How to Survive With a Death-Flag Character Setting in Detective Conan - Chapter 6
Higashino Hiromu felt completely numb.
Before transmigrating, he had been a socially active person who did not get involved in the 2D world, but most of his roommates were otakus, and one of them was a die-hard Conan fan. They would often discuss the plot in the dormitory and occasionally explain things to him, so he was very familiar with Conan, the walking harbinger of death ().
He remembered his roommates saying, “According to the timeline in Detective Conan, only half a year has passed in over a thousand episodes, and the main cast encounters at least five dead people every day. The movies are even more intense, with explosions happening all the time. If this were the real world, Japan would’ve sunk already.”
“The world of Conanology is probably the last place anyone would want to transmigrate into. The death rate is too high. Passersby could drop dead at any moment.”
“If you ever find yourself in the world of Conanology, be sure to cling tightly to Conan or Kaito Kid’s thigh! Only by leaving a deep impression on the main characters or working hard to become part of the main storyline could you possibly survive until the end.”
“Extras? Heh, they’re all doomed.”
Cold sweat broke out on Higashino Hiromu’s back, and his pupils began to dilate. His mind was in total chaos, and thoughts flooded in like a barrage.
What should I do now? How do I cling to his thigh? What position should I use? If I hold Conan in my arms, how much does that increase my survival rate? Or should I carry him around like a charm? No, maybe I should make him carry me like a charm… @#%￥*&
He thought, no wonder he immediately encountered a deadly as soon as he arrived. A lot of murders stem from emotional entanglements, and in the world of Conanology, such conflicts are amplified. Being a “player” here is basically a death flag. If he doesn’t die, who will?!
Higashino Hiromu trembled internally, while Asai Narumi subtly glanced toward Mouri Kogoro and his group, then said, “Since you don’t want to come over to my place, how about I treat you to dinner tonight? After that, we can attend the memorial for the former village chief.”
Higashino Hiromu snapped back to reality.
There was still a standing right beside him!
He forced himself to calm down.
Asai Narumi’s invitation to him for dinner definitely had a purpose. This was a .
Higashino Hiromu glanced at the countdown. Just over ten hours left until death.
He replied, “Sure, then I’ll look forward to Senpai treating me.” Since he couldn’t escape, he might as well face it head-on. But before that, he had to be prepared.
Asai Narumi smiled and said, “It’s settled then. Wait for me at the hospital entrance at five.”
“Alright.” Higashino Hiromu nodded.
“I’m off to work then, see you later~” Asai Narumi waved at him and jogged off to work at the hospital.
Watching him run in heels at that speed, with a posture that betrayed no hint of masculinity, Higashino Hiromu couldn’t help but feel admiration.
It seemed like Asai senpai had really gone all out to play the role of a woman.
But now wasn’t the time to be impressed.
Mouri Kogoro and the others were about to leave the pier, and Higashino Hiromu immediately followed.
Mouri Kogoro turned around and looked at the young man who had suddenly appeared, asking, “Are you here as a tourist? I don’t remember seeing you on the boat.”
When Mouri Ran saw Higashino Hiromu’s face, she paused in her steps. Unable to hold back, she bent down, covered her mouth, and whispered to Edogawa Conan, “He’s so handsome! I think he’s even more good-looking than celebrities! Totally Sonoko’s type!”
Edogawa Conan, hearing her praise someone else’s looks, instantly became jealous and stared at Higashino Hiromu with a hostile gaze. But then he realized that this was the same handsome guy who came out publicly a few days ago. The fire in his heart was instantly doused.
He thought to himself, Even if Sonoko likes him, it’s pointless. He doesn’t like women.
Higashino Hiromu had no idea that he had almost been regarded as an enemy by his “savior.” He smiled and said, “I arrived yesterday. I originally planned to leave today, but just now they notified me that the ferry was canceled due to heavy fog. There’s no way to leave.”
Mouri Kogoro nodded. “Exactly, I thought I was going to get lost at sea just now.”
Then Higashino Hiromu asked in a seemingly curious tone, “I’ve been meaning to ask, are you the famous detective, Mouri Kogoro?”
As soon as Mouri Kogoro heard this, the corners of his mouth began to rise. He gave a light cough to suppress his grin and replied seriously, “That’s me.”
Higashino Hiromu immediately had stars in his eyes and said excitedly, “Really! I’m a fan of yours! I-I… Please forgive me, I’m just too excited. May I shake your hand?” As he spoke, he even rubbed his palm on his pants as if preparing, fully playing the part.
He was using all his acting skills to get close to the main cast.
Mouri Kogoro gave a modest smile, reached out to shake his hand, and even patted him on the shoulder, saying, “Didn’t expect to meet a fan of mine in a place like this.”
Higashino Hiromu flattered him, “That just shows how famous you are! Who in the world hasn’t heard of you?”
Mouri Kogoro struggled to hold back a laugh and waved his hand. “Oh, come on, that’s too much praise!”
Higashino Hiromu looked at him sincerely and said, “I’m not exaggerating! All of my classmates know your name! Ah, let me introduce myself. My name is Higashino Hiromu, a graduate student in the Department of Medicine at Tohto University. Your reputation at Tohto University is truly great. Though it may sound like I’m bragging, many of Tohto’s top students are your fans! Everyone greatly admires your brilliant mind!”
…Well, he wondered if lying like this would affect his karma. He’d better strike the a few more times when he got back.
Mouri Kogoro finally couldn’t hold it in anymore and laughed heartily, facing toward the sky. “Hahaha, you’re right!”
Edogawa Conan gave a sidelong glance with half-moon eyes: Heh… Uncle, don’t get too carried away.
Once Mouri Kogoro had laughed enough, Higashino Hiromu asked, “Mouri-san, did you come to Tsukikage Island for sightseeing as well?”
Mouri Kogoro shook his head. “Don’t mention it. I received a strange commission telling me to come to Tsukikage Island before the full moon. I didn’t even want to come, but since they already transferred the money, I had no choice. But even now, I have no idea what they want me to investigate. I only know the client’s name is Asoh Keiji.”
Higashino Hiromu was stunned and widened his eyes. “Asoh Keiji?”
Mouri Kogoro stared at him curiously. “What? You know him?”
Higashino Hiromu: Uh… I know his son. But if he used this name, the one who commissioned Mouri Kogoro must be Senpai. Does he want the detective to investigate the cause of his father’s death? But didn’t he already know the truth and was preparing to take revenge?
Higashino Hiromu didn’t know Senpai’s intentions, so he decided not to reveal his identity.
He hesitated and said, “I don’t know Asoh Keiji personally, but he’s a well-known figure on the island.”
Mouri Kogoro’s eyes lit up. “Is that so? Great! Let’s go find him!”
Higashino Hiromu replied with a complicated expression, “But… he’s already dead.”
Mouri Kogoro, Mouri Ran, and Edogawa Conan all wore shocked expressions. “Dead?!”
Higashino Hiromu nodded and said, “Asoh Keiji was a pianist from Tsukikage Island. Twelve years ago, he died in a fire along with his wife and daughter.” He paused for a moment. “That’s what the local police told me.”
Edogawa Conan frowned and gave him a suspicious look. “Why would the police tell you that?”
Higashino Hiromu explained, “Because I asked if there were any sightseeing spots around, and he recommended the community center. There’s a piano there, which was left behind after Asoh Keiji died.”
He repeated everything he had heard from the police and island residents. It all sounded like the beginning of a ghost story.
Mouri Ran, her face pale, clutched Mouri Kogoro’s arm and asked in a trembling voice, “Then… the person who commissioned Dad is…”
Edogawa Conan propped his chin with one hand and thought for a moment, then said, “Since the other party pretended to be a dead person to trick Uncle into coming, they probably think there’s more to Asoh Keiji’s death and want Uncle to investigate it.”
Hearing it wasn’t a ghost, Mouri Ran breathed a sigh of relief.
Mouri Kogoro frowned. “It’s already been twelve years. What could we possibly still find?”
But Edogawa Conan didn’t think so. He suggested, “Since many people on the island know about it, why don’t we ask around?”
Mouri Kogoro agreed, but the results of the investigation were disappointing.
Ordinary residents only knew that Asoh Keiji’s family died in a fire, or they would go on and on about some supposed piano curse. As for any useful information, they knew nothing.
So they had no choice but to head to the community center to take a look at the piano.
As soon as Mouri Kogoro began the investigation, Higashino Hiromu took his leave from the group because he had to hurry and use the remaining time to make preparations.
At the appointed time, Higashino Hiromu arrived punctually at the clinic’s entrance.
Before long, Asai Narumi came out. He smiled and said, “Sorry, it took a bit of time to change clothes. Let’s go. Is there anything you’d like to eat?”
Higashino Hiromu grabbed Asai Narumi by the elbow and said seriously, “More than eating, there’s something more important I need to talk to you about.”
Asai Narumi looked back in surprise. Seeing the serious expression on Higashino Hiromu’s face, he pursed his lips and asked, “Is it a private matter?”
Higashino Hiromu nodded.
Asai Narumi uncomfortably pulled his arm free and said, “Then come with me.” As he turned around, his expression instantly became very grave, and he unconsciously tightened his grip on the strap of his shoulder bag.
In the end, Higashino Hiromu followed Asai Narumi back to his residence.
Asai Narumi lived in a studio apartment. To avoid suspicion, everything he used leaned toward a feminine style.
But Higashino Hiromu had no mind to pay attention to those details right now.
Asai Narumi poured two glasses of water and handed one to Higashino Hiromu. He sat down opposite him and asked, “What do you want to talk about?” Then took a sip from his own glass.
Higashino Hiromu didn’t drink. He was afraid Asai Narumi had drugged it. If so, he wouldn’t even have the chance to speak.
He put the glass down and said, “Then I’ll get straight to the point. Over the past two days, I’ve walked around quite a few places on Tsukikage Island, and I kept hearing one name—Asoh Keiji. Senpai, do you know him?”
Asai Narumi replied calmly, “Of course. I’ve been living here for over two years. I’ve heard plenty of rumors about him. His whole family died in a fire. It’s a shame.”
“But I heard from one of the police officers on the island that Asoh Keiji had a son.” Higashino Hiromu paused, looked Asai Narumi directly in the eyes, and said, “His name is Asoh Seiji.”
Asai Narumi’s eyelids trembled slightly. He looked at Higashino Hiromu with a calm expression and asked, “So what? You’re not suspecting me just , are you?”
Higashino Hiromu shook his head. “It’s not just the name. There’s also your gender. At first, I thought you cross-dressed out of personal preference. But in reality, you’re doing it to hide your identity.”
Asai Narumi gave a wry smile. “If I were Asoh Seiji, I could’ve just come back to visit family. Why would I need to hide?”
“Because you’re out for revenge. Your father, mother, and sister were all murdered!”
Upon hearing this, Asai Narumi’s expression froze. He stopped smiling, and his gaze turned sharp as he stared at Higashino Hiromu.
CHARACTER PROFILE:
Kaito Kid
Manga/Anime: Magic Kaito | Detective Conan
Height: 174 cm
Role: Gentleman thief and magician; also known as Kaito Kuroba
Personality: Charismatic, playful trickster, clever and daring
Notable Traits: Known for flashy heists, issuing advance notices, never uses guns, wears a signature white suit with top hat and monocle
Background: Son of the original Kaitou Kid, Kuroba Toichi; took up the mantle to uncover his father’s murderers while making the thief persona famous again. Uses his skills in magic and disguise to pull off thefts and thwart criminal organizations searching for a legendary gem called Pandora.
Mouri Ran
Manga/Anime: Detective Conan
Height: 165 cm
Role: High school student, karate club captain, daughter of detective Mouri Kogoro
Personality: Kind-hearted, mature, strong-willed, and caring
Notable Traits: Skilled martial artist, patient and nurturing, deeply values justice
Background: Childhood friend and love interest of Kudo Shinichi (Edogawa Conan’s true identity). Acts as a surrogate older sister to Conan and manages the household while supporting both Conan and her father emotionally and practically.
Suzuki Sonoko
Manga/Anime: Detective Conan
Height: 165 cm
Role: High school student, Mouri Ran’s best friend, daughter of a wealthy family
Personality: Impulsive, outgoing, romantic, and humorous
Notable Traits: Often acts without thinking, self-proclaimed “Deduction Queen,” admired for bravery despite a tendency to scream at scary situations
Background: Comes from a prominent wealthy family with a large company background. Close friend of Ran, often involved in investigations indirectly and supports Conan and the team. She admires Kaitou Kid and often cheers him on during his heists, hoping to meet him someday.