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Horikoshi Gaku watched as Sano Kazunari, supported by others, limped away with a twisted expression of pain. Around him, the other members of the karate club whispered amongst themselves.
"Wow, that Fujiwara guy is insanely strong. Even the president couldn't stand up to him."
"I remember hearing you say earlier that Fujiwara was making stupid moves and his defeat was inevitable. I thought about going over to talk some sense into him."
"Don't, man. I was blind before. Someone like me wouldn't even recognize a true master if they stood right in front of me. The president got absolutely crushed—imagine what one punch or kick from that guy would do to me. Next year at this time, you'd be burning incense for me!"
"Can you believe the president said Fujiwara might have the strength to face Kyogoku Shin? Isn't that an exaggeration?"
"Is Kyogoku Shin really that strong?"
"Junior, are you new to karate? Go look up videos of Kyogoku Shin's matches online, and you'll understand just how strong he is."
"But don't forget, the president isn't weak either. If Fujiwara could take him down in just a few moves, who knows? He might actually be able to go toe-to-toe with Kyogoku Shin. If he enters the national karate tournament, I'm genuinely excited to see how far he can go."
"Do you think Tokyo University could produce a national karate champion this year?"
"Haha, honestly, I still think Kyogoku Shin is stronger. Fujiwara doesn't have any match experience, but since he's from Todai, we've got to support our own."
Tokyo University was the most prestigious institution in Japan, so much so that when it came to academic achievements, Todai was always ranked first, leaving other schools to settle for second place.
However, when it came to athletic competitions and sports events, Todai didn't hold a dominant edge—it was considered quite average among national universities.
If Todai could produce a karate expert capable of challenging Kyogoku Shin, it would certainly excite everyone.
Horikoshi Gaku adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose.
Todai truly was a place full of hidden talents. Even someone like him, who prided himself on being exceptional, realized that there were limits to his abilities.
"Thank goodness Fujiwara went easy on me too. That guy's karate skills are extraordinary, not to mention he's the top-ranked freshman representative who aced the entrance exams. His academic performance is also on another level."
Thinking back to how easily Fujiwara had defeated their karate club president in just a few moves, Horikoshi felt the same way others must have felt watching him during high school.
At that moment, Horikoshi's phone rang. He glanced at the screen—it was his sister.
"Rin?"
Horikoshi frowned, thinking of his younger sister, who bore immense pressure at home. She was constantly compared to him by their parents and relatives. Horikoshi sighed softly.
Horiuchi Rin had been striving tirelessly to catch up to her older brother—not only out of pride but also to avoid criticism from their family.
In the past, Horikoshi hadn't understood his sister and even thought she was foolish. But now, he finally grasped what it felt like to chase after someone whose back seemed impossibly distant.
---
Meanwhile, Yukinoshita Yang'ao and Fujiwara Tooru had finished changing out of their uniforms. As they walked through the campus, Yang'ao kept pace closely behind him.
Yang'ao quickened her steps to catch up with Fujiwara. After a moment of thought, she spoke. "Sano isn't such a bad person, and he's deeply passionate about karate. What he said at the end—all of it was sincere. He truly respects you."
Fujiwara chuckled lightly. "Are you here to plead his case for him, Senpai Yano?"
Pausing briefly, he added, "Still… considering we're classmates, I only gave him a lesson. I didn't harm him excessively."
"As long as he doesn't come looking for trouble, I won't bother him either."
He wasn't worth the effort.
Fujiwara muttered inwardly. Those who dared to provoke him usually ended up regretting it dearly—or worse.
"Thank goodness," Yang'ao sighed in relief, patting her chest. "I was worried you'd turn around and seek revenge on him."
"You seem pretty close to him. Are you acting as his mediator now?"
"Does Fujiwara-kun care about my opinion that much?"
"Senpai Yano, confidence is good, but don't get carried away."
"Eh? At least show some respect—I'm a girl, you know. Can't you say something nicer?"
"This kind of flattery isn't fashionable anymore. I prefer the samurai-like etiquette of old-school warriors."
Seeing Fujiwara's attitude, Yang'ao couldn't help but feel a bit exasperated. She explained, "The Yukinoshita family has business ties with the Sano family. I've known Sano Kazunari since childhood."
"He's been pursuing me since high school, but I've always treated him as a friend. I rejected him several times, and because of my involvement, he caused trouble for you. For that, I apologize."
"To be honest, I'm not trying to defend Sano. If he had wronged you, I'd have sided with you instead. Do you believe me?"
Fujiwara stopped walking and turned to look at Yang'ao's elegant and composed face. He nodded. "I believe you. If things had turned out differently, you would've stood up for me."
"But, Senpai Yano, while your intentions are good—trying to smooth things over without offending anyone—sometimes being overly diplomatic can leave you without anyone's trust."
"There's a saying: 'Loyalty that isn't absolute is no loyalty at all.' Not everything can be resolved by trying to please both sides. Sometimes, you need to pick a side."
Yang'ao paused, studying Fujiwara's serious expression. After a moment, she smiled. "You're right, Fujiwara-kun. Sometimes I do act too wishy-washy, coming off like a pushover. Next time something like this happens, I'll firmly support you."
Fujiwara shrugged dismissively. "No thanks. I'd rather not deal with any more trouble."
"Do you have plans this weekend?"
"I should be free. What do you have in mind?"
"Don't be so cautious. I just want to treat you to dinner as an apology."
"Fine. I'll check my schedule on Friday. If I'm available, we'll make plans."
Yang'ao sighed dramatically. "Why does it feel like such a hassle to invite you somewhere?"
"It can't be helped."
Yang'ao continued, "Chiba Prefecture is right next to Tokyo. My sister will visit me this weekend. Would you mind if I brought her along?"
"Not at all. It's not a date anyway. Sounds like you two are close."
"Close?" Yang'ao smirked mischievously, her expression resembling someone teasing a cute kitten. "I think we get along well, but my sister might disagree."
As they walked side by side, Yang'ao asked casually, "Have you seen the recent news, Fujiwara-kun?"
"What news?"
"The incident where a research facility collapsed in the suburbs of Tokyo."
"Oh, you mean the one officially attributed to a gas pipeline explosion?"
"It seems you don't pay much attention to the news. That report has already been proven false."
Yang'ao pulled out her phone and opened TikTok, quickly finding a video. She held it up for Fujiwara to see. "Take a look. This was uploaded online by someone who witnessed the event."
Fujiwara glanced at the screen. The video showed him piloting an Apache helicopter over the collapsing facility, with Tokyo police officers raising their hands in surrender.
"I heard this incident was classified as a terrorist attack. They even deployed an armed helicopter. Rumor has it that many people died inside the facility, and the government is struggling to cover it up with fake news."
Yang'ao wore a concerned expression. "Japan was once considered one of the safest countries in the world, but now it feels increasingly unsafe."
"Crime rates have skyrocketed recently, especially violent crimes like murder. And now, we're dealing with terrorism. Thankfully, this happened in the suburbs. If it occurred downtown, it would've been unimaginable."
Yang'ao wasn't exactly fretting about national security; she lived in Tokyo herself. The rise in violent crimes was starting to affect daily life. Lately, whenever she stepped outside, she couldn't shake the feeling that danger lurked everywhere.
"With crime rates soaring, the police solve fewer cases than ever. During this terrorist attack, they even surrendered. Many people online are criticizing them, accusing them of wasting taxpayer money while doing nothing productive."
Yang'ao shook her head. "It's frustrating. Taxpayer money aside, the drop in police efficiency is alarming. Practically every homicide case these days is solved by detectives. So what's the point of having police?"
Fujiwara offered a mild defense. "Law enforcement officers aren't equipped to handle situations like terrorist attacks, especially since they likely lack experience in such matters."
"I understand what you're saying, Fujiwara-kun, and deep down, everyone else does too. But people complain and vent online because they're scared."
Yang'ao spoke with surprising clarity. "If you want to blame someone, blame Conan."
Fujiwara smirked inwardly. The infamous "Detective of Death" certainly packed a punch.
Though Fujiwara could sense that the timeline hadn't looped repeatedly—as it often did in stories involving Edogawa Conan—the surge in violent crimes across Japan was undeniable. It was almost as though every case depicted in those fictional tales was happening simultaneously in real life.
And among the victims were influential figures like company presidents, which only fueled public outrage toward law enforcement's ineptitude.
"Let's stop talking about such gloomy topics," Yang'ao said brightly. "Fujiwara-kun, I'll introduce you to my sister this weekend. She's a real beauty."
They had reached the school gates. Knowing Fujiwara commuted home, Yang'ao winked and teased, "Don't worry, I won't force you to join us."
"I never agreed to anything in the first place."
"That's fine. Consider yourself booked. If you can't make it, just let me know ahead of time. I'll ask my sister to keep me company instead. Well, I won't see you off. Drive safely, okay? Bye!"
With that, Yang'ao waved goodbye and left with a radiant smile.