Conan: Science Cartoonist Kudo Yuji

"This code was copied from the electronic system of the gas transfer station in Xicheng District by my Uncle Shin-ichi."

"A gas transfer station? That place should have been blown to bits by now." A police officer, similar to Officer Takagi in location tracking, asked in confusion. He immediately went to the computer and showed everyone a photo of the Xicheng District gas transfer station, now reduced to ruins, on the projector.

"No, what this child is talking about is the West District branch of the Third Gas Center." Otaki crossed his arms and glanced sideways at the engrossed detective.

“Detective Kudo, I must remind you that the Third Gas Center is a strategic unit and is not on the list of mandatory information searches under the Detective Law. Even if you are prosecuted by the Osaka police, you will have to spend two or three months in jail.”

"Yes, but I can apply for bail pending trial. I believe the Prime Minister will sign my application, although he's used to signing them."

Ultimately, speaking as an older man, Higashino III couldn't reveal that it was actually the kid who sneaked into the gas center.

"Alright." Otaki shut his mouth. This shameless detective had even brought up his own brother, so what could he say? There probably wasn't a detective in Japan with a bigger background than him right now.

"When the system sends fixed gas volume data to the Xicheng District gas transfer station, it also carries this code. I rotate this code 45 degrees clockwise and 45 degrees counterclockwise along the diagonal, and then cross it left and right to get a readable code."

Higashino III watched the animation that he had specially commissioned Dr. Hiroki to produce, and after the animation ended, everyone understood the meaning of the code.

[Explosion in Xicheng District, Kazami]
"Kazami? Minister Kazami? It's him!"

Many police officers knew about his previous attempt to take over the headquarters, and they all looked at Otaki with surprise and suspicion, because it was he who had taken Kazami away.

"I'll apply to the department head and then confirm with that guy." Otaki's gaze swept around, half-reminder, half-warning: "Please everyone sign a confidentiality agreement later. Don't leak this out." Kazami transferred from Tokyo; if word gets out, who knows what people will think? Wouldn't that force Osaka to hold Tokyo accountable…

"The key is this message. The last location tracked by the background data was at the apartment in Kiyose Sasaki, and the time was when the Osaka Public Security Police arrived there."

Otaki remembered Tayura; Kazami had called him before the operation began. Meanwhile, the Kudo family members by the wall all turned to look at Kudo Yuuji, who now wore Nohara's face, never expecting their smiling father to issue such an order.

"Why? Why set up such a huge explosion in the West District? What about those innocent ordinary people..." Nohara Maki turned her head, only to see Kudo Yuji spreading his hands.

“Dad doesn’t know. It was all done behind his back by his subordinates. Dad has been sidelined.” Kudo Yuji sighed. “It’s just smuggling people and drugs through the West District. It’s not like we need to blow up the whole district. Although we’re afraid of being targeted for this, there are so many innocent people involved.”

In short, the Prime Minister is wise, but unfortunately there are treacherous officials and rebellious parties...

Listening to Yuuji's ramblings, Conan didn't want to watch him anymore. No matter what, his brother was now a villain. Whether he played the role willingly or out of necessity, in the end, his script would probably be that Hokuto liberates the whole country, and his brother escapes with the remnants of the party...

"Alright, you have to go back now."

Kudo Yuji watched as Koizumi Akako waved goodbye and left the Criminal Investigation Department. He ruffled Conan's hair, gave him a playful push, and watched him disappear from sight before running off to find the witch. (End of Chapter)