"Ranran, are you not hearing yourself!? Doing nothing....have you lost your mind!?" Those were the words Ran uttered. "You are talking about leaving the others to die in our stead!"

Ranran chuckled, her laughter echoing through the room. "Lost my mind? Maybe. But Mouri, think about it. Mana had led 10 children to flee out of the abandoned warehouse, by this point....the killer is probably suspecting and wonders how many of them are aware that the accidents he or she staged are murders. If we went there to warn them, the killer will first kill the messenger. Besides, it's not like we're leaving them completely stranded. They'll have the campsite, the food, and the resources. They'll survive, even if it's not in the lap of luxury."

"Even so!" Ran's eyes widened in disbelief. "What if something goes wrong? What if they get hurt or worse by remaining there?"

"They won't," Ranran insists, "You have to remember that it has been almost 2 miserable weeks since they arrived here on this camp, with the series of murders have taken place on this island, the decomposing corpse in the fridge, bug infestation at the bunk bedroom etc....those children will definitely pack up their belongings and pitch their tents here at the parking lot on their own motion."

"But how confident are you to think they will do it willingly!?" Shinichi's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "I am pretty sure that there are some of the kids who are willing to remain, telling and lying to themselves that it was mere accidents, not murders."

"No, not when 10 children who packed up their things with Mana suddenly left the campsite without warning earlier, not to mention in a hurry," Ranran has that devious glimmer in her eyes. "It's one thing if one student who has a reputation of hating camping fled to hide away in a luxurious hotel would make those kids think 'she is overreacting, but they were alerted early on that there is a possibility of a serial killer on this island from Shinichi who is very trustworthy, let alone, 3 deaths had occurred within several days. Tell me, are they going to continue to wait like sitting ducks and wait for the butcher to chop off their necks?"

Ranran's words hung in the air, a mixture of confidence and cynicism. The room fell into a heavy silence as everyone pondered her unconventional plan. The weight of the situation pressed down on them, and the reality of their classmates' predicament became increasingly apparent.

"Also, let's not forget that whether we like it or not, if we do some intervention and their parents get word of it, the first thing they are going to do is to try and sue our families using their presume 'wrongful deaths' lawsuit for killing their son or daughter," Ranran adds, "If the kids come on their own accord, but die in the process, we won't get sued after all."

Ran's eyes widened in shock, her voice trembling. "Are you seriously suggesting that we prioritize avoiding lawsuits over saving lives? That is cruel! Also, we are children! They can't simply sue us! And does it matter if we get sued? It is just money involved, right? You and Shinichi's families can afford it."

"Legally, they can. Also, it is beyond just the issue of money!" Shinichi refuted, "If we get sued, we can't be detectives anymore growing up, the same way as those police officers had to deal with! Also, I just learn from Ranran that one can legally sue through the parents. Plus the fact that the media heavily promoted us Tantei Association as a tantei agency that solves cases of dark nature, it wouldn't be surprising that they could file charges against us should we fail."

"It's unfair!" Takuma exclaimed, "We are a child detective agency, not some Marvel Avengers protection squad that requires us to save lives! I know they are desprate, but are they not too much!?"

"Exactly," Reina sighs, "People being all so exploitive."

"Then what about police officers then?!" Ran pointed out, "I am certain there are some situations like what we are doing, don't tell me they get sued if they fail?!"

"Oh, you have no idea," Shinichi shook his head at Ran. "They too face legal consequences too if they fail in their duty."

"Seriously!?" Ran's eyes widened in disbelief. She couldn't fathom a world where those who risked their lives to protect others could be held accountable for the outcomes of their actions. It seemed unjust, and it left a bitter taste in her mouth. "Even so...! As much as they can be hateful at times, it shouldn't be a reason to not rescue them!" Ran argued.

"So let me get this straight, in your opinion, it isn't cruel that their children attempted to force our families into forking out millions of yens to pay for their stay in this hotel without paying, but it is cruel that I do the same to them?" Ranran's words made Mouri Ran dumbfounded, while a smirk is playing on her red lips. "Survival is a selfish thing in nature. Let's face it, even if we save them and they all survive, there's no guarantee we'll not end up getting ourselves killed in the process."

The truth in her words was undeniable, but accepting it meant embracing a harsh reality. The group exchanged glances, each grappling with their own moral compass and the weight of their decisions.

Mouri Ran's voice quivered as she spoke up, her tone filled with a mix of desperation and hope. "But... but can't we find another way? Can't we at least do something else?"

"As cruel as Ranran put it, she has a point," Shinichi's eyes darted around the room, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and resignation. "I also talk to her about this and evaluate the pros and cons for several hours since then. If we too die in the process, those children will get to live another day, they won't be doing much to save society from the crimes we are still dealing with back at home. But if we don't die, however....we can save more lives back at home."

"It's the most selfish thing, but Ranran has a point," Reina sighed, "Those kids will never understand how much hard work and effort you all sitting around this table do to put criminals behind bars."

"I agree," Takuma nods, "I know that they are someone sons and daughters, but they are not practically good in contributing anything regarding the serial killer situation, besides 'wanting to live' at the expense of others."

The room fell into a heavy silence as the weight of the situation settled upon them.

Finally, Ran broke the silence, her voice trembling with a mix of worry and determination. "I...I still don't know if I can agree with this. Leaving them to their own devices, even if it's for their own survival, feels wrong."

"Ran, we can't save everyone. It's a painful truth, but it's the reality we're faced with. We have to consider the risks involved and make decisions that maximize the chances of success. It's not about prioritizing lawsuits or being selfish, but about making the most rational choice to save as many lives as possible." Takuma chimed in, his voice filled with a mix of sympathy and pragmatism.

Ran understood the reasoning behind their arguments, but the thought of leaving their classmates behind still weighed heavily on her heart. The group awaited Ran's response, hoping for a glimmer of hope or an alternative path forward.

Ran took a deep breath, her eyes filled with determination. "Honestly, as much as I can't bring myself to accept the idea of leaving our classmates completely on their own..." She paused, collecting her thoughts before continuing, her voice steady. "We won't directly go to the campsite to warn them, as it might put us in immediate danger. Also with the typhoon we are dealing with today and tomorrow.....but Ranran," She stares into Ranran's eyes, "Surely, you are that confident that our classmates will come to this hotel on their own accord?"

The founder maintained her confident expression as she met Ran's gaze. "There is also one more thing besides the series of events besides the circumstances I presented that may motivate them to move here."

Ran leaned in, her curiosity piqued. "What is it? What could motivate them to move here?"

Ranran leaned back in her chair, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Do you remember that the reason this entire free camping trip took place right from the start...was because Arima sensei was eager to use our class camping trip as an excuse to seek 'The One'?"

Ran's eyes widened in realization. "What are you on about?"

"Reina," Ranran called out to her, "For Arima sensei to get paid when she took us out on a camping trip when the whole lot of us are supposed to be studying in class, what are the requirements she must do?"

Reina pondered for a moment before answering, "Well, according to the school policy, in order for the trip to be considered an educational activity, there needs to be a certain level of academic content incorporated into it. The teacher must ensure that there are educational objectives and learning outcomes tied to the trip."

The detective girl nodded approvingly. "Exactly. And what has been happening during our camping trip? Murders, investigations, and a serial killer on the loose. It's safe to say that our camping trip has turned into an unexpected 'real-life' lesson on survival, deduction, and teamwork. When all those things happened...considering if our classmates put this in their respective report, in all of your opinions, do you think Arima-sensei will get paid?"

Understanding dawned on everyone's faces as she connected the dots. "No, of course not!" Shinichi pointed out, "In the first place, the purpose of the camping trip was to have an educational experience, and with the current situation, it has deviated far from that intent. Arima-sensei won't be able to justify getting paid for a trip that has become a matter of life and death."

Ranran nodded, her smirk widening. "Exactly. So, if our classmates want to ensure that Arima-sensei doesn't get paid for this disastrous camping trip, they would have a strong motivation to come back here, to the hotel, and report everything that has happened. It's a way for them to take a stand and show that this trip was a failure and not a legitimate educational experience."

"And if Arima-sensei refuse!?" Takuma questioned.

"Then the children will naturally leave her there, right?" It suddenly occurred to Ran, "There is no way our classmates will tolerate for several more days if the teacher prioritizes her salary more than their safety!"

"Then the kids would be left with no choice but to leave her and come here on their own. It's a matter of their well-being, and if their teacher fails to prioritize that, they will take matters into their own hands."Ranran nodded in agreement.

"You know, I just realized that when Ranran hijacked the horse and arrived at this hotel here," Shinichi snap his finger, "Even after 3 deaths on this island, she did not tell the rest of the other kids to come here, despite learning from Ranran that there was a hotel in existence! At first, I thought she did it to protect the kids from alerting the kidnapper, but now that Reina brought to my attention about her salary......damn, she prioritizes getting paid way more than the other's safety!"

The realization hit the group hard, and a mix of frustration and disappointment washed over them. It was clear that their teacher, Arima-sensei, had prioritized her own financial gain over the safety of their classmates. Ranran's plan suddenly seemed even more justified.

"So we are basically relying on our classmates to do that as soon as they figure out Arima-sensei was doing so?" Ran was in doubt, "Ranran, don't get me wrong, but not every 6-year-old is like you or Shinichi to quickly take notice of such things."

"I wouldn't be too sure of that," Ranran chuckled. Ranran's sly smile piqued everyone's curiosity, and they leaned in, eager to hear her explanation. "You see," Ranran began, her voice filled with a hint of mischief, "I may have planted a little seed of doubt in their minds during our last encounter."

The others furrowed their brow,  while Takuma pressed, "What do you mean?"

Ranran chuckled softly. "Earlier this morning when Mana and the others confronted us before leaving the campsite, I subtly hinted that not everything is as it seemed with Arima-sensei."

Realization dawned on Ran's face. "So you're saying that you are weaving distrust between our classmates and sensei?!"

Ranran nodded, a glimmer of satisfaction in her eyes. "Exactly. I wanted to make them question the series of events and consider the possibility that their lives might be in danger. I didn't give them all the answers, but I planted a seed of doubt that will grow over time."

Reina's eyes widened with realization. "So you technically make use of Arima-sensei's motives for this camping trip to get them to leave on their own accord!?"

"Damn, I always knew you were sly, but this is a good one," Takuma praised his friend.

Ranran nodded, her smirk widening. "That's right. Although I ain't sure if the seed of doubt will bear fruit, I am pretty sure that most of them are thinking if Arima-sensei allowed me to blackmail her into checking my way into the hotel, why even after 3 murders on this island, she had no urgency to simply take the other kids from the Kodama Forest campsite to head into this hotel. Plus, as self-entitled as they are, our classmates are smarter and more perceptive than we give them credit for. Given enough time and exposure to the unsettling events on the island, I have faith that they will come to the same conclusions we did."

Reina added, her voice filled with hope, "And once they start questioning the legitimacy of the camping trip as an educational experience, they will feel compelled to take action and protect themselves. They won't stay in a dangerous situation just to fulfil the requirements for Arima-sensei to get paid."

Takuma nodded, a sense of relief washing over him. "So, in a way, we're still indirectly influencing their decisions by planting those seeds of doubt. It's not a foolproof plan, but it gives them a chance to make their own choices based on their own observations and judgments."

While Ran still had reservations about leaving their classmates behind, she can't help but take a moment to process the information, feeling a mix of uncertainty and hope. If Ranran's subtle manipulation worked, there was a good chance their classmates would come to the hotel on their own.

With a newfound determination, Ran looked at her friends and nodded. "Alright. Let's trust in our classmates' abilities to discern the truth. We'll give them the chance to make their own choices and hope that they choose their own safety. We'll be ready to welcome them here when they arrive."

The group shared a resolute nod, their worries temporarily put at ease. They would rely on their classmates' instincts and the seeds of doubt planted in their minds to guide them towards safety. It was a risky plan, but it offered a glimmer of hope in the face of a dire situation.

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

And it must have worked.

Sonoko who is still recuperating from her dengue illness in the hotel room could tell, as she sees the number of tents began to increase at the hotel parking lot. Originally 10 tents, it later grew to 15 tents, eventually reaching a count of 20 plus tents spread across the hotel parking lot through the window.

As more tents appeared, Sonoko could see the familiar faces of their classmates. Some wore expressions of fear and anxiety, while others displayed determination and resilience. They were a group of children who had faced unimaginable challenges and had chosen to prioritize their well-being over everything else.

Sonoko picked up her phone and dialled Ran's number. "Ran, you won't believe it! Our classmates are coming to the hotel. They've chosen to join us!"

Ran's voice filled with relief came from the other end of the line. "That's shocking! Can't believe Ranran would be in the right! That surviving is a selfish thing!" Ran's voice held a mixture of surprise and relief as she responded to Sonoko's news. "I never thought I'd say this, but it seems like thanks to Ranran's unconventional plan, it looks as though the hotel parking lot transformed into a makeshift survivor's camp!"

"I mean if you think about it, there is a serial killer on the island after all." Ran muses.

Sonoko chuckled weakly, her voice filled with a hint of exhaustion. "But seriously, Ran, I never considered the possibility that all of us would end up in this position."

Ran let out a nervous laugh. "Right? It's like a twisted version of 'Survivor' or something. Only without the camera crew and the million-dollar prize."

Sonoko nodded, even though Ran couldn't see her. "Yeah, it's definitely not the kind of adventure we signed up for when we agreed to the camping trip."

"But hey," Ran continued, her voice gaining a newfound determination, "at least we're all in this together now. Strength in numbers, right?"

Sonoko smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie despite the dire circumstances. "True, but...."

".....hmph?"

"Honestly...I hope the Teitan Elementary school funds are approved, I mean we are still 6-year-old children regardless. Otherwise...."Sonoko gaze at the window to see the kids putting up their tents, "They would have nowhere else to go."

The sight of the children setting up their tents in the hotel parking lot tugged at Sonoko's heartstrings. They were just kids, caught up in a dangerous situation that was beyond their control. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, realizing that if the school funds were not approved, these children would be left without a safe place to stay.

Sonoko's voice filled with a mix of concern and determination as she continued speaking to Ran. "I mean, seriously, what are they supposed to do if the school funds aren't approved? We can't leave them stranded here."

Ran's voice carried a hint of frustration as she responded, "I know, right? It's absurd to think that a bunch of 6-year-olds would be left to fend for themselves."

"Where are the idiot adults when we needed them? Seriously!" Sonoko coughed violently while she breathe.

Ran let out an exasperated sigh. "Tell me about it. It's like they all vanished into thin air, leaving us to deal with a serial killer and a typhoon on our own. Talk about responsibility."

Sonoko's coughing fit subsided, and she took a moment to catch her breath. "Also, did you see whether Arima Sensei is around to drag the kids back to the campsite?"

Sonoko chuckled weakly. "You won't believe it, but Arima-sensei is nowhere to be found. Maybe she finally realized that her precious paycheck isn't worth risking our lives."

Ran's voice filled with a mix of disbelief and sarcasm. "Oh, what a surprise! Our dear teacher, prioritised her salary over our safety. Who would've thought?"

Sonoko nodded, her voice tinged with bitterness. "I guess money really does make the world go round. But hey, at least we don't have to deal with her nagging anymore. Small victories, right?"

Ran couldn't help but chuckle at the irony. "Yeah, small victories indeed. I bet she's regretting her decision to turn this camping trip into an 'educational experience' now."

Sonoko let out a cough, her voice strained. "Well, it's not much of an educational experience anymore, is it? Unless survival skills and evading a serial killer are part of the curriculum now."

Ran's laughter mingled with concern. "Well, if they're not, they should be. We've learned more about survival and detective work in these few days than we ever did in class."

Sonoko's gaze shifted to the window again, observing their classmates setting up their tents. "I just hope they stay safe. With this typhoon and the lurking serial killer, it's a dangerous combination."

Ran's voice turned serious. "We can only hope that their instincts kick in and they stay alert. Survival mode activated, you know?"

Sonoko nodded, her voice filled with determination. "Exactly. They've shown strength and resilience so far. Let's trust in their abilities and be there for each other. We'll get through this, no matter what."

Ran's voice held a note of confidence. "Damn right, we will. We're a bunch of 6-year-olds who have faced things that most adults wouldn't even dare to imagine. We're survivors, Sonoko."

Sonoko smiled, feeling a renewed sense of hope. "Survivors indeed. And hey, once we make it out of here, Tantei Association would have one heck of a story to tell. 'The Great Camping Adventure: How a Bunch of 6-Year-Olds Outsmarted a Serial Killer.'"

Ran burst into laughter. "I can already imagine the headlines. We'll be famous, Sonoko. The youngest crime-solving heroes in history."

"Well, that is how you define the word 'Hero'," Sonoko frowned, "I can't believe Ranran is prioritizing selfish lawsuits rather than putting the safety of our classmates first." Sonoko's frown deepened as she continued, her voice laced with frustration. "I mean, seriously, sometimes I felt like Ranran is a villainess. But then whenever I hear the words she says that justify her actions...I had no right to argue."

Ran sighed, her voice tinged with resignation. "Truthfully, I did argue a bit about lives at stake, but hearing her reasoning that the other kids' parents might sue us....that it felt very surreal."

"Ran...."

"You know, Sonoko....when I watch those Fairy tale stories, especially when Cinderella learns that she has a Fairy Godmother who could easily magically erase any bad things, like helping her get to the ball, make her more beautiful than her stepsisters of that sort...I can't help but always asked why the world was born in which magic doesn't exist? Where...was a Godmother when I needed her? Especially, when Shinichi left me for Ranran and went my parents split up.....no magic could fix it back." Ran's expression softened, "But then...now that we have gotten to this point...I think this is a painful reality I have to accept, even if it seems selfish. That in life, one must be selfish to save others."

Sonoko listened, her eyes filled with empathy. "Ran-chan...."

"We can't always be the heroes in someone else's story...cause at the end of the day...we are ultimately the villains in the eyes of others. And I guess...Shinichi saw that in me when I kept confronting Ranran, so that is why he left me for Ranran."

Sonoko's heart ached as she heard Ran's words, feeling the weight of their experiences and the complexity of their roles in this dire situation. With her hand firm around her smartphone, she told her best friend, "Ran-chan, you're not a villain. None of us are. We're just kids trying to navigate through a messed-up world. Yeah, maybe we've made some questionable choices along the way, but it doesn't define who we are. And I am sure..."

Ran looked at her own smartphone, "You are sure...what?"

"Maybe...Ranran was the different kind of hero the world needs," Sonoko's voice filled with conviction. "She...may not be the purest saintly little girl I know of, but in a world that's full of chaos and uncertainty, there are tough decisions that will hunt us in our beds, which is why...Ranran is here to execute it so that we wouldn't have to suffer from sleepless nights....just the way Miss Jun, the third murdered victim of this island, did for over 12 years, being married to the same man who killed her own fiance."

Ran's eyes widened as she absorbed Sonoko's words. "You know...now that you mentioned it, I never.....could've guessed making tough choices would bring nothing but burdens, so that the rest of us can sleep at night. It's a heavy role, but someone has to do it."

Ran's gaze shifted to the window, where their classmates were still setting up their tents. "Neh Ran."

"Yeah?"

"If....only if, that we truly don't make it out of this island alive, I wanted you to know...thank you, for being a good friend."

Ran's expression softened, and she reached out to hold Sonoko's hand. "Sonoko, don't say that. We're going to make it out of here alive. We have to believe in that. But if, by some unfortunate twist of fate, we don't... I want you to know that you've been an amazing friend too."

Sonoko smiled, her eyes shimmering with gratitude. "Thank you, Ran-chan. And hey, when this is over....let's watch the Red Illumination concert."

Ran nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "Absolutely."

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

"14, 15, 16...."Ranran is counting the increasing number of tents being set up at the parking lot from the penthouse above.

The rest of the children had left to do their assigned tasks, leaving Ranran and Shinichi once more. Shinichi leaned against the window, his eyes scanning the growing sea of tents. "I can see the survivor's camp is expanding by the minute, Ranran."

Ranran nodded, a mix of awe and concern on her face. "Who would've thought that our hotel parking lot would turn into a tent city? It's like a scene straight out of a post-apocalyptic movie."

Shinichi chuckled a hint of sarcasm in his voice. "Yeah, except instead of zombies, we have a serial killer lurking around. Talk about a thrilling plot twist."

Ranran's eyes are scanning the bustling scene below. "Definitely not the camping trip I was expecting to end with such an outcome."

Shinichi's gaze shifted to the horizon, where dark clouds loomed ominously while raining heavily. "And with the typhoon....it just keeps getting worst."

"Do you see Arima sensei among them?" Ranran squinted her eyes to check for the presence of their teacher, but she was nowhere in sight.

Shinichi shook his head. "I don't see her anywhere. Then again, it would be odd if she arrives with them. Joining the kids who had left the campsite riddled with death...would be her downright admitting to everyone that she was merely using us, class 1-A, to do the camping report so it justifies her getting paid while she is out seeking a man, and it will land her in seriously hot water for her career as a teacher."

Ranran sighed, "Some adults should never become teachers from the start."

Shinichi's voice carried a tinge of frustration. "What on earth was every single parent within class 1-A thinking when they decided to sign our approval on heading to this free-of-charge camping trip.....? How is it that they were this blinded by the same teacher who has a record of 84 ex-boyfriends, Ranran? It's not as if they were not blind to her dating history."

"Right....?" Ranran shook her head, a mixture of disbelief and disappointment evident on her face. "I guess the idea of 'free camping trip' was far too tempting for them to easily ditch us in the middle of nowhere. While we are left us to fend for ourselves....they are having all the fun." 

Ranran spoke with such cynicism, Shinichi nodded, a touch of bitterness in his voice. "Seems like the perfect getaway for the parents, doesn't it? They get to enjoy their leisure time while we're stuck here, dealing with a typhoon and a potential murderer. I guess that's what they call 'parental responsibility' these days."

A gust of wind blew through the window, causing a bit of vibration. Ranran adjusted her position, her gaze fixed on the makeshift camp below. "When this is over, the first thing I am going to do so is to get Reina to ban camping for good."

Shinichi chuckled, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Ah, the famous Ranran determination. I can already picture the 'Say No to Camping' campaign you'll lead."

Ranran smirked, a mischievous spark in her gaze. "Oh, you bet. No more mosquitoes, no more uncomfortable sleeping bags, and definitely no more potential murderers lurking in the shadows. By the time the whole school hears of this, the kids back in our school will beg their teachers not to send anyone out camping ever again!"

Shinichi grinned, playing along with Ranran's idea. "And we'll have slogans like 'Sleep in Peace, Say No to Camping Beast!' plastered all over the school. It'll be a revolution, Ranran."

Ranran nodded enthusiastically, her voice filled with determination. "We'll be the heroes who saved our fellow students from the horrors of camping. They'll thank us for it, I'm sure."

Shinichi leaned closer to Ranran, his tone conspiratorial. "But you know, Ranran, deep down, amidst all the chaos and absurdity, there's a part of me that kind of appreciates this experience."

"Yeah right," Ranran was in doubt, "You wouldn't even be saying this, had you not realised that I schemed to check into a hotel everyone has no idea about, let alone, in a penthouse."

Shinichi chuckled, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, I can't deny the luxury of this penthouse. It's definitely a step up from sleeping on the cold, hard ground. But that's not what I meant."

Ranran raised an eyebrow, curious to hear Shinichi's perspective. "Then what do you mean?"

Shinichi's voice turned serious as he spoke, a hint of introspection colouring his words. "Through all the chaos and uncertainty, this experience....it had more bad than good, but overall...I got to know myself and you a little more. It made me realize...we have a lot in common than I had assumed."

Ranran's curiosity was piqued, and she leaned in closer, her gaze fixed on Shinichi. "In what way?"

"We both don't like injustices,"  Shinichi looked directly into Ranran's eyes. "We may have different approaches, but our underlying drive is the same."

"Ah, I doubt it," Ranran frowned, "I am a bit bolder than you when it comes to getting things done."

"You are not completely in the wrong," Shinichi smirked into the gloomy skies, "But here's the thing, Ranran. Bolder doesn't always mean better. Sometimes, it just means you'll end up spending your death along the way."

Ranran's eyes widened, shock was written all over her face.

"Don't get me wrong, but I saw you scolding Mana off about his recklessness in endangering everyone to get us to this point," Shinichi shrugged a hint of nonchalance in his voice. "Mana is a troublemaker, Ranran, and although he deserved getting scolded the way you did, I have concerns he might kill you. I mean you brought up his deceased mother looking at him in disappointment that he was becoming a pathological liar."

"And he is one," Ranran affirmed her words, "He has never shown any remorse for making up exaggerated stories. Let alone, ever once apologize to his victims who suffered."

Shinichi nodded, a touch of seriousness in his expression. "Exactly. That's why you need to be careful. He knows where the abandoned warehouse is on this island, all he needs to do is to go there, tell the killer where all of you are, and then had the killer silence you."

"He is a 6-year-old like the rest of us, all talk and no action. I am not worried if he tries to kill me." Ranran shrugs casually.

"But I do," Shinichi admits, "Mamiko is also the same age as us, and tried to stab you with a knife in school the other day, remember?"

Ranran nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah, that was a close call. But I handled it."

"No you did not, if I didn't shield you, nor Takuma tackled her, you would've been dead instead of talking to me right now," Shinichi sighed, a hint of concern in his voice, "My ex-friend: Ran and Sonoko, almost killed you, Ran and Emiko during the 'King of Rubies' case, remember?"

"Yeah, but I hijacked a plane and got us all home." Ranran refuted.

Shinichi raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Oh, right. I almost forgot about your skills in hijacking planes. Silly me."

Ranran grinned, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, you know me, always up for some high-stakes adventures. But hey, I can handle myself, Shinichi. I appreciate your concern, though."

Shinichi exasperated. "It's that kind of attitude that makes me worried. The ability to no longer fear....it ain't necessarily a good thing." The apprentice shook his head as he continued, "A wild rollercoaster without brakes may be exhilarating, but will also increase your chances of death, Ranran."

"Ehh...."Ranran teasingly pokes his shoulder, "You talked as if you are worried for me."

"I-I ain't thinking that way!" Shinichi bashfully responds.

Ranran raises an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, really? Then why are you blushing like a ripe tomato, Shinichi?"

Shinichi stammers, his cheeks turning even redder. "N-No! It's just...uh...it's nothing!"

Ranran leans closer, a sly smile on her face. "Are you worried that I am going to be like some damsel in distress?"

"Of course not!" Shinichi sighs, giving in to Ranran's persistence. "Fine, fine. Maybe...just maybe...I have a tiny bit of...concern for your safety. I mean, after Mamiko attempted to stab you the other day...I was wondering what was going to happen to Tantei Association, as you are aware....it can't function without you. Also..."Shinichi's face turns even redder, and he tries to play it off cool. "I am still under your apprenticeship after all. If you die, my dream as a detective might be put on hold. Plus....there are cops that are still out there ruining the lives of the innocent. Without you around...I don't think even I could stop them alone."

And he wasn't completely lying. Although he improved drastically since becoming her apprentice, there were yet tons of things he still lacked when he was with her as a detective partner.

Ranran's eyes widen, shocked by Shinichi's confession. She was momentarily stunned by his words, her mouth slightly agape. "I never expected you to say something like that."

And she too had her own fair share of reasons. 

Before moving to Japan, in the U.K. her late mentor had willed her an unusual projector that can project the future. And in that projector, she was given a headstart glimpse over Kudo Shinichi's personality. Occasionally obnoxious and arrogant, he can at times be unexpectedly heartfelt and honest with his feelings, a point was proven when 11 years later,  he professed his feelings to Mouri Ran in London in the future. This was an individual in Ranran's point of view, who is very overly-self-confident and at times cocky with his observant skill, which was worthy of bragging.

So to hear the now 6-year-old Shinichi say he is worried for Ranran, let alone, admit he still lacks experience as a child detective, was very unexpected to Kudo Ranran. Considering that in the future biography interviews, she had watched from the projector, he was always very hostile towards her because she is his suspected illegitimate sister through his father's infidelity.

But now it seems that all those assumptions were wrong. He may have been somewhat cold, but he isn't as bad as she initially assumed. And even if he has not expressed these feelings before, they must still be there somewhere hidden deep within him.

Shinichi remained silent, his face red from embarrassment.

Ranran bursts into laughter, unable to contain herself. "Don't worry, Shinichi, I'll make sure to stick around just for you."

Shinichi's embarrassment deepens, and he tries to change the subject. "Anyway, about the email regarding the Teitan Elementary School emergency funds...has it arrived yet? They did mention they may get back to us around today at minimum."

"Oh, right, the emergency funds," Ranran replied, her laughter subsiding. "I haven't checked my email recently. Let me see if they've sent anything."

Ranran pulled out her phone and quickly scrolled through her inbox. "Hmm, nothing yet. But knowing our luck, they probably forgot or got caught up in some bureaucratic mess with multiple furious parents."

Unbeknownst to Shinichi and Ranran, a storm was indeed brewing, though it was ironically not at Teitan Elementary School. 

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

"Look at those leeches swarming around our home!" The elderly matriarch of the Kudo family pointed out at the window of their home angrily to her elderly husband, as the parents of 1-A pleaded them to foot the bill for their children.

As the elderly matriarch of the Kudo family observed the scene outside, frustration etched across her face, her husband stood beside her, concern evident in his eyes. The parents of Teitan Elementary School's 1-A class had gathered outside their grandparents' home, demanding financial compensation for the safety of their children.

The elderly patriarch let out a sigh, his voice filled with weariness. "This is becoming quite the predicament, dear. I understand their concerns for their children's safety, but we cannot be solely responsible for their expenses."

"We've already provided assistance to the school in various ways, but to expect us to cover all the expenses is simply unreasonable. It's not our responsibility alone."

The grandparents' frustration and desperation grew as they continued to argue their case, some even banging on the door, demanding to be heard.