Stay away from Conan.

"Xiu, you mean...?"

Upon seeing Shuichi Akai arrive, Judy couldn't help but ask curiously, wondering what plans Shuichi Akai had for bringing them up at this time. But judging from his appearance, Judy knew that he must already have some ideas.

In response, Shuichi Akai explained:
"The organization even sent personnel disguised as officers from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department to carry out the mission, which shows how important this matter was to them. How could such an important matter end up like this? The organization is unlikely to let this go unpunished."
"Since they were capable of impersonating Metropolitan Police Department officials, they would definitely send people to investigate the source of the incident to find out where things went wrong. Those who were involved in the incident would then come into the organization's sights."

"In this situation, regardless of what attitude those who understand the organization have towards it, at this point, they will have to face the organization's counterattack just like us."

"Since that's the case, and we all share the same goal, perhaps..."

"We can cooperate!"

While saying this, Shuichi Akai secretly intended to use the opportunity to test the waters.

After all, the identity of that mysterious person remains in doubt.

Judy and the others were naturally unaware of Shuichi Akai's thinking, but given that the matter involved the safety of the organization and certain individuals, Shuichi Akai's proposal was worth paying attention to.

Therefore, Judy and James nodded in agreement, agreeing with Shuichi Akai's point. Furthermore, since Shinichi Kudo was present, it would be convenient for him to contact Takato Akechi and the others to discuss the situation…

……

Tokyo Metropolitan Police Hospital, Midoridai Police Hospital

When Kogoro Mouri led Ran into the hospital building, his expression was somewhat complicated.

As a specialized hospital for police officers, the two were there to visit the superintendent, Matsumoto Kiyonaga, especially after learning that the real Matsumoto Kiyonaga had been kidnapped and that their daughter had fought with the imposter at the Tokyo Tower...

After all these events, Kogoro Mouri finally understood the situation, which inevitably made the former police officer and current famous detective feel solemn, his brow furrowed.

"Dad, what are you thinking about?"

Xiaolan noticed her father's expression and asked softly.

"Ah...it's nothing."

Kogoro Mouri shook his head and sighed:

"I just never imagined that the previous supervisor, Matsumoto, had been impersonated for so long. We've been going in and out of the Metropolitan Police Department these past few days without noticing anything..."

As he said this, Kogoro Mouri's tone carried a hint of self-deprecation.

As a detective, it would be a laughing stock if word got out that he hadn't realized the "manager" next to him was an imposter.

However... on the other hand, the level of disguise was so good that even the officers inside the Metropolitan Police Department, including Inspector Megure, didn't notice it. So it's not too embarrassing that I couldn't tell either.
Or perhaps it's precisely because the other party is impersonating a manager or similar figure that they are less likely to be discovered?
So, while Kogoro Mouri was replying and thinking, Ran didn't respond, but just kept her head down, seemingly lost in thought—

After all, everything that happened last night was still vivid in her mind.

The man who tore off his mask to reveal his hideous face, the armed helicopter circling above the East Tower, and...

Shinichi.

He was injured, and I don't know how he is now.

Although Mr. Akechi suggested it, and Ms. Judy offered to take good care of him, but...

"Xiao Lan?"

At that moment, Kogoro Mouri's voice interrupted Ran's thoughts.

"Oh, what's wrong?"

Xiao Lan responded immediately.

"arrive."

Looking at Ran's expression, Kogoro Mouri seemed to be deep in thought, but on the surface he simply pointed to the doorplate in front of him—

The words "Matsumoto Kiyoshi" were written on it.

Then, he raised his hand and knocked on the door.

"Please come in." A somewhat tired but still steady voice came from inside the room.

Upon entering, Kogoro Mouri and Ran saw Kiyoshi Matsumoto lying on the hospital bed.

This once imposing Metropolitan Police Department superintendent was now wearing a hospital gown and leaning against the headboard. His face was much thinner than he remembered, but his eyes were still sharp.

"Mouri, Ran, you've arrived."

Matsumoto Kiyonaga nodded slightly, gesturing for them to sit down.

"Commander, how...are you feeling?"

Kogoro Mouri sat down on a chair nearby, his tone filled with genuine concern.

"It's nothing serious. I was just a little weak after being locked up for a while. I'll be fine after a few days of rest."

Matsumoto Kiyonaga spoke casually, as if being kidnapped was nothing more than a trivial matter to him.

"That's good……"

Kogoro Mouri breathed a sigh of relief, but then didn't know what to say.

After all, the officer in front of them had been impersonated for so long, and they and their colleagues had been coming and going from the Metropolitan Police Department every day without noticing anything. It was truly...

"Mori, don't blame yourself."

Matsumoto Kiyonaga seemed to have seen through Mouri Kogoro's thoughts and said in a deep voice:
"That person's disguise was extremely skillful; not only their face and voice, but even their walking posture and speaking habits were perfectly imitated. If they hadn't been discovered in time, I'm afraid..."

At this point, Matsumoto Kiyoshi paused and said no more.

"I heard that you, Mori, also contributed a lot to this incident?"

Then, Matsumoto Kiyonaga changed the subject.

"Ah, yes."

Upon hearing this, Kogoro Mouri immediately nodded, then said with some regret:
"However, it seems that in the end it didn't help much, and instead it was more like... aiding and abetting evil..."

After listening, Matsumoto Kiyonaga remained silent for a moment, then sighed softly:
"Hey, Mori, don't underestimate yourself. Your abilities are evident to all in our police force. In the future, I'm afraid even the likes of Inspector Megure will have to rely on you a lot!"

"Ah, Commander, you flatter me! If you need my help, Kogoro Mouri, just ask, and I will do my utmost!"

Kogoro Mouri stood up and said very solemnly.

Seeing this, Matsumoto Kiyonaga's eyes were deep, and he seemed lost in thought. After a moment of silence, he suddenly spoke, his tone carrying a sense of relief:
"Mori, there's no need for this. I actually..."

"I have already submitted an application for early retirement to the Metropolitan Police Department."

"what?!"

The sudden turn of events greatly surprised Kogoro Mouri, and even Ran, who was standing nearby, abruptly stood up.
"Manager, you..."

"After this experience, I've come to see many things more clearly."

Matsumoto Kiyonaga waved his hand, gesturing for Mori Kogoro and the others to sit down:

"The Metropolitan Police Department needs younger, more capable leaders. And given what happened, I ultimately bear some responsibility as well..."

His tone was calm, as if he had no regrets about the decision.

"Then...who will take over..."

Kogoro Mouri asked tentatively.

"It should be Superintendent General Hakuba who will make arrangements."

Matsumoto Kiyonaga said:

"They should... transfer someone with even greater ability from elsewhere to fill this position." (End of Chapter)