How to Survive With a Death-Flag Character Setting in Detective Conan - Chapter 19
As expected, when he saw his beloved student following Higashino Hiromu back to the university, Professor Yasuda immediately grinned from ear to ear.
“Good, good, good!” He patted Higashino Hiromu on the shoulder and said with satisfaction, “I knew I didn’t misjudge you, you always have a way!”
Higashino Hiromu smiled and said, “Senpai was also considering his own future. I just gave him a little push.”
“Already such a grown man, yet still needs his kouhai to give him a push.” Professor Yasuda turned to look at Araide Tomoaki. “Hmph, now you realize you made the wrong choice before?”
Araide Tomoaki awkwardly rubbed his nose. He couldn’t tell Sensei the truth, so he could only shoulder the blame.
Higashino Hiromu didn’t disturb their mentor and disciple’s conversation. After returning home, he opened the system panel and began analyzing the cases he had encountered before.
From the four death crises he had experienced, the nature of the incidents could be divided into two types: one was clearly targeted at him personally; the other was collateral, where the criminal might have only just met him, but because of something he did, their hatred shifted toward him.
There were also two types of escape methods. One was to catch the culprit in advance and nip the crime in the bud; the other relied on luck. If he could avoid the fatal blow, he would most likely survive.
However, the latter carried uncertainty.
The first time he used 【 100% Barehanded Blade Catch 】 to grab the knife, if Hatori Yuiichi hadn’t snatched the weapon away in time, Arisumi Hiyomi would definitely have stabbed him again. And in today’s case, Tanaka Noriko was still a student; her attack had been an impulsive act, and once she came to her senses, she had dropped the weapon out of fear. But if it had been a vicious criminal, once the first strike failed, they would surely keep attacking.
Thus, the safest way to escape was still the first one.
Higashino Hiromu was still considering whether to sign up for a martial arts class to improve his self-defense skills.
However, martial arts were difficult, and it was hard to say how much he could actually learn, so it might be better to practice his escape skills first.
Fortunately, there was a treadmill in the gym on the second floor, so he could go for a run whenever he had free time.
Once he decided, he acted immediately.
Higashino Hiromu went downstairs at once and started jogging on the treadmill.
After half an hour, he was already drenched in sweat.
Hmm, Tsukamoto Kazumi was right. He really was a bit weak.
Just then, his phone suddenly rang. Picking it up, he saw that it was Adachi Shizuku.
Higashino Hiromu wiped the sweat off his forehead and answered, “Hello, what’s the matter?”
Hearing his heavy breathing on the other end, Adachi Shizuku fell silent for a few seconds before hesitantly asking, “You… What are you doing?”
Higashino Hiromu was confused. “Huh? I’m running!” Then he suddenly realized what Adachi Shizuku meant, stopped in his tracks, and scolded, “What the hell are you thinking? You’re way too dirty-minded!”
Adachi Shizuku retorted, “That’s your fault! The way you’re breathing sounds way too suggestive! And it’s nighttime, so if I guessed you were doing some exercise in bed, that wouldn’t be strange at all!”
Higashino Hiromu, interrupted mid-sentence, lost interest in running altogether. He stepped off the treadmill and said, “You and your twisted logic. So, what do you want?”
Adachi Shizuku said, “The event Matsuzaki Toru arranged is the day after tomorrow. Remember to pack your things and meet at the entrance of the university. He also made some travel notes, which he probably sent to everyone in the group chat. Make sure you pack according to those.”
“At the entrance of the university?” Higashino Hiromu asked doubtfully. “Why not meet at the station?”
Adachi Shizuku explained, “He said the destination’s a bit remote, so we’ll need to drive there ourselves. This time it’s only Kaneda , the four of us, plus five newcomers. He rented a minibus, so there’s plenty of space.”
“Oh right, that freshman named Hatori isn’t too willing to go yet. Help me persuade him. How can he skip a group activity? It’s only for two days, and he can relax his muscles in the hot spring.”
Higashino Hiromu agreed. After hanging up the call, he opened Hatori Yuiichi’s chat window and asked if he was going.
Hatori Yuiichi explained that it wasn’t that he didn’t want to go, but that he was worried the volleyball team wouldn’t approve his leave. Now that he had gotten permission, he could join the trip.
Higashino Hiromu replied with an OK emoji.
In fact, after finishing the chat with Higashino Hiromu, Hatori Yuiichi only then sent his leave request to the assistant coach.
Once he received confirmation, he tossed his phone aside, leaned back on the sofa, and stared up at the ceiling.
A hot spring, huh? He had actually never been to one before. It should be an interesting experience.
* * *
Traveling was always something to look forward to.
The night before, Higashino Hiromu had been so excited that he could barely sleep. Not long after the car set off, he was already drowsy.
“Are you an elementary school kid?” Adachi Shizuku teased. “You actually got so excited you couldn’t sleep?”
Higashino Hiromu rolled his eyes. “Mind your own business!”
Sitting next to him, Hatori Yuiichi noticed how he could barely keep his eyes open. “Higashino senpai, you should get some rest. The drive’s still pretty long.”
Higashino Hiromu couldn’t hold out any longer. Leaning his head back against the seat, he said, “Then I’ll nap for a bit.”
Adachi Shizuku wanted to keep chatting, but Hatori Yuiichi shot him a look that made him stop immediately.
He turned away sulkily, thinking, This junior’s way too fierce! He actually dared to glare at me!
The bus rocked gently as it moved along. Higashino Hiromu kept shifting his head, trying to find a comfortable position, but every angle felt wrong.
After fiddling for a while, he finally turned his head to the side and rested it on Hatori Yuiichi’s shoulder.
Hmm, the height difference is just right.
Without even opening his eyes, he murmured, “Let me lean on you for a bit.”
Hatori Yuiichi replied softly, “Mm.”
Higashino Hiromu sniffed slightly. There was something familiar about Hatori Yuiichi’s scent, but he couldn’t recall where he’d smelled it before.
Maybe because he’d finally found a comfortable position, he soon drifted off to sleep.
Hearing the even rhythm of his breathing, Hatori Yuiichi turned his head to look at him for a moment before closing his eyes as well.
Long road trips were always dull, and apart from Matsuzaki Toru, who was driving, everyone else had fallen asleep.
A faint clicking sound made Higashino Hiromu open his eyes in a daze. “What’s that? Are we there yet?” He thought he saw someone in the front seat retracting a hand.
Hatori Yuiichi felt a tickling sensation on his cheek and reflexively rubbed it twice, then suddenly realized what it was.
He had brushed against Higashino Hiromu’s hair.
Higashino Hiromu didn’t notice. Sitting up and stretching, he turned his gaze out the window.
“Wow! What a beautiful forest! Are we almost there?”
Hearing that, Matsuzaki Toru called out loudly, “Yeah, almost! Everyone, wake up!”
Before long, a traditional Japanese building came into view ahead.
Once the vehicle stopped, everyone eagerly piled out.
Nestled among dense woods, the Japanese-style hot spring inn stood naturally within its surroundings, with faint wisps of steam rising behind it.
Higashino Hiromu exclaimed, “This hot spring inn fits perfectly with the scenery! The air’s so fresh, too. I already feel relaxed and we haven’t even started soaking yet!”
Kaneda Hajime nodded approvingly. “Matsuzaki really found a great spot.”
Matsuzaki Toru said, “The place isn’t big, so I just booked the whole thing for two days. Everyone gets their own room.”
Carrying their luggage, they headed for the entrance, where the owner and staff were already waiting to greet them.
A lady dressed in a kimono with light makeup came forward with a smile. “Welcome, honored guests. I am the owner of this inn, Yumino Ruko.” She gestured to the two people beside her. “This is our head chef, Kuwahara Makoto, who is in charge of guests’ meals. And this is Ono Reimi, responsible for cleaning. If you need anything, please speak to either me or Ono-san. I hope you all enjoy your stay here.”
Higashino Hiromu thought to himself, It really is a small place. The owner plus two employees make only three people in total.
Adachi Shizuku said, “Let’s take our luggage inside and pick our rooms first. One person per room, first come, first served.”
Kaneda Hajime stroked his chin. “As the former club president, it’s not too much to ask for a room with an open-air hot spring, right?”
Yumino Ruko smiled. “Every room here has a hot spring bath, but only two are open-air. We also have a large outdoor bath.” She added with some pride, “Our spring is a natural sulfur hot spring. It’s amazing for treating skin conditions!”
Everyone began chatting noisily about how to divide the rooms when another seven-seater SUV drove up.
Matsuzaki Toru frowned slightly and looked toward the owner. “I remember we reserved the entire place.”
“Yes, that’s correct,” Yumino Ruko replied, equally puzzled. “Please wait a moment, I’ll go check what’s going on.”
Higashino Hiromu’s eyelid twitched violently, and he suddenly had a bad premonition. And when he saw Conan hop out of the SUV, he immediately knew where that feeling came from. When he noticed the others behind Conan, his scalp began to tingle.
Hattori Heiji, Amuro Tooru, Mouri Kogoro… add in the mountains and a hot spring inn, and there’s no way this is just a peaceful trip!
“Seriously, why do we always have to come to such remote places?” Mouri Kogoro complained as he got out of the car. “Why do you keep accepting these sketchy requests?”
“It was mailed directly to me. I couldn’t even find the sender,” Hattori Heiji said with a flattering smile. “Anyway, we’re already here, so let’s just treat it like a vacation.”
Amuro Tooru also tried to comfort him. “Mouri sensei, this is a sulfur spring. Soaking in it is good for your health.”
Mouri Ran, holding Toyama Kazuha’s hand, said cheerfully, “The scenery here really is beautiful. It’s worth the trip.”
Mouri Kogoro, however, wasn’t the least bit interested in “embracing nature.” He would have much preferred to stay home with the air conditioner on, watching TV.
“Excuse me, may I ask who you are?” Yumino Ruko approached them politely.
The moment Mouri Kogoro turned around and saw the elegant woman in a kimono, his irritation vanished. Straightening his clothes, he coughed lightly and said, “I am Mouri Kogoro. I was invited here to investigate an incident.”
“Mouri Kogoro?!” Hearing that name, all the members of the research club turned in unison, staring wide-eyed.
Mouri Ran exclaimed in surprise, “It’s the seniors from the research club!”
Toyama Kazuha leaned closer. “You know them?”
Mouri Ran then began explaining how they knew each other.
Meanwhile, Yumino Ruko asked, “May I know who invited you?”
Hattori Heiji took an envelope from his bag and said, “There was no signature. The commission letter only said, ‘Please investigate the truth behind the Longevity Wildman,’ and it came with a commission fee and invitation tickets.”
Yumino Ruko accepted the invitation tickets—they were indeed printed by her inn. But she looked troubled. “The thing is, the entire inn has already been reserved.” She pointed toward the research club members. “They’ve booked all ten rooms for two nights.”
Amuro Tooru glanced in their direction and said, “Ah, students from Tohto University.”
Edogawa Conan nodded, then looked up at him and asked, “Amuro-san, how do you know that?”
Amuro Tooru crouched slightly and whispered, “A few of them look familiar.”
Edogawa Conan remembered the case at Haido City Hotel. Some of them had been involved and even gave statements at the police station.
So Amuro-san must have seen their case reports before.
CHARACTER PROFILE:
Hattori Heiji
Manga/Anime: Detective Conan
Role: High school detective from Osaka; rival and close friend of Kudo Shinichi (Edogawa Conan)
Personality: Blunt, good-humored, impulsive, fiercely loyal and protective of friends
Notable Traits: Skilled kendo practitioner, known as the “Great Detective of the West,” speaks with a distinctive Kansai dialect, highly intelligent and perceptive
Background: Son of the Osaka Police Department chief; aims to be a great detective like his father. Discovered Conan’s identity early and supports him in investigations and against the Black Organization. Often visits Tokyo and collaborates with Conan on difficult cases.
Toyama Kazuha
Manga/Anime: Detective Conan
Role: High school student; childhood friend and love interest of Hattori Heiji
Personality: Caring, strong-willed, supportive, and occasionally jealous
Notable Traits: Skilled in aikido; possesses sharp hearing, excels at the traditional Japanese card game karuta
Background: Daughter of an Osaka police detective, she shares a close childhood bond with Hattori Heiji. Often assists and supports Heiji and Conan in their investigations, while being protective and emotionally involved with Heiji. Known for her practical nature and fighting skills.