Chapter 99: Fujino the Frozen Fish God? OR Kaito Kid: I Feel So Unclean Now

Late night, atop Tokyo Tower.

Fujino, clad in his Assassin's Robes, stood against the howling wind, silently observing the Beika Museum in the distance.

The museum was brightly lit, armored vehicles already running, ready to deploy. Above, helicopters droned, their searchlights sweeping the surroundings like deep-sea anglerfish.

Suddenly, a white figure flashed past Fujino like a large black rat.

Thanks to Fujino's Assassin's Robes, the white figure completely ignored his presence, landing smoothly on the other side of the tower's observation deck.

"He's here?"

Fujino murmured, watching the white figure on the other side.

Just as he remembered, before heading to the Haido City Hotel, Kaito Kid's first appearance point was Tokyo Tower.

Fujino then pulled out a meter-long, exceptionally thick frozen fish from his pocket dimension.

After confirming the fish was still suitably frozen solid, he began to tail the figure.

"Woohoo! They even brought out armored cars and helicopters! The MPD really pulled out all the stops this time!"

On the other side, a young man in a white suit, white cape, and top hat had just landed. He put on a pair of high-tech goggles.

As he surveyed the Beika Museum in the distance, he let out excited noises.

This young man was none other than Kuroba Kaito, whom Fujino, Ran, and Sonoko had encountered yesterday.

Except, right now, he wasn't Kuroba Kaito, but Kaito Kid.

Kaito Kid put away his high-tech goggles, a playful expression on his face.

He remained completely unaware of a white, sneaky figure gradually approaching from behind.

"Accept the judgment of the frozen fish! Kaito Kid!"

Just like Gin ambushing Kudo Shinichi back then, Fujino swung the frozen fish in his hand swiftly and fiercely towards Kaito Kid's head.

WHACK!

A dull thud echoed across the top of Tokyo Tower.

Kaito Kid, struck by the slightly thawing frozen fish, staggered, momentarily stunned.

The immense force made him stumble forward two steps, nearly losing his balance and falling off the tower.

"Damn it! Someone ambushed me!"

Kuroba Kaito cursed inwardly. Stabilizing himself, he quickly spun around and saw a man standing behind him.

The man wore a black suit vest, held a long, club-like object, and exuded a mature aura.

He looked like a professional sneak attacker.

"Who the hell are you?!"

Kuroba Kaito demanded sternly, eyeing the young man who clearly didn't play by the rules.

Honestly, while he'd been ambushed before, this was the first time someone had gotten the drop on him without him sensing anything.

"My name is Fujino. I'm a detective."

Fujino raised the frozen fish in his hand, pointing the fish head towards Kaito Kid.

"Fujino?"

Kaito Kid murmured, studying Fujino. The next moment, he remembered where he'd heard the name.

Looking closely, he confirmed it was the same 'famous detective' Fujino he'd met with Aoko while shopping yesterday.

"So, it's Mr. Detective!"

Kaito Kid put on his poker face, hiding his internal surprise.
"I'm quite curious, how did you figure out I'd appear here? My notice card only mentioned descending upon the rooftop of the Haido City Hotel."

"Just simple deduction,"

Fujino chuckled lightly.
"No need to explain myself to a thief like you."

"Heh heh, Mr. Detective, you're quite rude,"

Kaito Kid retorted with a similar smile, correcting him,
"But I'm not just any thief. I'm the world-famous phantom thief, Kid!"

Fujino nodded.
"So, a high-class thief."

Kaito Kid: "..."

Taking a deep breath, he decided not to argue further, simply stating calmly,
"But Mr. Detective, you're quite bold. Daring to confront me alone... truly commendable courage."

"Dealing with a master of disguise like you, fewer people are definitely better."

"Interesting,"

Kaito Kid chuckled lightly.
"In that case, why don't you come..."

Before Kaito Kid could finish his sentence, Fujino charged forward again, wielding the frozen fish.

[Swordsman Persona Effect Triggered: All Stats +100%]
[Detective Enhancement Activated: +200% Physical Strength]
[Strength Enhancement Card (200%) Activated]

Following a rapid succession of system notifications, Fujino swung the frozen fish directly at Kaito Kid.

Poof!

Not the sound of impact, but the sound of a smoke bomb Kaito Kid threw to the ground, exploding.

"What the heck is wrong with this guy?! That speed just now was insane..."

"Wait... why is there a fishy smell?"

Kuroba Kaito, having reacted quickly, frowned as the smoke cleared slightly.

Suddenly, a smell that made his skin crawl filled the air.

Before he could pinpoint the source, a massive fish head swung past his face.

The swing of the frozen fish generated a powerful gust of wind.

The smoke from the smoke bomb,

was actually sliced apart by the airflow created by the swing of... the frozen fish.

"What the hell?! A frozen fish?!"

Kaito Kid finally got a clear look at the club-like object in Fujino's hand.

It really was a fish!

And a meter-long frozen one at that!

Is this guy the Frozen Fish God or something?!

Seeing Fujino charging towards him again, Kaito Kid felt a wave of dread.

Not because he was afraid of Fujino himself, but because he was afraid of the frozen fish!

That thing Fujino was wielding... not only hurt physically, but it also inflicted psychological damage!

Remembering the feeling of being hit by that thing earlier, his scalp instantly prickled.

I, Kaito Kid, feel so... unclean right now!

Suppressing the urge to shudder, Kaito Kid swallowed hard, maintaining his poker face.

Right now, he really wanted to say: 'Dude, I'm just trying to steal a priceless pearl! Why are you trying to kill me?!'

But alas, he couldn't.

"Since you've discovered my plan, my actions tonight are meaningless..."

Kaito Kid forced himself to remain calm, taking two steps back.

After creating some distance, he smirked and continued,
"Today was merely a rehearsal. Since Mr. Detective has found me out, there's no need for me to linger!"

"April Fools!"

With that, another flashbang.

FWOOSH!

The blinding flash momentarily blinded Fujino.

When his vision cleared, Kaito Kid had transformed into a white figure, soaring away into the night sky.

Just then, a faint whizzing sound came from above.

Fujino narrowed his eyes and saw a playing card flying towards him.

He reached out and caught it.

It was Kaito Kid's new advance notice.

"Heh heh, I bet that guy's going to take a long shower when he gets back,"

Fujino casually pocketed the card, watching Kaito Kid disappear into the night sky, a knowing, mischievous smile playing on his lips.

The fish-fearing boy of Ekoda High.

He really puts on quite the act.