Conan: I'm Really Not Tokyo Ghost Story

"Ah."

Faced with Gin's somewhat teasing probing question, Sano did not deny it, but instead affirmed it directly: "In the end, it would be too stupid to act so hastily based on just one piece of information. There are all sorts of possibilities, such as rumors, traps, and misunderstandings, aren't there?"

"...So you plan to find out everything before you make a move?"

"No, I don't even think there's any need to investigate. Only a fool would believe that guy is just bluffing. After all, our organization has already changed its name and isn't called Black Clothes anymore, right? If we were really just bluffing, wouldn't it be more recognizable to use the distillery's flag, which we ourselves raised, instead of this vague name given to us by others, Black Clothes Organization?"

After listening to Sano's lengthy analysis, Gin remained silent for a few seconds.

...Only a fool would think that he's saying he's a fool?

As for the possibility of exaggeration...

Although Sano's point is valid, the organization is now called the Sake Brewery instead of the Black Clothes.

The problem is that when it comes to black-clad individuals, it still comes to mind their own organization.

This is especially true given that globally, there is only one organization called "Black Clothes" with any significant standing.

Anyone with a modicum of common sense would notice that detail and conclude that the black cat was probably not trying to intimidate its own kind, which is correct.

But what if they just happen to be someone who has no brains?

With such a large number of cases, there will always be a few oddballs.

These oddballs may not cause too much trouble, but they are still trouble nonetheless.

Ultimately, it's because that guy Black Cat did something that caused misunderstandings, isn't it?

"You said there might be other hidden secrets. And if we're going to investigate something, you, who know him well, are the easiest and most likely person to succeed. If you don't investigate, who will? It's better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free."

Gin's actions were both a test and an implication.

"Then kill them, provided you have the ability."

Sano casually said, "Maybe I didn't make myself clear. I did say I didn't want to kill him, but I didn't say I wanted to save him either. To put it bluntly, I don't intend to get involved in your business. Whether to investigate or kill him is up to you."

"rye!"

Sano's lack of leniency immediately brought a hint of anger to Gin's voice.

...Whatever the reason, if Sano doesn't want to work, then so be it. At least he has to put on a show. For example, he might take on a task as before, but do it perfunctorily, drag it out, and end up with nothing.

In this situation, not only would no one else accept it, but even Gin himself would not.

"Are you now planning to disobey the organization's orders?"

Gin's voice was now tinged with murderous intent, turning from an inquiry into an interrogation. However, Sano remained calm and replied, "What do you mean by disobeying the organization's orders? Since when did you, Lord Gin, become the representative of the organization?"

After Sano said that, even over the phone, he could tell that Gin was completely stunned and subconsciously asked, "What...did you say?"

"The Black Cat's strength should not be underestimated. It's better to kill the innocent than to let him go. This is on the premise that it's easy to kill him. But to avoid the risks, we're going to expend so much effort, and we might not even succeed. If we fail, it could trigger a counterattack and bring even greater risks."

Sano paused, then took the initiative, questioning, "Gin, I've wanted to ask you this for a long time: are some of your missions truly for the benefit of the organization, or are they simply for your own personal gain, a way to settle personal scores?"

In an instant, Gin felt his scalp explode. His already considerable anger swelled up to an unimaginable degree, almost making him lose his mind.

"You little brat, do you even know what you're saying?"

Since Gin took his current position, some people may have questioned his abilities, but no one has questioned his loyalty to the organization.

Whether they are enemies or allies.

"of course I know."

Sano sneered, "If you're not convinced, then go ahead and do it. Facts will prove everything. And if you think I'm doing something wrong, you can change it however you want, as long as you can change it. I don't care if it's you, Rum, or even the person at the top. Any instructions I give, if I think they're not feasible, I will absolutely not do. The organization is my home, and I have to protect this home."

"That's precisely why, if your self-serving actions lead to any irreparable consequences, don't blame me for being ruthless and disregarding past relationships, replacing you, or even..."

Sano didn't give the final warning, but Gin could probably guess what it was.

...But something doesn't seem right, does it?

The purpose of this phone call should have been for me to question, lecture, and warn him, so why did the roles switch before I even realized it?

In his daze, Gin heard Sano speak again, but this time his voice was softer: "However, if you really fail, I will still try my best to cover for you. After all, whether it is for our relationship or for the interests of the organization, I can't let things get too big... The premise is that you don't make a big mess of things, otherwise even I may not be able to salvage it."

...This kind of comforting preaching unconsciously brought to Gin's mind the superior who had mentored him when he first joined the organization.

It gives you a sense of peace.

...But, shouldn't I be Sano's superior?

Isn't it getting increasingly absurd that the roles of these two have been switched?

But I just didn't feel there was anything unreasonable about it.

Confused, Gin remained silent for a long time, which Sano took as a tacit agreement.

"Alright, that's all. Contact me if you need anything."

After saying that, Sano hung up the phone, a slight smile appearing on his lips.

...By turning a matter of stance into a dispute over ideas, a major issue can be minimized and a minor issue can be resolved peacefully. This is the tactic that Sano had prepared for Gin long ago.

The only problem might be that Sano's line about "the organization being my home" was genuinely embarrassing... it was just too damn shameless.

Thankfully, it was a phone call, not a face-to-face conversation.

Otherwise, Sano wouldn't be able to guarantee that he could say those words without blushing or panting.

As for whether Gin will believe him after he says that.

That doesn't matter.

Just as Gin said before, as long as it saves face.

Then nothing else matters.

And if Gin really does make a move... well, it's not the first time anyway.

Sano said, "If we can succeed, let's do our best. What's there to be afraid of?"

We're going back.

Sano put his phone back in his pocket and returned to his original room.

Meanwhile, Gin, after Sano hung up the phone, remained glued to his ear for a long time, as still as a stone.

Mumu sat listlessly in the passenger seat.

Vodka in the driver's seat was already on the verge of giving out.

...to reason with each other.

This isn't the first or second time that Gin has expressed "dissatisfaction" with Sano.

The first or second time was alright, at least it still seemed like a proper incident.

But after a while, and once they got to know each other better, Vodka couldn't help but ask.

How can you call that dissatisfaction?

Every time it's just like going through the motions, Sano really dares to slack off.

Gin is really willing to be fooled.

Vodka was both speechless and envious.

If only I could overlook my minor mistakes, and even if they weren't particularly serious, they could be glossed over...

cough.

all in all.

In Vodka's opinion, both Gin and Sano should be very skilled at this kind of thing, and even have a great understanding of each other. They usually just give each other a way out and play it safe.

The problem was thus resolved.

This time, however, Sano didn't seem willing to give him that way out.

This left Vodka somewhat bewildered.

...What's going on here? My older brother's behavior is also acting strangely.

After the talks with Sano seemed to have broken down, something else seems to have happened.

It doesn't feel like things are turning for the better; in fact, they've gotten worse...

So, can I still breathe now?

Gin, standing next to him, was even more bewildered than Vodka at this moment.

Make sense.

What Sano said was absolutely right!

Even Gin couldn't refute it.

From a public perspective, it's not worth it... Of course, this is based on the premise that Sano has no personal motives and is just talking nonsense. In addition, if we break off relations with the other party or even become enemies over this matter, then our side will suffer an even greater loss.

Personally, Gin still didn't want to fall out with Sano. So even if they really had to take action, having someone else do it, or doing it himself, would undoubtedly be a more peaceful choice, as it wouldn't go against Sano's wishes.

...Especially since Sano said he wouldn't get involved.

But all of this, which seems reasonable, is based on a starting point proposed by Sano—the interests of the organization. This also seems to be without any problem, but the biggest problem lies in his statement.

"The organization is my home."

...That's too much.

It's like in a normal workplace, everyone can talk about the company's interests, but only bosses and senior executives can truly say "the company is my home," while ordinary employees can't.

It's true that they might consider the company's interests, but that's all based on their own interests. How could they possibly treat the company like their own home?

It's just a win-win situation where everyone gets what they need.

Only a few people can truly see themselves and the company as one.

...Not to mention someone like Sano.

Gin simply couldn't imagine that Sano would genuinely consider the organization his home.

But Sano said it anyway.

This left Gin a bit confused... Did Sano really think he was a fool, believing that he would believe this nonsense, or was he serious and therefore felt that whether he believed it or not was unimportant?

suddenly.