Just like Conan, the bald police officer in the crowd was also feeling the tension.
This bald officer, a detective from Fukui Prefecture, had specifically traveled to this small island to investigate the report Ran-chan made to the police last night.
However, as soon as he arrived, he was met with quite the **shocker**: a crowd of villagers chasing after a man in black carrying a woman. Honestly, it truly startled him! If he hadn't been a police officer for over a decade, his hair surely would've gone completely white, or perhaps he would've just stood there dumbfounded, utterly bewildered.
"What in the world is that guy up to?!"
The bald police officer swallowed, looking up at the black-clad Fujino standing atop the shrine. He couldn't quite grasp what that person was doing. To dare beat a woman from this island right in front of a throng of furious islanders... Doesn't this young man fear being caught and beaten to death?
As a police officer, he couldn't possibly stand by and watch that fellow be caught by the enraged villagers. If the situation spiraled out of control, he, as an officer, wouldn't be able to escape responsibility. With that thought, he quickly pulled out his police ID, squeezed through the crowd, and shouted loudly, "Everyone, please calm down! I am Shimura Yuichi, a detective from Fukui Prefecture!"
His loud shout successfully drew the islanders' attention, and they all turned to look at the bald police officer.
"A police officer from Fukui Prefecture?"
Fujino looked down at the bald officer. A police presence showing up was indeed unexpected. He hadn't thought Fukui Prefecture would act so quickly... Still, with the police here, things might actually become a bit simpler.
However, the surname Shimura... Could he be related to the famous pot-maker, Shimura?
"It seems the sea winds have finally calmed down."
Heiji Hattori sighed, "But it's been a whole night; did they finally make it?"
Conan, meanwhile, let out a sigh of relief. "With an officer present, these villagers shouldn't do anything too drastic."
"Ahem!"
Being watched by so many eyes was a first, even for the bald police officer. After a light cough, he continued, "Could someone please explain what exactly is going on here?"
"This man kidnapped someone from our island!"
"He also attacked the Ebara family's daughter!"
"I heard he's even a ghost of a mermaid!"
A cacophony of voices filled the air, giving the bald police officer a headache.
"It's a series of kidnapping and assault cases."
The real Fujino quietly pulled out his work ID and stepped forward. "Roughly four days ago, he kidnapped a woman from this island in Tokyo. Last night, during the festival on this island, he assaulted someone, and now, in broad daylight, he's taken someone else, leading to the islanders chasing him here."
"From the Metropolitan Police Department?"
The bald police officer glanced at Fujino's ID, finding the title "Criminal Affairs Advisor" somewhat unfamiliar. However, since he was from the Metropolitan Police Department, it meant they were colleagues. As fellow members of the police force, Fujino's words were naturally taken seriously by the bald officer.
"Help me! Please, quickly, help me!"
Just then, Naojo Kuroe on the rooftop came to her senses. Realizing she was being held by the pitch-black "ghost of a mermaid," she frantically shouted down to the crowd below.
"Silence."
The Kuro-chan version of Fujino frowned, stepping on Naojo Kuroe's back, then whispered menacingly, "If you utter another sound, I'll make you experience the same torment I felt three years ago when you burned me to death – the agony of being consumed by hellfire!"
"Ugh—"
Naojo Kuroe's face paled at his words, her eyes wide with disbelief. She knew for certain that only she and the two individuals present at the time knew about setting fire to the warehouse. Just thinking about it, as a devout believer in the mermaid legend, she was utterly terrified by this absurdly simple disguise.
"You on the rooftop, listen! Do not make any drastic moves!"
Shimura Yuichi, seeing the situation once again spiraling out of control, shouted loudly, "Please release that woman immediately! We can talk about anything!"
"Oh, anything?"
Fujino grew interested, pressing down on Naojo Kuroe's neck, then sat cross-legged on the rooftop.
"That's right, anything!"
Seeing a possibility for negotiation, the bald Shimura Yuichi sighed in relief. Then, recalling how his colleagues in negotiations would typically sound, he began, "But before that, how should I address you?"
"Since you have so earnestly asked, then I shall, with great mercy, inform you!"
"To prevent the world from being destroyed, to protect the world's peace!"
Kuro-chan slowly stood up, dramatically throwing open his black garment. "Embodying love and evil, the beautiful and enchanting villain! Kuro-chan, arrives!"
"Ah!"
A shriek erupted from the crowd of women. Ran and Kazuha peeked through their fingers, saw nothing alarming, and finally calmed down.
Shimura Yuichi: "..."
Are criminals this outrageous these days? A self-introduction? Why did he have to take off his clothes? Does this guy have some screws loose?
Conan: "..."
So, *you're* Kuro-chan! Why does he seem so **chuunibyou**? Well, he certainly fits the physical description.
Heiji Hattori: "..."
What kind of ridiculous name is that? It sounds like my neighbor's black cat. And "beautiful and enchanting"? You're even darker than me, where's the beauty and charm in that?
Fujino: "..."
Still, I hadn't realized how awkward it would be from a third-person perspective. Well, everyone knows a **katashiro** (puppet/avatar) is just an avatar, not the main body. Kuro-chan is Kuro-chan, not me, Fujino. It has nothing to do with me.
"Ahem!"
Shimura Yuichi cleared his throat, regained his composure, and continued, "Mr. Kuro... Kuro-chan, what is the purpose of these actions?"
"Purpose..."
Kuro-chan scanned the shrine plaza. "To arrest Saori Kadoaki, Naojo Kuroe, and Hisami Ebara, who committed arson and murder three years ago."
As soon as he spoke, many islanders in the crowd suddenly stiffened. Many of the older residents on the island knew the truth about that fire three years ago. However, they truly had no idea about their involvement in the arson.
"Arson and murder?"
Shimura Yuichi was stunned by the revelation, then turned doubtfully to Fujino behind him.
"It should be the case involving the mermaid's body from three years ago."
Fujino feigned contemplation for a moment, then spoke, "Roughly three years ago, wasn't there a fire in this shrine's warehouse where a woman was burned to death?"
"I do recall that case; after all, I handled it myself..."
Shimura Yuichi recalled for a moment and quickly remembered the incident: "I remember a woman was burned to death in the shrine's warehouse, and we were never able to identify her."
"But arson..."
Heiji Hattori frowned. "Could it be that those three set fire to the warehouse and burned the middle-aged woman?"
"But that doesn't sound right either."
Kogoro Mori clearly didn't quite believe it, glancing suspiciously at Kuro-chan, he loudly questioned, "Hey, you, Kuro-something, you claim those few set fire to the warehouse three years ago, but do you have any proof?"
At this moment, Kimie Shimabukuro stared blankly at Kuro-chan on the rooftop, her mind filled with confusion.