Detective Conan FF: ♧ The wrecked Trio ♧ (English) [Book 3]

Chapter 28 - A New Beginning?

Six months later

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The golden sunshine caressed the fluffy white clouds in the pastel blue sky, while the pink cherry blossoms of the sakura trees sailed through the air and presented a small spectacle of delicate stars. The quiet murmur of the river beneath the trees filled the area with a typical summer atmosphere, countless white, red and orange spotted koi swam through the clear, shining water. Green, strong ivy climbed over the stone bridge that rose above the fish. Laughter and children's voices could be heard, which slowly grew louder.

"Professor, professor! Look! The koi fish are back!" Ayumi called, clapping her hands enthusiastically. Genta and Mitsuhiko followed the girl excitedly and leaned over the small stone bridge. "Please be careful, children! I don't want to have to fish from the river too," said Professor Agasa and sighed. Conan and Ai were there too, laughing at the situation."It's nice and cool in the shade of the Sakura," Ai remarked, brushing her hair out of her face. "That's true. Just the thing in such unbearably high temperatures!" the little detective agreed. "Let's take lots and lots of photos so we can show them to Grandpa Minoru!" Mitsuhiko suggested, pulling out his digital camera. "Oh yes, Inspector Takagi and Minoru will certainly be happy about it," Agasa murmured as he followed the rhythmic movements of the koi. "Look! There's even a golden fish," Genta pointed with his finger at the large koi with yellow and black spots. "Uhhh, that one has to be in the photo," laughed Ayumi, correcting Mitsuhiko's position. "Oh, the rascals. I'm surprised they haven't torn Minoru and Kato's new shop apart yet," giggled Ai Haibara and took a sip of her chilled iced coffee. Conan sipped his mocha drink, but also nodded with a grin. "Grandpa's tea probably calms them down," joked Conan and went to stand next to the children. They had already finished taking photos.

"Shall we continue? Minoru and the others are probably already waiting for us," Professor Agasa reminded the Detective Boys of their destination. "Oh yes! I hope Grandpa Minoru still has those delicious chocolate cookies!" Genta exclaimed, of course he was only thinking about the food. "Whoever is last doesn't get any cookies!" laughed Mitsuhiko and ran off. "Hey, wait! That's unfair," complained Genta and followed the other children, laughing. "Oh dear, this is pure chaos," sighed Agasa and shook his head. A few minutes later, the group arrived at Minoru and Takahiro's newly opened shop. They had kept the name, and the wooden sign proudly read "LE STRANGE" above the entrance. The shop windows reflected the passers-by and the warm sun as the guests entered the shop. A small, golden bell announced their arrival. "Inspector Takagi! We brought you photos! Just look!" the children immediately shouted and jumped up and down.

Wataru was just pouring the tea into the pot, he put the hot water down and smiled when he saw the group. "Oh, that's a surprise! Photos? For me?" Wataru laughed and hugged the children. Minoru and Takahiro strolled out of the kitchen.

"You're exactly right, the cake should be ready any minute," Takahiro greeted the guests and waved in his huge open gloves. Minoru put cookies, cups and a vase full of lilies on the table and waved to Conan and Ai. Six months had passed by now. Six months had passed since Rum had died and the Black Organization had dissolved without a trace. So far there had been no sign of any agents, attacks or anomalies, there was peace. Peace had also returned to Minoru's home. His relationship with his son had improved, they did things every week, met in the antique shop or drank coffee together. Minoru also visited Kuroda from time to time, where they sat together on the grass under the cherry tree and enjoyed the weather. The children always enjoyed coming over with Takagi and after a while they called Minoru "Grandpa Minoru" and ate all the cookies. This made Kato especially happy, because he could bake something again, which was tried straight away. Every week there was a new dish and the shop always smelled so heavenly of food.