Conan: Chief of Rice Flower's Science Points

Chapter 237 Fox demon?

"Witch? What the hell is a witch? If you want to invite someone, you should invite a miko, right? Witches and fox spirits don't match each other! You rich people just believe in this... Ouch!" Gina finally found the opportunity to mock the "rich" and started to laugh at them.

But immediately, Bai Shi tapped his head lightly, and he immediately covered his head and swallowed the rest of his words.

Ayako blushed and felt a little embarrassed - she even confirmed with her mother...it was definitely the "witch"!
Ayako actually wanted to say that if she had to find one, she should ask a shrine priest or a shrine maiden for help, which would seem more reliable.

Witch or something...

Not only do they sound like liars, but...even if they really believe in metaphysics, do they understand the local monsters?

"Chairman Kuzunoha said...she knows a powerful witch, hehe..." Ayako could only awkwardly pass the blame and said that this was not the Suzuki family's idea.

But the reason why Bai Shi looked weird was not because of this!
They don't believe in the "witch", but Shiraishi does!

Moreover, Bai Shi also knew that there was a genuine witch in Dongdu, so the question was...

Is it true that he was invited by Chairman Kuzunoye?
"There's really no other way. I'll go and help you tomorrow! I'll dress up as a high school girl, and I'll look very similar!" Gina volunteered.

"No, no, no, it's an aristocratic school after all..." Bai Shi felt that only the age was similar, but the temperament was completely different, and he shook his head repeatedly.

"What do you mean?" Gina bared her fangs.

"What I mean is... I don't need you to infiltrate high school girls to find out any information." Shiraishi made an excuse.

But Ayako said at this time: "Actually... it's really possible! I'll prepare a set of school uniforms for you. You should look like the children of overseas returnees. There are many such students among Fuyang girls!"

Gina has very fair skin and yellowish hair. Although she is an orphan, she can be seen to be mixed-race.

The upper and lower limits of the yellow-white mixed-race children in the Eastern Island country are extremely different. The upper limit are the "White Horse Detectives", a combination of a high-ranking official of the country and a Western lady. As for the lower limit... most of them are children born by local women who were played with by American men and then abandoned and ran away. Most of them are from single-parent families. The more extreme cases are abandoned orphans like Gina.

Apart from anything else, with Gina's ancestry, if she were to be raised in a foreign country, everyone would simply think she was from a "white horse explorer" family. Even if she had a carefree personality and knew nothing about school subjects, everyone would still think she was a "returnee" who was not yet adapted to domestic courses.

Just don't let her speak Spanish...

"Eh?" Shiraishi was stunned when he saw Ayako agreed. Even if she could really sneak in, it would not be of much help to the case...

"Since you are investigating in your personal capacity, even if you tell your classmates that you are a senior police officer, it will not be easy for you to have the opportunity to question those girls like during a normal case investigation. At that time, it will be difficult for you to obtain some information on your own." Ayako reminded.

Indeed, it is easy to imagine that those female high school students would not have in-depth communication with Shiraishi.

Although Shiraishi entered the academy as a "police officer", he was not investigating the case in the normal process, and he could not inquire about the case as usual...

After hearing what Ayako said, Shiraishi was convinced.

……

The next day, Shiraishi did not go to the police station, but called the deputy chief in advance to arrange work. He dressed in casual clothes and went to the Fude Girls High School in Bunkyo Ward with Ayako...

Bunkyo Ward is located in the center of the 23 wards of Eastern Capital. It is also a district with a strong educational atmosphere. Fude Children's High School, which is positioned as an aristocratic school, is also located here.

Gina, wearing a school uniform, looked at the ancient and large high school in front of her, and couldn't help but ask Ayako in the driver's seat with emotion: "Wuhu, is this where you go to school?"

"No, my sister and I don't go to school here," Ayako replied.

"Why? Is there a better school in your family?" Gina wondered.

At this time, Gina also knew that the Suzuki family was an important school director here.

"I can't say it's 'better', but my mother said that this is the kind of school that emphasizes aristocratic etiquette and ladylike demeanor. It is a choice for families that have just come into contact with or have just reached this level. The daughter of the Suzuki family no longer needs such things to embellish herself." Ayako said as a matter of course.

Well, it's probably like the queen of the West Island Country, who doesn't need to hold a wine glass in the right position...

Even the mastery of "scientific knowledge" is superfluous - as long as Ayako and Sonoko do not have the brains of cutting-edge scientists, it does not matter whether they study well or not.

Unless you can become a top scientist, it doesn't make any difference whether you study better or worse.

The things that we really need to learn cannot be taught in school at all, so it is more important to let them experience the "life of ordinary people".

So the two sisters both attended Teitan High School, which was "rich in cultural heritage" but "relatively ordinary"...

"Someone said... Does the way you answer sound a bit greasy like a domineering president?" Gina pouted.

"Eh? Sorry." Ayako quickly apologized.

Gina saw Bai Shi glaring at her in the rearview mirror, and her lips curled even more...

……

Because it was Ayako's car, the school gate let it in directly.

After entering the door, there is neither a playground nor a teaching building, but a courtyard-style fountain entrance, and then you come to the castle-like main building...

At the school, Vice President Samejima was personally waiting at the gate of the main building to greet the visitors.

On the one hand, Ayako is the eldest daughter of the Suzuki family, and the Suzuki family is half the owner of the school; on the other hand, Ayako also invited the senior police officer "Shiraishi Kuro" to help.

Although they usually don't give face to the police, the school board usually has a good relationship with high-ranking police officers, especially this time they asked Shiraishi to help with the investigation.

After introducing Shiraishi, Ayako also took Gina's hand and said, "Coach Samejima, this Miss Gina is the one I mentioned... the one who will assist us in the investigation. Please take her to the teaching building first!"

Ayako had already informed the academic affairs department and would let Gina blend in with the students first - the school was very large, and it wouldn't be strange to have an unknown transfer student suddenly appear.

She doesn't need to actually attend classes, but instead needs to mingle among students and gather information during breaks and club activities.

After separating from Gina, Shiraishi and Ayako followed Vice Principal Samejima to the chairman's office.

dong dong dong-

"Please come in."

"Chairman, Ms. Suzuki and Officer Shiraishi are here."

The president of the academy, Ms. Kuzunoha, is about the same age as Suzuki Tomoko, but perhaps because she always has a stern face, she looks older and a bit old-fashioned. She even wears glasses with a chain...

The vice-president, Samejima, is a man who looks older and very elegant.

"Ayako is here... Is this Officer Shiraishi?" Kuzunoyeh looked at Shiraishi "coming in" and was dazed for a moment.

Even though she was mentally prepared, Ge Noye still lacked an intuitive feeling about Shiraishi's figure.

"Hello, President Kuzunoye." Shiraishi greeted politely.

"Thank you... If there is someone who is harmful to the school, I would like to trouble Officer Shiraishi to find him!" Ge Noye said in a just-in-case tone.

"Hmm? Oh, leave it to me." Bai Shi was a little surprised by her attitude - what if? From what she meant...

"Of course, even if it's not because of humans... I have found a very powerful witch, so there's no need to worry." Ge Noye said, adjusting the frame of his glasses, seeming very proud of his choice.

Ayako:……

In Ayako's impression, Kuzunoha is not someone who is easily fooled. Although he is old-fashioned, he is not bad in ability, otherwise he would not sit in the position of chairman. Why does he act like a "fat sheep in the eyes of a scammer" now?
"About that witch..." Bai Shi asked proactively at this time.

Ayako thought that Shiraishi also thought that the "witch" thing was too suspicious and wanted to investigate this "swindler" first.

However, Kuzunoha immediately said, "Although I can't tell you why, she is someone I trust... Anyway, this investigation will be led by Her Majesty the Witch, Officer Shiraishi, please just assist."

Ge Naiye looked like he was afraid that he would do something bad.

"Chairman Kuzunoha, when it comes to investigation, Officer Shiraishi is better at it, right?" Ayako wanted to refute.

Vice Principal Samejima couldn't sit still and said, "Chairman, if you need me... I can hire a private detective. I heard that there is a Maori detective who has helped the police solve many cases recently."

Obviously, in Samejima's view, "witches" are not reliable.

However, when Ge Noye heard this, she immediately showed a look of dissatisfaction. It was obvious that she trusted the "Witch Majesty" very much.

At this moment, Bai Shi heard two footsteps coming from outside the door, and...

Bai Shi recognized the footsteps!

The next moment, Koizumi Hongzi, who was wearing a red long dress and looked more mature than her actual age, walked in.

When she saw Bai Shi, she was also stunned, and the demon butler Hasko next to her became even more alert.

"Why are you here?" Hongzi ignored everyone and looked at Baishi with a frown.

"Huh? Officer Shiraishi knows Her Majesty the Witch?" Ge Noye was also stunned at this time.

"Well, how should I put it... I guess we know each other." Bai Shi didn't know how they knew each other.

"Ah! You are the one from Ekoda before... Hello, I'm Suzuki Ayako." Although Ayako could no longer remember her face, when she saw her conspicuous long hair, she suddenly remembered - this was the girl that Shiraishi had looked for when "Kid stole the clock tower" before.

Even Ayako knew that Shiraishi went to see her the next day, and... he spoke mysteriously afterwards!
Hongzi frowned when she saw Ayako's outstretched hand, but she didn't shake it, but she still nodded and said, "Hello."

Ayako didn't feel embarrassed, but smiled friendly - because of Shiraishi's reaction when he saw her before, Ayako even had some doubts...

Could she really be a "witch"? Thinking back to when Shiraishi specifically asked about supernatural powers, strange people, and so on, Ayako felt that even if she wasn't a real witch, she must have something!
"It would be great if Officer Shiraishi knows Her Majesty the Witch. From now on... I'll leave everything to you two." Ge Noye originally wanted to ask "Her Majesty the Witch" for a favor, but now that she saw that Her Majesty the Witch knew Shiraishi, she just said "I'll leave everything to you two."

Ge Noye looked at Bai Shi again, and seemed to understand something...

Well, judging from his physique, it wouldn’t be strange for Ge Noye to call him a “monster”!
Hongzi now understood that Shiraishi was probably also invited to investigate, so she said directly: "Well, take us around the school first, especially the place where the accident happened."

Although Shiraishi had some doubts in his mind, since there were people from the school present, he couldn't ask Hongzi, so he had to endure it for the time being.

"Everyone, please follow me first..." Chairman Ge Noye personally led Shiraishi and others to an empty classroom that had been cleaned up.

"This will temporarily serve as the investigation office for your use. As for the situation at school, I will arrange for the student council president to take you to see it later, so that the students can feel more relaxed." Ge Noye was very sensible and knew that he was not the kind of person who wanted students to get close to him.

Just then, there was a knock on the classroom door.

"Come in." said Ge Naiye.

The girl who came in inevitably saw Shiraishi at first sight. She stiffened instinctively for a moment, but then she greeted Kuzunoha first, "Chairman."

"This is the student council president, Hinata Ken, a senior student. If you want to know more about the students in the future, you can ask her." Kuzunoha explained to Shiraishi and others.

Although she is a girl, she was named "Sword".

Just like her name, she looks very strong.

After Kuzunoha left, Hinata greeted Shiraishi first, "You are Officer Shiraishi, right? I often hear Ichika mention you."

"So that's how it is. You are Ichika's friend... I heard from her family that Ichika has been acting strange lately. Do you know what's going on?" Shiraishi of course remembered what Gina had said to him before, so he took the opportunity to test her.

Hinata's expression slightly condensed, and then she said: "Is, is that so? Maybe she was under a lot of pressure to enter higher education before, but now she has passed the entrance examination of the University of Tokyo, so she should be fine."

Bai Shi stared at her, but then said, "That's good."

"Are we going straight to the dance studio after this? Or are we just walking around?" Hinata changed the subject.

The first thing to deal with now is the "collective coma" issue. So far, three "collective comas" have occurred in the dance studio...

Once was during dance class, and the other two times were during club activities!
"Wait a moment, Hinata-san, Ayako, please wait for me for a moment. I have something to say to Anko-san." Shiraishi suddenly interrupted.

"Eh? Oh, okay... Hinata-san, please show me around first." Upon hearing this, Ayako immediately understood that Shiraishi must have something important to communicate with this "witch".

but……

[So, why don't you use telepathy? ] Hongzi's voice echoed directly in Shiraishi's mind.

"Huh?" Bai Shi was suddenly stunned, then looked at Hongzi, whose expression remained unchanged and who didn't even look at him.

Bai Shi immediately reacted...

Indeed, when Red Magic reaches Lv.2, there is an item called [Telepathy], and the effect is telepathy!

Although Hongzi didn't know the level classification, she knew that Shiraishi must have mastered this elementary magic...

It’s just that Bai Shi was not used to using “magic” to solve problems, and he didn’t think of it for a moment.

[Telepathy] I don’t use it at all in normal times…

When used on ordinary people, it can be said that there is backlash every time it is used - if "ordinary people" detect the existence of magic, the magician will suffer a certain backlash. If [Telepathy] is used on ordinary people, although it is not absolutely impossible, the more it is used, the stronger the backlash will be.

As for the backlash, it can hurt your body and mind at the least, or accelerate aging or even cause sudden death on the spot...

However, it can be used as a harmless private chat channel for "supernatural beings".

[Didn't you say that you don't usually encounter supernatural events? Why are you here? Is there really a fox demon here?] This was the first time Bai Shi used this kind of "private chat".

[First of all, I said “almost” nothing, not absolutely nothing; secondly, even if it’s fake, it won’t stop me from exorcising the spirit.] Hongzi said as a matter of course.

[Exorcism... is charged? ] Shiraishi looked at Hongzi speechlessly.

Hongzi didn't answer, but just looked at Shiraishi with an expression that said "what else?"

It seems that this is how the "witch" makes a living...

Perhaps offended by Shiraishi's look, Hongzi explained: [Even if ninety-nine times out of a hundred are false, inviting me can at least avoid that one true one.]

Hongzi said that even if it was those ninety-nine times, the money was not wasted!

Bai Shi temporarily agreed with this statement, but asked curiously: [Normally speaking, if ordinary people know about your use of magic, wouldn't there be backlash? If ordinary people think you are a witch, won't there be backlash? ]

[If I am discovered using magic, I will be retaliated. It is not that I will be retaliated if I am recognized as a witch. The chairman... has never seen me use magic directly.] Hongzi said confidently.

Shiraishi:……

In other words, she was indeed fooled, right?
It's just that the person who deceived her happened to be a real witch...

……

Ayako, who was standing by, watched Shiraishi winking at the girl named Hongzi, looking very excited for a long time, and couldn't help but said, "How about... we should go out first and talk directly?"

How long will you need to use your eyes?
And they have been ignoring you!
Shiraishi:……

Well, even if they have mastered the same magic, spellcasting experience, or spellcasting habits, cannot be developed in a short period of time. When Bai Shi is using [telepathy], he still instinctively follows the movements and "puts in effort".

In contrast, Hongzi had no expression on her face throughout the whole process. It looked like Shiraishi was trying hard to wink at her, but Hongzi ignored him...

"Nothing, let's go to the dance studio first." Bai Shi said directly.

Hinata saw Hongzi and didn't object, so she led everyone to the dance studio directly...

On the way, Ayako asked with concern: "Hinata-san, you are now a senior in high school. Will it take up too much of your time to cooperate with us in doing this?"

"It doesn't matter. Even though it's not the University of Tokyo, I have already passed the early admissions." Hinata said, revealing a somewhat "proud" look.

This reaction made Bai Shi feel a little confused. Amidst his pride, he seemed to also feel a bit "relieved".

At the same time, Shiraishi also confirmed that Hinata was the same as Shiraishi Ichika - her family conditions were not that good, but she was a special student.

After all, if all the students are from wealthy families and there are no top students with amazing academic ability, the school’s reputation will not stand.

Soon the group arrived at the dance studio next to the school stadium - basically the size of a small gymnasium. Because it was morning, there were not many people there.

"Is this the place where three mass comas occurred... When did it start? What was the time of each of the three times?" Bai Shi came in and didn't find anything wrong, so he asked about some specific circumstances.

As the student council president, Hinata is also familiar with this...

It started after the start of this semester, in just ten days, and three times all happened in the afternoon, affecting between a dozen and thirty people.

However, he regained consciousness soon afterwards, and no cause was found and there was no sign of poisoning.

Because one of the three times was during the class dance class, and the other two were during the dance club rehearsal, so no unlucky person caught up with all three times, and no common points were summarized. The students themselves did not feel anything unusual before they fell into a coma...

"Is there any project at school recently... or during the winter vacation?" Hongzi asked.

"Eh? There's no project..." Hinata was stunned at first, then shook his head.

“I’m not referring to big projects, anything that breaks ground counts.” Hongzi said as she spun in circles in the spacious dance studio.

"Hmm..." Hinata seemed to be still reminiscing.

But Hongzi suddenly pointed to the north window and asked, "What's that place over there?"

Behind the dance studio is a large open space, which is basically the perimeter of the school...

"Eh? Over there?" Hinata was stunned when he heard that.

"There is air flowing here!" Hongzi said confidently.

Shiraishi:? ? ?
How could it be? Why don't I feel anything?
Hongzi finished her words and walked northwards. Baishi was skeptical but followed her...

When they arrived at the clearing covered with bushes and walked deeper, Hongzi found a piece of land with signs of digging and destruction!

"What was here before?" Hongzi said with a serious expression.

"Eh? There used to be a small temple here." Hinata became a little nervous and quickly added, "But usually no one comes here!"

Hongzi sighed at this time: "Sure enough..."

"Because it's a place to bury the time capsule for this year's graduates, the Biology Society demolished the small temple here during the holiday. What's wrong?" Hinata asked hesitantly.

"Where is the small temple that was demolished?" Hongzi asked directly without answering.

"Over here!" Hinata said hastily - this was originally an empty lot, so the wreckage had not been removed.

Following Hinata, we walked a short distance to the side and saw a small pile of "construction waste", among which we could vaguely make out a small stone statue that looked like a fox!
(End of this chapter)