"Excuse me, Senpai."
"Hello, Sho."
Yukina and Yo entered the hospital room. After taking a nap once Tatenashi and Claudia had left, it was just in time for school to end, and these two were the first to arrive.
They placed a classic get-well-soon gift of a fruit platter on the shelf and arranged flowers in a vase.
"How are you feeling, Senpai?"
"Nothing hurts, and I feel great. I'm just so bored from doing nothing but lying here."
The machine covering his right arm serves to fix his arm's position, regularly administer painkillers, and repair his arm with the artificial cells.
The cells in his body are supposedly replaced with new ones through daily cell division. Just as humans can't feel that process, he doesn't feel any tingling. Thanks to the painkillers, the injury doesn't hurt, so he is literally just lying there.
"This machine isn't battery-powered, so I can't walk around."
"...Was that arm from a fight with an enemy Stand?"
"Yeah."
"I only heard about it from Einhart, and I can't see it, so I don't really understand, but why did you cut off your own arm in the first place?"
Yo asked a very reasonable question, so Sho explained the details of Whitesnake's ability.
"---That's the gist of it. So, that was the only way to minimize the damage. I don't know when it'll attack, so you two need to be careful. You can sense that it's there even if you can't see it."
"Yes."
"Got it... By the way, is there anything you're having trouble with, Sho?"
"Something I'm having trouble with?"
Yo changed the topic with no warning.
"Yeah. I spent a long time in the hospital because I was sickly, and it was rough. I was wondering if you're having any trouble, Sho."
Oh, right, Yo was sickly until she got the Genome Tree.
"Something I'm having trouble with, huh... I guess..."
"If there is anything, just say it. Yukina will do anything for you."
"Me!?"
Ah, so that's how it is.
"Right, Yukina, don't you think it's tough that Sho is in this situation?"
"W-Well, yes, of course..."
This feels familiar. It's like seeing a serious girl getting talked into things by Yo, who uses what sounds like a lot of valid arguments.
"Don't you want to do something for him?"
"W-Within my limits, I guess... But if you're going to say that, then Yo-san, you too—"
"I warmed Sho's cold body naked."
"...Senpai?"
"Don't make things up."
There's no memory of them hugging each other naked.
"Haa... Yo-san, please stop teasing him. You'll make Senpai's wounds ache... Anyway, if there's anything you'd like us to do, just say it. As long as it's something reasonable!"
"If you're going to take care of me, I guess a nurse's uniform would be nice, given the location?"
"No, thank you."
"Whoa, what a coincidence! Look, a nurse's uniform!"
"There's no way there—Why do you have that!?"
"I wonder why."
It's probably Mikado-sensei. Is he having too much fun? Hiding a cosplay outfit under the bed is too much.
"Don't you think it's important to look the part?"
"I don't think so! Besides, isn't that a job for the nurses!?"
"Wouldn't you be happy if they did it for you, Sho?"
"Things have been pretty bloody lately, so I'd appreciate some TLC (you don't have to force yourself)."
"Senpai!!"
Oops, his true feelings and his public persona got switched.
"Sho says so himself, so, right?"
It was obvious that she was having a blast. It's unforgivable to prey on a serious girl. What a terrible person!
"Besides, where am I supposed to change!?"
"Right here, wouldn't that work?"
"Haha, that's a good joke."
This is not good; Yukina is breaking.
"Come on! Don't dawdle! Hurry! Hurry!"
"Ah, w-wait a minute!"
"There's no need to be shy now! Sho has already seen you naked!"
"That's a different matter—!"
He's staring intently, but is it okay? Yo is pulling so hard that if the fabric weren't made of durable bulletproof fiber, it would be ruined. Yo tried to snatch the clothes from the struggling Yukina, but Yukina crouched down, putting her out of reach.
"Changing here is a no-go! I'll be really angry if you go any further, Yo-san!"
"Aww."
Yo knew when to back off. She's so skilled.
"So, in the end, is there anything you'd like us to do, Senpai?"
Even if she asks, this place is the picture of comfort, thanks to the Holy Ruler. But, if he had to ask for something, maybe...
"Help me use the restroom?"
"I'll stab you."
That was a bad joke. Sorry.
"We shouldn't stay for too long, so if you don't need anything, we'll be heading back, okay?"
"...Maybe the injury will heal faster if you sleep beside me."
"Then, we'll be going home now."
He was completely ignored.
Yukina, holding her bag, came closer.
"Yukina?"
"Please get better soon, Senpai... Mmm."
Their lips gently touched.
"Nngh..."
He was surprised that Yukina of all people took the initiative, but his heart pounded at her face so close to his. Her eyelashes are so long, and her skin is so white with no blemishes.
Since she started it, he thought, and he touched her lips with the tip of his tongue. Her eyes widened, and she pulled away.
"W-W-W-W-What are you trying to do here!! I-I wasn't trying to do that!! At a hospital, in front of people, no...!"
"But you started it."
"For all her seriousness, Yukina is pretty bold, isn't she?"
"Don't say that...!"
Yukina hid her face and ran out.
"Sho."
Yo leaned in and whispered in his ear.
"The Stand we saw at the park, the one called Scary Monsters, right? If you find out who the user is, tell me. I won't forgive them."
What did Yo, who understands the language of animals, feel from the animals affected by Scary Monsters? He didn't ask, but her words and expression said it all.
---------
"E-Excuse me, Yozuki-senpai."
Next, Kirin arrived. She looked nervous and her gaze was unsteady. She had her bamboo sword bag, which was now her trademark, over her shoulder. The usual real sword must be inside.
"How are your injuries?"
"They don't hurt. You're not hurt, are you?"
"No. I'm completely fine."
"You didn't catch a cold or anything?"
"No! I'm all right!"
Kirin answered energetically. At this rate, she's definitely fine.
"Um, Yozuki-senpai. About the early morning training..."
"Ah, the very first time turned out to be a mess."
Everyone might have forgotten, but this incident happened on the memorable first day of their early morning training. What a terrible start. Sho thought it would be canceled now.
"Would you mind continuing in the future?"
"Are you sure? I bet your family was pretty hard on you about what happened..."
"Y-Yes! A-Ah, no, that's not it! Well, it's not entirely wrong, but... My uncle did say a lot of things. But I'm completely fine!"
"Really? Then it's fine with me if we continue."
He can copy Senbazuru. The only downside is getting up early, so it's all good. He was worried about Kirin since she seemed to have ignored her uncle's orders, but...
Then he noticed that Kirin was blushing and looking away. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, and when she looked straight ahead again, her eyes were darting around.
This means she wants to say something embarrassing or difficult to say.
"U-Um... If you'll excuse my rudeness for asking...!"
"Mmh."
"Senpai, are you... are you used to it?"
"Used to what?"
"A-Actually, when I was entering the hospital, I saw the girl who was with Yo-san... Wasn't she the person who was there when I had my duel?"
Ah, right. She must have just missed Yo and Yukina. Well, it's obvious they came to visit him.
"And there was a different woman at your house, too... I-I know it's not my place to be concerned about this, but...!"
She must be so embarrassed, her face is bright red.
"A-After thinking calmly about it, I'm so embarrassed about what I did during the morning training...!"
She's talking about the time she hugged him so tightly. At that time, she was encouraged by Yo.
"But Yozuki-senpai doesn't seem to mind, so I thought you must be used to being with women, sleeping with them... and kissing... and that..."
And that?
Kirin pointed in a direction... where a discarded nurse's uniform was lying.
"..."
"..."
Why didn't they clean up before they left?
"The nurse must have forgotten it."
"I-Is that so?"
"Yeah. Don't worry about it."
"A-Haha, s-sorry. I intruded into your private life without permission."
He felt like she had a fatal misunderstanding.
He didn't want her to sound so sad. It was all Yo's fault. Should he just tell her the truth?
Just as he was about to open his mouth, Kirin looked at him directly. Her eyes looked resolute.
"But, I've made up my mind. Senpai, I..."
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door so loud it seemed like it was trying to break it down. The door was physically shaking. Judging from the position of the knocking, it was a large adult, and a very well-built one, at that.
"Kirin! I know you're in there! Come out at once! Kirin!"
Eeeeeehhh!! Is that Kirin's uncle's voice!? W-What's happening!?
"Uncle...!? Why are you...?"
"Did he come with a guardian? So that's why your family let you..."
"No, he's not! I came here alone!"
What, he followed Kirin?
"What should we do?"
If he keeps making a ruckus, the security guards will come and take him away, but...
"...Please let him in. I'm begging you."
"(Ugh... I have to see that guy again?) Okay."
He put his thoughts away and reluctantly unlocked the door. Right, this door has a lock. It's a strict one that can't be opened without a hospital staff's card key or the button inside. He had forgotten about it entirely until Yukina and the others came, because Tatenashi and Claudia had entered so easily.
Kouichirou came in, out of breath and sweating. The room's automatic air conditioner seemed to get a little stronger. He knew why without needing to say it.
"Kirin! I told you never to go to this plague god again!!"
"That's extremely rude."
He was called a plague god, of all things. He couldn't blame him, though. No one wants to be a guest on the Detective Conan show and get murdered.
If you're with him, you'll likely be involved in an incident.
"Nothing good ever comes from the incidents this man is involved in! The benefits are too small for the risks!! That's why you're so useless! You can't even tell the difference between people you should associate with and people you shouldn't!! I won't say it twice, we're going home, Kirin!!"
His words are too relatable and it's painful. Incidents so bad that men in black come to silence you (the Assassin of the Armed Detectives), or protecting the Holy Ruler when a real assassin comes.
Wherever he is, trouble follows. He's more surprising than a certain famous detective from Sazae-san's world.
Kouichirou reached out to grab Kirin's arm, but she slipped away.
"I'm sorry, Uncle."
How much resolve was in those short words? It was completely different from her usual timid self, but the sweaty Kouichirou couldn't sense it.
"Don't talk back!! You don't need to think, just do as I say!!"
He was too loud, even if they were indoors.
"This is a hospital, so could you please calm down a little?"
"Y-You plague god...!! Ever since I met you, it's been one misfortune after another!! Don't get in my way anymore!!"
Oh, okay.
After his outburst, he no longer had eyes for Sho. He looked down at Kirin, his face distorted. It was a look of absolute confidence. He thought that if he said these words, he could manipulate Kirin as he pleased.
"I-Is this okay, Kirin!? Even if it means you can't get your father out of prison!! My power is essential to free Seijirou!! If you can't follow my orders..."
"Then there's nothing that can be done."
...Huh?
"Y-You... What did you just say?"
"K-Kirin?"
Both Sho and Kouichirou were stunned by her firm tone.
"It's an undeniable fact that my father killed a person. I haven't gone to see him like you said, but I think he's regretting and reflecting on that."
If she went to see him, he'd obviously notice something was wrong with Kirin, and if he said something to make her change her mind, that would be a problem. Her uncle's judgment was excellent. It made him want to vomit.
"My father wouldn't be happy if I used a dishonorable way to help him. I used to think that was fine. But..."
"Don't be ridiculous! What are you saying now!"
Kirin's resolve was firm. No matter how loud he shouted, she wouldn't flinch anymore.
"Uncle, look at Senpai's injury. He sacrificed an arm to save one person."
"W-What does that have to do with anything?"
"Senpai showed me with his actions that my current self isn't good enough! Even if it wasn't an action directed at me, I understood it in my heart!"
Kouichirou was dumbfounded by Kirin's shout, something he had never heard before.
"So, from now on, I'll think for myself and move forward. I'm sorry for being so sudden, Uncle."
Kouichirou looked like he still wanted to say something, but he just opened and closed his mouth, no words coming out.
He eventually dropped his shoulders and slowly turned his back. He understood that his fledgling had left the nest and would not be coming back.
Kirin called out to Kouichirou, who was about to leave the room.
"O-Uncle!"
Kouichirou didn't turn around, only stopping in his tracks.
"I'm very grateful for you, Uncle! That's the truth! So, um... Thank you for everything until now!!"
Kirin bowed deeply. Kouichirou stood there for a while, but he muttered a small "I see" and left the room for good. Then, as the door closed, Kirin finally looked up.
Her face seemed to be somewhat bright and clear.
"Was that the right thing to do, Kirin?"
"Yes. I feel so much better now."
"It's weird to say it myself, but don't you think you're overestimating this injury of mine a little?"
"Not at all. For me, it was the biggest event of my life."
The biggest event of her life is a heavy statement. Did she leave out the part where her father was arrested?
Then, Kirin started fidgeting again.
Even if she decided to think for herself and move forward, her fundamental shyness wouldn't disappear so easily.
He decided to say something to her like an older person would.
"What's wrong, Kirin?"
"Um, well... I have a favor to ask of you, Yozuki-senpai... Is that okay?"
"Well, asking is free."
"Would it be okay if I called you by your first name?"
Oh, that's all?
"From now on, let's get along, Kirin."
From now on, Kirin's story—
"...Huh?"
His lips and her lips touched for a split second, a surprise kiss. It was so unexpected that his mind couldn't even process it.
"Hehe, I'll do my best, Sho-senpai!"
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