The boy soldier next to the famous detective

Jonah had an absolutely fantastic time on his birthday.

The banquets with everyone during the day were fun, and the time spent at the safe house with Dave and the others at night was also enjoyable.

Although Jonah had to go to school the next day, it didn't affect his mood at all.

After school, Jonah, Conan Edogawa, and Ai Haibara returned to Professor Agasa's house to open all the gifts they had received the day before.

The gifts were arranged by Sonoko Suzuki to be delivered directly to Professor Agasa's house. There were quite a few of them, including some that were rather large, and they wouldn't fit in the detective agency if they were delivered there.

Although Jonah liked all the gifts everyone gave him, if he had to rank them by preference, he would be happier with the gifts from his team members.

"I should have known, Jonah would prefer these guns."

Seeing Jonah happily displaying the several new guns he brought back from the safe house on the display wall on the second floor of Professor Agasa's house, Conan Edogawa couldn't help but sigh.

"As long as Jonah is happy."

Nodding, Ai Haibara had initially thought of giving Jonah a gun, but after careful consideration, she felt that Dave and the others would definitely make the same choice, so they wouldn't need her to give one. Besides, Ai Haibara wasn't very good at choosing which gun was better.

"But to be fair, this wall is really cool, it's just that it can't be displayed casually."

After glancing at the hidden gun display wall, which had been modified by Professor Agasa and was full of technological flair, Conan Edogawa couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

At first, there weren't many guns, but as Jonah kept adding more, there's hardly any space left on this wall; it's all filled with the guns Jonah likes.

These are not decorative items; each one can be used immediately upon being taken down.

The matching ammunition was also stored in a hidden cabinet below. If Conan Edogawa hadn't repeatedly emphasized the safety issue, Jonah would have kept all the grenades and explosives here instead of storing them in the safe house.

"Conan, you know perfectly well that those C4 explosives are very safe."

"I understand it rationally, but I can't accept it psychologically."

With the help of Conan Edogawa and Ai Haibara, Jonah opened and distributed all the gifts he received.

Put things that can be used directly together, and put things that are displayed together.

"Jonah's having a birthday party, Haibara, aren't you going to celebrate yours too?"

Watching Jonah playing with some rather complicated gifts under Professor Agasa's guidance, Conan Edogawa approached Ai Haibara and asked with a smile.

"I think I'll pass..."

"It's no use, Haibara. You should know very well that Jonah just hasn't realized what's happening yet. Once he does, he'll definitely keep asking you about your birthday."

Smiling, Conan Edogawa said slowly, "After celebrating his birthday this time, Jonah knows what it feels like to have everyone happy for you, so he'll definitely want you to experience it too."

"Haibara, can you really stick to your decision not to celebrate your birthday when Jonah questions you?"

"That's just like how I couldn't refuse Jonah's request."

Conan Edogawa: (¬‿¬)

Ai Haibara: ...

Ai Haibara knew that her statement lacked confidence, but she still snorted and walked to Jonah's side, accompanying him as he experienced the toy-type gifts.

Even though Jonah had excellent self-control, he was still happy for two days during the birthday party.

"We need cat litter, and we're running low on cat food. As for toys... luckily we have enough toys, so we don't need to buy any new ones for now."

On their way home from school, Jonah and Conan followed Ai Haibara to a pet supply store to buy some daily necessities for their Maine Coon cat, Lucky.

The Maine Coon still retains its aloof and proud personality, but it has completely adapted to living at Professor Agasa's house.

With plenty of food and drink, a large space to move around, and the ability to play with cat toys modified by Professor Agasa that can't be bought elsewhere, Lucky has completely stopped missing the days she spent living in the pet club.

"Do we need to buy cat food too? Speaking of which, Haibara, haven't you always been making food for Lucky?"

Pushing a small cart, Conan Edogawa looked at Ai Haibara with curiosity. He knew how much Ai Haibara doted on the cat that Jonah had given her.

When she usually calls out for Lucky, her voice is so gentle that it makes Conan tremble. She keeps saying "Lucky, come to Mommy's side," which makes Conan laugh uncontrollably. Finally, unable to bear Conan's teasing look, she changes her voice to "Come to your sister's side."

How infuriating! Because of Conan Edogawa's keen insight, Ai Haibara called herself the lucky "Mom," which thwarted Jonah's idea that he was the lucky "Dad."

"I cook whenever I have time, but sometimes I'm too busy and need some nutritious cat food as a temporary meal. It's like how Xiaolan and I are both very serious about cooking, but you guys just have to eat instant noodles sometimes."

"Forehead..."

After being momentarily speechless by Ai Haibara's retort, Conan Edogawa smiled awkwardly but did not deny it.

After all, instant noodles don't taste that great when you eat them, but over time you always crave a bowl.

"Where is Jonah?"

Ai Haibara placed a bag of new cat treats in the cart, glanced around Conan Edogawa, and noticed that Jonah was nowhere to be seen. She couldn't help but ask.

"I just got a phone call, and they asked me to answer it. I think it was Mr. Shiraishi."

"Mr. Shiraishi?"

Ai Haibara narrowed her eyes and thought of Ryuichi Shiraishi, who had appeared at Jonah's birthday party a few days ago.

Ryuichi Shiraishi and Shiro Suzuki can be considered the strongest backers that allow Jonah to act with impunity in Japan. However, compared to Shiro Suzuki, Ai Haibara feels that Ryuichi Shiraishi is more dangerous.

Shiro Suzuki's ambition for Jonah was out in the open; he wanted Jonah to become a true member of the Suzuki family. Unfortunately, Eri Kisaki held a very strong position in Jonah's heart, forcing Shiro Suzuki to abandon this tempting idea.

But Shiraishi Ryuichi... Ai Haibara doesn't think he really went to such lengths because he wanted Jonah to grow up and join the SAT.

Such a person, with a deep mind, an outstanding family background, and involvement in politics, makes all his efforts in order to achieve greater rewards.

Surely he doesn't want Jonah to be his child, does he?

"Jonah, you're back. Why did you open this bag of cat food?"

After a while, Jonah came back carrying an opened bag of cat food, which surprised both Conan Edogawa and Ai Haibara.

"I accidentally opened the package and ate a few pills while I was on the phone."

"Um... how does it taste?"

"It's pretty good."