Ch. 151..160
Chapter 151 - 151: Crime is a Fascinating Thing
Saturday Night
Hayashi Yoshiki drove out to pick up his date for dinner.
They went to a riverside French restaurant.
"We've reserved a window seat in advance. Thank you for your help."
"Certainly. Right this way, please."
The Tsutsu River glimmered with a unique charm at night, its calm waters flanked by the neon glow of the city.
From their table by the window, one could admire the moonlight reflected on the river's surface—tonight was truly ideal for a date.
"This place is wonderful," Reiko Shimizu exclaimed with delight. She clasped her hands together and beamed at Hayashi Yoshiki. "Thank you so much for bringing me here."
"To be honest, this is my first time here, too. So if the food turns out just average, don't blame me."
"How could I? I'm already thrilled just having dinner with Mr. Hayashi."
"You flatter me."
The waiter arrived with the menus.
Shimizu Reiko glanced shyly at Yoshiki, waiting for his attention.
She was indeed stunning.
Her long, wavy brown hair framed a beautifully made-up face. She exuded an air of refined purity—but it wasn't naive. Her delicate beauty naturally hinted at charm, making her allure impossible to ignore.
From a glance, Hayashi Yoshiki could already tell:She was a woman who cared deeply about quality of life. Her clothes, jewelry, and cosmetics all oozed expense and taste.
"Ms. Reiko, was the club you joined in college really called the Crime Research Club?"
"Yes."
"That's the first I've heard of such a club."
"It was mostly made up of students interested in criminal psychology," Reiko explained with a soft smile. "Some seniors had compiled detailed reports on numerous domestic cases over the past few decades, complete with crime scene photos and the motives and methods of the culprits."
"Impressive," Yoshiki said, smiling.
They ordered quickly and began chatting.
"I really admire your novels, Mr. Hayashi. Every time, I'm amazed at the cleverness of the murderer's methods…"
She pouted cutely.
"Your new work especially had such a chilling atmosphere. My palms were sweating during several scenes!"
"I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it."
"I'm probably your most loyal fan!"
"Haha."
Their conversation flowed naturally.
Soon, the waiter brought their drinks and appetizers.
"Sometimes I wonder where your inspiration comes from," she said, sipping the berry-infused cocktail.
"Overthinking, mostly," Yoshiki replied.
"Mmm—this drink is amazing~!"
"It is" he agreed.
They continued discussing detective fiction.
"When it comes to mystery novels, we can't ignore Sherlock Holmes," said Reiko.
"Indeed. Sherlock Holmes, as he's known in some translations—the famed British detective and self-proclaimed authority of the field. Doyle wrote him with incredible charm."
Yoshiki smiled gently, lowering his eyes to the food on his plate. Holding his fork, he continued in a quiet, thoughtful voice:
"But personally, I prefer Professor Moriarty."
"Huh?"
"Crime... is actually quite fascinating, don't you think?"
"..."
Reiko blinked, caught off guard.
She looked at the man before her. His expression hadn't changed. He still wore that gentle, intellectual smile.
Polished. Refined. Elegant in his suit.
But behind those deep, black eyes, something churned.
"Crime is fascinating," he repeated.
The words lingered in the air.
"Look out the window, Miss Reiko."
"Yes?"
"What do you see?"
She turned her gaze outward.
The calm river. Orderly traffic on the highway. The quiet rhythm of urban life—comforting and predictable.
She answered hesitantly.
"Yes... It's peaceful. Ordered."
"Traffic laws, red lights, rules. Social order," Yoshiki said, sipping his drink. "Morals and laws bind people's actions. This is what they call stability."
"But crime..."
His eyes darkened, and he smiled faintly.
"In the world of crime, there are no rules. No morals. Only strength and intellect."
"Crime isn't a craft—it's an art."
"Six people."
"That's how many sinners will die down there next."
"The fireworks are about to start."
What... is he saying?
Reiko's breath caught in her throat.
The gentleman sitting across from her now looked unfathomable. His eyes sparkled in the light, yet they contained no warmth.
Then—
SCREEECH!
A sharp braking sound jolted her from her daze.
Outside, a truck suddenly veered across the road, shattering the calm like a stone dropped in still water.
Vehicles swerved. Horns blared. A lightbox sign sparked violently, its wires snapping as it crashed down. People screamed.
A collision.
A motorcyclist, trying to avoid the wreck, skidded and was flung toward the electrified signage.
Another truck, loaded with paint, was struck—and burst into flames.
BOOM!!!
The explosion reverberated even through the restaurant's walls.
Across the river, a small flare rose into the sky.
Then, with a crack, a brilliant red firework burst above the skyline.
Boom!
Guests had already rushed to the terrace to watch the commotion. Amid the chaos, Reiko turned to see—
Hayashi Yoshiki, sipped his drink calmly.
He smiled.
One, two, three...
More fireworks were launched.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
On the street below—fire, screams, sirens.
In the night sky—vibrant explosions of light.
Reflected in Yoshiki's glass, chaos and beauty became one.
"It really is a refreshing drink," he murmured.
Reiko felt deaf to everything else.
The shouting, sirens, even the police calls—all of it faded away. Her world now existed in the one-meter radius surrounding this man.
"Isn't this what you wanted?"
"To escape the gaze of mediocrity? To rebel against the monotony of everyday life?"
"Your eyes tell me yes."
"You're beautiful when you look at me like that."
Reiko's breathing quickened.
His words pierced her soul.
That voice—those eyes—saw straight through her.
She trembled.
Her hands clutched her dress tightly.
Her heart pounded violently.
And then… she felt it.
She was wet.
"I admire you, Reiko."
"So come with me…"
He reached out his hand.
"Will you join to me, Hayashi Yoshiki?"
Reiko was trembling as she raised her hand, her lips forming a soft, almost purring answer:
"Mmm~"
They left the restaurant.
As they stepped out, the cool river breeze brushed her flushed cheeks. Her mind, finally grounded, registered the flashing red and blue of emergency vehicles.
Firetrucks extinguished the blaze. Police cordoned off the scene.
"Brother Hayashi? What are you doing here?" asked Inspector Megure Juzo, who had just finished giving orders.
"Dinner," Hayashi replied casually. "Right here."
"I see…"
Megure glanced at Reiko Shimizu, who stood silently beside Yoshiki.
"And this?"
"A friend."
Megure noticed her glassy-eyed stare, the way she clung to Hayashi, and decided not to push further.
Being handsome really did have its perks…
The scene was soon stabilized. A preliminary investigation began.
"Officer Megure!"
"Six fatalities confirmed. Eleven more with only minor injuries."
"All signs point to a freak accident. The truck crash caused a chain reaction. The lightbox was apparently loose…"
Hayashi didn't wait to hear more.
He politely bid farewell and guided Reiko to his car.
The silver sedan glided quietly through the streets.
The warm air inside felt heavy.
"Mr. Hayashi…"
Reiko crossed her legs, her voice trembling.
"What is it?"
"Can we… stop by my place first? I want to change."
"Of course."
Although they never really discussed what they'd do after dinner, Hayashi Yoshiki just smiled and drove to her apartment.
It was a luxury suite in the heart of the city.
Inside, Reiko took off her coat, revealing a beige knit sweater that hugged her full chest. Her beauty was disarming.
Yoshiki sat calmly on the sofa.
"Mr. Hayashi…"
"Weren't you going to change?"
"Yes…"
He smiled again.
Reiko returned the smile shyly.
He reached out and touched her cheek.
She tilted her head ever so slightly into his palm.
"Your lipstick is beautiful."
"Thank you…"
"That wasn't just a compliment."
"Hehe…"
Her grin turned radiant.
A manipulative woman… But quite interesting, Yoshiki thought.
Time slipped by.
Her phone buzzed endlessly on the sofa. She ignored it.
"Thanks for the... hospitality," she whispered.
Mascara ran at the edges of her eyes. Her lips glistened.
She smiled, fox-like.
Yoshiki stroked her hair like a cat.
"You don't want to check your phone?"
"Just some worthless loser blowing up my inbox."
"I see…"
Probably that bootlicker Suehiko Ito.
Hayashi wasn't interested in men like that.
"Still planning to change?"
"…That's up to you, Mr. Hayashi~"
Chapter 152 - 152: I Want to Give Birth to a Child for Mr. Hayashi
"Mr. Hayashi~~"
Night.
Only two people remained in the room.
The curtains had been drawn early, leaving only a desk lamp casting a warm glow. The heater in the corner filled the air with a cozy warmth, mingling with a subtle and intimate scent.
"You're such a good woman, Reiko."
Stroking her face, Hayashi Yoshiki offered a calm, effortless smile.
The woman's manicured hands, painted in deep red, gently clasped his wrist. She leaned in, nuzzling her flawless cheek against his palm with devotion.
"Yes… I'm a good woman."
She said it as if relishing the affirmation.
With a hazy, melting gaze, Shimizu Reiko looked up in rapture at the man looming over her.
There was no light in those black eyes.
They were like a bottomless abyss.A swirling black hole.And yet, she had surrendered herself—mind and body—into that endless darkness.
"So, what are you willing to do for me?"
"What does Mr. Hayashi want me to do~?"
"Everything."
Hayashi Yoshiki chuckled.
His eyes narrowed, and he gave a deceitfully sweet smile. But just as Reiko tried to refocus her dazed vision, the man leaned closer.
He braced one arm on the pillow beside her head and looked down at her—at her stunning, almost unreal beauty—with a quiet, overbearing intensity.
"Give me everything you have."
"Okay..."
Reiko trembled. She felt herself overflowing again.
Her entire body was vibrating with joy.
Ahhh… Mr. Hayashi, Mr. Hayashi...
She had never encountered a man like this in all her life.
In her twenty-something years, countless men had lusted after her beauty—like Suehiko Ito and Masaharu Nishio. But all of them were easily manipulated like foolish dogs by her charm and acting skills. They had only reinforced her belief that this was how the world worked.
Until today.
"Can I… keep it for Mr. Hayashi?"
Her hand slowly slid over her abdomen.
This was life.
To ensure the continuation of the species, it was hard-wired into a woman's genes to desire the finest male. The flood of estrogen Reiko now experienced brought on a desire she had never known before—and her instincts rejoiced at the idea of what the future might hold.
"I want to give birth to your child, Mr. Hayashi."
"That's why I said you're a good woman, Reiko."
Hayashi Yoshiki smiled. He gently cupped her cheek and stroked her hair.
"But before that, I have something else I need you to do."
"Yes..."
Reiko responded with complete obedience.
At that moment, the phone in her living room rang again. But instead of answering it, she walked over to him, still wrapped in the blanket, and leaned in one last time.
Yoshiki caressed her head gently.
"I've got something else to take care of."
"Okay."
She didn't complain.
She only brushed her cheek affectionately against him once more and quietly watched as Hayashi Yoshiki put on his clothes and left.
She remained in silence for a long time.
Eventually, Reiko wrapped her still-burning body in the blanket and walked to the living room to answer the phone.
"Reiko! Why did it take you so long to answer?"
"I'm sorry… I wasn't feeling well today. What's the matter, Suehiko?"
"I… wanted to ask if you'd have dinner with me tomorrow night. It's at a really lovely riverside restaurant, by the Tsutsu River."
"That place? But I heard there was a serious car accident there today..."
"Eh?! Really?"
Ito Suehiko sounded genuinely surprised.
Reiko's eyes momentarily flashed with contempt and impatience—but her tone remained sweet and gentle.
"By the way, Suehiko… there's something I'd like to discuss with you."
"Anything, Reiko."
"Can we meet tomorrow?"
"Of course! What time? I'll make a reservation."
"I'll leave that to you, Suehiko."
Facing his sudden eagerness, Reiko smiled faintly.
Why she wanted to meet Ito Suehiko:
Because she planned to kill her other accomplice, Nishio Masaharu, the man who helped her rob the armored car, and then pin the entire crime on Suehiko.
—It wasn't about making more money.
It was because Masaharu Nishio, in his stupidity, had shot and killed a guard during the robbery. Though it hadn't affected their escape, it had violated the carefully constructed plan—and Reiko couldn't forgive that recklessness.
Besides, she had grown tired of both men.Fawning. Pathetic. Bootlicking.
After hanging up, she made a mental note to visit the pharmacy tomorrow—it would be difficult to move otherwise.
Mr. Hayashi is so strong—
She was sure that without medication, she might catch an infection.
Meanwhile
Hayashi Yoshiki was driving back to his office.
It was a little past 11 p.m. when he checked his phone and saw a message from Yoko Okino.
Yoko Okino: "Is Yoshiki-kun okay?"Yoko Okino: "I'm already waiting for you at home..."
Sent about ten minutes earlier.
Yoshiki called her with a slight smile on his face.
"It's me, Yoko."
"Would you mind waiting another 30 minutes? I need to grab something from the office."
"Yes, I'll drive safely."
"...Really now, don't be so cute. You're distracting me while I'm driving."
"See you soon."
After hanging up, he arrived at his office.
He needed a shower.
—While it wasn't impossible to bathe at Shimizu Reiko's place, the scent of her shampoo and body wash was unmistakably feminine. It wasn't ideal when he was about to visit Yoko Okino.
He also needed to bring the flowers he bought earlier, which he'd left in the office.
After showering, changing, and picking up the bouquet, he stepped outside…
Only to stop at the gate of the office courtyard.
Under the full moon—
A girl with long crimson hair stood in the shadows, dressed like a witch.
Her presence radiated something otherworldly.
Her eyes blazed like fire as she glared at Hayashi Yoshiki.
"Forest.""Good.""Tree."
Koizumi Akako enunciated each word clearly as she stepped into the yard.
At that moment, Yoshiki noticed the sickle-shaped weapon in her hand.
Oh no...
She was more impatient than he'd expected.
Chapter 153 - 153: Koizumi Akako Comes to Visit
Unforgivable!
Unforgivable!!
Unforgivable!!!
A furious glint burned in Koizumi Akako's wine-red eyes.
She glared at the man standing in front of her—immaculately dressed, exuding charm that made him irresistible to women. Especially when she noticed the bouquet of roses in his hand, her teeth clenched with resentment.
This man… didn't even react after taking her first kiss!
One day, two days, three days… now almost two months had passed!
After that day, Koizumi Akako had waited for a message, any message. An apology. A meeting request. But this man acted as if he'd died—not a word.
As if nothing had happened. As if he didn't care at all.
It was humiliating.
And to make matters worse, in recent weeks, Koizumi Akako had seen him everywhere—TV channels, magazines, newspapers.
Whether solving high-profile cases as a famous detective or being lauded as a top-tier mystery novelist, his face was everywhere. That gentle smile had bewitched countless women.
To the proud Koizumi Akako, this was the ultimate insult.
She had even stuffed multiple letters into his detective agency's mailbox. She refused to believe someone as brilliant as him wouldn't recognize they were from her. And yet… he still hadn't responded.
Damn, scumbag!!
With resentment piling higher and higher, Koizumi Akako finally made her move—on this full moon night, she appeared at his doorstep.
"Long time no see, Akako-san."
"So you still remember me?"
Her voice was ice, and a smirk tugged at her lips.
Hayashi Yoshiki looked at her in silence.
After two or three seconds, Akako's smile faded. Her tone grew sharper.
"Of course. If you knew how to apologize, I wouldn't have had to come here myself… And now, you're standing there in the middle of the night with roses—off to charm another woman?"
"Apologize?"
Hayashi Yoshiki lowered his eyes slightly.
"Ah… yes. I suppose I do owe you one."
"Heh."
"You're right. I'm about to go on a date."
"..."
Koizumi Akako's expression turned ice-cold.
She raised her hand—and a flame suddenly ignited in her palm.
This was no illusion or parlor trick. It was real, high-temperature fire.
"I told you before—'This isn't over,' remember?"
"I wasn't joking. You'll pay for toying with a witch!"
BOOM!!
The red flame in her hand flared and launched toward Hayashi Yoshiki.
The blaze reflected in his eyes, and the intense heat scorched the air around him.
But he didn't move.
Just as the flame closed in, Koizumi Akako clenched her fist—and the fire vanished in an instant. The heat lingered.
"Why didn't you dodge?"
"I'm sorry, Akako-san."
He simply smiled. A flawless, composed smile.
"Tch. You think a half-hearted apology means anything now?"
Flames lit her palm once more.
But Hayashi Yoshiki remained unfazed.
"Actually… since that day, I haven't stopped thinking about you."
"..."
"Whether I'm eating, falling asleep, or working, your face keeps coming back to me. And every time… my heart races."
"Even now—seeing you here—it's happening again."
His expression didn't change. His voice remained gentle.
Koizumi Akako sneered.
But the next thing he said made her freeze.
"To be honest, it's very troubling."
"...Huh?"
"Why would I suddenly like you?"
He looked her directly in the eyes. Calm. Direct. Serious.
"I can't make sense of it. I always need a reason to like someone. And while, yes, you are very cute, Akako—that alone shouldn't be enough."
"So I don't understand it. I can't accept it. It's… irrational."
"..."
What?
Koizumi Akako's eyes widened.
He was asking why he liked her?
To someone as proudly narcissistic as Akako, those words felt like a dagger to the chest.
Then Hayashi Yoshiki stepped closer.
Subconsciously, she backed away.
"I started wondering—maybe something strange is going on."
"Maybe it began… after I ate that chocolate you gave me."
"That's absurd!"
"I don't see any other explanation."
His calm gaze made her panic. Desperate, she pointed at the bouquet of roses.
"Then—what's with the flowers!?"
"I'm trying to change how I feel. That's why I'm doing my best to like other women."
What?!
Koizumi Akako was stunned.
A man—bewitched into loving her—was now actively fighting it?
No. No! Why!?
Did he think liking her was some kind of curse to be cured?
Everyone else was begging for her attention!
Anger, shame, and rejection all surged within her. She stared at his face—the man who was so talented, so unique. Even under the effect of magic, he was still trying to resist.
Unforgivable!
Damn you, Hayashi Yoshiki!!!
I won't stop until you admit that you love me!!
Her jaw clenched.
Yet under Hayashi Yoshiki's steady gaze, she forced a smile.
"You're spouting nonsense. Why would anyone need a reason to fall in love?"
"I do."
"It's natural for boys to like me. I mean, look at me… I'm gorgeous! Hehe. And since you're being nice—I'll take these roses!"
She quickly snatched the bouquet from him.
"This is the first time a guy has ever given me flowers. I love them!"
Then, before he could reply, she bolted from the courtyard and disappeared into the night.
"..."
Hayashi Yoshiki stood there in silence.
She really is easy to deal with.
Chapter 154 - 154: Unexpected Job Applicant
Steady your breathing. Maintain your posture.
At a private gym in Beika Town, Hayashi Yoshiki was in the middle of a high-intensity aerobic session on the treadmill.
After completing his scheduled run, he pressed the stop button and stepped off. His hair was drenched in sweat, and heat radiated from his body.
Seiran Hoshi hurried over.
She handed him a bottle of water with a straw, then took a soft towel and began to gently wipe away his sweat.
"Thank you, Miss Seiran."
"…It's nothing."
Her fingers tightened slightly around the towel.
She didn't dare look at Hayashi Yoshiki's smiling face. Blushing, she averted her eyes and said softly:
"It's only natural."
"But I never intended to trouble you with these things."
"..."
"Please, don't underestimate yourself."
He reached out and gently brushed her cheek, guiding her gaze back to him.
Faced with his eyes, Seiran Hoshi tensed and almost instinctively held her breath.
"You're very important to me, Miss Seiran ."
As her pale cheeks turned bright red, Hayashi Yoshiki smiled softly. His hand lingered for a moment, then he leaned in and whispered into her ear:
"If I didn't have your help, I'd be really troubled. So… please be careful with tonight's mission, alright?"
"…Yes."
Her knees trembled.
She nearly collapsed on the spot but managed to stay upright until he pulled back. Clutching the towel, she stood frozen for a moment before continuing to wipe his sweat with great care.
The warmth from his firm chest...
As her hand passed over that area, her eyes briefly trembled.
Once he had replenished his fluids, Hayashi Yoshiki went to shower.
Seiran Hoshi stood alone, clutching the towel, staring blankly.
Twenty minutes later, Hayashi Yoshiki emerged.
Adjusting his shirt cuffs, he glanced at his watch—it was nearly time.
"Miss Seiran , could you drive me back to the office?"
"Of course."
She quickly followed behind in high heels.
She drove him to the Kindaichi Detective Agency, watched him enter, and left quietly without saying another word.
With twenty minutes left before 3:30 PM, Hayashi Yoshiki was expecting someone for an interview. He had finally decided to hire an assistant to manage the office, as he often avoided fans or missed important cases when alone.
Right on time, five minutes early, someone rang the office bell.
"Come in."
"Excuse me, Mr. Hayashi."
A man stepped through the door—tall, strikingly handsome, with light blond hair and tan skin.
He wore a pleasant smile.
"As scheduled, I'm Toru Amuro, here to apply for the assistant position."
"Please, have a seat, Mr. Amuro."
The man sat politely across from Hayashi Yoshiki.
Sometimes, daily life offers the most surreal coincidences. When Hayashi Yoshiki saw the application from Amuro Toru the previous night, he was genuinely surprised.
Known by the codename "Bourbon", Amuro was a core intelligence operative in the Black Organization. His real name, however, was Rei Furuya—an undercover Public Security Bureau agent.
A highly capable agent, he excelled in observation, combat, and infiltration.
So—was this just a coincidence?
Or had Hayashi Yoshiki's identity been compromised?
From what Gin had disclosed, Yoshiki's identity was highly classified. Any attempt to investigate him within the Organization would leave traces.
And since Amuro had a reputation as Mihua's "working emperor", it wasn't out of character for him to seek a side job like this.
Let's observe a bit longer...
A flicker of darkness passed through Hayashi Yoshiki's eyes.
After all, Amuro Toru was someone he would inevitably have to face. Hayashi Yoshiki had long planned to manipulate several Red Team officers into tagging him as one of their own.
His ultimate goal was to eliminate Karasuma Renya, but that didn't mean destroying the Organization outright.
In fact, what he admired about Light Yagami was how, after eliminating L, he used the Death Note to kill as Kira, while simultaneously posing as L to lead the investigation against Kira.
The same principle applies here.
The Red Team's identity could be useful, and Amuro Toru might just be the bridge.
There was no need to be overly guarded—caution would suffice.
"Did you bring a resume, Mr. Amuro?"
"Yes, here you go."
Hayashi Yoshiki skimmed the résumé, then chuckled:
"Quite the career history."
"Yes, I enjoy learning. And every job is an opportunity to grow."
"I see… judging from your experience, you must be excellent with people. Also quite skilled at driving?"
"Correct."
"Actually, I'm aiming to become a detective myself, but I know I'm not ready yet. That's why I hope to learn from you, Mr. Hayashi."
"From what I can tell, we'll be learning from each other."
"Then…"
"Let's go over the salary and duties of the assistant role."
The discussion continued with a relaxed tone.
To Amuro, this position was a low-risk opportunity:
On one hand, Hayashi Yoshiki was extremely well-known. Working with him would make for an excellent addition to his public resume—useful for his covert missions.
On the other, he was curious about the detective's almost mythical reputation.
And to top it off—he genuinely seemed easygoing and approachable.
"The assistant job isn't complicated."
"Working hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM. If clients visit or schedule appointments, I'd ask you to handle the intake and understand the nature of their request."
"I'm not interested in tracking down missing persons or adultery cases. For those, feel free to recommend Mouri Detective Agency. Of course, if you're personally interested, you're welcome to take them."
"Other than that, I'll need help checking my emails and the dropbox out front."
"That's basically it. Does that sound acceptable?"
Amuro Toru smiled brightly:
"No problem, boss. I can start today."
Chapter 155 - 155: Continuous Information
In the dead of night, Seiran Hoshi knelt in a dark apartment room, her sniper rifle protruding from a window.
Less than 600 yards away…
Through her scope, she fixated on the rider of a motorcycle speeding down the street. With a squeeze of the trigger, she fired a bullet straight through the visor of the rider's helmet.
Biu!
The bullet tore through the goggles, exploding a mist of blood inside the helmet.
The rider immediately lost control, crashing and tumbling across the pavement.
To ensure the target wouldn't survive, Seiran Hoshi calmly adjusted her scope and fired a second shot—this time into the back of his chest.
No hesitation. No waste.
Gun quickly disassembled and stowed, she was already heading for her next target.
Three.That was the number of victims tonight.All were members of the Black Organization—the infamous "winery."
What neither the Organization nor Seiran Hoshi knew, however, was that each of her "targets" had been manipulated into place by Hayashi Yoshiki himself. Lured, timed, and delivered to her gun.
This elaborate set-up ensured Seiran Hoshi could eliminate her targets efficiently, without fear of being ambushed by Gin and his men during her operation.
Still, the steadily increasing death toll among lower-level operatives had Gin boiling with rage.
Lately, he and his men had been storming "Zoo" hideouts (the rival network), only to find half the people they killed were those already compromised by Hayashi Yoshiki—walking corpses, thrown to their deaths on purpose.
As the body count rose, the animosity between the Organization and the Zoo escalated into an all-out shadow war.
A Soft Voice After Violence
Having completed her fifth kill of the night, Seiran Hoshi tapped her earpiece.
"Target eliminated. Awaiting further orders."
"Good work," came Hayashi Yoshiki's warm, always-gentle tone.
"Go take a hot bath and get some rest, Miss Seiran."
"…Yes."
As the line disconnected, Seiran Hoshi stared at the quiet screen, dazed for a moment.
New Targets, New Games
No sooner had Yoshiki hung up than his phone lit up again.
Shimizu Reiko.
"Mr. Hayashi~ I'm starting my operation tomorrow."
"Then be careful not to smudge your scope with makeup," he replied playfully.
"Yes… I will~"
Her tone was sweet—too sweet. Reiko's voice shimmered with something between flirtation and giddiness.
Tomorrow, she would eliminate Shoji Nishio.
The plan was elegant: First, she'd snipe Masaharu Nishio in his office. Then, she'd lure Ito Suehiko—her supposed partner—to the same location, letting him fire blindly at the already-dead body. With his nerves and guilt manipulated just right, he'd be convinced that he had done the killing himself and come to take credit for it.
But in the original case, it was a small, ridiculous mistake—mascara residue on the scope—that led to Reiko's downfall.
Now, feeling recognized and cared for by Mr. Hayashi, she was determined not to mess up.
"I even prepared some special clothes tonight, Mr. Hayashi…"
"Haha, Reiko, you really are a charming woman."
"Mmm~"
"But I'm busy this evening. Let's celebrate after your mission succeeds."
Click. The call ended.
Peace and Power
Yoshiki leaned back.
Amuro Tooru now managed the agency, freeing Yoshiki from the tedium of everyday detective work. Whenever new cases came in, Amuro would report directly to him.
Sometimes, he even acted as a chauffeur.
Buzz~~
A message.
Koizumi Akako: "Reply to my messages!! NOW!!!"
Yoshiki glanced at it—and ignored it.
She had already sent six or seven messages in the past few days, all attempts to provoke a reply after storming off in frustration. She was still trying to convince him he had feelings for her.
He figured he'd let her reach message eleven or twelve before finally responding, just to pull her closer when she thought she'd given up.
Buzz~ Buzz~
Another message.This time: Shimizu Reiko again.A photo.
She was standing by the window in seductive attire—high heels, fishnet stockings, tight lingerie hugging her curves.
The focus of the camera was unmistakable: the peach-like curve of her rear, enhanced by her posture. Her hands stretched behind her, adjusting the fabric as her thigh glowed under the light.
"…"
It was alluring, yes.
But Hayashi Yoshiki didn't reply.
A New Client, A Familiar Name
He tore a page from his Death Note, intending to conduct an experiment.
But before he could write, the phone rang again.
"Hello? Boss?" Amuro's voice.
"We've got a client who just showed up. She wants us to help find someone."
"At this hour?" Yoshiki glanced at the clock. It was already 9 p.m.
"Yeah, she called the agency line I left. I figured I'd come and greet her. But this case might be… worth your attention."
"Why?"
"She's the daughter of Niina Rentaro."
Hayashi Yoshiki raised an eyebrow.
Detective Samonji.
Of course, he knew the name. The fictional Ronin-style detective with a wooden sword had been hugely influential—and wildly popular.
It had even shaped the likes of Heiji Hattori, indirectly or not.
"Understood. I'll head over now."
Yoshiki glanced at the torn page of the Death Note, then slipped it into his notebook.
Perfect timing. He could use this chance to test something.
At the Office
Back at the agency, the client sat on the couch anxiously twisting her fingers.
"What did Mr. Hayashi say…?" she asked nervously.
Amuro Tooru gave her a calm smile.
"Good news. He's on his way."
"Mr. Hayashi usually turns down missing person cases or refers them elsewhere. But it looks like you're the exception, Miss Kaori Shinmei."
The woman's eyes widened.
"Th-Thank you…"
She looked relieved, but beneath the surface, something trembled.
Hayashi Yoshiki was coming. And the game was about to change again.
Chapter 156 - 156: Amuro Toru's Surprise
"Miss Kaori, please tell me the details."
Hayashi Yoshiki arrived at the office not long after being called.
Just as he stepped in, Amuro Toru—as punctual as ever—handed him a freshly brewed cup of tea.
"Yes, Mr. Hayashi. My father disappeared two months ago… and I haven't heard from him since."
Kaori Shinmei wasted no time with pleasantries. Her voice trembled with urgency.
Amuro, standing behind Hayashi Yoshiki, raised his eyebrows.
"But hasn't Mr. Rentaro Shinmei been publishing his serialized novel in Literary Times Weekly these past two months? Right up to this week?"
"What I said is true!" Kaori's voice rose slightly.
"My father and mother vanished from our home two months ago—exactly one week before the serialization resumed. He left only a note: 'I'm going out for a while.' That's all."
She clutched the fabric of her sleeves, knuckles white.
"I asked all our relatives, friends… no one has seen them."
Yoshiki gently sipped the tea. He usually wasn't fond of it—but this blend, prepared by Amuro, had a truly comforting aroma. He glanced up at him in appreciation.
"And the publisher? Have you spoken with them?" he asked.
Kaori nodded.
"Yes. They said my father faxes the manuscript every Saturday morning. But… they've never seen him in person either."
"Did you report this to the police?" Amuro asked, tapping his chin.
"I did. They issued a search warrant. But there were no ransom calls, and since manuscripts kept arriving as usual, the police just told me to be patient."
Her voice cracked. She lowered her head. Mist pooled in her eyes—and then spilled over.
"I know… Mr. Hayashi usually doesn't accept missing-person cases. But I've already gone to several agencies, and they all said the same thing. I'm out of options…"
"I see."
Hayashi Yoshiki placed the teacup down gently. The light clink of porcelain echoed softly in the quiet room.
A smile curled on his lips—warm, reassuring.
"While we normally don't take on these types of cases, the agency's purpose has always been to help those in need. Amuro, can you fetch the past issues of Literary Times Weekly from the shelf?"
Kaori looked up, stunned.
A flicker of hope returned to her eyes.
"Of course," Amuro replied, already walking to the shelf with a smile.
Yoshiki flipped through the magazines as they were brought to the desk.
"We can't rule out the possibility that your parents are simply traveling," he said. "But for Mr. Rentaro to not contact you for two months… is strange. Let's take a closer look at his latest serialized work. There might be something hidden there."
Amuro added, "Now that you mention it… Mr. Rentaro hadn't written anything for four years. Detective Samonji was over. Then, out of nowhere, he begins a new serialization—just before disappearing."
"And the new story is different in tone," he continued. "A tribute to Sherlock Holmes, in a way. He inserts himself into the narrative—becoming the Watson-like side character. He's never done that before."
"Could you help me find all the serialized chapters?" Yoshiki asked.
"Of course."
Both Amuro and Kaori immediately collected the relevant issues.
Yoshiki began scanning the pages quickly.
Amuro, unable to resist, leaned over to study them with him.
But no matter what method they used—first-line decoding, end-of-line encoding, letter-shifting ciphers, symbolic substitution, French pronunciation rules—nothing jumped out.
Was it not embedded in the text at all?
Was something missing?
Amuro looked at Kaori, who was anxiously awaiting a miracle and didn't have the heart to say the theory might be wrong.
But then—
"He's in room 2407 of the Beihu Municipal Hotel."
Yoshiki closed the book and spoke calmly.
"Huh?" Amuro blinked. "Boss?"
His jaw fell open as he looked from the novel to Yoshiki. The magazine still brimmed with densely packed, plain text.
How did he—?
"We'd better head to the Beihu Hotel now," Yoshiki said, rising.
Kaori, still stunned, hurriedly followed: "Mr. Hayashi… Is my father in danger?"
"Hard to say," Yoshiki replied. "But judging from the signature at the end of each serialized chapter… something's not right."
Hearing this, Amuro flipped through the back pages.
And there it was—clear as day.
From chapters 1 through 6, the signature was handwritten—each slightly different.
But starting from chapter 7… it was identical. A copied image of the same signature, reused again and again.
He even caught that?
Amuro was floored.
No time to dwell on it.
He grabbed the keys and drove the car himself, leaving Kaori and Yoshiki to climb into the back.
A Genius Unfolds
Halfway to the hotel, Amuro finally asked:
"Boss… why Beihu Hotel?"
"The key is in chapter one," Yoshiki replied, unfazed. "According to the story's structure, the topmost character in each line is a fragment. When you pair adjacent lines together, the fragments form new words."
"That led me to the first decoded sentence. But that cipher didn't work on the rest of the story…"
"That's because from chapter two onward, you need to combine that method with the story's internal setting—Mr. Rentaro inserted himself as a character living in Paris."
"Using that context, and the implied silent H in the French-style grammar, the full message becomes apparent once transliterated into Japanese Romaji."
He explained all this casually while replying to a few text messages on his phone.
Amuro, gripping the steering wheel, stared ahead—his thoughts racing.
Unbelievable.
To lock in on the precise clue instantly?
To decode such a layered cipher from seemingly mundane prose?
All in under five minutes?
Even while casually sipping tea and reading text messages?
He hadn't just cracked a hidden code—he'd caught the subtle change in handwriting before anyone else even opened the book.
Terrifying observation. Terrifying mind.
This was Hayashi Yoshiki is not an ordinary detective.
A phenomenon.
And the game was just beginning.
Chapter 157 - 157: The New Test and Amuro Tooru’s New Idea
Beihu City Hotel – Room 2407
Toru Amuro drove swiftly through the city. When he, Hayashi Yoshiki, and Shinname Kaori arrived on the 24th floor of the Beihu City Hotel and pushed open the door to Room 2407, they were immediately met with a surprising scene:
Shinname Kaori's mother was there.
And her father—Rentaro Shinmei, the once-renowned mystery novelist—was lying frailly on the bed, while a private doctor stood at his side, urgently checking his vitals.
"What happened?"
"Dad! What's wrong with him!?"
Kaori rushed forward in a panic, her heart sinking.
Only then did her mother step in to explain.
The Truth of His Disappearance
Rentaro Shinmei was in the terminal stages of cancer—he had been bedridden for over two weeks.
Though he had basked in forty years of praise as a writer, there was one joy he had never experienced: the fulfillment of seeing readers solve his mysteries before he revealed the answers.
To die seeing that pride, that light in their eyes… that had become his final wish.
So, with the help of his wife and his doctor, he moved into this hotel, continuing to dictate the manuscript as he could—one page at a time, chasing closure.
As for why he hadn't told Kaori?
"Just an old man's stubbornness," her mother said gently. "He didn't want the emotions to get in the way of the realism."
Amuro's Whispered Question
Amuro Tooru leaned close to Hayashi Yoshiki and whispered:
"Boss… you knew, didn't you?"
"Hmm?"
"I mean, the coded message Mr. Rentaro left at the start of the serialization—it said something like 'Please save me'. But you never alerted the police. You didn't even seem worried about it."
Hayashi Yoshiki chuckled lightly.
"Well, if he were being coerced, wouldn't it be strange that he couldn't even sign his own name?"
He sipped his tea calmly.
"From issue seven onward, the signatures stopped being handwritten—they were just copied. That means someone else was typing for him. If a criminal were forcing him to write, wouldn't they at least fake the signature to avoid suspicion? Doesn't add up, does it?"
"Ahh…"
Amuro's eyes lit up with understanding. This level of deduction, this blend of logic and empathy—it was exactly why Hayashi Yoshiki was always praised in the police force, and why the media never tired of writing about him.
Maybe I really should try to recruit him into public security... Amuro thought, picturing a future where he wasn't surrounded by clueless subordinates.
The View from the 24th Floor
Hayashi Yoshiki walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows. From the 24th floor, the night view of the city twinkled like scattered diamonds.
Behind him, Kaori was still sobbing. The doctor had just told her—Rentaro Shinmei might not make it through the night.
Yoshiki reached into his coat pocket.
He pulled out his notebook—a torn page from the Death Note.
He began to write:
Rentaro Shinmei:
Cause of death: dies peacefully in sleep Body begins to recover subtle vitality, pain fades into memory, and he passes gently in his sleep at 1:07 AM on November 6th, without suffering.
The Death Note cannot kill someone whose remaining lifespan is less than 12 minutes.
But Rentaro Shinmei likely had at least an hour or two left—so this action should take effect.
Sometimes, the Death Note can extend life—if the cause of death is written cleverly enough.
Of course, there's a limit. If Yoshiki tried to extend a terminal patient's life by, say, 23 days, the contradiction between his physical state and the delayed death would trigger a heart attack on the spot.
But here was the fun part: according to the Death Note's rules, November 6th would arrive in about an hour and a half in normal time. However, due to Death Note's time manipulation mechanics, that date could be "interpreted" as a full month away.
Hayashi Yoshiki wanted to test: Would the body conform to the written command, defying its medical limitations?
A Miracle Awakening
Suddenly, from behind—
"Dad!?"
"Mr. Rentaro, how do you feel!?"
"...I feel... fine?"
To everyone's shock, Rentaro Shinmei, bedridden for weeks, sat up with strength in his body.
The doctor paled, muttering about a "Terminal Ludicity."
His wife and Kaori burst into tears.
Even the physician wore a grave expression, thinking this was the final burst before death.
But Rentaro—he was smiling.
His gaze turned to Hayashi Yoshiki.
"So it was you who solved the mystery?"
"An honor to meet you, Mr.Rentaro Shinmei."
"Ah, I'm sorry we meet like this, hahaha! But I've admired your novels for so long. I never imagined you'd be the one to solve my final riddle. What an honor!"
"No, the honor is mine. I'm glad I could help fulfill your wish."
The two exchanged polite words like true literary gentlemen, their mutual respect shining through.
From the side, Amuro Tooru watched them, smiling quietly.
Rentaro Shinmei then turned his attention fully to his wife and daughter—his final moments, he believed, were best spent with his loved ones.
Hayashi Yoshiki and Amuro Tooru silently slipped out of the suite, leaving the family to their reunion.
Back in the Car
As they drove off into the cool night, Amuro asked:
"So, Boss—how much will you charge for this case?"
"Nothing."
"Huh?"
"I don't take missing persons commissions. Remember?"
Hayashi smiled.
Amuro blinked, then grinned. The man really lived by his own rules. Admirable and… a little hard to predict.
I really do want him in public security…
"By the way, Boss, how was the tea earlier?" Amuro asked.
"It was good."
"Haha, it's a blend I ordered specially from a friend. If you like it, I'll bring more."
"Thanks. That'd be great."
Just then—
Buzz—
A new text message arrived.
From Shimizu Reiko.
This time, instead of another sultry full-body shot, she sent a close-up of her fingers—painted red nails glistening with some ambiguous, sticky fluid strung between them.
Yoshiki glanced at it… and promptly ignored it.
Midnight Snacks and Casual Talk
"Want to grab something to eat?"
"Sure, Boss. What are you in the mood for?"
"How about… McDonald's?"
"...That's fine."
Amuro blinked, half-expecting a hidden bar, a cozy izakaya, or some secret ramen spot.
But this? It was so… normal.
He chuckled, then nodded.
Even geniuses have cravings for fries, I guess.
Chapter 158 - 158: Conan's Usage
Shinmei Kaori didn't visit again until the fourth day.
She had made a special appointment to meet with Hayashi Yoshiki, carefully dressed and carrying her belongings to the office.
"It looks like the new Rentaro-sensei is in pretty good shape."
"Yes."
In response to what Hayashi Yoshiki said, Shinmei Kaori nodded, then blinked in surprise.
"But how did Mr. Hayashi know that?"
"I think it's because of the relaxed smile on Ms. Kaori's face."
Amuro Tooru brought tea for the two of them, smiling as he spoke.
Shinmei Kaori laughed.
Her father, Shinmei Rentaro, had indeed been doing very well lately. According to him, he didn't even feel pain anymore, and he seemed more energetic by the day—completely different from the image they had of a man on his last breath.
Their family doctor had offered to re-examine him, but he waved it off.
His wish had been fulfilled. He no longer hoped for miracles for his illness-worn body. All he wanted was to spend his remaining time pain-free with his family... and in the end, the doctor respected his choice.
"Teacher Hayashi, thank you very much for your help. This is the commission I prepared—"
Shinmei Kaori took an envelope from her bag, placed it on the table with both hands and gently pushed it toward Hayashi Yoshiki.
It looked thick and heavy.
But Hayashi politely refused, explaining that he didn't accept commissions of this kind. In the end, Shinmei Kaori didn't insist and left after a short while.
"Ms. Kaori is a beautiful and remarkable woman. Doesn't the boss regret turning her down?"
"If I keep going like that, I'll eventually have no personal space at all."
"Oops?"
Amuro grinned playfully.
"Sounds like the boss has had a fair share of trouble in that department."
"That's not the case."
Hayashi smiled.
No matter what, he was always the one taking the initiative.
"Interested in the cake Ms. Kaori brought?"
"Ah, I'm not really into sweets."
"Then I'll take it."
"OK."
Hayashi looked at the time. It was about right. He picked up the cake on the table and left, leaving Amuro behind to clean up the teacups and documents.
He drove to Dr. Agasa's house. When he arrived, Haibara Ai was already waiting at the door.
Though she looked like an elementary schooler, her fashion sense was always strikingly mature. Her reddish-brown off-shoulder top and light denim shorts gave off a crisp, composed air.
"Thanks."
Once she got in the car, she said,
"Sorry for bothering you to come pick me up... but actually, I could've come to the office myself."
"It's no trouble. But I don't recommend going near my office for the time being," Hayashi said as he started the engine.
"Why?"
Haibara looked puzzled.
What Hayashi Yoshiki was referring to was Amuro Tooru...
Even if he was on the Red Team, anyone with a brewery background but not on Haibara's whitelist would instantly trigger her internal radar.
"I brought you cake. Let's eat it once we get there."
"..."
Receiving the bag of desserts, Haibara Ai fell into a brief silence.
Cointreau, do you really see me as a child?
She wasn't very fond of sweet things—more of a matcha kind of person, slightly bitter. But she said nothing. She simply held the cake quietly and stared out the window.
"Has anything happened recently?" Hayashi asked.
"Well... a lot, actually."
"Like what?"
"That guy, Edogawa."
Still watching the street pass by, she added,
"Every time I'm around him, I end up getting involved in some kind of case..."
"I thought you were going to say 'homework' or something."
"..."
So you do treat me like a child.
Hayashi's eyes stayed on the road, but he smirked.
"Too bad I write mystery novels instead of running a company. If I were a CEO, I'd send Conan to visit rival firms. Then I'd short their stocks in advance."
"..."
Such a cold joke.
But to be fair, it was still funnier than Dr. Agasa's puns.
"By the way, do you usually have pocket money?"
"Some."
After a short pause, Haibara replied,
"Dr. Agasa gives me some occasionally. I've been thinking of developing a few common-use medicines under his name and selling the patents."
"It's better not to do that. Dr. Agasa is an engineer by trade, not a chemist. And the Organization is still hunting you. Any clue might be enough for them."
"..."
Haibara's body tensed.
The peaceful elementary school life she had enjoyed lately had truly helped her heal. But she had nearly forgotten—the Organization's threat still loomed... If her identity was ever discovered, the people around her—and even Cointreau—might be collateral damage.
Seeing her suddenly fall silent, Hayashi pulled out a card at a red light and gently poked it against her cheek.
"Use it for now. Pay me back when you get the chance."
"..."
She turned her head.
On Hayashi Yoshiki's face, she saw nothing but calm.
"The light's about to turn green."
"...I'll pay it back."
In the end, she chose to accept it.
She already owed Cointreau so much. Money was the least of it. With her knowledge, as long as she could escape the Organization's grasp, she could earn anything she needed.
"That's right. Relax and smile. You'll be seeing your sister again soon, won't you?"
"Mm."
That truly was the happiest thing for her.
Lately, Hayashi Yoshiki has been using hypnosis to help Miyano Akemi slowly change her identity. As the critical date approached, if this method failed, Akemi would fall into eternal sleep.
And if that happened, Haibara Ai's spirit might break.
After finally escaping from the Organization and reuniting with her sister—only to lose her again without warning... Hayashi Yoshiki had already considered stepping in himself. Perhaps he would become her new pillar.
Chapter 159 - 159: Karasuma Renya!
"At 2 o'clock this afternoon, at the traffic light near Beika Park, the renowned detective Narusawa was shot and killed by an unknown assailant."
"The murderer remains at large."
"The National Police Agency has deployed additional officers and established an investigation headquarters at the Beika Police Station."
It was a gloomy, rainy day.The drizzle had lingered from morning till night, and the humidity weighed heavily in the air.
While waiting for the red light on a street corner, Gin and Vodka watched the news report on a massive screen.
"A cop got killed. It's like someone kicked a hornet's nest in the face,"Vodka grumbled a cigarette clamped between his lips.
The bullet wound on his arm was finally healing—it no longer ached as much, except during certain movements. Otherwise, he was fine.
Gin said nothing.
The formation of a special police task force and the increased patrol presence were now interfering with their operations.Recently, Gin had been eliminating members of hostile organizations—mostly nobodies, though a few were professional killers from unknown origins. But the sniper who ambushed them that day had not reappeared.
Peripheral operatives of the Organization had also been targeted and killed.Not just in Beika Town, but across neighboring cities—and even outside Tokyo—there were reports of slain Organization members.
Despite this, the Boss remained silent.But Rum, his second-in-command, was livid. He had mobilized many agents to gather intel on the hostile groups—intent on retaliating with a decisive strike.
All Gin could do was wait for more actionable intel.
Suddenly—
A chilling sense of danger tugged at Gin's instincts.A cold smile crept across his face as his eyes snapped toward a rooftop in the distance. There, he spotted a faint flicker—a muzzle flash.
A bullet whizzed past his head and struck the pavement, leaving a shallow dent.
Gin didn't even flinch.
"Pathetic aim at under 400 yards. That's not our sniper," he muttered coldly.
"Chianti, target's at your seven o'clock, rooftop of the white building."
"OK~" Chianti replied with glee. One more head to pop.
"Several suspicious targets near the structure," Cohen's voice chimed through the headset.
"Kill them all," Gin ordered without hesitation.
Seconds later, both assassins confirmed the job done through the earpiece.
Vodka pulled up to the scene with Gin.Peripheral operatives had already confirmed the kill.The sniper's skull had been crushed—Gin showed no reaction.
"Master Gin, there's a note in his pocket," one subordinate reported.
"Hand it over," Vodka commanded.
The agent obeyed and offered the note.
As Gin unfolded the paper, his pupils shrank.Without hesitation, he pulled out his gun and shot the subordinate directly in the forehead.
Bang!
Blood splattered through the rainfall.
"Brother!?" Vodka gasped in shock as the body collapsed, a gory hole in the head.
Was Gin losing it? Had the madness taken hold after Cointreau?
But seeing Gin's expression—eyes like icy razors, killing intent radiating from every fiber of his being—Vodka bit his tongue.
Gin clenched the note tightly in his gloved hand.
Only one thing was written on it:
Karasuma Renya
They knew.The enemy knew the true identity of that man.
Even Gin was shaken now.
He immediately took out his phone to report directly to the Boss.
Hayashi Yoshiki flipped through the pages of the Death Note.
Ever since Gin began using bait to catch the sniper, Yoshiki had been planning for this exact moment.
To be clear—Yoshiki never actually knew where Gin would be.
But that didn't matter.
All he had to do was write "shot by a sniper rifle" as the cause of death for several individuals.Statistically speaking, it was highly probable that Chianti or Cohen, brought in by Gin, would be the ones to fire.
To ensure safety, Hayashi Yoshiki also wrote down the actions of a peripheral Organization member positioned on a rooftop.
Though Gin's name never appeared, the sequence of events would inevitably pull him in.
After all, only Gin would murder his own subordinate just for glimpsing a name like Karasuma Renya.
The identity of Karasuma Renya was a well-guarded secret.Only Organization veterans and top operatives like Rum and Gin knew the truth.Even Vodka, his closest aide, was in the dark.
Karasuma Renya had hidden himself for decades.Only a vague silhouette had appeared in the canon plot. There were no photos, no portraits.As a tycoon from half a century ago, he left behind no visual traces.
This is why—even if Hayashi Yoshiki wrote his name in the Death Note, it would be useless.
Moreover, the Death Note cannot kill anyone older than 124 years—and Karasuma was already over 140.
(The waters must be muddied...)
If Karasuma Renya discovered his identity had been compromised, he would undoubtedly go berserk—obsessed with uncovering the mastermind behind the enemy organization.
Should Hayashi Yoshiki manage to trace that chaos back to the other organization's boss, he might just steal it from within.
Of course, this was the ideal outcome—a bit too perfect, maybe.
Still, it would definitely heighten tensions between the two syndicates and allow Yoshiki to thrive amidst the confusion.
What also pleased him was this:Despite never writing Gin's name, he'd managed to orchestrate a scene that roped Gin in with precision. That confirmation meant everything.
"..."
After a final review of the paper, Hayashi Yoshiki lit it with a lighter, letting the flames consume the evidence.
He returned the Death Note to his coat, then turned his gaze to the wedding invitation on his table.
"About half a month from now?"
Chapter 160 - 160: I Can Only Give You Time Until Around 5 PM.
It seemed that the rainy season had finally arrived.
Rain fell continuously, and the air—indoors and out—was always humid.
From the window of a luxury apartment on the 23rd floor, Beika-chō was blanketed in gray beneath the persistent rain.
On the sofa in the living room:
"It was done so cleanly.""That's great.""I was right about you—you're a very talented woman, Reiko."
A flash of lightning lit the sky outside.
Boom!
The room flickered briefly with white light.
A smile formed on Hayashi Yoshiki's face as he looked toward the woman before him—kneeling on the floor, gazing up at him with delight in her eyes.
"Mr. Hayashi..."
With a dreamy, almost intoxicated expression, Reiko Shimizu's face was flushed.
She wore a black bunny costume.
The thin straps over her smooth shoulders looked like they might snap if tugged. The glossy black bodysuit hugged her curvy silhouette tightly, narrowing along her waist before disappearing into an inverted triangle of fabric that bordered on scandalous.
Her long legs shimmered under sleek, black pantyhose.
"You truly are exceptional."
Hayashi Yoshiki stroked her face gently, praising her once more.
Reiko had applied bright red lipstick today. Obediently, she leaned in and presented her face for him to admire.
"However, you still need to keep an eye on Ito Suehiko's movements."
"Yes~ Once all the properties he invested in are transferred to my name, I'll handle the rest of him..."
With a fiery glint in her eyes, Reiko tucked her hair behind her ear with delicate fingertips.
She confessed everything to Hayashi Yoshiki without hesitation.
From the way she shot Shōji Nishio and framed Suehiko Ito, to how she convinced Ito to destroy his rifle and tamper with his car—so he'd die without a trace—she spared no details.
But Suehiko Ito had survived.
Though left completely hemiplegic, he eventually disappeared from the hospital.The police had now issued a wanted notice for him.
The only thing different from the original plan was that Reiko Shimizu had wiped all traces from the rifle scope, sparing her from police suspicion or summons.
"Told you I cleaned everything up~"
She hesitated slightly. Her half-lidded, peach-like eyes shimmered with desire.
"Mr. Hayashi was so worried... He finally agreed to see me today."
"I've just been very busy lately."
Hayashi Yoshiki patted her head like one would a dog, even as his gaze remained fixed on the TV.
The news was reporting the recent wave of shootings.
Over the past two weeks, several criminal investigators had been shot dead by unknown assailants. A criminal investigation manual had been left beside each of their bodies.
Speculation ran rampant—were these acts of radical terrorism or vengeance by violent gangs? The special police investigation unit had yet to release any statements.
What intrigued Hayashi Yoshiki was that things had oddly returned to normal over the last half-month.
—Starting, it seemed, from the moment he received that wedding invitation.
He had encountered such phenomena before. Time or fate seemed to settle after certain triggers... but never for this long.
Suddenly—
"What are you doing with your hands?"
He looked down.
Reiko Shimizu had begun acting a little restless.
"...Because I've been waiting for Mr. Hayashi for so long."
"You really do love to act spoiled."
Though he said so with feigned annoyance, Hayashi Yoshiki was clearly pleased—especially at the way she trembled faintly with joy.
"But I can only give you time until around five in the afternoon."
Around 5:30 PM,Hayashi Yoshiki returned to the Beika Second Apartment to pick up Kisaki Eri, and together they headed to the Beika Sun Plaza Hotel.
It was a truly upscale venue.
He handed the car keys to the valet, then walked into the banquet hall with Eri, who looked radiant in her formal suit.
Today was the wedding celebration of Shiratori Ninzaburo's sister, Shiratori Sara. Though it wasn't a wedding ceremony, it was a grand affair attended by many political and business elites.
"I didn't expect to receive an invitation," Hayashi remarked.
"Why so modest?" Eri chuckled. "With your current status and reputation, it would be strange if people didn't invite you, Yoshiki."
"Is that so?"
He returned her smile.
Sara Shiratori, a promising future attorney, was a junior of Eri Kisaki—so she, too, had been invited.
They signed the guest books one after another.
The names Kogorō Mōri and Ran Mōri were already written there.Seeing this, Eri Kisaki smiled, clearly pleased, and headed off to find her daughter.
"Mom~ Donburi~!"
Ran Mōri had been waiting at the entrance. As soon as she spotted Eri, she waved enthusiastically.
"Brother Yoshiki~!" she added, smiling at Hayashi.
"How long have you been waiting?" Eri asked as she approached, her tone warm.
"Not long. I just dropped my bag at the check-in desk."
"Conan is here too," Hayashi added, raising a hand toward the boy."Where's Uncle Mōri?"
"Dad went inside. He saw someone he knew."
Ran looked toward her mother with a hint of caution.
But Eri Kisaki was still smiling.
"Alright, let's go in together."
The four entered the bustling banquet hall.
Even with its spacious layout, the crowd made it feel a bit tight.
"Inspector Megure and the others are here too," Conan observed, spotting the Inspector and other officers nearby.
"Ah, lots of police around. You can spot them right away," Eri remarked with a chuckle."They've all got such stern faces."
She even noticed Kogorō Mōri, currently chatting with his former superior.
Hayashi Yoshiki studied the crowd carefully.
There were many powerful people present. If the Death Note were used to manipulate any of them, the resulting impact would be enormous.
"But the mood feels heavy—makes the whole event uncomfortable."
"It's probably the recent string of cases," Hayashi replied with a faint smile."No one's in the mood to celebrate."