Azuma Shoyo went on, explaining the demons they'd encountered to Ran.
"Demons from the Demon Slayer world aren't as tricky as traditional ghosts," he said. "They've got plenty of weaknesses."
"They fear sunlight. Note that—it's sunlight, not UV rays! Unlike vampires scared of UV, these demons dread the sun itself. Plus, they're vulnerable to scarlet iron sand. That's why Nichirin Blades forged from it can kill them."
"Also, if you smash them beyond recovery—like I did today—that works too. Even Muzan Kibutsuji needs some flesh left to regenerate. Turn him into blood mist like that demon earlier? Even the Demon King's toast."
Ran listened, finally grasping a rough picture. Then, curious, she asked, "Shoyo, are there lots of people with supernatural powers in this world?"
"Not many, but not few either. Compared to regular folks, definitely fewer," Azuma Shoyo replied.
Truth is, he wasn't sure himself. This world was too messy. Even he hadn't figured it all out.
"I see," Ran nodded, getting the gist.
A moment later, she took a deep breath. "Shoyo, you hide your powers to avoid folks messing with your quiet life, right?"
"Sort of," he said.
Really, he just feared the big shots. If he were invincible now, he'd have no need to hide.
"Don't worry, Shoyo!" Ran smiled. "I'll keep your secret tight! Even if Mom and Dad ask, I'll cover for you!"
"So, this is our little secret then?" Azuma Shoyo grinned.
"Yep!" Ran nodded hard.
Meanwhile, up on the villa's second floor, in one room, Sonoko stood on the balcony, watching the two chat and laugh in the garden below.
"No way! Ran's into Shoyo too?!" she gasped, eyes wide, disbelief plastered on her face.
It's not that Shoyo lacked charm to snag a girl like Ran. Sonoko knew Ran's deep feelings for Shinichi Kudo. That guy's attitude? Most girls would've ditched him ages ago. But Ran? Still smitten as ever!
That showed how much she loved Shinichi. Yet now, what was this? Ran and Shoyo alone in the garden, like a date?!
Okay, maybe they were just talking. But why sneak off to a garden corner for a normal chat? If Sonoko hadn't spotted them by chance, she'd be clueless.
"Ugh! Suddenly feels like I've got a ton of rivals!" Sonoko fretted.
First Shizuka Marukawa—she had zero confidence against that woman's killer figure. Even as a girl, Sonoko knew few guys could resist it. And Shizuka wasn't just a body—she was gorgeous too.
Sonoko figured she had an edge: younger, same age as Shoyo. But now, seeing Ran might be in the mix? Her one advantage was gone!
"Gotta ask Ran what's up later. If she's into Shoyo too, we'll compete fair and square!" she decided.
Just then, Ran and Shoyo returned from the garden. They split up before entering, acting like they hadn't come together.
Seeing that, Sonoko's gut screamed something was up. Why the act if there's nothing to hide?
With that, she left the room, bounding downstairs.
On the first floor, Ran had just walked in when Sonoko rushed down. "Something wrong?" Ran asked.
"Nope! Ran, where were you? Couldn't find you," Sonoko said, playing dumb.
"Oh? I was just strolling in the garden," Ran replied.
She rarely lied, so even this little fib made her heart race.
Bingo, Sonoko thought, catching the dodge.
"Cool, wanna stroll together then?" Sonoko asked, not calling her out. Her head was a mess, unsure how to broach this with her bestie.
Liking the same guy could tank their friendship if handled wrong. Sonoko treasured what she had with Ran—she didn't want them drifting apart or turning into enemies.
Her thoughts churned, unsure how to proceed.
"Stroll? Sure!" Ran nodded.
They linked arms and headed back to the garden.
Azuma Shoyo, just stepping in, saw them and asked, "Where you two off to?"
"Garden stroll," Ran said.
Sonoko huffed, a bit pouty, tugging Ran outside.
Azuma Shoyo blinked, puzzled. "???"
Watching them go, he chuckled and shook his head. Ran might not know, but he did—Sonoko had been spying from the balcony earlier. He'd clocked her.
"Guess I'll chat with Sonoko tonight," he thought.
In a room, Conan stirred awake, groggy. He wasn't at the park anymore—he was back in the villa.
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