"This is quite an interesting design for a communication transmitter." Dino muttered as he observed Mitsuhiko's badge.

After we joined the Detective Boys in their investigation, Conan filled us in on his suspicion of the proclaimed turtle owner Nihonmatsu. The boy told us that they found the real owner of the snapping turtle and how she released the reptile because her boyfriend was scared of it. How there were four of them was even a mystery to Conan. After that, Nihonmatsu came along and the young man told them that he wanted to take care of the snapping turtle because of his guilt. Apparently he raised a green turtle when he was younger and when he became bored with it, he released the green turtle in a pond. Since then, he has felt guilty about it and he wanted to do the right thing in taking care of the turtles.

At this point, nothing stood out, but when the catchers finally caught one of the four turtles, Genta took a closer look at it. When he did, the turtle snapped at him from its cage and the supposedly new turtle owner's attitude changed one-eighty degrees. According to Conan, Nihonmatsu sounded like he actually despised the animal and the boy's suspicion grew even bigger when the young adult stated that he liked turtles after all. All because of the green turtle he raised. "The green on its shell that get brighter when it grows." Conan quoted.

At first, I did not understand why that was suspicious, so Conan explained that a green turtle's shell is only green during its infancy and that it would grow black over time. If Nihonmatsu really raised a green turtle, then he would definitely know that, thus the boy concluded that the guy could not be trusted.

So when we arrived at his apartment in the third district, the boys asked the landlord about the man in question. The landlord, being a middle-aged woman, told us that Nihonmatsu was a very nice guy, but that he has some trouble paying his bills. We also found out that he has other debts and Mitsuhiko deduced that he would sell the turtles instead of raising them. Conan, however, dismissed that theory because the turtles would only sell for about 7,000 to 8,000 yen each. That amount of money was too little to even cover the rent.

At that point, the boys were called by Ayumi. Not through a phone call, but via an intriguing looking communication device that looks like a badge at first glance. A three by five centimetres yellow badge with a sea blue silhouette of a detective on the left side, and the letters D and B on top of each other on the right side. The two sides were separated by the words 'DETECTIVE BOYS' in a ninety degrees clockwise angle. The girl reported that Nihonmatsu was going to a local furniture store, and both Conan and Mitsuhiko decided to join the other two members of the club. It was also then, that Dino and I learnt that Haibara had to return home for some house errand. In order to stay in contact with us, Mitsuhiko gave us his communication badge. In case Dino and I discovered more about the man in question.

"I can't believe this could be a serious case." I sighed as I watched Dino in amusement as he pulled out a small antenna from one side of the device. "Be careful not to break it."

"I won't break it." He muttered as he put back the antenna. "Do you think it's a real case? It's just a child's suspicion, though."

"I know, but there is something about Conan that reminds me of myself." I sighed as I leaned against the fence across the apartment building. Crossing my arms I looked up at the clear blue sky. "It feels like he's much older than he actually appears."

"You mean he's… you know, like you." I heard Dino say as I felt his gaze on me.

"Reincarnated?" I chuckled as I glanced at the blonde. "Maybe, but I don't think so."

Hearing a soft beeping sound we both looked at the detective badge in Dino's hands, "Err…"

As I held out my hand he placed it on my palm with a wry smile. Recalling how Conan accepted Ayumi's call I pulled out the antenna and pressed on the only button on the back of the badge, "This is Sharon." I said before releasing it. If it has the concept of a walkie-talkie then I should release the button in order to hear something.

"Sharon-nee-chan, Nihonmatsu-san is going back to his apartment now. Have you seen anything out of the ordinary?" Conan's voice rang through the small speaker.

"Nothing out of the ordinary here." I reported as I saw two men approaching from the corner of my eyes. I noted that they were both wearing fine striped suits and golden jewelleries. They gave off a bad vibe. A vibe that reminded me of the mafia. Could it be that those two men are part of the yakuza of some sort?

Eyeing Dino about the two men, he nodded slightly and led us away from the apartment complex. If they were part of some underground business, then they would most likely recognise either Dino or me.

"Although, two scary-looking men are approaching the complex." I added as Dino and I turned the corner.

"What do you mean by scary-looking?" Conan asked in a somewhat cute way.

"Mean looking, suits and golden jewelleries, menacing vibe. The people you don't want to get close to. Ah, they've gone inside the complex."

Spying from the corner I saw the two men going inside. It really made me wonder whether Nihonmatsu had connections with them. To have a debt to shady looking figures was never a good thing.

"You're thinking about that guy again, aren't you?" I heard Dino sulk. "Just because he may have troubles with the yakuza, doesn't mean you can interfere. It was his own choice to have a deal with them."

"I know…" I muttered as my heart grew heavy. It pained me that people get into trouble with the shady figures because of money problems, but then again, it also depends on how people use the money. "It's always about money." I sighed inwardly.

About five minutes later they walked out of the complex and leaned against the wall of the complex. It looked like they were waiting for someone.

"By the way, Valentino." I whispered as I watched the two guys. "Do you know them? You mentioned the yakuza."

"I don't know them, but I've heard the Shirahata-kai is active in this part of the city." I heard him say from close behind. Glancing back I saw him right behind me, watching the guys over my head.

A few minutes later we heard several pairs of footsteps behind us and looking back I saw the Detective Boys rushing towards us.

"Sharon-nee-chan, Dino-nii-chan, has Nihonmatsu-san arrived yet?" Conan whispered as he and the others covered themselves behind the corner we were spying from.

"There he is!" Ayumi whispered.

Peeking around the corner I saw the chestnut haired man walking to his apartment with a large container in his hands. Upon seeing the two men his expression changed.

"I got it, I got it." Nihonmatsu called out as he stepped back a little. At the same time one of the two men walked toward him with narrowed eyes. "With interest, the total is one million yen, right? I have the money ready, but something came up."

"One million yen?" I thought in surprise as the yakuza man closed in on the turtle collector.

"I'll definitely pay off all of my debts today." Nihonmatsu said as he took another step back.

"You should be aware of the consequences if you eat your words, right?" The suited man scoffed before he retreated with the other guy. Seeing them coming to our direction, I pulled back my head.

Dino and the children did the same thing and we looked at each other, deciding what to do next. Considering that there were no other crossroads we could not walk back, so we decided to reveal ourselves and cross the crossroad in order to make it look that we did not spy on them. In an instant Conan grabbed my hand and Dino's and started to laugh cutely, "Ne, ne! What are we going to do next, Sharon-nee-chan, Dino-nii-chan?"

It was a nice idea, but I couldn't help to winch when he called out our names. If those yakuza men knew our names, we could be in deep trouble… What kind of trouble? No clue. However, before I could say anything else the other children followed suit, although their act sounded a bit strained.

"How about we go to the park again?" Dino said naturally, like he was not worried at all. "I wonder how many turtles they have caught already."

"Okay. Let's go! Let's go!" Conan called out as he ran while pulling us in tow.

Passing the two men I noted that they looked at us irritably, but soon their expression changed into surprise. As we turned the next corner I quickly glanced back and saw that the two men bow, deeply. For men like them to bow so respectfully, they had definitely recognised either one or both of us.

After running through a few more streets we arrived at the park and stopped near a coin locker space.

"That was a close one!" Genta panted as he looked back.

"Un! Those men were so scary." Ayumi added.

"More importantly, what does that turtle have to do with one million yen?" Conan inquired out loud as he let go of our hands. "For some reason he can pay off his debts once he has that turtle."

"What do you mean by that turtle, Conan-kun?" I asked. "Didn't he want all four of them?"

"Originally he wanted just one of them specifically." Conan explained. "But they got mixed up and he can't tell them apart. That is why he wants to take all of them in order to have that specific turtle in his possession."

"I got it!" Genta suddenly called out, making us turn our heads. "Is it because there's some kind of map on its shell that leads you to some kind of treasure?"

Dumbfounded at his theory, I let out a small giggle. I started to think that Genta proclaimed himself as the leader of the Detective Boys because it was obvious he was not exactly the smartest of the bunch.

"Genta-kun, who would have the time to draw a map like that?" Mitsuhiko deadpanned.

"Ah! About that…" The bigger boy said in fluster as he turned around while scratching his neck. At the same time he saw an elderly lady pushing some kind of bag in one of the coin lockers and he ran towards her. "Ah, granny! Let me give you a hand."

"Hoh… Nice timing, Genta-kun…" Mitsuhiko hummed with a blank expression as the bigger boy perfectly dodged the question, making me laugh even more.

We continued our way to the lake and as we arrived we heard one of the catchers call out that they have caught the third one. This time we were at the other side of the lake and there were notably less people. Leaning on my elbows on the fence I looked at the glimmering water and not much later Dino joined me.

"Do you have a theory why that guy needs one of the four turtles?" He asked as his upper arm touched mine. "I doubt one of them is worth a million."

"Hm… The only logical reason I can think of is that he stored the money somewhere, and that one of the turtles ran away with the key or something." I replied absentmindedly. "But if that's the case, why not just report it?"

"This might be the reason." I heard Conan say. Looking towards the boy I saw him handling a semi-burnt ski mask and black leather gloves in a white handkerchief. "Detective Takagi mentioned it earlier when we encountered him and his colleague, didn't he? About a thief who struck last night, wearing gloves and a mask. If Nihonmatsu-san stole the money, then it makes sense why he doesn't report it. The money will definitely be questioned and he would be in trouble."

"I get detective Takagi!" Ayumi gasped as she darted away.

"Ah! Wait, Ayumi-chan!" I called out as I followed her. Unless the detective was still in the same neighbourhood, it would be difficult to find him. Besides, what are the chances that Nihonmatsu is tied to the robbery? It is possible, but still. Seeing the girl getting further away, I pushed my thoughts aside. In any case, there was no way I was going to let a little girl search alone. "Dino, can you stay with the boys?"

"Sure?"

"Thanks!"

After giving him and the boys a wave, I ran after the girl and together we went back to the neighbourhood where we met the detective earlier. Unfortunately, he and his colleague were nowhere to be seen. Clicking my tongue silently, I cursed myself for not memorising his life force earlier.

"Say, Sharon-onee-san?" Ayumi started as we walked around to find the two detectives. "Do you really think Nihonmatsu-san is the thief? Even if he lied about the snapping turtles, he doesn't seem a bad guy."

"…I don't know, Ayumi-chan." I answered with mixed feelings. "Sometimes people are completely different than you think they are."

"Really?"

I answered her with just a downhearted smile. I was not exactly talking with the suspect in my mind, but I was rather talking about myself. Concealing who I truly am, once again. I was slowly getting sick of it.

A good ten minutes later we found detective Takagi and his colleague two blocks away and before I could say anything, Ayumi told the detective that they found the burglar's mask and gloves. I could only confirm her declaration about the possibility that it belonged to the robber. The detectives agreed to take a look at the find and thus we led the two officers to the park where Dino and the others were.

However, when we returned, the first thing I saw was a soaking wet Dino, sitting against the fence. "What in the world happened to you!?" I called out as I hurried over to the blonde, who laughed sheepishly.

"Dino-onii-chan fell into the water." Conan answered blankly as he looked wryly at the Don. "He said he slipped on the grass."

As I face palmed inwardly I stared at the guiltless man, who was scratching the back of his head. I had hoped nothing would happen because it had been a clumsiness free day so far. Apparently I was wrong to think that I could leave him alone for a short amount of time.

As I took a small towel out of my purse I dabbed his face. At the same time I heard Conan telling their findings to the detectives.

"I really can't leave you alone, can I?" I chuckled as I wringed out the damp towel.

"It was slippery." He pouted in return, making me laugh even more. "It was an accident."

"It always is." I mused as I put the towel on his head. "C'mon, dry your hair. We need to get you some dry clothes. You'll catch a cold in those."

After I stood up I held out my hand and he grinned as he placed his in mine. Hoisting him up I heard detective Takagi address me.

"Excuse me, Lin-san? Is it correct that you said there might be a key of some sort within one of the turtles?"

Looking over my shoulder I saw the tanned detective with his usual notebook, "Yes, that's correct, sir." I replied as I turned around to face him. "It is only a theory, but it is certainly not rare for animals to take something you've dropped and swallow it. It is especially inconvenience if the item is dropped by accident."

"I see. So it is possible that the burglar dropped the key of a safe, for example, when he was bitten by one of the turtles. It's indeed not impossible." Detective Takagi nodded as he wrote the information down.

"Nihonmatsu-san was bitten?" I inquired, new to this piece of information.

"Un! He has a bandage around his right index finger." Mitsuhiko answered.

"Hm… So that makes it even more likely that something was swallowed by one of the turtles, doesn't it, detective?"

"Yes, Lin-san."

"Then may I suggest to bring the turtles to a vet and let them be scanned? If one of them swallowed something like a key, it should be visible on the scan." Dino added his two cents.

As Takagi looked at his colleague he nodded and spurted off to the other side of the pond. At the same time we heard that the last turtle has been caught. As the children followed I called out Mitsuhiko. "Mitsuhiko-kun! Your badge."

As the freckled boy turned around he just smiled, "Keep it for now, Sharon-san. You and Dino-san are going to a boutique, right? We will contact you when we're going to apprehend the culprit!"

With a wave he ran after his friends leaving Dino and me behind.

"I suppose the investigation isn't over yet?" Dino laughed as he took my hand.

"I suppose not." I smiled as I watched them go to the other side of the lake. "Anyway, we need to get you dry clothes."

Dragging him by his hand, we walked out of the park and it took us a good ten minutes before we reached the shopping area. We went into the first boutique we saw and after we pleaded the store manager for a large towel to dry Dino off, we chose a set of new clothes for him. Although, instead of his former stylish look he was dressed into something much, much more casual. A cotton black shirt and khaki coloured trousers with black sneakers. In other words, he was wearing his usual style of clothing.

"I feel a little odd in these clothes if you stand next to me." He said as he looked in the full-length mirror just outside the fitting room. "We don't match at all!"

Laughing at his remark I put my arm around his shoulder, "You look good in anything. Don't worry about it."

As I watched him through the mirror I saw him looking at me with a quirked eyebrow, "Are you mocking me or not?"

"Really, you look fine." I chuckled as I released him. "If you're really bothered by it you can also…"

Looking around the store I looked for something casual and stylish at the same time. Seeing a powder blue men's shirt I walked over and took it out of the rack. Checking the overall design I looked for another clothing piece and not far I saw cream coloured long sleeved vests laying on top of each other. Picking up one of his size I felt the fabric. It was not too thick and it did not look too tight. Walking over to the trousers area, I looked for a nice black pair and brought the clothing pieces back to the blonde who watched me with curiosity.

"You can also try these on." I smiled as I handed over the pieces. "I haven't looked for matching shoes though."

"T-Thanks…" He muttered, suddenly all shy.

As I wondered why his behaviour had changed, he took the pieces and returned to the fitting room. A small five minutes later he returned and it did not look as good as I thought. The vest looked off.

"Take off that vest." I said before Dino could open his mouth.

Not expecting such a tone he did what he was told and after he took off the vest, I nodded in satisfaction. It looked much better without the vest.

"I think I should wear a tie." Dino said after he looked into the mirror. "It doesn't feel right if I don't wear a tie with these kind of shirts."

"Hm… You can wear a tie, but… you can also do this…" As I said the latter I went up to him and unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt, revealing a little of his chest. "There."

Hearing no answer I looked up, only to meet a beet red face.

"What's wr–"

Stopping mid-sentence I realised what I had done and I felt my own face burn up. I had just shamelessly unbuttoned his shirt.

"Sorry." I muttered as I turned around. It was weird, I have already seen and touched him half naked and yet I felt so embarrassed by that little action.

Feeling my phone vibrate through my purse I took out the white device. Seeing the caller ID as Uncle I frowned. After sighing out loud I answered the call, "Hello, Uncle. Have you a good time following us around?"

"… I'm doing this for your own safety, Princess. Besides, Romario and the others have retained me numerous times already. I can't believe you acted like that in public! Your Uncle is crying, you know! If Little D forced you–"

Hearing the overprotective voice of my uncle I laughed softly, "Don't worry, Uncle, and he didn't force me anything. It was all consensual."

"Don't say it's consensual!" I heard him cry out, making me laugh even more. "You have to understand that a boy and a girl are together, especially when they're in love…"

"I know, Uncle, I know. Besides, I'm certainly old enough to handle myself, don't you think?"

"Still, I won't allow it! Not until you're married…"

"Eh…? Then I might be an old lady, you know."

"Then so will it be! How are we even speaking about this!?"

"You're the one who started."

"… Still, I won't allow it!"

"Sir Ivan, people are staring."

"Let them stare, I need to clear this."

As I smiled at the commotion on the other end I felt my phone being pulled back. Looking up I saw Dino holding the sides of the white device and he put it his ear on the speaker as he winked.

"Ivan? It's me." Dino said as I let go of the electronic device. What was he planning? "I would like to have a conversation between two men, or rather a father – boyfriend conversation. Sharon sees you as her father after all."

Perplexed at his words I wanted to say something, but I stopped myself from doing so. I could worry for Dino's safety, but we both knew we have to deal with Uncle and this might be for the best.

"This Thursday is fine. At seven in the evening? Very well. I will see you Thursday then. Ciao."

After he ended the call he let out a depressed sigh, "Sharon… I think I'm going to die this Thursday."

Smiling wryly I tried to cheer up the depressed Don, it was incredible how his mood changed this fast. One second he's this mafia boss figure and the second after he's like a child who needs to be consoled. But this is also one of the things that attracted me to him.

"You'll do just fine." I reassured him from the bottom of my heart. Taking both his hands I looked firmly in his eyes. "Uncle just wants to make sure you're the real deal. He would even be more heartbroken than me when a guy breaks my heart. He really cares about his family and that's most likely the reason why he can be scary and intimidating to… you know, potential lovers. You don't have to worry about anything, just be honest."

"Thanks." He smiled as he pressed his forehead on mine. "I guess this is one of these trials a man has to do to be a real man."

"I… suppose so?"

As we both laughed softly, we felt once more people looking in our direction.

"I guess we're attracting attention again?" Dino chuckled softly as he slowly retreated. "Let's check some other stores, shall we? And maybe I can dress you up this time."

Narrowing my eyes at the latter I looked at him sceptically.

"I'm just joking." He laughed. "Let's go."

After we, or rather he, paid for his clothes we left the shop with his wet clothes and his whip in a shopping bag and walked around town leisurely. We went through a few more boutiques and Dino actually chose a few pieces for me to try on. Without indicating anything he still 'dressed me up' and I just did what he said. The pieces were from cute looking dresses to tomboyish sweaters and I actually liked the little dress up time. Although the tomboyish part was my idea, dressing in Dino's style actually looked quite nice and for his sake I bought a few pieces he really liked on me. Or rather, he bought it for me. Being the gentleman he is, he would not allow me pay.

Afterwards we went into an arcade hall, just for the feels because neither of us ever went to one. Because this was our first encounter with real arcade games, it was not surprising that we both sucked big time. Nonetheless, we had our share of good laughs and at some point Dino became quite passionate at the claw machine. At first I did not understand why, but when I saw another couple at the other side of the area doing the same thing, it hit me. It was really sweet that he wanted to get me a plush and that was also why I cheered him on. It was embarrassing, but in a way it was fun to do so. After a good twenty minutes he finally got one and the triumph radiated from his face, which made me clap in my hands in excitement. After he handed me a fifteen centimetres big ball-like lime green baby octopus with a moustache, monocle and top hat, I pecked him to thank him. Of course that made him all shy again and it made me giggle.

"That's the second time you giggled today." Dino smiled broadly as we walked out of the arcade centre. The sun was already starting to set and the world coloured a warm orange hue. "I like it."

"Don't get too used to it, though." I smiled in return as I took his hand as we walked towards the setting sun.

"Why not?" He mused as he squeezed it gently. "Isn't it fun to let everything go and just enjoy the moment? A moment of Hakuna Matata?"

"A moment of Hakuna Matata, hm?" I repeated in a hum. "Well, I guess I could."

As we turned a corner I saw we were walking towards the park again. Smelling something nice I wanted to ask him whether he wanted to eat something, but he beat me to it. "Hey, wanna eat outside again? I kinda like the street food."

Glancing up I saw his cheeks were slightly redder than the setting sun's hue and I smiled softly. I had the feeling there was more behind it, considering that we have been sharing food since we have arrived.

"You're sure it's the food and nothing else?" I hummed in amusement.

There was a short pause before Dino chuckled, "Sometimes I really don't like the fact that you have Hyper Intuition. You see right through me."

"Well, dear Valentino. I'm born with it, deal with it." I laughed as I heard a soft beeping. Taking out the Detective Badge I pulled out the antenna and answered the call. "Yes? This is Sharon and Dino."

"At least you've called me Dino through the wireless." I heard him mutter, making me snort softly.

"Yes, Sharon-san. Please come to the coin locker area near the park. We are going to bust the culprit!" Mitsuhiko's voice rang through the speaker.

"Hoh...? Great job everyone." I praised in sincerity. "But why do you want us to be there too, Mitsuhiko-kun? Detective Takagi is with you, right?"

"Yes, but you have helped to catch him too! It is only fair to share the glory of catching a criminal, right?"

Hearing the innocence in his voice, my smile slowly dispersed as my heart sank little by little, "Sharing the glory of catching a criminal, huh?" I repeated in a whisper as my hand with the badge lowered.

Feeling an arm around my shoulders I looked up and saw Dino smile to reassure me. Taking over the communication device, he answered, "We're near the park, so we'll be there in a few minutes. You don't have to wait for us, though."

"Okay!"

As the connection broke off I felt him squeeze my upper arm, "Hey, what happened to Hakuna Matata? You don't have to worry so much." Dino said gently before he pecked my temple. "I know it's hard to conceal your identity, but don't let it drag you down. It's not like you to show yourself so vulnerable."

Sighing at his words I smiled weakly, "It's just… I think I'm tired of deceiving people all the time. Like, really tired. It also doesn't help that I feel that I have to watch my own back at all times."

"Then come back with me to Italy. I'll make sure you don't have to worry about anything. I'll arrange something with Lord Nono."

Pausing, I quirked a brow as I looked at him. "Are you… asking me to live with you?"

"… Well, only if you want to."

Feeling the corners of my lips tugging up I let out a light-hearted laugh, "Now you're being bold." I laughed as I nudged his side. "I don't think I'm ready for that. Despite my conflicted feelings, I do like my independency. Besides, I don't need to see your face every day. You're an eyesore after all."

"S-Sharon!"

Laughing at his reaction I slipped away from his arm and ran towards the intersection a few metres in front of us. Turning around I playfully stick out my tongue, only to bump my back into someone.

"Ah! I'm sorry!" I called out as I turned around. As I saw someone in blue dart away, I sensed something coming towards me at high speed. As my body recognised the sensation, I dropped everything on me and turned ninety degree counter clockwise. Seeing a flash of black and white, I got into stance and deflected it with my palm. Surprised by the heavy impact I took a step back to rebalance myself and at the same time I heard shouts. Hearing the cracking sounds of Dino's whip behind me, I turned back and to my surprise I saw Nihonmatsu on the ground with the end of the whip around his ankle. Then out of nowhere the two detectives ran past me, towards the fallen man, and Takagi cuffed Nihonmatsu's arms behind his back.

"Nihonmatsu-san, you're under arrest for breaking and entering and the theft of three million yen."

Watching the event unfold me I blinked as I wondered what just had happened. Since my actions were done on first instinct, I couldn't recall anything. It was all a blur. As I recovered from the stupefaction, Dino released the grip on the thief's ankle and the two detectives escorted him to the police car.

"Are you okay?" I heard Dino ask in concern. "Judging from the sound of impact, that blow was quite powerful."

"Yeah, I'm fine. Aside of the arrest, what in the word just happened?" I replied as I looked at the blonde.

Before he could answer a girl's voice called out, "Sharon-onee-san! That was so awesome!" Turning around I saw Ayumi, Mitsuhiko and Genta running towards us in excitement. "You've stopped Conan-kun's super kick so easily! That's so awesome!"

"Super kick?" rang through me as I saw the boy with glasses looking at me with shock-filled eyes.

"Did Conan-kun kick something?" I asked as I redirected my look to the children, who were now standing in front of me.

"Yes! Conan-kun has a special belt that inflates a soccer ball and he kicks it at fleeing criminals!" Mitsuhiko explained excitedly. "You're actually the first person who actually deflected it!"

"You were like a super goalie!" Genta added as he raised both his arms. "Say, do you play soccer?"

"Yeah… I do. I'm usual the goalkeeper." I answered as I stared at the children.

"Oh! That's why you were able to stop it!"

As the children shouted excitedly by each other, I struggled with the story they told me. I couldn't believe that Conan was able to kick a ball with that much force. A child actually took me off balance and if what they had told me was true, then it had almost as much power as Roberto's kicks. If not, more. Was that his natural power or did he use something to enhance his leg power? At the same time I remembered that he had a voice changing bowtie in Paris. If I put that and the unusual communication device and the so-called soccer ball belt, then I could assume he used something to enhance his leg power. But why would a child have all these gadgets? The way how he looked at things was definitely with a trained eye and for a boy of his age to be this keen was definitely extraordinary.

"He did say he's a detective." I thought as I watched the bespectacled boy walk toward us. "A grown detective in a child's body?"

It sounded ridiculous, but I couldn't deny that it was like Reborn's situation. He's a hitman and yet an infant. Could it be that there's something that turns grown-ups in children?

Deadpanning at the thought I almost hit my own forehead. The thought was really far-fetched, but again; what could I say about the existence of Dying Will Flames and a bazooka that sends you ten years into the future?

"Uwah! That's a cute plushy!" I heard Ayumi call out, bringing me out of my thoughts.

Looking down I saw the little girl holding the octopus plush Dino got for me and I smiled at her, "Dino won it for me." I laughed as I crouched down. At the same time I let go of the mystery around Conan. I was curious, but it wasn't my business to pry into other's businesses.

"Really? That's so sweet!" She smiled brightly.

Being infected by her smile I smiled in return, "Yes. He's the sweetest guy ever."

As the girl giggled merrily I saw the two other boys watch the girl in awe. Did both of them have a crush on her? Smiling at the thought I stood straight again and glanced at the blonde behind me. As expected, I noticed that his face had once more a darker shade of red than the sunset. I love it when he turns all shy and embarrassed.

"That was sure a surprise, Sharon-nee-chan. To be able to stop that ball, you must be strong." Conan's voice rang out. Looking back at the children I saw the small detective smiling innocently, though I could tell it was a fake. "Dino-nii-chan too! Catching Nihonmatsu-san with a whip. It's not something you see every day. Why do you even carry something like that?"

While the boy may look innocent, his intonation was definitely not and danger signals flared up through my whole body. However, I smiled throughout the signals and crouched down again and motioned the boy to come closer. Ignoring the small glint in the boy's eyes I kept my façade and after he was close enough I put my hand behind his ear and whispered, "About the whip… Dino actually loves to train horses and he has this habit to bring his lunging tool with him. He won't admit it because he's embarrassed of this, so don't tell anyone, okay?"

As I smiled I watched the boy's reaction and from what I could tell he bought the lie. It was obvious that he had not expected an explanation like that, but at least his eyes told me the suspicion he had, was no more. At least, not as much.

"Then what about you, Sharon-nee-chan?" He whispered back in the same manner. It really looked like we exchanged secrets, so it was hardly a surprise when I saw the other children pout at our interaction.

"I train a lot, Conan-kun. I do martial arts, remember?" I whispered in return. "Besides, sometimes I'm a goal keeper when my friends play soccer. One of them has a really powerful leg, just like yours. You can almost say that I'm more or less used to powerful kicks."

The boy considered my answers for a little and he nodded in satisfaction. For now it seems that I managed to fool the sharp detective.

As the rest of the gang called out what we were whispering I turned around to face the blonde.

"Don't tell me you used the horses thing…" He whispered before I could even say anything. Hearing the slight downheartedness in his voice, I chuckled and in return he groaned in exasperation, already knowing the answer of his question.

"Ne, ne, Sharon-nee-chan, Dino-nii-chan?" Conan's voice rang out again, interrupting my state of amusement. "Do you want to join us for a barbeque at Poirot's? The owner invited us and I think he won't mind if you join too!"

Looking over my shoulder I saw the little detective smiling innocently and this time his smile was genuine. Glancing over to Dino, I met his eyes and there were small hints of doubts in them. Apparently, he too was more aware of the boy than before.

Turning around once more I kneeled down again, "Thank you for the invite, Conan-kun, but we have to decline." I answered as I smiled apologetically. "We'll be intruding at a private gathering."

"Not true! Come with us, Sharon-onee-san! Dino-onii-san!" Ayumi called out as she still hugged the green stuffed toy.

"Yes! They have eel over rice!" Genta called out in excitement. "It's very tasty!"

"Besides, I think the owner has already taken a liking of the two of you!" Mitsuhiko added. "The drinks were on the house before!"

Grimacing at their enthusiasm they added a "pretty please" in choir and I looked back at Dino in defeat. How could I say no to something like 'pretty please'?

As Dino scratched the back of his neck, he sighed, "Only if the owner truly says yes, then we'll come along."

Before Dino could finish his sentence, Conan already took out his red smartphone while grinning childishly.


Disclaimer: Case is derived from Detective Conan episode 468.