Manga World: Extracting Superman's Power

"Yeah, that's right!"

Conan—aka the shrunken Shinichi—forces a smile, doing his best to act like a kid.

"Huh, that's a pretty weird name," Ran muttered, then turned to Dr. Agasa. "Doctor, if Shinichi contacts you, tell him to give me a call. I'll head out now."

"Sure, got it," Dr. Agasa replied with a vigorous nod, barely holding back a laugh.

Edogawa Conan?

Shinichi, seriously… if you're making up a name on the spot, at least pick something less bizarre.

Phew!

As Ran finally left, Conan let out a relieved breath, his tension easing.

"Hey, Shinichi," Dr. Agasa said, walking over.

"What's up?"

"You're not planning to tell Ran the truth?" Dr. Agasa asked.

"No way!" Conan shook his head, his expression turning serious. "She can't know about this. It'd put her in danger. Those two men in black… they're part of some organization. Dangerous, terrifying people!"

"So, you're just gonna live with me from now on?" Dr. Agasa nodded, then added, "You know I can barely take care of myself when I get busy. If you stay here, I might end up needing you to look after this old geezer."

"Hey! Are you trying to kick me out, Doc?!" Conan's eyes widened as he stared at Dr. Agasa.

I'm already in this mess, and now you're ditching me too?!

"No, no, I mean—how about I hire you a nanny?" Dr. Agasa clarified.

"A nanny?" Conan glanced down at his tiny arms and legs, then nodded. "Fine, but she can't live here. That'd be a hassle."

"Of course not," Dr. Agasa agreed.

…

The next day—Monday.

In the classroom of Class B, Year 2 at Teitan High.

"What?! Kudo ditched you again and took off on his own?!"

Sonoko's loud exclamation drew the attention of their classmates.

"Sonoko, keep it down!" Ran said, flushing with embarrassment.

Realizing she'd been too loud, Sonoko gave an awkward smile and lowered her voice. "That jerk Kudo is the worst! Did he at least apologize afterward?"

Ran shook her head.

"I still can't reach him. Dr. Agasa said Shinichi left the country for a case."

"What the heck!" Sonoko scowled. "That creep just up and left without even saying goodbye?"

"Yeah, Shinichi went too far this time," Ran said, a mix of anger and worry in her voice.

Just then, Azuma Shoyo walked into the classroom with his backpack slung over his shoulder.

"Sonoko, Mouri-san, morning!" he greeted the two.

"Morning, Azuma," Sonoko replied, leaning in. "Hey, did Kudo contact you yesterday?"

"Kudo-kun?" Azuma shook his head. "Nope. What's up?"

Sonoko glanced at Ran, then quickly filled him in.

"Oh, I see. Maybe it was some urgent case. Kudo-kun's always like that, right?" Azuma suggested.

"Yeah, Shinichi's always pulling stuff like this," Ran said, her mood sinking.

He'd promised to make it up to her, but in the end, he'd ditched her again. How many times had this happened?

Seeing Ran so down, Sonoko jumped in to cheer her up, steering the conversation elsewhere.

Soon, the bell rang, and everyone settled into their seats.

High school, second year—five classes a day.

By the time school let out in the afternoon, it was just before 5:00 PM.

Some high schoolers might head to convenience stores for part-time jobs, but not at Teitan High. If you could afford the tuition here, you didn't need pocket change from a gig like that.

Azuma went straight home after school.

Tonight could be a big deal for him.

Well, maybe. He wasn't sure if Clark would return to Smallville today, but it'd be either today or tomorrow—within the next two days, for sure.

Back home, he washed some veggies and cooked dinner.

By the time he finished eating, it was past 6:00 PM.

He watched the news for a bit—nothing major. Just a minor earthquake, magnitude 2 or 3, in some region. Nothing worth noting.

Around 9:00 PM, Azuma washed up, climbed into bed, and closed his eyes to sleep.

About ten minutes later, he drifted off.

When he opened his eyes again, he was back in the motel room in the Man of Steel world.

The clock read 6:00 AM—perfect timing.

He got up, brushed his teeth, and washed his face.

Even though he'd just done this routine not long ago, skipping it before heading out felt off—like he wasn't fully awake.

After freshening up, he grabbed a sandwich from the motel's diner, ate a quick bite, and left.

By 8:00 AM…

Azuma drove to the cemetery in Smallville.

Parking on the roadside, he stepped out and walked into the graveyard.

Foreign cemeteries were like sprawling lawns, dotted with tombstones at regular intervals. Each one varied in design, engraved with the name of the deceased and their loved ones.

Azuma had visited yesterday and the day before, but hadn't run into Clark.

Today, though, as he entered, he spotted a woman standing in front of Jonathan Kent's tombstone.

She had long blonde hair and, from behind, looked slightly plump.

Seeing her, a glint flashed in Azuma's eyes.

He walked over and stopped beside Jonathan Kent's grave.

The woman turned to him.

"You're not a Kent, are you?" she asked.

"Nope. You?" Azuma replied, looking at her. Once he saw her face, he knew he'd come to the right place today.

"Lois Lane, from Metropolis," she said, sizing up the boy in front of her. He had classic Asian features—clean-cut, handsome, with a hint of youthfulness still in his face. Just looking at him, she could tell he was underage.

"Azuma Shoyo, also from Metropolis," he replied.

Lois Lane—Daily Planet reporter, Pulitzer Prize winner, and future girlfriend of Superman!

Her presence here meant Clark was likely nearby.

Maybe even watching them from some hidden spot right now!