Stay away from Conan.

Both sides were aware that the other's identity was unknown and that they were not easily approached. Therefore, out of caution, neither side took any action that would disrupt the peace at this moment, but instead observed and weighed their options.

The man in sunglasses who was leading the group of those who arrived first couldn't help but wonder whether he should forcibly take the old man and the goods away.
After all, the reason for coming here to investigate this old man was because his presence here was rather strange, and they suspected that he had ulterior motives.

Now, it seems there's no need to think too much about it anymore; the fact that this new group of people has appeared already shows that they do indeed have problems.

The problem is that the other side is clearly well-prepared. Once a conflict breaks out, the outcome is uncertain, and it is very likely that our own identity and intentions will be exposed.

But if we do nothing, wouldn't it be difficult to explain to ourselves?

Given the current situation, these people's motives are unclear, and it would be obviously difficult to forcibly take them away for investigation. At this juncture, we should try our best to avoid any unnecessary complications, so why not just let the old man go?

But the goods...

Thinking of this, the man forced a relaxed expression and handed the driver's license he had been holding for inspection back to Professor Agasa:
"There's nothing wrong with my identity..."

Upon hearing this, Dr. Agasa couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, realizing that he was safe no matter what.

Meanwhile, upon hearing this, the Japanese public security officers who arrived later calmed down slightly, but their vigilance remained. After all, things couldn't be so easily brushed aside.

Sure enough, just as the group was thinking this, the man in sunglasses changed the subject and pointed towards the cargo compartment—

“However, this batch of ‘goods’ is a bit suspicious, and we must take it back for inspection. It is our duty. Once the inspection is complete and there are no problems, it will naturally be returned to you.”

Immediately, Professor Agasa's heart, which had just been relieved, jumped again. He subconsciously gripped the hem of his clothes, but then he thought that it was not a big deal. At least he should leave this place of trouble first. Staying here felt too terrible!

Thus, although Dr. Agasa thought so, the situation was already out of his control. Whether this matter could end here depended on the few people who arrived later.

As for them, although they were ordered to pick up Professor Agasa, the goods he was transporting were actually the key to this operation. How could they just detain them like that?
Therefore, the later-appearing, stern-faced man's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly—

Detain the goods?

This is more troublesome than direct conflict.

The other side clearly didn't want a direct confrontation, but their objective was clear—

At least these key goods should be preserved.

But that's precisely what they can't allow.

“We have an urgent need for these goods and must take them with us. Could you please make an exception? We will cooperate with the inspection, but could we leave them here? If there are any problems, you can ask us here, how about that?”

After a moment's thought, the cold-faced man spoke in a slightly weaker tone, but his attitude was resolute. His apparent concession brought an invisible pressure to those who arrived first.

"Of course we can cooperate with the inspection, but we currently lack the equipment. Why don't you come back with our vehicle and we can complete the inspection together? Or, I can arrange for someone to come over."

The man in sunglasses who led the group who arrived first also stood firm, his hand already casually resting on his waist.
"For the sake of public safety, please understand."

The atmosphere became tense again.

Neither of the two scenarios mentioned by the other party is acceptable. The former means being completely controlled by others, while the latter...

This means they're sending reinforcements, right...?

Given this situation, the others exchanged glances and slightly adjusted the position of their hands.

Meanwhile, next to the cargo compartment, one of the companions who arrived earlier even slightly turned to block part of the compartment entrance, ensuring that the goods that these people clearly wanted to get their hands on would not be taken away in the chaos.

Thus, Professor Agasa was caught in the middle, barely daring to breathe, as he could sense the imminent danger emanating from the people on both sides.

Faced with such a tense situation, Dr. Agasa racked his brains, then suddenly remembered something and hurriedly said:
"Gentlemen... these things are just... just experimental models, nothing special... Or, how about I... I demonstrate for you? Just a little flight?" He seemed to be trying to use a "demonstration" to prove these were just ordinary models, perhaps hoping to get away with it, or...

Create some chaos?

After all, the trader said they were allowed to launch these models here, so does that mean what would happen if they were launched directly?
"No need."

But the man in sunglasses who was leading the group of those who arrived first coldly interrupted him on this point:

"We have our own standards of judgment."

He stopped looking at Professor Agasa and stared at the cold, stern-faced man who had come later, saying:

"Please have your people step back. We need to inventory and seal the goods. Sir, if you'd like, you can come with us and cooperate with our inspection, or you can leave first and we'll notify you to pick up your items later if the inspection results are satisfactory."

Hearing this, Dr. Agasa looked embarrassed, knowing that there was nothing more he could do.

In response to this situation, the later-reacting, cold-faced man's eyes remained icy.

This move by the other side was ruthless; seemingly a concession to release the people, it actually seized upon a crucial point. If they forcibly prevented the other side's "law enforcement inspection," it would be tantamount to actively provoking conflict, and without knowing the other side's full strength or whether they had backup, the risk was extremely high. But if they allowed the other side to take away the target goods…

Just then, as they were caught in a dilemma, Amuro Tooru's command came through his earpiece:

"Personnel safety is the priority; as for the belongings... let them take them."

Clearly, the situation at this moment was being reported to the command center in real time by the personnel remaining in the vehicle, and based on the assessment of the current situation, the command center gave clear instructions.

At this point, the stern-faced man stopped insisting.

"can."

The cold-faced man spoke like this:
"The goods...please inspect them in accordance with the law, but please provide formal detention documents."

As he spoke, he winked at his companions, signaling them to prepare to take Professor Agasa into the car.

Upon hearing this change, the man in sunglasses who was leading the group of early arrivals frowned slightly.

Did they abandon the goods so easily? Is it a trap? Or did they also realize that a direct confrontation would be disadvantageous?

"The formalities will be completed naturally."

The man in sunglasses signaled to his companion to prepare to receive the goods, while keeping a watchful eye on the other party's every move.

So, at this point, the truck that Professor Agasa had driven, along with the goods, naturally couldn't be taken away. Therefore, at the suggestion of the others who arrived later, Professor Agasa could only leave with them.

only……

Who exactly are these people?

I felt genuinely uneasy about the first group of "Japanese Public Security officers" who appeared, but that didn't mean I trusted the group that came later!
Just as Professor Agasa was caught in a dilemma, he received a message on his phone—

"Follow the group that came later!"

Is it a letter from the trading partner who contacted me?
Are they really here to make contact?

For a moment, various questions swirled in Professor Agasa's mind. His act of looking at his phone caught the attention of those who had arrived earlier, and they exchanged knowing glances before moving closer to him.

"And your phone..." (End of Chapter)