The car held yesterday's six again.
Kogoro Mouri bailed again—today's excuse: too hungover to get up.
Truth is, he was still snoring when they left. Not really an excuse, then.
The limo drove half an hour, reaching the amusement park's lot.
"Uncle Kawaki, head back—pick us up tonight."
Sonoko waved off the driver, Kawaki Gouto, telling him to rest till evening.
"Sure, miss—I'll return tonight."
Kawaki nodded, driving off.
"Let's go! Lunch at the restaurant first!"
Sonoko cheered, arms high.
It was nearing 11—lunchtime.
Breakfast was light—they'd skimped, saving room for the park's meal.
Yesterday's dinner sucked, but word was another restaurant's specialty lunch rocked. They'd overheard tourists raving about it while playing.
Sonoko caught that chatter—hence her hype.
Otherwise, after last night's flop, they'd have stuffed up on breakfast.
Through the VIP gate—day two of opening, still packed. Maybe busier than yesterday.
A digital screen at the entrance showed daily visitors.
As Azuma Shoyo's group walked in, it read: 53,741!
Staggering.
Tokyo's Dorobiga Park, a big name, peaked at 20,000 on holidays—usually 10,000.
Compared to this?
20,000's not even half!
No contest.
"Wow! Over 50,000—and it's just noon!"
Ran gaped at the number.
"Crowded, yeah."
Azuma Shoyo nodded. Even at the gate, it felt tight.
Inside? Worse!
Honestly—
He didn't love crowds.
Good thing VIP passes skipped lines.
"Let's eat first."
Sonoko grinned, grabbing Azuma Shoyo and Ran, dashing ahead.
"Sonoko, slow down!"
Chie Morinaga called after her.
Soon—
The six hit the hyped lunch spot.
Ordered six specials and sat waiting.
Half an hour later—
Food arrived.
Slow. Too slow!
But the place was slammed. VIP perks got them ahead—otherwise, an hour-plus wait outside.
Waiting hours for food? Azuma Shoyo couldn't get it.
Was it that good?
He scooped a spoonful of the blood-plasma-looking dish.
Jelly-like. Taste?
Meh.
Standard dessert shop level.
Not the rave reviews promised.
"Average."
He set the spoon down, then tried the rest.
None stood out!
Where's the "delicious"?
Am I picky?
He glanced at the others.
Same vibes—hesitant looks.
"You think it's average too?"
He asked.
"Shoyo, you too?" Sonoko blinked. "Thought it was just me!"
Ran nodded. "Yeah, average. I figured it was my taste—yesterday, tons said this place's lunch was amazing."
"Not good."
Shizuka Marukawa shoved her plate, pouting at Azuma Shoyo.
"Shoyo, it's bad—you eat it."
Azuma Shoyo, "…"
So the junk's mine?
Tap tap tap!
A girl outside knocked on the window.
Azuma Shoyo turned.
She held a phone, SMS open, typing: [Is this place's lunch good?]
He got it.
Shook his head.
Sonoko and the rest joined in—heads shaking: not good!
It wasn't awful—just overhyped.
60-point food billed as 95, even 100.
Hitting 60 after that buildup? Worse than eating 50 or 40.
The girl saw the table's verdict, grabbed her two friends, and bailed.
Not worth the line!
Hours for great food? Fine.
But this? Sucker's game.
Around noon—
They left the restaurant, faces screaming "disappointed."
"Let's hit yesterday's unplayed rides."
Azuma Shoyo suggested.
Sonoko perked up. "Yeah! No letting lousy food ruin us—charge!"
She yanked Azuma Shoyo ahead.
The rest laughed, catching up.
"Should've slept in like Uncle Kogoro."
Conan yawned behind, boredom etched on his face.
Past 3 PM—
After three rides, they hit a dessert shop to rest and snack.
Tiring, running nonstop.
"What do you want?"
Azuma Shoyo asked.
"Strawberry flavor!"
Sonoko raised her hand.
--- Translator Note ---
Read 30+ Advanced Chapters on my Patre on!
This novel has 2 daily chapters being translated and released every day on Patre on!
Patre on.com/MyKitty