**Chapter 170: No Money, No Risk?**

Fujino wasn't sure if Hakuba had noticed the same thing he did.

When the Spider uses his illusions, his mask emits a specific red light and a unique sound frequency.

Of course, Fujino didn't share with Hakuba how the Spider performs his illusions.

These were things he observed himself. Why should he tell Hakuba?

"What's your phone number?" Hakuba suddenly asked Fujino.

"Why do you need my number?" Fujino frowned, looking at Hakuba with a puzzled expression.

"I've been investigating the Spider for some time. The reason I returned to Japan this time is also because of him."

As he spoke, Hakuba pulled out a flip phone, seemingly from a foreign brand. "The Spider's target is Kaito Kid. As long as Kid remains in Japan, the Spider won't leave anytime soon.

Your target is Kaito Kid, and my target is the Spider. Since that's the case, we might be working together frequently. If we, two high school detectives, team up, then Kaito Kid and the Spider…"

Initially, Hakuba thought Fujino was just like him, a high school detective whose reasoning abilities might be slightly inferior to his own.

But after witnessing what just happened, Hakuba's impression of Fujino changed.

Though he didn't want to admit it.

In terms of both observation and combat skills, Fujino was strong, possibly even stronger than him.

He finally understood why his father always spoke so highly of Fujino...

He just wasn't sure about his deductive reasoning abilities.

But they were probably decent.

If he teamed up with Fujino, another high school detective…

But before Hakuba could finish speaking, Fujino interrupted, "I think you might be misunderstanding something."

"Misunderstanding?"

Hakuba was confused by Fujino's words.

Based on the information he had gathered so far, Fujino had already faced off against Kaito Kid at least twice.

Hakuba assumed Fujino and Kaito Kid had a relationship similar to his with the Spider, like Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty — eternal rivals.

Seeing Hakuba's puzzled expression, Fujino understood. This guy was trapped in the misconception that he was just another high school detective like him: "Kaito Kid isn't my opponent. The only reason I'm here stopping Kaito Kid this time is because I was hired by the museum curator to protect the gemstone.

"Yes, I'm a high school detective, but unlike you high school detectives who solve cases and catch professional killers in your spare time, I'm a professional detective. My primary income comes from detective work."

"Teaming up to catch thieves and professional killers? No thanks. Even if your intel suggests there won't be any retaliation, that's still just a possibility. Who knows what happens when a professional killer is pushed too far?"

"More importantly, my time and energy are limited. If there's no case and no corresponding payment, I'm not getting involved in your affairs."

"Of course, if you ever need my help, you can always hire me."

Yes, Fujino was a high school detective.

But unlike Hakuba and Shinichi Kudo, who played detective in their free time, Fujino was a full-fledged 'detective.'

Whether it's Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, their main goal as detectives was to make money.

High school detectives might chase after criminals for ideals or fame, without charging a fee.

But asking a professional detective to work for free, like a high school detective?

You've got to be kidding.

Fujino wasn't interested in showing off his intelligence or combat skills.

There's no profit in it, and it would only bring danger.

No money? No risk.

Even Poirot and Holmes wouldn't take on dangerous work for free.

Of course, if someone pays him, that's a different story.

If the price is right, he'd even consider selling a kidney.

…

"In that case, I won't push the issue... But we should exchange phone numbers. If I need help in the future, I'll hire you."

Hakuba didn't insist. He understood where Fujino was coming from.

Fundamentally, Hakuba had misunderstood.

Fujino wasn't just another high school detective.

He was a professional.

But that wasn't too bad.

Even if they couldn't form an alliance and get free help, being able to pay for a skilled partner wasn't a bad option either.

As for money...

Hakuba wasn't worried. 

His father was the head of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department.

Plus, he'd earned quite a bit of reward money over the years solving murder cases in London.

A million or two for hiring a detective wouldn't be a problem.

Fujino appreciated Hakuba's practicality.

Hakuba might not have Shinichi Kudo's sharp reasoning skills, but in terms of emotional intelligence, Hakuba was leagues ahead.

Conan was the type who dumped all his skill points into deduction.

Emotional intelligence? None.

…

After exchanging phone numbers, Fujino was immediately surrounded by reporters as soon as he left the museum.

"Detective Fujino, how do you feel about losing to Kaito Kid this time?"

"You faced him once before and he escaped again. What are your thoughts?"

"Does this mean Kaito Kid is unbeatable?"

The reporters fired questions at him from all angles, seemingly blaming him.

Fujino was used to dealing with these nosy reporters who swarmed at the first hint of news.

After a brief moment of thought, Fujino calmly replied, "I think you're missing the point. This time, we won. We didn't lose."

"Won?" 

The reporters were confused. "You didn't catch him. How is that a win?"

"Do you know what kind of thief Kaito Kid is? How many countries have him on their most-wanted list?"

Fujino flipped the script, asking the reporters a question.

"Kaito Kid is an international thief, wanted by over twelve countries..."

A female reporter answered Fujino's question, "But what does that have to do with him escaping from you?"

"Exactly, Kaito Kid is wanted by more than twelve countries."

"So why haven't those countries caught him? Not only have they failed to arrest him, but many of their treasures were stolen by him…"

Fujino wagged his finger, looking like a know-it-all. "While we didn't catch him this time, at least we prevented him from stealing the treasure he announced. Do you understand how significant that is?"

"And since we protected the treasure, that means we didn't lose. In fact, we won big."

"I see!"

"Detective Fujino, please share your thoughts on defeating Kaito Kid this time…"

With his clever wordplay, Fujino successfully turned the media's accusatory questions into a victory interview.

Fujino: No one is better at flipping narratives than me.

"Handling negative media interviews and even turning the tide in your favor..."

Hakuba, about to get into a police car, glanced back. "So this is what it means to be a professional detective."

After the media interview, it was already past 9 PM, nearing 10.

Once the interviews were over, Curator Arima cheerfully handed Fujino his one million yen fee.

(End of Chapter)