When Kudo Shinichi insulted the fraud driver, the one tiny regret he had in mind was he didn't expect the fraud to be so outraged by his words, he sped up Ranran's doom unwittingly in the midst.

That was the only thing going through the apprentice's mind as he and Ranran watched as the figures of the 3 evil men on the shore grow smaller. A breeze stirred the surface of the lake, and the boat moved sluggishly across the water.

As the two children attempt to free themselves, the blue-eyed boy's heart sinks as he realises that his words are the reason they wound themselves here. It's remarkable how their lives are so delicate, and how everything may alter with the exchange of words. All of this reminded him of the time his obnoxious personality caused him to have a dispute with Ran, which eventually led him back to Ranran, then Tantei association.

Though he has no regrets about how he got to where he is now, he does have some sorrow about how the two ended up in the boat for disparaging the fraud driver's family history. Shinichi considered everything he might have done differently, but he has no idea what he would've done in that circumstance.

"Ranran...I'm sorry..."

"Right now, Shinichi, I don't want to hear your apologies," Ranran yelled at him, her ice-blue eyes brimming with wrath as she fought. "After what he did to Junko, that idiot deserved it!"

"Say what now!?"

"He asked for it! As much as his crappy background led him to this life, you did well in telling him off that he could've chosen a different path rather than hurting kids like us! He deserves every word of it!"Ranran shifted her bounded hands to her skirt, "Even though it did kinda speed up our doom."

"Ranran...."

"That's why...don't ever think those words will be the reason for our end."Ranran rolled around, but again, fail to free herself, "There is nothing to be apologetic, especially onto criminals like them."

Ranran is right, as much as it was indeed his fault for ending up here, it was their fault solely for doing this to kids like them! Even so...

"Damn them! We are tied up and we can't flee!"Shinichi furiously make attempts to untie himself, but it was proven unsuccessful.

"Don't worry, I didn't take out my swiss knife with me for nothing, "Ranran smirked before managing to produce one from her skirt pocket.

"Wait, you had it the whole time!?"Shinichi gave her the 'are you serious' look, "Why didn't you do it earlier while we were in the car!?"

"We were in a 1959 Jaguar MK 2!"

"So!?"

Shinichi's look remains unchanged, and Ranran honestly believes she could facepalm right now if she weren't bound. "Shinichi, did you know that anyone who happens to be in a car that is 18 years old or older is 71% more likely to be killed in a car accident, than a driver of a car that is three years old or newer? If we hadn't fled and confronted the driver sooner, we'd be dead in that Jaguar!"

That revelation went deep into Shinichi's heart, reminding him of his inexperience as her apprentice.

"Stop feeling like a failure right now! You'll be able to catch up when we get off the boat!" Before Ranran released Shinichi from the gagged rope, she unfastened herself from the ropes; he had his hands bound around his wrist, which hurt. "Come on, we'd better hurry or we'll drown!" Ranran indicated the opposite bank. "Why don't we try paddling over there with our hands?"

Shinichi plunged his hand into the chilly water and quickly piled it back. Then he let forth an alarming shriek. "If we're going, we'd best hurry since we're starting to sink!"

Water slapped at their feet at the bottom of the boat. Slowly, centimetre by centimetre the old boat was settling lower and lower. "How far can we swim?" Ranran asked nervously.

Shinichi stared at the fading sunlight. "It all depends! The water is chilly, and our chances are deteriorating." He gazed over the edge, but there was nothing in the murky depths. "We're in a pretty deep section. There are no treetops or anything else visible within. The water simply flows down."

"Alright, then we must get out regardless. Even if the chances are slim."Ranran gritted her teeth.

Shinichi forces a weak smile. "I hope so."

Soon the water was above their ankles, steadily up their legs.

"Ranran," said Shinichi nervously, "Take off our shoes now. When the boat goes down we are going to have to swim as far as we can."

"Such a shame this pair of shoe mother bought are going to be another waste."Ranran groaned.

They reached down gently, trying not to destabilize the boat, and began unlacing their shoes. But with each movement, the boat seemed to sink lower. Water was also slopping over the edges. Ranran's face was ripped open with terror.

"I guess when it does sink, it will still float won't it?" Ranran asked hopefully, "I mean, it's made of wood isn't it?"

Shinichi was using his sneakers to bail water from the old boat." But will it support both of us?" he groaned"And how long will last in cold like this?"Ranran was about to say something as she glanced over the side and saw a water snake circling the boat."Oh for God's sake!" she cursed upon her breath.

Meanwhile, Michio, Takuma and Junko sprinted along the old road. Though Junko lagged as she hops and skips over a couple of big rough stones as she was wearing slippers.

Junko groaned. She wobbled as she hobbled, trying to keep her balance. "How was I to know we'd come out here again?" she protested.

"Maybe next time you should consider buying snickers, Fuyuko, "Takuma suggested.

"I agree, didn't you have that other pair you wore during martial arts?"Michio recalled.

"I was in such haste, I left it back at the association," Junko grunted.

Another car engine roared to life somewhere ahead. Michio scurried behind a huge tree trunk, summoning the other two kids to join him. The car with three men inside accelerated up the old road toward them.

The driver, on the other hand, was wearing sunglasses.

"They look just like gangsters," Junko said, looking out from beneath the tree.

As soon as the car had vanished in a thick cloud of dust, Michio helped Junko to her feet. "Let's go! I hope we're not too late!"

But аs they turned the last, sharp bend and Quarry Lake came into sight, Takuma screamed, "Oh my God! Junko is right! Look!"

As soon as the two eldest children turn to where Takuma was pointed, both Michio and Junko froze in horror.

Ranran and Shinichi were standing up in a boat that was going to sink beneath the surface in the middle of the gloomy water. Michio yelled, "Ranran!!Shinichi!!"

His voice echoed across the vast lake. Ranran and Shinichi looked back and waved desperately. And then they were gone, lost in a fury of swirling water

"What are we going to do!? That's right!"Michio was about to jump in.

"Oh no, you don't!"Junko yelled as she and Takuma pulled him back.

"Why not!? Ranran and Shinichi are in trouble!"Michio screamed in panic.

"You are unable to swim! What else can you possibly do!?" Takuma reminded him of this.

"So, what are we going to do now? Ranran and Shinichi are going to perish," Michio said fearfully, pointing to the disappearing boat, "and we can't contact the police because of the earthquake situation!"

At this point, Junko and Takuma didn't know what else to do in their situation.

.........

While the chaos at the lake was taking place, Ran and Emiko were still busy trying to search for anything about the questions Ranran posed earlier over the phone regarding the case.

As the girls were heading nowhere with researching Seto Manami's family, aside from her committing suicide at some bridge, Emiko decided to do something about this.

"Let's start with trying to contact the director and see what he has to say about the 'brother' he mentioned."Emiko decided as Ran nods in silence, "Since he is one of her close friends, he got to know about Seto Manami's family more."

"Do you have his phone number?"Ran asked.

"Ranran had sent it in our group chat, so contacting him shouldn't be too tough. Hopefully, he's not too preoccupied." Emiko browsed for the phone number before dialling it and placing it on her right ear. "Right now, it's crucial."

Several rings later, Tanaka Kirin picked up the call, "Hello?"

"Hi, I am Miyama Emiko, you met up with two of my colleagues Ranran and Shinichi the other day from the Tantei association?"

"Ranran and Shinichi-ah yes! Those pair of twins, right?"Kirin recalled.

"Twins?"Emiko blinked.

"The little girl with a red lip and the blue-eyed boy who came the other day, their faces do alike, do they not? Even their behavior has some similarities, it left me quite the impression."The receiver pointed out.

"I wouldn't say they're twins, but..." Although Emiko couldn't help but agree with him in private, Ranran and Shinichi's looks are strikingly similar. It makes Emiko wonder if the rumours about Ranran being a bastard are true. "Anyway, I'm calling you with my other partner Ran to enquire about a few details concerning the stolen movie. Are you available to speak on the phone?"

"Sure, I'm in Okayama City right now filming my next movie, but because it's a rural location, we're a little behind schedule on a few things. What specifically do you want to know?" The director was compelled to inquire.

"It's this..."Emiko hesitated before she proceeded to ask, "You mentioned the other day that Seto Manami's brother was 18 years old at the time of the suicide, correct?"

"That's correct."

"Have you ever met him in person?"

"Eh? Who?"

"Seto's brother?"

"Yes, I did."

"Really!?" Emiko was taken aback, as was Ran, who had no idea what to make of this. "One of the members paid a visit with the Tadashi family, especially the adopted son. Said he didn't know Seto Manami had a sibling because her father stated she was an only kid."

"Really? That is strange," Tadashi sounded confused, "When I went out filming around Chiba High School years ago, I bumped into her fetching her brother from school. That is how I found out she had a brother."

"Is that so?"Ran fluttered her eyes as the girls were surprised.

"But honestly...it felt odd seeing the two together, now I think back."The director voiced his thoughts.

"Why?"Ran questioned.

"Well...it would have seemed disrespectful if I had mentioned this, but..." Tanaka Kirin hesitated to continue before adding, "Seto-san hardly resemble her brother at all."

"Eh!?" The girls responded in unison.

"I understand that not all family members look identical, but her brother, unlike Seto-san, I felt like there is not a single resemblance of their features. Even this one time when I dropped by her house for a university project, and I saw their father's photo hanging on the wall, I found it odd that Seto's little brother didn't look anything like their father at all."

"Maybe he got his looks from his mom," Ran suggested.

"Do you have a photo?"Emiko inquired, "Of her brother or family?"

"I have photos of Seto-san, but as for her brother or family...I don't have it."

"How about you video call me and tell me what her sibling and father look like?" While preparing her sketchbook and pencil box on the table, Emiko adds, "I'm a sketch artist. Just tell me anything you can remember off the top of your head."

.......

While Emiko is busy listening to the director's words as Ran grew to be amazed by Emiko's artistic abilities in full display, back at the quarry, a quick decision had to be made.

"I will do it!"Junko decided.

"But you said one can drown easily even for a strong swimmer the other day!"Takuma argued.

"If it is to prevent Michio to save those two, so be it!"Junko took off her glasses, reminding Takuma of Superman and his glasses removal scene as Juko gave them to Michio.

"Michio, if I don't come back, cycle out of the quarry and call for help!"Junko handed over her smartphone to Micho before she darted toward the water and kicked off her shoes.

She waded into the icy lake. Soon the water lapped around her skirt, all of them were in uniform after all.

"Junko, it's too far to swim even for you." shrieked Michio in horror.

"I'm going to take my chances!" Junko ignored the boys' warnings and swam further and deeper until the water reached her waist. She began swimming with a powerful, rhythmic stroke that left the boys far behind on the shore. She swam through the murky water, avoiding the concealed trees that were waiting to slice her legs or tangle her in their branches.

Soon she was in deeper water, so deep that the bright sunlight penetrated barely a few meters beneath the surface. Beyond them, Junko knew were the inky depths where no light ever reached.

The chill became almost paralyzing. She forced herself to think of the warm water she'd swum enduring her last beach holiday. Don't think cold, think warm, she kept telling herself.

Palm trees, hot sand, warm water: Palm trees, hot sand, warm water.

It worked for a time. However, she quickly discovered that her skin was turning colour. Her feet were increasing in number. Her fingertips had lost their sensitivity. Her lungs hurt, and each stroke required more energy than she had. She collected her dwindling strength. She needed to go to the two children as soon as possible. Michio would rush in to save them if she turned around, although he was a terrible swimmer.

"I just realize if an anime is made out of our adventures, we'll be mocked, "Ranran frowned deeply at this realization as the boat was sinking to its lowest.

"Why?"Shinichi couldn't help but wonder.

"Cause the both of us in a sinking ship reminded me of Mickey Mouse when his ship sank, in the school, I used to be in, the whole class found it hilarious and say how stupid Mickey is."Ranran chuckled.

One moment they were standing in the boat, hoping it would stay afloat. The next, it disappeared beneath them and their feet followed it down.

"This isn't the time to be thinking of a hilarious cartoon, Ranran!"

The freezing water closed over their heads. When they surfaced, spluttering and splashing, Ranran found herself alongside the water snake. She thrashed the water with her feet and the snake slipped away

"Save your energy!" yelled Shinichi.

"I can't help it! There is a freaking snake!"Ranran shouted back.

.........

"Seto Manami's brother...look familiar, don't you think?"Ran couldn't help but comment upon examining the finished work.

"I agree."Emiko rubs her chin, "But who?"

Unfortunately, the two girls couldn't place where the two had seen him before, but the face sparked their curiosity. Emiko had recently ended the call, and so far, the face has finally taken shape.

According to the director, the then-18-year-old Seto Benjiro was shy, kept to himself, with hazel eyes, a pale complexion, and glossy black hair, just like his late friend. He is pretty tall, quite hefty, and dresses in a lot of 'nerdy' attire. He hoped to make a career as an actor. Also, a finicky eater who enjoys fantasy novels.

"But the filmmaker is right in one thing: he bears no resemblance to his father's or his sister's features." Emiko held her smartphone up to the screen, with Seto Manami's face and Seto's father's photo visible. When comparing the sketch work to the Seto family member, it was evident that they were significantly different.

For instance, the Seto father had grey eyes, an olive complexion, and curly black hair worn short on his head, wearing old-fashioned clothing. As for the victim Seto Manami, she had her father's eyes, olive complexion, and curly dull black hair worn in an updo, wears very colourful clothing.

"As I said, Benjiro could've gotten it from his mom, or perhaps their grandparents? I know of some kids in our school who resemble their grandparents." Ran suggests.

"True, but..."Emiko deeply frowned, "I don't know why their appearance feels rather...odd. If only we can head over to the residence where the Seto family used to live in and look for clues about it. Especially the money trail."

"Eh? Money? You mean the one the CEO, the adopted son of the Tadashi's, claim his grandmother had rewarded handsomely to the gardener?"

"Yes, that one."Emiko stretches her arm, "I mean if we can find documents on what happened to the money, I am certain it would lead this case to break wide open."

Then Ran had an epiphany, "You know...I have a feeling if we head back to Ukiyo tavern situated at Asakusa to look for clues, we might find more answers."

"That's true, however..."Emiko turn to Ran sternly, "You know I can't allow you to go out till Ranran and Shinichi are rescued, correct?"

It had been drilled into them. Follow the rules, and you'll be safe in the association. But sometimes fear can break the rules.

That's what happened to Mouri Ran.

She is terrified of Ranran's punishments, but she knew Shinichi would perish if she didn't investigate. The two kids are permitted to penalise members for any faults they make, according to the rule book Ranran and Shinichi created, and this penalty may range from a verbal scolding to hours of labour. Outsiders believed it was a successful method of keeping members loyal to the organisation.

But Mouri Ran knew better than this, she drafted it to make sure kids like Ran and Junko leave.

Ranran had always been a solo lone fox, she doesn't like to rely on others cause she always ranted how inconvenient it was for her to do her scheming. With Shinichi around, she was no longer able to freely do it in the association anymore. Even so, Shinichi wasn't completely strict on Ranran given that she is also his mentor.

"If I don't do it, he might die."Ran argued once more.

"But if you do, are you willing to risk Ranran's punishment onto you?"

"I thought you ain't the type to rebel?"Ran confronted.

"I can survive many things, including Ranran's punishment. But she doesn't have much hate towards me compared to you, Mouri."Emiko raised this issue.

"What are you talking about? Ranran doesn't hate me."Ran laughed dismissively.

"Doesn't?" Emiko's right eyebrow raised in scepticism," You attempted to humiliate Ranran to a corner by offering false friendship to peek whether Ranran and Shinichi were in a relationship."

"I-"

"When they were solving the Extinction Heist case, weren't you the one who kept pestering them? Knowing it may end up endangering Shinichi and Ranran midway."

"I-"

"When Sonoko broke into their place, who was the one who defended the alleged eavesdropper for hurting Ranran till she was wheelchair-bound."

"I...."Ran's words died out, before going defensive, "Why does all of this make me sound like a bad girl with bad intentions for Ranran?"

"I am telling you this from Ranran's perspective, Ran."Emiko pouted as she tries to get through Ran, "I know it ain't completely your fault. You did all of this as you are cautious about her. But if you were in Ranran's shoes, would you not think of it that way? Also, if she finds out you sneak out, do you think she is going to let you off easy?"

"How would I know Ranran thinks? That girl..."Ran sighs frustratingly as she thinks about it, "I can never understand her. Anyway, Ranran breaks the rules as well. I don't see how is it she can get away with it even with Shinichi's lecturing. If I get punished, she should as well."

"Ran, did you forget who the association's leader is? Ranran's house, her set of rules. We are subject to her regulations as long as we are her members." Ran's spine tingled at the thought as Emiko said,"If you used your intellect instead of continually hoping Shinichi becomes your boyfriend, you'd understand."

Emiko eventually stood up, feeling that 6-year-old Ran had a long journey ahead of her. Emiko couldn't help but wonder how her parents raised her. Despite the fact that Emiko's parents divorced, her father educated her about these topics when she was Ran's age.

"Wait here while I go pour ourselves a drink."

As Emiko left Ran on her own, Ran couldn't help but growls to herself, "Why is it Ranran always gets away with everything she does?" She muttered to herself in a cold and harsh tone.

If Ranran wasn't born into a wealthy family, would Shinichi had look her way?

Ran couldn't help but think she must be right. Before, Ran used to hear rumours that Ranran was raised in the slums before having struck lucky and got instantly rich. During the transition, she was rumoured to be like Ran: Ill-mannered, spoilt, and willing to do anything to get what she wants.

Yet...when they meet for the first time, Ranran's character was a stark contrast to the rumours.

Worse, her noble nature radiated so brilliantly that Ran couldn't help but feel bitter, not towards Ranran, but towards herself. Ranran has everything that Ran does not have: a loving pair of parents who adore her and have stayed married, intelligence, wealth, and luxurious home. And, most importantly, she had Shinichi.

Not to mention, Kudo Ranran radiated elegance, wittiness and beauty.

Ranran kept up to her own standards, always knowing what moves to make on any difficult situations Tantei Association has to face whenever dealing with clients that are either overbearing or difficult. Normal kids their age would cower, and Ran would normally talk back in anger, but Ranran has her way of doing things that not even she or Shinichi could think of.

Sure, Ranran tends to make anyone who cater to her every whim exhausting. Which was evident when Ran noticed Shinichi is a lot tired than he used to, more drained out than the time he was under soccer club. 

But the difference is that in Tantei Association, his eyes are full of energy.

And those eyes of Shinichi reminded her of her mother, after she and her father separated, her mother had the same look as Shinichi's when she got her dream job as a lawyer. Shinichi found his purpose in life thanks to Ranran, and maybe those words of Ran's mother was true.

That someone who finds a purpose in life is bound to bloom beautifully, like Kudo Ranran would. Even Shinichi looked dashing now Ran think of it after joining this HQ.

Meanwhile, what does Ran has she wonder? Will she ever be able to find something the same way Ranran does? So she will bloom beautiful as her? Maybe more so Shinichi would look her way? Right now, all she has is a broken family and a hot temper attitude to par, and a good friend name Suzuki Sonoko. How does one become as great as Kudo Ranran? Was it because of the wealth? Do wealth instantly changes a person who was once stupid to smart? If so, Ranran got lucky.

However, wealth doesn't guarantee intelligence. Ran knows this because her friend Sonoko isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. If Ran can prove Ranran wrong for once, would it turn the table for once?

Then she remembered Shinichi chastising Ranran for the truck incident at their school when they discovered the school's delivery driver covertly taking food meant for them in order to pocket money for himself. That's right, Tantei Association isn't just Ranran's home; it's also Shinichi's since they co-open it. If she breaches the rules, even if she is chastised, Ranran must be punished because Shinichi would not accept a rule breaker.

With determination in her eyes, Ran stood up and made a decision.

She raised her fist into the air, "I will do it!"

"Do what?"Emiko pushes the sliding door open carrying a tray of drinks.

"Head to Ukiyo tavern against Ranran's rules!"Ran decided before turning to Emiko, "Emiko, Ranran can't punish us."

"How sure are you?" The rebellious artist enters the room and places the tray of drinks on the table before frowning at Ran.

"Although this association is her house, Shinichi dislikes it when Ranran violates the rules." Ran stated her argument with a confident smile, "If she ever attempts to punish me, then she should be punished to set an example."

"Ranran might-"

"Yes, she might."Ran affirmed, "However, Shinichi is the type to put his foot down if this goes on repeat. He may be her apprentice now and let things slide by, but the longer it goes, the more Shinichi would eventually have to decide whether to discipline Ranran or not for the sake of maintaining the morale of Tantei Association."

For a moment, Emiko's mouth fell. "Man, you finally put your brain to good use."Emiko is impressed.

"Eh heh heh, this was my Eureka moment!" Ran blushes shyly in response to Emiko's compliments, scratching her back head.

"That's true, Shinichi won't tolerate it. Not to mention, Ranran would eventually have to forfeit her punishment towards you."Emiko agreed. "We could go back to Ukiyo tavern downtown and have another look there without worrying. I mean, if the others want to call us, we've got our smartphones, right?"

Ran brightened up as Emiko is finally convinced to her bidding, "Alright, then let's look around in that storeroom again. Maybe we should be able to find out whatever it is that links everything in its place."

Emiko ran a comb through her own hair: "Even if there isn't, we might find something else that gives us a clue to what's really going on..."

And so the girls locked the door behind them before taking the bus from school using Tantei Association's fundings, a.k.a Ranran's backup fundings. Until they reached the door with Ukiyo tavern hanging on the door, it was still unlocked.

Then Emiko pushed it open and they slipped into the gloomy hall.

They made their way through the empty office. The stairs creaked they climb to the floor above as they stepped into the storeroom and froze.

A figure holding a gun was silhouetted against a shaft of sunlight." Come in," said a voice. "I've been expecting you..."