Stay away from Conan.

"It is understood that the guy named Hondo Eisuke used to go to a okonomiyaki restaurant with his father. The owner of the okonomiyaki restaurant recalled that his father's name was Ethan Hondo, and he always wore all black clothes and often came with a group of foreigners dressed in black."

On the other end of the phone, Hattori Heiji spoke solemnly.

Upon hearing this, especially the characteristic of being "dressed in black," Shinichi Kudo immediately pictured Gin and the others in his mind—

After all, my initial understanding of the organization was based on the fact that they all wore black.

So, could it be that Ethan Hondou, the father of Hondou Eisuke, is connected to the organization...?

"Ethan Bentang? There are foreigners too? This Ethan Bentang is also a foreigner?"

Noticing that Ethan Hondou's name was related to Hondou Eisuke, but the way the names were pronounced was different, Shinichi Kudo asked with some doubt.

"It seems to be because he is of Japanese descent and was born in the United States. According to the boss, those foreigners were his colleagues. They seemed to be employed by the same company."

"In short, I also found that boss and showed him the photo that looked like it belonged to Rena Mizunashi, but he clearly stated that he had never seen this person before, so at least on the Rena Mizunashi line, we didn't get much out of him."

"That's how it is," Hattori Heiji replied on the other end of the phone.

For Shinichi Kudo, this was at least a new clue, so it wasn't a complete loss. Therefore, Shinichi didn't say anything more, only stating:

"Okay, I understand..."

"Hey, Kudo..."

As a result, upon hearing the tone of Shinichi Kudo's voice, Heiji Hattori clearly sensed something and couldn't help but ask:

"Are you sure you don't need my help here?"

After all, such a major event had already occurred in Tokyo, and Hattori Heiji was finding it hard to feel at ease.

"It hasn't come to that point yet."

In a somewhat bland tone, Shinichi Kudo spoke with feigned nonchalance, then quickly changed the subject:

“Mr. Akechi is also helping out, and Ran…”

Speaking of this, Shinichi Kudo couldn't help but think that Ran had also appeared on the Tokyo Tower and clashed with Ireland again. As for why Ran was there, Shinichi Kudo naturally didn't think that Mr. Akechi had specifically called Ran over. After all, the situation was so dangerous that Mr. Akechi had no reason to call Ran over to handle something that Ran shouldn't be involved in.

Therefore, the only explanation is that Xiaolan somehow knew what would happen at the East Tower, and that's why she came here on her own.

Therefore, Xiaolan must have already guessed something, which is why she took such a risk to come here...

But then...

His expression was slightly downcast, and he seemed unsure how to face Ran. Shinichi Kudo felt a complex mix of emotions.

Now that things have come to this, should I just tell Xiaolan the truth?

After all, if Shinichi Kudo were to say that Ran knows nothing right now, he would be deceiving himself.

Upon hearing Shinichi Kudo mention "Ran" in his words, Heiji Hattori seemed thoughtful, but clearly sensing Shinichi's emotions, he didn't continue to disturb him, simply saying:
"Okay. If you need any more help, be sure to contact me!"

And so, their call ended.

At this point, as Shinichi Kudo put down his phone, his thoughts quickly shifted from worrying about Ran's situation to the practical problems he was currently facing—

The organization's operation has clearly been hampered, and the appearance of Ms. Judy has inevitably attracted the organization's attention. Given that the previous disappearance of Rena Mizunashi has been added to the mix, it's likely that the organization will soon launch an operation against the FBI.

Just then, as Shinichi Kudo was thinking this, the door to his hospital room was opened from the outside—

Judy entered. After the door was already pushed open, she knocked symbolically to acknowledge her arrival and said to Shinichi Kudo:

"How are your injuries...? Now, is it convenient for us to talk?"

……

"How did it go? How did the conversation with that rumored high school detective go?"

After Judy left Shinichi Kudo's room and returned to the office room temporarily set up for the FBI in the hospital, James, with a serious expression, couldn't help but ask Judy about the outcome of her trip.

Judy couldn't help but say:
"According to this high school detective, he rushed back after receiving a message from Conan, but he never expected things to turn out so unexpectedly."

"Conan? That kid?"

Clearly, James was still quite impressed with Conan after hearing his name.

"Yes. It is understood that the person who was silenced by the organization this time also broke into the Mouri Detective Agency and attacked Conan. If it hadn't been discovered in time, Conan would probably have been taken away by him."

Judy responded.

"Oh? So, it's because that member of the organization discovered something that they've started targeting Conan?"

James quickly offered this analysis.

"That's what Shinichi Kudo said too. After all, it's understood that the organization member had previously disguised himself as a police officer and discovered something through that identity, which is why he targeted Conan."

"To be honest, the fact that this kid knows about the organization is still unbelievable even to us."

As she said this, Jodie clearly linked Conan's knowledge of the organization to the reason why he was being targeted by the organization:
"It is said that even Gin had been near the Metropolitan Police Department before, and Conan spotted him. It is possible that Conan's reaction at that time was seen by the undercover agent inside the Metropolitan Police Department, which aroused suspicion."

"So...does that mean the child is in great danger right now?"

After all, the organization has infiltrated the police force, making it virtually impossible to prevent. And once the organization finds out, things will likely be far from over, affecting everyone, including the Mouri Detective Agency...

"However... it seems that the undercover agent was silenced by the organization before he could relay the message back."

Judy added.

"Oh? Where did you get this news? Is it reliable?"

James pressed on.

"According to Shinichi Kudo, he asked that question to that member of the organization, and this was the answer. Then, that person was silenced by the organization right before our eyes, without even having a chance to pass on the message."

Judy replied.

"Hmm... to silence them..."

James muttered something to himself, then said:
"If that's the case... it seems like getting involved in this matter has become troublesome for us..."

"However, it wasn't entirely without any gains."

At that moment, Shuichi Akai arrived and joined their conversation—

"At least, this time we're certain—"

"That Shinichi Kudo, and Takato Akechi, are indeed targeting the organization, aren't they?" (End of Chapter)