Detective Conan: Death Note

[Good afternoon, everyone]

[This is Ryoko Hataya, live reporter from Nichiuri TV]

[Right now, I'm inside the Beika Public Hall, the venue for the first day of a signing event for the new release by renowned mystery author, Mr. Hayashi Yoshiki]

[As you can see, the place is packed with fans and book lovers. The atmosphere is electric, and Mr. Hayashi Yoshiki has been busy engaging with fans and signing books since the beginning of the event.]

[Those who have successfully received an autograph are exiting through this corridor to my left. Let's go interview a few of them!]

The cameraman turned his shoulder-mounted camera toward the passageway.

Ryoko Hataya ran over, microphone in hand, to interview several visibly thrilled young women who had just received their autographs.

As expected, they were all look-driven fans.

"Mr. Hayashi is so handsome!"

"And his voice is so gentle!"

"I haven't even read the new book yet, but I already have total confidence in it!"

"Ahhh!! I shook hands with him just now!!"

Even though it was supposed to be a mystery novel signing event, the place had the vibe of a pop idol fan gathering.

Just then, the camera caught sight of a dark-skinned boy walking out of the corridor, holding a freshly signed book and wearing a sour expression.

Ryoko Hataya's eyes lit up, and she rushed forward with her microphone.

"Excuse me, young man!"

"What do you want?"

The dark-skinned youth spoke in a thick Kansai accent, his face still scowling.

"Aren't you the famous high school detective, Hattori Heiji? Are you really a fan of Mr. Hayashi too?"

"Fan my ass!" Hattori snapped. "I only came to support him as a friend."

But as he said this, his face grew even more annoyed. Standing in front of the camera, he pointed to the book in his hands, visibly upset.

"But that guy really pissed me off! You know what he did?! He SPOILED the killer's identity while signing my book! That bastard, Hayashi Yoshiki!!"

"Uh… um…"

Ryoko Hataya was completely at a loss, awkwardly holding the microphone.

But Hattori Heiji stormed off in a fury, book in hand, leaving her no choice but to hurry over to interview someone else.

Meanwhile, Hayashi Yoshiki remained hard at work inside the venue.

Although his wrist was beginning to go numb from all the signatures, he never let the smile on his face falter.

"Thank you! I hope this new work satisfies you."

"We changed the candy for today's event. Want to give it a try?"

"Thanks for waiting in line. Make sure to rest up!"

"How are you feeling today?"

Even though his autograph strokes were starting to lose precision, the fans who stepped forward were clearly moved by his sincere and kind smile.

Nearby, Editor Asami was hustling back and forth, managing the event's flow and keeping an eye on Hayashi Yoshiki's condition, barely having time to catch her breath.

"Mr. Hayashi."

As another fan walked away, a familiar figure appeared before Hayashi Yoshiki.

Nanatsuki Koshimizu.

Just as promised, she had come to the signing event.

Today, she wore a bright smile and held a copy of "The Kindaichi Case Files: The Russian Doll Murder" in her hands.

"Looks like your mood has improved, Miss Koshimizu?"

"Yes, it feels like the weather's been lovely every day lately."

She placed the book in front of him.

"But... you really look exhausted today."

"Yeah... which is why, in this book, the killer is actually—"

"Please don't spoil it!"

Koshimizu Nanatsuki interrupted him immediately, her face serious.

She was a genuine fan. No matter what, she wanted the full experience of reading the story without any spoilers.

"Fine, fine."

In truth, Hayashi Yoshiki never intended to spoil anything.

Even the "spoiler" he gave Hattori Heiji was a joke…

That guy's probably flipping through the book right now, sulking.

"Will you give me your review after you finish reading?"

"I will... definitely!"

Nanatsuki Koshimizu, beaming, hugged the signed book and headed toward the exit corridor.

On her way out, she was also approached by the TV crew.

Facing the camera, she confidently declared:

"Yes, I'm a fan of Mr. Hayashi."

"Not just of his writing. I'm also a huge fan of him as a detective—

I dare say he's absolutely the greatest detective out there!"

As a rare female high school detective, Koshimizu Nanatsuki had her own fan base.

Her identity quickly became known online.

A pro detective praising him like that?

Many fans were thrilled.

And the folks at Futaba Publishing quickly recognized the PR potential—

They began shifting attention to the famous faces in the crowd.

In addition to Hattori Heiji and Koshimizu Nanatsuki, there was also Hakuba Saguru, a former forensics expert turned detective, Yumi Gatana, and the best-selling mystery novelist Kaori Shinmei...

When that information went public, it caused quite a buzz online.

Completely unaware of this, Hayashi Yoshiki smiled politely as a man in sunglasses stepped forward—his face unfamiliar, but his smile strangely recognizable.

"Hehehe…"

Conan, in disguise, handed over his copy with such glee that he practically floated.

At last—

At long last! The new book is finally out!!

Though he couldn't wait to dive into the story, Conan made sure to get it signed first.

"Thank you for your support," said Hayashi Yoshiki, returning the signed book with a smile.

Looks like he didn't recognize me...

Conan didn't mind. Clutching the book, he whispered, "I'll read it thoroughly," and left, cheeks slightly flushed.

Hayashi Yoshiki turned to the next fan in line.

The signing event continued from 1 p.m. all the way until evening.

Ran, Sonoko, Haibara Ai, and even the Detective Boys had shown up due to Ayumi's and the others' pleading.

Seiran Hoshi and Shimizu Reiko had also come separately.

Truth be told, Hayashi Yoshiki was quite happy to see so many familiar faces at an event like this.

But what truly surprised him—

Even Jodie and James came.

Thankfully, Gin and Vodka did not.

"I stood in line for four hours just to get a signature—your popularity is insane!"

Jodie said, holding up her signed copy.

James gave a helpless shake of the head.

"If I could help it, I'd rather sign fewer autographs myself..."

Hayashi Yoshiki sighed, visibly exhausted.