Ch. 161..170

Chapter 161 - 161: Hayashi Yoshiki’s Illness?

The party bustled with guests moving back and forth.

Hayashi Yoshiki hadn't expected to become the center of attention suddenly—but shortly after he arrived, a crowd of admirers gathered around him asking for autographs.

Watching him politely and gracefully attend to his fans, the corners of Kisaki Eri's lips curled up.

She turned to her daughter.

"Yoshiki has always been popular, especially now that he's become more well-known."

"Yeah! A lot of girls at our school like Brother Yoshiki," Ran nodded cheerfully.

Seeing her daughter remain a little dense about certain things, Eri smiled and said nothing.

At the moment, Hayashi Yoshiki couldn't excuse himself from the crowd.

But soon, Kogorō Mōri returned after speaking with his former superior.

He looked toward Eri, cleared his throat, and tried to maintain composure—though he couldn't help but mutter when he saw Yoshiki surrounded by women:

"Why are there so many girls around him?"

"Right? I haven't even had the chance to say hi to Yoshiki-nii yet!"

Suzuki Sonoko appeared suddenly.

Today, she wore an elegant dress and had left her headband behind, revealing her natural beauty—enough to turn heads. Yet, she stood beside Ran with her hands on her hips, pouting like a child.

Just then, the bride and groom stepped into the spotlight of the banquet hall.

After a long round of toasts, Hayashi Yoshiki was finally able to slip away.

"Sonoko, you look stunning today."

"Really!?"

"Yes. I noticed quite a few boys sneaking glances at you."

"Pfft, I'm not interested in any of those guys."

Sonoko waved her hand dismissively, slightly giddy.

Hayashi Yoshiki smiled.

At that moment, Shiratori Ninzaburō approached—with the psychologist Fudō Kyōsuke at his side.

Yoshiki gave him a polite smile, which was returned with a nod.

"Mr. Mōri, Mr. Hayashi," Shiratori greeted them.

"Congratulations, Officer Shiratori!"

"Thank you both for coming. My sister truly appreciates it."

Shiratori seemed genuinely happy today. He then turned to introduce his companion.

"By the way, allow me to introduce my physician, Dr. Fudō Kyōsuke."

"My surname is Fudō. Pleased to meet you."

Though he had been hypnotized to believe his name was Fudō Kyōsuke, he still lived under that identity, subtly shaped by Hayashi Yoshiki.

"So Officer Shiratori is seeing a psychiatrist too?"

"Yes. Management work comes with a lot of stress, and I didn't have much choice."

Shiratori smiled wryly.

Conan picked up on something.

"Also? Does that mean Brother Yoshiki is seeing a psychiatrist too?"

"Yes. It seems Officer Shiratori and I are both patients of Dr. Fudō."

"Eh? Yoshiki-kun?"

"Brother Yoshiki, why would you need a psychiatrist?"

"Yoshiki?"

The two girls—and Kogorō Mōri—were clearly shocked.

Eri Kisaki had known about it, but she had never spoken publicly.

Fudō Kyōsuke smiled and explained:

"Mr. Hayashi's mental health is actually stable. All the tests and sessions show he's quite healthy."

"If there's nothing wrong, why see a doctor at all?" Kogorō asked bluntly.

"Yoshiki's dealing with something else," Eri added.

"Yes. I experience time disorientation. In simple terms, I have difficulty perceiving the passage of time... But it's manageable, and I've grown used to it."

Seeing their concerned expressions, Hayashi Yoshiki decided to explain openly.

"Time disorientation...?"

"You can't tell when the date changes?"

At first, the group was confused. But after Fudō Kyōsuke gave a short explanation, the two girls sighed, looking worried and a little sad—leaving Hayashi Yoshiki somewhat speechless.

Even Conan was stunned.

He had never imagined someone as capable as Yoshiki suffered from something so odd—and had never once brought it up.

Why hide it?

"Well... I hope that's the only issue."

Kogorō Mōri patted Yoshiki's shoulder earnestly.

"Actually, I think you should see a psychiatrist too, Uncle Mōri."

"Huh?"

Kogorō blinked, caught off guard.

But Hayashi Yoshiki continued, more seriously now:

"While I haven't seen you solve cases myself, according to reports about 'Sleeping Kogorō'—how every case is solved perfectly after you nod off—I wonder if there's a psychological component."

"If that's the case, it might resemble a second personality," Fudō Kyōsuke added.

"Wha—no way! That can't be true!"

Maōri looked flustered, scratching the back of his head.

"Isn't that just my genius at work?"

"You should really get checked," Eri Kisaki suggested.

"Right. At least you'll get clarity," Ran echoed.

People often misunderstood "split personality" to mean a Jekyll-and-Hyde scenario. For the layperson, it could sound sinister.

Kogorō frowned.

He recalled how his neck would ache sharply before falling asleep at each case.Could that be the moment his supposed second personality took over?

Conan, unable to speak up among the adults, just smiled awkwardly and kept his secrets to himself.

In the end, Kogorō Mōri accepted Fudō Kyōsuke's business card.

At that moment, Megure Jūzō passed by with Takagi Wataru. Mōri stepped forward to greet them.

After a quick hello, Kogorō asked about the ongoing investigation into the shooting case. To his surprise, Megure, who was usually talkative, coldly waved him off and left without another word.

"That's odd… Why wouldn't he talk to me about it?"

Mōri had been following this case for over two weeks. As a former detective, it naturally piqued his interest.

"There must be something he can't tell you," Conan said, hands in his pockets.

"Need not to know."

Hayashi Yoshiki suddenly spoke up.

Mōri was momentarily stunned. His expression stiffened.

"It means 'you don't need to know.' It's a phrase criminal investigators use when a case involves internal affairs and cannot be disclosed to outsiders. It's not grammatically perfect, but very common."

Yoshiki looked at Mōri again.

"That's just my guess. But given your relationship with Inspector Megure, I can't think of another reason."

 

 

Chapter 162 - 162: Pragmatism

After realizing that the matter might have serious connections to the police, Kogorō Mōri decided not to dig any further.

After all, he was no longer part of the force.

Getting involved unnecessarily would only be a nuisance, and he trusted that Inspector Megure and his superiors would handle things properly.

Hayashi Yoshiki picked up a glass of champagne and took a few sips.

The party continued.

The bride and groom were now making their way around the venue, offering greetings to all the guests.

"Huh? Didn't the groom say anything when he proposed to you?""Yeah, he was the last person I expected to say something like that."

Shiratori Sara laughed as she clutched her bouquet. Her new husband scratched the back of his head, clearly embarrassed.

But Kisaki Eri couldn't resist chiming in:

"It's better to marry an honest man like that. The ones who are too smooth-talking are usually the ones you have to watch out for."

Oops...

Hayashi Yoshiki took another sip of champagne and chose not to participate in that conversation.

Sonoko glanced at him, eyebrows raised.

"But I feel like Yoshiki-nii is exactly the kind of guy who would say sweet things like that."

"..."

Holding his glass, Yoshiki smiled warmly.

"Am I? I'm not so sure. I prefer sincerity. Words spoken casually and from the heart often hold more weight than lines that are carefully crafted—they can come off fake or forced."

"Ah, I totally agree!" said the groom, nodding vigorously.

"You always agree whenever something sounds good to you, huh?" Sara elbowed him playfully.

The women around them burst into laughter.

"But Yoshiki is right," Kisaki Eri added with a smile."Don't just listen to what someone says. Pay attention to what they do."

Ran and Sonoko nodded in agreement, though Eri couldn't tell if they really understood. Still, they were at that age where dreams of sweet romance felt more important than practical advice—so she let them be.

Suddenly, voices raised in a heated argument drew everyone's attention.

They turned to see Odagiri Toshiro—Mōri Kogorō's former boss—arguing with a sharply dressed young man with spiky hair and a rebellious attitude.

"That's his son, Toshiya. I heard he's in a rock band," Kogorō explained.

Shiratori Ninzaburō quickly stepped in, trying to calm his superior down, but Odagiri Toshiro was still furious. At one point, he snapped:

"You stray dog—don't come here looking for food!"

Without arguing back, Toshiya slung his guitar bag over his shoulder and walked away.

Hayashi Yoshiki didn't pay it much attention. He set his champagne on the table and quietly made his way to the restroom.

He hadn't seen Fudō Kyōsuke for some time.

Currently, the police believed the murderer responsible for killing multiple officers might be connected to someone inside the upper echelons—so they hadn't considered involving outsiders. Neither Mōri Kogorō nor Hayashi Yoshiki could intervene.

Still, it was a major case. If solved, it would carry significant weight.

But that didn't mean Ran had to suffer.

According to the original sequence of events, Ran was chatting with Officer Sato in the bathroom when the hotel's power was sabotaged, plunging the entire floor into darkness. In the panic, Ran picked up a flashlight left by Fudō Kyōsuke, accidentally exposing their position…

In other words—Hayashi Yoshiki simply needed to keep Ran away from Officer Sato.

(Honestly...)

While flushing, he glanced down and saw two lipstick marks on the toilet bowl. It made him laugh softly.

Reiko Shimizu may have been ruthless and calculating, but she was capable, obedient, and had a clean background.

Hayashi Yoshiki was a pragmatist.

To achieve his goals, he needed capable allies—even dangerous ones.

After washing his hands and drying them with a tissue, he checked the time and sent a message he had prepared earlier.

"Call her now."

A moment later, he received a single-word reply:

"Received."

At that very moment, Seiran Hoshi was standing outside the Mika-Sun Plaza Hotel.

She was tall and stunning, her short skirt revealing a pair of long, black-stockinged legs that drew countless stares. But Seiran Hoshi paid no attention to them.

After receiving Hayashi Yoshiki's message, she immediately called Ran.

Her task was simple: get Ran to come downstairs. There was only one rule—don't arouse suspicion. The method was up to her.

So Seiran Hoshi brought a gift.

She planned to ask Ran to deliver it to Mr. Hayashi, saying she was too embarrassed to do it herself—perhaps because she had a crush on him and he wasn't interested.

The phone connected immediately.

"Hello, Ran? Good evening."

"Oh, sorry—Sister Ran isn't here right now. Can I ask her to call you back later?"

"You're... Conan?"

Seiran Hoshi blinked, surprised to hear the familiar voice of a child.

Inside the banquet hall, Conan also noticed that the woman's voice sounded familiar—but he didn't dwell on it.

"Yeah, she just went to the bathroom. Please wait a moment."

"Alright then."

She paused, then added,

"Conan, when Ran returns, can you ask her to call me?"

"OK."

Conan hung up without much thought.

He'd been interrupted while talking to Genta, and when his phone died, he borrowed Ran's. Less than a minute later, she had gone to the bathroom.

Outside, Seiran Hoshi was beginning to wonder if she should report this to Hayashi Yoshiki.She still didn't know why he wanted Ran called down—but it seemed there was a time limit.

She quickly sent a follow-up text.

Meanwhile, just as Hayashi Yoshiki returned to the banquet hall entrance—

"Teacher Hayashi, please sign for me!""Teacher Hayashi!!""Can you shake my hand?"

A group of excited girls surrounded him.

With a professional smile, he pulled out his pen and began signing autographs.

But before he could even check his phone...

Bang!

The entire floor was plunged into darkness.

 

 

Chapter 163 - 163: Ran Loses Her Memory

Icy water gushed from broken pipes.

Darkness cloaked everything.

Ran Mōri collapsed onto the cold, flooded floor, dazed, her body tangled with Sato Miwako, who had fallen with her.

"Officer Sato? Officer Sato? Are you okay? Please, wake up…"

There was no response.

Blood seeped from Sato Miwako's shoulder, mingling with the puddles spreading across the ground.

Unable to see anything in the pitch black, Ran instinctively tried to help her up—but the moment her hand reached Sato's ribs, she recoiled at the wet, warm, sticky sensation.

She brought her trembling hand up to her face.

Blood...

So much blood—staining her palms red.

In the dim reflection of the water, she could barely make out the crimson streaks trickling from her fingers.

Her hands started to shake.

Her breathing quickened.

Her vision blurred.

"This is my fault… If I hadn't picked up that flashlight—"

But people rarely grasp the moment things truly happen.

From the instant, she instinctively grabbed the flashlight during the power outage…To the sudden flash of a gunshot…To Sato Miwako's panic-stricken face, ordering her to drop the flashlight and take cover…

Then—Miwako, lying there in a pool of her own blood.

The crushing fear and overwhelming guilt surged like a tsunami.

Ran Mōri screamed—and fainted.

Moments later, chaos erupted in the banquet hall.

"RAN!!!""Officer Sato!? Officer Sato!""Call an ambulance—now!!""Shiratori, seal all hotel exits immediately!"

The emergency lights flickered on. The entire floor was re-illuminated.

Kogorō Mōri held his unconscious daughter, breathing a sigh of relief when he realized she wasn't wounded. But when his eyes fell upon Sato Miwako—bleeding, barely conscious—his jaw clenched.

Hayashi Yoshiki stood silently, staring at the scene.

Then he walked forward, crouched beside Mōri, and gently helped him lift Ran.

"The floor's soaked. It's freezing."

"Ah… yeah…"

Maōri, still stunned, hadn't even noticed.

Hayashi Yoshiki took out a handkerchief and wiped the blood from Ran's hands and cheeks.

Kogorō remained quiet, watching.

"Uncle! Brother Yoshiki! There's a pistol here!"

Conan's voice rang out.

He pointed to a silenced 9mm automatic pistol—dropped at the scene.

It matched the same model used by the criminal responsible for the recent police shootings.

A flashlight lay nearby, half submerged in water.

Paramedics arrived swiftly.

Officer Sato, seriously wounded, was stretchered into the ambulance first—Ran, still unconscious, followed.

All hotel entrances were now sealed.

"Everyone except children will undergo a gunpowder residue test!""No exceptions!""That includes me—and every officer here! No one leaves until it's done!"

Faced with growing unrest among the guests, Odagiri Toshiro barked the order grimly.

Hundreds of guests were tested one by one. All results came back negative.

Tension mounted.

Gunpowder residue is a key piece of evidence in any shooting investigation—and not something easily cleaned off.Had the shooter really escaped again?

No other clues were found at the scene.

Unable to detain guests indefinitely, the police had no choice but to begin releasing them.

Hayashi Yoshiki said nothing.

Instead, he drove Kogorō Mōri and the others to the nearest hospital—Beika Yakushino Hospital.

There, they joined Inspector Megure and other officers on the floor where Sato Miwako was in surgery. Ran remained unconscious in a nearby ward.

"It's okay—Ran isn't physically injured. She's probably just in shock," Hayashi Yoshiki reassured Kisaki Eri, whose worry was etched on her face.

"Mm…"

Kisaki nodded faintly.

She and Sonoko hurried to check on Ran, leaving Kogorō, who had questions, behind to confront Megure.

Hayashi Yoshiki checked his phone.

Seiran Hoshi: "Sir… did I mess up?"

Hayashi: "Don't worry. You did great, Ms. Seiran."

He sent the reply calmly.

There was nothing to blame her for. She had only followed his instructions. He hadn't anticipated Ran lending her phone to Conan at that critical moment.

Or perhaps… he had simply taken too much for granted.

More police officers arrived at the hospital, reporting to Megure.He still tried to keep the details from Hayashi Yoshiki and the others—but this only enraged Kogorō Mōri.

"Inspector Megure! Don't you understand!? If anything had gone wrong, my daughter could have been killed!"

"Something's wrong! Brother Yoshiki—Ran—!"

Sonoko burst out of the ward in a panic, high heels clacking against the tile.

"What happened!?"

"Ran's awake, but… she's acting strange!"

"What!?"

Everyone rushed toward the ward.

Inside, they found Ran, now changed into a hospital gown, sitting up in bed.

Conan exhaled in relief.

"Sister Ran, are you okay?"

"..."

Her eyes unfocused, Ran blinked blankly at him.

"Little boy… who are you?"

"..."

The room fell into stunned silence.

Cold sweat trickled down Mōri's forehead.

He took a hesitant step forward.

"This… can't be…"

"She doesn't remember us. Not even her own name," Kisaki Eri said softly, resting a hand on her daughter's shoulder, eyes red with emotion.

Mōri, unable to accept the reality, made a move to approach her—but Hayashi Yoshiki gently stopped him.

"Wait, Uncle Mōri."

He placed a firm hand on his shoulder.

"I understand how you feel. But if you approach her suddenly, it might frighten her more. She looks very overwhelmed right now."

Mōri hesitated, then took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm.

Hayashi Yoshiki pulled a small notebook from his coat and flipped to a marked page.

He stepped slowly toward Ran.

"Alright."

"Don't try to force your memories right now. You've been through enough today, Ran."

He gently handed her the notebook.

"Take a look at this.""Do you recognize any of the words?"

 

 

Chapter 164 - 164: This Is Your Last Night of Freedom

"...Edogawa Kebei?""Edogawa... Corgi."

When asked to read the words in her notebook, Ran pronounced them slowly.

The ward was completely silent.

Inspector Megure, Shiratori Ninzaburō, and the others couldn't help but glance at Edogawa Conan, who stood beside them. Despite the bizarre moment, they kept serious expressions—this was no time for levity.

Conan remained still, unreadable.

"Then, Ran, can you write here which country New York is a city in?"

"...Okay."

Ran reached out and took the pen from Hayashi Yoshiki.

She uncapped it, slowly took the notebook, and carefully wrote the word: "America."

"Thank you for your effort."

Yoshiki reached out and took the pen and notebook back.

"Ran, do you remember what you like to eat?"

"I..."

Ran opened her mouth instinctively, then looked at Yoshiki's face with confusion clouding her gaze.

"I don't know."

"That's okay. You're just a little tired."

Yoshiki smiled gently, his eyes narrowing slightly.

To lose all memories—including recognition of herself—was already terrifying and disorienting. The added anxiety from others would only deepen her distress.

"Don't worry. Everyone here cares about you, Ran. It's okay if you can't remember right now—no one will blame you."

With those reassuring words, Yoshiki stood up.

He glanced at Kogorō Mōri, then quietly exited the room.

Seeing this, Kisaki Eri turned to Sonoko Suzuki, who was standing nearby wiping tears from her eyes.

"Sonoko... please stay with Ran for me."

"Okay."

The girl wiped her red eyes and nodded firmly.

Conan followed Inspector Megure and the others out of the room.

"Ran's condition might be retrograde amnesia," Yoshiki said outside."It's a memory disorder triggered by trauma or a major psychological shock, preventing recall of memories before the incident."

"...Yoshiki, do you know something about this?"

"He's studied psychology for personal reasons," Eri explained quietly, tears forming in her eyes as they stepped away from the ward.

"The good news is, Ran's basic knowledge and common sense are intact. She should have no trouble resuming a normal life once she recovers."

"Is that so?"

"Still, a detailed examination is necessary. Let's wait for a doctor's assessment."

"Then I'll ask Dr. Fudō to come in now."

Shiratori Ninzaburō quickly pulled out his phone.

It was a perfect opportunity for Yoshiki—he had been eager to see Kyōsuke Fudō again.

When Dr. Fudō arrived, he performed a series of tests on Ran, confirming the diagnosis was consistent with what Yoshiki had already said.

It was now past midnight.

Officer Sato's emergency surgery had just concluded as well. The bullet had been removed, but she remained unconscious and in critical condition.

"I'll walk Dr. Fudō out," Yoshiki offered.

"No need, Mr. Hayashi," Dr. Fudō replied with a polite smile."You probably have a lot on your mind. I'll take a taxi."

Mōri gave Yoshiki a subtle nod of thanks. He planned to speak with Megure about the case—now that it had affected Ran, he couldn't just stand by. He also hoped Yoshiki could help find the culprit more quickly.

"I mostly want to discuss Ran's condition with Dr. Fudō and ask what to watch for."

"I see..."

Mōri nodded seriously.

"Then I'll leave it to you. I'll share what I learn from Inspector Megure later."

"Okay." Yoshiki smiled faintly.

He and Fudō headed down to the parking lot, where a Mercedes-Benz E-W210 waited with its engine running.

"Who's that?" Dr. Fudō asked, noticing the striking woman behind the wheel.

"Seiran Hoshi. My assistant."

Yoshiki opened the back door.

"Please sit up front, Dr. Fudō."

"Of course."

The car roared quietly through the sleeping city.

Streetlights streaked across the windows in silence. The mood in the vehicle was strangely heavy.

Dr. Fudō shifted uncomfortably.

Why had he been asked to sit in the front?

"Kyōsuke."

"Yes, Mr. Hayashi?"

"Thank you very much."

"It's nothing. Don't mention it. I'm sure Ran will recover soon."

"That's not what I'm thanking you for."

"...What do you mean?"

"You've helped me a lot. I've learned so much about psychology from you—and your book recommendations have been valuable."

"But more than anything… tonight, you've helped me complete something very important."

Dr. Fudō froze.

Through the rearview mirror, he saw Yoshiki sitting calmly in the back seat, holding a black notebook in his lap. His eyes were unreadable.

"The world is a locked room. Whoever holds the key rules everything."

"I used to believe that. But you've shown me something else—plans can't keep up with real change."

"I got ahead of myself. That was my arrogance."

"Still, I think this is the best outcome possible."

"Ran's condition isn't critical. Compared to what might've happened... this is acceptable to me."

Fudō broke into a cold sweat.

He now understood that Yoshiki knew—knew everything.Knew that he, Dr. Kyōsuke Fudō, was the one who had caused Ran's memory loss.

But how?

Hadn't everything gone perfectly—except for that unexpected flashlight?

He couldn't admit it.

He had a hidden weapon, just in case. After all, Ran had shone the flashlight directly on his face.

But now that she had amnesia, he had felt a temporary sense of relief…Still, retrograde amnesia could be reversed.

Eventually, she might remember.

He had to silence her.

As Fudō slowly reached for his weapon—

Click.

Seiran Hoshi, who had been driving silently, turned her wrist and leveled a gun at his temple.

"!!"

Fudō's pupils contracted. His body froze, soaked in sweat.

Behind him, Yoshiki calmly closed the notebook.

The car rolled to a stop.

"This is far enough, Kyōsuke. You're home now."

"..."

"This is your last night of freedom."

The words hit like a hammer.

Dr. Fudō's gaze turned hollow. He unbuckled his seatbelt and exited the vehicle without resistance.

Seiran Hoshi looked to Yoshiki.

"You're not going to kill him, sir?"

"No need." Yoshiki smiled."He's already dead."

That was enough for Seiran. She said nothing more and resumed driving—back to the apartment where Yoshiki had asked her to deliver the car the next morning.

After a while, they reached the destination.

"I'm sorry, sir."

"What for?"

"I failed the task you gave me today…"

"I told you—it's not your fault. You followed my instructions. If something went wrong, it's on me."

Yoshiki closed his notebook and looked at her.

"Besides, I'm not the kind of man to obsess over one mistake. Honestly, I'm in a good mood right now."

"But..."

Seiran gripped the wheel tightly.

She was trained to believe that failure was failure, period.

Yoshiki lowered his gaze slightly.

"Alright, get in the back seat."

"Y-Yes..."

She obediently unbuckled and climbed into the back.

"Sir..."

"I said I don't mind. But the fact that you care so much about disappointing me—well, that makes me happy."

Yoshiki stroked her cheek gently, and looked into her pale gray eyes.

"So, do you want anything?"

"...Excuse me."

She whispered as she reached for his waist.

Then her eyes caught the two lipstick marks on his shirt.

Startled, she leaned in, using her lips to erase them.

Yoshiki ran a hand through her hair softly.

The next morning, Hayashi Yoshiki returned to the hospital.

Inside the ward, he saw Kisaki Eri sitting beside Ran's bed, caring for her gently.

"Is she sleeping?"

"Yes… She didn't fall asleep until very late."

Eri glanced at Yoshiki, then looked again at her sleeping daughter.

"Where's Uncle Mōri?"

"He finally went to rest. He stayed with her all night. I just got up to take his place."

"Did you sleep well, Yoshiki?"

"Well enough. Are Inspector Megure and the others still here?"

"Yes. I heard Officer Sato had a close call during the night. They've been keeping watch here."

"Then I'll go find them."

Yoshiki left the room.

Shortly after, Dr. Fudō Kyōsuke appeared in his white coat.

He acted as though nothing had happened the night before.

He informed Eri that Ran was scheduled for an MRI at 10 a.m., then left with a smile.

As he exited, he ran into Yoshiki, who had returned with Inspector Megure and Shiratori.

"Mr. Hayashi—"

Before he could finish, Yoshiki walked forward and punched him hard in the stomach.

Wham!

Fudō Kyōsuke doubled over, choking in pain. Megure and Shiratori gasped in shock.

"Yoshiki!?"

"Thank you for your help, Inspector. Please arrest him."

He stomped on Fudō's back to keep him down.

"What's going on!?"

Kogorō Mōri came running, worry etched on his face.

"He's the killer, Uncle Mōri."

"What!?"

"You called me last night to discuss details of the case. From what I've confirmed this morning—there's no doubt. The murderer is Fudō Kyōsuke."

"But he passed the gunpowder test!" Shiratori protested.

"He used a modified umbrella. It blocked the residue."

Yoshiki then detailed everything:The transparent umbrella, the glove, the escape plan... and how it all pointed to Fudō.

Combined with last night's insights—his left-handedness, psychological motives, and the first victim's silent clue—there could be no doubt.

Megure and Shiratori immediately restrained the stunned doctor.

"This bastard!!"

Kogorō Mōri lunged, and grabbed Fudō by the collar, ready to deliver justice himself.

Yoshiki, watching silently, turned to Megure.

"Is Officer Sato alright?"

"It's hard to say…"

Shiratori's face darkened.

 

 

Chapter 165 - 165: I Don’t Seem to See Brother Yoshiki in the Photo Album?

Kyōsuke Fudō had been arrested, but Ran's condition remained unresolved.

Yakushino Hospital promptly assigned a new chief physician.

After an MRI confirmed there was no brain damage, the hospital deemed her stable and cleared her for discharge.

Kogorō Mōri was quick to arrange it.

"I think we should wait until later—or even tomorrow, Uncle Mōri."

"Why?"

"I'm worried Ran might feel uneasy."

Hayashi Yoshiki sat by the bed, peeling an orange. He handed a segment to Conan, then another to Ran.

"She's been here since she woke up. For someone with no memory, this ward feels safe. Sending her home too soon might scare her."

"So we're supposed to let her live in the hospital forever?"

"Of course not. But don't you have photo albums or something at home?"

Yoshiki smiled, popping the last piece of orange into his mouth.

"Letting Ran look through those photos first might help her get familiar with her life again."

"Yoshiki is right," Kisaki Eri agreed."Looking at old photos might trigger some memories."

"Alright, I'll head home right now and find it!"

Mōri stood up and rushed out of the ward.

Conan watched his back, then looked at Yoshiki.

"Brother Yoshiki, do you think a good mood will help Ran recover her memories?"

"I'm not sure," Yoshiki said."But I do know she was badly frightened. The most important thing now is making sure she feels safe."

"That's thoughtful, Yoshiki."

Kisaki patted his shoulder gently.

Just as always, this boy was reliable.

"Thanks..."

Ran, now sitting up in bed, gave him a soft, sincere thank-you.

At that moment, Kogorō Mōri reappeared in the doorway.

"Wait—I don't even know if we have a photo album at home!"

"..."

Kisaki Eri stared at him, speechless.

"I know!" Conan said."Ran kept it in the room on the third floor, inside that cabinet she rarely opens."

"Good!"

The middle-aged man dashed off again in a hurry.

Yoshiki smiled as he received a message from Sonoko, checking on Ran's condition and saying she was on her way.

"Ran's doing okay. If Sonoko brings some photo albums, they could help her recovery."

"Oh! Then I'll swing by home and grab them first!"

"Actually, I'd like to go too. It's been a while since I looked through those albums with Ran," said Eri, picking up her bag.

That left Conan and Yoshiki alone in the ward to care for Ran.

Conan had many questions swirling in his mind as he watched Yoshiki peel another orange.

But seeing Ran quietly sitting in bed, he chose not to ask anything just yet.

Yoshiki handed him another slice.

Conan chewed—and winced.

"This is so sour!"

"Then I won't give that one to Ran."

Yoshiki started peeling a fresh one and passed another segment to Conan.

Conan stared at him blankly.

So the first orange was just a test subject—for him?

Before long, Sonoko arrived.

Unlike her styled hair from the day before, today she wore a headband that Ran might find familiar.

After greeting Yoshiki, she immediately turned her attention to Ran.

"Sonoko, can I leave Ran in your care? I need to stop by the office and I'll be back soon."

"Of course, Brother Yoshiki. Leave her to me."

Yoshiki nodded to both Ran and Conan, then headed for the parking lot.

As soon as he opened the car door, a distinct odor wafted up from the back seat—an unmistakable blend of sweat, body fluids, and lingering warmth. Some rather obvious marks were left on the seat.

Gotta wash the car.

Without another thought, Yoshiki started the engine and left Yakushino Hospital.

The first visitor to arrive afterward was Dr. Agasa, accompanied by the kids from the Junior Detective League.

When Ayumi and the others learned about Ran's condition, they had insisted on visiting her—and even brought flowers they'd bought together.

"Sister Ran, these flowers are from all of us. Please get well soon!"

"Thank you…"

Ran accepted the bouquet, and seeing the children's sincere faces gave her a spark of energy.

"I'm sorry… I don't remember anyone right now."

"No way!"

"Sister Ran used to make snacks for us!"

"Hey, don't put too much pressure on her," Sonoko gently warned them.

Then she turned back to Ran, smiling as she brought out the photo album.

There were many pictures of Ran—some from when she was very young.

As Sonoko told the stories behind each photo, her tone animated and sentimental, Ran couldn't recall the memories… but she found comfort in Sonoko's teary eyes and unwavering dedication.

Then, Kogorō Mōri burst into the room again.

Disheveled, with dark circles under his eyes, he carried a thick photo album in his hands.

"I found it! Here it is!"

"Mm…"

Unlike Sonoko, who explained the stories behind the photos, Mōri simply sat and watched his daughter in silence—hope and worry in his eyes.

Ran slowly flipped through the album.

Images of everyday life… moments frozen in time… the younger versions of Kogorō and Eri... Everything felt unfamiliar, yet oddly reassuring.

Eventually, a small sense of peace settled in her heart as she confirmed:

These are really my parents.

But something caught her attention.

A photograph from elementary school—of her standing next to a boy who looked exactly like Conan, only without glasses.

"Conan… why do you still look like that?"

"Ah—hahaha! That's Shinichi-nii! Kudo Shinichi!"

"Kudo Shinichi?"

"Yeah, I'm just a distant relative. We look kinda similar, right?"

Conan scratched his head and laughed awkwardly.

He hadn't expected that.

Thankfully, with her memories gone, Ran didn't suspect anything and simply nodded.

But as she reached the end of the album, her brow furrowed.

"I don't think I see Brother Yoshiki in the album?"

There were photos of her parents, Sonoko, Conan, and even the Junior Detective League kids at the back…

But not a single picture of Hayashi Yoshiki.

 

Chapter 166 - 166: Hayashi Yoshiki's Past Photos

Ran was deeply moved by Hayashi Yoshiki.

Beyond his looks, he was also very gentle…

Maybe others hadn't noticed, but Ran could feel it. The concern and guilt in his eyes when he looked at her were unmistakably real.

That person… he must be very important to me, right?

Yet, he hadn't appeared in the photo album.

"Well, we didn't know Yoshiki until later," Sonoko replied brightly.

"You didn't know him?"

"Yeah! We first met him at one of his book signings. Then suddenly, he announced that he was your brother or something—it was such a shock!"

"I'm sorry… I really don't remember."

"Why do you keep apologizing? No one's asking you to remember right now."

"That's right, Sister Ran," Conan added."Just take your time. There's no need to stress."

Faced with their caring expressions, Ran pursed her lips and nodded slightly.

A few moments later, Kisaki Eri entered the room.

"What's with all the excitement in here?"

She chuckled, then nodded to Dr. Agasa.

"Thank you for coming, Dr. Agasa."

"Ah, it's been a while, Eri."

"Are you feeling better, Ran?"

"...Mm."

"If you need a break, just say the word."

Smiling, Eri placed a photo album into Ran's hands.

"I will."

Curious, Ran began flipping through it.

The contents were nearly identical to the album Kogorō Mōri had brought—though a few new photos were scattered throughout. Browsing them seemed to calm her, and her body gradually relaxed.

Seeing her composed like this, both Kogorō and Eri felt a bit relieved.

"Who's this?"

Turning to one particular page, Ran spotted a photo of a lone boy.

Sonoko leaned closer, eyes going wide.

"That… is Brother Yoshiki!?"

"Brother Yoshiki…"

"Oh my God! So cute—no way, is this real?!"

Sonoko's gasp drew everyone in.

Haibara Ai moved closer. Ayumi followed. Even Conan leaned in, unable to resist.

The photo showed a black-haired boy around Ayumi's age, with delicate, porcelain-like features—his expression calm and quiet.

Soft ceiling lights bathed him in warmth, making his fair skin seem nearly translucent.

He looked like something out of a fairy tale.

"So this is what Yoshiki looked like as a kid?"

"Yes," Eri said with a fond smile."He's always been cute. But he's not your usual lively kid—he's always been a quiet one."

Ran couldn't help but flip the page.

There were more photos of Hayashi Yoshiki—each one showing him gradually growing older.

Sonoko clutched her phone tightly.

There were too many people around. She didn't dare ask for copies, nor was she brave enough to sneak a photo herself.

"He really has always looked delicate and calm…" Kogorō Mōri mused, rubbing his chin."Quite a lot, actually."

"That's because—"

Eri opened her mouth to explain, but stopped herself.

She'd first seen these photos while helping sort through Yoshiki's late parents' belongings. Out of love—and a desire to offer him some semblance of family—she had added his photos to Ran's album.

But there was no need to say all that now.

"Isn't this… a bad boy?"

"Really…"

It was a high school photo of Yoshiki.

In it, he wore a crisp uniform, walking up front with a book in one hand and a bag in the other. A group of scruffy delinquents followed behind—yet their eyes were all fixed on him.

"Looks like Yoshiki ran with a rough crowd in high school," Eri said with a bitter smile.

"I know this!" Sonoko jumped in excitedly."Sayuri-sensei mentioned it at her wedding, remember? Conan, you heard it too!"

"Yeah, I remember."

Sayuri Matsumoto had revealed that when Yoshiki was in high school, he'd defeated every gang in the area and became their de facto leader.

Eri blinked, stunned.

"I do recall her mother telling me something... Like, when Yoshiki was in his first year, some delinquents had arranged a school fight, but he skipped it to practice piano."

She tapped her chin, thoughtful.

"The police ended up arresting both sides because someone in the neighborhood called it in, right?"

"So Brother Yoshiki plays piano too?"

*Ayumi clasped her hands, eyes sparkling.

"He beat up bad guys…?" Genta Kojima turned to Mitsuhiko, eyes wide."So cool! Let's become gang leaders when we get to high school!"

"Study hard, you moron!"

Kogorō Mōri thwacked Genta on the head.

Thunk.

Genta clutched his scalp in pain, while Mōri rubbed his own fingers in disbelief.

Why is this kid's head harder than Conan's?

Dr. Agasa quickly pulled Genta aside and crouched to scold him gently.

"Are there more photos after this?"

Haibara Ai asked, unable to hide her curiosity.

She hadn't expected to learn so much about Yoshiki today.

Yet what she truly wondered… was when he was targeted—and recruited—by the Organization.

Ran continued turning pages.

Though more photos followed, none seemed unusual to Haibara.

Watching this girl who, like her, had escaped the Organization and now lived in a child's body... Watching how she stared intently at Yoshiki's photos… Conan closed his eyes briefly.

Just what are you looking for, Ai?

"How are you feeling, Ran?"

"Would you like to go home, or stay at the hospital a while longer? Either is okay—we'll stay here with you if needed."

Kisaki Eri looked at her daughter with tender eyes.

"...I'm okay."

Ran gave a small smile, lips slightly pursed.

Even though her memories hadn't returned, the photo album had shown her enough. There was no fear in her heart about returning home.

Kogorō Mōri and Kisaki Eri exchanged a glance—both visibly relieved.

 

 

Chapter 167 - 167: Gin — "I'm Busy. Go Kill People for Fun."

"Hello, Boss?""Sorry, I need to take some time off. I won't be able to work at the agency for now.""It's hard to say how long.""Ah, are you willing to hold the job for me?""I'd really appreciate that!""Okay. I'll let you know when I'm ready to return."

Inside a white Mazda RX-7, Toru Amuro ended his call with Hayashi Yoshiki.

He had just received orders from Rum—the mission details weren't clear yet, but it was said to be a major operation. His first task was to contact Gin.

So, reluctantly, Amuro had called Yoshiki to take time off.

This kind of thing happened often. As a member of the Organization's intelligence team, Amuro was always being pulled off civilian jobs for deep-cover missions. When he returned, his post was usually long gone.

But he hadn't expected Hayashi Yoshiki to voluntarily keep the position open for him.

That gesture genuinely made him happy—he'd enjoyed his time working at the detective agency.

The RX-7 rolled into a small, discreet bar he hadn't known about before.

Toru Amuro pushed the door open with sharp eyes.

"Oh, here he is."

Vodka, leaning against the bar, turned to look.

Inside were familiar faces: Gin, Vodka, Chianti, Cohen, Irish, Calvados...

"Rum told me to meet with you. What exactly do you need me for?"

Toru didn't bother with small talk. He made his way directly to the seat next to Gin.

"There's an annoying group opposing us. You've heard about them."

"Of course. I heard Vodka got hit by one of their snipers."

Amuro glanced at Vodka, who scoffed in reply.

Gin didn't acknowledge it. He slid a photograph across the table.

"Rum located one of their bases. Your job is to impersonate this man and infiltrate them."

"Impersonate this guy...?"

Toru picked up the photo.

It was a middle-aged man with piercing, icy eyes. Even through the picture, he radiated a cold, intimidating aura. Clearly the type that would be hard to impersonate without raising suspicion.

"So that's where I come in."

A sultry, mature voice chimed in.

Calvados perked up instantly.

Turning, Toru Amuro saw her—Vermouth, glamorous as ever, lighting a slender lady's cigarette.

"Gin's team will handle the real guy. After that, you take his place and go in. It's dangerous."

"Then I need more detailed intelligence," Amuro replied calmly, eyes still on the photo."If I don't know this guy's habits and speech patterns, I won't last a day inside."

"Don't worry."

Gin's voice was flat and steely.

Even the Boss was paying attention to this mission. Gin would allow no mistakes.

When Gin had reported the sniper note—the one containing the name Karasuma Renya—the Boss had flown into a rare, genuine rage. The directive that followed was simple: "Wipe them out."

The target organization was relatively new. Though it didn't yet rival the Black Organization in power, its ambitions were dangerous—it operated from the shadows, chasing legends and specializing in high-stakes jewel theft.

Worse yet, they were allegedly the hidden hand behind a global assassin platform.

But it didn't matter.

The Organization would crush anyone who stood in its way.

Elsewhere...

After hanging up with Toru Amuro, Hayashi Yoshiki couldn't help but reflect.

Is the Organization moving again?

Toru rarely took time off without notice. His absence, combined with Gin's recent silence, suggested something big was brewing.

I should check-in.

In the bar, Gin, who was coordinating personnel for an infiltration operation, felt his phone buzz.

As always—he read messages immediately.

Cointreau: "No new tasks for me lately?"

Gin paused.

Cointreau's getting itchy again? Do you want to go kill someone for fun?

If it had been any other time, Gin would've thrown him a list of names just to keep him busy.

But now?

He began typing:

"Not recently, just do as you please—"

No.

He held the backspace key and erased the message.

That wording was far too casual. Cointreau might think the Organization was getting lax.

He revised:

"I don't have time to assign you anything right now. Go kill someone for fun."

Send.

He pocketed the phone.

Beside him, Vermouth raised an eyebrow.

She'd noticed him hesitating—and holding the backspace key. There were only a few people who could make Gin carefully reconsider his tone.

Who was that message for...?

Though she claimed to be discreet, Vermouth had a deep curiosity about other people's secrets.

On the other end, Yoshiki saw the reply and nodded slightly.

Just as I thought.

As for Gin's wording—go find someone to kill—Yoshiki ignored it.

He was used to this tone.

Still, his information pipeline inside the Organization was too limited. Relying on guesses and deductions alone was insufficient.

It's time to plant someone in their intelligence unit... or flip someone already inside.

Toru Amuro came to mind.

He was a strong candidate for persuasion—but this wouldn't be as simple as walking up and declaring, "I know you're undercover. I'm red too." A more subtle approach would be required.

Then his thoughts turned to Vermouth.

Though they had no direct connection, she had one fatal weakness: Kudō Shinichi and Ran. If Yoshiki could exploit that… there might be an opening.

But nothing could be taken for granted.

The Kyōsuke Fudō incident had taught him that.

(Vermouth.) -Picture attached

 

Chapter 168 - 168: Just Make Another Excuse to Slip Away,

It was the second day since Ran had been discharged from the hospital.

Although her memories hadn't returned, her mood had noticeably improved.

The kids from the Junior Detective League had come to visit again.

Armed with water guns filled with pepper spray, toy handcuffs, and boomerangs, they stood proudly in formation—declaring they would serve as Ran's bodyguards from now on.

"Aren't you joining them too, Ai?"

Hayashi Yoshiki's voice came from behind.

"Ah, it's Brother Yoshiki!"

"Whoa!!"

Ayumi, who was posing in the center, beamed with joy. Even Genta's eyes lit up.

Haibara Ai, dressed in a blue vest with her hands behind her back, glanced sideways and looked vaguely annoyed.

"…Yoshiki-nii."

Ran turned toward the voice.

Despite having no memories, her tone remained gentle.

"Feeling better today?""Mm."

"Brother Yoshiki!"

Genta ran up to him, eyes sparkling.

"Tell us how you beat up those bad boys!"

"Bad boys?"

Yoshiki chuckled.

"That's not too hard. Just study hard."

"Study?"

"Yeah. Get first place in your class. Even the bad kids will start listening to you."

"That's impossible for Genta." Ayumi whispered.

"Yeah, if there were a prize for last place, he'd win easily." Mitsuhiko added.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY!?"

Genta roared and chased after Mitsuhiko, flailing his arms wildly.

Haibara approached, her gaze fixed on Yoshiki.

"What's wrong? Why are you staring at me like that?"

She didn't answer.

She was comparing him to the childhood photo she'd seen earlier in the week. It still surprised her... that someone so beautiful and doll-like as a child had grown into this man.

"Brother Yoshiki, want to come upstairs?" Ran asked, pointing toward the stairs of the detective agency.

"Sure. Let's go."

Ran called the other children, who paused their play and followed her.

Haibara and Conan stayed behind.

"Haibara, do you...?"

"Hmm?"

"Do you like Hayashi Yoshiki?"

"???"

She froze, then slowly turned to face him.

Expressionless. Waiting.

"I just noticed how concerned you were for him—especially back at the hospital."

"As expected... you're only good at solving murder cases, detective."

"...So that's a no?"

She didn't respond. She simply walked past him and headed up the stairs.

There was no trace of cigarette smoke in the agency that day. Kogorō Mōri wasn't around—he'd gone out shopping.

Ran sliced fruit for everyone.

"What's your detective agency like, Yoshiki-nii?"

Ayumi swung her legs from a chair, munching on an apple.

"It's kind of empty—not much going on most of the time," Yoshiki replied, glancing at Haibara."Ai-chan has been there before."

"Hey~! Can we go visit sometime too?"

"Maybe. But right now, I'm short on help—my assistant just took leave."

"You have an assistant?" Conan asked, surprised.

"Yeah. With so many fan letters and emails, I need someone to sort through it all."

"Then I'll be your assistant when I grow up!" Ayumi volunteered eagerly.

Yoshiki smiled warmly and said he'd be waiting.

Ayumi looked incredibly proud of herself.

Later, Kogorō Mōri returned.

"Uncle Mōri."

"Hey, Yoshiki. Has Inspector Megure contacted you today?"

"Not yet."

"He probably will soon."

Mōri turned to Ran, who looked a bit puzzled.

"Good news: Officer Sato's condition is improving. She might wake up soon."

"That's wonderful!"

The children beamed.

Officer Sato was a familiar face to them, and her recovery brought visible relief.

Seeing Ran smile at the news—even if she didn't remember why—Yoshiki nodded.

"When she wakes up, you should go see her. It might trigger some memories."

"Yeah! Maybe it'll help Ran recover!"

"Uncle Mōri, did Megure say anything about the Makoto Tomonari1 case?"

Conan seized the opportunity while Mōri was in a good mood.

But Mōri shook his head, and Conan frowned.

Though Yoshiki had already caught Kyōsuke Fudō, Conan was still worried about loose ends. Several other suspects hadn't been properly accounted for.

For someone as justice-driven as Conan, leaving any case unresolved was unacceptable.

I'll check it out myself tomorrow...

The children stayed until evening.

After they left, Kisaki Eri arrived—arms full of groceries.

"Oh, Yoshiki's here too."

"Yes, Auntie Eri."

"What's all that?" Kogorō asked, wide-eyed.

"Ingredients. What does it look like?"

"I know they're ingredients... Wait—are you cooking tonight?"

"Of course. We ate out yesterday for Ran's discharge. Tonight, I thought we'd make something warm at home."

She smiled gently at Yoshiki and Ran.

"Ran, stay for dinner, alright? And Yoshiki... Conan too."

Kogorō and Conan both paled instantly.

But Ran, blissfully unaware, smiled and nodded.

Yoshiki smiled back with perfect composure.

"I'm looking forward to it, Aunt Eri."

"No, Yoshiki—don't do this!""Brother Yoshiki!?"

Kogorō and Conan cried out in unison.

Has he never tasted Eri's cooking!?

But Yoshiki just kept smiling.

He had tasted it before.

And to be honest?

It was terrible.

But watching Conan and Mōri's horrified faces was entertaining enough to make it worthwhile.

I'll just slip away with some excuse when it's almost done cooking.

Already planning his escape, Yoshiki chuckled inwardly.

Makoto Tomonari, the dead Chief Inspector's son

 

 

Chapter 169 - 169: Hayashi Yoshiki — “I Still Win”

Kisaki Eri was hard at work in the kitchen.

It had been a while since she last cooked, and now in a new, unfamiliar kitchen, she fumbled about, bumping into shelves and drawers—but she was visibly enjoying herself. From the living room, Kogorō Mōri and Conan, secretly watching, exchanged concerned glances.

They both silently acknowledged the danger they were in.

Meanwhile, Hayashi Yoshiki gently guided Ran to sit on the sofa.

He set a pot of water to boil.

"A little tea before the meal helps stimulate the appetite."

Are you seriously talking about appetite right now!?

Before Ran could say anything, Conan and Kogorō Mōri bolted toward Yoshiki, their eyes wide with disbelief.

"I think we should eat out tonight instead."

"Yeah, one meal to celebrate Ran's hospital release isn't enough!"

"Very sensible of you, Conan!"

The two harmonized perfectly—clearly trying to escape the fate that awaited them.

Just then, Kisaki Eri emerged from the kitchen with a spatula in hand.

"So… are you two saying my cooking is terrible?"

"..."

Under her withering stare, both men broke out in cold sweats.

Yoshiki remained composed, smiling gently.

"It sounds like dinner will be quite the feast. I'm really looking forward to your cooking, Aunt Eri."

His words made Eri positively glow with pride.

"Since Yoshiki said so, I'll make it even more elaborate tonight."

Then she turned to the others, her expression cold again:

"Yoshiki said to drink tea—so drink it!"

Resigned, Kogorō picked up his teacup.

He took a sip—and his eyes widened.

Isn't this the premium tea President Suzuki gave me? I never touch this stuff!

But before the conversation could continue, Yoshiki's phone rang.

"Hello? What? ...Understood. I'll head over now."

He turned toward the kitchen:

"Sorry, Aunt Eri. I'll have to try your cooking another time."

He ended the call, called out his apology, and was out the door before anyone could react.

By the time Eri came back to the living room, he was gone.

"I made so many dishes..."

She sighed, clearly disappointed—but not angry. She understood Yoshiki's work sometimes took sudden turns.

"Well then, the rest of you will just have to eat more."

"..."

Ran, still memoryless, blinked in confusion.

But Conan and Kogorō exchanged a long, knowing look filled with sorrow and betrayal.

An hour later, they braced themselves, took deep breaths, and sat at the table.

Kogorō, chopsticks in hand, hesitated.

"Uh... Eri, has Yoshiki ever had your cooking before?"

"Once, a long time ago. Why?"

"No reason…"

Conan and Kogorō looked at each other again.Their suspicions were confirmed:

Hayashi Yoshiki had made a clean escape.

Later That Night

Yoshiki was sitting in his apartment living room, reading quietly.

The doorbell rang.

He opened it—and was met by Kisaki Eri, smiling sweetly with food containers in hand.

"Still up, Yoshiki?"

"Aunt Eri?"

She stepped in cheerfully.

"I figured you were probably still working and hadn't eaten, so I brought you some dinner."

"…Thank you. But I actually grabbed something earlier while working… I'm really not hungry right now."

"That's good then."

She entered the living room and spotted the open books on his table—titles like The Truth of Memory, Psychology and Memory, and Cognitive Recall in Trauma Victims.

She paused.

This kid... he's always thinking two steps ahead.

She sat down on the sofa.

"Have you been getting enough rest, Yoshiki?"

"Why do you ask, Aunt Eri?"

He handed her a glass of warm water.

"I just worry. You're juggling your agency, now reading all these books... I don't want you burning out."

She took the glass, sighing.

"The hospital doctor said Ran could recover her memory anytime—or it might take a long time. Either way, I don't want you exhausting yourself, Yoshiki."

"It's not a big deal. I've always enjoyed reading this kind of material anyway."

Yoshiki smiled.

But Eri couldn't help feeling sad.

One child with amnesia… another with time disorientation.

She watched him with concern.

"Are you free tomorrow?"

"No client appointments so far. Unless something unexpected comes up, I should be free."

"Then how about taking Ran out for the day?"

"Going out…?"

Yoshiki looked surprised as Eri clapped her hands together, clearly proud of her idea.

"Ran's been feeling guilty lately. She told me today that she thinks everyone's wasting energy on her situation... I don't know where she got that from."

"..."

"If she could get out, relax a bit—it might lift her spirits. And honestly, you haven't had a real break in a while either."

"Where should we go?"

"How about Dorobika Park? I noticed she showed interest in an old photo taken there."

Dorobika Park…

That would be the photo of her and Kudō Shinichi.

Yoshiki remembered. He also remembered it was where Ran had previously recovered her memory.

"Sure. Let's go to Dorobika Park."

"Wonderful."

Eri smiled brightly.

"Since I've never properly helped you since you opened your agency, let this be my way of making it up to you. Consider this your commission."

"In that case, you'll have to reimburse me for all tomorrow's expenses."

"Of course. I'll cook for you myself!"

"..."

Yoshiki's smile faltered for just a moment.

But he quickly composed himself.

"Then… I'm sorry again for missing dinner tonight. I look forward to it."

If Kogorō and Conan suffer through two meals and I only one… I still win.

Eri, unaware of his inner monologue, just smiled kindly.

She checked the time.

"Ran should be asleep by now, so I'll talk to her tomorrow."

"Alright."

 

 

Chapter 170 - 170: Please, Brother Yoshiki,

The next morning, outside the Mōri Detective Agency—

"I'm heading out!"

Edogawa Conan, up early as usual, dashed down the stairs with his solar-powered skateboard in hand. From the second-floor balcony, Kogorō Mōri stuck his head out and shouted:

"Wait! Today we're supposed to—"

"I've got plans. I'll be back late!"

Conan didn't wait to hear the rest. He waved, kicked off, and vanished down the street.

Today, he planned to revisit the suspicious details he'd noticed during the banquet case. Ran wasn't in any immediate danger, and the unfinished clues were gnawing at him.

A few minutes later, a silver car pulled up outside the office.

Hayashi Yoshiki and Kisaki Eri stepped out.

Upon learning that Conan had already left, Eri frowned at Kogorō.

"Didn't you tell him we were going to Dorobiga Park today?"

"Didn't get the chance. He bolted before I was even awake."

Kogorō adjusted his tie in the mirror, muttering irritably.

Eri raised a brow thoughtfully.

When Ran appeared downstairs, ready to leave, Eri tugged gently at Kogorō's sleeve and whispered:

"I think we should let Yoshiki and Ran go together—just the two of them."

"Huh?"

Kogorō blinked.

"Why?"

"I trust Yoshiki. He'll take good care of her."

Silence.

After a moment, Kogorō understood.

"You mean... Yoshiki and Ran...?"

"What do you think?"

Kogorō frowned, thinking.

To be fair, he did think Yoshiki was a dependable, polite, and capable young man. Even if the kid had ditched dinner last night...

Still—he was definitely better than that good-for-nothing, missing-in-action Kudō Shinichi.

Kogorō scowled at the thought. Ran had lost her memory, and that brat still hadn't shown up—hadn't even called.

At least Yoshiki is present.

After a quick, silent discussion, it was Eri who took the lead.

"Ran, your father and I have something urgent we need to take care of, so why don't you go with Yoshiki first—"

"Is it important?"

"Ah, yes! I've got a sudden case to attend to."

"Ahem, and I have a client coming by for... training, so to speak…"

The two scrambled with overlapping excuses.

In the end, Ran—still a little bewildered—got into Yoshiki's car alone and explained what her parents had just told her.

Yoshiki was quiet for a moment.

Then he smiled.

"Then let's just enjoy ourselves. Who knows? Maybe Uncle Kogoro and Aunt Eri will join us after they're done."

"Okay."

Ran smiled and buckled her seatbelt.

Yoshiki started the engine.

Dorobika Park

The amusement park sprawled over a large area.

At the gate, while handing over the pair of tickets, Yoshiki noticed Ran's distant gaze.

"Did something come back to you?"

"...It feels familiar somehow. Like déjà vu. But I can't recall anything clearly."

"It's alright. We're not here to force anything—just to have fun."

"Okay."

As Yoshiki led her inside, Ran's tension began to melt away. She looked around, curious and quietly excited.

"It feels kind of like... coming to an amusement park for the first time."

"That's a nice way to put it."

"I guess there are some perks to forgetting things, huh?"

Yoshiki chuckled.

"Yeah. The thrill of experiencing something for the first time... it's something you don't get twice."

"You don't have to sugarcoat things for me, Brother Yoshiki."

"Fair enough. But today, I'm in the same boat as you."

"Huh?"

"This is also my first time at an amusement park."

Ran blinked in surprise.

Then smiled.

"So... where should we go first?"

"I'm fine with anything."

"Are you afraid of heights?"

"...That's hard to say without trying."

He wasn't, in truth. But leaving the question open added a bit of mystery—just enough to keep her subtly attentive during the day.

They ended up choosing the closest ride.

Turned out to be a kiddie train.

As the train rolled along its track, screams echoed from the high-speed coaster overhead, completely drowning out their ride's quiet clunking.

When they stepped off, Ran burst into laughter.

"What's so funny?"

"I'm sorry—it's just... you looked so cute sitting on that tiny train in a suit."

"Oh?"

Yoshiki raised a brow, feigning offense.

"I thought it was quite fun, actually."

Then, narrowing his eyes:

"But I suppose these kinds of rides aren't suited to someone with... adult responsibilities."

"No, no! Don't say that just because of me!"

"Is that so?"

"Yes!"

"Then again, I do have my pride as a grown man."

He gave her a soft, teasing smile.

"Unless, of course, Ran personally requests it."

"Then please, Brother Yoshiki..."

Ran clapped her hands together and gave him a hopeful look.

"Oh well..."

Yoshiki relented with a sigh.

Suddenly—

"Teacher Yoshiki!?"

"Huh?"

"Ahh! It is Teacher Hayashi Yoshiki!!"

A nearby girl shrieked in recognition. Then, as a match dropped into a dry forest, a chain reaction erupted—dozens of heads turned toward him.

In a place filled with young female visitors, Yoshiki's presence stood out.

"This... could be a problem."

He turned to Ran, and whispered:

"Let's hide first."

Then—he grabbed her hand and ran.

"Eh? Ah! Oh!"

Still processing what was happening, Ran followed as Yoshiki led her deeper into the park, hand-in-hand.