Ch. 201..210

Chapter 201 - 201: Conan’s Suspicion

Dr. Agasa drove his familiar yellow Beetle down the quiet road.

In the passenger seat, Conan Edogawa frowned deeply.

"Did you find anything, great detective?"

Haibara Ai studied him from the back seat, worried that Hayashi Yoshiki's carefully calculated moves might have been flawed.

Conan's frown remained.

——In truth, he had just rushed up to that rooftop.

After witnessing Gin and Vodka fleeing, wounded, he had to choose between pursuing them or checking the scene.

When he finally reached the rooftop, he found a woman lying there—a woman who had Haibara Ai's face, but an adult's body—with a bullet hole in her forehead.

God only knows how shocked he was.

He then reconstructed the events that had just taken place, relying on the remaining traces.

Someone used a fake Miyano Shiho to trap and try to kill Gin and Vodka...

In other words, the enemy had a deep grudge against the Black Organization and knew intimate details about Miyano Shiho. Considering Haibara had fainted and was taken to a hotel room, it was very likely that the enemy knew she had been transformed and was actively trying to protect her.

"Haibara, you said it was Hayashi Yoshiki's editor who took you to rest while you were unconscious, right?"

"That's right."

"Do you remember how you passed out?"

Conan eyed her sharply.

Haibara, recalling Hayashi Yoshiki's guidance on this very question, furrowed her brow and pretended to struggle with the memory.

"I'm not entirely sure… It felt like… a hand suddenly reached out in front of me, and then I—"

"So it was drugs that knocked you out!"

Conan's eyes lit up with deduction.

Asamiya Nanae, Yoshiki's editor… Whether she was involved or not, this gave him a direction to investigate.

"What is it? What did you figure out?"

Seeing him tremble with excitement, Haibara asked quickly.

Conan didn't hold back—he explained everything he had seen on the rooftop.

When Haibara heard someone had faked their death at the hands of Gin, her face went pale with shock.

Yoshiki… what are you really up to?

"Understood. You can pull back now."

Hayashi Yoshiki had just received a call from Reiko Shimizu, informing him that the woman disguised as Miyano Shiho had been exposed.

Not just Vermouth—even Conan had uncovered the truth...

In fact, Hayashi Yoshiki had stationed two people to monitor the rooftop of the old building.

Reiko Shimizu had been positioned in a building farther away—for safety and surveillance—tasked with watching Gin and determining whether he suspected "Miyano Shiho's" identity.

The plan had been simple.

Let Gin kill the fake Shiho, while Seiran Hoshi sniped from afar, ensuring Gin didn't have the time to verify the corpse.

But the plan ultimately failed.

Gin's suspicion had been underestimated.

Still, it wasn't all for nothing—at least they'd succeeded in further deepening Gin's hostility toward "the zoo" (his term for the opposing organization).

Yoshiki pulled a small notebook from his pocket.

[Kenzo Masuyama]

Cause of death: [Gunshot]Time: 18:32, December 16Summary: After spotting the target codenamed Sulli at the memorial service, he fully cooperated with Organization member Coindo, revealing all he knew.

→ Death: Gunshot wound

[Yuka Masuyama]

Cause of death: [Gunshot]Incident: At 02:03 on December 9, she crashed while driving eastbound from Mihua Forest and lost consciousness.Aftermath: Upon waking, suffered cognitive impairment from brain trauma.Time of death: 19:11, December 16 — shot dead on the Beika Hotel rooftop.

Hayashi Yoshiki had begun operations shortly after receiving the invitation to the memorial for Sakamaki Akira.

Yuka Masuyama, a veteran criminal, had long been under his watch. Using the Death Note, he made her lose consciousness, then subjected her to hypnosis for manipulation.

After that, he contacted Kuroba Kaito to help disguise Yuka as Miyano Shiho. Kaito, not knowing Yoshiki's full plan, agreed—partly due to their ongoing cooperation and Yoshiki's righteous reputation.

After tearing the notebook pages and burning them, Yoshiki flushed the ashes.

Letting the Organization realize that the dead Shiho was fake had its benefits. It would likely push them to believe that Shirley was being protected by a rival group, further redirecting their focus.

But that woman—Vermouth...

She had known the truth about APTX4869. She was the first to uncover Haibara's and Conan's real identities. And now, she might be on to him.

He needed to prepare.

Exiting the bathroom, he found Inspector Megure Juzo in the conference room, deep in thought.

"Inspector Megure, how's the situation?"

"We're still investigating. This was a premeditated murder. The suspect, Kenzo Masuyama, is dead—probably silenced to cover the crime."

The police had obtained a photograph of Kenzo Masuyama mid-crime. But just as they issued a warrant, he turned up dead.

"Sir! A body has been discovered on the hotel bar's rooftop!"

"What!?"

Hearing the report, Megure rushed off.

Since it would've looked suspicious to leave so suddenly, Yoshiki followed the officers—though as a "detective," there wasn't much more he could do in this straightforward shooting case. He tagged along briefly before slipping away.

Back in the car with Asamiya Nanae, Yoshiki checked his phone.

Message from Haibara Ai:"Kudo seems suspicious of your editor, Asamiya Nanae."

Reply:"Ah, that doesn't matter."

With a smile, he powered off his phone.

In the passenger seat, unaware she'd caught the eye of the god of death, Nanae looked exhausted.

"I didn't expect all this to happen during a memorial service…"

"Yes."

"Mr. Hayashi, are you okay?"

"Me? I'm fine. I'm used to this kind of thing."

"...I see."

She suddenly remembered that he was also a renowned detective—and fell silent.

Hayashi Yoshiki then smiled faintly and turned back to his phone.

—Because today's mission was complete.And now... the others would begin demanding their rewards.

 

Chapter 202 - 202: Let Rum Tell Me Himself

"You look like hell, Gin. Wa~"

Vermouth strolled into the safe house leisurely, only to find Gin wrapped in bandages and Vodka mid-treatment.

——Though she had seen traces of the rooftop chaos, she hadn't expected it to be this disastrous.

Gin, his entire body trembling slightly, ignored her.

Though the old man Pisco was now dead, there was still a mess to clean up.

The family of the murdered congressman, Shigehiko Tsuchiguchi, had to be dealt with. Pisco's home and office likely held many Organization-related secrets that had to be wiped clean.

Gin was busy issuing orders by text—assigning various members to sanitize the remaining evidence. Finally, he reached for a cigarette.

Vodka hesitated:

"Aniki... Cohen said we shouldn't smoke right now."

"Shut up."

Gin lit the cigarette anyway.

As the air thickened with tension, Vermouth gave a small chuckle. She opened a photo album on her phone and held it out to him.

"Look—what a pity. The girl you're obsessed with? She was a fake."

In the photo, the mask had been removed, revealing the face of a completely different woman.

Gin snorted coldly.

Even before seeing the picture, the creeping sense of wrongness had been growing in him. The photo only confirmed what he already suspected.

What a cheap trick.

"That woman is probably being protected by another organization now," Gin growled.

The sniper trap—using Sherry's identity—clearly came from a group that had deep knowledge of her background. They had deliberately sent out bait, disguising a decoy as her to fake her death.

Whoever they were, they must value her greatly.

This only enraged Gin further.

Shirley is valuable. If she hadn't betrayed the Organization…

Had she remained loyal, Gin never would've thought of killing her. But now? Another group was exploiting her. And Gin hated that.

"So what now?" Vermouth asked, watching him carefully.

"This won't end here."

"Ah, but I don't think you can pull the same stunt twice."

Vermouth smirked, crossing her legs as she elegantly perched on a barstool and lit her own cigarette.

"Let's talk about Cointreau. On the way here, I got a call from Rum. He's very impressed. He wants Cointreau transferred to the intelligence team."

"Huh? Boss Rum wants Cointreau with the intel guys?" Vodka gasped.

"Well, his skills do suit the intelligence team," Vermouth smiled. "And he is a detective, after all. Perfect for analysis."

"Let Rum tell me that himself," Gin scoffed.

He sneered. Sure, Cointreau's talents could be useful for intel work—but they were even more effective in the field. More importantly, Gin and Rum had their... disagreements.

To have someone he personally discovered snatched away with just a word?

As if.

Besides, the intelligence unit didn't offer the same thrill. There weren't as many chances to kill. And knowing Cointreau's mindset—he wouldn't be happy unless he had blood on his hands.

Vermouth chuckled softly.

Now, she was sure.

Cointreau's real identity was clear. Before, she was only 70–80% certain. But after Gin confirmed he was a detective?

Now she knew.

Time to dig deeper.

Suddenly, Gin's phone buzzed.

Message from Cointreau:

"Chris Wynyard. This actress is with the Organization, isn't she?"

Gin narrowed his eyes.

Gin: "How did you find out?"

Cointreau:"Kenzo Masuyama should not have been able to produce a purple handkerchief during police questioning. Yet he did.

I considered that he might've anticipated it and brought an extra one. But the color assignment at the venue was random—like a lottery.

That leaves only one possibility: someone else with a purple handkerchief helped him.

Based on various details, I ruled out the others. The most suspicious remaining person… is her."

Gin stared at the screen, then gave a low, sinister laugh.

This is Cointreau indeed.

Though Vermouth had identified Pisco as a liability, Cointreau had identified Vermouth herself—without even knowing it.

Gin, usually cold and unreadable, couldn't help but feel a rare flicker of pride.

To think I pulled such a gem from the ranks of fodder...

"Vermouth. There's a member of the intelligence unit who's good at disguises—and a serious pain to deal with."

"Oh?" Vermouth smiled. "From the look on your face, did you hear something... pleasant?"

Gin didn't answer.

Meanwhile, across town, Hayashi Yoshiki saw the reply pop up on his phone.

Gin had taken the bait.

Vermouth—named after an aromatized fortified wine. Technically not true wine, as it's infused with various botanicals—cinnamon, cloves, and so on—to enhance its aroma.

Like the drink, Vermouth herself was a chameleon. A thousand faces. A thousand masks.

If he was to guard against her, it was best to let the Organization know that he already knew of her existence.

Hayashi Yoshiki pocketed his phone.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling lightheaded? Was today's operation too much for you?"

"No… not at all."

Lying atop him, Seiran Hoshi shook her head quickly.

She rubbed her cheek against his palm, trying to calm her rapid breathing.

Then she tilted her head slightly.

Her flushed lips gently kissed the thumb pressed near her mouth—sucking it softly, submissively.

"I'm just... too excited..."

There was a glimmer of mist in her grey eyes, a hazy trance washing over her. Their skin was pressed so close, that Yoshiki could feel the tremble in her thighs.

Suddenly—

"Ah!"

He pulled her tightly into his arms.

His strong, warm embrace engulfed her, offering both intimacy and safety.

"Thank you for taking such a risk for me today, Miss Seiran."

His magnetic voice echoed so near her ear, that she could feel his breath.

Seiran Hoshi melted.

"I-it was nothing…"

"Still, I owe you."

Until you can't take it anymore…

Hayashi Yoshiki smiled to himself, savoring the dazed, intoxicated look in her eyes.

 

Chapter 203 - 203: Vermouth's Appointment

Almost a week had passed since the incident at the memorial service.

Everything was quiet.

The Black Organization was unusually calm, and Hayashi Yoshiki hadn't received any updates either.

It was Haibara Ai who suddenly approached him.

"Cointreau... the person who pretended to be me on the rooftop of the Beika Hotel that day—who was she?"

"Dead."

Looking straight ahead, Hayashi answered flatly.

Haibara turned toward him.

"She was a female thief—one who had committed numerous crimes. I used her to create the illusion that you'd been killed by Gin. It was the only way to make the Organization stop hunting you.""Unfortunately... it didn't work."

"..."

"What? Do you feel guilty that someone died for you—even though she deserved it?"

"I..."

"I never planned to tell you this."

Stopping at a red light, Hayashi sighed.

"Conan told you, didn't he?"

"Yeah."

"He can be... troublesome sometimes."

"..."

"Listen carefully, Shiho." His voice softened. "I saved your life. That makes me responsible for it. I'll do what I did with that woman again if I have to—as many times as needed. Without hesitation. As long as you're safe."

It was the first time she'd heard him refer to himself like that.

Haibara Ai's heart was a storm of emotion.

She'd been thinking about that night at Beika Hotel endlessly:

The woman pretending to be her...Gin's sudden appearance...Cointreau's role in it all...

Guilt. Relief. Confusion. Unease.A swirl of feelings that had left her dazed these past few days.

But more than anything...

Why? Why would he go to such lengths for me?

As if reading her thoughts, Hayashi spoke again.

"Because you're the only one who understands what I'm going through, Shiho."

Her eyes widened.

"You and I—we're alike."

"The first time I saw you in the lab, I could tell. You didn't belong in the Organization. Your face said it all. You were brilliant, yes—but crushed. You even looked a little angry when you saw me."

Hayashi gave a faint smile.

Outside, rain splattered the windshield. The traffic light ahead glowed red, distorted in the raindrops—then wiped clean by the wipers.

"I don't know why.""But I wanted to help you."

"Have you ever wondered why I keep telling you to smile more?"

"Because you're different. You've been trapped under the Organization's shadow, but you haven't been broken. The world isn't all gray, Shiho—there are still things worth seeing."

"Honestly... I don't even know what I'm saying anymore."

"If you still hate me for using someone else's life, then when we cross this intersection... let's say goodbye."

His tone was calm, soft—almost gentle.

His delicate features remained still, unreadable.

Haibara shook her head violently.

"No! I don't think that at all—!"

"..."

"I just... I just don't think you have to go so far for me.""I don't even know what kind of risks you're taking."

Unlike Conan, whose sense of justice could sometimes feel overwhelming, Haibara Ai, raised in the Black Organization, was used to death—and had learned to live with it.

Hayashi reached over and gently messed up her hair, placing a hand on her head.

She didn't respond.

The light turned green.

For a moment, silence filled the car again.

Haibara glanced sideways, secretly watching him.

He noticed my resentment the first time we met...Was it my misunderstanding back then?

Maybe... maybe she almost smiled—if only she could.

"By the way, Edogawa has been investigating your editor, Asamiya Nanae."

"And he didn't find anything, right?"

"Of course."

It was all part of the plan.

The lie Haibara told Conan was that she fainted and was taken upstairs by Asamiya Nanae to rest. But in reality, Nanae had done no such thing.

If Conan dug deeper, he'd only find conflicting stories, concluding that someone had impersonated Asamiya to protect Haibara.

If someone could pretend to be Miyano Shiho, why not someone else too?

Just as Hayashi was dropping Haibara off near Miyano Akemi's safehouse, a message buzzed on his black cell phone.

"Do you have time to meet, Cointreau?"

Unknown number.

Then, another message came seconds later:

"My code name is Vermouth. Gin should have told you about me."

Vermouth...So you've finally come forward?

Cointreau: "Time? Location?"

Vermouth: "Tonight at 19:30. Let's meet downstairs at the Rice Flower Hotel."

Cointreau: "OK."

Without delay, Hayashi forwarded the message to Gin.

Meanwhile, at a safehouse, Gin, who had just laid down to rest, opened his eyes the moment his phone buzzed.

Reading the message, he clicked his tongue.

Gin: "That woman's probably trying to recruit you into the Intelligence Division. Don't trust her."

After sending the warning, Gin didn't stop there—he called directly.

"Yo."

"It's me. You agreed to meet Vermouth?"

"Yeah. I'm a little curious about what she wants."

"There's no need. Don't go. Let her wait."

"She's a colleague, Gin. Isn't it rude to completely ignore her?"

"Tch... don't believe a word she says."

"You don't seem to like her very much."

"The intel team is full of mystics and manipulators who hide in the shadows and pull strings. If you join them, Rum will likely use your identity to siphon intel. Sure, you'll get access to more information—but fewer chances to kill."

Half true. Half false.

Cointreau was too competent for Rum to ignore.

"Rum?"

"The head of the intelligence division."He didn't mention that Rum was also the Organization's second-in-command.

"Sounds like a tough one... Got it."

The call ended.

Hayashi pretended not to hear the part where Gin practically called him a serial killer.

Truthfully... he was interested in the intelligence team.If he joined, he might gain access to confidential intel—and maybe even learn Rum's real name.

But everything had a price.

Joining the intel team would mean more oversight, less autonomy, and navigating the unknown. Worse, Gin clearly didn't trust them—and that could be dangerous.

A "job transfer" could be very risky indeed.

 

Chapter 204 - 204: Vermouth's Thoughts

The rain that had been falling all day finally came to an end.

The air was clearer now, refreshed and crisp. Before the appointed time, Hayashi Yoshiki pulled up to the entrance of the Beika Hotel.

A tall, bright blonde woman was already waiting there.

As Hayashi parked and rolled down his window, she glanced his way with a composed smile.

She was clearly dressed with care.

Golden waves cascaded down her shoulders. Her peach-shaped and shimmering eyes were playful and sharp. Her lightly tinted lips complemented flawless, pale skin and elegantly delicate features.

She wore a black dress, casual yet alluring. Thin shoulder straps revealed soft skin and a graceful neckline—the elegant curve of her collarbone gleaming under the streetlight. Against her pale skin, the contrast only heightened her beauty.

A woman who looked like she lived in luxury.

That was the most fitting way to describe her.

From figure to face, she was undeniably top-tier.

She looked entirely Western—perhaps slightly mixed-race—with a balanced, poised frame. The sort of woman no average man would ever encounter in daily life.

"I'm glad you're such a punctual man."

She slipped into the passenger seat with the poise of someone used to commanding a room.

"It's only natural. Making a lady wait on a first date deserves punishment—I wouldn't make such a mistake."

"You sound like someone with experience dating women."

"Well, that might be true. But it was you, Miss Vermouth, who arranged this date."

"Hah…"

There was something odd about how he attached a title to her codename.

Cointreau, Vermouth thought. This man seemed surprisingly at ease in the Organization.

Had it been anyone else, she wouldn't have cared.

But Cointreau was different.

After investigating him, Vermouth discovered he had a connection to Mōri Ran—the kind, gentle girl who once stood like an angel in Vermouth's dark, decaying world. That purity had touched something deep within her, made her want to protect it.

And now, that same girl had a dangerous man circling her...

Though her thoughts raced with old memories and warnings, Vermouth smiled sweetly as she studied Hayashi's face.

"Tell me... does Gin know about our date?"

"He does."

"He didn't try to talk you out of it?"

"He did. But unfortunately, I'm terrible at lying to women."

Hayashi offered a soft, disarming smile.

"...What a gentleman."

Despite her compliment, Vermouth's unease deepened.

She had met countless people in her career of deception. But this man was different—his outward charm was laced with something far more dangerous.

He was too good at disguises.

His words, so fragrant and smooth, were a kind of slow-acting poison—beautiful and lethal.

Does he need to be eliminated? she wondered.

"Where are we headed?"

"A date at this hour calls for food, of course."He glanced at her briefly. "Any cravings?"

"It's rare I'm back in Japan. I want something local."

"Then... how about fugu hot pot?"

"Pufferfish? Sounds... ominous."

"Exactly. That's why we're not actually going there."He smirked. "I've got another restaurant in mind."

If only Rum was already working at Iroha Sushi—Hayashi mused—it would've been poetic to drop in and have sushi made by the Organization's second-in-command.

Eventually, they settled in a traditional Japanese restaurant, seated in a private room rather than at the bar—ideal for their quiet conversation.

"Let me get to the point."

As the waiter left and the food was served, Vermouth faced Hayashi with a sweet but calculated smile.

"Rum—the Organization's second-in-command—is very interested in you. He wants you in the Intelligence Division."

"He's the second-in-command?"

Hayashi raised an eyebrow in mild surprise.

"Didn't Gin tell you?"

"He said Rum was the intel team leader. Didn't mention the rest."

"Seems Gin holds you in high regard."

Her painted fingers gently swirled the sake in her glass.

"So? What do you say? This is a personal invitation from someone at the top. Compared to working under Gin, this might even be considered... a promotion."

"But there's a problem..."Hayashi leaned back slightly. "That kind of gentle approach doesn't quite match the Organization's usual methods. Isn't it more likely I'd be ordered, not invited?"

"…"

"Or is there some sort of conflict between Mr. Rum and Gin?"

"...That's not something I know about."

Sharp. Very sharp.Vermouth's silence was its own kind of answer.

"So? Will you be turning down the invitation?"

"I'm quite satisfied with my current role."

"That's unfortunate."

Though her voice remained light, Vermouth's thoughts were elsewhere.

This man was getting too close to Mōri Ran. It was dangerous—and Vermouth needed to decide whether his presence would endanger or protect that girl.

If it was the former...

"In some ways, you and I are alike."

"You mean our dual identities?"

"Exactly. So, as your senior, allow me to offer a word of advice: hide your tail well. If you're exposed, it won't just be you who suffers. The people around you will, too."

Her tone was casual, teasing—but her gaze was cold.

"Your dear aunt, Kisaki Eri, the queen of the courtroom... and her family. Or perhaps... you don't care about their lives at all?"

Hayashi's eyes widened slightly.

He stared at Vermouth.

Her smile hadn't changed.

But the atmosphere had.

In her delicate, angelic face, Hayashi Yoshiki could now see the hidden predator—unfeeling, calculating.

"...What a headache."

He sighed quietly, gaze locked on hers.

"Can I interpret this as a threat... for turning down your offer?"

 

Chapter 205 - 205: Can I Teach That Woman a Lesson?

The "date" with Vermouth had ended on an unpleasant note.

Yet when Hayashi Yoshiki returned to his car, he was smiling.

He hadn't expected things to go this smoothly.

He had long known that Vermouth would be problematic. Her affection for Mōri Ran ran so deep that the moment she discovered a fellow Organization member circling her beloved "white moonlight," she would become defensive—perhaps even hostile.

Unless, of course, Hayashi Yoshiki made it appear that he stood on the same side as Vermouth—that he, too, wanted to protect Ran.

Just like the silent pact between Bourbon and Vermouth: in exchange for Bourbon guarding her secret, she agreed never to harm Conan or Ran.

But Hayashi had the advantage of "not knowing" about Vermouth's attachment to Ran. All he needed to do now was show his own protectiveness toward her—and that would be enough to manipulate the situation.

He pulled out his phone and dialed Gin.

"What is it?" Gin's cold voice came through.

"Just finished meeting Vermouth. She confirmed Rum wants to recruit me."

"And?"

"I turned it down."

"…"There was a pause. Gin's tone, though ever icy, now carried a faint note of satisfaction.

"If there's nothing else—"

"Actually... can I teach that woman a lesson?"

"Why?"

"Let's just say she annoyed me. Don't worry—I won't kill her."

"Heh… Go ahead."

Gin's interest was piqued.

He'd been fed up with Vermouth for quite some time. Watching her get knocked down a peg sounded entertaining—especially when requested by Cointreau, the one man who had just refused Rum without hesitation.

For context, in the original timeline, Gin was ready to blow up an entire train just to kill Sherry, even though both Vermouth and Bourbon were on board. Collateral damage meant nothing to him. If they died, they were simply weak and unlucky.

"What do you need me to do?"

"Just keep tabs on her. Let me know her movements."

A bold request—to have the action team monitor a member of the intelligence team.

But Gin didn't question it. He simply agreed and hung up.

How smooth... Hayashi mused.

If Gin had refused, he would have been forced to cause a little chaos instead.

Before Gin's intel arrived, a strange invitation letter arrived at Hayashi's office.

"Found this in my inbox this morning."Amuro Tōru placed a black envelope on the desk.

No sender. No stamp.Inside it was a check for $2 million.

The envelope bore the name "Kiyoshi Hayashi" in white script—a stark contrast against the black, reminiscent of Japanese funeral customs.

The name rang a bell.

Hayashi opened the letter and read:

"I admire your wisdom, so I am writing to invite you to dinner and drinks at your home.""—The Vision of God's Forsaken Son""—Twilight Annex"

The moment he read the name Twilight Annex, recognition struck.

That place...

Twilight Villa—once owned by Karasuma Renya, the elusive leader of the Black Organization.

The building was rumored to be made entirely of solid gold—a structure of unfathomable value.

"Two million dollars just to invite you to dinner? That reeks of suspicion."Amuro frowned. "They're clearly expecting something in return."

"Still, are you planning to go? This letter doesn't exactly scream 'good omen'."

"Yes. We'll go."

Before the larger conspiracy involving the Twilight Annex unfolded in canon, it had long been a secretive thread. A place tied deeply to Karasuma and his unseen network—there were likely truths there still unrevealed.

"Besides, the check can't be returned—there's no stamp or sender."

Amuro turned the invitation over again.

"This line—'The Vision of God's Forsaken Son'—is from the New Testament. It refers to the scapegoat, or the 'kid' in English."

"Goat... kid..."

The implication was clear.

"Are you saying this has something to do with Kaitō Kid?"

"Unlikely. Probably just someone borrowing the name to stir things up."

Hayashi chuckled and looked at Amuro.

"You're free these next few days, aren't you?"

"Yes, quite."

"Then we leave for the Twilight Villa tomorrow."

Amuro, surprisingly, was pleased.

For reasons he couldn't fully explain, the letter made him uneasy. But if Hayashi was going, he wanted to be there too—to protect him, should things go wrong.

Not to mention, Amuro still hoped to recruit him into the Public Security Bureau someday.

"Can you pick me up tomorrow? Use my car."

"Of course. But... aren't you driving home tonight?"

"No. I've got an appointment—someone's picking me up."

"I see..."

Hayashi lingered in the office for a while longer. Then he left upon receiving a message.

As Amuro Tōru cleared the tea cups, he noticed a striking red car pulling up outside.

Who's this now?Another woman?

He watched Hayashi step into the car with a sense of helpless amusement.

"Romantic as ever..."

Inside the car

"You're fifteen minutes early. So eager?"

"I couldn't wait, Mr. Hayashi~"

The voice was sultry, oozing flirtation.

Reiko Shimizu was behind the wheel, clearly dressed for more than dinner.

The night road was quiet. Few pedestrians. Few cars.

One hand on the wheel, she used the other to unbutton her coat, revealing a scandalously sensual ensemble beneath—white lingerie and garter stockings clinging to her shapely figure.

Hayashi glanced at her, amused.

"Eyes on the road."

Reiko pouted playfully.

He's dangerous... but intoxicating.

"How did you wrap up the last mission?"

"Flawlessly. No loose ends."

"I expected nothing less. You never disappoint me, Reiko."He read a new message on his phone and smiled. "I trust you completely."

"Mr. Hayashi..."

Just hearing those words made Reiko's breath catch. Her heart fluttered.

She shifted subtly in her seat, thighs pressing together, overwhelmed by a mixture of admiration and infatuation.

Tonight... she was already lost to him.

 

 

Chapter 206 - 206: Dusk Villa

Drip... drip...

Steam still lingered in the bathroom air as Hayashi Yoshiki stepped out, towel slung over his head, wiping away the remaining droplets from his hair.

It was 10:00 a.m.

Reiko Shimizu was still sprawled across the rumpled bed, asleep. Her lingerie and stockings were scattered like petals around the frame. The sheets were disheveled. A pillow—used for waist support—showed distinct marks of having been wet and later dried.

Hayashi glanced at her with detached calm.

"You at the gate already? All right, I'll be down shortly."

He ended the call, dressed swiftly, and strapped on his watch. Without waking the sleeping beauty, he scribbled a quick note and quietly stepped out.

At the entrance of the hotel, Amuro Tōru waited in Hayashi's Mercedes-Benz.

"You look refreshed, Boss."He grinned as Hayashi approached. "Did you rest well last night?"

"Naturally. Slept like a baby."

Hayashi ignored the sarcasm, slipped into the passenger seat, and noticed a breakfast bag on the console—McDonald's.

He raised an eyebrow.

"Thoughtful, Mr. Amuro."

"So, can I expect a raise?"

"How about raising the value of this pork fillet and egg McMuffin Set?"

"I'll take it. Inflation's inevitable."

They chuckled as the car pulled onto the open road.

Destination: Sunset Manor

The address from the invitation was remote—deep in the suburbs. If they left now, they'd arrive just around sunset.

"By the way, Boss… I did a little digging on the Sunset Manor."

"And?"

Amuro's voice darkened.

"That place has... a grim history."

He detailed the infamous incident from 40 years ago:

A lavish memorial was held at the villa to honor Karasuma Renya, who had allegedly died at 99. But beneath the surface, it was a secret auction of priceless artifacts from his vast collection—over 300 items to be bid on over three days.

Then came the stormy second night.

Two rain-soaked men arrived, claiming to be lost travelers. Denied at first, they handed the host a peculiar cigarette—who inexplicably welcomed them after smoking it. The other guests, too, fell under some strange spell.

Then the madness began.

A man screamed at nothing and fled, abandoning his winning bid.

A woman begged for forgiveness, sobbing hysterically.

Another stabbed his own wrist with a pen.

Chaos erupted—guests fought over the items, wielding auctioned blades and antiques as weapons.

When dawn came, the villa was a massacre site.

The two men? Vanished—along with every auction item.

"No press coverage. The guests were all elite. The story was buried."

"It sounds surreal... Were they drugged? But how could such prominent people fall so easily?"

"That's what bothers me."

Hayashi fell into thought.

If Karasuma had faked his death at 99, could that auction have been a setup? An experiment? A test of influence?

Arrival at Sunset Manor

By evening, under a gloomy twilight sky, they reached the gated estate.

It began to rain again.

"The weather forecast didn't mention rain...""Good thing I brought an umbrella."

"You're too reliable, Mr. Amuro. Maybe I'll give you that raise after all."

"A raise for carrying an umbrella? That's new."

They pulled into the stone courtyard, where several other luxury cars had already arrived—Ferraris, Porsches, even an Alfa Romeo.

A familiar voice called out.

"Ah, isn't that... Yoshiki-nii!?"

Under an umbrella, Conan looked shocked.

"Brother Yoshiki?" Ran blinked in surprise.

"Tch. If I knew he'd be here, I wouldn't have bothered renting a car."Kogorō Mōri grumbled as he shielded an elderly woman from the rain.

Hayashi rolled down the window with a smirk.

"What a coincidence. Didn't expect to see everyone here."

"Did you also get the strange invitation and the check?"

"Yep. Felt like I had to show up."

"Same here!" Ran smiled, her anxiety about the villa momentarily forgotten.

"Who's this old lady?"

"I recognize you."The elderly woman smiled. "You're the famous young detective. Such a pretty face."

"My name is Furuyo Senma. Just an old lady now."

"Wait! You're the legendary armchair detective—the one who solves cases just by listening?"Amuro's surprise was genuine.

"And who's this?" Conan asked, glancing at Amuro.

"Amuro Tōru. I work as Mr. Hayashi's assistant."

"Assistant? You have one now?"

"Too many love letters and cryptic notes fill my inbox. It's exhausting."

"Especially from red-haired narcissists..." Amuro added with a smile.

Kogorō rolled his eyes.

"All right, let's head inside. We're not getting younger standing in the rain."

Inside the Villa

The interior was luxurious, but the emptiness and the eerie quiet made the space feel haunted.

A fat man in a white suit stood near the center of the room.

"That's Shukuzen Ogami, the gourmet detective!"

"I've read his tasting columns!" Ran exclaimed.

Hayashi handed his damp handkerchief back to her after drying his shoulder.

"How's your shoulder, Yoshiki?"

"Fully healed. Don't worry."

Suddenly, Ogami shouted at the maid:

"What do you mean the chef is sick!? I came for the dinner!""I'll handle the kitchen myself!"

He stormed off. The maid returned, apologizing profusely.

"Excuse me, miss. Why were we all invited here?"

"Ah, there are actually seven detectives invited. Two arrived earlier: a young lady and a young boy."

Conan's eyes lit up.

"Heiji?"

"No, he declined. He's stuck with midterms."

The maid revealed she had never met the villa's owner. All her instructions had come via computer. She knew only the guest list and basic duties.

Amuro leaned close.

"Boss... look at the hall."

"Yeah, I noticed."

"What?"

"Bloodstains. On the floors, walls, even the doors. Wiped, but poorly. They match the story from forty years ago."

The hall of madness.

Hayashi looked around. In his mind's eye, the guests were fighting, screaming, losing their minds.

Karasuma Renya...

The Death Note couldn't kill him.

To seize the Black Organization from him…

would require a war.

 

Chapter 207 - 207: Communication with Saguru Hakuba

Just as everyone began taking note of the bloodstains in the grand hall, the remaining two detectives mentioned by the maid arrived.

One of them was Ikumi Soda, a former prosecutor known for always carrying luminol with her. Without delay, she sprayed the hall—causing the hidden blood patterns to glow ominously under the black light.

Walking in alongside her was none other than:

Hakuba Saguru —a high school detective as renowned as Kudō Shinichi and Hattori Heiji.

"Detective Hakuba?! You're the son of Chief Hakuba of the Metropolitan Police!?"Kogorō Mōri stared in surprise.

"Yes, Mr. Mōri. You're correct. Chief Hakuba is my father."

Hakuba descended the stairs with poise. His sharp gaze landed on one person—Hayashi Yoshiki.

"At last, we meet, Hayashi Yoshiki."

"An honor. I've heard much about you."Hayashi smiled politely and extended a hand.

They shook firmly.

Nearby, Ran observed quietly. Compared to the other detectives present, these two men stood out—stylish, calm, and composed.But where Hakuba radiated a noble confidence, Hayashi's warmth made him seem grounded and approachable.

"You're the only person to have caught Kaitō Kid so far. I've crossed paths with him several times, but he always manages to escape in the final moments."

"And yet, he still escaped from me."

"That's on Inspector Nakamori."Hakuba chuckled. "I've read every report involving you and Kid. You solve his riddles with impressive speed. Honestly, I admire your insight. Do you have any... data on him?"

"Data?"

"Anything. Blood type, age, personality, height..."

Hayashi tilted his head slightly, then let a faint smile lift the corners of his lips.

"I don't know his blood type... but I'm confident he's an immature young man."

"You really think so?"

"Wait, wait!"Harufumi Mogi, the eccentric man from earlier, interjected. "Wasn't Kaitō Kid active 20 years ago? He should be middle-aged by now!"

"Ah, but that was the first Kaitō Kid."Hayashi calmly replied. "The one we're dealing with now is clearly a second generation."

"And I suspect he's young... possibly still a student. No, more specifically—a high school student."

"Cough!! Cough cough!!"Kogorō Mōri hacked loudly, drawing everyone's eyes.

Hakuba's gaze sharpened with interest.

"Your reasoning?"

"Consider the pattern of his heists.""Most occur in Ekoda City, occasionally spreading to Beika or surrounding areas—but almost always on Fridays, weekends, or holidays."

"During school breaks, like summer and winter vacations, his range expands significantly."

"He's also... empathetic."

Hayashi's tone softened as he recalled.

"In the 'Egg of Memory' incident, he stole art instead of jewels for the first time. And he signed the notice as 'The Magician at the End of the Century'—clearly acting for someone else."

"Romantic, dramatic, playful with police. Immature, but with a rich inner world. I'd say... he's lively, idealistic, and very much a teenager."

"And... probably not even a senior yet."

Hakuba Saguru clapped slowly, admiration evident in his eyes.

He had long suspected Kuroba Kaito, his classmate—but only after DNA verification. Hayashi had deduced it with mere intuition and careful observation.

"As expected of you. I'm glad I came today."

"You've come to the same conclusion, then?"

"Indeed. But more importantly—Hayashi... May I call you that?""There's something I'd like to discuss with you privately after this is over."

"Of course."

Hayashi accepted without hesitation.

The other detectives, far from bored, had been captivated by their analytical exchange. Some even looked disappointed as it ended.

The maid returned and offered to escort them to their rooms to drop off luggage.

"Great. I'd like to change first."

"You care too much about appearances, Boss."Amuro smirked.

"Attention to detail matters."

Hayashi changed into a fresh shirt and jacket—the rain had left his shoulders slightly damp.

After stepping into the corridor, Hayashi and Amuro Tōru, leaning casually against the doorframe, were about to rejoin the others. Just then, Kogorō Mōri walked past them.

"Yoshiki? What's wrong?"

Hayashi narrowed his eyes slightly, then:

"Excuse me... I'm a second-year at Ekoda High School..."

"Cough!! Cough!!"Kogorō wheezed violently, scanning the area.

No one else was nearby.

"How... how did you figure it out again!?"The voice no longer matched the old detective's gruffness.

"Ah, so it's really you, Kuroba Kaito."

"You KNEW all along!?"

The disguised thief was fuming.

"Where did I mess up?!"

"Downstairs—when you didn't swoon at the sight of Ms. Ikeda."

"…"

"Uncle Mōri would've shouted, flirted, and made a fool of himself by now."

"Tch. Yeah... I left the real guy tied up at a gas station on the way here."

"As long as he's unharmed."

"What do you mean 'unharmed'?!"Kaito glared. "You exposed so much about me just now in front of Hakuba! You basically threw me under the bus!"

"Well... I praised you quite a bit, didn't I?"

"'Praised'!? Which part of 'immature and lively' is praise!?"

"You also have a 'very interesting inner world.'"

"YOU—!!"

Kaito's face turned red with a mix of embarrassment and exasperation.

He knew now—more than ever—Hayashi Yoshiki was not someone to let his guard down around.

 

Chapter 208 - 208: Code? Solved Long Ago

As dinner time neared, the detectives scattered throughout the recreation room began to stir with excitement.

The mysterious host who had summoned them to this villa was finally about to appear.

Led by the maid, the group made their way toward the dining room. All except for Ran, who exhaled a heavy sigh.

"If you sigh too much, you'll get wrinkles."

"That's an exaggeration, Yoshiki-nii."

"Ah, but that's the expression."

"Huh?"

"Even if it's just a silly laugh, it's far prettier than a sigh."Hayashi smiled gently at her.

Ran blushed, her steps faltering just slightly.

"T-That's not true…"

"Oh? So you think I'm lying?"

"Of course not, Yoshiki-kun."

"Then please smile a little more. It'll make everyone feel better."

Before Ran could respond, they reached the grand dining room doors.

The maid stepped forward and pushed them open—

—and the entire group froze.

At the head of the long banquet table sat a figure cloaked in purple, unmoving, shrouded in theatrical shadow.

"What's with this cosplay?"

Harufumi Mogi blinked, torn between laughter and disbelief."You've been watching too much TV, haven't you?"

"Seven of the greatest detectives have gathered here. I sincerely welcome you to the Twilight Annex. Please, take your seats. Your name cards are at your places."

A low, distorted voice echoed from beneath the cloak.

Everyone slowly filed in and took their seats.

Shukuzen Ogami, the gourmet detective, whispered something to the maid as he entered.

"Bring the dishes one by one... in the exact order I specified."

At the head of the table, the voice continued:

"You're probably wondering why I invited you all here. My goal is simple: I want you to uncover the treasure hidden somewhere in this villa. It took me years to acquire this place. I'll find that treasure—even if it costs me my life."

Suddenly—BOOM!

A massive explosion thundered outside, shaking the walls.

"That... that was an explosion!"Amuro Tōru's face went pale.

"What!?"

"There's no need to be alarmed. I merely wanted to... block your escape routes."The cloaked figure's voice remained eerily calm."The suspension bridge you crossed earlier? It's fallen into the ravine. There's no phone service here—no base stations, no landlines. You're trapped. Until you help me find the treasure."

Ran instinctively pulled out her phone.

No signal.

Just then, Mōgi, unaware that his beloved Alfa Romeo had just exploded, stormed forward and ripped off the cloak—

Only to reveal a dummy with a speaker embedded in its chest.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I chose this villa for our little game...""Take a close look at the dinnerware. Each piece bears the family crest of the late Karasuma Renya—the mysterious magnate who disappeared half a century ago."

Hayashi Yoshiki had already noticed it.

The emblem of a wide-mouthed crow, eerie and chilling, was carved not just into the plates—but into the woodwork, walls, and chandeliers.

The voice continued:

"My goal is to force you great minds to relive the madness that occurred here 40 years ago. I want to see detectives kill each other... all for treasure."

"To aid your search, here's a clue:

'Two travelers looked up at the sky at night, and the devil descended on the castle.The king fled with treasure; the princess wept into the Holy Grail, begging for mercy.The soldier perished, ending his life by the sword.And the earth turned crimson.'"

The metaphor was obvious—this was a reenactment of the original massacre.

But no one was buying into it. They exchanged glances—skeptical.

Until...

"AAGGHH!"Shukuzen Ogami clutched his throat, face turning blue. He collapsed, twitching—dead.

Poison.Specifically, cyanide.

Everyone immediately scrambled to check their teacups and utensils.

"Ran, give me your hand."

"Huh? Okay..."She extended her hand, puzzled.

Hayashi gently took a handkerchief and carefully wiped her fingers.

"Y-Yoshiki-nii...?"

"Mr. Ogami had a habit of biting his nails. He didn't touch food or drink, yet he collapsed. The poison must have been on his hands."

He turned to the others.

"Everyone, wash your hands. Now."

"He's right."

Nobody argued.

Meanwhile, the dummy at the table sat silent—the tape had finished.

"Let's check if the cars outside were really blown up."Harufumi Mogi stood abruptly.

"Good idea. Maybe one or two survived."Ikumi Soda agreed.

But when they reached the yard, flames danced in the rain.

All the cars were ablaze.

Even Hayashi's Mercedes-Benz.

"Mr. Mōgi, your woman exploded."Hayashi remarked, smiling faintly.

"Noooo! My Alfa Romeo!"

"That's cruel, Boss..."Amuro sighed.

"Hey, my car's toast too. Misery loves company."

"You don't seem upset at all."

"It was just a tool. Consider it... the price of admission."

Suddenly, Hayashi turned to Amuro with a smile.

"Call the police, Mr. Amuro."

"With what? We have no service here, remember?"

Furuyo Senma, standing nearby, tilted her head.

But Amuro smirked and pulled out a satellite phone.

"I always come prepared. Boss reminded me to pack this."

"That's amazing! We can call the police!"Kogorō Mōri's face lit up.

"But I thought you'd wait until the case was solved first..."

Amuro began dialing.

"You make it sound like a mystery novel—waiting until the end to call the police."

"Although... now that you mention it..."Hayashi looked up."I've already solved the culprit's code."

"WHAT?!!"

Everyone turned, eyes wide.

Seven detectives, the legacy of Karasuma Renya, and a riddle meant to drive men mad—

And Hayashi had solved it before the game even began.

 

 

Chapter 209 - 209: End

"The code has been solved?"

The declaration struck like lightning.

A room full of seasoned detectives fell into stunned silence.

Each one—Hakuba, Mogi, Senma, even Conan—had been racking their brains. And suddenly this man—Hayashi Yoshiki—announced the puzzle was already over!?

"Is that true...?"Soda Ikumi looked bewildered, her sharp gaze landing on Hayashi.

There was no arrogance or bluff in his calm expression.

"The answer lies in the clock in the restaurant. That's the core clue."

"The... clock?"

The room stirred.

"'The second traveler is in a hurry... looks up at the sky at night...'"Someone recited the riddle aloud again.

And then—click—the pieces began to fall into place.

"The hurry— that means time!_"Hakuba Saguru's eyes lit up.

"The second traveler—refers to the hour and minute hands!"Gunda nodded excitedly.

"Looking up at the sky at night... it implies aligning the clock's hands at midnight—0:00."Amuro Tōru glanced toward Hayashi."Correct, Boss?"

"Yes."

"And 'the devil descends from nowhere'—the Joker!"Harufumi Mogi chimed in.

"Then the king, princess, and soldier... that's K, Q, and J—playing cards!"Conan, sharp-eyed and unusually mature for his appearance, pieced it together.

"The King of Diamonds flees with the treasure... the Queen of Hearts weeps into the Grail... and the Jack of Spades dies by the sword.""Follow the cardinal directions marked by those symbols around the annex—align the clock accordingly."

They all hurried back to the restaurant—minds racing.

The body of Shukuzen Ogami still lay untouched.

But for now, everyone was focused on the fireplace.

Conan, being the lightest, climbed up and began adjusting the ornate antique clock mounted above the hearth.

As he turned the hands counterclockwise to match the riddle's sequence, Hayashi narrowed his eyes.

Counterclockwise... turning back time...

Could this mirror the Organization's belief? Their obsession with regression, with undoing death?

Just as the final hand clicked into place—

CRASH!

The clock fell from the wall and hit the ground.

A shimmer glinted in the shattered brass housing.

"Wait... is that... gold?"_

"This clock is pure gold!"Kogorō Mōri knelt, straining to lift it.

"This is the treasure?"

"Judging from the weight... yes. Solid gold."

A wave of disappointment swept over the room.

Yes, it was valuable—but compared to the legendary treasure of Karasuma Renya, this was... underwhelming.

Then Hayashi's gaze shifted toward someone who had been far too quiet:

"Ms. Furuyo... care to say something?"

All heads turned.

Furuyo Senma, standing near the rear, blinked in surprise.

"Why do you ask that?"

"Because you're the one who killed Shukuzen Ogami."

The dining room fell silent.

No shouts. No outrage. Only intense focus.

After all, this was a room full of detectives.

They immediately began processing the possibility.

"But why accuse her?" someone asked.

Hayashi's voice remained calm.

"We all knew how Ogami died—cyanide absorbed through the fingers, exacerbated by his nail-biting habit. But... there was one person who repeatedly reminded us to avoid smoking, thus preventing anyone else from unconsciously touching something laced with poison."

"Ms. Furuyo Senma."

"Uncle Mōri, Mr. Mogi—you both refrained from smoking the entire time."

"She was ensuring no one else would suffer the same fate. Except—Ogami."

"And why would he be so careless? Simple. He was her accomplice."

"He didn't believe she'd harm him. He wiped his dish sloppily. And he died."

A long pause.

Then—finally—Furuyo Senma smiled sadly.

"The rumors are true... Your insight is terrifying."

With a sigh, she shed the tension of concealment and began her confession.

"My father—Kyosuke Senma—was an archaeologist invited by Karasuma Renya forty years ago. He, along with others, searched for the treasure. One day, the letters stopped. We never heard from him again."

"Years later, I found a hidden message in his final letter. It spoke of how Karasuma planned to kill the scholars if they didn't find the treasure in time. Whether they succeeded or not—they would die."

"This so-called treasure... took dozens of lives."

She looked at Ogami's body.

"I confided in him once, years ago. He became obsessed. Bought the villa. Took out massive loans. When he found nothing, he decided to invite all of you... and kill you for solving it."

"But then he died—at my hands. Because I couldn't allow more deaths for something so meaningless."

"A block of gold."

Then—

RUMBLE.

Cutlery clattered. Plates tumbled to the floor.

"What the—an earthquake!?"

"No... the annex is shaking!"

"Walls are cracking!"

"Get out!!"

"Boss!"Amuro rushed to Hayashi's side, grabbing a chair and hurling it through the window.

Hayashi, realizing his intent, did the same.

Shards of glass exploded outward.

Quickly, he threw his jacket over the broken window frame.

"RAN!" he shouted.

"Got it!"

Without hesitation, Ran climbed over the table and leaped through the opening.

She landed safely on the wet stone below.

The others followed, one by one.

Outside, the truth finally emerged.

It wasn't an earthquake...

It was the villa.

The walls were peeling.

The outer facade crumbled.

And beneath the ruined plaster, what was revealed stunned them all—

Gold.

The entire Sunset Manor had been built of pure gold.

Gasps rang out.

Even Hayashi, who had suspected, found the sight surreal.

"Now that's a reveal worth the price of my car."

"I still want my Alfa Romeo back!"Mogi protested.

"I'll take a chunk of the wall as compensation."Gunda laughed.

Epilogue: Morning After Twilight

As they waited for the police to arrive, standing in the soft mist of dawn, the group began to talk freely.

"This is my card, Mr. Hayashi."Soda Ikumi handed him her business card."Your clarity and decisiveness today... I've never admired a detective more."

"You flatter me. Maybe I just got lucky."

"No, this was strength."Mogi crossed his arms. "Reasoning isn't just deduction. It's wrestling with dead ends until inspiration strikes like a hammer."

"To have that clarity immediately... it's no accident."Hakuba nodded.

"Then I suppose... I'll allow myself a little pride."Hayashi smiled.

They exchanged contact info—Amuro, Hakuba, Mogi, even Kaito Kuroba (still disguised as Mōri Kogorō) watching suspiciously from a distance.

Hakuba's trying to team up with him...? Should I just turn myself in...?

Meanwhile, Ran stood to the side, watching Hayashi quietly.

In that moment, she realized—

He wasn't just brilliant. He cared.About her.

"Yoshiki-nii, aren't you cold?"

"I'm fine."He smiled at her."You landed okay, right? No scrapes?"

"Thanks to you."

They exchanged a warm glance.

"Well... the car's gone. So is the luggage."

"Guess we'll ask the police for a lift."

And just as he said that—

Whup-whup-whup-whup...

Red and blue lights appeared in the sky.

The police helicopter had arrived.

The curtain closed on the night at Sunset Manor.

 

 

Chapter 210 - 210: Unexpected Plan? Investigation Team, Invitation from Detective Hakuba

The police helicopter successfully evacuated everyone from the ruined Sunset Manor.

As the golden glint of the crumbling villa disappeared into the dark forest below, the survivors looked back one last time—unable to shake the feeling that the entire ordeal had been a surreal dream.

"If you're going to jump, make it quick. I'm only wearing a shirt, and it's freezing up here."

Hayashi Yoshiki glanced to the side, his voice half amused.

Kuroba Kaito, disguised as Mōri Kogorō, rolled his eyes.

—He got the message. If he didn't act now, it would only be a matter of time before the truth was fully exposed.

Suddenly, "Mōri Kogorō" shoved aside Harufumi Mōgi, opened the helicopter door, and jumped.

"DAD!?"Ran gasped in shock.

But Hayashi's hand gently touched her leg under the table, signaling her to stay calm.

As the figure descended, the paraglider unfurled mid-air—revealing the iconic white cloak of the Kaitō Kid.

"Kaitō Kid!""It's him!!"

Hakuba Saguru and Conan leaped to the window, heads nearly knocking together.

They had suspected "Kogorō" for a while, but couldn't confirm it.

Now, watching Kid sail into the sky, the chance was gone.

They both turned, glancing at Hayashi with frustration.

"Hayashi-san, that was a golden opportunity. Why did you let him go?""Yeah, we were so close."

Hayashi smiled coolly.

"Would you really feel satisfied catching him that way?""While he's off guard and not at his best?"

That silenced them.

Because he was right.

A proper chase. A fair duel of wits. Not a sneak attack in a confined space. That's what made chasing Kaitō Kid so exhilarating.

"You noticed it was him from the beginning?"Soda Ikumi was surprised.

"Was it because Mōri didn't smoke?"Furuyo Senma added, eyes narrowing. "Even Mōgi reached for his cigarette multiple times, but Mōri never once had the urge. Not like him."

"And he didn't flirt with Ms. Ikumi at all."Conan nodded.

"That's true..."Ran muttered, realizing just how not her father the man had acted.

"Don't worry."Amuro Tōru showed her his satellite phone with a gentle smile. "The real Mōri-san has already been located and picked up. The police contacted him as soon as I made the call."

Ran exhaled in relief.

The group returned to Tokyo, where the police postponed formal questioning thanks to the presence of Hakuba, the son of the police chief. Everyone, except for the surrendered Furuyo Senma, was put up in a high-end hotel for the night.

Mōri Kogorō was furious.

"That damn Kid! Tying me up in a gas station like some kind of hostage!?""My back is killing me!"

Hayashi smiled and consoled him as best he could, but before long, Hakuba Saguru arrived at his door.

"Hayashi-san. You have a moment?"

"A little."

"Good. I have something to show you."

Private Meeting: Hakuba's Room

The room was pristine, untouched—aside from the laptop sitting on the desk.

Hakuba locked the door behind them, then walked straight to the computer. With a few keystrokes, he opened a hidden folder and played a video.

"Watch this carefully."

The video began.

A sports coupe was speeding down a highway, dodging gunfire from an armed helicopter overhead. The scene was wild—explosions, tire smoke, evasive maneuvers—like something out of a Hollywood car chase.

But it was real.

Hayashi narrowed his eyes.

I've seen something like this before...

The chase reached a climax as a flying tire smashed into the chopper's rotor, sending it spiraling into a billboard—resulting in a fiery explosion.

"Want to see it again?"Hakuba asked.

"Yes. Slower."

They played it again at 0.5x speed.

"This isn't just some random accident, is it?"Hayashi asked knowingly.

"Exactly."

Hakuba sat back, face grim.

"That was no coincidence. This is only one example. There are others. The police have begun tracking similar incidents."

Hakuba explained:

Weeks ago, there had been a violent clash between two underground organizations in Osaka—one of them a terrorist cell, the other an unidentified faction. Afterward, investigators found intel pointing to a third-party escape during the conflict—executed with near-impossible precision.

"This isn't the first time this group has vanished through some orchestrated 'accident.' It's happened before—always clean, always impossible."

Hakuba had pulled strings to get his hands on the footage. Not even Hattori Heiji had seen this.

He opened another folder and played the second video:

A Hummer, mid-pursuit, raced through the countryside. Just ahead, a tanker truck exploded—on cue. The Hummer veered past the debris with barely a second to spare.

"Sniper bullets hit three tires of the truck within two seconds."

"The margin was razor-thin. A few yards slower, and the Hummer would've been destroyed."

Hayashi's eyes were bright with interest now.

He leaned forward.

"These aren't accidents. They're... scripts."

Hakuba's eyes widened slightly.

"Whoever's behind this isn't in the cars. They're pulling the strings from afar—commanding with terrifying precision."

Hayashi continued:

"They pushed their people to the edge of death, gambling it all on timing and calculation. Either a perfectionist, a showman, or someone with an obsession for control."

"To pull this off, they'd need expertise in physics, mathematics, human behavior...""And to use the tanker as a prop, they'd have to monitor the route for days."

"Do you have anything on the truck driver?"

"Not yet. And these are the only two videos I've managed to get."Hakuba admitted.

Hayashi leaned back.

His voice was calm, but his eyes gleamed.

So this is the level of the game... Finally, something interesting.

A New Invitation

"Hayashi-san, I'm going to talk to my father again. The Public Security Bureau and police have begun forming a special task force to investigate these orchestrated accidents. I want to be on it."

"And I want you with me."

Hakuba stood, his voice earnest.

"This mastermind... I've chased killers, illusionists, even terrorists—but this one? This one is different. More dangerous. And if we don't catch them, the next 'accident' could be catastrophic."

There was silence for a long moment.

Then—

"...Can I join?"

"Sometimes, trusted detectives are invited in as consultants."Hakuba smiled. "If we present this case together, I think we'll get in."

He extended his hand.

Hayashi looked at him, then at the laptop... and slowly, with a smile—

Shook it.

A perfect script is it...?

Then let's see how well I play this role.