You weren’t sure what you expected from your first assignment.

Maybe something quiet. Maybe something procedural. Maybe someone like Kunikida, with his notebooks and rules and steady voice.

Instead, you got Ranpo.

He met you at the entrance of the crime scene with a grin and a half-eaten pastry.

“You’re the newbie,” he said, eyes scanning you like you were part of the mystery. “Kunikida said you’re supposed to watch and learn.”

You nodded. “That’s the plan.”

He tossed the pastry wrapper into a nearby bin. “Then prepare to be amazed.”

The scene was a bookstore—small, cramped, shelves still trembling from the chaos. A body lay near the counter, already covered. Officers milled around, confused. No signs of forced entry. No witnesses. No motive.

Ranpo stepped inside like he owned the place.

You followed.

He didn’t look at the body.

He didn’t ask questions.

He just walked.

Touched a stack of books. Tilted his head at a crooked picture frame. Picked up a receipt from the floor and sniffed it.

You blinked. “Is that part of the process?”

He turned to you, eyes gleaming. “Everything’s part of the process.”

Then he clapped his hands.

“Case closed!”

The officers froze.

You stared. “Already?”

He nodded. “The victim was the owner. He’d been blackmailing a local politician using rare book sales as a front. The killer came in through the back—see the scuff on the floor?—and used a letter opener from the desk. No fingerprints, but the receipt shows a purchase made under a fake name. That name belongs to the politician’s assistant. Easy.”

You blinked. “How did you—”

He tapped his temple. “I’m just that good.”

You didn’t speak.

He leaned closer. “Impressed yet?”

You hesitated.

Then smiled. “A little.”

He grinned wider. “You will be.”

As the officers scrambled to verify his claims, Ranpo turned to you again—less smug now, more curious.

“You’re not like the others,” he said.

“How so?”

“You didn’t doubt me. But you didn’t worship me either.”

You shrugged. “I’m here to learn.”

He tilted his head. “Then I’ll teach you. But only if you bring snacks next time.”

You laughed.

And as you left the scene together, you realized something: Ranpo didn’t just want to impress you.

He wanted you to see him.

And you did.