How to Survive With a Death-Flag Character Setting in Detective Conan - Chapter 5
Higashino Hiromu ran for quite a distance before finally stopping. He clutched his chest, trying to steady his breath, feeling a vague sense of guilt in his heart.
What if it was because of him that the ghost story about that piano spread even further? What should he do then?
I have a feeling that something terrible is going to happen, Higashino Hiromu thought.
“Eh? What are you doing here?”
A voice suddenly came from behind, startling Higashino Hiromu.
He turned around and saw that it was Asai Narumi.
He scratched his head and tried to cover up by saying, “It’s nothing, I’m just out for a night run. Hahahaha~”
Asai Narumi looked at Higashino Hiromu’s face in surprise. He felt that his temperament seemed somewhat different from that during the day. But he wasn’t in the mood to think too much about it right now. Pressing his lips together, he said, “You’re… Higashino Hiromu, right? I didn’t get a chance to ask earlier. How’s Professor Yasuda doing lately?”
Higashino Hiromu paused mid-motion.
Since transmigrating, he hadn’t been to the university or seen the advisor. How would he know how he’s doing?
After a moment of thought, he replied, “Physically, he’s doing well (he sounded full of energy on the phone), emotionally he’s in good spirits (he had the leisure to clean up the lab), and his research is progressing (he brought new materials for Senpai). He did mention he misses you. Speaking of you, his tone carried some regret.”
Asai Narumi looked down, staring blankly at the ground, and murmured, “I’ve let the professor down.”
Seeing how downcast he looked, Higashino Hiromu quickly offered comfort, “Everyone has their own path. Supporting underdeveloped areas is a very noble choice!” He slapped his mouth and corrected himself, “Actually, Tsukikage Island is a pretty great place too.”
Asai Narumi looked up at him and suddenly smiled. He asked, “Aren’t you curious why I dress as a woman?”
Higashino Hiromu straightened his expression and said seriously, “That’s a personal hobby. I have no right to judge. I believe that as long as it doesn’t harm others, one can do whatever they want. Of course, don’t hurt yourself either.”
Asai Narumi laughed even more cheerfully.
Higashino Hiromu had no idea what he was laughing at. He thought for a moment and figured: Senpai must be happy that his interests are accepted by someone else.
So he added, “I don’t think Senpai needs to worry at all. Society is quite inclusive now. For example, I came out to my classmates a few days ago. Probably the whole medical department knows by now.”
Asai Narumi’s smile froze. “Came out?” He gave him a complicated look. “You like men?”
Higashino Hiromu nodded and said righteously, “I don’t think there’s anything shameful about it. My orientation doesn’t affect my professional ability. I struggled for a long time, but in the end, I decided to be true to myself. I told my friends because I didn’t want to hide. If even they couldn’t understand me, then there wouldn’t be a place for me in this world.” These were just polite words for the occasion. His real purpose was to publicize his sexual orientation and avoid being affected by the original host’s “player” trait.
Asai Narumi didn’t cross-dress out of a hobby, nor did he like men, but he had a bit of admiration for this junior.
He patted Higashino Hiromu’s shoulder and encouraged him, “Good luck, Senpai supports you!”
Higashino Hiromu gave a big smile, his eyes appearing particularly affectionate under the moonlight.
Asai Narumi felt as if a cat’s claw had gently scratched at his heart. He closed his eyes and pinched the space between his brows. When he opened his eyes to look at Higashino Hiromu again, that fleeting feeling had already vanished.
Asai Narumi figured it was probably just the moonlight messing with him and didn’t think too much of it. He asked, “What time are you leaving tomorrow?”
Higashino Hiromu: “I’ve got a ticket for the 10 o’clock ferry.”
Asai Narumi nodded: “I’ll see you off.”
“Alright. Why don’t you come back with me to visit our advisor?” Higashino Hiromu suggested.
Asai Narumi smiled faintly. “I can’t go these next few days, I still have things to do.”
Higashino Hiromu said with regret, “Sigh, alright then. Let’s leave it for another time.”
Asai Narumi lowered his gaze and looked at his own palm.
If I even have a next time.
After bidding farewell to Asai Narumi, Higashino Hiromu returned to the inn. Once he had finished his personal hygiene and was lying in bed preparing to sleep, his personal interface suddenly popped up, and the task panel was updated.
【 Upcoming Event 】: Murder on Tsukikage Island
【 Murder Weapon 】: 10cm pointed knife
【 Cause of Death 】: Excessive blood loss
【 Suspects 】: Nishimoto Ken, Kawashima Hideo, Kuroiwa Tatsuji, Hirata Kazuaki, Asai Narumi
【 Death Countdown 】: 23:59:59.59
Higashino Hiromu sat up in shock as if on his deathbed.
What the hell! He was going to get stabbed to death! And this time, there were five suspects! Also… why was Senpai on the suspect list?!
The shock was too great for him to process at once.
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly.
Calm down. Don’t panic. First, let’s analyze their “murder motives.”
He clicked on each suspect’s name in turn.
【 Nishimoto Ken 】: Unemployed vagrant. Previously partnered with Kawashima Hideo, Kuroiwa Tatsuji, and Kameyama Isamu in drug trafficking. Today, during an argument with Kawashima Hideo, he mentioned Asoh Keiji. You happened to walk by at that moment. He suspects you overheard their conversation and is extremely anxious.
【 Kawashima Hideo 】: Wealthy landowner on Tsukikage Island. Partnered with Kuroiwa Tatsuji and Hirata Kazuaki in drug trafficking. Today, during an argument with Nishimoto Ken, he mentioned Asoh Keiji. You happened to pass by, and he suspects you heard their conversation, leading him to develop murderous intent toward you.
【 Kuroiwa Tatsuji 】: Current village chief of Tsukikage Island. Partnered with Kawashima Hideo and Hirata Kazuaki in drug trafficking. Has not interacted with you yet.
【 Hirata Kazuaki 】: Secretary to the current village chief of Tsukikage Island. Partnered with Kuroiwa Tatsuji and Kawashima Hideo in drug trafficking. Today, he saw you outside the window of the piano room and suspected the ghost of Asoh Keiji had appeared, which frightened him.
【 Asai Narumi 】: Formerly known as Asoh Seiji. Doctor on Tsukikage Island, son of Asoh Keiji. Your presence is about to disrupt his plans, and he is deeply troubled by it.
After reading through everyone’s “murder motives,” Higashino Hiromu found himself unable to react. The information was overwhelming, so he needed to sort it out carefully.
First of all, both the former and current village chiefs of Tsukikage Island were involved in drug trafficking, and they had brought along a landowner and a secretary. Secondly, Asoh Keiji’s death was clearly linked to them, likely due to the drug trade. Finally, Senpai was Asoh Keiji’s son and was scheming something, possibly seeking revenge after learning the truth behind his father’s death.
Senpai graduated two years ago and then chose to take a position on Tsukikage Island. Coincidentally, the former village chief died suddenly two years ago—it might be related to him.
Higashino Hiromu didn’t want to think the worst of Asai Narumi, but his own life was at stake now, and Senpai was one of the suspects. He could only take a rational and objective view of the situation.
If Senpai was planning to carry out his revenge soon, then someone like Higashino Hiromu, who knew Senpai’s true gender, was a potential risk. To ensure the plan went smoothly, Senpai might choose to eliminate him.
However, Asai Narumi saw him tonight and confirmed that he was leaving the island tomorrow morning. In that case, he probably wouldn’t take any further action.
Wait—
At this thought, Higashino Hiromu suddenly realized there was a bug.
The countdown showed that his time of death was tomorrow night, and the location was also on Tsukikage Island. But he was supposed to leave by ferry in the morning, wasn’t he? As long as he left within the time limit, wouldn’t he be able to dodge this fatal event? Or… would something else prevent him from leaving?
Higashino Hiromu thought about it for a long time, but couldn’t determine whether this was truly a bug. So, he simply lay back down again.
Regardless, he still had to go to the pier tomorrow and try. If he could leave the island directly, then he wouldn’t need to worry about coming up with any other solution.
Although the countdown looked like there was still plenty of time, it was ticking rapidly, like a blade hanging precariously over his neck, constantly stimulating his nerves.
Higashino Hiromu: Isn’t this just like having a knife hanging over me? Tomorrow I’ll be killed by the blade!
When he got up the next day, Higashino Hiromu looked like a panda. He had tossed and turned all night, only dozing off in a daze for a while, and even in his dreams, he was being chased. He looked completely dispirited, so much so that even the effect of 【 】 could not save him.
Before going out, he remembered to equip the 【 Celestial Grace 】, but even so, it still couldn’t cover up his exhaustion.
When he arrived at the pier, Asai Narumi saw how listless he looked and asked, “What’s wrong? Didn’t sleep well last night?”
Higashino Hiromu yawned and tried to cover it up. “Mm, I’m not used to the bed.”
Asai Narumi noticed his temperament seemed different from the night before.
As expected, it must have been the moonlight’s influence.
He smiled and said, “The lodgings on the island are indeed average. I should’ve invited you to stay at my place.”
Higashino Hiromu shook his head. “You’re seen as a woman by the islanders. If I stayed at your place and word got out, it wouldn’t be good for your reputation.” Besides, Senpai was one of the suspects. If he stayed there, wouldn’t that be walking straight into danger?
Asai Narumi’s gaze softened even more.
The two of them stood by the dock for a while before they saw the outline of the ferry.
Asai Narumi looked at the thick fog over the sea and frowned. “Why does it feel like the fog’s getting even denser?”
Higashino Hiromu’s heart sank.
No way. Could that be the reason he wouldn’t be able to leave the island?
He silently prayed in his heart: Please let the boat leave! Let the fog clear! Just let me get off this island!
However, his prayers had no effect.
As soon as the ferry docked, they received a notification: Due to heavy sea fog, all sailings for today had been canceled for safety reasons, and the ticket fees would be refunded.
Higashino Hiromu: …I’m seriously going to lose it!
Was he worried about the money? He was worried about his life!
Asai Narumi was briefly stunned, then quickly adjusted his expression and said with a smile, “Looks like you won’t be able to leave today. Do you want to stay at my place?”
Higashino Hiromu shook his head frantically. “No need, I’ll just go back to the inn!” He absolutely didn’t dare sleep at his place!
But this confirmed that the task notification wasn’t bugged. The information was accurate.
The ferry finally docked, and surprisingly, a few tourists came ashore.
“That scared me to death! We actually ran into heavy fog at sea. I thought we wouldn’t be able to make it.” A man in a suit with a mustache complained. “It’s all because of that commission letter. Wasting a perfectly good holiday for nothing.”
“Don’t say that, Dad. This island’s environment is actually quite nice.” A long-haired girl beside him replied.
Following her was a little boy with glasses, wearing a blue suit and a red bow tie. The boy said, “Uncle just stays home drinking and watching TV. Better to come out for a walk.”
Higashino Hiromu glanced over at them and frowned slightly. He felt like these people looked familiar, like he’d seen them somewhere before. But he didn’t have the original host’s memories.
After speaking, the little boy was smacked by the man with the mustache.
“Mind your own business!” the man snapped in embarrassment and anger.
“Ow!” The boy clutched his head in grievance.
“Dad!” The girl immediately squatted down and gently touched the boy’s head. “Are you alright, Conan?”
The boy gave a small smile. “I’m fine, Ran neechan.”
Higashino Hiromu felt as if he had been struck by lightning.
Conan? Ran neechan? T-Th-This… I actually transmigrated into the world of “Detective Conan”!
CHARACTER PROFILE:
Nishimoto Ken
Manga/Anime: Detective Conan
Height: Not specified
Role: Resident of Tsukikage Island, former friend and accomplice in a drug-smuggling group
Personality: Became reclusive and paranoid in later years
Notable Traits: Once wealthy and popular, later isolated and fearful
Background: One of the key figures in the “Moonlight Sonata Murder Case.” Ken witnessed Asoh Keiji’s suicide and was later discovered hanging in a room; his involvement was linked to the drug operation led by Asoh Keiji and other islanders.
Hirata Kazuaki
Manga/Anime: Detective Conan
Height: Not specified
Role: Secretary to Mayor Tatsuji Kuroiwa on Tsukikage Island
Personality: Responsible, somewhat superstitious
Notable Traits: Wears glasses, warns others about the curse of the piano
Background: Associated with the “Moonlight Sonata Murder Case.” Kazuaki was present during the investigation, helped organize the mayoral ceremony, and cautioned others about touching the cursed piano on the island.