The Yakuza and the Detective
Chapter 2: New Friendships and Fresh Starts.
A few days after the Shopping District Incident
Whispers are a bound in the halls and classes of the school today as talk is going round of the new shopping district as well as the transfer student that was spotted.
"Hey, did you guys hear about what happened at the new district?" Asked a random student.
"Totally! I heard from someone that says they saw the aftermath with their own eyes! A big scary group was surrounding some girl and a boy around her age was with her before he turned pale and ran off!" Answered another.
"I myself heard that the girl herself scared the boy off, and that she was some kinda strange foreigner." Added on a third.
Just then a certain girl with brown hair and yellow hairband walked in the class alongside another girl, but this one having long brown hair and also with a tuff of hair that resembles a horn. "So annoying! Will you guys stop yapping about this!? Especially since it's clear none of you saw it yourselves!" The first girl screamed in disapproval of the rumors.
"What's it to you Suzuki? It's not like you where there either." Then the sound of a sudden loud stomp reverberated through out the classroom, accompanied by a gentle voice with a dangerous undertone from the second girl. "You guys wouldn't mind being a bit more quiet, would you?" Just as she said that, a certain detective in training walked in to the classroom. Giving a quick glare to the rumor mongers - thus being the final strike and silencing the rumor mill - before turning to his friends.
"Sonoko, Ran... Thanks." The detective in training says with a small tired smile.
"No problem! No problem! I'm still ashamed to have been like that in the past myself..." Answered the young heiress.
"Your not like that Sonko. You and Ran have always been really kind and caring friends and it was further reinforced and made extra clear a few days ago when you two were able to instantly make a good impression at my place on those two during that surpise visit that we got while cleaning."
"Oh yah, speaking of which." Sonoko adds on. "I really hope she ends up in our class! Right Ran? All of us being in the same class would be amazing!"
"Yup, that would fantastic if it happens!" Replied the young karate prodigy.
"Well it looks like class will be getting more interesting then." Shinichi intercedes.
""Huh?"" Then he points forward to the front of the classroom - at the teacher that just walked in a few seconds ago - after receiving confused looks from Sonoko and Ran.
Almost immediately after, the teacher spoke up, causing the class to be quiet.
"Everyone! I have an announcement for you all.. Today we have a new transfer student joining our class! Come inside and introduce yourself!" The teacher said, with the last part in the direction of the door, after which the door opens and a blond girl wearing the same school uniform as the rest of the class - but with a long skirt reaching her ankles - walks in and writes her name on the chalk board.
"Hello there! My name is Akechi Raika! It's nice to meet you!
"Now, if you would Raika, please choose a seat and I'll start the lesson after a few minutes so that everyone can get situated." The teacher replied, after which Raika nodded and took a quick glance around the class before walking towards the three faces she recognized with a bright smile on her face. While at the same time, a certain trio of childhood friends wore similar smiles in recognition.
The class then broke into murmurs which was quickly silenced by three well placed glares from the detective in training, young heiress, and young karate prodigy - all aimed at the rest of the class - effectively muting the rumor mill once more before turning to their new but familiar classmate.
"Raika!" ""Raika-chan!"" Called out Shinichi as well as Ran and Sonoko as the girl walked towards them.
"Oh, does this mean you knew she was joining our class?" Sonoko asked Shinichi as Raika had just reached their group.
"Hm? What do you mean Sonoko?" Raika inquired with a hint of curiosity while she sat at the desk near the three with Sonoko to the top left, Ran to the top right, Shinichi bottom right, and now Rachel at the bottom left.
Shinichi himself then responded. "Ah, we where wondering if you would be joining our class, but then I noticed some stuff and pointed towards the teacher just before you where introduced.
"Stuff? OH! A deduction! Can you explain it us? Please! Detective Shinichi!" Raika asked eagerly while nearly jumping out of her seat.
This brought an embarrassed but happy grin to Shinichi as he scratched the back of his head and agreed to do a little deduction show. "Oh, eheh, sure! Alright then, to start. The teacher was just talking to someone outside the classroom, and from the posture of the teacher, she seemed to be getting ready to make an announcement. One that she was likely nervous about - since she was dabbing her forhead with a handkerchief yet the weather is not hot at all and she showed no signs of exhaustion from being in a hurry - as it may or may not be well received by the class. It can't be a holiday or school event as there's none planned for anytime soon, and judging by the fact that the - now known to be Raika - person she was talking to was still there as there hadn't been any footsteps - which would've been easily heard by me, Sonoko and Ran as we are sitting near the doorway - to indicate that said person left, then it's likely that the announcement relates to them. The teachers manner and tone of speech to the person also indicated someone young but not too young, not familial, and not a fellow teacher or school staff." With that in mind it would lead to the conclusion that it would be a student around our age. Likely a transfer student as well as there would be little to no other reason left for a student to be asked to wait outside before having even stepped in the classroom. As a bonus, I had a feeling it was you Raika, due to what your dad said as he was leaving for his errand. Oh yah, this deduction by the way is disregarding the many rumors that where floating around the school, as they are all over the place in accuracy and often lacking in respect."
Once he was done, Shinichi looked at his three friends to find three looks of amazement with Raika especially looking excited as a ting of pink colored her face. "So Cool!"
Then Sonoko added on. "Yup, it's fun listening to Shinichi-kun's deductions. Sometimes even inspiring the idea of wanting to try doing the same one day."
"Mhm, the way Shinichi does the deductions really does feel like it's teaching what to look out for - even if the level and speed of observation is not the same - without the arrogance that detectives are sadly labeled with." Ran, further supplied.
"Yah, just like at the shopping district and your place Shinichi.. oh, OH YAH!" Raika jumped up after remembering the events of a few days ago.
"Shinichi! did you make a decision regarding the offers that you got?" Asked the excitable blond.
"Hm? Oh yah... well." Then Shinichi thinks back to the events of that day with a small smile.
<The day after the Shopping District Incident>
Shinichi, Ran, and Sonoko are helping Yukiko with some chores when the sound of something falling catches just about every one off guard as Shinichi places his right hand over his left arm and chest with a grimace.
"Shin-chan! I told you rest up and take it easy! Not to over extended yourself when your injured!" Yukiko goes over to check that her son didn't aggravate the injury, and then started to calm down once it was clear the wound didn't reopen. Then, just as Ran and Sonoko walked over to see what happened, Shinichi looked down sadly. "Sorry, Kaa-san, I just wanted to help out as well." Which lead to Yukiko grabbing Shinichi into a gentle hug. "Ah, Shin-chan, your such a nice boy! Though, you need to be more careful and learn to protect yourself as well, not just others. You don't want those you protect to worry, do you?"
After hearing that, Ran and Sonoko couldn't contain their concern in longer.
"What happened Shinichi? Are you okay?"
"Yah! How did you get hurt? Did something bad happen?"
"Ah.. no, well kinda, but everything is fine now."
"Really now, Shin-chan? Tell them! Tell them what you told me about..." Just as Yukiko was about talk about Shinichi's act of bravery the four of them where interrupted by the sound of the doorbell. "Hmm? Shin-chan, where you expecting anymore guests?"
Shinichi just looked confused and shook his head, but then started to walk to the intercom to see who it was. "No... it should've been just Ran and Sonoko. I wonder who it is... It can't be Agasa Hakase or Tou-san, since they have keys to the house and know about the secret key as well just in case, and from the sounds of it, you and Tou-san weren't expecting guests either." Yukiko, Ran, and Sonoko followed him to see who it is.
On the intercom was what looked to be a tall middle aged man - with short to medium blond hair, sharp pink eyes, wearing a brown suit, and holding two envelopes - and next to him, a girl around Shinichi and his friends' age - that had similar but bright pink eyes, blond hair going down to her mid-back with a sakura petal hair clip near left ear, and a light blue hoodie with a white shirt and white skirt that reached her ankles- that was instead holding on to a small gift box.
"Hello, is this the home of Kudo Shinichi?" The man's voice range though. Shinichi then proceeded to answer the intercom. "Yes... do you need something from... hold on... Raika!? Give me a minute, I'll be right there!" Then, as Shinichi turned around he was met with a mischievous smile from his mom and an even further confused look from Sonoko and Ran. Which Yukiko decided follow up with some light teasing. "Shin-chaan~" After which Shinichi broke into a light blush. "I'll explain later!" Then he proceeded to run the front entrance to let the guests in.
To say that Shinichi was surprised to not only see Raika again so soon, but at his front door as well would be an understatement. Needless to say that the reactions of the three behind him were interesting as well, with Yukiko having a warm smile at the scene while Sonoko and Ran stared at the girl amazement. Making her a bit nervous, before the two friends spoke up at the same time.
""So Pretty!!"" Sonoko and Ran having an identical reaction to the girl. Catching her off guard.
"Ne, Shinichi. You know these two?" Ran asked.
"Yah, introduce us Shinichi-kun!" Sonoko added.
The girl in question being surprised, but happy about the reactions had kick started the introductions her self. "I'm Raika, Akechi Raika, and this is my dad Akechi Tetsu, nice to meet ya'!" All while having a beaming smile on her face.
Said dad had chuckled a bit at his daughter's antics, having been pleased that she's already found two more folks that she's taken a liking to. "Like my daughter just said, I'm Akechi Tetsu. I mainly run a Law and Consultant Agency while assisting with some other businesses. It's nice to meet you."
Seeing as the introductions had begun, Shinichi realized the he should probably introduce him self as well as the ones behind him.
"I'm Kudo Shinichi. Behind me are my childhood friends Suzuki Sonoko and Mouri Ran, as well as my mother Kudo Yukiko." Saying that, while gesturing to each one who nodded and added their own short introductions before finishing.
"Well now!" Yukiko clapped her hands together to get everyones attention as the introductions were now finished. "Shall we head inside now so we can continue this in relaxation? Shin-chan, please lead everyone to the livingroom and everyone get comfortable while I bring some snacks and drinks." She said as she walked off to the kitchen.
Once Yukiko returned she quickly gave a few options to the new guests. "Would you two like orange juice, tea, or coffee?"
"Tea please, Yukiko-san."
"Orange juice please, Yukiko Onee-san!"
"O.. Onee-san? Awww!! Aren't you precious? You have a wonderful daughter, Akechi-san!"
Tetsu then had a loving smile on his face as he looked at his daughter. "Indeed, Raika is quiet precious to me and the whole family, which is a very large part of why we came to talk to Shinichi today." He then had a serious yet calm look as he turned back to face the detective-in-training. "From what I've heard from my daughter and the folks at the new shopping district, Shinichi here had not only stood up for the folks there - whom might look frightening to the casual observer - without discrimination or fear and correctly deduced the situation, but he also saved my daughter with a well done soccer ball kick then even reacted quickly and protected her when the crook tried to grab her again. Thus leading to him sadly getting injured in retaliation before the cops caught the crook as he was running away." A frown falling on his face as he stated that.
"Yah! Shinichi was so awesome and smart when he saved me and stood up for the folks and... and.. I'm Sorry!" Raika blurted out. "You end up getting hurt when you saved me... I'm sorry... I really hope you can forgive me for not apologizing sooner and if you don't mind, continue being my first friend?" Raika looked at Shinichi with pleading eyes.
The detective-in-trainging himself grew flustered at the sudden outburst. "Ah, it's not problem at all, I don't mind! I just hope your not traumatized by what happened. Oh, and I'm still okay with being your first friend, though by the sounds of it there's some extra significance in that to you? So is it okay for me to be this 'First Friend' of yours?" He asked with a worried look.
Raika gave a strong nod with a look of determination. "Mm! I want you to be my 'First Friend'! So again, thank you so much Shinichi!" She said with an adorable grin - which had the young holmes blushing and his mother cooing at the sight - then with a look of excitement turned to Ran and Sonoko. "You two seem really nice as well, so I hope we can also be friends!"
"We'd love to be your friend Raika-chan!" Ran responded. "Yup! Same here! We're glad to have you!" Sonoko then added on.
Raika then jumped and hugged Ran and Sonoko. "Thank you, thank you, thank you! Ah, ehheh!" She then moved backed to to her spot with an embarrassed but happy look. Then remembering the small gift box she brought with her, Raika picked it up from the table in front and handed it to Shinichi. "Open it up! This is a very special gift that the Akechi family traditionally only gives to each of our 'First Friends', so keep it safe and hidden!" She added with a slight tease in her tone.
Inside the box was what appeared to be a small round silver pendant with a pair of feathers on the front and the initials 'K.S' on the back, as well as an intricate pattern - which seemed likely to be a unique identifier - along the edge of the pendant. Seeing this, Shinichi nodded with strong affirmation. "Thanks. Yah, I'll definitely keep it safe!" Then wondered about the image before asking about it. "Um, Akechi no Oji-san?
"Mmm, yes?" Tetsu had a feeling what Shinichi was about to ask, but decided to let him continue. "By chance is the Twins feathers on the pendant a symbol of your family? More specifically it seems to be a pair of white owl feathers. It being a pair likely represents closeness and trust and the fact that 'Akechi' can mean Bright and Wisdom which white owls would fit due how they are seen as wise in addition to their bright white of their feathers?" Shinichi asked while remembering one of the bird refrence books he got after reading 'The Hound of the Baskervilles'.
Seeing the little holmes' deductions in person had impressed the blond adult. "Yes, that is correct. Very well done!" Tetsu answered with a smile.
Hearing that and realizing the trust the Akechi's put in him, Shinichi silently reaffirmed his promise to keep the pendant safe with a strong appreciation for the trust he had received.
Seeing as he had the chance, Tetsu continued. "Now, once again thank you for this and for what you did at the shopping district, Shinichi-kun. I feel bad about what happened, but I'm far more grateful that it didn't end up worse than that for you, Raika, or anyone else. Now... while on the topic of your deductions and actions." Then Tetsu put on a serious face for a few seconds before swapping to a gentle smile as he put two envelopes - one red with a gold colored border and one dark blue with a silver colored border, with both having a pair of feathers as an insignia stamped on to them - on the table.
"I'd like to offer a few things myself. Partially as a gift and thank you, and the other part out of concern and admiration." Then he slowly slid the envelopes across the table to Shinichi. "Please open the blue envelope first, as it will likely be the easier topic"
Shinichi then opened the envelope up to find what looked an invitation.
You are invited to join the White Feather Private Martial Arts Studio. If you choose to accept, please show this letter to the staff at the large building with the Twin Feather Insignia at the end of Beika-Cho 7-Chome.》
"A Martial Arts Studio? But, why..." Then a look of understanding appeared on Shinichi's face as he remembered yesterday's incident and Tetsu's earlier words as he turned to his injury. "...oh."
"I'm glad you caught on quickly. Yes, I wanted to offer you this as thanks and as a way to help you protect yourself and those around you. That way you don't have worry those who care about you as much. Now, as for the details" Tetsu then pulls a paper with a list of Martial Arts styles with a few particular ones highlighted and the last one having an asterisk. "The way this studio works is that those invited to join can train with fellow Instructors and students in the variety of styles listed here. You can choose to focus on one particular style that fits you, and then once you've gotten a good mastery of it, learn a bit from one of the other styles both for extra options and to protect yourself from."
"If you don't mind my personal opinion.." He waited for a signal to continue to which Shinichi gave a subtle nod. "For you Shinichi, I'd personally recommend Savate as it sounded like your pretty fast and have strong legs and great coordination. Also, and I mean no offense by this, if you where shorter, I would've recommended Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as it would be useful for dealing with larger threats."
Hearing the genuine concern from Tetsu had reminded Shinichi of his mother's similar words from earlier had him giving it heavy consideration and thought.
A thought then came to Tetsu's mind. "Ah, I should clarify the reason as to why it's private. It's actually for a few reasons. As this studio features many styles and appropriate training equipment. I want to make sure that those that use the facilities are highly vetted so that the knowledge and said equipment isn't abused. With that in mind, while the current building is new, the system I've built around the Martial Arts Studio has long since had the express goal of helping the Akechi Family and those close to us to protect ourselves and those we care for. It's kinda like a big extension of the family. Third part, - layering on the previous reasons - is simpler, I want to make it easier for those of us who are dealing with problems to have a safe space. That is why I make sure to keep the staff, students and even those that manage and guard the building, are strictly 'trusted associates of the Akechi Family'. Oh... and I may or may not have a hobby or collecting Martial Arts styles." he ends with a chuckle.
Tetsu then moved to a more relaxed position. "So, I won't push for a choice right now as I'm sure you probably want to discuss this with your parents, but in the mean time, shall we move onto the next offer, which I think may interest you a bit more." Tetsu adds with a mischievous grin and then jesters to the other envelope, as encouragement.
With that in mind Shinichi opens up the second envelope and his eyes slowly grow wider as he reads more and more of the letter that was inside it.
This is a formal invitation to join the Akechi Agency as the personal protégé of one Akechi Tetsu. With this comes many benefits including but not limited to being given the resources to help sharpen and support your detective skills and build a proper career in your free time. This also includes direct lessons, challenges, and advice from Akechi Tetsu that will hopefully help you grow as a detective and a person. In addition, joining the Agency will help to build a closer rapport with its trusted associates and open up access to other benefits later on. To close off, regardless either joining the Agency or not - and even if left for whatever reason - Kudo Shinichi will continue to receive support from the Akechi Family, especially in dire times of need as a friend of the family and perhaps more one day.》
Upon finishing the letter, Shinichi's expression shifted through various emotions - ranging from confusion and suprise, to thoughtfulness and intrigued, then wide eyed and wearing a brilliant shade of pink on his face.
"Ahem, while it feels a bit presumptuous, I had the letters and Raika's gift prepared upon hearing about you and had decided to trust in my daughter's intuition. Even then, seeing your respectful attitude and skills at work myself, I feel it wasn't a mistake to be ready this quickly. Now, to clarify a few things." Tetsu spoke up once it was clear Shinichi was done reading the letter. "First of all, like it was stated near the end of the letter, regardless of whether you choose to accept the offers, the Akechi Family will still consider you a friend and will look out for you if you ever need our help. Second, it might help to clarify that if you do join, you are not under any obligation to do anything that makes you uncomfortable, quite the opposite infact. This is meant to help and work with you, not use you like a tool. Third, and I hope this won't be a problem; I want to work on setting up a sort of... detective mentor for you. I have someone in mind already due to them also being a great candidate for my... hobby... of getting Martial Arts Instructors for my studio. If I can convince this person, then I want you to work as their assistant when you have time and for you two to grow as detectives with support from The Agency.
Shinichi lifted his head from thought after realizing something strange about those last words. "By 'The Agency', do you mean your law office?"
"Hm? Ah, I should've clarified, while I do deal in 'law' and have certification in Criminal Law among other things... I primarily work on referrals and simple consultations nowadays using the past reputation that has been garnered to direct business and folks that ask for help to those I trust would be fit for the job and handle some smaller tasks myself so long as they don't take longer than a day. I do have a few folks with the agency though that I can reach out to if a client needs a good lawyer that can handle 'odd or unwanted' cases. That's actually the reason why I specifically called it a Law and Consultant Agency."
Then Tetsu sent a soft smile to his daughter. "I made promise to myself along time ago to treasure my family and those close to us, so I try to avoid being too busy and to spend time with them more. On occasion I may take on complex jobs, but I usually limit those to cases and otherwise with certain levels of importance or benefit."
"Oh, and don't worry about the money, as between the agency, the new shopping district that I helped invest in for some associates, and many other business ventures in and out of the country, I have garnered more than enough healthy sources of income that I don't have to worry about supporting my family and anyone close." The consultant says as he then turns back to Shinichi to continue. "Keeping that in mind, detective jobs like investigations, research, and many others are decently common so I thought that this would be an excellent chance to send them in a trusted direction. That being you and the other I have in mind if I can get them to agree. I hope that clarifies things well enough for you?"
"Ah, yes, thank you sir! I'll try to respond as soon as I can after discussing this with my parents." Shinichi responded.
Now that the discussion was finished, Tetsu looked to check the time then stood up and got ready to leave with a few last words. "Good to hear! Now, I'm sorry for this but I have to get going now so I can work on the last part as soon as possible. Take your time, and don't worry about rushing to choose. Oh, and if may ask one last favor. This one being to you, Yukiko-san as your currently watching over those three kind children. I'm enrolling Raika in Teitan Middle School, but I'm not sure how they will react to her so would you mind letting Raika play here for a bit? She's quickly gotten new friends and I want her to have some time together with them when she has the chance. We live decently close so distance to get home isn't an issue."
"Oh that isn't a problem at all. Better yet, Teitan is the school Shin-chan and his friends are attending so they may even see each other there often! In any case, I can walk her home with Shin-chan when it gets late so don't worry!" Yukiko reassured with a smile that earned her a surprise hug from Raika. "Thank you, Yukiko Onee-san!" Raika chirped as Yukiko reciprocated the hug and then secretly plotted to have her as a daughter in law one day.
Raika then turned to her dad and gave him a hug before running to join the other teens. "Thank you, dad! Take care and see you later!"
"Alright then, see you at home Raika." Tetsu then left with a smile on his face as he headed straight for a certain detective agency.
Mouri Kogoro was half asleep at his desk when a knock on his door woke him up. "Uhgh!? Huh? Ran? Is that you? Did you forget your keys or something?" The ex-policeman asked as he slowly went to the door and opened it only to be surprised by a tall blond middle aged man in a brown suit.
"Umm, may I help you sir? The Detective Agency is still open for a few hours but I'm afraid an requests will have to begin tomorrow as I'm waiting for my daughter to return home after visiting someone and I don't wish to leave her alone afterwards for too long." Kogoro said in a respectful manner to a potential customer.
"Oh no, quite the opposite Mouri-san. I actually have an important offer for you." The mysterious man said.
This causing the Detective to raise an eyebrow in suspicion but nonetheless lead the man into the office so they can properly discuss the 'offer' and it's implications.
Once both parties were seated - after some quick refreshments prepared by Kogoro - the introductions and discussion had begun.
After the kids had fun playing and chatting with Yukiko for a few hours - with Shinichi showing Raika around the manor and Yukiko inviting her to visit any time she wants just like with Sonoko and Ran - the young teens were safely escorted to their homes by the mother and son. When the two got home they noticed that Yusaku was back already from his meeting (read: headache) with a half dozen editors and publishers.
"Ah, Yukiko, Shinichi. Welcome back, I see that everything went well with escorting Sonoko-kun, Ran-kun, and our third guest home? Though there seems to have been a forth at some point that was with the third." Yusaku stated after welcoming his family back.
Yukiko had a confused look after hearing Yusaku's quick deduction then after he pointed in the direction of the kitchen, Yukiko quickly understood how he noticed while being a bit embarrassed.
"Ah! Ehehe, sorry about that Yu-chan. I got so excited with Shin-chan's new friend being here that I had delayed cleaning the cups and dishes until after Shin-chan and I got home and had just left them in the sink." Yukiko stated while heading to go take care of the task.
"Oh yah, Tou-san! I actually wanted to discuss something with you and Kaa-san." Shinichi spoke up after Yukiko returned from the quick cleanup. "That forth guest..."
After Shinichi finished happily explaining everything - with him noticing Yusaku's very slight surprise at the guests' names - he showed the letters and pendant to the mystery novelist, who took a look at them with obvious amusement on his face before returning them to his son.
"Hmm... and Yukiko, your okay with this?" Yusaku asked.
"Of course! Both offers seem like an excellent opportunity for our dear Shin-chan! This way he can protect himself better and also pursue his dream with even more support and what looks like a stable career path! We both wanted to make sure to get your opinion though as you might notice if there's a problem with this." The Retired Actress replied.
"I see." Yusaku said while leaning back into his chair then looking at his son. "While normally the wording this would be suspicious, since the ones you mentioned are those Akechi's, I'm more than inclined to approve."
Rather... Shinichi, I believe you may have just gained some very powerful allies. Yusaku thinks to himself.
"Really!? Thanks Tou-san, Kaa-san! I'll tell them that next chance I get." Shinichi says as he goes to give his parents a hug.