Shinichi nodded, "That's a good point. It's possible that he had an accomplice or someone who helped him with the kidnapping. Which is why when Takuma discovered Ryo locked up, it tipped the kidnapper."

"But who could it be?" Michio asked.

"It has to be someone who knows the inside out of the management." Junko ponders about it, "If it was Ogawa, it would make sense."

"However, I felt like that would be stupid," Emiko doubts, "He is after all the manager of Red Illumination, it is common knowledge to everyone, even the fandom is aware of it. If I were Ogawa and I was planning the kidnapping, it would be plain straightforward that I would end up exposing myself like a fool."

"Then are we back to the outsider angle?" Takuma thinks.

"But let's not forget, an outsider would have difficulty figuring out which room Ryo is situated in." Ranran hops from the table back to the seat next to Shinichi, "We were there, and their dressing room was similar that in a way...anyone could've easily mistaken Ryo's dressing room for the others. Plus, Ryo would alert anyone if he realize the person who did this was a stranger, would he not?"

"That is right, the only way for the kidnapper to make no such mistake is if he has another person within their inner circle helping him." Shinichi rubbed his chin thoughtfully, "The kidnapping of a celebrity itself is too big to pull off solo alone. Especially the resume thing...who would do that for Elijah?"

"Whatever Elijah has on to that person, is probably either the accompliance or the mastermind." Emiko mused one of them.

"The problem is Elijah's resume thing was done years ago," Michio's read his notes, "So does this mean the kidnapping on Ryo was planned a long time ago?"

"What I don't understand is why?" Ran is confused, her finger on her chin, "Let's assume that Elijah did this out of rage on whatever it is he is unhappy here, but how does this do any good for the other mole? What is there to gain out of Ryo's kidnapping thanks to the million dollars?"

"Did the other mole do it willingly? Or that Elijah forced him/her to be part of this kidnapping plot with Ryo."Reasoned Takuma, fiddling with his cap.

"Competition," Shinichi figures.

"I am sorry?" Junko and the rest gazed at the apprentice.

"Competition," Shinichi repeated before explaining, "Ryo is the lead singer of Red Illumination, a popular singer with over 2 million followers. For a child singer with that much fame...don't you think his rivals might want to do something to him?"

"Come on, Shinichi! That is petty reasoning." Junko told him off.

"Technically, it ain't," Shinichi's answer gave Ranran a sudden realization, "In the entertainment industry, there are those child entertainers that had to maintain a level of achievement."

"Like what?" The spectacle girl demanded, "What would be so extreme to them that they would plot to kidnap a singer?"

"Well, for example, there's the competition for chart rankings, concert ticket sales, endorsements, and even media appearances," Ranran explained. "If one becomes a child star, there is that pressure to maintain a certain level of popularity and success."

"What happens if one fails?" Emiko asked.

"Well, it can lead to a decline in popularity and ultimately the end of their career," Ranran replied. "It's a highly competitive industry, and there are always new child stars coming up that can take their place. So, for some, resorting to extreme measures to eliminate the competition may seem like the only option."

"Sounds like being a celebrity could be so tiring," Michio commented.

"So, you're saying that someone in the industry could have kidnapped Ryo to eliminate him as competition?" Emiko clarified.

"It's a possibility," Shinichi nodded. "And I think Kyo and Shiro have more to gain if Ryo vanishes."

"How?" Ran was in disbelief, "Kyo is the keyboardist, and Shiro is the drummer. Ryo going missing would mean losing everything within their unit. A band can't go without a lead singer!"

"Not necessarily," Ranran shook her head at them, "If Ryo disappears, Red Illumination's popularity will likely skyrocket, and with that, Kyo and Shiro's popularity and influence within the group will increase. They might even become the new faces of the group, with Ryo's absence creating a power vacuum that they can fill."

"But wouldn't that be too risky?" Takuma interjected, "If they get caught, they'll ruin their careers and the group's reputation."

"Not if they do it right," Shinichi replied, "They could have planned it carefully, making it look like an outsider did it."

"No way! Shiro is innocent," protested Emiko, "Someone tried to frame him. Let's not forget that."

Junko jumped up. "And Kyo isn't a suspect either!"

"Says who?" scoffed Michio and his cheeks flared red, "If Ranran and Shinichi believe this is an inside job, then everyone is innocent till proven guilty!"

"The three of you: Junko, Michio and Emiko, stop arguing, or else I will personally kick you all out of the association regarding this case, you hear me?" Ranran slams the table, earning their attention.

Silence filled the room, and they all looked at each other, realizing that they had gone too far with their arguments.

"Let's focus on finding the real culprit here," Takuma said, trying to ease the tension in the room.

Ranran got up and stood beside the list of names, "I think we're going about it the wrong way," she announced.

Everyone stared at her in stunned silence.

"What do you mean?" demanded Emiko.

"Well, think about it," replied Ranran as she adjusted her hat,  "Why is Elijah missing now?"

"Er...to hide from the police after getting exposed for kidnapping Ryo?" Michio commented.

"There are ways to end the manhunt, so think properly what Elijah could've done to put an end." Ranran encourages him to think deeply.

"To...tell the cops who he was working with?" Ran guessed, "Cause he could get a reduce sentence should he does so."

"That's a possibility," Ranran acknowledged. "But why didn't he?"

"Eh?'

"Why didn't he reveal it? It would spare him of from all of the hiding and running away from cops seeking out for him."

"For the ransom?" Takuma suggests, "I mean the whole purpose of this is to make money out of kidnapping Ryo, no?"

"I think maybe he thinks he still has the shot on obtaining the ransom money, that's is why. He may not have known that the cops are already into him," Michio nod to himself.

"But Ryo went missing, as soon as Takuma contacted Genzo," Emiko then points out, "About Ranran's deduction that they could've been a second mole....that meant it is highly likely Elijah knew the cops are already onto him."

"So?" Junko doesn't see where the artist was heading with this.

"Junko, if you kidnap someone and you got word that the cops are aware that you are the one who did this, would you continue to demand ransom money? Knowing that they will contact your parents, friends, or anyone you know of to track down your whereabouts? Especially now that you are on foreign soil like Japan? Let's not forget that this is Red Illumination's first time coming here, so the chances of finding a place to hide are very difficult for an American like Elijah. With all of the odds said, why didn't he do the option Ranran asked earlier?"

"It's like if I invited you back to the U.K, would you have known which location has abandon buildings of that sort the way Elijah does?" Ranran commented.

The group fell silent once again, each lost in their thoughts as they tried to come up with ideas. Finally, Shinichi spoke up. "Maybe... Elijah wasn't the true mastermind after all."

"Eh? What do you mean?" repeated Michio, before guessing, "You mean he was merely a minion being ordered to do what someone tells him to do?"

"No, not like that," Shinichi nodded. "The hiring manager incident...from that we learn Elijah ain't the type to just simply be threatened to do things against his will. If he surrender to the cops, most criminals had the right to request a reduced sentence if they snitch on the other. But if he wasn't...."

"...that meant it is the other way round, ain't it?" Emiko suddenly figures out, "He is the one being forced to do the kidnapping. Because he isn't the mastermind. And that mastermind had something over him."

Seeing the smile of the red-lip founder, sent chills to everyone that the answer was spot on.

"Hang on, that doesn't make sense," Ran argued, "Ain't it shown in movies that usually, the one who ain't the mastermind had a better leverage"

"That's true, but it's not always the case," Ranran countered. "There are situations where the person being forced to commit a crime has more significant leverage over the real mastermind."

"That meant the mastermind has something on Elijah beside the resume thing, huh?" Michio ponders hard, leaning against the chair, "Does this mean the kidnapping was planned way back before all of it took place?"

Before she could respond, Michio's mother could be heard calling out to them across the hallway that Genzo had arrived.

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

When Genzo arrived to drop the news, he gazed at the contents on the projector screen.

"I can see all of you were doing proper work with the case," he grinned. Then he sat down on one of the chairs, "Well, there have been some developments overnight," he reported, glancing at Takuma, "The blood we found on the floor where Ryo was being held matches his blood type. And also, that bouncer you followed, Desmond didn't show up for work since then. He was supposed to be helping the other bodyguards to stop fans from getting into the hotel."

"Wait, who is Desmond?"Emiko asked.

"The real name of the bouncer, right?"Shinichi concluded.

"That is right," Sergeant Genzo then consulted his notes. "His real name is Desmond Turner, an American, and he has a criminal record for assault and battery back in the states. We believe he was hired by the kidnapper to help with the abduction."

"So the cops think so too, huh? At least some of them are still qualified to do their jobs," Ranran crossed her fingers while leaning forward, "I supposed they are also aware of the hiring manager incident he was involved in."

Genzo nodded. "Yes, they are. And they contacted the cops in the United States to interview him in prison. Apparently, the reason why Desmond was able to blackmail him...was that he uncovered a disturbing secret."

"A disturbing secret?" Eyebrows shot up from every child, they exchanged looks before Ranran demanded him to share this secret, "Such as?"

"The hiring manager's name for instance.... is named Nagano Shig."

Seeing the confusion forming on their expression, Ranran suddenly jumped out of her seat, "Wait a minute, the surname Nagano-"

"Yes," The adult confirms the founder's suspicions, "They belonged to the same family where Nagano Rokurou (Ryo), Nagano Katsu (Kyo) and Nagano Shinobu (Shiro) belonged to."

"Yo, say what now!?" The athlete twisted his cap in response to the shocking developments of the case, "So you are saying that one of the relatives of Red Illumination was actually that hiring manager who hired Ryo's kidnapper!?"

Genzo nodded gravely. "That seems to be the case. And it's not just any relative - he is also Shiro's step-dad."

The room fell into a heavy silence as everyone processed the new information. Finally, Shinichi spoke up. "It seems that the Nagano family is involved in this case more than we initially thought."

"Wait, Shiro has a stepdad...what?!" even Emiko struggled to process all of this.

With Ranran's joining the connections, it made her realize, "Wait, Shiro's stepdad's surname has the word 'Nagano', does this means-"

"Yes, that likely means Shiro isn't biologically part of the family."

Hearing this mindblowing information after everyone processed the new information, Junko then furrowed her brows. "What does this means then?"

"I don't know about you, Junko, but if this ever ends up to the press, his career is dunzo!" Takuma points out.

"Why?" Ran grew puzzled at that angle.

"If it's true that Shiro isn't related to the Nagano family, Red Illumination, their musical band that was solely built based on their grand uncle's legacy will be finished for him, because he had no ties to them biologically, Ran," Shinichi explained. "It would create a huge scandal because now his fans would think he got lucky since he was adopted into the family, and his reputation as a musician would be completely destroyed."

"Who cares about that nowadays!? He earned his right as a musician through his own efforts!" Emiko slams the table in response.

"That may be true, Emiko," Genzo chimed in, "But unfortunately, the media and public opinion can be unforgiving. And if this scandal were to break out, it would not only affect Shiro's career but also the entire Nagano family's reputation."

Ranran nodded in seriousness, "Not to mention that if this secret is what Desmond used to blackmail the hiring manager, then it's possible that he could use this information to further manipulate the Nagano family into getting the job there."

Silence filled the room once more as they all contemplated the gravity of the situation. It was clear that the case was much more complex and tangled than they initially thought, "Do you think his two cousins were aware of this?" It suddenly occurs to Michio of this thought, "I mean I can't imagine that if they knew he had no blood ties to Shiro at all..."

"Don't be ridiculous, Michio! We are living in the 21st century! Who would torment someone who has been raised under the same family for so many years!?" Junko blasted at him, "Sure, they might not be blood-related, but even so-"

"Cinderella suffered under her step-sisters, you know? And they are not related at all, kept mistreating Cinderella as if she is a freeloader, even though the house originally belonged to Cinderella." Ranran reminded the secretary.

"They are paternal cousins!" Emiko rattled, then adds, "Also, they don't live under the same roof according to their interviews! Ryo and Kyo live with their parents while Shiro with his paternal grandparents! How is Shiro leaching onto them the way one would put it?"

"I mean their success was based on the grand uncle from the Nagano family. Would he have found success if he didn't end up with the Naganos?" Junko commented.

Genzo interjected to calm down the rising tension in the room. "Let's not jump to conclusions or assumptions. We don't have enough evidence to suggest whether his cousins had anything to do with Ryo's kidnapping or Red Illumination's involvement with the kidnapper. However, this new information gives us a new lead to follow up on and investigate."

Shinichi nodded in agreement, "Genzo's right. We need to stay focused and gather more evidence before we can make any conclusions or assumptions." Thinking about how Ogawa mentioned he was surprised to learn about the fact that Elijah was a fraud at the last minute, especially since records regarding any info about the previous hiring manager for the security team were non-existent, it then occur to Shinichi, "There were no existing records about this manager when we looked into it. Could it be they-"

"Not 'could it be' Shinichi, it's a definite yes that the records were destroyed intentionally," Ranran corrected her partner, "If the records exist, chances are the press might end up obtaining them and could potentially leave a bad reputation onto Red Illumination, especially Shiro. The Nepotism thing is just the tip of the iceberg, but the stepdad is another.."

"So it looks like we're dealing with a bigger conspiracy here," Emiko remarked, her eyes gleaming with excitement.

"How did Desmond actually get hold of this info I wonder?" Takuma tilts his head in a puzzled stance, "I doubt that the former hiring manager would bother to tell anyone about his relations with Shiro."

"It's certainly possible," Genzo replied, "We still have a lot of investigating to do, but it's looking more and more likely that this is not just a random kidnapping. There may be deeper ties to the Nagano family at play here."

Ranran leaned back in her chair, deep in thought. "This is enough to open more cans of worms.?"

"That's what we need to find out," Genzo said firmly. "And we're going to need all the help we can get to solve this case." The sergeant got to his feet. "This case is getting more dangerous by the hour," He told them. "You all have done some very good detective work so far, but right now, this HAS to stop. I don't want either of you trying to solve the mystery yourselves."

Michio's mother appeared behind in the doorway "Michio, you understand why don't you?" she asked him.

Michio looked from her to Sergeant Genzo and nodded.

"But what if we think of something" he wanted to know. "What if we have a breakthrough idea?"

Sergeant Genzo gave him a stiff smile as he left the room. "I can't stop you thinking, Michio, but that's ALL you can do. You can call me whenever you like. But I don't want you to do any more investigating on your own, is that clear?"

The moment Genzo left, Takuma jumped up when Sergeant Genzo closed the door "It's not fair," he grumbled.

"When did life ever been fair to us? Even the cops didn't want us to be involved when Ryo went missing, "Ranran sighs.

"Still, that doesn't mean this investigation is going to be over." Junko decided.

"What?! Ranran, please, not this again. We talked about taking in dangerous case-eh, wait a minute, Junko!? Am I hearing it all?!"Michio was a little taken aback at Junko's behaviour. Normally, she is against taking in dangerous cases, so to hear it from his classmate was unexpected.

"Yes, Michio. We can't just sit back and do nothing," Junko said firmly. "We have to do something to help Shiro and his family. And if the police won't let us investigate, then we'll have to do it ourselves."

Hearing this was unexpected, but then Ranran's knowing look led the other members of the group to exchange glances. 

It was her feelings for the keyboardist, Kyo, which is why.

They knew Junko had a crush on Kyo, but they didn't realize how much it was influencing her decision-making. Now Ranran would normally kick her out of the team on standby since Shinichi knew this kind of behaviour is unaccepted in the real world.

But then there are tons of problems likely to erupt should she does so. And Shinichi learns enough after comprehending how politics through his mentor.

As soon as Michio is able to fill in the dots, he groans while arguing, "Investigate what? We're off the case! Didn't you hear!?"

"I do, loud and clear. But you are grounded, but Takuma ain't. He is still free to investigate."

"That is right! Junko has a point!"Takuma jumped up.

"But Sergeant Genzo was referring to all of us," Emiko reminded Junko, "not just Michio alone."

"We ain't truly investigating, we are just locating. There is a difference. All he needs to do is find the kidnapper's hideout, end of the story." Junko insisted, making Michio more annoyed than ever.

"Why are you so insistent on it," Suddenly, Michio felt a tug from his jacket, he turn to the left to see Takuma, shaking his head while his eyes urge Michio to stare at Junko's.

After a while, Michio seems to get it and cleared his throat before a collective sigh, "You know what? I agree."

"Eh!?" Junko was surprised at his response.

"I am handing off, I am in for it." Michio didn't want to argue, earning a puzzled look from everyone.

"No, actually Ranran is right," Shinichi raised his hand as he typed in the search definition between 'locating' and 'investigating' in his phone, before showing it to him, "See? There is a huge difference."

"Anyway, how are we going to figure out his hiding location? Like, what is your suggestion for locating this Ejijah guy? Or Desmond, since that is his real name."Emiko asked.

"Neh guys," Suddenly Ranran says, "Desmond is an American, right?"

"Yeah? Why did you ask?" Shinichi blinked.

"That meant he has raised his whole life in the United States, deshou?"

Ran who is listening to this in silence, questions the founder, "What is your point?"

"Everyone," With an amused expression, Ranran announced to the group, "Assumed that you have just recently kidnapped someone, but you all had the experience on how cops operate, where would you all hide the person? Specifically, mention the names of the places you might do so, and why."

The group looked at each other in surprise. Ranran had a point. If the kidnappers had experience with law enforcement, they might have a strategy in place for hiding Ryo.

Ran was the first to speak. "Well, if I was hiding someone, I would probably try to find a secluded area where there aren't many people around. Maybe an abandoned building or a remote cabin, like Taiki Hut or Rei Hideaway."

Junko chimed in. "But I would also consider places that are easily accessible but not well-travelled. Like Okamoto Storage, since it wouldn't draw too much attention, but still has enough space to hold someone."

"For me, I will hide him underground," Shinichi suggested. "Maybe in an abandoned subway tunnel like Yami no Kage Tunnel, or a storm drain. It would be difficult for the police to search those areas without the proper equipment."

"For me, I would keep him in a vehicle," Michio added. "I could be driving around, constantly changing their location to avoid detection."

"Well, if I had to hide someone," Takuma said, "I would choose a remote area like Shirakawa Woods. It is difficult to access, where no one would accidentally stumble upon us."

"That's a good point," Shinichi agreed. "But it's also risky. It's easy to get lost in the wilderness, and you might end up getting caught."

"I would choose an abandoned city, namely, Wakayama-shi," Emiko added. "Somewhere there is no person in sight. So even if he runs around to seek help, it will be pointless."

With Ranran clapping at their answers, her grin grows wider, "So you are all able to come up with the answers easily. But what if I ask all of you to name locations to hide the person you kidnapped in the U.K.?"

"It ain't possible!" exclaimed Ran.

"Why not?"

"We don't live there!" Ran brought up this flaw, "How can we come up with the names of such locations-"

It was then Shinichi jumped from his seat, "Desmond doesn't live here, and it was Red Illumination's first time touring here, so how could he have known that Asagiri-dori city was abandoned? So safe that when he hid Ryo there, no one will ever look for him there? Desmond was raised in the United States his whole life."

Everyone fell silent as they realized Shinichi was onto something. "That's right," Michio said slowly, "Desmond couldn't have known about Asagiri-dori unless he had been here before, or unless someone had told him about it."

"But who could have told him?" Takuma asked, furrowing his brows.

"The only person we know for sure that he's been in contact with is that same mole I mentioned earlier," Ranran pointed out, "He or she is familiar with that city, let alone, all of your way of life."

Everyone stares at Ranran in awe, of her ability to think outside the box.

"If what Ranran said is true, that meant the pool of suspects had grown massively," Takuma is unpleased with the developments of this case, "We could be talking about either the cops who were stationed there or the staff's family members..."

"I think we may not need to look far," Shuffling the files in an organized manner, Shinichi then pass around the investigation to everyone, "Last night after returning home from the hotel, I looked up the profile of Ogawa's assistant. And get this, his parents used to live at Asagiri."

"Wait, you mean the assistant, Harada Matsuo?" Michio asked, looking at Shinichi in surprise.

"Yes, Matsuo's parents used to live in Asagiri-dori," Shinichi confirmed, "And he's been working closely with Ogawa for years. He could have easily told Desmond about the city and its safe location."

"But if he did this, why?" Emiko asked, confused.

"That's what we need to find out," Shinichi replied, "We need to talk to Matsuo and see what he knows."

"But how are we going to talk to him?" Takuma pointed out.

"We'll have to be careful and discreet," Ranran said, "But I think I will be bringing Shinichi alone in this one."

".....why?" Ran straightened her posture.

"Ejijah or Desmond is very likely not taken off far from the hotel."

All eyes grew big at Ranran's theory. "Think about it, just because he is no longer working there, doesn't mean he is going to leave from there permanently. Like, his ransom is still unpaid there. So he is definitely going to stay close to the hotel at all costs."

"I see, what Ranran is trying to say is that he has to keep an eye on things."Shinichi rubbed his chin," or else kiss goodbye to the ransom."

"So in other words, if I see him again I'll just follow him to where he's taken Ryo, and this time I'll have my phone with me. It's not really detective work, is it?"Takuma explained, "It's more like tracking, do you know what I mean?"

"No, Takuma cannot be there.We won't send you there, "Ranran shook her head.

"Why not!?"

"Because Takuma, it's too dangerous," Shinichi cautioned. "For you, he already knows you by sight. If he sees you hanging around the hotel one last time, he might try to get rid of you. Permanently."

Ran meanwhile shuddered. "I agree."

Emiko agreed, stretching her long arms."But you will update us, right? The developments of the case?"

"Of course, we will keep you updated," Shinichi reassured Emiko, "And Takuma, we'll find another way for you to contribute to the investigation."

Takuma nodded reluctantly, understanding the risks involved. "Alright, I trust you guys."

As soon as everyone went their separate ways from the main HQ since it is lunchtime. Takuma then pulled his friend Ranran aside to whisper to her, "You were right, Junko is merely using Kyo as a consolation prize because she can't get Michio to confess to her...."

"I told you so, nothing good has ever come out of her. The only sole reason for her joining this association in the first place was just so to make sure Michio doesn't end up with anyone but herself." Ranran rolled her eyes before the two finally made it out of the street, the sky is as blue as usual.

Takuma nodded in agreement. "Luckily I know you long enough to know that Michio arguing for Junko to stop looking into this case was one of her tactics to get him to fess up. But at least now we know, and we can keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn't do anything reckless or harmful."

Ranran smiled. "Exactly. If Michio continues on, Junko will not only get what she wants from him, she will also kick us out of the main headquarters, since in the first place that HQ belonged to his mom in the first place."

"Until you and Shinichi find another HQ that frees you from Ran and Junko, you are both stuck with what you both can get," Takuma nodded. Then Takuma noted Ranran's walking is a little sluggish. "Tired?" he asked.

Ranran nodded. "Yeah, worked a lot since this case."

"You should take a break," Takuma suggested. "Go somewhere and relax. Maybe a day at the spa or a short trip somewhere."

Ranran shook her head. "I can't just leave the case like that. Besides, we're making progress. Shinichi and I will be heading out to investigate soon."

As expected from her, very hardworking to the bone. Unlike Mouri Ran, all that girl ever knows how to do is cause unnecessary trouble and make everything about herself like that murderer friend of hers. Takuma mused to himself.

There are two kinds of children that earn his respect: The amusing ones and the hard-working ones.

And then there is Kudo Ranran, the witty, cunning yet at times put tons of effort in her detective career. When he first learns through Reina that Ranran was originally 'The Fox', the infamous child detective who vanished from the spotlight, he was shaken to the core.

But as he got to know her better, he realized that Ranran was not just an elusive legend, but a child with real strengths and weaknesses. And he respected her even more for that. If only that damn bird-brain heiress could do the same as Ranran would.

"Okay, but take care of yourself," Takuma reminded her. "Don't push yourself too hard."

Ranran smiled. "Thanks, Takuma. I'll make sure to take care of myself."

"Anyway, we need to be careful. We have to focus on finding Ryo, then bringing Desmond and whoever the mole he is working for to justice."

Ranran nodded in agreement. "Right. And speaking of that, I need to start planning our approach to questioning Ogawa's assistant. I'll let you know once I have something solid."

Takuma smiled. "Sounds good. I trust your instincts, Ranran."

Ranran smiled back. "Thanks, Takuma. Let's do our best to solve this case." They then parted ways, each heading to their own lunch destinations.

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

Meanwhile, it was evident that even Shinichi's walking pattern was no different than his mentor, Ranran, as Mouri Ran and Miyama Emiko noticed while they were heading for lunch.

Miyama Emiko looked at Mouri Ran and said, "Do you think Shinichi is feeling unwell? Cause judging the way he is walking...."

Mouri Ran nodded, "Even Ranran was walking oddly earlier. Maybe we should ask him if he's okay."

As they approached Shinichi, they could see that he was lost in thought, staring off into the distance. Mouri Ran gently placed a hand on his shoulder, "Shinichi, are you feeling okay? You seem a bit off today."

Shinichi shook his head and forced a smile, "I'm fine, Ran. Just a bit tired, that's all."

Miyama Emiko frowned, "Are you sure? You look like you're not walking properly."

Shinichi sighed and rubbed his forehead, "Yeah, I've just been thinking about the case. I feel like we're missing something important, but I can't quite put my finger on it."

"You sure it ain't ALS, right?" Emiko frowned.

Shinichi raised an eyebrow, "ALS? No, I don't think so. Why do you ask?"

Emiko shrugged, "It's just that walking difficulties can be one of the early signs of ALS. My paternal aunt had it, so I'm always on the lookout for these symptoms."

Shinichi nodded thoughtfully, "Thanks for your concern, Emiko. But it's just fatigue and stress from the case. We've been working on it non-stop for days now."

"ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease," Emiko explained. "To cut it short, it can cause difficulty with movement, speech, and even breathing."

Ran asked, "Are they no cure for ALS?"

Emiko shook her head, "Unfortunately, there is no known cure for ALS at the moment. Treatment can only help manage the symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. It basically makes you doomed for life."

Shinichi questions, "How old was your aunt when she discovered having ALS?"

Emiko replied, "When she was around my age."

"Your age?" Shinichi frowned, "But you are nine!"

"ALS is a merciless disease. It just comes up without warning, regardless of age." Emiko could sense Shinichi and Ran staring at her with sympathy, "But worry not, my aunt is a fighter, though. She's been living with it for decades and still manages to maintain a positive attitude."

Ran smiled, "That's really admirable. Your aunt is a strong person."

Emiko sighed, "Even so, she did mention it was easier to die than remain alive. She always called it the 'Puppet Disease'."

"Why would she call it that?" Ran became baffled.

"A puppet can't dance or perform without strings. Emiko's aunt is basically trapped in a body she no longer has control of the way we have." Shinichi replies solemnly.

"As Shinichi said, it is spot on," Emiko smiled faintly, "I think a week later...she will no longer be around anymore."

"I'm sorry for her, Emiko." Ran expressed her sympathy.

"It's alright, the worst thing is to live a long life with that disease."  Emiko's bitter smile was enough to bring this conversation to a halt.

As the three continue to head their way to lunch, Ran almost forgot to ask, "So Emiko, how was your date with Shiro by the way? Before the incident took place."

"The date was unexpectedly...surprisingly good."

"Really?" Shinichi and Ran exchanged looks before glancing back at Emiko.

"We didn't talk about love, shared things about our families and all. Surprisingly, he seems relaxed, a far cry from how he was portrayed in the media as some 'bad boy'. Oh right," Emiko smiled at the earlier phone call, "He even called me personally to apologize for the media going after my identity."

"That's very considerate of him," Ran said with a smile.

Shinichi crosses his arms, "Is that the reason why you insist that Shiro is innocent? Thanks to that phone call?"

"No, I analyzed him based on my intel exchange experience," Emiko answered.

"Eh? What do you mean?" Ran tilts her head.

Emiko explained, "Before I exchange information with the kids in our school, I always pay attention to their behaviour, the way they talk, the way they react to certain things. And based on my analysis, Shiro doesn't seem like the type of person who would commit a crime like this."

"On what grounds?" Shinichi is still sceptical.

Emiko continued, "Well, for starters, the first time we met...he didn't believe in me that I was literally part of Tantei Association."

"Eh?" Ran reacts in unison alongside Shinichi.

"When we were masquerading as fake Youtubers to meet up with one of the members at that hotel when I handed him the same business card I designed for all of you, he didn't buy a word."

"How does this make him innocent?" Shinichi grew perplexed.

"Do you remember that during the premiere when Muniko invited us where the press interviewed us?" Earning nods, Emiko continued, "Our faces were blurred, and voices were distorted. Celebrities...live in a different kind of world, they are very wary of anyone who lies or holds a camera no less. A normal celebrity, like Shiro for example, would not buy a word even when I hand to him our business card, sensing we might have been a fraud, and that we were not the child detectives from the interview. Kyo on the other hand...warmly invited us and didn't question or doubt that we might not be who we claim to be."

Shinichi rubbed his chin in thought, "I see what you mean. So, you're saying that Shiro's behaviour is consistent with a normal response, while Kyo's behaviour is consistent with someone who is more trusting?"

"Exactly, though I wouldn't be certain that the word 'trusting' actually applies to Kyo," Emiko nodded, before adding, "Shiro may have his flaws, but I don't believe he's capable of something like that. As for Kyo however...it felt like he is doing this for his own agenda."

Ran looked thoughtful, "Now that you mention it...I found it odd that he let us off easily when we were there."

"Not to mention, Kyo wants us to get involved in looking for his missing brother...it is fishy." Shinichi can't help but think.