Detective Conan: Becoming a Tycoon in Tokyo! [8]

“Welcome back, Shōichi-sama.”

“Mm. Dinner ready?”

“It’s already prepared.”

Yuuko-san had set the table, and Shōichi took his seat, ready to eat.

She also called Haibara down.

At this point, Haibara wasn’t sure what identity she was supposed to assume here.

Did this count as adoption?

“Sign this contract.” Shōichi slid a document toward her.

Haibara’s eyelids twitched as she scanned it.

It wasn’t an adoption paper.

It stated clearly that Party A would cover Party B’s living expenses, food, clothing, and education—two million yen per month—to be repaid when Party B became financially capable.

At least the interest rate was normal.

Haibara didn’t think two million yen was too much. The man in front of her seemed absurdly rich, so maybe this was actually a good deal.

Still, she didn’t want to—

“You don’t have to sign. It’s already in effect,” Shōichi said offhandedly.

“Huh?”

So this was the power of a zaibatsu heir? Contracts didn’t even need signatures anymore?

Haibara couldn’t make sense of it.

Why was this man involved with the Organization—and why adopt a girl he had no connection to?

Surely it wasn’t just because he was both evil and softhearted at once.

Swallowing his food, Shōichi went on, “I’ve already arranged your transfer. Don’t bother going back to your old school; it might remind you of your parents and upset you.”

“From now on, you’ll attend Teitan High.”

Haibara sat quietly, listening to him lay out her future.

Quite considerate—he even knew how to manage a little girl’s emotions.

Then her eyebrows twitched. “Teitan High?”

“What’s wrong?” Shōichi asked, curious. “It’s a good school, and it’s close to my place. No need to return to Ekoda High.”

“Oh.”

Haibara nodded.

So “Haibara Ai” was supposed to be a prodigy, huh?

A kid skipping grades into high school would certainly be useful to a zaibatsu heir. No wonder he’d chosen to “adopt” her.

Once she grew up, he’d probably mold her into a loyal servant of the family.

People like him never offered kindness for free.

Raising someone from childhood simply made them more reliable.

Only a day had passed, yet this man had already dug up everything about “Haibara Ai” and arranged her transfer.

So this was what they called zaibatsu speed.

Shōichi seemed busy—his phone even rang during dinner.

“Hello? Ah, Gin. What’s up?”

Haibara’s ears perked immediately.

Though Shōichi lowered his voice slightly, he didn’t bother to hide a thing.

Talking so openly with the Organization was outrageously arrogant, as if he had no fear of anyone discovering his involvement.

Haibara kept eating with a blank face, ears trained on the conversation.

“Miyano Akemi’s body? I dumped her in the sea.”

Hearing her sister’s name, Haibara nearly bit through her chopsticks.

She crushed the grief rising in her chest, forcing herself to stay expressionless.

Shōichi looked irritated. “You can’t find it? How’s that my problem? Maybe the fish got to her, or maybe you just didn’t look hard enough.”

“I shot her three times. She’s definitely dead.”

“Annoying. Stop bothering me with trivial stuff like this—I’m busy every damn day.”

“Where did I shoot her? Does it matter? You think I need you teaching me how to kill people?”

“And quit calling me about this garbage. Getting my name mixed up in it is a pain.”

After hanging up on Gin, Shōichi calmly went back to eating.

Haibara’s expression turned icy. The man who had killed her sister was sitting right in front of her.

“You’re growing. Eat more meat.” Shōichi dropped a piece of beef into her bowl and affectionately ruffled her hair.

Haibara forced a smile.

Endure.

Even if he was the one who’d murdered her sister, she was too weak now to take revenge. All she could do was bear it.

Someday, when he let his guard down—she’d make him pay.

Shōichi’s hand stayed on her head.

Now I don’t have to worry about my little loli running off, he thought.

“Sleep early tonight. I’ll take you to school tomorrow,” he said.

...

By midnight, Shōichi’s room was dark.

Haibara slipped out of her bed, a fruit knife hidden up her sleeve—the same one Shōichi had mocked as fit only for cutting baby food.

She couldn’t stand sleeping under the same roof as her sister’s killer any longer.

She eased open his bedroom door, grateful he didn’t lock it.

Tiptoeing to his bedside—

Haibara looked down at him, ready to strike.

Sister, once I avenge you, I’ll come find you soon.

“Haibara?”

At the sound of his voice, Haibara froze, hastily hiding the knife. She nearly tripped in her panic.

A large hand reached out and pulled her onto the bed.

“Scared to sleep alone?”

He tucked her under the covers and gave her a few gentle pats before going still again.

Haibara didn’t dare breathe too loudly.

She sneaked a glance—his eyes were still closed.

Shame burned across her cheeks.

Pathetic. One word from him and she was a wreck. How was she supposed to avenge her sister like this?

Gathering her courage, Haibara drew the knife again—only to meet Shōichi’s open eyes.

Her heart lurched, her body went weak.

In a small voice, she murmured, “Thank you for taking me in. This fruit knife is a gift for you. Since you took it from me that night, I thought you might like it.”

“Thanks.” Shōichi casually accepted the knife.

One knife, gifted twice. What a stingy brat.

Haibara stayed silent, looking perfectly docile.

She felt pathetic.

She’d come to assassinate him, but somehow it turned into her giving him a present.

If she’d been any more decisive, she’d already be in police custody.

Shōichi patted her head again. “Sleep now.”

“I…” I want to go back to my room.

“Have you read Romance of the Three Kingdoms?” Shōichi suddenly asked.

“N-no,” Haibara stammered.

He gave her a doubtful look. “Really? Your ‘gift’ reminded me of Cao Cao offering a knife to Dong Zhuo. Guess I was overthinking.”

Haibara obediently curled up under the blanket.

Ababababa, I have no idea what you’re talking about.

What Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Cao Cao, Dong Zhuo—never heard of them.

Just sleep. Just sleep.

---

This is a fan translation of 柯南：我在东京当财阀 by 倒霉的菜狗. Rights to the original work belong to the creator. Please support them by exploring their original work or sharing it with others if you can. Thank you for reading and supporting my efforts to bring this story to a wider audience!