Ke Xue: He mastered the steel-cutting divine skill at the start.

That's why the reporters put in so much effort. Luckily, there was Mao Li, that big mouth—no, his savior. If it weren't for him, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly.

After Mori had finished enjoying the adoration of the crowd, he passed through the passage cleared by the military and police and entered the hall, only to be startled.

"Your Excellency the Prime Minister!"

At this moment, Prime Minister Aoyama was standing next to Miyazaki Yu, with a gentle and kind smile on his face. He didn't look like a prime minister whose word was law, but rather like a gentle uncle next door.

"Oh my, Detective Mouri! I've heard so much about you, Aoyama. It's an honor to meet you today."

"Not at all, Your Excellency Prime Minister, you've gone to so much trouble. It's truly touching that you've gone to so much trouble."

Seeing the somewhat bewildered Kogoro Mouri, Prime Minister Aoyama's smile widened, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

"It seems that Mori still has some respect for the government. We can start with him, just like we did with Yamada before. We can use our connections to keep this great swordsman in check and make sure he doesn't cause any more trouble. My old heart just can't take it anymore."

"In truth, it is my dereliction of duty as Prime Minister that led to this. The government did not invite a national hero like Mr. Mori, and instead let Detective Mori leave the police force. This is truly a loss for the government and a loss for the country."

I would like to invite Detective Mori to serve as the nation's security advisor and a contracted criminal investigation expert for the police, enjoying the highest national allowance and benefits, equivalent to an academician or researcher. What do you think, Detective Mori?

Mori was thrilled. A national security advisor and a criminal investigation expert!

This is fantastic! Both of these positions offer considerable authority and great convenience, yet require minimal actual work while providing the most generous compensation.

In layman's terms, it's the kind of job that's both prestigious and lucrative, with high pay, low workload, and close to home. It also leads to a rapid rise in social status and, under special circumstances, the opportunity to participate in the formulation of national policies.

This is basically the kind of treatment that only officials who have retired from high-ranking positions can get, and even then, there is usually only one such person. He got two at once, which made him extremely happy.

"How could I possibly accept this? I haven't made any contribution to the country."

Prime Minister Aoyama laughed heartily: "Not at all. Mr. Mori has also contributed to your achievements. Besides, you have made many contributions to the country, one by one, which the country and the government remember in their hearts."

By the way, let's not chat here anymore. There are still quite a few people waiting to welcome us outside. Let's hurry up and not keep them waiting. Maybe there will be a surprise.

He then laughed and led the two of them outside.

Chapter 612 Prime Minister Aoyama's Little Thoughts

Once they went outside and reached the lobby, Kogoro Mouri realized what a damn surprise truly meant.

If he only saw Yoko Okino outside, holding flowers and waiting for him like a little fangirl, that would feel perfect. But if his wife was also there, staring at him with a cold expression, it would make him feel like he had a fishbone stuck in his throat.

"What's wrong, Detective Mouri? You seem quite unhappy to see me."

The moment the beautiful lawyer opened her mouth, Mori trembled all over, but her stubbornness made him immediately retort.

"No, I was just a little surprised."

He then immediately turned to Yoko Okino: "Miss Yoko, it's so kind of you to come and greet me. I'm so touched."

Just as he was about to take the bouquet from her, he saw the words "Welcome Miyazaki Kaku Hideaki back to Japan" written on the flowers. His heart ached instantly; his goddess had actually come to welcome that brat.

With her own strict vigilance, Miss Yoko and that brat shouldn't have any interaction, she thought to herself with a sigh of despair.

At this moment, Miyazaki Yu and Prime Minister Aoyama also came over. When Yoko Okino saw Miyazaki Yu come in, her eyes lit up and she hurriedly went forward to present him with flowers.

"Miyazaki, welcome back!"

Yoko Okino had clearly dressed up very carefully today. She looked radiant and adorable, with a high ponytail that added a touch of playfulness and a pure and beautiful feel. Combined with her delicate features, she was even more endearing.

"Thank you, Ms. Yoko," Miyazaki Yu smiled slightly, exchanged a few pleasantries with Yoko Okino, and then immediately walked towards Eri Kisaki. When Eri Kisaki saw Miyazaki Yu coming over, she also smiled, raised an eyebrow at Kogoro Mouri in a provocative manner, and snorted lightly.

"Auntie Eri, I'm back!"

Eri Kisaki took a close look at Yu Miyazaki and saw that he was completely unharmed. The last trace of worry in her heart vanished.

"I'm glad you're alright. You little rascal, you did something so big without making a sound and kept it from me all this time. If Xiaolan hadn't told me, were you and this guy planning to keep it from me forever?"

Miyazaki Yu smiled and said, "Even if I didn't say it, Auntie would have known through normal channels. The main thing is that this matter was really big. Ran and Uncle Mori went there with me. I was worried that you would be too worried if you knew. Now that I have brought them all back safely, I have the face to see Auntie."

Eri chuckled, knowing in her heart that Miyazaki Yu was right. Her biggest concern was for Kogoro Mouri and Ran. They had faced such danger together, and there was nothing she could do about it. She could only worry helplessly.

She knew Ran and Mori's personalities very well. Ran would never abandon her best friend, and Mori would never abandon his beloved woman. So, if Sonoko was in trouble, they would definitely go.

Even now, she can still clearly remember that after learning the specifics, her heart pounded violently, and she felt extremely uncomfortable. If she hadn't known that they hadn't encountered any danger, she probably would have been worried sick and unable to sleep at night.

"Xiao Lan and that other person were too impulsive. They wouldn't have been able to help with this. Luckily, you sent them to Russia, otherwise the consequences would have been unpredictable."

At this moment, Ran and Sonoko, who had already spoken with Eri, also came over together.

"Mom, you're not angry anymore, are you?"

Eri Kisaki snorted lightly: "Do you think I'm not angry? Without saying a word, he ran off to a foreign country with that unreliable mustachioed uncle, and they're facing great danger. How can I not be angry?"

However, seeing that her daughter was safe and sound, she felt relieved.

Immediately, under Prime Minister Aoyama's invitation, everyone boarded several extremely luxurious cars. Ran originally wanted to take Conan and Heiji Hattori with her, but Conan said he wanted to go back with Yukiko and wouldn't be going.

This was a welcome banquet for Miyazaki Yu, but he really had no mood to attend. He was exhausted, both physically and mentally. This incident had caused him to lose too much, and he felt completely empty inside.

Ran noticed his unusual behavior, but she knew he had a good relationship with Shinichi's family, and the death of Shinichi's father was a huge blow to him, so she didn't pay any more attention to it.

Her mind is now completely focused on Miyazaki Yu. This is true from every angle. Once a woman has opened her heart and soul to a man, she will never have room for anyone else.

Finally, Heiji Hattori was picked up by Kazuha and his mother Shizuka Hattori, who had been waiting outside the airport, as soon as he came out. It's best for unrelated people not to get involved in banquets attended by the Prime Minister.

So, the group changed to Miyazaki Hayao, Ran, Sonoko, Eri Kisaki, Kogoro Mouri, and Yoko Okino.

Sending Yoko Okino was clearly a scheme by Prime Minister Aoyama. This guy obviously thought he was a lecher, he thought to himself.

"I'm not a lecherous man, but rather a man of many loves. I care deeply for every woman I like."

See, that old lecher loves to make excuses for himself!

However, this move of catering to his preferences did allow Miyazaki to perceive the prime minister's goodwill. This goodwill was, "Look, as the prime minister, I'm now lowering myself to befriend you, and I've even found you a beautiful woman to keep you company. And if you like, I can go even further."

Looking at it this way, doesn't our friendship immediately get elevated?

This is what people who play politics are like. Many things that seem simple are actually full of little tricks and calculations. These things combined are called emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence, at its core, is the ability to be altruistic in life. More altruistic behavior can make everyone feel relaxed and happy.

With the prime minister's obsequious flattery, everyone felt as if they were basking in a spring breeze.

Therefore, you can doubt a politician's political ability, but don't doubt their emotional intelligence. If their emotional intelligence is low, they would never have reached this position.

The group arrived at the Tokyo State Guest House in Tokyo, a place where Japan entertains foreign heads of state and holds state banquets. Its magnificent and luxurious architecture amazed everyone present.

Prime Minister Aoyama then acted as a guide, leading everyone on a tour of the entire state guesthouse, including the magnificent Yui Hall, where balls and welcome parties were held.

The hall was extremely luxurious, with three giant crystal chandeliers that shone brightly. It was used for cocktail parties, welcome parties and other similar events.

There is also the Flower and Bird Hall, a banquet space that combines Chinese and Western styles. It is not only the venue for state banquets, but also houses 30 flower and bird paintings in the style of "Shippo-yaki", hence the name.

After the tour, the banquet finally began.

Chapter 613 The Palace (3rd update!)

"I had already received news of what happened this time. I actually wanted to offer some help and support to Miyazaki Kensei, or find a way to extradite Detective Mouri, Miss Ran, and Miss Sonoko away."

But as Prime Minister, my first priority is to be accountable to the entire nation.

In order to prevent the Americans from finding any fault with me, I had no choice but to declare to the United States that all of Miyazaki Kensei's actions were his own doing, and to put all the responsibility on him, thus separating Miyazaki Kensei from the country, in order to prevent the Americans from involving the entire country in more matters.

But deep down I was filled with grief; I wanted to save people, but I was powerless to do so.

As prime minister, I failed to protect the safety of the people, and as a friend, I failed to help my friend. I am truly ashamed. It is thanks to Miyazaki Kensei that I did not hold a grudge, otherwise I, as prime minister, would have had to resign.

As he spoke, he bowed deeply to everyone, his face full of sincerity.

This Prime Minister Aoyama is a perfect example of someone who can bend and stretch.

In just a few words, he expressed his guilt and helplessness to the fullest extent.

If one didn't know the inside story, one might think that this prime minister was compassionate and a very kind and loyal person.

Just like Kogoro Mouri, who was deeply moved at this moment.

It wasn't that he was stupid, but rather that his status brought him a sense of sincerity. It was like an ordinary family who had suffered injustice due to a wrongful conviction. At that time, a provincial leader would come to your home to offer condolences, showing great sincerity.

Most people would be so excited at this point that they would lose their bearings, and they would be able to forgive most grievances.

At this time, Mori was also in a similar situation. He was the Prime Minister, someone who frequently appeared on television and was a political leader whose word carried immense weight throughout Japan.

His current humble and sincere demeanor instantly made Kogoro Mouri unable to hold back.

“Your Excellency, you have absolutely no need to feel guilty. As citizens, we are certainly aware of your difficulties. The United States is a superpower, and we in Japan are subject to its control in many ways. If we act rashly, not only will we fail, but we will also plunge the entire country into the shadow of war.”

Therefore, His Excellency the Prime Minister's decision is entirely correct. If I were in His Excellency's position, I would certainly have done the same.

He then helped Prime Minister Aoyama to his feet, and Prime Minister Aoyama also stood up shakily. The scene was incredibly touching.

If this scene hadn't taken place in the enclosed state banquet hall, it would have easily been selected as one of the top ten most touching moments in Japan.

Miyazaki Yu saw it clearly: this old guy was putting on an act. What does it mean to be willing but powerless? If you were willing, as a national leader who controls enormous resources, wouldn't you be completely helpless?

This makes absolutely no sense!

So there's only one real conclusion: this old guy definitely stood by and did nothing. As for whether he took advantage of the situation, only heaven knows.

However, since this prime minister is so sensible, and there is no conflict of interest between the two sides, on the contrary, there are endless benefits to be on good terms with this old guy. At least within Japan, there should be no worries.

He immediately smiled slightly, stood up, and helped the Prime Minister.

"Your Excellency the Prime Minister is too kind. Miyazaki Yu was young and ignorant, and he acted impulsively in order to save people. If it had really caused losses to the country, then he would have been unforgivable. Now, under the Prime Minister's leadership, the United States has not put pressure on the country because of this, and it has not caused any serious consequences. Only now can I truly put my mind at ease."

His Excellency the Prime Minister handled this matter very appropriately, and Miyazaki Yu would never dare to harbor any dissatisfaction because of it.

As for not considering the safety of Uncle Mori and the others, there is even less reason to blame myself. They all went with me, so the responsibility for their safety naturally rests entirely on my shoulders, and has even less to do with His Excellency the Prime Minister.

Upon hearing these words, Prime Minister Aoyama finally felt completely relieved.

What he feared most was that this Miyazaki swordsman might not say anything on the surface, but harbor resentment towards him and secretly use underhanded means to deal him a severe blow.

He might not believe that his bones were harder than those of the Royal Knights or the fanatical followers of the Church, but this great god had directly uprooted these two most influential supernatural forces in the world.

Therefore, even though he knew that as the leader of his motherland, he was likely to be fine, and he hadn't actually targeted Miyazaki Yu, he had only secretly given Miyazaki Yu's information to the United States and passed on some information; the two sides hadn't broken off relations.

But one can never be too afraid of the unexpected. This man's methods are terrifying. His ability to spit out transparent swords from his mouth and fly on swords is truly terrifying. If he holds a grudge, he might end up like the protagonists of countless bizarre cases in Japan, a corpse in the Prime Minister's villa with a mysterious cause of death!

Just thinking about this sends chills down my spine!

This wasn't just a wild guess; if the other party wanted to, they definitely could!

The most terrifying thing is that the other side can kill me, the prime minister, at any time using covert means!