How to Survive With a Death-Flag Character Setting in Detective Conan - Chapter 25
This case was relatively simple; if it appeared in the main Conan series, it would have been one of those everyday mysteries that ended in a single episode.
Aside from the blonde young man who was being unreasonably stubborn, the other two suspects cooperated fully with the police.
However, that cooperation only helped Edogawa Conan swiftly deduce who the culprit was. He didn’t even need to borrow Suzuki Sonoko’s “Queen of Reasoning” identity; with just a few words to guide Inspector Megure, the case was wrapped up neatly.
What caught his attention, though, was that Higashino Hiromu hadn’t participated in the reasoning at all. Even though Edogawa Conan had subtly tested him several times, Higashino Hiromu never gave any kind of response.
Edogawa Conan couldn’t help frowning as he pondered, Is he really incapable of solving cases, or is he just pretending?
Higashino Hiromu had no idea that Edogawa Conan had started to suspect him. Since this particular case had nothing to do with him, and he didn’t even know the suspects’ names, he had no way to reason out anything, even if he wanted to.
Once the case concluded, he calmly went home.
Just as he arrived, Shirabu Kenjiro called him.
“Where are you right now?”
“At home,” Higashino Hiromu replied.
Shirabu Kenjiro was speechless. “…How could you not be at school at a time like this!”
Higashino Hiromu asked, puzzled, “What happened?”
“You like the Schweiden Adlers team, right? Their players, Ushijima Wakatoshi, Kageyama Tobio, and Hoshiumi Korai, are at our school’s volleyball gym right now doing a training session! There might even be a mock match later. Do you want to come see it?”
Higashino Hiromu was surprised. “Aren’t they professional players? Can they just casually play like that?”
Shirabu Kenjiro scratched his cheek, a bit embarrassed. “Well… They were just passing through Tohto University. The whole ‘match’ thing was kind of on a whim.”
Those three volleyball idiots had promised to just take a quick stroll around Tohto University. But the moment they spotted the volleyball court, they insisted on going in for a look. Then, of course, they were recognized… and before anyone knew it, they had joined the students for a spontaneous training session and even decided to play a practice game.
Sigh…
If he had known earlier, he wouldn’t have led them to the sports department.
Higashino Hiromu wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about volleyball; the one who liked it was the original host. Still, since he happened to be planning to give Hatori Yuiichi his gift, he said, “Wait for me, I’ll be right there.”
By the time Higashino Hiromu hurried to the volleyball gym, the practice match was already in its latter half.
Shirabu Kenjiro stood in the corner and waved the moment he saw him.
When Higashino Hiromu reached his side, Shirabu Kenjiro said, “You’re so slow! It’s almost over.”
Catching his breath, Higashino Hiromu replied, “It’s fine, I can still catch the end. What’s the situation now?”
“The three pros split into two teams,” Shirabu Kenjiro explained, pointing to the scoreboard. “Ushijima senpai and Kageyama are leading Team Two, and Hoshiumi Korai joined Team One. But Ushijima’s team has already won two sets. You can really tell there’s a huge gap between pros and regular students. The university team’s been completely overwhelmed.”
Higashino Hiromu looked at the small chalkboard scores: 25–17, 25–20, 19–17. “The gap’s not that big, though! They still have a chance this round.”
Shirabu Kenjiro shook his head. “The university team’s just not strong enough. Even with Hoshiumi, they can’t keep up.”
Thud!
As soon as his words fell, a powerful spike slammed into the ground, making a loud bang.
“Whoa~!” Higashino Hiromu clapped excitedly the moment he saw who scored. “That was amazing!”
Shirabu Kenjiro turned to him with a raised brow. “Aren’t you a Schweiden Adlers fan? Why are you cheering for the other side?”
Higashino Hiromu froze mid-applause, then awkwardly said, “I-I just felt bad for the university team, that’s all! Gotta give them a bit of encouragement!”
Shirabu Kenjirou looked at him with a face full of suspicion.
Higashino Hiromu immediately turned his head back to the court, pretending to watch the match intently.
On the court, Hatori Yuiichi spiked the ball cleanly, scoring a point and closing the gap.
Hoshiumi Korai stood with his hands on his hips, grinning arrogantly. “See that? We’ve still got plenty of power left!”
Kageyama Tobio glanced at him and said, “…You weren’t the one who scored. What’re you so happy about?”
Hoshiumi Korai’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Any point my team scores is my point!”
Kageyama Tobio replied flatly, “Then why don’t you try scoring one yourself?”
Grinding his teeth, Hoshiumi Korai snapped, “Kageyama, you’re getting less and less respectful toward your senpai!”
Kageyama Tobio’s expression was serious. “That’s not true! I have nothing but respect for you, Hoshiumi senpai!”
Hoshiumi Korai blinked. “Huh? Then why can’t I feel it?”
The two of them traded trash talk across the net—fast, sharp, and endlessly annoying to listen to.
Hatori Yuiichi was already too tired to join in. He raised an arm and wiped the sweat from his forehead with his wristband.
At that moment, Sakusa Shinta patted him on the shoulder and nodded toward the sidelines. “Hey, look over there.”
Following the direction of his finger, Hatori Yuiichi’s eyes widened slightly when he saw Higashino Hiromu standing there.
He blinked, quickly suppressing the surprise on his face.
“Tsk, tsk, tsk,” Sakusa Shinta clicked his tongue and shook his head with a smirk. “If that’s not love~ then what is?”
Hatori Yuiichi rolled his eyes, gave Sakusa Shinta a light punch to the chest, and stepped up to the net, readying himself.
“So, how far have you two progressed?” Sakusa Shinta lowered his voice as he moved beside him, “Have you started dating yet? Have you held hands or kissed?”
Hatori Yuiichi turned his head and said evenly, “Do you want to experience an extra training session?”
Sakusa Shinta immediately shut his mouth.
Even if you won’t say it, I can guess. He’s here watching again, so there’s no way they’re not together already!
Hatori Yuiichi closed his eyes briefly, then focused sharply on the net ahead.
Though he looked calm on the surface, his opponents noticed something different about him.
Kageyama Tobio received the serve perfectly and set the ball to Ushijima Wakatoshi at his ideal height. Ushijima Wakatoshi took a few powerful steps, leapt, and swung his arm at the ball with full force.
Bam!
A pair of hands blocked the path of the ball, sending it ricocheting backward until it landed on their own side of the court.
Ushijima Wakatoshi’s full-powered spike had been single-handedly blocked by Hatori Yuiichi.
Hoshiumi Korai immediately gave a thumbs-up. “Nice block!”
Kageyama Tobio looked down at the ball, then up at Ushijima Wakatoshi, saying bluntly, “Ushijima senpai, are you getting tired already?”
Ushijima Wakatoshi replied calmly, “No.” His gaze shifted toward Hatori Yuiichi across the court and added, “That player’s movements are much sharper than before.”
Kageyama Tobio also noticed. “He’s definitely more focused than when we started. Guess he’s a slow starter?”
Ushijima Wakatoshi flexed his wrist and said, “Then he warmed up far too late. At this point, it won’t make any difference.”
From across the net, Hoshiumi Korai heard that and clenched his teeth. “What do you mean it won’t make a difference?! I’m still here! I haven’t lost yet!”
Despite his small stature, Hoshiumi Korai’s scoring ability was no joke. And with Hatori Yuiichi blocking Ushijima Wakatoshi’s attacks, their side managed to claw back and take the set.
The final score froze at 26–24.
Hoshiumi Korai put his hands on his hips and laughed triumphantly toward the sky. “I won!” He had completely forgotten that he had already lost the first two sets.
Ushijima Wakatoshi and Kageyama Tobio both approached Hatori Yuiichi.
“Your technique’s impressive. Ever thought about going pro?” Ushijima Wakatoshi asked.
From how Hatori Yuiichi had managed to repeatedly block Ushijima Wakatoshi’s spikes, it was clear that his blocking technique was exceptional. His offense wasn’t lacking either; during the practice match, he had contributed nearly one-third of their total points.
But Hatori Yuiichi simply shook his head. “Sorry, but I don’t have that intention for now.”
Kageyama Tobio frowned slightly. “Your technique is really good. Honestly, you’re not any worse than a pro. You really don’t want to consider playing professionally?”
Hatori Yuiichi answered firmly, “Sorry, but that’s not where my ambitions lie.”
“That’s fine. Volleyball isn’t the only path.” Ushijima Wakatoshi handed him a business card. “But if you ever change your mind, you can contact me.”
Hatori Yuiichi nodded and accepted the card.
From the sidelines, Shirabu Kenjiro couldn’t help thinking, ...Ushijima senpai, since when did you start working part-time as a team recruiter?
Ushijima Wakatoshi then pulled out two tickets from his bag. “These are season passes for the V-League. You can come to any of our home games.” He raised his hand slightly, signaling for Hatori Yuiichi to take them.
After a brief hesitation, Hatori Yuiichi accepted the tickets.
Before leaving, Hoshiumi Korai added Hatori Yuiichi as a friend and grinned. “You helped me beat those two today. If you ever want an autograph from anyone, just let me know, and I can get it for you.”
Kageyama Tobio curled his lips and muttered under his breath, “Didn’t you only win one set?”
Hoshiumi Korai shot back, “A win is a win!”
Before they could start bickering again, Shirabu Kenjiro hurriedly pushed them toward the exit. “Alright, alright, that’s enough. You’re professional players, so try to act like it!”
Why am I, a retired setter, the one worrying about these pros’ public image…?!
The volleyball team’s training finally came to an end. Higashino Hiromu waited patiently until they finished packing up before walking toward the school gate with Hatori Yuiichi.
Hatori Yuiichi’s teammates tried to keep chatting with him, but Sakusa Shinta quickly shooed them away.
Honestly, these guys have no sense at all! Can’t they see the two are having a moment? Why play the third wheel?!
Sigh… Where would you ever find a teammate as thoughtful as me?
Sakusa Shinta was nearly moved to tears by his own kindness.
Once everyone was gone, Higashino Hiromu finally took out a small gift bag and handed it to Hatori Yuiichi.
Although he didn’t quite know why he had to wait until no one else was around to give the gift…
Hatori Yuiichi accepted the bag with a curious look. “What’s this?”
“A gift!” Higashino Hiromu rubbed his cheek sheepishly. “Thank you for taking care of me these past days. I’ve caused you a lot of trouble.”
Hatori Yuiichi smiled gently. “You don’t have to be so polite.” He reached into the bag and pulled out a gift box. “Can I open it?”
Higashino Hiromu nodded quickly. “Of course, go ahead!”
Hatori Yuiichi held the box steady with one hand and slowly lifted the lid with the other.
Under the moonlight, the silver watch face gleamed brilliantly.
“I really like it!” Hatori Yuiichi said in delight.
Hearing that, Higashino Hiromu let out a heavy breath of relief, though he wasn’t sure why he had been so nervous to begin with.
Hatori Yuiichi gently brushed his fingers over the watch and said softly, “It’s so beautiful, I almost don’t want to wear it.”
Higashino Hiromu laughed. “I bought it for you to wear! If you like watches, I’ll give you another one on your birthday.”
Hatori Yuiichi shook his head slightly. “One is enough.” He looked straight into Higashino Hiromu’s eyes, his expression sincere. “I’ll treasure it.”
The air between them suddenly grew subtly charged.
Higashino Hiromu rubbed his nose and said, “Um… Then, I’ll be heading back now…”
Hatori Yuiichi nodded.
Higashino Hiromu took a few steps, then couldn’t resist glancing back. He waved his hand and stammered, “S-see you…”
Hatori Yuiichi smiled and waved back. “See you~”
When Higashino Hiromu’s silhouette finally disappeared into the darkness, Hatori Yuiichi lowered his gaze to the watch in his hands. A soft, gentle smile curved his lips. He closed the box carefully, ready to put it away—
When suddenly, a woman’s voice spoke behind him.
“So, you like it that much?”
Hatori Yuiichi’s smile vanished instantly.
CHARACTER PROFILE:
Kageyama Tobio
Manga/Anime: Haikyu!!
Height: 181.9 cm
Role: Setter for Karasuno High Volleyball Club
Personality: Serious, competitive, and perfectionist; initially blunt and demanding, but grows into a more cooperative and team-oriented player.
Notable Traits: Exceptional precision and control as a setter; sharp eyes and intense focus; known as the “King of the Court.”
Background: Child prodigy in volleyball with strong discipline and self-motivation. Once alienated by his teammates for his authoritarian attitude, Kageyama learns teamwork after joining Karasuno and forming a dynamic duo with Hinata Shoyo. His talent earns him a spot on Japan’s national team later on.
Hoshiumi Korai
Manga/Anime: Haikyu!!
Height: 173.1 cm
Role: Wing spiker for Kamomedai High Volleyball Club
Personality: Energetic, confident, and ambitious; has a fiery spirit and a sharp competitive edge despite his short stature.
Notable Traits: Extraordinary jumping ability, sharp reflexes, and a wide range of offensive techniques; often labeled as “Little Giant.”
Background: A standout player admired nationwide, Hoshiumi Korai overcomes height disadvantages through skill and adaptability. His performance at the national tournament earns him recognition and an invitation to Japan’s national team.