A week later, 6-year-old Hikari Takuma decided to spy on the newly established race car club under the grounds of Teitan Elementary School.

Even though Ranran had set out cameras across the school campus, she wanted to see how Shoji was doing, which is why she secretly sent Takuma to observe him from afar.

Takuma, small and nimble, blended seamlessly into the school environment. His tiny frame ducked and weaved through the playground, his eyes sharp and focused on the target. He had a mission, and he was determined to see it through.

As he approached the hidden corner where the race car club met, he could hear the excited chatter of the members as all of them were pushing each other for one odd reason, "Let me drive!"

"No, me!"

"No one is allowed to drive, you hear me!?"

The competitive energy in the air was palpable, each member vying for their turn to take control of the tiny race car, a P-50 which was to Takuma the smallest car he had ever seen.

"Why not!?" Takuma's eyes widened in amazement at the intensity of the other children's determination.

"You know what the principal said about driving on the grounds of the school."

Peering around the corner, Takuma continued to observe.

Shoji stood at the centre of the commotion, trying to assert order but clearly enjoying the enthusiasm of his newfound club members. It was a side of Shoji that Takuma hadn't seen before, a glimmer of potential for leadership and camaraderie. "But that is the world's smallest car! We can drive around the school!"

The enthusiasm in Shoji's voice was infectious, and the club members exchanged eager glances. They were drawn in by his energy, and even though they were breaking a school rule, the excitement of driving the tiny P-50 was too enticing to resist. However, the club members were not the only ones who were interested, to say the least."

"Neh, Shoji! Let us drive!"

Takuma's eyes widened as he recognized the voice. It was none other than the victims Shoji 'bullied', or rather, forced to since Amaya made him.

It was Kenta and Yuki, the two boys who had once been on the receiving end of Shoji's domineering attitude. Takuma watched with bated breath, wondering how Shoji would respond.

Shoji turned to face Kenta and Yuki, a mixture of surprise and uncertainty flashing across his face. It was clear that he hadn't expected them to be interested in the race car club.

"Kenta, Yuki..." Shoji began, hesitating for a moment. "You want to join the club?"

Kenta and Yuki exchanged a quick glance, a silent conversation passing between them. Then, with a shared nod, they stepped forward.

"Yeah," Kenta said, a newfound confidence in his voice. "We want to drive too."

"But....."

"In the first place, I know you are the one who kept leaving us that medication and ailments for us secretly whenever that idiot Amaya forced you to. And your crappy mother being biased over your half-sister, just because she is born a prodigy." Yuki scoffed.

Shoji's eyes widened in surprise, shock rippling across his face at Yuki's unexpected revelation. He hadn't anticipated that Yuki and Kenta were aware of his secret gestures of kindness. His throat tightened, struggling to find words in response.

Kenta, seeing Shoji's speechlessness, chimed in. "We knew, Shoji. We knew you were looking out for us, even back then."

"And you were desperate to get this dream up afloat. I have been there." Yuki nods knowingly. 

Takuma, hidden in the shadows, watched this exchange with wide-eyed wonder. He hadn't expected this revelation either. The layers of complexity within these relationships were unfolding before him.

Shoji took a moment to compose himself, his heart pounding. "I... I didn't think you knew," he finally managed to say, his voice filled with a mix of gratitude and relief.

Yuki's expression softened, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "We noticed the little things, Shoji. And we appreciate it. You don't have to be alone in this anymore."

Kenta nodded in agreement. "We're all in this together, right?"

Shoji felt a warmth spreading through him, a sense of belonging he hadn't experienced before. The weight of his secret acts of kindness had been lifted, replaced by a newfound camaraderie with Kenta and Yuki.

Takuma watched as the group huddled around the car, discussing their plan with animated gestures and hushed whispers. It was clear that they were all invested in this endeavour, united by a common goal.

The kids around Shoji didn't seem to be swayed by the cautionary words about school rules. Their eyes gleamed with excitement, and they couldn't resist the temptation of the tiny race car.

Shoji sighed, realizing that he had a spirited bunch on his hands. "Alright, alright," he relented, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "But we have to be sneaky about it. We can't let the teachers catch us."

The kids erupted in cheers, their faces lighting up with the prospect of secret races around the school. It was as if a new world of possibilities had opened up before them.

Takuma watched with fascination as Shoji took charge, leading the group towards the tiny race car. The kids eagerly gathered around, their anticipation palpable.

As the small vehicle roared to life, the excitement reached a fever pitch. Shoji sat behind the wheel, a look of sheer joy on his face. It was a far cry from the troubled boy Takuma had known before.

With a nod from Shoji, the race car set off, zooming across the school grounds with the kids in hot pursuit. They zipped around corners, narrowly avoiding obstacles, their laughter echoing through the air. Takuma couldn't help but smile as he watched the scene unfold. It was a moment of pure childhood bliss, a reminder that even in the midst of darkness, there could be moments of light and joy.

As the race car club continued their secret adventures, Takuma knew he had witnessed something special. Ranran's plan to provide Shoji with a positive outlet for his energy was clearly working, and it was heartwarming to see the transformation in the once-troubled boy.

Takuma made a mental note to report back to Ranran about the success of her plan. It was a small victory, but it was a step in the right direction, and he couldn't wait to share the good news.

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

Meanwhile, 10-year-old Michio was sent by Shinichi to check up on the progress of Ryoko having recently joined the figure skating club.

He moved with a quiet determination, blending seamlessly with the surroundings. His observant eyes scanned the area, looking for any signs of Ryoko.

As he approached the club's meeting spot which happens to be at a hockey centre, a 10-minute walking distance from Teitan Elementary School, Michio could hear the gentle sound of blades gliding on ice. It was a soothing sound, one that spoke of grace and skill. He couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

Peeking around the corner, Michio spotted Ryoko on the ice, his movements fluid and controlled. He seemed focused, completely immersed in his skating. It was a side of Ryoko that Michio hadn't seen before, a glimpse of his passion and talent.

Michio watched in silent awe as Ryoko gracefully manoeuvred across the ice, his movements seemingly effortless. It was clear that figure skating was more than just a hobby for him; it was a form of expression, a way to channel his emotions.

"Ok, so this is how you do this particular move. Any questions?" Ryoko stopped before skating towards his other members who were sitting at the edge of the rink, eagerly watching and taking notes. He demonstrated intricate footwork and precise arm movements, and his explanations were clear and concise.

Michio couldn't help but be impressed by Ryoko's dedication and expertise. It was evident that he had put in countless hours of practice to reach this level of proficiency. As Michio quietly counted the number of kids, he noted that the majority of them were boys.

One of them raised their hands to ask, "For that particular move you just demonstrated, can it be done solo?"

Ryoko considered the question, his brow furrowing in thought. "Yes, it's possible to perform that move solo, but it requires a strong sense of balance and precise control. It might take some extra practice, but with determination, you can definitely master it."

The boy nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination. The other members of the figure skating club listened intently, eager to absorb every piece of advice Ryoko had to offer.

Michio continued to watch, silently admiring the way Ryoko guided and encouraged his fellow club members. It was clear that he had not only found his own passion but was also dedicated to helping others discover and refine theirs.

As the practice session continued, Ryoko moved from one skater to another, offering individualized feedback and encouragement. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and mutual support, with each member striving to improve and cheering on their fellow skaters.

Michio couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for Ryoko. He had come a long way since joining the figure skating club, and it was evident that he had become a valued member of the team.

Soon, Michio watched other members of the club skate alongside Ryoko, their movements synchronized in a mesmerizing dance. As Michio continued to observe, he couldn't help but feel a swell of pride for Ryoko. It was a stark contrast to the troubled boy he had known before. This was a Ryoko who had found his footing, quite literally, in the world of figure skating.

Michio made a mental note to report back to Shinichi about Ryoko's progress. It was evident that joining the figure skating club had been a positive step for him, providing an outlet for his talents and a sense of belonging.

With a final glance at Ryoko on the ice, Michio turned to leave. He felt a sense of optimism, a belief that even in the face of adversity, there were opportunities for growth and transformation.

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

"Finally, after the hell I had to deal with those birds, I am free to do my own thing."

10-year-old Fuyuko Junko was in it for a peaceful afternoon at Teitan Elementary School.

After the hellish episode from that eagle case in particular, she left the classroom and had plans to head over to the animal hutches, which are located on the right side of the building. Although Junko had a fear of birds, she found solace in caring for other animals. The gentle presence of rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters brought her a sense of calm and comfort.

Not long ago, she overheard through the teachers that all of the birds in their hutch, which consisted of fowls, chickens and pigeons had died weeks ago, due to an unidentified bird flu. That means Junko won't be dealing with any birds anytime soon. As Fuyuko made her way to the animal hutches, a feeling of relief washed over her. The absence of birds meant that she could enjoy her time with the other animals without the underlying fear that had haunted her since the incident with the eagle case.

But she had no idea just how wrong she was.

Heading back to Teitan Elementary School after momentarily leaving that ice hockey facility, Michio was looking forward to a peaceful day at their second HQ of Tantei Association in their school, till a loud scream pierced through the air, shattering the tranquillity. Michio's heart pounded in his chest, and without a second thought, he sprinted back towards the source of the scream.

As he rounded the corner, he was met with a chaotic yet amusing scene.

Multiple coloured exotic birds: Crane, eagles, macaws and even a flamboyant peacock etc., had gathered in a riotous display of feathers and beaks. They seemed to be fluttering around a flustered Junko, who was desperately trying to shoo them away with a broom.

Shocked by the absurdity of the situation, Michio didn't know what to make of it. 

Michio's eyes widened in disbelief at the spectacle before him. Colourful feathers danced in the air as the birds squawked and flapped, creating a chaotic symphony of avian commotion. It was giving him a Deja Vu-like moment when he and the other members of Tantei Association were forced to capture every single bird in that lavish neighbourhood.

And it was strange in Michio's opinion.

The birds mentioned aren't as common as a pigeon that would simply fly all the way here, so to see it in their school was shocking. Especially around the animal hutches area. In Teitan Elementary School, the animals consist of rabbits and turtles. And the birds they normally have are fowl, chickens and pigeons.

But he also remembered those birds mentioned in Teitan Elementary School had died.

So to see these exotic birds going after Junko was shocking. "Hey Junko, what is with all those birds?"

Junko, her face flushed with a mix of panic and frustration, turned to face Michio. "I have no idea!" she exclaimed, still trying to fend off the unruly flock with her broom. "I just opened the door of the hutch, then before I knew it, there were birds everywhere! I don't know where they came from!"

Michio's eyes darted around, trying to make sense of the situation. The exotic birds continued to flutter and squawk, seemingly unbothered by Junko's attempts to shoo them away.

As it later turns out, Junko would later not be the only victim.

Because she let the door wide open from the hutch, the other birds managed to escape from their respective enclosures as well. Soon, the school grounds were filled with a riotous mix of fowl, chickens, pigeons, and now these exotic birds. It was a scene straight out of a bizarre comedy.

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

When 9-year-old Miyama Emiko was busy sketching her artwork on the tablet,  she was completely engrossed in her world of colours and lines. The digital canvas allowed her to bring her imagination to life in vibrant detail. She carefully selected each shade, her small fingers dancing across the screen with a precision that belied her age.

Emiko had always been drawn to art. It was a form of expression that allowed her to convey emotions and stories that sometimes words couldn't capture. Her sketches often featured fantastical creatures and dreamlike landscapes, showcasing a creativity beyond her years.

As she worked, the chaotic symphony of birdcalls and fluttering wings outside went unnoticed. She was in her own little bubble of creativity, lost in the strokes of her virtual paintbrush.

"Ok, my work is done."

Not long ago, as a member of Tantei Association, they were scrambling around this lavish neighbourhood to capture 150 plus birds after being kidnapped by The Snake. And when she says she didn't let inspiration go to waste, she meant it.

Especially that scene, when 6-year-old Ranran caught onto the legs of the Harpy eagle as it took her to the skies, hadn't exactly left her mind.

"Wait until I print it out, Shinichi would be pleased to hang this on our main HQ."

With a satisfied smile, she saved her latest artwork and leaned back, stretching her arms. She was proud of what she had created. The vivid colours and intricate details brought the scene to life in a way that even photos couldn't quite capture.

Unbeknownst to her, the avian commotion outside had escalated. The exotic birds had turned the school grounds into a lively aviary. Feathers of all colours rustled in the breeze as the birds fluttered about to the point, that some of them had begun flying into the school building, especially the classrooms with the windows left open.

"KYAAAAAAAH!! GO AWAY YOU STUPID BIRD!"

Inside the school building, chaos ensued as startled students and teachers found themselves face-to-face with the unexpected avian visitors. The classrooms echoed with surprised gasps and laughter as the birds fluttered about, their feathers brushing against walls and desks.

Emiko, lost in her own creative world, was jolted from her reverie by the commotion. She blinked in surprise, looking around to see birds of all shapes and sizes flying through the open windows.

"Oh my goodness!" she exclaimed, her eyes wide with amazement. She had never seen anything like it.

She quickly gathered her tablet and joined the rush of students trying to navigate the impromptu aviary. Feathers floated in the air, and the chirping and squawking created a surreal soundtrack to the scene.

As Emiko made her way through the flurry of wings, she couldn't help but marvel at the beauty and chaos of it all. It was like a scene straight out of a fantastical storybook. The 9-year-old could see teachers and students flee from birds of all kinds, chasing after them to jab them in the leg with their sharp beaks.

"GO AWAY!" She spotted Takuma, who was trying to avoid a determined peacock and her jaw dropped. The vibrant feathers of the bird spread wide in an impressive display as if it were putting on a show just for them.

"Takuma, what on earth is going on!?" 

"I was having a meeting with the other boys about the upcoming American Football match when this stupid bird flew into the window! GO AWAY!"

She watched as Takuma waved his arms and tried to shoo away the persistent peacock, whose majestic plumage was truly a sight to behold.

The chaos continued to unfold around them, with students and teachers attempting to coax the birds back outside. Some had managed to open windows to create an escape route for the feathery intruders, while others resorted to using brooms and textbooks to encourage the birds to leave.

As Emiko moved through the school, she couldn't resist capturing the bizarre scene with her tablet. Each moment seemed like a snapshot from a whimsical adventure, and she was determined to document it all.

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

If Karma actually exists, the school bullies Amaya and his sister Mamiko didn't fair out lucky as well.

Indeed, if karma had a hand in this chaotic bird invasion, it seemed to have a particular interest in ensuring that Amaya and Mamiko didn't escape unscathed.

As Emiko continued to document the surreal scene, her tablet captured a moment that would surely bring a smile to the faces of many. There, in the midst of the chaos, stood Amaya and Mamiko, both looking flustered and dishevelled. Feathers clung to their hair, and they held their bags protectively in front of them.

"Amaya! Mamiko!" Emiko called out, unable to suppress a mischievous grin.

The siblings turned to face her, their expressions a mix of embarrassment and frustration. It was clear that they had also been caught up in the avian commotion.

"Isn't it interesting how life has its ways of balancing things out?" Emiko mused, a twinkle in her eyes.

Amaya's face turned a shade of red that matched the most vibrant of the peacock's feathers. He stammered for a moment before finally managing to say, "This is ridiculous! These birds are out of control!"

Mamiko, though equally flustered, managed to maintain a bit more composure. "I can't believe this is happening," she muttered, brushing a few feathers off her shoulder. Emiko couldn't help but feel a sense of poetic justice. The bullies who had tormented others were now facing a situation that was entirely out of their control.

"Wait until I find the dickhead who brought the birds over! I am going to kill them!" Mamiko declared out loud.

As if her words were a middle finger towards the universe, the birds later flew to attack Mamiko and Amaya, as well as the peacock who chased after Takuma earlier switched to a different target. Feathers flew in all directions as the siblings attempted to fend off the feathery onslaught before the siblings ran out of the school.

Takuma soon joined Emiko, a playful grin on his face. "Looks like even the birds are trying to teach a lesson today."

Emiko couldn't help but chuckle at the turn of events. It seemed that even the birds had joined in the quest for justice. She watched as Amaya and Mamiko made their hasty exit, pursued by the avian army.

"Guess they got a taste of their own medicine," Emiko remarked, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Takuma nodded in agreement. "It's amazing how things have a way of balancing out in the end. Though enough of that," He scratched his head to gaze around his surroundings, "Where in the world did the birds come from anyway?"

Before Emiko could answer, "Kyaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!" A familiar voice they recognize could be heard screaming outside.

"Hey, is that Junko outside?" Takuma figures.

Emiko and Takuma exchanged a puzzled glance before rushing to the window to see what had caused Junko's scream.

As they looked outside, their eyes widened in surprise. There, standing in the midst of the school courtyard, was Junko, still clutching her broom, but now surrounded by a group of pigeons. The birds seemed to be circling her, their coos blending with her startled exclamations while Michio, the other member of Tantei Association, was busy trying to get the birds away from attacking Junko. They squawked and flapped their wings wildly, creating a cacophony of noise and feathers.

"Go away!" Michio shouted over the commotion, his voice barely audible amidst the avian chaos.

"Get out of me!" Junko exclaimed, her face flushed with frustration.

It was a bizarre and surreal scene, with colourful birds of all sizes and shapes swarming the area. Michio couldn't help but wonder how such exotic birds had ended up at Teitan Elementary School in the first place.

As they continued to chase away the birds, a small crowd of students and teachers began to gather, their expressions a mix of confusion and amusement. Word had spread quickly about the avian invasion, and now it seemed like the entire school was converging on the scene.

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

Meanwhile, the second HQ of Tantei Association, which is located in Teitan Elementary School, which happens to be a walking distance away from the animal hutch,  Shinichi couldn't help but ask one mind-boggling question after hearing what Ran had to say. "Eh?! The police called over rehoming those birds not long ago?"

Not long after solving their 7th major case, the association members had no choice but to clear out the 150-plus birds of Professor Shibuya at a luxurious neighbourhood shortly after they were kidnapped last week by The Snake.

And shortly after Ran rejoined the association in hopes of making amends, she delivered some grim news that the rescue centres and zoos couldn't afford to rehome those exotic birds, since there appeared to be way more than the number of birds reported.

"Not only that, they mentioned when they contacted Ranran, she reassured them that she found them a temporary home till she finds somewhere else to relocate them." Ran described.

Shinichi scratched his head, trying to make sense of the bizarre situation. "Huh, Ranran did?"

"Where is she going to rehome those birds, I wonder?" Ran blinked, "Her mansion is big, so it wouldn't be surprising if she had them there."

"She doesn't have an aviary built there, let alone, a large garden!" Shinichi denied. "Her parents forbade her from bringing any pets to their mansion because her mom doesn't like animals ruining their fancy interior."

Before Ran argued that there might be a possibility of her having a secret zoo no one knows about, the two children were met with an unusual sight of one of the children outside the window across the hallway running away, with an angry-looking falcon attacking him by the head.

"Did you...did you see that?"Ran pointed at the window.

"That was...a falcon, in our school chasing after a kid, right?" Shinichi replied.

Shinichi and Ran exchanged wide-eyed glances at the unexpected spectacle. The scene was so bizarre that it took a moment for them to register what was happening.

Without hesitation, they dashed towards the window to get a better view from the left side where the boy left off. There, they saw him, his face contorted in a mixture of terror and determination, with a falcon fiercely flapping its wings and making swift, calculated strikes at him. "GET OFF ME!!!"

"Get loss, you damn birds!"

Other angry yells could be heard on the right side of the hallway where another student seemed to be having a similar encounter with a bird of prey. To their shock, one of the teachers was having a tug-of-war with a flamingo in the hallway. Its long neck stretched towards the classroom, the teacher desperately holding onto the door frame to keep it from entering.

Before the two children considered heading there to help them, they in turn were the ones who needed help. A swarm of angry macaws of various colours are about to fly into their opened window.

Shinichi and Ran's eyes widened in disbelief at the sudden chaos unfolding outside their window. It was like a scene straight out of a wildlife documentary gone wrong. The falcon chasing the boy, the teacher wrangling with a flamingo, and now a swarm of macaws heading straight for them - it was all too much to process in a matter of seconds.

"Oh crap, shut the window, Shinichi! Shut the window, hurry!" Ran screeched.

Instinctively, Shinichi sprang into action, lunging for the window and pulling it shut just in the nick of time. The swarm of macaws hit the glass with a cacophony of squawks and flapping wings, their beaks clacking against the surface. It was a close call, and both Shinichi and Ran let out a collective sigh of relief.

"That was too close for comfort," Shinichi breathed, his heart still pounding.

Ran nodded, her eyes wide with astonishment. "I've never seen anything like this before. What on earth is happening?"

As they watched from the safety of their now-shut window, they could see the chaos continue to unfold in the hallway. The boy with the falcon was still trying to evade the determined bird, 

"That was... intense," Shinichi gasped, looking at the closed window as if expecting it to burst open at any moment.

Ran nodded, her expression equally incredulous. "I've never seen anything like this before. What on earth is happening?"

Before they could even begin to process the situation, they heard more commotion from the other window behind them. "Kyaaaaaaaaaaaah!" Causing both Shinichi and Ran to snap their attention towards the commotion.

"Did that scream sound a bit like Junko?" Shinichi's brows furrowed in concern. He recognized that voice anywhere.

Without missing a beat, both Shinichi and Ran rushed towards the source of the scream, their footsteps echoing through the hallways.

As they rounded the corner, they were met with a chaotic yet amusing scene. Junko was in the middle of a flurry of brightly coloured exotic birds. She brandished a broom in her hands, attempting to shoo them away, but it seemed that the birds were having none of it.

The courtyard had turned into a surreal aviary, with cranes, eagles, macaws, and even a flamboyant peacock fluttering about. The students and teachers gathered around, their faces a mix of confusion and amusement. Word had spread like wildfire, and now it seemed like the entire school had come out to witness the spectacle.

The sight before them was beyond belief. The courtyard, usually a place of calm, was now a bustling scene of feathers and wings. It was a spectacle that none of them could have predicted.

As they watched, the chaos continued to unfold. Michio too valiantly tried to fend off the birds of Junko, but it was clear that the two children were both outnumbered. Feathers floated in the air, and the courtyard echoed with a cacophony of birdcalls.

"Which idiot put the exotic birds in the damn hutch!?" Junko was snapping in anger as she struggled to flee.

"Hutch....?" Ran blinked before exchanging looks with Shinichi, "She found those birds in our school hutch?"

"Since when did our school own exotic birds?" Shinichi became puzzled before he recalled Ran's earlier conversation about Ranran having found a place to relocate the exotic birds.

"Don't tell me....." Ran's words trailed out.

"Ranran had the birds relocated here!?" Shinichi and Ran exchanged incredulous glances.

The realization hit them like a ton of bricks. "But why would she bring them here?" Ran wondered aloud.

Shinichi shook her head, equally bewildered. "I have no idea. It doesn't make any sense."

As the commotion continued, they could see the two valiantly trying to fend off the feathery invaders. While the chaos unfolded further on, more members of Tantei Association arrived on the scene. Takuma and Emiko, having dealt with their own bird encounters, joined Shinichi and Ran in trying to make sense of the situation.

"I've never seen anything like this," Takuma remarked, his eyes wide with amazement.

Emiko nodded in agreement. "It's like a scene out of a movie."

"Well, I think I know who put those birds here." Shinichi sighed as his statement caught Emiko and Takuma's attention. They turned to him, eager for an explanation. "It's Ranran."

"Wait, she did this?" Emiko asked, her disbelief evident in her voice.

"Ah, that is something I can see her doing." Takuma crossed his arms, impressed with the level of chaos his friend had unleashed in their school.

"Where did she get these birds from anyway?" Emiko is still in awe at the commotion.

"Froom Professor Shibuya." Ran sighed.

"Wait, the same ones we helped capture for hours!? While he is still in prison for stealing those nuclear plans from NASA!?" Emiko blinked in surprise, her eyes wide. "Why did she put them here!?"

"Apparently, the rescue centres and zoos couldn't afford to rehome them all, so Ranran decided to find them a temporary home here," Shinichi explained.

Emiko couldn't help but chuckle. "Well, she certainly knows how to make an entrance."

As they watched Junko valiantly trying to fend off the feathery invaders, Takuma mouthed, "Why do you think Ranran had them placed here?"

Shinichi shrugged, still finding the situation quite surreal. "Knowing Ranran, it's probably a mix of wanting to help and enjoying a good chaos. Plus, she might have thought the school grounds would be a safe, open space for them."

Emiko chimed in with a mischievous grin, "Maybe she wanted to give Junko a little...challenge."

Ran chuckled at the thought. "Well, she certainly got that."

"You guys got it all wrong," Ranran rolled her eyes before joining them, "I brought them here to cut down our expenses on having to look after them."

Shinichi and the others turned to Ranran with wide eyes, trying to process her explanation. "Hah?"

"Let's face it, all of the birds here before the exotic ones died due to a mysterious flu, and I ain't going to use my family's money to feed them. That would've been a bird brain move," Ranran nodded, a smirk playing on her red lips. "Bringing them here temporarily would be fine since we have a large open space, and with a bit of effort, we can make it bird-friendly. Plus, with those birds dead, the food for the pigeons and stuff in our school stands sufficient enough to feed all of these exotic birds after all, right?"

The revelation left the members of Tantei Association speechless. Ranran's logic, while unconventional, did have a certain practicality to it. Emiko couldn't help but be impressed by Ranran's audacity.

"Well, I guess that's one way to handle it. You did genuinely cut down on our expenses, the school is paying for it after all." Takuma couldn't help but be impressed by Ranran's pragmatic approach.

"You really do think outside the box, Ranran," Shinichi added, looking at her with newfound respect. However, a lingering question remained on his mind. "But do you have the school's permission?"

"Couldn't be bothered," Ranran shrugged, her nonchalant attitude mirroring her actions. 

"Seriously?!" The rest of their jaws dropped. It was clear that she operated on her own set of rules. Then again, she isn't the leader of Tantei Association if that isn't the case.

"But you have got to admit, it's a unique solution," Emiko mused, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"You can't be serious, right?!" Mouri Ran, however, turned her stern gaze towards Ranran. , "You are being irresponsible to make the school fork out expenses to pay for these additional birds!"

"In the first place, they had the money to hire janitors in Japan throughout the entire school, yet made all of us kids do all of the damn chores in this school. What they are doing ain't teaching us to be responsible, but rather exploit child labour for free, so it only seems fair for them to do the same for the birds, no?" Ranran's tone was defiant, challenging Ran to contest her stance.

Mouri Ran was momentarily taken aback by Ranran's bold retort.  Takuma raised an eyebrow, considering Ranran's words. "Well, when you put it that way, it does seem a bit hypocritical, doesn't it?"

"I hate to admit it, but Ranran seems to have a point." Shinichi decided. 

Emiko chuckled. "You've got a point, Ranran."

Ran was going to argue, but then decided she had a point. Cause she was too speechless to reply, sensing for once the founder made a point.

"Hey, are you guys just going to stand there and do nothing!?" Michio shouted to them as he ran towards the group, armed with a broom and ready to assist Junko in her feathery battle. His face was flushed with determination.

"Nope, I ain't doing a thing." Ranran decided. 

"HEY! YOU WERE THE ONES WHO BROUGHT THE BIRDS HERE!" Junko angrily protested as the birds continued to flap around her.

"In the first place, I didn't have it easy to have all of those birds moved here. And also, I specifically put up a sign at the hutch earlier to not open the door of the hutch, yet, you did anyway." Ranran crossed her arms and argued.

"What sign!?"

"There," Ranran pointed to Junko at the sign that was previously there, only to find that the signboard Ranran made earlier had fallen flat, covering up the message on the ground. "Oh......"

"Don't tell me you did a horrible job tying up the sign at the hutch, Ranran!? Kyaaaaaah!"Junko's exclamation was a mix of outrage and panic as the birds continued their onslaught.

Curious about what had happened, Shinichi hurriedly examined the fallen signboard. He noticed something unsettling – the strings Ranran had used to tie it up had been cut. It wasn't a clean cut, and then he spotted an Oriental Magpie squawking in the hutch while attempting to flee, flapping itself against the recently shut door thanks to Junko's hasty attempts, which later raised an alarming possibility to the apprentice.

"I think the magpie cut the signboard with its beak," Shinichi noted, his voice tinged with concern. It was a surprising revelation that added another layer of mystery to the already chaotic situation.

"What!? Why would the bird do that?!" Ranran frowned.

"No clue, but animals are unpredictable anyway." Takuma shrugs.

"I think it attempted to escape," Shinichi concluded.

"To be fair, I googled that the magpie species are one of the world's most intelligent birds." Ran pointed out before showing the Google results from her smartphone.

Shinichi peered at the screen, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "Well, it seems like our unexpected visitor is quite the clever one."

Emiko, who had been observing the exchange, couldn't help but be impressed. "Who would've thought a magpie could cause such a commotion?"

Takuma chimed in, his eyes still fixed on the courtyard where the avian chaos was slowly subsiding. "It just goes to show, that not every bird has a bird brain."

"And we can all conclude that the magpie probably did this on purpose to achieve freedom," Ranran sighed deeply.

As they all looked at the fallen sign, they all decided that this comically unfortunate turn of events perfectly captured the absurdity of the situation. 

"Hey guys, don't just stand there! Do something!" Michio shouted at the other members.

Realizing that Michio was more than eager to join the bird-battling brigade. They watched as Michio charged into the chaos, swinging his broom with a newfound fervour.

"Looks like Michio's got it covered," Emiko commented with a chuckle.

"I think we can leave this in their capable hands," Takuma added, grinning.

Ranran leaned back against a nearby wall, crossing her arms. "Exactly. Let them handle the bird uprising. It'll be a good team-building exercise for those two. Also, I can't afford to make myself sweat, since," She pointed towards the sky at the glaring sun, "It is a hot day, despite the fact that it is spring."

"You are terrible, you know that?" Ran shook her head at them in dismay.

While the chaos continued, Takuma couldn't help but crack a joke. "Well, at least this gives a whole new meaning to 'birdwatching'."

And so, the case concludes with the ongoing chaos in the courtyard played out like a scene from a slapstick comedy, complete with flapping wings, surprised shouts, and Michio valiantly swinging his broom.