Detective Conan: I'm a Succubus?!

Akashi sat comfortably on Ran's lap, nestled in the absolute realm. Yet, he showed no inclination to respond to Ran's presence. Still drowsy, he simply closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep, resting peacefully in her arms. 

Ran's cheeks turned a soft shade of pink, but her heart brimmed with an inexplicable happiness. Lowering her voice to avoid waking the sleeping boy, she radiated quiet contentment. Fortunately, Conan, seated in the front passenger seat, didn't glance back. Otherwise, he might have erupted in anger at the sight.

The taxi sped onward, leaving Tokyo behind as it climbed toward the mountains. The final stretch of the journey became impassable by car, and the group was forced to disembark. 

Akashi stirred awake, stretching languidly. The refreshing air of the mountain stirred a sense of bliss within him. Memories of his recent encounters flitted through his mind—last night with Eri and today with Ran. Both events had significantly bolstered his Yin energy reserves, with Eri contributing the lion's share thanks to her unparalleled generosity. His Yin energy had now amassed to 8,124, bringing him closer to regaining his true form. At this rate, he calculated, he could achieve his goal by tomorrow or the day after.

Refreshed by the thought of his progress, Akashi followed the group up the mountain road. However, this time, he refrained from letting Ran carry him. He didn't want to overburden her and risk upsetting the delicate balance of their connection. Instead, the two walked hand in hand, their steps synchronized. 

Trailing behind, Conan's face contorted with silent frustration as he observed their clasped hands. Jealousy burned within him, making his expression even more twisted. Meanwhile, Sonoko sidled up to Ran with a teasing smile.

"Ran, you don't seem to like Conan much these days," she whispered. "If you didn't want him here, why did you bring him along?"

Ran sighed softly, lowering her voice further. "I didn't invite him. He insisted on coming. My dad's off playing pachinko again, and no one else was at home to watch him. I had no choice but to let him tag along. It's not that I dislike him, but..." She hesitated. "Conan seems to have some grudge against Akashi. He's always glaring at him, and it's unsettling."

Sonoko nodded knowingly. "I get it. The kid's just jealous of Akashi's good looks." She smirked. "Who knew kids could be this petty?"

As they spoke, a villa came into view, nestled amidst the mountains and framed by vibrant maple leaves. The scene was serene and picturesque, but the tranquility was marred by a suspension bridge they needed to cross. 

Midway across the bridge, a cloaked figure stood in the distance. Tall and imposing, the person wore a dark blue cape and a wide-brimmed hat, their face wrapped in white bandages that left only a pair of piercing eyes exposed. The air around them seemed to thrum with an eerie energy.

As the group approached, the figure turned, revealing a chillingly gloomy expression. The two women froze, fear creeping into their hearts. Without warning, the bandaged man bolted toward the villa, disappearing into its shadows.

Instinctively, Ran scooped up Akashi, clutching him tightly. The young boy's face twisted in both discomfort and helplessness. Ran, visibly shaken, stammered, "Sonoko, do you think that... person is part of this gathering?"

"I doubt it," Sonoko replied nervously. "My sister wouldn't invite someone like that. Maybe they're just local residents?"

Conan, meanwhile, seemed less concerned with the bandaged figure and more preoccupied with Ran holding Akashi so intimately. His face turned beet red as he hopped anxiously in place, fuming internally. That's my spot! How dare he take it!

Sonoko noticed Conan's odd behavior and couldn't resist a jab. "Hey, kid, what's with you? Are you malfunctioning or something?"

Conan, at a loss for words, could only seethe silently. There was no way he could admit his jealousy over Ran's attention toward Akashi. 

Akashi broke the tense silence, his voice tinged with feigned nonchalance. 

"Looks like he's just shaken up from that weirdo earlier. That's probably why he's acting this way." 

Sonoko couldn't hold back her sneer. 

"Scaredy-cat much? You're such a little brat." 

Conan's eyes burned with fury as he shot a sharp glare at Akashi, his small frame taut with barely contained indignation.

The group soon left the minor incident behind and crossed the suspension bridge, arriving at the villa area. Standing at the entrance to greet them was Sonoko's elder sister, Ayako Suzuki. 

Ayako's demeanor was markedly different from Sonoko's. She exuded a calm, virtuous energy, with a slight squint that gave away her mild nearsightedness. She embodied the qualities of a Yamato Nadeshiko, graceful and composed. 

"Wonderful, you've finally made it," Ayako said warmly. "I was worried about the weather. It looks like it might rain soon!" 

She glanced at the cloudy sky, concern flickering across her face. 

"Your room is on the second floor. Go ahead and settle your things first." 

"Got it!" Sonoko replied cheerfully, taking the lead as she guided Ran and the others upstairs. 

The corridor on the second floor stretched out before them, with identical doors on either side, none marked with signs to indicate occupancy. 

Akashi leaned closer to Ran and whispered, 

"Sister Ran, make sure to knock before opening any doors." 

His advice came from caution—he remembered the original animation where Ran had walked in on someone changing, sparking a cascade of awkward and dangerous moments. He was determined to prevent such mishaps. 

But before Ran could respond, a series of startled male voices echoed from the rooms ahead. 

"Ah… sorry!" 

"Excuse me!" 

"My apologies!" 

It turned out that Sonoko, in her enthusiasm, had begun opening doors indiscriminately in search of an unoccupied room—only to repeatedly walk in on people changing clothes. She hastily apologized each time, shutting the doors in a flurry of embarrassment. 

Eventually, she found an empty room and waved energetically to Ran. 

"Here it is, Ran! This room is yours!" 

Akashi could only shake his head in exasperation. 

After all his warnings to Ran, it was Sonoko who barreled ahead recklessly. Truly, the two best friends shared the same impulsive temperament. 

Ran chuckled, amused. 

"Akashi, maybe you should give your advice to Sonoko instead!" 

Laughing, she tugged Akashi into the guest room. The space was spacious and inviting, featuring two large beds and an excellent view. 

A balcony extended outside the room, connected to the neighboring rooms. Trees grew so densely nearby that their branches nearly brushed the balcony railing. The vibrant red of maple leaves mingled with lush green foliage, painting a breathtaking scene. 

Yet, Akashi knew this idyllic setting would soon turn grim. The beauty of this villa would be overshadowed by the violence of a looming murder. It was unfortunate, but he had no intention of interfering. 

In his philosophy, the fates of others were not his to alter. His role in this world was merely to observe. 

Still, the villa intrigued him. The notorious "bandaged murder villa" had left its mark on countless childhood memories. To him, it felt like stepping into a ghost story—a chance to "clock in" at a place steeped in eerie nostalgia. 

With a glint of excitement in his eyes, Akashi murmured to himself, 

"Let's see what this place has to offer~"