slightly to convey her point.

"I have a question about one thing...that meant you are aware what is his true identity, right? If so, who? What's his name?"Shinichi demanded.

The founder takes a breath, "Until one can see his actual face, only I can say. Right now, all we have is speculation and circumstances."Ranran answers, her voice losing a little of the emotion.

"Are everyone else aware? About what you have just told me?!" Shinichi had a heavy feeling in the stomach, wondering what did he had just sign them up for.

"I informed Majima, Tak-san and Emiko. They only know he is a child killer, but only you are the only ones with these additional details. I didn't tell Fuyuko nor Mouri, given their character."

Shinichi nods, "I'll do as you say for Ran. I mean a child killer is a big deal, no way I am letting Ran get involved." Shinichi states clearly."Also, she joined because of Sonoko, remember?"

"But judging Ran's character the other day when she wanted to join the association...I foresee a different outcome."Ranran commented coldly.

Shinichi flinched at the reminder of Ran and Sonoko coming after him.

.........

"And you think I wouldn't be capable of surviving under the association!?"

Meanwhile, Junko blasted Michio as he attempts to convince her not to sign the contract. There is no one in the classroom except the two, as both sat in their seats."Junko, you went mad and go after one of our classmates when she drank my water tumbler accidentally and bit her in the arm. Also, the kids obviously don't like you for what you did-"

"So what?! Do you think I am a wild uncontrollable bull with no brains!? How low do you think of me like that?!" Junko flushed angrily and clenched her fists on the table.

Michio's words were painful, but they were also making her angrier.

"I don't think of you lowly, you know me, Junko."Michio had moved to Junko and had placed a careful hand on her shoulder, "I just don't think you'll be able to handle everyone because of your personality. And I agree with them."

"How could you...?" Junko asked horrified by her friend's actions, tears forming, who was Michio to be against her? He had never once been against her in any shape or form till Ranran was around."Majima!" Junko cried out in frustration.

"If you come back to the association, the 2nd contract Ranran came up with won't allow you to behave as you normally Junko. Do as I say as your friend," Michio rasped out.

"That girl knows nothing about me!! What I had to go through in life!" Junko said angrily, a look of scorn on her face for the founder of Tantei association. Junko hated Ranran, she was another person that could take Michio away from her."What about you, Majima!? Why do you insist on remaining in that club!? Is it because of that robbery incident!? If so, you don't have to remain there to be wary of people like them! I can teach you karate! You know I have a black belt, have you forgotten!?"

"If one is a good guy, one has to stick to it without breaking the rules..."Michio's words trailed.

"Excuse me?"Junko flashed in confusion by his unexpected words.

"I thought it was that easy...how wrong, how very wrong I was."His face formed a sad smile at his friend, "When the robber broke into my mom's place...my mother once told me violence isn't an answer and told me to call the cops. At that time...I was all alone."

"Majima..."Her words trailed off.

"My Okaasan always made me listen to her, to be obedient so good things come to us. And I never once doubted her. However...what she didn't know was...when this robbery started, it began because I do accordingly what the rules tell me to do."

"What?!"Junko's glasses almost slipped out of the nose-bridge as she push it back.

"My mother doesn't know this, but before it began, he brought a girlfriend to shop around and I caught her shoplifting at my mother's store."Michio recounted, "I did what any normal person would do, contacted the police and them both arrested."He played with his finger flickering towards the air, "When he came out of prison to do the robbery...after he was arrested, I honestly wanted to continue hurting the robber in my mind."

"Eh!?"

"He destroyed Okaasan's shop, a shop my mother single-handedly run on her own since my Tousan passed away. You know what she said as soon as I voice out that thought, Fuyuko?"Junko gulped as Michio said, "If I do that, I am no longer a good boy anymore."Michio splay the fingers out in a fan against his chest, "Whenever I refuse to listen to her, she often yells 'What did I do to end up giving birth to a bad son like me?' Every time she says that the more it wounds my soul."

"Majima-"

"I can learn to fight from you, Fuyuko. I never doubt your abilities. But for me to join the association...if I can learn how to do the things Ranran do, I can secretly protect Okaasan without having her notice."Junko was speechless as Micho stood up, "I don't always see eye to eye with her on things like that."

"But Majima, do you not realize joining the association makes you a-"

"If I remain as a bad boy in her eyes, so be it. But this is the only way to protect her."

That shut Junko up as Michio leaves her to do with the torrid emotions he left in his wake." That idiot!" she massaged her nose bridge, taking off her glasses as was boiling inside of her, a seething cauldron of emotions that threatened to overflow at any moment.

She felt like throughout his entire life, Michio had always been taken advantage of by many girls around him just to benefit the lives of others. Junko had dealt with her fair share of tackling those idiotic girls, but this is the first time she is dealing with a dangerously intelligent psychopath. Not to mention, rich and spoiled.

If only she was born with a diamond spoon in her mouth like that girl, she would've gotten rid of that demon.

But she can't, starting at her very worn off sneakers she has worn for over 2 years, reminding her of her family's situation. However, just because she is at a disadvantage, didn't mean she can't do something about it.

So Fuyuko Junko decided she needed to do something about it once and for all.

She is going to join Tantei association whether the founder likes it or not.

....

As Ranran predicted, Ran did not take it well when Shinichi deliver the news to her."Now that Ranran is working on a way to restore Sonoko's reputation, you don't have to come back anymore."Shinichi finally let out his inner thought. He took some air to fill up his lungs. Silence took place again.

"Shinichi..." Again her voice turned whiny as the confronted at the school hallway, "Who told you that I was planning to-"

"No one. But Ranran can tell."

"How!? I did not-"

"Your response right now is clear cut you were planning to."That made Ran shut up, being exposed like that. Observing her tense body language, it was clear cut to Shinichi that once again, Ranran was right. She did plan to overstay her welcome."Since when did you become such a liar, Mouri? You were not like this back then."Shinichi lament in disappointment, wondering where did it all go wrong."I am disappointed in you."

As he turned to leave her, Ran suddenly said, "Ever since you been with Ranran, you never once ask how I was feeling."

"Excuse me?"He whipped his head at her.

"The other day, were you aware of what she had done?! When that ringmaster has a gun pointed at me?!" Ran's voice was full of anger, "I nearly died, Shinichi! Died! Especially when she stole that safe box from The Crows! I swear to God we all could've died if it wasn't for her! And yet you defending her lunatic actions!"

"Ran-"

"It's obvious, isn't it!? She doesn't like me at all! She did all those things towards me, and yet you kept defending her! Why can't you just see how evil she is!?"Ran bemoaned with tears in her eyes.

"Evil?! Who was the one who tried to ruin her reputation?! Who was the one who tried to stop my apprenticeship with her?! You even defended Sonoko for almost murdering Ranran for crying out loud!"Shinichi argues.

"Alright fine! I admit what I did for Sonoko was uncalled for! Also, I am sorry if I spoke I'll of her. But as for your apprenticeship, you didn't need to rely on her to become a detective, nah!? You are smart in your own way and you could've ask your parents to arrange you a spot to do this thing without her! Yet, why did you decide to work for her?! Is it because you like her so much, you decided to kick me out?!"Ran demanded answers.

"Did you not read what was on the contract?! The 2nd one?!"Shinichi suddenly brought this up.

"Eh?"Ran suddenly stood still before remembering,"Something about her wanting to go after The Snake for personal reasons!"

"Then you should know this was the reason why!"

"But then why you can whips u can't—"

"Mouri, when Rupert had his gun pointed at you, you cried deshou?"Ran's posture turned still as Shinichi's words, "While you and Junko were lamenting around, Ranran had to deal with several people shooting at her! Several! During that time, she even had to lead a tiger that could've potentially killed her, unlike the way you do! Out of everyone, I never met a little girl as brave as her!"

Ran's jaw drop as tears continue to fall.

"She earns a certain level of respect when it comes to this."He then beat his chest in front of Ran, "Her mindset and bravery when it comes to justice is the reason why I choose to stay! A crying baby like you?"Shinichi scoffed, "No chance."

"You don't get to talk to me like that!"

"I do! Because she never once complain or even shed a bloody tear when confronted with danger! When she said I should go comfort you, I'll be like: Why should I? Ranran dealt far worst than you!"

"You...I am telling your parents about this!"

"Sure! Go ahead! Wait till they hear of this, let's see who is in the right!"

"I'll also-"

"Tell your parents what Ranran did? Go ahead then!"Shinichi taunted her, "They might side you unconditionally, but wait till they hear what you been doing with Sonoko, let's see if they'll put you or justice. IF they choose you, good for you. But that I will no longer have any respect for your entire family!"

"I did it for Sonoko!" Ran protested. "It may have been a misunderstanding, but-"

"Ranran was hurt worse than both of you combine. Even before all of this had taken place. Don't compare yourself with Ranran. You lack far too many things that she is good at." Shinichi said calmly, but it was obvious that his rage was simmering just under the surface and the Ran knew that made him very, very dangerous."Alright, fair enough, it's normal for one to cry with a gun pointing at one's head. But while you were all whining, Ranran was doing a one girl show on her own! How about that?! With that temper and that mentality of yours, there is no way you'll be able to survive!"

Ran flinched at Shinichi's response.

"While all of you were busy over those kinds of nonsense, she was busy going after criminals!" Shinichi's words hung in the silence of the school hallway like blades, cutting Ran's sharply."So please, stay where you both are. Out of the association. It's for your good. One more time, if this happens, I won't go easy on all of you."

It was the last thing Shinichi said, before storming out.

As Ran was left to deal with her emotional pain, a lot of going through her mind on what Shinichi has said about her. It's true, she did plan to do as he said. Ran never told anyone, not even to her best friend that she plans on doing so to mend the rift between her and Shinichi. She knew after this case was over, she wasn't going to see Shinichi a lot more than she used to.

But to think Ranran was able to see through this and let Shinichi know about this? How cruel can she be?! Is Ranran laughing secretly right now? Knowing she finally succeeded in stealing him away from her?! If so, she is doing a bloody good job.

Wiping away her tears, Ran wonders is this beyond repair? Her relationship between her and Shinichi?

Ran just can't. She doesn't want to live a life without Shinichi because of this. Her only last remaining option is to remain as a member of Tantei association. After all, the school rules specifically read no one can ban a member from joining. But then...the thought of working with that demon girl every single day...

Her mind was all over the place and she was starting to feel overwhelmed. Mouri Ran isn't the type who would give up easily on Shinichi. But she also knew that she couldn't keep living in her head thinking Shinichi belongs to her. She had to get up and face reality.

Ran wrestles with her thoughts on what she should do about it.

....

Sonoko was on edge, the last time she was caught by one of those kids, it didn't end well as they have beaten her up black and blue. Hiding behind an art classroom, she dreads getting caught. The worst-case scenario was when they kept hounding her by writing mean things on the table.

But today, for some reason, nothing happened. No kids going after her, it was actually freaking her out more. 'What are they plotting are they coming for me?'

Suddenly, a voice shouted, "Since Ran settled part of her debt for you, you gonna have to do the same for me as well!"

Sonoko jumped as the door slide opens, revealing to be the red lip demon girl." Ranran?" she gasped. "You nearly gave me a heart attack!" she sat in her chair before wondering, "How did you find me?!"

"My skills. Also, is that a way to talk to your saviour?" Ranran gave a disapproving look.

"Excuse me!?"

"I decided after causing all of the crap you caused, this saviour situation isn't going to come in free. Here. You are going to do this according to the terms I set."Ranran asked holding up the deed.

"What?! What are those terms!?" she ran over and to her dismay, she yelled, "Why should I give you 90 percent rights in story writing for the Drama club!?"

"Let's face it, your story is trash!" Ranran's harsh words felt like poison, darkening Sonoko's veins as she struggle to breathe while the red lip girl ranted," Constantly writing dumb FL as bright and intelligent, only to end up making her have a brain of a beetle whenever she meets the ML who mistreats her easily! At this rate, should this continue on, I am certain Shinichi and I are going to have our hands full for solving domestic-related murder cases by the time we both turn 17, thanks to your dimwit teachings of love! No wonder Ran is what she is because of you!"

Sonoko formed a large 'O' on her face, she was so stunned by Ranran's words, that the she-demon was certain 500 houseflies would be more than happy to inhabit the heiress's widely open mouth. "Therefore, after speaking to your leader, she and I agreed with the idea that I would be put in charge of this aspect."Ranran gave her a smug face.

"And if I don't!?"

"Then I let you enjoy the torture you are to be subjected to till you graduate for 6 years!"Ranran smirked at the girl."In case you don't believe that your leader agreed with this, here you go!"

Ranran revealed another document that the drama club leader had signed. Now Ranran held her contract. "What do you want?" Sonoko asked, sweating bullets.

"Here is what is going to happen, first, you are going to have to pay for my medical fees. This cover the physical and emotional trauma you caused me."

"Excuse me!?"Sonoko was at loss for words, before arguing, "Why should I-"

"My family did pay for it, but you caused it. It ain't reasonable for a victim to fork out their own savings when the perpetrator is the one responsible for their injury, no?" Sonoko froze in terror as Ranran went on," You would also need to fork out a total of 5 million yen-"

"Wait, 5 million yen!?"Sonoko's mouth was agape, "Why!?"

"Thanks to your antics, our grandparents failed to secure investments from the guests who attended the function for their company. Come on, you didn't think I was going to let you off the hook without paying compensation, right?"

"Excuse me!?" This made Sonoko rather livid, "You are the one who misunderstood that I was-"

"I already contacted your parents, they agreed to pay after explaining what you have done. So don't be surprised by the time you received your inheritance, you be wondering why a huge chunk had gone missing. By the way, some of it will also be distributed to Shinichi for sacrificing his time and effort in looking after me when I couldn't work on the case."Ranran gave her a sly grin, "Also, your mother is the one who approved of the idea, since she and I reached a common ground that you are far too problematic and ill-mannered."

"My mother did WHAT!?" Sonoko was flabbergasted, is this girl serious!?

Also what the hell!? How could her mother be this cruel to just simply give 5 million yen to her tormentor!? Does her mom not realize what this she-demon is capable of!? What did this demon put her through!?

"In addition to that, you are going to have to fork out an additional million yen for breaking my grandmother's rabbit antique. That rabbit antique you used in an attempt to murder me wasn't cheap as it belonged to a royal family overseas many centuries ago, given to her on her wedding day." Ranran dusts her uniform with elegance as Sonoko's knuckles curled and turn white, "Lastly on Monday, you are going to go up on stage and apologize for every single thing you did to me and Shinichi. In detail. You don't have to say why you did what you did, but you must wear ******** in public while doing the apology for the entire week."

That drained the colour out of the one brain cell heiress, "Like hell, I will!" Sonoko snapped.

"Oh you have to, you've already lost your reputation in school in the first place, also, it was thanks to you that I had to end up in a wheelchair while investigating a wanted criminal!"Ranran glared at Sonoko, and the girl felt scared."You are also going to make sure Ran doesn't set foot in the association ever again as I will charge interest payments through your bank account through your mother. This one is what Shinichi specifically requested when I paid your family a visit, and they were more than happy to oblige."

"Hold on! I get it with all of the payment you asked me to pay, but why must Ran be dragged into this!? She didn't do anything wrong!"

"True, as your friend. But not for me and Shinichi, constantly endangering our lives while we are handling cases."Sonoko froze as Ranran went on, "If you fail to drag Ran out of this,  I will come up with a different kind of 'payment' for you. You wouldn't want this 'payment' if I may be honest with you."

"You!"

"So, you want to be unreasonable towards me again like you are about to do? If you are gonna do it," Ranran grins as she taps the contract on the table in a taunting manner, "Don't think I would be able to bankrupt your entire family."

By this point, Sonoko is fearful of the girl.

....

And so, the assembly finally began as planned in the auditorium.

The principal lowered the microphone and shuffled his pages on the lectern on a Monday as the students, teachers and staff gather in their sitting area to listen to the usual mundane announcement that made Ranran wish she could behead him so she won't have to come to this boring place every day.

"Good morning everyone," He cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable with the number of faces in front of him. "Well...as you kids are aware, we had a situation evolving a pervert not long ago."Everyone's heads turn to each other, wondering where they were heading with this."The issue with kids is that...they wanted their son to wear whatever they want, even in a girl's uniform so to speak."

"What on earth is going on?" Shinichi whispered to Ranran, as he sits next to the left.

"No clue, the council didn't mention anything like this."She responded in a low voice.

On stage, the principal continued, "When I said no, I said this because the last time the school has this conversation, when I asked the previous batch of students, all of them disagreed with the idea because you all mentioned it was weird. And I plan to stick it that way. However...lately the entire school has been under fire over how we handle this thanks to the press."

"Where is Sonoko by the way?"Ran muttered to herself, as she sees the empty seat next to her. She was sitting in the back row behind Ranran and Shinichi.

"At first I insist no, as it is all uncomfortable to deal with them."The principal cleared his throat again, "And unfortunately, you guys are right. Considering he did steal big girl pants and wear it." He spat the last word. Taking a breath, he looked up at all of them. "But that doesn't mean all of them are perverts," he set down his notes. "Which brings us to today's announcement. For the first time, after many decades....the school is going to abolish the school uniform ruling."

The kids in school listening to this ended up having all sorts of expressions,  ranging from surprise, excitement and even confusion. Soon, it erupted in many kids whispering and murmuring among themselves.

"Now just because I allow, didn't mean I say I would encourage all of you to do as that boy did. All I can say is...dress responsibly. There'll be rules of the dress code later on the site you guys can check. Thank you."

The kids did their usual clapping before discussing excitedly what they were going to wear. Takuma who is sitting to Ranran to the right elbowed her, "Didn't think you plan did better than imagine. Now all of us can wear whatever we want."

While the other kids discussed among themselves what they were going to wear, the unexpected happened. A little girl with an unusual costume headed over to the stage as she stood on the podium.

It was then as soon as Shinichi turned his head, only then he raised his eyebrows at Sonoko and her odd choice of costume. "What the hell is she wearing?" he suddenly pointed on the stage.

"Hah?"Ranran and the rest of the children stared at where he was pointing.

It probably isn't the best time for anyone to be in Sonoko's shoes, but it happens anyway as all eyes stay glued to the costume the heiress was wearing."What the heck is this?" Michio bursts out.

"Is that an f-freaking Christmas tree costume she is wearing?" Takuma stutters out.

"Not only that, it comes with the shiny ornaments as well."Junko cringed.

"Plus a star. A freaking Star."Emiko pointed at the gold star on top of Sonoko's head.

For once, the supposedly chatty atmosphere turned quiet while Sonoko was shaking slightly as she moves to the microphone, she can hear their voices whispering and then everything becomes silent again when she tap the mic. With her fingers absentmindedly adjusting the mic, she takes a deep breath and speaks while reading the given notes, "So, I had to make an announcement. To make up for my sins...I have to do this. Song on please."

As soon as the speaker of the auditorium played out the song 'Levan Polkka', she started to dance and sing.

Aba rippadta parip parii ba ribi, ribi, ribiriz den teahlando,
La barillaz dillan deiallou ara va reve reve revydyv dyvjavuo

Soon, the entire auditorium was filled with heard fits of laughter, lots of it. Even the teachers and principal find it hilarious."Dude, this is the best school stunt ever pulled in the history of mankind." One of the students mused.

The crowd roared in laughter at Sonoko in a Christmas tree costume, dancing and singing to Levon Polkka.

Ran twisted around in her seat, locking eyes with Shinichi in utter horror. "Did you know about this, Shinichi!?" Ran turned to the back and whispered.

"Not to my knowledge."Shinichi shook his head, obviously shocked at what he is witnessing.

"You ain't bluffing, right?"Ran asked in scepticism.

"Mouri, am I the type who want the entire school to air out our personal problems? "He reminded her. Ran realizes he must be telling the truth as he shifts uncomfortably about this."Her family really need to take her and see a doctor. I think even her one  remaining cell is dead, otherwise, she wouldn't had pull this stunt."

Even so, Shinichi himself couldn't contain his laughter.

"At the same time, this is funny! Sonoko as a tree dancing to this is gold."He throws his head back laughing at the sight with tears in his eyes.

"Oh My God, Sonoko, why.....?"Ran hid her face in embarrassment.

Ranran snickered as she knew this plan was brilliant from the get-go. In the seat next to Ranran, Takuma laughs as he whispered, "Why is she wearing a Christmas tree?! Also for her to sing that Miku song," He pointed at the unfortunate heiress as he turned to his friend, "Does she not see how dumb she looks?!"

"Well, she is always a drama queen who seeks attention, so I made her wear a Christmas tree, also, this is a song everyone laughs at." Ranran interrupted. "I mean, Christmas trees are always the centre of attention during Christmas. It suits her personality."

"So that's why she is wearing it, huh?" Junko raises an eyebrow, amused.

Emiko considered for a moment. "That is true now Ranran mentioned it."

After this incident, Sonoko never tried to do anything funny with Ranran ever again.

The school assembly was always the worst. The students were forced to sit through announcements and boring speeches that they didn't care about. But today will be an exception. Having Kudo Ranran around, Shinichi could foresee it's probably going to occur more than once in a matter of time.

For any school, as long as Ranran is around, life is about to be interesting.