Traveling back thirty years to Conan, intercepting Princess Eri

I must learn the art of disguise!
No matter what, we must find a way to become Kuroba Touichi's apprentice!

Yukiko picked up the pen and paper on the table and carefully wrote down the performance address, theater name, and performance date that appeared in the TV commercial, for fear of missing a single word.

After writing it, she clutched the note tightly, but her heart was quickly enveloped by new worries.

How can I become an apprentice?
The girl frowned, tapping her fingertips lightly on the table as she fell into deep thought.

Kuroba Toichi is a world-class magician, surrounded by countless admirers and followers.
How could he easily accept an actress from the entertainment industry as his apprentice and teach her the most core and secret techniques of disguise and imitation?
If you were to rashly walk into a theater and say, "I want to learn disguise and voice imitation from you," you would most likely be politely refused.

They might even be seen as a fanatical fan or someone making a fuss over nothing.

But if she doesn't take the initiative, she'll never have a chance.

Should we ask someone for help?
Yukiko subconsciously thought of her parents, relatives, and seniors in the industry.

But almost all the people she knows are in the entertainment industry: actors, singers, directors, producers...

The girl racked her brains but couldn't think of anyone who knew a big shot in the magic world, let alone someone who could directly connect with Kuroba Toichi.

For a moment, she felt both excited and anxious, full of anticipation yet utterly lost.

……

At the same time, in the distant United States.

Inside the penthouse suite of the luxury hotel, the light was dim and the curtains were drawn, shutting out the sunlight and noise from the outside world.

Vermouth leaned lazily against the large sofa, wearing a simple yet sexy black dress, her long hair casually draped over her shoulders, her makeup glamorous, but her eyes held an undisguised weariness.

She has been staying in the United States these days, without missions, orders, pretense, or acting. She is simply enjoying this rare and leisurely time that belongs to her.

Witches don't like being busy, and they especially dislike being directed or restrained.

Especially because of Hayashi Hideichi, she has recently been instinctively resistant to returning to Japan, or even avoiding it.

There were people there she didn't want to face, and things she didn't want to get involved in.

But this peace was eventually shattered by a sudden phone call.

Looking at the phone number on the LCD screen, Vermouth sighed and picked up the receiver.
"Hey?"

On the other end of the phone, there were no extra pleasantries, no warm greetings, only a command devoid of any emotion.

"Immediately halt all your current travel plans and prepare to return to Japan."

Vermouth frowned slightly, her tone unconsciously revealing a hint of reluctance: "Back to Japan? Does it have to be now? I... want to rest for a few more days."

"The organization didn't give you the right to choose to rest." The other person's voice was even colder. "I'm sending you back because of an important mission."

"An important mission?" Vermouth chuckled, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. "Besides killing, surveillance, and eliminating traitors, what other important missions could the organization possibly have?"

"This time is different."

The voice on the other end of the phone paused slightly, its tone carrying an undeniable air of solemnity.

"I have arranged a teacher for you. After you return to Japan, go and visit him immediately, and follow him to learn the art of disguise and voice imitation."

Vermouth's smile faltered slightly, a mixture of surprise and confusion on her face.

"Learn disguise and voice imitation techniques?"

She raised an eyebrow slightly, her tone carrying a hint of indifference.

“Boss, you should know that I have already mastered the basics of disguise. Simple disguises and changes in appearance are not difficult for me. I also have some experience in voice imitation.” She did not feel that it was necessary for her to travel all the way back to Japan and waste a lot of time to learn from a stranger just for this.

Moreover, once she returns to Japan, she will inevitably cross paths with Hayashi Hideichi again.

That's the last person she wants to face right now.

Before she could finish speaking, the boss on the other end of the phone interrupted her coldly, his tone clearly displeased and oppressive.

Are you questioning my decision, or are you planning to directly refuse my order?

A simple sentence, yet it carried a suffocating pressure.

Vermouth felt a tightness in her chest, and all her reluctance and objections were instantly suppressed.

After a moment of silence, the witch sighed softly, her tone filled with helplessness and frustration, yet she could only obediently compromise.

"...I understand. I promise I'll go back to my studies."

"That's more like it."

The voice on the other end of the phone softened slightly, but remained icy.

"You need to understand that the so-called disguise techniques you have mastered are utterly ineffective against true masters."

"The magician I've arranged for you possesses world-class disguise and voice-changing abilities."

"He can completely disguise himself as another person in a very short time. His appearance, figure, voice, and demeanor are all perfect and indistinguishable, making him almost impossible to detect."

"Once you master this ability, it will be of great help to the organization's future operations. Whether it's infiltration, reconnaissance, disguise, or identity replacement, you will become an indispensable force in the organization."

Vermouth listened quietly without speaking, her fingers gently stroking the edge of her phone, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

She didn't care how much she could help the organization, nor how strong or difficult to detect she could become.

She simply didn't want to go back to that place that disturbed her, and she didn't want to face the person who made her waver again.

But an order is an order, and she had no right to refuse.

"I used a lot of connections and paid a considerable price to get this master to agree to teach you his skills. Don't let me down."

The boss's voice rang out again, tinged with a warning.

“I understand,” Vermouth replied softly. “By the way, boss, you still haven’t told me the name of this magician… who exactly is he?”

After a brief silence on the other end of the phone, a cold voice slowly entered Vermouth's ears.

"Black Feather Thief One".

“I think I’ve heard that name before,” the witch nodded. “I will return to Japan on time, find Kuroba Toichi, and complete my studies.”

"Very good." The boss replied calmly, "Don't delay, set off as soon as possible."

The call was unilaterally disconnected.

Vermouth slowly put down the receiver, leaned back on the sofa, looked up at the dim ceiling with a complicated expression, and remained silent for a long time.

A moment later, the witch stood up, picked up the remaining half glass of absinthe beside her, walked to the edge of the balcony, reached out and pulled back the curtains, overlooking the bustling traffic of Los Angeles.

She then downed the rest of the drink in one gulp, feeling the alcohol burning in her throat… (End of Chapter)