Growing up, Miyama Emiko had always believed that there will be no such atmosphere that could beat the shock the artist is currently having right now.

Dealing with her parents' acrimonious divorce when she was approximately eight years old had trained her to adjust with ease. Emiko was positive that if she could handle her parents' hatred for one another, joining the Tantei Association, which is led by a psychopath, would be a piece of cake.

So, imagine Emiko's surprise and horror when she hears, via u/silentmaid, a.k.a Tsutsumi Kameko, who happens to be the Tadashi family's former maid, that the Tadashi family's matriarch was forced to give away her firstborn son 14 days after he was born.

"I'm sorry, the infant was forcibly removed after only 14 days in this world!? Is this what I'm hearing?" Emiko couldn't believe it.

"You're not mistaken, Miyama. That did occur.  Around 3 days after he was born, the matriarch of the family would end up pinching the child's limb black and blue anytime the poor boy wailed in hunger, needed a diaper change, or was feeling ill because she couldn't sleep," the woman said tearfully.

"Couldn't she just hire a nanny then? I mean they are rich."Emiko suggested.

"There are, but she was also wary of everyone who was near her child. So she'd shut herself in her master bedroom with the weeping infant every day, vowing she'd look after it. That's right, she even shuts her husband out of the room, and he's unable to intervene when we express our worries.  Things got so out of hand, that one day, as we drugged her to sleep, the late matriarch decided to take the infant and send it over to an adoptive family to avoid the abuse," the receiver paused for contemplation.

"Oh, so that's why he had to do it, huh?" Emiko murmured to herself, not long after growing enraged after knowing all of this. "Then there's the abuse-"

"Yes, it was also her hatred for her husband on what he did to her firstborn that she started to target her son Saji and the adopted one Fumihito."

"What the hell..."Emiko muttered in disgust, "Some women really shouldn't be allowed to become mothers. Why couldn't they just neutered her!?"

"The current matriarch is, unfortunately, the only one with biological ties to the Tadashi family, so the family's options are limited."

"What about IVF?"

"The late matriarch can't bear a child, let alone after that cancer battle she had dealt with. So IVF isn't an option."

Emiko battled to keep her emotions in check; she couldn't help herself, considering that the kids were completely innocent in all of this, and they were forced to take the beatings as a result of the adult's selfish actions. To top it all off, forced to carry a significant family legacy. "Mrs Tsutsumi, do you happen to know what the baby's registered name was before he was given to his adoptive parents? Or, at the very least, do you know who adopted him?"

"I'm afraid I can't answer that," the woman said solemnly, "one is given 14 days to register the baby's name, I only held him for 13 days after he was born before this happened.  Because of the devastation, his mother was causing, no one in the family could bear the thought of giving him a name. We were all on our toes."

"I understand, "Emiko couldn't blame the unfortunate late matriarch; she too would do the same if caught up in such chaos. At the same time, another question regarding the case has been plaguing her. "I believe that if the late matriarch hadn't tried to marry her off to her cousin, none of this would have occurred."

"Then again, what choice do they have? She is the only remaining heir at that time. It's tough to remain under the same roof when your husband's evidence of adultery walks about you." The ex-maid highlights.

Emiko recalled the same words Ranran has said earlier. That it is the life of a bastard. "But she is just a child back then."

"We were all powerless to do a thing. Also in society, being a son or daughter of a home-wrecker would automatically label them a bastard for life. It's far worst than living as a child of divorced parents."

Emiko was going to argue, but then she recall a long-forgotten memory that took place a year ago. When she attended the ice breaker parkour event at Beikai mall, she recalled some telling the other kid.

"You are a bastard, that's is why."

That was the term that accompanied a 5-year-old Kudo Ranran about like a gloomy cloud throughout the icebreaker parkour event, as Shinichi and the other guys teased her on a lofty obstacle course. Back then, an angry 5-year-old Shinichi was enraged because she performed better in parkour activities than he did, and he accused Ranran of getting her skill from her biological mother sleeping with his biological father, a claim that has yet to be verified.

It was whispered behind her back, hurled at her in insults. By all accounts, it's no wonder Ranran lived her life like an outcast, the one that no one wanted to be associated with. And the worst part?

Ranran took it without questioning and became a far worst psychopath than she was back then because of them. And Emiko is certain of that.

There have been rumours that because Ranran was furious with those kids, her decision to intentionally fracture her leg wasn't just to avoid seeing Shinichi as the family forced her to: it was meant to have far more damaging consequences for the other boys who join Shinichi's tirade of labelling her a bastard.

When the incident became public, the influential school board of Teitan Elementary School was present because they were the event's organizer. Emiko has no proof, but she believes Ranran understood that if the red lip demon herself made it appear as though they were the ones who pushed her down, their chances of getting placed in the smartest class would be ruined. After all, Emiko recalled numerous parents encircling them, attempting to persuade their children to enrol in the best of the best.

Adults in their community feel that if a child ends up in the top class, his or her IQ will rise, as will the chances of higher education, not to mention a prosperous life when the child grows older. It has become normal for ambitious parents to do all it takes to make their child stand out at the yearly ice breaker parkour event. Emiko knew this since her parents had attempted it before and managed to secure her in one of the top three smartest classes in her grade.

However, Ranran's leg injury changes everything for them. Following the controversy, Emiko learned that the boys involved were placed in the lowest class of their grade, although all of their parents protested, the school board stayed firm in their decision. This episode ruined the boys' life in more ways than one. While it is true that they can get a better grade next year by studying hard, imagine having to be placed in a class where learning chances are reduced to a bare minimum due to the class rank.

Emiko is confident those boys had to go through the worst hell now, since she heard that their ambitious parents are even to this day, placing all their pressure on their sons to get out of the worst class by forcing them to attend many tiring hours of tuition everyday without fail, even during weekend and public holidays, all thanks to their sons screwing up because they insulted Ranran, assuming the 'bastard' child won't fight back, only to turn the tables at them

The parents had worked so hard to woo the school board, and now it looked like it had all been for nought. Ranran had exposed their sons were solely interested in stirring trouble and making life unpleasant for other innocent kids. Worse, the parents had no option but to apologise to the Kudo family for their actions, which wounded their ego even more because they looked down on Ranran's family, as it was said that Ranran's mother was reared in a nightclub, then had Ranran out of wedlock before marrying.

But this was only the tip of the iceberg.

Shinichi should've had received the same outcome, but because he was born with a privileged background, he managed to escape unhurt and wind up in the smartest class with Ranran. It was a scandalous event that rocked the community to its core. But as always, nothing could be done as the Kudo family is too influential.

Idiots, being in the smart class won't guarantee a good future. Emiko had intel that the goons who targeted Ranran struggled even to learn the basics in the worst class. Putting them in the smartest would do nothing in her opinion.

Looking back, Emiko had no idea why kids are mean towards others who are labelled 'bastard'. They had never done anything to deserve the treatment they received. They are kids just like Emiko, wanting to live normal. Is it too much to ask?

She then recalled Shinichi and Ranran's hostility with each other back then.

No, it probably does matter to them.

Anyone stuck with that illegitimate label would live a far worst life than a child of a divorcee. While a child of a broken family like Ran can work her way and be successful in life, a bastard is another. Even if one worked hard and achieved so much, they would always be known as 'the child that can betray anyone'.

Yet Ranran defied the odds and made something of herself as 'The Fox', despite her circumstances.

Deciding not to think much about Ranran's past, Emiko pressed, "Why did his mother live under the same roof as the late matriarch? Ain't this abnormal?"

"Her biological mother died during delivery. Though the late master of the house was an irresponsible scoundrel when it came to women, he wasn't when it came to children, so he took her in against the late matriarch's objections."

Adult's selfish actions breed nothing but destruction. Emiko mused to herself."Why didn't any of you contact the police?"Emiko confronted.

"Miss Miyama, sometimes wronging a wealthy family will make your life much worse than it is now." The former maid took a breather, "We were all helpless to intervene; there was nothing we could have done. They even have police officers on their payroll."

"How awful," Emiko spats in disgust.

Emiko then considers Tadashi Sora, the current matriarch, who has to live such a dreadful existence beneath the roof as a little girl, and she can't help but sympathise with her suffering. She then considers Ranran, Kudo Ranran, who is forced to live with the knowledge that Shinichi is going to make her life a living hell after being compelled to relocate to Japan.

That made Emiko's heart sinks for a minute.

Everyone around Ranran casually referred to her as a psychopath, but no one cared to question why Ranran is the way she is today, behaving like that lunatic Tadashi Sora. What a harsh society kids live in, where they can just slap a label and be done and over. If one argues their case-

Wait, that's it!"Mrs Tsutsumi, our company had a link with a trustworthy official. If you come and reveal what you've posted, something can be done." Emiko persuades the recipient.

"I would have been delighted to do that, Miss Miyama. But that family has been doing it for generations... I'm not sure what my coming forward would accomplish. In addition, I am concerned about the safety of my children if...."

Emiko could detect the woman's nervousness in her voice as she sighed frustratedly. Of course, affluent people corrupting cops is a typical occurrence. What can she say to convince her to testify? Emiko suddenly remembered the movie 'Boy in the Window,' which she had been watching on the laptop with Ran. That story...could it be used to persuade her?

But...what if the maid watch the movie before? Then she can't get her to testify.

Emiko then recalled the time Shinichi shared a story of Ranran's past, regarding a friend who was struck with a kitchen knife with his mother. If she change the story here and there, would it be enough?

Carefully, Emiko began to craft this story, "When our founder was 3 years old, she had a friend."

The woman's tone softened as she inquired, "A friend?"

"A friend. A very precious one."Emiko then cautiously try to recall the detail as she narrates it, "But...he had a secret that only she knew about. He...was abused."

Emiko took a breather and looked at her phone, which was silent. Nonetheless, she continued.

"Like the Tadashi children, it wasn't logical to go to the police because this friend was from a well-to-do family and also had ties there." Emiko hesitated once more. "This went on for two years, finally...he didn't even live until the age of eight." Emiko's voice had become rough and gruff. "The rest is history."

The room was filled with a deafening quiet. "Did she...ever report it? Your founder?" Finally, after much deliberation, the recipient inquired.

Emiko gave a shaky nod. "She didn't, At the end, she had to be the one who carried his photo during his burial, while his mother was sentenced to death. The abuse was only discovered much afterwards."

Okay, so it was a lie. Ranran makes no mention of any of this. "But... if she'd said something, he'd-" she insisted.

"It wouldn't have made a difference." Emiko's response was blunt.

"Why?" she couldn't help asking.

"Because like you, she believed she wasn't strong enough as she was powerless to protect him."

The woman grows silent "I'm sorry about your founder. I had no idea she had such a tragic past."

"That is why she subsequently establishes the Tantei Association, "Another lie, but whatever to get her to talk, Emiko will do," she never stated any of this, but if there is an abuse case involving a child...our founder will go all out in doing anything she can to save them. Even if it means jeopardising her life."

That part is true; although Ranran never said it, when the child abuse post was brought up, Emiko caught glimpse of Ranran's rage in her eyes. There was a brief pause. Emiko briefly wondered whether the witness had hung up. She would if she were the witness.

Unbeknownst to Emiko, the woman chewed her bottom lip and appeared to be on the edge of crying, but Emiko persisted.

"She is six years old, far too young to be intervening in such a significant matter...many people warn her that this is not sensible, but she never listens." Emiko inhaled deeply. "What I want you to realise is that it's perfectly fine if you choose not to do it to protect your family. 'Protecting between family by turning your back on justice' isn't a cowardly thing,' my founder always remarked."

"She said that?"

"Yes, she did. But she also warned doing nothing will exacerbate problems, and even if your family is protected, it won't last as long as it exists," Emiko affirmed.

For a little while, the former maid remained mute until Emiko's phone pinged, shattering the trance.

Emiko checked the ID while the phone remains active, and it appears that Ranran and Shinichi have completed the interview since they are presently waiting for Mr Muniko's chauffeur to arrive with the automobile. "I'll leave it up to you. Have a wonderful day."

Emiko was ready to hang up when she heard the ex-maid's hoarse voice.

"Could you set the location of your HQ, Miss Miyama?" She swallowed and cleared her throat. "I reconsidered. I'd want to testify."

Emiko let out a small sigh and nodded."Alright, I will."

So Emiko emailed her the address, and an appointment has been scheduled for tomorrow. "I hope Ranran can forgive me for lying to her to get the case done and finished," Emiko thinks as she hangs up the phone.

Suddenly, her phone abruptly rang again. "Oh? Did she call again after hanging up? I guess she has something to say"Emiko quickly answered, "Hello?"

"Emiko, I think Ranran and Shinichi are in serious trouble!"Michio yelled over the phone.

"What?!"Emiko raised an eyebrow.

"Check the smartphone or watch the Tv! They are being gunned down!"

Emiko's eyes went wide, "W-what?! What you mean they are being gunned down!?"

"On the smartphone or anything! I am on my way to the association now, try contacting all of the members now!!"

.....

If one would describe which is the busiest city in Japan, one would say Shibuya city.

Shibuya was bright and colourful at night, with vibrant and flamboyant ads illuminating the streets as the day came to an end. As the day draws to a close, the streets begin to become packed with people crossing the road, and there are a variety of neon lights flashing. It's the time of day when everyone is headed home from work or school, a time to unwind.

However, the peace and order were about shattered as two kids, one on a skateboard and the other on a scooter is about to head onto the intersection.

"How long more will they leave!?"Ranran gritted her teeth, her hands wrapping tightly onto the scooter handlebars as she rides alongside Shinichi, who is navigating his skateboard.

"Until they kidnapped us! That's what!"Shinichi snarled in anger, trying to flee from the oncoming dark green Jaguar car that is chasing after them aggressively.

The scooter and skateboard was the perfect getaway vehicle. It was small and fast, and Ranran and Shinichi were able to easily weave in and out of traffic. But the car chase after them was relentless. The driver of the car was determined to catch them, and he was not going to give up easily.

Hitting the booster, both skateboard and scooter careened down as the people crossing the road fled away from the three, narrowly avoiding the screaming passerby. Ranran and Shinichi could hear the Jaguar car in the distance, getting closer and closer. The two had to make it to the other side of the city before they caught up to them.

The vehicle pursuit was thrilling. Ranran and Shinichi were racing wildly, and the Jaguar driver was right on their tail. The man in the jaguar suddenly opened fire on the two children. Bullets whizzed through the air, and cries filled the air.

"How is there is no police coming after them now!? The idiot behind caused such mass chaos trying to shoot us!"Ranran cried angrily. It's clear from the way it falls from Ranran's scarlet lips that it's not a question. It's a scowl.

"Ranran, this isn't the movies where cop vehicles appear out of nowhere and chase down the evil men hunting us!" While the cityscapes pass by, Shinichi shouts as the wind blows forcefully past them. Worry, rage, and confusion blended so nicely in his voice that it almost sounded lifeless.

"We need to make a phone call! Fast!"Ranran decided.

"Agree!"Shinichi yelled.

It wasn't long before other passersby noticed the commotion and began live-streaming it from inside the building on their smartphones. It didn't take long for the media to pick up on it and broadcast it to everyone.

Before they know it, the news of the chase soon made its way to Teitan Elementary school.

...............

Meanwhile, Ran and Junko recently completed their activities in the martial arts club as they had a change in clothes at the school gym. All the working out through martial arts has made them sweat a lot, and a nice shower in their school did wonders for their newly refresh bodies.

"Finally! I've never felt more revitalised!" Ran felt rejuvenated after having a shower.

"Same!" Junko smiles cheerfully as she replaces and fixes her spectacles. It is not appropriate to wear it when taking a shower.

"I'd better inform the members that we'll be leaving early since we have Tantei association business to attend to." Ran approached the other kids who were putting away the dummy they had used to punch and flip kick earlier.

Then the unthinkable happens when one of the kids runs into the gym and yells, "Guys! You won't believe what just happen!"

"What?"Ran, Junko and the rest of the kids turned to the boy.

"There is a car chase in Shibuya involving a gunman driving a Jaguar car chasing after two kids!?"

"Wait what?!" "No way!"

Others began to mutter, "Alright, if you all don't believe me, let's watch on my smartphone now."

Again, the kids mumbled before surrounding the boy."Two kids being chased by a Jaguar car? The hell?"Junko and Ran exchanged gazes in scepticism.

As the kids surrounded the boy to watch the show, the live stream video of Shibuya finally appeared. While the video was loading, Ran felt her smartphone ring.

Groaning, she distance themselves from the excited kids as she checked who it was. From the caller ID, it seems to be Emiko."Hello?"Ran answered.

"Ran, you and Junko need to rush over Tantei association here now! It's urgent!"Emiko ordered.

"Eh!? Why!?" Judging the tone of her voice, Ran could tell this isn't good.

"Michio contacted me earlier! I think Shinichi and Ranran are in serious trouble!"

"Wait, what!?" Ran replied, unsure of what was coming next.

Her friend took a deep breath and said, "I think Mr Muniko had his driver sent out to kill them both, and they realized it, so they are fleeing away from the shooter now in Shibuya!"

"Oh look! Here it is! The car chase!"

Everyone was excited when they saw the car chase appear on the boy's smartphone. Suddenly, Ran felt nothing but a cold chill forming in her as she slowly approaches the curious crowd. Before she knows it, she found herself taking a peek at the phone.

"So many videos of the chase, crazy! Just to kill kids like us on a scooter and skateboard. What has the world come to?"Junko couldn't help but said in disapproval.

"Ah look! Here is a clearer video! I think we can see the kids' faces here!"The boy's words got everyone chattering.

As soon as Ran sees their face, she knew her worst nightmare has come true.

The person who videotaped it was in a cafe when the video revealed a familiar little red lip girl skating on a bright red gogo scooter while the little boy with a yellow-green skateboard was right next to her, eager to flee from the gunman in the green Jaguar car. "Hey! Wait a minute!"Junko snatches the phone to take a closer look as her jaw drops, her glasses almost falling, "Isn't that Ranran and Shinichi!?"

"Now that you mentioned it, "The boy snatched his phone back to bring it closer to the other kids, "It is them!"

Ran was glued to the screen as the car, skateboard and scooter sped down the street. The shooting sounds were so loud that Ran could feel them in her chest. Usually, it is exciting to see the police in pursuit of the criminal, but when the one being pursued are two 6-year-old children that the entire school knows while the man in the car is a bad guy, everyone couldn't help but panic for their lives.

"What the hell were they doing!? Being chased down by a gunman like that!?"The kids watching all of this turned pale in horror.

"Worst, why is there a lunatic trying to kill them!?"A girl gasps, with hands covering her mouth before all eyes turned to Ran and Junko for answers.

"Shinichi run!" "Ranran go!"

The two could be heard screaming to each other in the background as the children were horrified as they watched their schoolmates being shot at while they narrowly avoid right in front of them on live TV. The incident was caught on camera and aired on the evening news, leaving the children traumatized.

But neither of the girls was able to answer, as Ran frantically packed her things, "I got to head over to the association."

"Ah, Ran wait up! I am on the way!"Junko too does the same before running out of the gym, while the other kids watch in sympathy.

"What have Ranran and Shinichi done?!"Ran couldn't help but be frantic.

.....

"What do you mean Ranran and Shinichi are in serious trouble?"

Takuma roared over his smartphone out of stupefaction during a meeting in the American Football club with the rest of the new members present, blinking their eyes silently at the exchange.

"The Tv has picked up the news, Takuma! They are being gunned down! And it's really bad, Takuma!" Emiko yelled over the phone.

"I think she is right, look!"One of the members showed Takuma his smartphone as Takuma squinted at it.

To his shock and horror, the football athlete couldn't help but feel a sense of horror as the car barrels down the street in one of the videos Ranran and Shinichi were in, followed by the sounds of shooting."Are they being shot at?!"

Even the other kids were horrified as all of them gather around to watch the chase on the smartphone, while Ranran and Shinichi were the ones being chased by the bad guys, it seemed like it was only a matter of time before she and Shinichi were caught. Takuma called Ranran's smartphone, but it went straight to voicemail. He didn't know what to do, but he had to do something.

Turning to the other members, he announced, "About our meeting for our next game-"

One of the members couldn't believe it, but the members supported their leader's decision, "Go! Go save them! Hurry!"

Takuma didn't even think about it as he started to flee from his club, though he had no idea what he was getting into, he knew he had to help his friends.

The emergency meeting was called around 5 PM, but within 5 minutes, all the seats in the small conference room were taken as the shocking footage was played before them on the school's projector. Ran trembled and shrank in her place as she heard the two children's screams while fleeing from the shooter but she kept on watching.

Takuma's blood ran cold watching the fear in their faces as the footage sent chills down everyone's spine, even Emiko's breath shortened, And Junko was muddled in her thoughts.

"We found this out through the phone, while all of us were browsing what sort of activity our club should have for astrology club." Michio's eyes are wide and unfocused, the panic was evident in his eyes.

The tension in the room was palpable as Takuma cleared his throat and began to speak."Ranran and Shinichi are being chased by one of Muniko's men, and if we don't do something, they are all going to die!"

"W-what do you think we should do!? They are being chased by a murderer!"Ran stammered, terror was all over her face.

"Call the police or Genzo!"Junko whipped her head at Michio, "Did you not try to do so!?"

"I tried contacting them but for some reason, no one is reachable! I tried calling as soon as I watched the video!"Michio blurted out everything.

Junko tried contacting the emergency hotline, but it reached a dead end."That's odd! The Japan police emergency line ain't working!"The glasses girl was surprised, wondering why isn't the line working. Throughout the years, there was never a fail.

"Is it possible the earthquake the other day destroyed the emergency lines!?"Emiko suddenly remembered.

"Seriously!? What horrible timing! "The blood is drawn out of Ran's face.

"It probably explains why Genzo isn't contactable," Takuma muttered.

"Call Genzo's phone then! I thought Junko have his number when you threatened us the other day to not get involved in the extinction Heist case!"Emiko snaps her finger, leading Junko to hastily contact the sergeant, but to no avail.  

"His phone was sent for repair cause he dropped it in the public pool by accident according to mom! I think the repair would be done in about 20 minutes time."Michio laments.

"Now what are we going to do!? Shinichi and Ranran are in danger!"Ran suddenly panicked with her hands on her face.

"I am going to try to call them one last time," Takuma had his phone placed on his ear, "Hope for the best."The 4 of the kids had sweat grown to the side of their faces as they waited in anticipation for the receiver to answer.

.....

The two kids have been travelling  Shibuya, trying to stay ahead of the fraud driver. They both had no idea where to go or what to do as they had never travelled around the city before.

"The sun is close to set, Shinichi. How long will our battery last for both forms of transport?" Ranran inquired, peering into the fading sky as they huddled in the alley, their cars momentarily stopped. So far, they've managed to elude the imposter driver, but they know he's not far away.

"Judging our situation...only half an hour," Shinichi admits, as he made sure the driver isn't around.

"Half an hour, "Ranran repeated before groaning, "We going to be kidnapped at this rate if we don't find help. Did you try contacting the police?"

"I tried, I think their lines are down because of the earthquake the other day."Shinichi had dialled again, but no such luck.

"Ah damn it! Really!!!??"Ranran whined in exhaustion as the two of them were panting. They have been on the run for over half an hour, its 5:30 pm and they are getting nowhere.

"Neh Ranran...do you think Ran was right?"Shinichi again tried to call the police, but it was unsuccessful.

"About what?"Ranran is in a daze at the moment.

"Mr Muniko setting a trap to kill us like this?"He raised this issue.

"If he had wanted, he would have done it as soon as the two of us entered the car rather than letting us meet the CEO. What we did earlier in Shibuya was so chaotic, there is no way he is that careless!"Ranran deduced.

"You have a point," Shinichi shuddered, the adrenaline getting the better of him, "Then who do you think did this?"

"Someone who wanted to frame Muniko," Ranran figures, "His brother could've sent those men." Ranran shot Shinichi a glance," But that wouldn't make sense, given his brother destroyed the cinema film to avoid having Muniko discover his death wasn't real."

"Frame our client?"Shinichi muttered, "But what would the person gain out of this?"

"I'm not sure." Ranran checked to make sure no one was nearby before leaving silently with their conveyance in a secluded corner of Shibuya, scrutinising her surroundings warily as one false move might end their life. They took the choice to go to the police metropolitan department since it was the only option to seek protection. However, the distance will be considerable. "What about the money?"

"True," Shinichi nodded, "Muniko is a rich man. Kidnapping us as hostages would make him fork out money to the scammer."

"So we are left with the two women, that hazel hair lady Ohta Bunko and the matriarch of the Tadashi family."Ranran ponders about this, "I do wonder...isn't Namba an idiot?"

"Eh?"

"I mean...it all started because he was spotted in the film 'The Origin of My Childhood.'" Ranran recognizes this all at once "If I want to ensure that my death is legitimate, I wouldn't want to draw attention by attempting to target lives. What happened today, in particular, is sloppy. Also, don't you think the tavern we went to the other day was too irresponsible for someone who is trying to maintain that he is legally dead? I mean he didn't even lock his damn door!"

"Now you mentioned it, you have a point."Shinichi thoughtfully thinks, "There is also the unexplained situation. The money they give to Seto Manami's family, why did their family turn out poor if they were handsomely rewarded? Plus, the gardener specifically told the CEO that she is an only child. Does this mean the director lied to us?"

Ranran's phone finally rang before she could answer.

Ranran retrieved her phone from her skirt pocket curious to see who it was, "It's Tak-san! Oh no...so many unanswered phone calls!" The red lip girl became aware of the missed call alerts.

"Not only you; I believe we were so disorganized when being pursued that we didn't notice the members contacted us." Shinichi examined his phone as well, scrolling to discover a slew of missed calls.

Ranran answered,"Hello?"

"Ranran! There you are!! I thought you were dead! Thank God!!!"Takuma expresses a sigh of relief setting his phone to speaker mode on the table, as the other kids rush up to Takuma and tried to speak to them over the phone.

"Hello, Ranran? Shinichi!? Are you guys alright?"Michio tried to talk to them.

"Ah, we are alright!"Shinichi spoke over Ranran's phone, "We have been on the run for over half an hour,

"Shinichi! Are you alright?!"Ran frantically asked as she was glad to hear his voice.

"Yes, I am alright, Ran."Shinichi sighs, he knew she must be worried sick right now.

"Where are you? We are come to get you both."Michio makes a sprint to the door.

"No, don't!" Ranran said urgently. "No matter what, don't come to us! If you guys do, you will all be under his radar!"

Michio stopped short as Junko confronted them over the phone, "But the both of you are being haunted down by a hitman sent by Mr Muniko! You both will die if the both of you don't do something!"

"Exactly as Majima said!" Ran sounded panicked.

"Ranran, Shinichi, you know I barely side anyone but Ran is right, right now, the both of you need help, and fast!"Emiko roared, trying to get into their senses.

"I don't think Mr Muniko is responsible for this, "Ranran thinks as she began sharing her theories with the members. In return, Emiko shared everything about the conversation she had with u/silentmaid.

"So his driver is missing huh..."Michio hummed as Ranran and Shinichi put their EarPods on to listen to the conversation while keeping their smartphone.

"If that is true, then someone hated Muniko to the core to take things this far."Emiko rubbed her chin in a thinking posture, "I bet it must be that Namba guy, he did fake his death, after all, not to mention, resented his father and brother. Plus, he technically evaded justice from a Ponzi scheme he pulled on them. He had a lot to lose if he were exposed."

"I agree with Emiko on that," Junko nodded, "He has a lot to lose if his death was exposed as a fraud."

"But that'll be stupid, don't you think?"Michio turned to them, "Him doing that would attract more attention to himself."

"Why did the gardener say that I wonder? That the suicide victim is a single child. Did the director lied to us then?"Ran wonders.

"What is there to lie that a friend had a non-existing sibling?"Takuma looked in disbelief.

"Also the money handed to the suicide victim, where did it go missing?"Emiko ponders.

"Another thing that doesn't add up, the playboy that vanished...you two mentioned they plan to get married, and the last sighting of him was on the day his girlfriend committed suicide...why is the case feeling eerier and eerier?"Michio couldn't help but think, "We also have an abusive mentally ill woman who is the link to all three of her unhappy sons."

"You know, after hearing all of this...the entire case could've turned into some family soap opera drama if one were to make a movie," Junko said.

Everyone couldn't agree more.

"Whatever it is, we need to get to the metropolitan police department, fast!"Ranran said urgently and so did Shinichi.

"How are you two not acting scared at this point!? You are being chased into a city you are both not familiar with!?" Ran snapped, annoyed at how the two, especially Shinichi, didn't seem to be affected at all by the situation they are in. "Are you two dumb or what?!"

"Why would we? Now isn't the time to act like a crybaby like you. If Shinichi and I do the way you did, we'll be dead!" Ranran replied calmly.

"Exactly," Turning Shinichi's gaze ahead, he adds, "But, we ain't going to deny we are lost."

That raw honesty from Ranran and Shinichi rattled Ran, "I ain't a crybaby!"She blasted over the phone as tears were forming in her eyes, having to deal with all of this overwhelming situation.

Not one to willingly show fear in front of others, it amused the members that the two would actually be so calm, let alone, soldier on despite their circumstances. They are 6 years old in the middle of a large city for Kami-sama's sake! Most kids in their situation would be overwhelmed in tears getting lost in a large city! To top it off, being chased by a man that is sent out to kill them!

Both founder and apprentice looked out at their surroundings of Shibuya and knew they were screwed. They needed a navigator, and fast.