The moment the announcement of the lead singer of her favourite band, Red illumination, vanished, Suzuki Sonoko has no idea what to make of this.

But soon, feelings of despair, horror and disappointment became too evident to contain, especially when her expression says it all. Once more, another thing is not heading her way.

Just like the time Shinichi had walked out of her and Ran's life to be with that she-demon...she couldn't even enjoy her favourite band performing to escape from all of the hardships she and her best friend Ran had to face in Teitan Elementary school. It was as if the universe is punishing her to make sure she can never be happy, all because she 'wronged' Ranran.

Is that it? Without the lead singer....that meant no performance, which also means they had to head home, back to reality. And Sonoko hate it, she truly did. Why can't something go her way for once? Did God have to be that cruel to do this to her?

"This sucks, also for Ryo to vanish....? How in the world did that happen?" Takuma couldn't help but frown.

"Could it be a medical emergency? I know of some situations like this on life Tv where singers suddenly fainted and ended up hospitalised." Moriko pointed out.

"But we followed every single member on their Twitter account, when they each retweeted the countdown to their concert, if any of them were sick, wouldn't they have posted a tweet that they would be postponing this in advance instead of having it today?" Ran doubts.

"I doubt Ryo is sick, he posted on Instagram yesterday chillin' in the roof swimming pool with the other two at some hotel they were in around this country." Junko thinks before adding, "Would someone who happens to be sick could go out swimming all day?"

"Maybe he fell sick today, illness can be unpredictable at times," Michio pondered about it, "When I was babysitting this particular kid last year, this one is a 2-year-old, she seemed fine. But then around morning, she started coughing badly while being all so dizzy, I ended up calling emergency and her parents when they found out she had an ear infection."

"Yeah, but Ryo is around your age, not a baby who can't talk to say they are unwell," Reina argued, before reminding the elder boy, "Majima, the person on the stage announced he has 'vanish' earlier. Even if he was sick, it is mandatory for him to reveal it so that their fans understand it despite being disappointed."

"Whether he is sick or not, we can all agree with this: We have no show, and we have to head home later on after waiting in here aimlessly to death. Had I known this was going to happen, I would've stayed put like Ranran and Shinichi were." Emiko sighs in disappointment before standing up,  urging the others, "Come on guys. Anyone wants to head to the washroom now?"

But before that could happen, Suzuki Sonoko leap to her feet. "No! The show doesn't end till I say so! Come on, everyone!" she called. "Let's get to the bottom of it once in for all!"

"Woah, say what now!?" Takuma and the rest of the association members froze, even Ran was no exception the moment Sonoko left them on their own.

"Sonoko, wait up!" Ran shouted, chasing after her.

Michio jumped up beside Junko, "Suzuki, where in the world are you heading?" he protested. "You heard what the man said. The police are currently searching the entire stadium, so no one is allowed to move till one stays put."

"He is right!" Junko backed Michio, "If the police have ordered the audience to remain in their seats while they investigate, it's likely that they are trying to gather information and assess the situation to ensure everyone's safety."

"Not to mention, you going up to look for the missing Ryo would create all sorts of rumours." Reina pointed out, "The reason for all of this is also to avoid spreading rumours or speculation about the singer's disappearance."

"In the first place, doesn't it bother all of you that we paid to see a show but ended up getting nothing?" Sonoko is a little frustrated by their reactions.

"Not really," Heads turned their attention to Moriko, "If you are worried about not getting a refund, we will get it back since we have no show. Otherwise, we just need to get Ranran involved to get our money back."

"No! I ain't worried about that! I mean we should get to the bottom of this, and ensure we get what we pay for!" Everyone grew puzzled, not understanding where the heiress was heading with this. "Guys, have you forgotten how we arrived here?!"

"Through a taxi," Moriko remarked, "We agreed that sharing a cab with the expenses would be cheaper, although we have a mutual dislike over the situation with your friend and Ranran, we can all agree that we have a mutual love for Red Illumination.."

"Exactly!" Sonoko snap her finger, "And who did we borrow the additional funds from despite not having enough to cover our expenses to get here and back?"

Suddenly, every single child began to realize where Sonoko was heading with this.

To travel all the way to this stadium and back home, the funds they managed to pool were not completely enough for travelling. Even though Suzuki Sonoko was born with a golden spoon, her actions towards Ranran had forfeited her rights to even use their personal chauffeur to take her and Ran there. She could've used her savings, but it is non-existent for someone who spent her money aimlessly, which is why she begged her doting uncle to buy for her and ran in the first place.

Making matters worst was that the stadium where Red Illumination's concert is held was located in the capital city of Japan, which is around the Tokyo region, a long distance from Beikai district. Any form of travelling between their place to the capital city is bound to be costly. Even more so since it was going to cause major traffic thanks to the supposedly large fandom. The heavier the traffic, the more they are forced to fork out money to the driver.

It didn't help that even if one takes public transport such as a bus or a train, the popularity of Red Illumination did little to slow down human traffic. A point proven when the infamous rockstar of the Nagano family made his first live concert announcement decades ago, the traffic cost his fans a major 6-hour delay that a riot took place.

So initially, Ran considered contacting Shinichi's neighbour, Professor Agasa, to drive them there with his beetle. That wouldn't have been an issue, had he not headed to a company trip meeting in another region of Japan, around the same week the Red Illumination concert is about to begin. Another option was to use the transportation Shinichi had brought over for the association, however, he recently sent all of them under repair works to Agasa, so that option to was cut off. Sonoko suggest renting a bike at some point, but then it wasn't convenient for them upon learning too many complications under their terms and conditions since they do charge a penalty fee if anything happens.

The last option was to get Ran's dad to rent a car to drive them there. Problem was, the father is still recuperating from the hospital after dealing with one of the cases, as his ex-wife, Ran's mom, is reluctantly looking after him with her poor cooking skill. Oh yes, her cooking was awful, it sent shivers to Ran and Sonoko.

So with that many issues, Sonoko was considering selling the tickets she bought a month prior for herself and Ran in disappointment. That was until they accidentally overheard the 4 other members of the Tantei Association, including Moriko and Reina, talking about travel expenses being a problem huge in school, till Moriko thinks, "Should we try to find any children in this school who is about to head to the concert then? Split our expenses when we take a cab there?"

"I think getting people to talk about Red Illumination is easy, but to get people to fork out money is another, Moriko." Reina frowned with doubt in her eyes, "I mean the taxi fees are expensive. Do you think those kids would equally distribute?"

"Exactly, Rei-chan," Even Takuma showed a grim expression, folding his arms at her, "Let's not forget that Red Illumination is going to be selling tons of limited edition merchandise at the concert plus the glow sticks. All of that needs money, who in their right mind would want to splurge half of their money on taxi rides when they plan to buy those things?"

"Exactly," Junko and Michio nod.

The majority of the kids in Teitan Elementary were huge die-hard fans who would do anything to obtain those merchandise, so it won't be surprising if those kids ever hitched a ride on the same taxi, the last thing they will do is give their equal share out of selfish reasons.

"How is it that neither of us has someone who owns a private car to drive us there?" Junko was frustratingly pinching her nose bridge between her specs.

"Well, our parents will be taking the car to work, especially on a holiday no less." Reina groaned.

After listening to all of that, Ran and Sonoko were about to offer to split the expenses, but then they realise they may not be in the position to, especially after all of the drama they have caused to Ranran and Shinichi. There was no way Takuma, Reina and Moriko who are friends with Ranran are going to agree with this.

Then again, they couldn't see the harm in asking. And so they did. To their surprise, as much as they do detest them personally, for the sake of attending the concert, they are going to call it a truce temporarily. And so far, things were looking up.

But just when they were able to come to a solution, surfaced another problem, this one from the Japanese government. To avoid another similar problem involving a 6-hour delay in traffic regarding concerts, there was a huge increase in taxi fares, this was to discourage the use of vehicles on the road and use public transport to reduce traffic. Which was very controversial up to a point, protests were made by the fans but the politicians didn't care.

This poses a problem for the children, since now they realized even with the amount of money they pooled, it wasn't enough to take all 8 of them there thanks to the hike. At some point, Moriko and Sonoko were this close to cursing foul language thanks to the asshole for ruining their plans.

So the following day, around 2 days before the concert, they had an emergency meeting at a cafe after the last day of school ended, while attempting to come up with all sorts of ways to make the remaining money.

"Should we ask our parents to lend us money?" Reina suggests.

"No way," Takuma shook his head at his girlfriend, "I did the math with the taxi fee, the cost is enough to give them a stroke."

"Should we do sales? Like sell homemade cookies and earn it back?" It was Ran's turn to toss her idea.

"In 2 days, there is no way we can make it," Emiko disagrees.

"Are they any odd jobs for children here we can do? To get us instantly paid?" Moriko turn to ask no one.

That's when Takuma came up with an idea, "Wait, we have one more idea we hadn't tried yet."

"Which is?" Ran prompted him to speak.

"The problem is...she would be very reluctant to lend us the money." Takuma glumly says.

"She?" Michio and the rest grew puzzled by Takuma's words.

"Who is she? Tak-san?! Just say it!" Sonoko demanded, "If she demands it to be returned, I will do everything in my power to return it later on!"

"Ranran's...emergency funds." Takuma's hushed tone says it all.

Everyone grew quiet at Takuma's words, "No! This option is off-limits!" Ran had to put her foot down.

The fund in question was none other than the supposed emergency funds reserved for Tantei Association. When she obtained it, it was according to her apprentice earned through 'illegal means'. Extortion, blackmailing, stealing, you name it, all of them were obtained through the bullies of Teitan Elementary school. Throughout the cases they had solved, it has been left untouched, and according to Takuma, if he request from her, it would have been sufficient enough to cover the taxi expenses and send them back home.

And this obviously brought protests from others, in a way, it is still 'illegal'.

But then Reina finally said something that brought them to a halt, "Guys, I don't know about you, but when we return to this school and hear other people talking about how glad they headed to the concert, are we going to bear with it? Especially that damn Amaya rubbing it in our faces?"

The mere mention of Amaya's name was enough to send everyone's blood boiling, even Ran since Amaya is also Mamiko's half-brother, a school bully who brought nothing but pain towards everyone. The same boy who called Ranran a 'bastard'.

The reason why everyone was riled up by his bragging regarding his obtaining those Red Illumination tickets was for good reasons: He ruined the chances for them to acquire them in the first place: He was doing ticket scalping.

The act of ticket scalping is when one resales the ticket to make a profit. Before the whole school were aware that Amaya and Mamiko were related, let alone, became wealthy thanks to their dominitrix or prostitute mother, the organizer for Red Illumination had set out a time period whereby the tickets were affordable even for a child.

Well, that went horribly wrong when someone anonymously bought all of it and resold tripled the price online. Meanwhile, at that time, Amaya was busy bragging about his plans, how selling all those tickets finally led him to be able to obtain him sitting at front-row seats. Back then, there was a total of 99 tickets, and even though it was cheap, children were puzzled over how he was able to afford it. After all, Amaya told them his mom works as a middle-income lady who runs a convenience shop.

It wasn't until the scandal between Shinichi revealing his fears about Sonoko and Mamiko plotting to do the worst to him, let alone the media revealing what his mother truly works as, following the rumours reigniting about those tickets, it was enough to trigger their hate even further against the school bully by throwing his books onto a puddle of mud, to name calling him on his desk anonymously.

Though it wasn't illegal to resell tickets in Japan, it didn't sit well with Red Illumination fans of Teitan Elementary that Amaya didn't feel remorseful when confronted, even bragged that this is how real life works, that only the rich with brains are entitled to a front-row seat, and there was nothing they could do about it.

Well, that was until his half-sister got reprimanded for attempting to stab Ranran with a knife.

Since their mother grew a little mad with the media circus thanks to the Kudo children, the chances of Amaya being allowed to head to the concert according to Emiko's intel is 10 percent. 

But knowing the bully, they are certain he is bound to sneak out and attend the concert regardless. If the 8 of them however were seen in the front row seat by Amaya, won't it make him so horrified and prove his rich entitlement values in the wrong?

Though...that plan itself is going to need to take a back seat if they can't get the money to take transport.

The children were torn. They desperately wanted to see their idols perform, but they also knew that using the funds earned through illegal means was wrong. Would they be any different than Amaya if they relied on Ranran? Just to teach him a lesson? "Can we just host a fundraiser, selling handmade crafts and baked goods, to raise the money we need?" Michio can't help but groan.

"Michio, you do the math, 2 days isn't enough to get us there." Takuma commented, sinking in deeper into his seat, "Another problem is that Ranran doesn't like the both of you, and I know she doesn't like Red Illumination."

"Wait, I thought you are her friend!" Ran suddenly realizes this, "Won't she just simply lend you some money and you return it"

"Being her friend is one thing, but money is another," Moriko rolled her eyes, "Before we became friends, she had always been that way." She then sides eye at her cousin while Takuma nods in silence, "According to Reina, Ranran used to be raised in the slums. Money was tight back then during the first 2 years of her life since she was born into this world. She only got lucky because her mother's biological paternal family manage to locate Ranran's family, that was how she ended up enrolling into the prestigious Edgewood Academy later on because there was no longer anymore heir or heiresses besides Ranran's family."

"Eh, I had no idea!" Junko said, shocked, "I always thought she was just naturally wealthy and privileged just like Shinichi-kun. Who knew...."

Michio nodded, "Me too. It's easy to assume that someone who attends a prestigious school and has a lot of money must have had a privileged upbringing, but it's not always the case. I wouldn't even have guessed she was poor, because of the way she carried herself in front of me and everyone around us. Her mannerism reminded me of a daughter of a noble family."

"That's true," Moriko added, "Ranran may have money now, but it doesn't mean she's changed her ways, she always justifies that there is a possibility of losing it all, so she kept many backup savings, especially the illegal funds in the association. To me, I guess she is still the same person who grew up in the slums, and money still holds a significant meaning to her. That's why she will never lend it out when I once asked her to lend me 100 plus yen for sushi, then Reina explained it to me about it."

"In a way, it may have sounded 'selfish' on her part, but it is a never-ending trauma one has to live with when one is deprived of many things. I guess she still even to this day remains in survival mode." Takuma deeply sighs before thinking, "Should we call this off?"

Everyone was hesitant to answer the boy in the cap's decision. In the first place, the children had been eagerly waiting for the concert for a month. It was the talk of the town, and everyone wanted to be there. Touching the funds of illegal means goes against their moral conscience, even so...are they willing to put up with Amaya bragging about heading to the Red Illumination concert?

The thought of not borrowing the money from Ranran would dampen their excitement.

"No!" Ran finally decides, slamming the table while attracting everyone's attention, "I am not going to give any of them, especially Mamiko's brother, the win he deserves! Especially Red Illumination concert!"

"I hate to admit this, but she is right!" Takuma joined by slamming the table with his fist, "Guys, do all of you want Amaya to brag above his high horse? It's about time we drag him down the mud!"

The children were in a difficult predicament, but they were determined to attend the concert at all costs. With much consideration, it was decided that they would approach Ranran to loan them the funds. Despite ruining their morals in the process, it would be good to show Amaya 

Finally, a decision was made. Ranran's 'funds' had to be involved. In the first place, the money was earned through the bullies who tried to ruin her, so it was justifiable for everyone.

However, it was easier said than done.

The moment Ranran and the apprentice got word of this, they turned down their request on the get-go. The funds may have been 'illegal', but it was reserved for the association's use, not to attend some concert featuring boybands. Also, Shinichi felt like Ran and Sonoko didn't deserve it, after all of the things they did to his mentor.

So they pleaded, begged, and even Ran and Sonoko apologized for several hours over the things the two girls did to them, but Ranran and Shinichi remained firm in their decision.

Just when all hope seemed lost, Shinichi suggest that Ranran give them a proposal since the 8 children refuse to budge. Thinking about this, Ranran then said, "If you want my funds, each of you has to offer me and Shinichi something of value in return."

The children eagerly accepted Ranran's terms and quickly set off to make arrangements.

........

Long story short, the members of the association promised them additional 3 hours of overtime should any major case pop up for a month. For Moriko, Reina and Sonoko, would need to take over Ranran's and Shinichi's classroom duty roster for a month, which they were alright with it. The contract was all done on paper, and they had no regrets about it at all. It was a better deal compared to having to pay her back actual money. 

Well...that was until Ryo's vanishing announcement was made.

"Don't get me wrong, but we went through a lot of hurdles to pool the money to get us here. We had the right to know what was truly going on for the musicians that we paid for, don't we not? If Ryo is sick, we will leave it be. But the word 'vanish'...supposedly he was kidnap, shouldn't the five of you: Emiko, Ran, Michio, Junko and Takuma be in charge of looking into this? You are all detectives, and one of your specialty involves looking for people who are kidnapped! Ain't in all of your jobs to bring him back if that is the case?!"

One by one, each of them nods to Sonoko.

"She is right!" Junko becomes riled up, "We went through a lot to get the money from Ranran! If there is a problem in the show we paid for, we had the right to fix it if Ryo was kidnapped!"

"Precisely!" That thought suddenly occurred to Emiko, "If they are kidnap, the sooner we bring Ryo back, then we can continue on with the show!"

"Yeah!" Ran throw her fist up in the air.

"Exactly!" Michio agreed, and so did Reina and Moriko who gave a silent nod at that speech.

"But guys," Everyone's eyes shift to Takuma, who quietly brought up, "Ranran and Shinichi banned us from taking in cases involving celebrities. It was in the rule book. Did you all forget it?"

Suddenly, the rest of the members had their confidence plummet like a balloon that was inflated with air, only to burst. Sonoko was the only one confused when Moriko and Reina sigh at that thought, "Wait, why is that rule in the association?"

"To protect Ranran from that wench, that's what," Junko scoffed before explaining why, "During the King of Ruby case, we encountered a criminal mastermind's daughter who attempted to find the founder to put an end to the association. Right now, she is fooled into thinking that Michio is the founder, if she finds out it is Ranran...they are going to either force her to work for them or get her killed."

"A point was proven when her father tried to force me to marry her and join forces with them," Michio formed a grim smile.

"And Shinichi was horrified about this, so to protect her, especially after the Mamiko stabbing incident, this rule was a necessity to reduce media exposure from figuring out who the real founder is." Emiko pointed out before adding, "A case involving celebrities would mean media scrutiny. That meant exposing anything in sight."

"But hold a minute," Sonoko stopped them, "Didn't all of you attend the premiere of some movie the other day from that case? Illegitimate Extra? You all took in the case despite knowing Mr Muniko was a prominent movie investor. Hell, didn't you all attend the red carpet premiere with all of your faces blurred and omitted? Even your names were covered."

"About that...we bit more than we could chew the moment Michio's identity was leaked by one of the kids whose parents worked in the entertainment industry. At that time when the case was accepted, we did promise Muniko to keep things under wraps, until his half-brother's psychotic mother ruined everything. Which is why it lead that girl to him in the first place," Ran spat out 'wench' in a tone of disgust.

"Honestly, this couldn't have come at the worst timing," Moriko groaned, "One of them goes missing, plus the ban...what are we going to do about it?"

"Exactly, even if this is a kidnapping, there is no way Ranran and Shinichi are going to accept it," Michio whined.

"Then we might as well confront it to see whether it is the case!" Before they know it, Sonoko left them, leading them to go after her. Soon, Sonoko pointed to a door beside the stage. "That should take us round to the dressing rooms."

"You seem to be familiar with this place." Reina couldn't help but think.

"My family held many events here, so I have grown used to being familiar with this stadium." Sonoko pointed out.

"But, Sonoko, we can't go backstage," Ran hissed."We're not allowed!"

"You remember what Shinichi or Ranran say? 'As long as there is any situation beyond reasonable doubt occurring, it is our right as Detectives to head there! And I don't know about you, but I rather do something than sit all day!" argued Junko.

"Junko is right, though I rarely agree with her."Takuma points out.

"Even so....are you sure we are granted access? We are after all, still kids. If we were teenagers, at least they would let us in a bit with some convincing."Michio spoke with doubt.

"You never try, you never know." Moriko chuckled.

"True to that," Reina said.

The noise in the stadium was deafening. Fans were milling around everywhere, screaming and yelling at one another, demanding what happened to Ryo, while some were screaming is this a sick joke? Some girls were crying, scared that they won't be heading home while some of their parents who are with them shook their heads in disapproval at all of the noise and commotion going on. Junko grabbed the reluctant Michio and dragged him toward another door. "We haven't a moment to lose! Come on guys!"

The others followed. Sonoko had no sooner opened the door and raced up a short flight of stairs to the stage, the heiress then revealed, "This is normally the place where entertainers and performers have their stage room set up for them. If I am not mistaken, the members of Red Illumination should've been brought here."

But then all came to a halt when a huge man in a black sweater and jeans blocked her.

"Okay, kid, hold it!" growled a voice like gravel. "You can't come back here!"

Junko looked up at the solid mass confronting her. The man could have been a wrestler, but his face looked more like a boxer's. His left cheek was scarred and his nose had been broken in two places. His ears looked more like cabbages that was stomped on repeatedly on the ground. "Wait, are you one of their bodyguard?" Sonoko asked.

"None of your business."

"You-"

"Suzuki," Reina tap her on the shoulder to remind her, "Right now, to him, we are a group of nosy children who is interfering with his job. Prove to him your family sponsored the concert!"

"Ah right," She scratch her head nervously before scooping her phone, swiping the photos before flashing the screen before the guard, "Do you know this man?" She pointed the photo of her and her father.

Squinting at the screen, he shook his head, "No, who is he supposed to be?"

"You can't be serious, right!?" Sonoko was appalled before confronting the man, "Any organizer who arrange to have the event held in any venue the Suzuki owns...are briefed to memorize the face of the Suzuki corporation chairman, especially the staff members of the event if anything happens here! How can you not be aware of who my father is!?"

Ran, Michio and Junko were a little taken aback by that information, thinking Sonoko's dad is weird to make others memorize his face. But Takuma, Reina and Moriko who are listening to this quietly knew that Sonoko was right since Ranran did mention before that it is mandatory, mostly to prevent any financial loss after sponsoring an event. People don't just simply sponsor an event without regaining profits, that was the way how the Suzukis were able to make millions of yen because of this common practice. In a way, it is good that prevention is better than cure for this situation.

"Why does it matter whether your dad owns a high post or not? To me, you are just another child." The bouncer's mouth curved in a nasty smile while denouncing her. "Also, you aren't supposed to be here, so get back to your seats with the rest of your friends." He drawled in a thick American accent.

And this obviously ticked Sonoko off, in a way, he was clearly disrespecting her father. "Oh no, you don't! We paid for the tickets, and I have a group of child detectives who specialized in crimes! If you are not going to let us in, at least let us know: Are the stars of Red Illumination in serious danger? If so, we will leave to look for them!"

"Yeah right, as if I would tell to a bunch of elementary preschoolers." The man scoffed, which irked Sonoko further.

"Listen, I have no time to waste regarding you." The heiress confronted the burly man, "Since you won't corporate, don't stop me!"

Sonoko tried to dart past him, but the big man's hand gripped her shirt and lifted her off the ground. 

"Hey hey hey! What the hell you are doing to a girl!? You coward!"

Ran screamed as his grip on Sonoko's hand became tighter while she wrestle off him. The man's fists resembled chunks of raw meat. Other kids were screaming at him to drop her down, even Junko and Ran who knew how to fight knew trying to pry Sonoko off this man was pointless.

Suddenly a familiar face loomed up behind the bouncer.

"It's okay, I know these kids, drop them off," said Sergeant Genzo.

The bouncer dropped Junko and stepped aside, a cheated look on his brutish face. Michio dust her clothes off, asking her if she was ok before he stared at him and shuddered. If he ever see that man one more time, Michio swore he will bring in Ranran and teach this bastard a lesson or two! That man hasn't met evil and madness as Kudo Ranran herself!

Sergeant Genzo then led them into a corner. The ugly bouncer watched them go before he vanished from sight.

The backstage area was in turmoil. Uniformed police swarmed everywhere, rounding up the stadium staff. The concert crew was being searched and questioned. Cables and equipment had been pushed aside. Bodyguards were clustered around the five dressing room marked with yellow stars.

"Looks like you won't get to see the concert," the sergeant grunted, his walkie-talkie squawking continuously.

Sonoko straightened her dress while Emiko said, "That's why we came backstage," she explained. "To check what is truly going on!"

"We came all the way here to see the concert, and then the vanish announcement came up!" Ran commented, "We were so disappointed when they didn't show up after an hour of waiting."

"And you all decided why not barged into here to check?" Genzo had his hands on his hips.

"I mean this time we had legit reasons. We managed to pool enough money to have us travel here and back, so for them to not show up is something we won't tolerate." Junko argued further, "Also, the speaker who came to the mic announced that Ryo 'vanished', instead of stating he is sick. If he was sick, we were going to leave."

"But if he was kidnapped as we interpret it, Sonoko made it a point that since all of us are detectives here, why can't we look into it? I mean we paid for the tickets and taxi fares to get us to where we are. Don't you think it is unfair that we paid to see nothing?" Michio reasoned with Reina and the rest of the kids nodding to one another.

Sergeant Genzo shook his head. "This time you can't do much help apparently, since Ryo is as...the speaker mentioned: vanished. Hell, so much was going on behind-the-scenes, that I ain't even sure whether he was genuinely kidnapped or he happens to be unconscious somewhere around this stadium." He then muttered, "I shouldn't have pulled the damn unlucky stick out of our office lottery box, otherwise...I wouldn't be put in charge of police safety regarding securing the concert!"

"Wait, you were put in charged!?" Emiko exclaimed before Junko couldn't help but pinched her nose bridge, before the eldest boy in the group questioned Genzo, "Why didn't you say anything?! Had we known you were going to head there, we could've just contacted you to drive us there."

"I didn't think you all were interested, also, when I pulled the stick by chance of luck, I was ordered by my boss not to share this with anyone." Genzo justified, but it didn't help soften the blow of missed opportunity among the children.

"Oh yeah! Why didn't we think of that!?" Even Takuma and the rest were exchanging surprise glances with each other, while Sonoko face-palmed to herself, "We didn't really need to borrow money from Ranran to travel here in the first place had we known! Genzo has his own van!"

"Seriously?" Moriko mouthed, and so did Reina before voicing out, "Why did none of you actually consider contacting him!?"

"I mean to be fair, today is a Thursday, a weekday where police still work even during a public holiday. Also, he did not leave the impression based on the stories Ranran shared with us as the type who enjoy rockstars." Reina commented.

Seeing the two girls for the first time, Genzo turned to the members of Tantei Association, "And these two are...?"

"Ah right, I believed you met them for the first time," Takuma decided before introducing the two girls, "Genzo, this girl next to me here is Reina, my girlfriend and Ranran's best friend. And her cousin through her step-dad, Moriko. Also Ranran's friend."

The two girls greeted before Genzo wondered, "Eh!? Takuma has a girlfriend!? But aren't you like...six!?"

By this point, Genzo wondered are children in this age and era progressing a little too much when it comes to relationships. But then another thing dawned on him, "Hang on a minute..."He counted the number of children surrounding him, "There are 8 of you here including Tantei Association...where are Ranran and Shinichi?!"

"About that....well...."Ran was hesitant to speak.

"The two don't like Red Illumination, so they ain't with us." Sonoko summarized it shortly and simply, thinking he didn't need to know about the drama that is going on between Shinichi, Ranran and the rest of them.

"Ah...is that so?" Genzo's brow then furrowed with worry, deciding he will ask about Takuma's love life and the obvious strain between Ranran, Shinichi and the gang that he is able to sense, "Right now,  I've got the international media coming down, CNN, BBC and MTV, and I've even got the American ambassador on his way..."  

"Wait, why would the American ambassador be arriving here?" Sonoko couldn't help but wonder, "The boys are born Japanese!"

"I mean to be fair, they lived in the US for a long time to gain citizenship as musicians. So if any of them go missing in a foreign country since they arrived here in Japan, especially since they are rock stars, it would make sense for him to come over!" Emiko suddenly figures.

"Anyway, with that said, supposedly it is a confirmed kidnapping, I suggest you let them, "Sonoko pointed at Ran, Takuma, Michio, Junko and Emiko, "Do their job locating him."

"That's right!" Ran said, "We paid to see them, it's our right that since we are detectives, we looked into this before we can watch the concert!"

"I don't think that would be possible," Genzo shook his head at them, "The press is about to arrive, and I don't think the whole lot of you can handle it." 

"But, Sergeant Genzo, "Sonoko pleaded, "They solved major cases that not even your own men were capable of solving!"

"And we're their fans," Insisted Emiko. "We know more about them than you do."

"And we have the experience this time," Takuma told him. "Not that you're old or anything," she added hastily with a smile.

Sergeant Genzo lifted his hands in protest. "I know you're good detectives, especially since the ruby case, the illegitimate case, as well as the Extinction Heist case, but my superior is also here as well."

"Your superior-"Then it dawned on Takuma, "You mean your boss?"

"That's right," Genzo confirmed before elaborating, "Recently, some of the officers there had been thrown in prison, thanks to some woman bribing them."

"A woman?" Junko tilts her head.

"Ah, I think you might not be aware," Genzo realizes this while explaining further, "I ain't sure how much are you aware, but I think one of your schoolmates, which is that woman's daughter, recently tried to stab a school child?"

Recalling Mamiko's murder attempt on Ranran, Michio tried to prompt the reluctant Genzo to share more about it, "What about that incident?"

"Well...before all of this took place, this woman has anonymously exposed to the media thanks to...her choice of profession," The man paused for a moment, then he hesitantly continued, "We...recently uncovered evidence that she had been manipulating powerful figures with her charm, including some of my colleagues."

With a long pause, Genzo knew as painful this was to him, he had no other choice.

"Our reputation as cops has taken a huge hit since the corruption scandal from last year, and lately, the three major cases your association had solved did not sit well with my superior. He thinks it was thanks to your founder and the apprentice, the public perception now thinks all of us were fools to leave a group of children to solve the case."

One by one, they soon get it where Genzo was trying to direct them. Just like what Ranran briefed them in the HQ one time, there are politics still going on within the police force. In their heads, they knew there are some cops who dislike Tantei Association because the founder is not only smarter than them, she put their abilities to shame.

As a result, the superior who Genzo is working for is outraged that a child is presumably making fun of him. Instead of caring for the victims, the superior was more concerned about the image, but since Tantei Association's presence had made it all so prominent, it's no surprise people would do anything to remove the association's influence away from their police work.

Although Genzo isn't one of them, it was evident there are those who disregard them. Which obviously didn't sit well with the children who are learning all of this recently.

"But you ain't a fool! Those incompetent ones are!" Michio disagreed, and so did the others.

"I will get to that," Genzo tried to calm them down, "Anyway, I did insist on having all of you over, but as you can see...my hands are tied for this one." Genzo's eyes narrowed warily.

"Oh, so I see where that idiot guy is heading with this." Emiko rolled her eyes, before confronting bluntly, "He didn't like that we are becoming more successful, so they are more interested in taking credit should they be able to find him, just so as to restore their corrupted image, correct?"

Genzo did not answer, but it was clear as day and night when Sonoko and the rest of the children grew mad at Genzo's superior. "For him to put this nonsense above the victim's safety!? Wow...no wonder Ranran barely had any trust over them!" Takuma blasted bitterly, and so did Reina and the rest.