"Kusuda Rikumichi""March 19th, 17:56 — died from being crushed by a steel coil.""Before his death, he was riding in a colleague's car, seated in the passenger seat while on a mission for the Organization. During transit, the vehicle lost control on the expressway, drifted, and slammed into the guardrail, injuring the passenger side.""After the other occupant safely exited, Kusuda Rikumichi attempted to crawl out through the driver's side but was crushed by a steel coil that accidentally rolled off a transport truck."
The Death Note cannot cause the death of a third party.
That is, only the person whose exact name is written will die. You can't write something vague like, "Kusuda Rikumichi ran over an innocent passerby and was then crushed by a steel coil." Even if you try, the result would simply default to Kusuda Rikumichi died of a heart attack.
However, if the "passerby" is identified by name—say, "Kusuda Rikumichi drove into Shinichi Kudo and then was crushed by the steel coil"—it would work, provided Shinichi Kudo's name also appears in the notebook.
That's why Hayashiki had to specify in Kusuda's entry that his companion exited the vehicle safely. Without that line, the notebook would have judged the cause invalid due to collateral death.
Fortunately, the one sent to tail Hayashiki happened to be Kusuda Rikumichi—a minor character whose name and face had appeared in canon. Otherwise, it would've been more difficult to pull off.
Ring-ring~ Ring-ring~
"Hello, this is Hayashiki."
"Sorry to bother you, Mr. Hayashiki. This is Nanae Asamiya, editor from Futaba Publishing."
"Editor Asamiya."
"Yes, I wanted to let you know that after our recent marketing efforts, your new book will go on sale in three days. Would you be available that day for a signing event?"
"How are the details arranged?"
"The first book signing will be held at Futaba Bookstore in Beika City. It'll run from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM—this coming Sunday. Does that time work for you?"
"Yes, no problem."
"Great!"
"We'll move forward with that schedule. Also, I recommend you dress nicely that day—your appearance is quite a PR asset."
"We can even arrange for a professional stylist to help you prep."
"Thanks, but I think I'll manage on my own… I'll make sure to look presentable."
After hanging up, Hayashiki marked Sunday on the calendar with a pen.
This event had been agreed upon when he signed the contract. The publishing house had promised strong promotional backing, including events like signings.
It was a good opportunity.
Although he hadn't officially become a detective yet, building public recognition couldn't hurt.
And as far as appearances went, Hayashiki had full confidence in himself.
Time skips forwardLocation: Beika City
Sunday arrived, and the commercial district was bustling. But what stood out most was the long, winding line outside Futaba Bookstore that afternoon.
"This is insane… Shinichi, are you sure you want to wait in line for this?"
"…I didn't think it'd be this long."
"This is rare though. I didn't expect you to be into book signings."
"I'm not into it. I'm just curious."
Faced with the gentle teasing of his childhood friend, high school detective Shinichi Kudo couldn't help but defend himself.
Then another voice chimed in—this time more sarcastic.
"That's the same thing, isn't it?"
"Of course it's not!"
Kudo rolled his eyes at Sonoko Suzuki, clearly not fond of her tone.
The Case Files of Young Kindaichi had been one of the better mystery novels he'd read recently. The details were meticulous, the trick well-constructed, and the plot—especially the Ijinkan Village Murder Case, where nearly every character was morally compromised—was impressively bold.
It was said that the author was quite young.
That had piqued Shinichi's interest.
After hearing his explanation, Sonoko scoffed.
"Ugh, whatever. Ran, why don't we just go get cake? This line's going to take forever!"
"Sonoko…"
Ran Mouri smiled awkwardly.
Originally, she had only planned to hang out with Sonoko—grab some sweets, browse a few books.
But halfway through their outing, Shinichi called, asking if they wanted to visit the bookstore.
That's how their girls' day out had turned into this.
"Oh my god!"
"Did you get any different photos?"
"He's so handsome!!"
"Wha—he's not a celebrity?!"
"He's gorgeous…"
"So refined!"
"Hey, I need to print this one!"
Sonoko, who had seemed reluctant to step into the bookstore, suddenly perked up at the loud chatter nearby. She turned toward the voices and saw a group of young women animatedly comparing books and printed photos.
Photos?
Of a handsome guy?
Her curiosity instantly ignited. She edged closer and stretched her neck.
"Excuse me… Who are you all talking about?"
The group paused and looked over. Seeing a high school girl, they enthusiastically began to share their photos, one even offering hers to show.
Just one glance—
"!!!"
Sonoko's eyes widened. A second later, she zipped back to Ran like she was caught in a gust of wind, grabbing her friend's hand.
"Come on, Ran! We're getting in line!"
"Huh? What?!" Ran was practically dragged toward the bookstore.
Following behind them, Shinichi rubbed his temple.
Now he really didn't feel like waiting in line.
But judging from Sonoko's face, she wouldn't be giving up anytime soon.
And so, with a sigh, he followed them in.
The moment they stepped into Futaba Bookstore, Shinichi froze.
"This is insane…"
What he'd always remembered as a spacious, well-lit bookstore was now packed wall-to-wall.
The signing table at the back was swarmed—mostly by women.
Store staff and the manager were doing their best to keep things moving, guiding fans who'd already gotten their signatures toward the exit. Meanwhile, assistants from the publishing house and Editor Asamiya were scrambling to maintain order.
"Sonoko, didn't we also come here to buy English materials?" Ran asked.
"Later! After we're done here!"
"…"
Shinichi sighed inwardly.
He already bought the books? That guy moves fast…