The place where Hayashi Yoshiki and his friends stayed was called [Wave Hotel], and there was a very dense forest just outside the property.
Following behind Yoshiki, Kyogoku Makoto remained unusually silent.
"It's really nice to be by the sea,"
Yoshiki walked ahead, head slightly raised, enjoying the cool sea breeze filtering through the trees.
Kyogoku didn't respond.
It wasn't that he didn't want to — he just wasn't good at expressing himself. He wanted to say something but couldn't quite get the words out.
"Can I ask what's kept you so devoted to karate?"
Yoshiki turned with a smile, eyes narrowed slightly in curiosity.
Kyogoku Makoto answered seriously.
"Karate is a part of my life. If nothing unexpected happens, I'll keep walking this path until the end."
The answer was firm and unwavering.
"Even if you become the strongest fighter in the world? Even if you've trained to your limit?"
"Yes. But I don't believe there is such a thing as a true limit to forging oneself."
Hearing this, Yoshiki nodded to himself.
Kyogoku was so powerful that he didn't need to be copied or compared. Yoshiki had great talent — he had always known that. He wasn't one to underestimate himself.
If he really wanted to, he could probably train to Kyogoku Makoto's level with extreme effort…But there was no point.
He had no passion for martial arts. It was inefficient. It consumed too much time.
After their short exchange, they walked in silence again. The sound of leaves rustling and the distant sea breeze filled the quiet.
Yoshiki glanced down at his watch.
After walking for some distance, Kyogoku finally broke the silence.
"Does Sonoko like you?"
"Maybe.""I am fairly popular among girls… but I'm not dating any of them."
"But you know she likes you—"
Kyogoku's voice took on a harder edge.
He was a conservative, resolute man — the type who believed in doing right by people. His brow furrowed.
"Are you stringing her along?"
"Sonoko is a very good girl."Yoshiki's tone was calm.
Kyogoku was ready to say more, but then he noticed something.
Yoshiki's eyes… looked tired.
There was emotion behind them — a quiet weight. Regret. Fatigue. Even… guilt.
With a faint smile, Yoshiki finally said:
"I never meant to string anyone along… but I can't get too close to them. I might bring trouble. Or even danger."
"Trouble or danger?"Kyogoku was stunned."What do you mean?"
Yoshiki didn't answer. Instead, he smiled again.
"If you like someone… go after them.""Honestly, Kyogoku Makoto… I'm a little envious of you."
"What are you talking ab—"
A sudden scream cut through the woods.
Ahead of them, a brown-haired girl stumbled through the bushes, eyes wide with terror.
"Help! Please help me!"
Chasing right behind her — a young man wielding a knife, his face twisted in a murderous rage.
Kyogoku surged forward, but—
Hayashi Yoshiki moved first.
He bolted ahead like lightning, as if he'd expected this. In a split second, he slammed into the attacker — Michiwaki Masahiko — before the knife could reach the girl.
But the blade still fell. It slashed across Yoshiki's shoulder and sliced into his chest.
Bright, crimson blood immediately spilled from the wound.
Michiwaki recognized Yoshiki. His face contorted in anger — but before he could even react—
A whip kick exploded across his face.
Kyogoku Makoto, now caught up, struck him like a bolt of steel.Michiwaki Masahiko flew backward like a ragdoll, slamming against a tree.
He collapsed to the ground — unconscious.
"Are you alright, miss?"Kyogoku asked calmly.
The woman was in shock. But before she could say anything else, her eyes darted to Yoshiki, who was smiling — even as blood streamed from his chest.
"You're bleeding!? Are you okay?! What happened!?"
Kyogoku stepped in, examining the injury.
"Fortunately, it's just a surface wound… but we need to stop the bleeding."
"Kyogoku, please secure him. If I'm not mistaken, he's the murderer who's been targeting brown-haired girls."
"Understood. Let's head back to the hotel. I saw a medical kit there."
After confirming Yoshiki's condition wasn't critical, Kyogoku hoisted the unconscious Michiwaki effortlessly over his shoulder.
The girl followed closely, worry written all over her face.
Kyogoku trailed behind them, silently watching Hayashi Yoshiki's back.
The white of his shirt was now dyed with dark red.
But even as he bled, Yoshiki was gently talking to the girl — trying to ease her fear, trying to make her feel safe.
He didn't even hesitate to jump in front of her…
And now he's comforting her, even while he's the one who's bleeding?
Kyogoku's thoughts raced.
There's no way someone like that is just playing around with girls. He's not the kind of man who toys with someone's feelings…
So what did he mean earlier? What kind of "danger" is he carrying?
By the time they returned to the hotel, Kyogoku was still lost in thought.
He tied Michiwaki Masahiko up with a rope, then rushed to find the first aid kit and help dress Yoshiki's wounds.
The noise drew immediate attention.
"Yoshiki-kun, what happened to you!?"
Ran and Sonoko were the first to arrive — both pale, both horrified at the sight of his wound.
Even Conan stepped forward, frowning.
"Don't worry. He's fine. Just a superficial cut," Kyogoku reassured as he opened the med kit.
"How can you say that!?" Sonoko snapped, her voice rising."He's bleeding so much!!"
"It just looks bad. It's not serious."
"Actually, I should be thanking Kyogoku Makoto for today."
As Kyogoku remained silent, Hayashi Yoshiki gave him a warm, grateful look — one that spoke louder than any words.