Conan: I'm Really Not Tokyo Ghost Story

Upon hearing this, Conan, who was secretly taking out his phone and hesitating whether to call Inspector Megure, immediately froze.

After a few seconds of silence, Conan finally stopped hiding and stood up openly to meet Rye's gaze.

"...I have a question. You said you covered for Mr. Amuro because of our shared duty. But what about me? Since you know my identity, you should also know that my value is definitely greater than that of an undercover agent. You don't even know me, so why would you cover for me?"

Now that things have come to this, Conan has no choice but to take a risky approach.

At the very least, we must strive to gain as much as possible!

However, Rye just scoffed and said disdainfully, "Looking at it this way, as fellow high school detectives, you are far inferior to that other guy. Aside from sheer luck, you should really thank that guy for his great kindness in surviving until now."

...That guy, a high school detective?

Conan was taken aback for a moment, then his eyes lit up: "You know Sano!?"

"Ha, I'm not an encyclopedia. If you're a detective, can't you investigate the problem yourself?"

After rolling his eyes at Conan, Rye stopped talking and went to the big-bellied man to get down to business.

Then this person was very straightforward, answering every question without hesitation. Once he started, he blurted everything out like spitting out beans... Besides not daring not to speak, he was probably also filled with resentment after being almost silenced. Anyway, he understood.

Kusakabe does indeed have official support behind it, and it's a large organization.

The main group is the official right-wing faction, also known as the radicals. Amuro Tooru had suspected this from the very beginning of the case because these radicals did not want the summit to proceed normally, even if it would bring Japan a lot of benefits if it were to succeed. This is why the radicals exist... They are very concerned about anything that involves international issues.

Hmm, a radical youth?

Of course, as radical as they may be, these people aren't so stupid as to oppose the whole world. That's why they wanted Kusakabe to schedule the explosion for that time, rather than on the day of the summit, to wipe them all out at once. If they had done that, Japan would have become the target of everyone's criticism, and the consequences would have been beyond their expectations.

all in all.

This is a group of terrorists who aren't really that brave, but have some desires.

Therefore, the radicals were actually unaware of Kusakabe's plan to control the swans and destroy the Metropolitan Police Department; in fact, they were more panicked.

In conclusion, the radicals will not be able to get rid of the identity card of the mastermind behind the scenes, no matter what.

"...What do you plan to do?"

Seeing that Rye was about to leave after getting the answer, Amuro Tooru quickly asked.

"What else can we do?"

Turning back, Rye grinned: "Be a champion of justice, huh?"

"Wait a minute, since you want to be a champion of justice, why not..."

"Hey, stop it. You should know how powerful the radicals are, especially in this situation. Don't give me that nonsense about laws punishing them. You'll be embarrassed if you say it out loud."

Rye interrupted Amuro Tooru once again.

But this gave Conan an opportunity: "Hey, didn't you just say not to treat yourself like a good person? How come you're acting like a hero again?"

In Conan's view, if Rye wants to, then given the current situation, it is impossible for his side to stop her. Therefore, compared to the actual benefits of her actions, he would rather take this opportunity to uncover the intelligence about her stance and personality behind her actions.

This verbal slip is undoubtedly a weakness.

However, a very strange smile suddenly appeared on Rye's face: "What's the conflict between being a messenger of justice and being a good person or a bad person? Who says a messenger of justice must be a good person, and who says a bad person can't be a messenger of justice?"

"……what?"

Conan and Amuro Tooru were both stunned.

"I told you not to misunderstand, why do you have to flatter me?"

As Rye walked out, he waved his hand and said, "Don't assume that bad people will never do good things. It has nothing to do with the multifaceted nature of people. It's just that sometimes people are not in control of their own lives. So don't assume that good people won't do bad things either. Otherwise, be careful that one day someone will rip out your heart."

Under the voice that sounded like a piece of advice, Rye's figure gradually disappeared from their sight. It took Amuro Tooru a while to come back to his senses and look at the big belly next to him, who still looked dead.

So, is Rye planning to let this guy go?

Did they think that since they already had the intelligence, it was no longer important...? Surely they couldn't have forgotten about it, right?

Forget it.

"You're lucky to have survived."

After muttering something, Amuro Tooru picked up his pregnant belly and called Kuroda Hyōe.

...Although the pregnant woman has temporarily escaped death, the situation is uncertain for others. Whether for personal reasons or for the greater good, this matter must be dealt with quickly, preferably before the rye makes a move.

And so, the three of them hurriedly left.

The case has also entered a temporary phase, of course.

Only in the public eye.

……

The next day.

After half a day of chaos, Tokyo has quickly returned to its usual normal state... After all, there have been countless chaotic events of all sizes, so everyone is probably used to it by now.

"We should go this way."

"No, it must be this way!"

"You believe me!"

"...Alright then."

"Ah, he really is dead. It's all your fault, Genta!"

"..."

The barely suppressed chatter of excitement made Ai Haibara feel a little helpless. After turning her gaze away from the trio of real children who were playing the game newly developed by Professor Agasa, she looked at Aiko Miyasu, who was smiling as she approached with a small cake. She smiled back and accepted it, thanking her. Their long-term interaction had made her very clear about the other person's temperament, so she did not refuse to be fed, but accepted it readily.

As she ate her cake and glanced at the two people, one big and one small, Ai Haibara's eyes unconsciously became a little dead fish-like.

"Sano..."

Conan clung to Sano shamelessly. Having gathered such explosive information yesterday, he naturally wanted to verify it and investigate further.

However, as always, Sano ignored Conan.

But this time was different from the past—Conan was just too curious.

I was so curious that I couldn't sleep all night because I was itching to go.

While the previous ones were equally intriguing, Conan could quickly move on by simply having the mindset that he would eventually find out and shifting his attention to other things. But this time, he was beaten up by Sano's impatience. However, Conan was willing to do anything to find out the truth.

Of course, Conan being willing is one thing, but wishful thinking is another. He doesn't dare to get too bothered, lest Sano run away and block him, which would really leave no hope at all.

Therefore, Conan, caught in a dilemma, can only try his best to strike a balance.

Sticking close, acting cute... or you could call it playing the victim.

Anyway, he just stared at Sano with his big, watery eyes, looking pitiful.

And under such invisible psychological attacks.

Sano hesitated for two or three seconds between the two best options: going straight home to avoid this plague god and giving the plague god a heartwarming hammer. In the end, he sighed and decided to give the plague god a little taste of sweetness.

Unfortunately, just as Sano was about to speak, and Conan's eyes lit up with anticipation, the wind chimes at the shop entrance rang once.

Welcome!

Miyasu's daughter immediately came forward.

Sano also turned around and looked, and saw that the bright pink hair belonged to Shuichi Akai, who was wearing Subaru Okiya's vest... Why would this guy come to his store?

Sano found it strange.

Although Shuichi Akai went into hiding, one of his main purposes was to protect Ai Haibara, so it was perfectly reasonable for her to go out and follow him. However, he should have been very careful about how to handle the situation, and at least he shouldn't have stuck too close.

Especially when you're outside.

Especially in this place, where an Amuro Tooru could appear at any time.

What surprised Sano even more was that it seemed that Shuichi Akai had been to his family's coffee shop before, and he even seemed to have gotten to know Aiko Miyasu quite well. The two exchanged a few words with smiles and then...

"The usual rules."

Sano stared at Akai Hideaki for two seconds, then suddenly looked at Miyasu Aiko.

...I almost forgot, this person is rather special.

Despite the differences between them and Ai Haibara, neither of them would intentionally get close to the other.

If Ai Haibara could be close to Akemi Miyano through some unseen force, relying on a vague and intangible feeling, then what about Shuichi Akai...?

Is it possible that they could rekindle their romance?

While Sano was lost in thought, Conan, whose face was almost puffed up like a steamed bun, looked at Shuichi Akai with eyes full of resentment.

...Damn it, we were so close!

For the first time, for the first time, through my own efforts, I managed to get Sano to show signs of wanting to say something he didn't want to say. His mouth was almost open to speak, but it's all his fault for suddenly interrupting. Even putting that aside, important information is gone. Damn it, damn it, damn it!

Shuichi Akai noticed Conan's gaze, felt a chill run down his spine, and turned to look.

He was immediately puzzled.

What's going on? Everyone's staring at me...

Sano then looked away, and Conan immediately forgot his complaints and looked over with anticipation, wondering if they could continue.

however.

After glancing at Conan, Sano immediately stood up and walked towards the group of people, saying something like, "What are you doing here?"

This made Conan a little anxious.

...I really want to stab that bastard Shuichi Akai to death.

There was no time to complain anymore, so Conan decided to force himself on one last time.

As a result, nothing has been done yet.

The wind chimes rang again, and Miyano Akemi, disguised as Miyasu Aiko, was about to greet them when she turned around and the words "Welcome" caught in her throat: "...Is there something you need?"

The blond-haired leader swept his arms around the room, first nodding to Sano.

Then he led the way to a middle-aged man who was eating.

A group of about ten people, all dressed in special forces uniforms, their trench coats fluttering with their footsteps, exuded a menacing aura even without being explicitly stated.

The coffee shop, which wasn't exactly quiet to begin with, suddenly fell into a deathly silence.