"Speaking of that guy, I actually have a favor I'd like to ask of you."
After a moment of silence, Hakuba seriously looked up and addressed Fujino.
"You need my help?" Fujino paused, then asked, "How much is the retainer?"
"Around one million yen, give or take." Hakuba pondered for a moment before stating a price he found acceptable.
Originally, he'd planned to offer more, perhaps a lucky two and a half million, something like that. But with the variety show falling through... he just couldn't manage it now.
"Alright, first tell me what this 'favor' entails." Fujino didn't seem particularly thrilled by the million-yen offer; his expression remained unchanged. After reeling in that mermaid case, and then Mrs. Hattori's little predicament, plus a few system missions on the side, he was currently quite the big shot, sitting on a cool 250 million yen. A million or so yen wasn't much to him. At least, he didn't think it was much right now.
"I need you to help me steal something." Hakuba suddenly lowered his voice, "Preferably sneakily, when Kaito Kid is in action, while he's not paying attention, discreetly... get him to..."
"You better be talking about something legitimate..." Fujino's cheek twitched. He looked up from his phone, glancing at Hakuba. "Sneakily, while he's not paying attention, what are you going to 'get' him to do?"
"What's 'not legitimate' about it?" Hakuba clearly didn't realize anything was amiss with his phrasing. He continued, "I mean next time, while he's performing his heist, discreetly snag a strand of his hair without him noticing."
"Why do you want his hair?" Fujino was speechless. "Have you been chasing him for so long that you're planning to put a voodoo curse on him, or maybe you're thinking of 'tying the knot' with him?"
Hakuba: "..."
*You wouldn't happen to be getting back at me for what just happened, would you?*
Sighing softly, Hakuba endured the jab for a moment before explaining, "I have an uncle who runs a lab. If we could get a sample of his hair, we might be able to obtain his true genetic data..."
"Ah, modern investigative techniques..." Fujino clicked his tongue, secretly marveling at the 'power of his police superintendent father' within his mind. It's always 'I have an uncle' this, 'I have a dad' that. Connections really do make a difference.
But then, he shook his head. "However, I might not be able to help you this time."
"You're...?" Hakuba clearly faltered, glancing disbelievingly at Fujino through the phone. *This guy... he's acting a bit out of character... Not even money can sway him now?*
"I've been a bit busy lately; my schedule is tight. If I tried to catch that guy with you, our timings would probably clash," Fujino explained. "If you find a lead on that guy, let me know. I'll help out for free... of course, I'll still charge a commission."
"Alright then... Looks like you've become a big shot now." Hakuba pursed his lips, feeling a little bitter. Since he's still asking for money, it means he's still normal. Yeah, no big deal.
But without Fujino, getting a strand of that guy's hair seems pretty difficult... *What am I thinking?* Hakuba shook his head, dismissing the thought of relying on anyone else. Hakuba Saguru is a proud man. As a high school detective, he would never rely on others!
---
"Looks like Kaito's in a bit of trouble this time..."
Hanging up the phone, Fujino stroked his chin, pondering what Hakuba had just said. If Hakuba really pulls strings with his father or his uncle, that Kaito Kid might genuinely be done for. But then he thought about it again and wasn't too worried. After all, Kaito still has *that certain witch* by his side. Even if Jesus himself showed up, he probably couldn't take Kaito Kuroba away today. At the very least, he'd have to contend with the Crimson Witch first.
"That's really going too far..." At that moment, the TV program ended. Miyano Akemi, who had been silently watching, frowned and then worriedly asked Fujino, "Won't that show cause any problems for your work?" It wasn't out of self-interest, but simply out of genuine concern for someone she considered family. After all, Fujino was 'officially employed,' so to speak. As someone acting in a 'parental' role, Miyano Akemi naturally felt quite pleased about it. It was like how an elder would feel seeing someone become a civil servant... even though, usually, it was Fujino who took care of her.
"It's nothing. Just some excited rich kid spouting nonsense." Fujino chuckled, completely unconcerned. "So-called experts are just old farts with no real ability or connections, who dream of punching above their weight."
As he spoke, Fujino glanced at some tickets. "Speaking of which, tomorrow..."
"Tomorrow is still the weekend," Haibara Ai, sitting nearby, answered straightforwardly. She was already used to Fujino often losing track of what day it was. That 'Kazama' character had mentioned something about a 'time perception syndrome' before... She had indeed been paying attention recently, and the more she observed, the more Fujino seemed like a patient. However, she had no intention of sending Fujino to a mental hospital. After all, he was *their* Fujino. She, Haibara Ai, just wanted to quietly stay by Fujino's side and be a well-behaved 'time-teller princess.' Hmm, that felt quite nice. At least it gave her a sense of satisfaction from being relied upon.
"Oh..." Fujino nodded at her words, surprised that Haibara had even answered so quickly, then suggested they spend the weekend at that inn.
So, early the next morning, Fujino walked ahead in casual sportswear, while Haibara Ai and Miyano Akemi, both dressed for travel, followed behind, each carrying a travel bag. Just as they came downstairs, across the street, they spotted a yellow Volkswagen Beetle. Meanwhile, the Detective Boys, Conan, Ran, and Professor Agasa were standing at the entrance of the detective agency.
"Haibara-chan!" Ayumi turned around, noticed Fujino and his group, and waved.
"Professor Agasa, what are you all up to...?" Fujino looked at them curiously, greeted them, and asked with a puzzled expression.
"Oh, Fujino-kun." Professor Agasa turned around. "I was planning to take the kids to visit my friend's son's house. He's moving to England soon, so his vacant house has a lot of old things he doesn't want. I thought I'd take the children to have a look."
"I see. You certainly have a lot of friends, Professor Agasa." Fujino remarked, but in his mind, he was secretly pondering, recalling this particular case. However, thankfully, he didn't really want to get involved. After all, no one was dead yet, so letting the kids go on an adventure would be fine. Anyway, he just wanted to have a comfortable vacation with Haibara and Miyano Akemi at a rural hotel. At least he wouldn't have to see any dead bodies.