Conan: Science Cartoonist Kudo Yuji

"The order came directly from Tokyo: go to the Yanagiha Apartments in the third ward of Kamazaki and screen each household one by one, under the pretext of investigating those in the West Ward who need to receive work allowances."

Three Sasaki vehicles carrying more than a dozen Osaka headquarters public security police officers headed to the Airin area of ​​the West Ward. After Nitta, the leader, sent the mission to everyone's mobile phones, the three vehicles quickly separated at the next intersection and went to their designated locations to wait.

Osaka's Nishi Ward, a notorious slum in the Kansai region, is a prime example of Osaka's lagging urban renewal efforts. Despite the Hattori family taking over Osaka amidst the chaos of the Great Turmoil of 20 years ago, this situation has not improved; in fact, it has worsened.

It's rare to see such a nice car in Xicheng District, because most people living in these areas don't have much space on average, so many people living on the roadside occupy part of the street to place kitchenware and other items, and there are actually no conditions for cars to drive on the road.

"Hey, you bastards, what are you going to do about knocking over someone's lunch?!"

As the third team drove towards the southwest corner of Liuye intersection, they accidentally knocked over a noodle pot belonging to a family. The shouts and curses immediately echoed throughout the street. Realizing that they would alert the other party if they didn't deal with it, the four men immediately got out of the car, left 20,000 yen and asked the other party to watch the car, and then quickly ran towards Liuye Apartments.

A light drizzle began to fall on the street. Those families with kitchens set up at their doorways—places that could be called kitchens—and covered with awnings leisurely watched the chaotic scene of those without awnings hurriedly bringing their pots and pans inside. But the chaos didn't last long; soon only Sasaki's car remained, parked alone in the middle of the street.

"Your phone was moved, aren't you going to check?"

The second team's Nakahira noticed Tayura's pocket was shining and nudged him, reminding him to maintain constant communication before the mission begins in case of unforeseen circumstances.

"Let me see... This is troublesome, it's Minister Kazami."

"That student affairs department guy? Block him for now, let's catch Sasaki Kiyose first."

The lead police officer frowned, staring at Tayura with a suspicious look, before warning him about the seriousness of Sasaki Kiyose's situation.

"Leaving aside whether the video they asked us to check is related to any murder case, a guy who was supposed to be dead but then reappeared is undoubtedly someone Sasaki Kiyose tampered with before."

Capturing him would appease the current unrest in Osaka. Furthermore, for the Public Security Police, confirming whether the Sasaki family and the families behind them have sided with the North is the top priority.

"Let's go!"

As planned, the Liuye Apartment building has four floors with four households on each floor. The first team will conduct a frontal search, the second team will ascend via the fire escape, and the third team will remain on standby downstairs.

"Second apartment on the third floor, can't get the door open." Seeing that the other three officers had already communicated with the residents on the third floor, while he had been knocking for a long time without any response, the police officer who was specifically responsible for dealing with the second apartment on each floor reminded the second team of officers.

"I've already come up the fire escape."

Holding a firearm, Tayura dared not relax for a moment. The Sasaki family manufactured officer pistols specifically for the Eastern Self-Defense Forces, and the other side was very likely to have light weapons.

She pulled the balcony handle to confirm that the door was locked. Tayura turned sideways to look inside from the blind spot and was reporting to her companion at the main entrance when suddenly she jolted to the side and lost consciousness in the blink of an eye.

……

"Sasaki Kiyose, it's him! Wasn't he dead?!"

On the second floor of Sasaki Manor, upon seeing the character on Kudo Yuuji's phone, a club president from a certain school exclaimed in surprise, but immediately incurred the contempt of other schools.

"What do you think we're here for at this memorial service...?"

Okita slapped his forehead: "We forgot about him. Apart from the people living here, only the designer and the owner are familiar with this manor. He naturally knows how to bypass all the surveillance cameras in the manor to get here."

“That guy is hiding in the West District now. I have arranged for the police to go there to investigate. If necessary, they can arrest him directly, and if he resists, they can be shot dead.”

Kudo Yuji looked at his phone, then smiled and turned to Sasaki and her daughter.

"You two should think about how to explain this to the Prime Minister. After all, Sasaki's production has stopped, but Sasaki Kiyose is still alive. It could easily be misunderstood as betrayal."

"No, Kiyose, we didn't know he wasn't dead. When we brought the body back, we really thought he was dead. We thought it would stink if it was soaked in water, so we were in such a hurry to cremate him. We really didn't intend to join the Northern Government."

Sasaki Chiyo frantically tugged at her daughter's sleeve. Suddenly remembering that Prime Minister Kudo's daughter was downstairs, she frantically scrambled out, using both hands and feet. (End of Chapter)