### Chapter 106: Suzuki, The Rich

After sending Yamato Gantetsu to the hospital and delivering the fugitive to the local police station, Fujino triggered two system tasks and earned a million yen, then returned to Tokyo. The details of what happened next remained unknown, as Fujino had gone to Shizuoka primarily to obtain the APTX4869 disk. The unexpected earnings from saving Yamato Gantetsu were an unforeseen bonus.

The cold weather faded, and it was now April 11th, a Thursday.

In Fujino's bedroom on the fourth floor.

Fujino sat on the sofa, clutching a newspaper with a peculiar expression.

**"BLACK Detective vs. The Moonlight Magician! High School Detective Fujino Tomoji Defeats Phantom Thief Kid at Tokyo Tower!"**

**"Mihou Batman Appears in Shizuoka Prefecture! Arrests Fugitive from Serial Murder Case and Rescues Avalanche-Stranded Nagano Police Officer..."**

The newspaper's coverage was largely focused on recent events, with a significant portion dedicated to Fujino.

"Black Detective? What's that supposed to be?"

Fujino scrutinized the headline, feeling puzzled by the title. After reading through the articles in detail, he understood the reason behind it.

The paper featured photos of Phantom Thief Kid in a white suit under the moonlight and another of Fujino in a black suit, riding a black motorcycle. The stark contrast between the two images led unscrupulous journalists to create the nickname "Black Detective" for Fujino, combining his appearance with Phantom Thief Kid's moonlight persona for sensationalism.

"These annoying paparazzi…"

Fujino glared at his own photo in the newspaper, his mouth twitching in irritation. Honestly, he didn't even know when the photo of him on a motorcycle had been taken.

What was this "Black Detective" nonsense? He wasn't some masked vigilante.

...

Elsewhere at Eikō High School, a teenage boy was also frowning at the newspaper.

"Damn... Black Detective Fujino… still let Phantom Thief Kid escape!"

Kaito Kuroba, with a disgruntled expression, commented on the newspaper with visible dissatisfaction.

"Kaito!"

At that moment, Aoko Nakamori suddenly appeared from behind Kaito, tapping him on the back.

"Ouch!"

Kaito flinched at the sudden tap, a wave of dread washing over him, causing him to break out in a cold sweat.

"What's wrong, Kaito?"

Aoko observed Kaito's unusual reaction with concern.

"It's nothing."

Kaito regained his composure and noticed Aoko's puzzled expression. He explained, "I just had a minor fall while practicing magic yesterday. My back is still sore…"

"Practicing magic... Did you sneak into the girls' changing room again?"

"Of course not!"

Kaito looked almost tearful. If he had been caught peeking in the girls' changing room and injured himself, at least it wouldn't have left a psychological scar. If he had another chance, he wouldn't have provoked that guy with the frozen fish!

...

Meanwhile, at Tōdai High School.

"Fujino-senpai, could you come over to my house after school?"

"Huh?"

Fujino looked at Sonoko Suzuki, who had just invited him to her house, with surprise.

Why would this naive girl want him to come over? Did she have some strange intentions?

Could it be that she was attracted to him and wanted to make a move? 

Fujino furrowed his brow and asked, "Can I ask why you want me to come over, Sonoko?"

"It's because my mother wants to meet you."

"?"

Fujino was even more puzzled by Sonoko's response. It wasn't Sonoko who wanted him to visit, but her mother, Tomoko Suzuki?

Did Tomoko have some interest in him instead?

Everything seemed even more bizarre.

"Ahem."

Fujino cleared his throat, sensing that there was more to this than met the eye.

"Sonoko, can you clarify why your mother wants to meet me?"

"Well, my mother is planning to invite you to protect the Black Star at the Suzuki family's 60th anniversary event on our boat…"

After Sonoko's explanation, Fujino finally understood the situation.

It was indeed Tomoko Suzuki who wanted to meet him, but it was related to a security request for the Black Star event, not some other peculiar reason.

...

After school, at the Suzuki residence.

In the elegantly decorated yet simple living room, Fujino sat on the sofa in front of the coffee table. Facing him was a woman in her forties, still graceful and charming.

"Fujino-kun, please have some tea."

Ayako Suzuki, dressed in casual clothes, poured fine red tea into the cup in front of Fujino with a gentle smile.

"Thank you."

Fujino nodded and took a sip of the tea. Immediately, he recognized it as a high-grade tea, even better than the endless tea provided by the system.

So this is what wealthy people drink.

Fujino thought to himself, setting the tea cup back on the table and turning his attention to Tomoko Suzuki, sitting across from him. "So, Mrs. Suzuki, you want to hire me to protect the Black Star?"

"That's right."

Tomoko Suzuki examined Fujino and smiled. "I believe there's no one better suited to guard the Black Star than you, Fujino-kun, especially after you've dealt with Phantom Thief Kid before."

"I do have unique methods for dealing with Phantom Thief Kid."

Fujino nodded in agreement with a mysterious air.

He then inquired about the fee, "Since I understand the request, shall we discuss the payment?"

As a full-time detective, accepting a commission naturally required compensation. After all, Fujino wasn't some philanthropist lacking funds.

"Regardless of whether you succeed in protecting the Black Star, the Suzuki family will pay you five million yen."

As the head of the Suzuki family, Tomoko knew that hiring someone couldn't be free. Even though Sonoko was her daughter's friend, it didn't mean she could get a free ride. Especially not someone as capable as Fujino.

Fujino was taken aback. "Five million?"

Tomoko looked puzzled. "Is that amount insufficient, Fujino Detective?"

"No, not at all! It's more than enough!" Fujino quickly assured.

Five million yen was indeed a substantial amount. There was no expectation for more. Such a commission fee was already very high in the industry.

The Suzuki family was wealthy, but that didn't mean they were easy targets for exploitation.

After signaling his agreement, Fujino displayed a dedicated and earnest demeanor. "Since Mrs. Suzuki is so sincere, I will certainly do my utmost to protect the Black Star and capture that Phantom Thief."

"If that's the case, I'll leave it to you, Fujino-kun."

Tomoko Suzuki, seeing Fujino's earnest expression, smiled with satisfaction. 

The commission was settled smoothly, and Fujino received his first large sum of money since his travels—five million yen!

One couldn't deny, the Suzuki family was indeed wealthy!

(End of Chapter)