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Chapter Text

They always say that crime is unforgivable, that princes and commoners are equal under the law, but is this truly the case? Even in the realm of crime, there still exist biases and hierarchies.

Kudo Shinichi paused, raising his head to see the advertisements displayed on the outer wall of a large department store in the bustling Ginza district of Tokyo. A murderer he once apprehended was now granted parole and invited to a TV interview. The man, now seemingly polite and reformed, was the model of prison rehabilitation. He was being interviewed, not for any other reason, but to engage in a dialogue with Kudo Shinichi from afar.

"Mr. Kimura, your comments about preferential treatment seem to imply something specific. Can you reveal the information you possess to the public?"

Hattori Heiji , walking ahead of Kudo Shinichi, also stopped in his tracks, hands in his pockets and eyes narrowed. "A bunch of bastards who are not afraid of causing trouble ."

"Ha, isn't that the case? Let me give an example, and everyone will understand. Japanese viewers, isn't your beloved Kaito Kid a criminal through and through? The class system can easily be......"

"Hey, wait a minute, sir. What do you mean by that? What right do you have to say..."

The studio gets into an argument, with the host and guest openly quarreling, and the audience below joining the heated debate. Ran pushed Kudo, snapping him out of his daze at the intersection as the cars behind them honked repeatedly.

"Shinichi, let's go. Sonoko, you too. Don't let that scum's words get to you," Ran said, pulling Sonoko by the arm and Shinichi by the collar, dragging them onto the sidewalk.

"How can I not care? Who is he to badmouth Kaito Kid like that? Didn't he kill his own family for money? Such a person should go back to where he came from," Sonoko retorted, shaking off Ran's hand.

"Sonoko!"

"But he's not wrong. Whether it's the police or the public, we do have our own unique perspectives and actions towards Kaito Kid," Hatorri said.

"Hmph! Of course, he's different! How can Kaito Kid be compared to other criminals? Who else risks their life for the weak and public safety like he does? Those who just talk have no idea. If they had Kaitou Kid's courage, they'd get their sentences reduced too!"

Ran quickly tugged on her friend's sleeve, "Sonoko, stop it." But this didn't stop Shinichi's face from turning even paler.

"If only Kid could be as selfish as other criminals. Then... maybe things wouldn't have happened as they did. Maybe..."

Yes, with Kid's intelligence, if he were just a selfish criminal, if their relationship wasn't complicated by personal feelings, maybe he would still be Conan. But at least Kid would still be here, not disappeared, not fallen into the abyss.

At least he could still follow Kid's every step and enjoy each confrontation.

Kudo admitted, theoretically, he should treat every lawbreaker equally, but he couldn't help the unique emotions he had for Kid, his carefully hidden, cherished, once-in-a-lifetime adversary. Indeed, Kid was different from the rest.

"Shinichi, it's not your fault. Stop blaming yourself," Ran said, seeing through Shinichi's inner turmoil. He glanced at her and avoided her attempt to hug him.

They walked away.

Compared to a Meitante like Kudo Shinichi , who constantly engages in cases with criminals, Makoto Kyogoku might not win over him with intelligence and detective skill. But he was never just a brawny fighter. UnlikeKudo, who excelled in reasoning and deduction, Makoto was adept at using his body and muscles to think and deduce. His physical memory was unparalleled. Any encounter, even a fleeting glance, would be etched in his sensory memory.

"Conan... Kudo Shinichi . I'm still not quite used to it," Makoto Kyogoku said, scratching his head. He looked at the familiar, handsome face that perfectly matched Conan's. The impression Edogawa gave him was a blend of mature wisdom and childlike demeanor. Truly, Tokyo's famous detective.

His memory drifted back to that night a few weeks ago. He had finally caught up with Kaito Kid, finally restrained him with one hand, completely subduing him. Yet what he felt beneath his grip was not a struggling adversary, but an enemy who had given up, with a self-mocking smile. 

What did Kid say?

"You're truly the world's best. But I never intended to fight you."

"Cut the crap. You have no choice. I promised I'd send you to jail."

"Ha, this sounds familiar." Kid gazed at the stars, as if they were just a calm, tranquil night sky, as if he had returned to his childhood, lying under the eaves watching shooting stars with Aoko.

When did he stop being a child? When did he become so distant from his childhood?The scene before him grew increasingly blurred. Kyogoku Makoto's words seemed to come from across a vast ocean.

"That... thanks." Despite holding Kaito Kid, Kyogoku Makoto was very careful with his strength, ensuring he neither harmed Kid nor allowed him any chance to escape. He faintly heard Kid's voice, mixed with static whispers.

"Conan found me and we came back to the building to find you. He's looking for a signal to call for help. I advise you not to..."

Despite catching a slight movement from the corner of his eye, Kyogoku Makoto wasn't as fast as Kid. A faint blue spark surged through him, numbing his shoulder and neck. The next moment, their positions were completely reversed. Kyogoku Makoto was stunned, realizing the extent of Kid's injuries but not expecting him to escape so recklessly. He instinctively tried to block Kid with his back muscles, but Kid had no intention of escaping. Using a white pistol to fire a steel cable, Kid pulled them both behind a concrete pillar, and the terrifying hail of bullets answered Kyogoku Makoto's confusion.

Kaito Kid had saved his life.

The great thief's elegant white suit was now a mess, his courteous and other props lost in the chaos, leaving only his handsome, delicate face, which resembled that of the Meitante Kudo. Blood-soaked his blue shirt and white pants. Kyogoku quickly checked Kid's condition. In the moment they were flung, he realized Kid had used incredible force to protect him, while he hit the concrete floor directly.

"Hey... you..." For the first time, Kyogoku Makoto saw Kid's true face up close. Blood was seeping from his temple, spreading along the fine lines of his skin. Kid, looking at him with hazy eyes, said, "Sorry for dragging you into my mess. Do you see the exit ahead? Turn left and then right; there's an emergency staircase. Go down; Miss Suzuki is waiting for you."

Some things are too hard to say.

Kid smiled. "What? Afraid I'll run away? This building is crumbling bit by bit, the steel frames unable to support its weight will eventually collapse off the cliff into the sea. Even if I have a one-in-a-million chance of escaping, the police surround us..."

Don't overestimate me. I'm just a mere human.

"I'll take you out."

Kyogoku was always a man of few words and action-oriented. He lifted Kid from the ground and noticed Kid's injuries were far from minor. Judging by his years of experience, Kid had at least broken ribs. Despite his poker face, his breathing pattern betrayed him. Kid's every breath or word triggered his fascia and nerves. Kid noticed his scrutiny and, in his usual indifferent tone, said, "Stop looking. It's not as bad as you think. I won't die."

"You won't do what, huh?"

Kid's heart tightened. With his current strength, it was hard enough to escape Kyogoku Makoto, and now Meitantei had returned, giving him no chance to flee.

"You plan to let Kyogoku escape alone, leaving yourself here alone?"

"So you saw through it,Meitante." Behind them, the sounds of gunfire were relentless. If you closed your eyes and listened, it was like a high-pitched, lingering dirge, not played on white or black keys, but on the strings of life and death.

"FBI and Public Security are confronting the terrorists. Staying here longer is playing with our lives." Kid forced himself to speak. "Meitantei, What's your side?"

"Signal's intermittent. Haibara managed to hack the satellite and get my location, anyway, once we're out of this building, we'll be clear targets."

"So the priority is to get you two out safely," Kid said.

"What do you mean by that?" Conan asked sharply.

Kid gave Conan a blank look. "Meitante, as long as the gem is on me, I'm their target. As long as you're near me, you're a target too."

Conan was stunned. Damn, the gem is still on him? Using his small, agile body, he dodged bullets from behind a pillar and rolled over, reaching out. Usually, Kid would return the gem, but this time was different. Five slender fingers tightly clutched the gem emitting an eerie red glow, holding his wounds and stubbornly standing against Conan. Kyogoku Makoto, as the third person, felt a subtle change inside, sensing the unspoken delicate relationship between the two before him.

"What reason makes you unwilling to give up the gem?"

"No reason," Kid laughed lightly. "I just refuse to submit to force. When a robber comes, you don't just hand things over."

Surprisingly, Conan didn't retort, seeing Kid hiding something from him.

"Is this the gem you're looking for?"

Kid raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised you remember such details." Conan pushed his hand away. "Stop talking nonsense, is it or not!"

Don't tell me this is the end. Don't tell me you're planning to exit like this.

Silent gazes.

Then, an explosion in his left ear, followed by dead silence. Thump thump... thump thump... thump thump... rapid heartbeats, heavy breathing. Conan opened his eyes forcefully, finding his chin resting on Kid's shoulder, and ahead, a sweating Kyogoku Makoto, breaking falling debris with his bare hands. He felt the strong frame supporting him, hidden beneath Kid's thin frame, running with sheer willpower despite his chest injuries, breathing difficult, yet not abandoning him.

"Kid! Hold on! Don't you dare die!" Kyogoku Makoto shouted from the front, and behind, Kid had no strength to respond. Conan guessed right, Kid was pushing his remaining strength and life to the limit.

Kaito Kid remembered what his father always said: "Kaito, remember, no matter when, a magician must keep a poker face, no matter the obstacles, even at the brink of life and death, because it's not over, the ending undecided, everything still has a chance. That's when magic begins."

Dad, I haven't avenged you yet, it's not that easy to die.

But is that true? No, his body kept warning him, his physical limit was reached, a sudden nausea surged up, he closed his eyes silently, wiped his mouth, slipping on something like mud. Kid instinctively hugged Conan tighter, maintaining balance, accelerating again, and it wasn't him screaming but Conan.

"Kid!"

Turning back, Kid saw the blood pool he himself  had just bleed.

Black Rose—neurotoxin.

"You... put me down! Put me down now!" Conan struggled above, Kyogoku Makoto stopped, equally shocked. Kid frowned, seemingly intent on wiping blood off Conan.

"You're still acting like nothing with such injuries?!" Conan roared, truly angry for the first time, usually defiant and daring Kid, now not cherishing life. The person didn't care at all.

"Damn it, Kid... what are you hiding from me!"

Facing Conan's loud questioning, Kid had no strength to argue. As soon as Conan's feet hit the ground, Kid's body, like a taut string snapping, lost its balance without the adrenaline support. Instinctively, he leaned against the nearest steel frame. They stood at the edge of the half-naked building, a cliff below.

"You met with Gin."

Conan said, his boldest and worst guess, yet the highest possibility for Kid. Kid didn't deny it.

"You... what did you give him... no, what did he give you in exchange?" Conan pressed, but Kid didn't answer.

Conan understood.

"The drug you gave me wasn't from Haibara, right, it was..."

"It is the final antidote, the one that can turn you back permanently..." Kid clutched his chest, adjusting his breath against the concrete pillar. The downstairs gunfight had ended, the organization members defeated by police and security, all escape routes destroyed by Kid, no way out. But they knew, this was just one base under Rum's leadership, members committing suicide by poison, Rum falling into the sea. The rest...

A cold night wind swept through, forcefully cutting Kid's forehead..

"What did you trade with Rum for the antidote? Queen's gemstone? Or... your life?"

The words were trembling, filled with fear. Conan's cold voice was sharp as blades.

Kid slowly stood, unexpectedly grabbing Conan by the collar, pulling him back. Kyogoku Makoto couldn't react, seeing Kid bind Conan with a long steel cable, Kyogoku immediately posed for battle, wiping sweat, coldly laughing.

"Finally showing your true colors, Kaito Kid."

Kid didn't waste words, picking up a real gun from nowhere, chambering it with a click, no extra moves, aiming steadily at Conan.

"So this is the real you?" Kyogoku Makoto gritted his teeth, unwilling to gamble on Kid's gun and muscle speed. Against anyone else, he would attack directly, but not Kid, knowing he wouldn't dare risk it.

"Turn around," Kid said. Makoto gave him a wary glance, sighed, and silently turned around, actually focusing on observing the movements behind him. Kid held a gun steadily in one hand while the other hand reached back. He unlocked the device behind him, and Conan saw that it was the glider.

"You... you must be joking... Kid... this is no time for showing off..." Conan, unable to move at all, silently cursed the cunning thief and himself for being so unguarded.

But Kid didn't stop. He walked step by step as if he didn't see Makoto's murderous eyes, placing the device on Makoto's back, adjusting it in person, ensuring the device worked perfectly.

"Do you know how to use a glider?" Kid asked. Makoto hesitated for a moment and then nodded. Not only Conan understood what this meant.

"Don't... you... damn it! Don't... you! Let me go! Quickly take his gun! Don't listen to him!" Conan was really anxious.

Kid smiled, turning the gun steadily towards Makoto.

"You won't shoot," Makoto said.

"I promised to let you both leave safely. I guarantee it. But if I have to break a leg or an arm to make you obedient, I won't hesitate to pull the trigger," Kid said, facing Makoto . But Conan could tell he was saying goodbye, then he slowly walked to Conan, squatted down, and with one hand, laboriously lifted Conan, carrying him to the cliff's edge. Kid fastened the divided locks of the steel cable tightly around Makoto's chest.

"To answer your question, Meitante, I found the gemstone, the one that should never exist in this world."

"Damn it! Let me go!"

Kid's slender fingers reached into Conan's chest, pulling out the pill he had given him earlier. In his other hand lay the gemstone, shining with a brilliant blue light. Then he smiled, raising his left hand with the gem high, and with a sharp clang, a gold pillar, sharpened like a harpoon, fell, shattering the gem in Kid's hand. Inside, a blood-red liquid, shimmering like lake water, flowed out, more like tears.

"What did you do... Kid!" Conan shouted.

"You know I never believed in fate, but an invisible force has always pushed me to do certain things. Meitante, this world never needed the existence of Kaitou Kid. What the world needs is you."

No... even Makoto could foresee Kid's next move.

"Please don't turn around,Makoto. I'm begging you," Kid said, his steady tone pressing on his request. He looked up, letting the blood-red tears drop into his throat. Conan couldn't see Kid's expression clearly, only hearing his sobbing breaths, resonating like waves spreading.

What was happening? He didn't know, but Kid, like a puppet, staggered step by step, biting his already red lips hard.

Too close.

Conan held his breath, daring not to make a sound. The entire space seemed oppressed by Kid's powerful aura. Too close, just a little movement would make him touch Kid's delicate jawline. Suddenly, he felt cold fingers shove something into his mouth, and then he was stunned.

First, a terrible chemical taste spread, followed by the soft and thin feeling, like the hot cocoa his mother made as a reward for taking medicine when he was little. Conan's brain short-circuited. It took him a long time to realize the sweet, bitter taste, the rebellious and humble breathing, then he tasted blood. He opened his eyes wide, just in time to meet those eyes, like the night sky filled with stars, meteors falling, deep blue and clear, with a sorrowful loneliness.

The pill, mixed with blood, slid down his throat, spreading a strange sensation, neither cold nor hot, from his chest to his heart. It was too familiar.

Pure as liquor.

Again, the taste of blood, sweetly enticing, instinctively, he kissed back, wanting more. Their breaths became chaotic. Conan suddenly snapped back, lifting his leg to kick Kid away.

Kid's body was already weak, unprepared, he took a kick and stumbled back several steps. His gaze towards Conan became complicated, and Conan regretted immediately.

He wanted to tell Kid, "I didn't do that to you because I hate or reject you."

He wanted to tell Kid, "Don't come any closer, or I'll want more, like a vampire."

But Conan wanted him to live well.

But he couldn't say it. The sweet and sour taste of blood filled his mouth. He wanted more.

"Swallow it."Kid wiped the blood from his mouth, commanding. Conan immediately understood the reason behind Kid's actions. The blood of the one who took the poison was the antidote. Makoto never knew what happened behind him, and he couldn't have guessed. Still, he never broke his promise, partly because his instincts told him Kid would never harm Conan.

Kid slowly approached, taking off his white cloak and tightly securing it under Conan's armpit.

"Makoto "

Conan could no longer hold back. He finally freed an arm and tried to grab the thief in front of him, but the other didn't give him any chance.

All he touched was the glove.

The most brilliant turn, the most decisive fall, the former arch-enemy, like Moriarty at the end of the Sherlock Holmes novel, his falling body disappeared into the white waves crashing ashore.

"Kaitou Kid!!!!"

No one asked why Makoto was controlling Kid's glider, carrying Kudo Shinichi, who appeared out of nowhere. The Meitantei who had disappeared for months, slowly landed on the boat dispatched by the police department. Hattori Heiji first looked stunned, then immediately reacted, seeing the ruined child's outfit, scattered Meitantei tools, the oversized white suit and pants.

"Is that Kudo Shinichi...?" Suzuki Jirokichi rushed forward, and Kudo Shinichi said nothing, waiting for Makoto to open the steel cable. He turned around, stunned by the sight of the boy.

"Kudo Shinichi? Are you blind? That's not Kudo, that's obviously Kid! How could Kudo be here? Makoto went in with Conan to find him and now brought him out." Inspector Nakamori shouted.

"What! What about Conan?"

Ran Mori rushed forward in tears, grabbing Makoto by the collar: "Is he... is he still inside?"

"Ran Mori, actually..." Makoto's voice was drowned by the crowd.

"You... you are... Kid..." It didn't matter what others said. When Inspector Nakamori approached, Kudo just calmly stared at him. He wanted to roar at the crowd, demanding an immediate search at sea, but the words choked in his throat, and all that came out was dark red blood.

Blinking, it was the blood Kid had fed him.

Ran and Sonoko, attracted by the commotion, saw this scene. Kudo, surrounded by policemen, didn't seem to want to escape. He just let them hold him down, kneeling on the ground. The pain in his heart was excruciating. The figure that jumped now fiercely branded on his heart.

Why did his heart feel so heavy?

If justice prevailed in the end, wasn't that the Meitante's duty? Shouldn't he be happy? However, no one has the right to take anyone's life, not even Kid.

"Wait... he isn't!" Finally, Makoto broke through the crowd, rushing to Kudo. He spread his arms, blocking Nakamori and Kudo.

"I know it's hard to explain, but at that moment, Kid handed me the glider, and tied... tied Conan to me. We jumped off... the cliff."

"What?!" Nakamori didn't take such absurd words seriously. He pushed Makoto away, but when he saw Kudo, he was stunned. The boy wore Conan's glasses, had a kindergarten stamp on his hand, and the most naked evidence, under the shirt, was the child's outfit, torn to shreds, clinging to his skin like rags.

"Who the ... who the hell are you?"

"Who... who am I really?"

The simplest explanation, as if returning to the first encounter between the thief and the little Meitante. But this time, he permanently became Kudo Shinichi.

Chapter Text

"So, you plan to conduct the search like this?" Haibara Ai remained silent, her cold expression conveying everything to Kudo Shinichi without words. 

"Of course, I will search the entire world to find him." 

"Perhaps the result you find won't be what you want. Why not let the secret remain eternally hidden? At least, in your heart, there will always be a hope that he is alive, living well somewhere in the world." It was the fourth day. Kudo Shinichi, wrapped in a blanket, sat hunched over the computer desk at the Kudo residence, typing away furiously. He turned his head: "I am a Meitante. I seek the truth, not wishful thinking."

 "Yes, Mr. Great Meitantei. But truth is merely an objective, rational outcome. What about you? What will you do?" 

"I need you to tell me the results of the investigation." Kudo turned back to continue watching the surveillance footage. Haibara sighed. 

"No hospitals have admitted any critically injured patients, regardless of age or gender. If you need international data, I can get that too. After all, the possibility that Kaito Kid went abroad for treatment isn't zero... Kudo, it's not your fault. You don't need to blame yourself."

 "Haibara... I feel like I caused this. If... if I hadn't met him, maybe he..." Maybe he wouldn't have been so obsessed with getting the antidote. Maybe he would still be the white-clad thief soaring through the night sky.

 "Is that so? I don't think so. Kudo, you seem to overestimate your influence on others. Have you considered that Kaito Kid's motivation might be something else entirely? Perhaps it's a personal vendetta or a simple pursuit of thrill, completely unrelated to you. My point is, that's just who he is. Whether you're in the picture or not, he belongs to the night. Do you get what I mean? He is the magician chasing the moon in the darkness. " 

Understand what? 

Who truly understands Kaito Kid? 

 "You're overthinking it. I'm asking you to investigate him not for other reasons, but for the organization. He is a new breakthrough point." 

"Really? You suspect he's a member of the organization? Or that the organization took him?" Haibara didn't expose Kudo's flimsy excuse but followed his lead. Kudo Shinichi slowly opened his eyes, seeing the little girl standing imperiously in front of the screen, hands on hips, half-threatening: "Kudo, neither of us can change what has happened. Why not just accept it? Even if you save him, so what? Can that thief truly endure being surrounded by police?"

 "That has never been something he could decide freely." Kudo replied. 

"Fine, have it your way. I'm not here just for this matter. Kudo Shinichi, I don't care what you're thinking, but since you've returned, you should be the Kudo Shinichi we know. For your parents, for Ran, for Hattori, for me, and for yourself." 

Bang—a piece of evidence bag landed on the table. Inside was a glove, dirt-stained yet glaringly white, belonging to that magician. Kudo was silent for a long time.

 "Don't waste people's goodwill and concern. If it were me, I wouldn't care about your life or death. Just let someone handle the rest, give it to Inspector Nakamori." Haibara dropped these words and slammed the door as she left. Kudo stared blankly at the evidence bag on the table. 

He didn't know when he had left Dr. Agasa's house. At the corner, there was a familiar face. Ran looked at Kudo, clenched her fists, and without a word, launched a spinning kick. Kudo barely dodged it, but he couldn't avoid the subsequent attacks. Eventually, Ran slowed down, crying and pounding Kudo's chest. 

"Shinichi! You... you're a big liar... You lied to me for so long, but I... I can't stay mad at you. Do you think I'm a fool?"

 "Ran..." The warmth of her tears soaked through Kudo's shirt. Kudo, who was never good at comforting girls, especially after being Conan for so long, couldn't find the words.

 "But I'm happy... Happy that you... Happy that Conan and Shinichi are both safe. Happy that the two boys I like most in the world are by my side. Shinichi... I missed you. I missed the old you, not the one obsessed with detective work. Even though I used to complain about your solving crime craze, it was different. Now, it's like you have an addiction, numbing yourself with cases. Shinichi..." Ran's honest words hit the mark. Kudo smiled slightly and hugged her tightly.

 "Thank you, Ran." 

Ran smiled too. She saw the Kudo in front of her, even if the smile wasn't from the heart, and was willing to try for her. Even if forced, it was okay. As they say, fake it till you make it. She handed a broom to Kudo. And... welcome back.

Stood on the rooftop, Kudo’s lean figure draped in a white suit jacket, alone at the edge, tiptoeing, just like when Conan chased after Kaito Kid. But this time, only the full moon was left behind. 

"Shinichi..." The house, supposed to be empty, suddenly felt alive—Kudo Yukiko  hesitated for a moment. In seventeen years, she had never seen her son wear such an expression. Even with Ran, it wasn't like this—faint sadness, intense longing. Kudo Yusaku, standing beside her, shook his head silently.

 Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words. 

Kudo knew his parents were there, not judging or speaking, just being there,"You know... I met him here, the first time we met." Kudo Shinichi finally turned his head, his hair disheveled in the fierce wind,Yusaku felt a strong sense of déjà vu. "He... he saved me." 

Step by step, Yukiko and Yusaku embraced their son.

 "Shinichi..." 

"But he's gone... The justice I once believed in, for the first time, I hated its ironclad rules." Those eyes, meant to be wise and calm, now showed confusion and discontent.

 "Kaito Kid..." He couldn't finish, but his wise parents knew his meaning.

 "You must understand, even if he were alive, he couldn't just appear. Shinichi, he's a criminal, and you... are a detective." Kudo Yukiko didn't notice the odd look on Yusaku's face, focusing on comforting Kudo Shinichi. 

"How badly injured?" Kudo Yusaku's face was blank. Kudo thought his father was angry at him for being indifferent but answered honestly: "Just some cuts and bruises..." But then he realized his father was asking about Kid: "Very severe... At the time, he was already showing signs of excessive blood loss. I suspect a few broken ribs. He bled too much; I couldn't tell where he was shot. He... he jumped down the cliff." 

"He jumped down?" Kudo Yukiko exclaimed. Yusaku forced out a few words: "Really... gambling with his life." 

His face grew more serious, and Yukiko said nothing. Kudo Yusaku patted his son's shoulder and went inside to make a phone call. Yukiko hugged her lost-and-found son tightly. 

Though no longer a child, he was finally back. All that matters is he's safe. Kudo Shinichi, now comforting his mother, heard Yusaku's voice through the phone, talking to an unfamiliar woman.

 "Chikage, be careful and don't let him wander off again. He's unwilling? Hmph, stubborn as ever, just like him. Send him here. It's time for a family reunion."

################# 

"You said a magical jewelry mask?" Sonoko's eyes lit up as she nodded. The two young girls walking together inevitably attracted the attention of many young boys and girls. Even more noticeable was Kyogoku Makoto behind them—he had just finished training and hadn't had time to change out of his sports jacket before being dragged to the JR Shinkansen station by Sonoko.

Hattori Heiji took Toyama Kazuha's suitcase, casually threw the ticket into the trash, and, dragging two large suitcases by himself, walked out of the station to meet up with Kudo and his group. Without a word, Kyogoku took the luggage from Hattori. Hattori wanted to refuse, but Kyogoku moved so quickly and steadily that he effortlessly placed the suitcases into the car's trunk.

"What's the matter, Ran? Are you going to have a date with your husband?"

"Ah! No, don't say that!" Ran quickly explained.

"Shinichi's parents just returned to the country yesterday, and they asked if we wanted to attend a private banquet with them. They also said that Shinichi's cousin would be there."

"Cousin? Kudo, since when do you have a cousin? Don't tell me he's an illegitimate child... hahaha, just kidding." Hattori curiously approached. Kudo was speechless.

"I wonder what Kudo's cousin looks like, how old he is... but have you met him before?" Sonoko asked.

"No, or rather, I didn't even know. My dad... might have overlooked it." Kudo Shinichi thought for a while, realizing his parents were indeed the type to forget important things, being the irresponsible kind who eloped abroad.

"Kudo, do you have a cousin? I always thought your father was an only child." 

"Hahaha... I guess my dad doesn't like talking about his family. I hadn't seen them much either." 

But one couldn't blame his father, a novelist burning the candle at both ends, nearly assassinated, a famous Meitante, Kudo Shinichi, certainly didn't have a normal family life.

"So why is this cousin you've never met suddenly coming to your house? There's no reason." Hattori asked.

"Dad and Mom said that guy has been sneaking out at night a lot lately, and his family doesn't have time to watch him. With things being chaotic recently, they're probably worried something might happen to him. By the way, it's surprising your parents let you come all the way from Kyoto to Tokyo. Don't tell me you snuck out too. Hattori."

"No, Kudo, if... if I got caught, I'd be in big trouble. You haven't seen my mom angry... oh, I can't speak too loudly, if Kazuha hears and tells on me, I'll be grounded. Anyway, I plan to……confess to her. Just……don’t tell anyone yet." Hattori Heiji lowered his voice.

"Well,the good thing is that I don’t know when this” child” will meet with us. Hopefully, he won't ruin your chances." Kudo Shinichi shrugged.

"Don't worry, Kudo. I believe you can get along with kids well. You're practically a pro." Hattori teased, referring to Kudo's time as Conan.

"Or maybe your dad wants someone to distract you... even if Ran hadn't told us, I could guess how bad things have been for you lately."

Kudo Shinichi rolled his eyes: "I guess so. When did Mom contact you?"

Hattori Heiji tried to play dumb: "Hahaha... a few days ago. They really worry about you. Mom had safety concerns, but Dad agreed because of Kudo Yusaku."

Bang bang—

Kudo's heart skipped a beat. He instinctively looked around.

That eerie feeling!

Who is it?

"Sorry, Hattori, I need to take this call."

Without waiting for a response, Kudo Shinichi pulled out his phone and went to a corner. He wasn't taking a call but making one, driven by an inner voice urging him to do so.

"Kudo?"

Amuro Tooru hadn't expected a call from Kudo, nor had Kudo expected Amuro to answer. He paused, confirming the call was meant for Akai Shuichi. He wondered if he had mixed up their numbers.

"Are you looking for Akai?"

"It doesn't matter. I need you to investigate something, or rather, take a sample." Kudo pulled out a burlap bag from his backpack, containing a yellow paper envelope with a sample plastic bag inside. The evidence was a wrinkled white glove.

"Kudo? It's you." Akai Shuichi's voice overrode Amuro's. Kudo repeated his request. Akai responded.

"I'm currently on a flight to Washington, D.C. If you need forensic sampling, send the sample to Jodie."

"It's not urgent. No need to trouble you. When will you be back in Japan?" Kudo asked.

"In a few days. We need to report to headquarters, not for vacation or duty. See you later. Don't call this phone once I'm off the plane. And Kudo, Jodie wanted me to tell you: Are you near the police station? She said she saw Vermouth nearby. Be cautious; if she's around, it might not be a good sign. She might be there to destroy evidence or kill someone. Jodie last saw Vermouth in Hiraizumi. The Black Organization has been active lately, so be very careful."

"Vermouth?!" Kudo realized the seriousness. Vermouth usually disguised herself. If Jodie recognized her, it meant Vermouth was out in her true form.

Why? It's unknown.

"Who is Vermouth looking for?" Kudo urgently asked. "We haven't figured that out yet." Vermouth...

What is she here for?

The crucial point is, who is worth her revealing her true identity?

"Don't worry, I'm here. She can't take anyone's life."

###################

Perhaps it was fate. At that moment, Kudo Shinichi caught a faint sound behind him. He immediately held his breath, put down all unnecessary burdens, turned his phone to silent mode, and carefully moved around the fire hydrant. Moving swiftly and silently, he ran past three houses and hid behind an outdoor air conditioner. 

He clearly heard the click-clack of high heels. Though he didn't see anyone, his intuition told him the person's identity. Right, the following conversation confirmed his intuition. However, the content was far beyond Kudo's imagination.

"Long time no see, Aunt Sharon."

Vermouth?! Who can call Vermouth Aunt Sharon?

Damn! The organization?

It was indeed Vermouth's voice, still exuding a woman's charm. Through the gap, Kudo could only see Vermouth's profile, with heavy lipstick and a pure smile—a look never seen on Vermouth before. Damn... the buildings blocked his view of the other person.

"Aunt Sharon..." That voice...! Kudo Shinichi didn't recognize it, a mid-low pitched female voice, with a lazy and young tone. A new assassin in the organization? Or Vermouth's informant?

"I know you received the invitation. Are you going this weekend?"

"Of course."

"Promise me... don't go!Don’t find Gin and Vodka." Vermouth interrupted hurriedly.

"Is the organization planning something there?" The voice asked calmly, simply inquiring. Kudo expected Vermouth to dodge the question with her signature phrase, but she directly answered: "I don't know. After the last severe blow, many core members went into hiding, biding their time... just like you. But... you know what Gin is like, right? What if he's out there looking for you with guns? He is, and he's already doing it."

Hearing this, Kudo felt his blood freeze in his brain.

Gin? The organization? And Vermouth was having a candid conversation with the other person? Who could this be? A high-ranking member with a conflict of interest with Gin?

"He won't let me go, will he?" The person laughed bitterly. Vermouth frowned slightly. Kudo squinted from afar—no way, Vermouth showed a sympathetic expression.

"Are you saying if you meet him again, he'll stop at nothing to catch you? The answer is yes. The only relief is that he doesn't know your true identity, and I plan to keep it that way. But if you perform at that celebration, Gin will definitely recognize you."

"I know... Aunt Sharon, don't worry, I never planned to perform at that celebration, ever. That person is... someone I can never surpass."

Vermouth's pale olive-green eyes showed both helplessness and relief: "If you weren't so talented and prominent, I wouldn't worry so much. But sadly, you're destined to shine brightly, whether with your real name or that identity. Gin doesn't care about your true identity, only your value, and... you're his disgrace, not just because you escaped that day but also saved Kudo Shinichi. You know that shakes his position in the organization, yet you still did it, risking your life."

Kudo's expression changed slightly.

"What do you mean?" The person asked warily. Vermouth reached out to touch the short hair: "A criminal risking their life to save a detective..."

The person was silent for a long time, then said in a completely different voice: "Not just any Meitante, he's Kudo Shinichi."

Before his brain could react, Kudo's feet were already running like thunder, as if an untethered horse. He lowered his body, rushed towards the corner, but by then, only Vermouth was there, looking at Kudo as if this was all expected.

"Oh, isn't this my dear Silver Bullet?" Kudo Shinichi couldn't care less. He pointed to the dark alley stretching into the unknown and asked.

"Where is Kaito Kid?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Vermouth, as always, displayed her beautiful, unfathomable face, elegantly curling her lips into a smile.

"Did you hear everything?" she asked.

"Where is Kaito Kid?" Kudo Shinichi questioned again. Vermouth, looking defeated, smiled wryly: "Whether it's Conan or Kudo, that persistence for the truth never changes. Why do you think the person I was talking to is Kaito Kid? What if I say he isn't?" Seeing Kudo Shinichi about to run out of the alley, Vermouth grabbed his sleeve and said,.

"Don't chase after him. He's just one of my subordinates who deleted all your information from the organization's cloud system at my command. Got it?"

"I heard his voice. He disguised it." Kudo coldly exposed Vermouth's lie. Vermouth let go, hands on her hips, showing an adult's expression towards a child's unreasonable tantrum. She clearly wasn't going to reveal any more information easily, and Kudo couldn't do anything. At least... if everything was as he speculated, it meant that guy was still alive.

"Is he alright?" Vermouth sighed, seemingly still treating Kudo Shinichi as Conan, and reached out to pat his head, even though he was taller than her: "You already lost him ...... a long time ago."

What does that mean?

Lost him long ago? Will he ever come back? He...

"Silver Bullet, this matter has nothing to do with you. Please stay out of it." Vermouth spoke with unprecedented seriousness, without any lies or threats, just a straightforward notification, which sounded so harsh to Kudo Shinichi's ears. Stay out of it. Kaito Kid has nothing to do with you. Indeed, what are they to each other? Besides Meitantei and criminals, if Kaito Kid shed his white suit, Kudo Shinichi wouldn't even know how to recognize him in the crowd.

Without that identity, there would be no reason for them to intersect at all. The non-Kaito Kid version of him, what role and appearance would he take on in this world? He had never truly understood or known Kaito Kid. But Kaito Kid knew all about him, his background, and even risked his life to save him, crossing that fundamental divide. Indeed, they had nothing to do with each other. Shinichi clenched his fists and walked away.

##############

"Kudo... are you alright? Where did you go just now?" Hattori Heiji pulled Kudo aside: "You don't look well. What happened? Ran was about to call to see if you were lost or caught up in another case. I told her you might have just remembered something left behind halfway." Kudo was actually grateful to Hattori.

As a friend, the distance between him and Hatorri was just right. Some things he shared with Hatorri, some he didn't voluntarily disclose. Whether because Hatorri was naturally insensitive or because he respected Kudo's privacy, Hatorri never asked about the organization.

Kudo Shinichi didn't want to drag him into it and never mentioned it.

"If it's about the organization, you don't have to say anything. I'll cover for you. If you need me to fend off Ran, I've got you."

"No, but thanks. I might need that offer later. Hatorri, what do you think is the fundamental difference between a detective and a criminal? Both pursue the truth or desire, so..."

"Criminals operate outside the law, while detectives and police seek truth within legal boundaries." Hatorri guessed what was troubling Kudo Shinichi. He patted Kudo on the shoulder: "If you're hesitating to turn in Kaito Kid's glove, think of it as a protective measure. Consider his intelligence and caution; it's unlikely he left any real record under his true identity. If he really offended your organization, it means he faces great danger. If you truly care about him, perhaps the way to repay him is not freedom but protection, trapping him with high walls where he can't escape, and others can't harm him. Kudo... what's wrong with you? You weren't like this before. Even if you let him go, it was because you couldn't match him in Conan's body. Now you're Kudo Shinichi again. Do you remember the last thing Kaito Kid said to you? "This world needs not Kaito Kid, but you, Great Detective.""

Seeing Kudo speechless. Hatorri Heiji continued: "That sounded like a farewell. Honestly, I think his chances of survival are slim. Even if you heard Vermouth and that mysterious person's conversation, can you be sure it wasn't staged for you? Or an outright trap? He's just a human being. Anyone shot three times and falling off a cliff wouldn't have many lives left. If he comes back alive, it would be too miraculous. He could be recruited as a special agent by the police or the FBI."

Kudo Shinichi finally showed some expression, his 'Are you kidding me?' The look made Hattori breathe a sigh of relief.

"Let's go.The police station where Inspector Nakamori works is next door. Hand over the glove." Click—Kudo Shinichi put away his phone and slowly opened the burlap bag, his heart sinking instantly. The contents were gone!

"Hattori... the evidence bag is missing!"

"What?! Are you kidding me?" Kudo Shinichi hurriedly ran towards the crowd. Ran was initially shocked. They had walked together alone and hadn't encountered any suspicious people, so the likelihood of theft was very low. It was also unlikely he had left it at home, as he remembered putting down his things when chasing Vermouth. He rushed back there, but there was nothing.

"Maybe we should ask at the police station. A passerby might have found the bag and turned it in." Kazuha suggested, and Hattori nodded: "Yes, Kudo. Check the surveillance cameras nearby. There might be some clues."

"Shinichi... was there anything important in there?" Ran asked. 

"It was evidence I was going to give to Inspector Nakamori." Kudo Shinichi couldn't even soften his words to ease Ran's anxiety.

 In reality, he was even more anxious. To him, that glove was probably the world's only remaining clue about that person. And now, the only and final clue had been lost by him.

"Let's confirm at the police station first; otherwise, it's just aimless searching." Hattori pulled Kudo Shinichi along."

They did indeed find the lost item at the lost and found.

 "You... weren't you just..." The policewoman at the service desk, in her formal uniform, had short, cute brown hair and smiled sweetly: "No, on closer inspection, you look different from that handsome teenager earlier." 

Hattori, standing behind Kudo Shinichi, muttered quietly: "What's going on? Is she openly hitting on Kudo?" 

"Shush... shut up." Kazuha pinched Hattori's waist lightly. 

"Can't you see Ran's face? Can you say less?"

 "That teenager earlier?" Kudo frowned. The desk clerk blushed visibly, as if lost in a romantic story. Behind the service desk, a group of resting police officers were equally entranced. 

"A handsome young guy came by earlier with a girl about your age. Oh, they looked so good together. I told you, that must be his friend. They didn't look like high school sweethearts at all." 

"Excuse me, ladies, we're here to find a lost item. It was lost in a nearby residential area." Kudo Shinichi, anxious to find the item, interrupted the women's chat. The desk clerk raised an eyebrow, as if recalling something. 

"Are you looking for a violet-patterned bag?" She gestured its approximate size with her hands, and Ran quickly nodded. 

"That's right, a boy brought in a similar bag just now. Here, fill out this form." While Ran filled out the form, Kudo Shinichi thanked her hurriedly and took the floral bag, opening it to check if anything was missing. Thankfully, everything was intact.

 "Why isn't the name of the person who found it written on this?" Ran asked. 

The policewoman thought for a moment: "Unless it's a large amount of money and the finder wants a reward, they usually don't leave their name."

 "Another important matter, is Inspector Nakamori in? I'm Kudo Shinichi; I called this morning to schedule a time with you." Kudo Shinichi asked, and the front desk lady nodded quickly: "So you're the one. Hurry up, go to the left elevator, fifth floor. Inspector Nakamori just returned to his office. He specifically instructed me that you'd be here around five in the afternoon. I'll take you up." She had heard of Kudo Shinichi, led them to the elevator. 

 "Are you here for a visit or... an interview?" After the elevator doors closed, the police asked curiously. 

 "No, we're here to return evidence bags borrowed from Inspector Nakamori. Does he have time to discuss the Suzuki Museum case with us?" Hattori asked.

 "It should be fine. The inspector has visitors today; his subordinates just brought two people up, but there are no important meetings or interviews on the schedule, probably his daughter." 

"You mean Nakamori Aoko?" Before Hattori could say anything inappropriate, Kazuha quickly took a cream puff from Ran's box and stuffed it into his mouth.

The policewoman smiled awkwardly, pretending not to hear Hattori's words: "Lately, our investigation department has been so busy that getting a good night's sleep feels like a century ago. I never thought that taking shifts at the entrance could be so lucky. Don't be shocked by the atmosphere inside later. This floor has officially become the most dreaded office level."

 "I thought things would be easier after Kid disappeared." Hattori's words were immediately met with the policewoman's hand over his mouth. Her exaggerated expression and widened eyes made Hattori think he had stepped on a landmine or triggered a nuclear button. 

"Shh... Never mention that name!""

"Ding__ The elevator happened to open. The female officer immediately regained her composure, walking out of the elevator door with perfect posture.

“she's right... This place is a mess.”

In front of them, a large floor-to-ceiling window divided the real world into two. Inside the office, it was smokey and chaotic—not from overwork, but from the seriousness etched on every face, like funeral home attendants, silent and grim. People either carried stacks of documents and coffee in and out or gathered in groups of threes and fours, discussing something seriously.

'Is this... a war-torn wasteland?' Sonoko finally squeezed out after a long pause.

The female officer sighed, 'The Inspector couldn't accept the Kid situation. He's mobilizing people to investigate the guest list from that day, even checking surveillance footage, but found nothing, as if a mysterious force had destroyed all the data in advance.'

"So... there's not a single clue? This was asked by Hattori, to which the female officer nodded.

"No traces, no reliable information. Some witnesses claimed to have seen Kid, but those leads turned out to be misunderstandings. And many fake Kids have sprung up like mushrooms after rain, but they can't fool Nakamori. They're just people trying to get on TV. 

Kudo Shinichi, the legendary pride of Japanese police, it's an honor to meet you here. But I must warn you, be very careful. Rumors are flying about you and Kid. They say... he sacrificed himself to save you, implying you might be his accomplice.' The female officer pushed open the door and shouted towards the office, 'Inspector Nakamori! Someone is here to see you!'

Inspector Nakamori was briefing his subordinates. He looked up to see a group of familiar teenagers, motioning for the other officers to leave. He walked out alone.

“Kudo? Hattori? I thought it was a prank call from some teenager. I didn't expect you to actually come looking for me.” Perhaps knowing about Conan and Kudo's situation, or maybe because Kudo had helped too much in the past, Nakamori's attitude towards them was noticeably friendlier. He no longer had the impatient attitude of wanting annoying detectives to get lost.

A tall girl stood behind him, turning around—a high school student with long hair, a young face, and blue eyes, somewhat resembling Inspector Nakamori.

“This is my daughter, Aoko.”

Nakamori Aoko was never a shy girl, or rather, her shyness was reserved for certain people. Facing these unfamiliar but somewhat familiar peers, she felt a sense of closeness.

“Hello, I'm Nakamori Aoko. Have we... met somewhere before?”Aoko, sharp-eyed, seemed to glimpse Edogawa Conan, the Kid's nemesis outside her father's hospital room. She also recognized the famous detective from Kansai, Hattori Heiji.

'Hattori! Again! Kudo kun, nice to see you.'

“What a coincidence, meeting you here!”Hattori beamed a bright smile, “The policewoman downstairs said you helped us find our backpack. We're so grateful, we must treat you to something”

But Aoko shook her head, “No. It wasn't me, it was my childhood friend. He said some careless person left it on the sidewalk, so he picked it up. Are you here to see my dad? Or should I step out for a while?”

Nakamori Ginzo shook his head, “No need, Aoko. I ordered five extra cups of coffee this morning. Can you bring them over?”

“Kaito is waiting for me downstairs…”

Aoko still agreed, not forgetting to shout from behind, “See you at home, Dad.Don’t forget the date night you and mother have tonight!”

Ran suddenly felt a sense of déjà vu. Thinking about it, wasn't this similar to her own home?

Ran stood up, “How about I go help them?”

Nakamori waved his hand, "Haha, no need, no need. Kudo, what brings you to see me? First off, I'm strictly enforcing the boundaries this time. The higher-ups ordered the police headquarters to seal off the crime scene. No matter what, I can't let you in, so don't trouble Megure. He's really stressed lately.''

I... Kudo instinctively hid the evidence bag behind him.

Actually,Inspector Nakamori. I wanted to ask about the museum. Was the gem found?”

“Yes, but when it was recovered, the gem was already split in half. It seems to have become the museum's centerpiece now. I warned that old man before, but... well, if he wasn't stubborn, he wouldn't be a Suzuki.”His gaze fell on Sonoko, “Miss Suzuki, you should go persuade your uncle. This is too risky. This time, it's not just Kaitou Kid; even the hidden robber groups are eyeing it. This isn't a rich person's pastime. Do you think you have multiple lives to gamble with?'

An assassin organization? Kudo was taken aback.

''Kudo, you probably know more than I do, right? I didn't expect... you were Conan... so, all this time, Kudo Shinichi was Kid in disguise. But I never pulled off his mask,"Nakamori muttered to himself.

"Inspector Nakamori, what do you mean by a robber group?' Kudo asked urgently. Nakamori didn't expect Kudo's reaction to be so intense and explained, 'A notorious robber group known in underground auction circles. They've gone after Kaitou Kid several times. Unfortunately, We only found out through surveillance footage, not really knowing where they are from or who they are. A few days ago, the upper echelon held a meeting, revealing this. Our police department has vaguely known about this group's existence. Over ten years ago, Kid seemed to have a feud with them.”

Inspector Nakamori's angry tone suddenly turned into two coughs. He turned away, not wanting Aoko, who had just entered, to hear their conversation. Kudo and Hattori also fell silent. The girls, already quiet, simply listened.

“Dad, someone downstairs seems to be looking for you?” Ran and Kudo, closest to the office door, saw Aoko carrying paper bags and immediately stood up to help. However, Kyogoku Makoto was quicker. With one step, he was at the door. Aoko thanked him, and Inspector Nakamori glanced out the floor-to-ceiling window, realizing something was wrong. His superior __Chaki's patrol car was parked in the downstairs spot.

Today, the chief inspector was supposed to be on leave, attending a meeting in Osaka. Why is he back? Could there be a new development in the case?

Nakamori quickly put on his coat, took a sip of coffee, and without further words, rushed to the door, pausing only to grab a donut on his way out.

Ran looked at her watch. "Oh no, we need to go. Aunt Yukiko is looking for us."

At this moment, Hattori took out his phone, Kudo Shinichi also took out his phone and was stunned.

The headline news made his blood boil.

"Kaito Kid survives a close call, sends another challenge letter, looking forward to stealing the precious artwork: The Confession of the Mask!"

Chapter Text

"Oh my, Kudo, what's this? Are you giving up? This isn't like you at all. And you should be happy, even though I was staying late in the lab, I still know Kaito Kid’s latest heist notice. It was everywhere on the news, hard to neglect." Haibara Ai teased, while Kudo Shinichi just stared blankly out the window.

"Do you want to tell me what's really going on?" She asked.

"It's nothing."

"Really? But your body says otherwise. You stay up all night handling cases, spend every free moment in front of the computer searching for information. Your phone and screen are on 24/7, just to avoid missing any news. Kudo Shinichi!" Haibara Ai slammed down the computer screen: "Pull yourself together, will you?"

"Haibara, right now I don't even know who I am. What if Vermouth is right? What if the one who sent out the heist letter is just another counterfeit? What if he……what if I really lost him already?!"

"Is that so?" Haibara Ai swallowed her anger, knowing there was nothing she could do.

"You've told Ran, haven't you? About your identity? I mean, directly, one-on-one, explaining everything to her, including Gin and other members."

Of course not.

"Kudo Shinichi, you're not protecting her by doing this. Especially at a time like this, if a trust gap forms between you two, it'll be very difficult to mend later... My sister said so. Don't look at me..."

Kudo Shinichi sighed.

"Thanks for the advice, Haibara Ai. Honestly, I'm beginning to doubt if confessing to Ran was the right choice. If it weren't for me, she wouldn't be in constant danger, and turning back hasn't made things much better."

Haibara Ai wasn't good at offering emotional comfort, so she shook her head: "Kudo Shinichi, It's time to wake up. It is clear that notice is not sent by him. So you either give up on him and move on or you get out and catch him."

It's time to wake up. Yes, it's time to wake up. Everybody said the same thing.

Whether through common sense or logical reasoning, all the evidence pointed to that bloody truth__ Kaito Kid was dead.  Opening the news, everywhere were arguments from the police or so-called professionals, debating the whereabouts of the missing, no-show phantom thief. From initially being unclear about his life or death, to now thinking he had retired. One month had passed. Soon, would it be half a year? A year? Ten years? It was said that guy had disappeared for eight years before. But by common logic, that guy probably couldn't waste his youth like this anymore. He was not not young anymore, but how could he look just like me ( Kudo)?

The harsh reality forced Kudo Shinichi to confront his inner fears.

Thanks to Kudo Shinichi's blood data, new antidote prototypes have been developed one after another. It was said that Akai Shuichi's mother had successfully reverted to her adult form and had returned to the London suburbs with Sera for recovery, ensuring there were no aftereffects. Haibara Ai said she could maintain her current body for a while longer, deciding whether to revert once the drug's effects were fully confirmed.

"Great detective, isn't your birthday coming up?" Haibara Ai suddenly pulled Kudo Shinichi's thoughts back. Birthday? Yes, his eighteenth birthday.

"Here you go, happy birthday, Kudo Shinichi." Haibara Ai's small, white hand blocked Kudo Shinichi's view, presenting a pair of glasses, not Edogawa Conan's, but Kudo Shinichi's.

"This is from theDoctor Akasa. My gift is this." Haibara Ai handed over a printed document and a hard drive: "In this era, I'm not confident in internet security. Physical copies are always safer. Don't lose it, great detective. I tested the gloves you handed in. It was a huge effort, so you owe me."

"You're talking about... Kid's fingerprints?" Kudo Shinichi's trembling hand reached out, and Haibara Ai nodded: "That's right. Though it's not guaranteed, it's worth running through the system. If Kid the phantom thief  has ever left fingerprints abroad or has any criminal record, it's a good lead. You know the top professions for high-IQ antisocial personalities, right? Doctors, law enforcement, lawyers. Running the fingerprints through the system should yield something."

"You..." Now it was Kudo Shinichi's turn to be speechless. As expected of Haibara Ai, her gift was hard to refuse.

"Haibara Ai, thank you for your kindness, but honestly, I can't do it. I really can't do it."

Kudo pushed back. He had never told anyone about the last day they met, about that heartless farewell. He didn't dare to speak of it, and he had no reason to share it with anyone. It felt like a disgraceful secret, yet perfectly reasonable—there was no reason not to do it, and no excuse for doing it.

Haibara Ai frowned, "If you can truly do that, I admire you, because I absolutely can't. Yes, I'm someone who lives in the shadow of the past."

Why was she so angry? Kudo couldn't understand.

"But I ran the system for you once. Congratulations, your Kaito Kid has no record. This means he isn't a public official or a high-ranking officer, nor does he have a criminal history. I understand your feelings—you don't want to force anyone, so even though you think about it day and night, you still refuse to sit down and properly sort through the clues and search for information, right? All your work, all your distractions, are just to block yourself off from him. Kudo, tell me, what exactly happened that night?"

His lips parted, but he couldn't speak. He knew Haibara Ai was extremely trustworthy and the only person who could share public data with him, but he just couldn't bring himself to say it.

"Thank you, Haibara." Kudo took the disk.

"Perhaps, for a criminal to be forever remembered by his lifelong rival is the brightest medal. I wish you luck in finding that magician’s true name, Detective.”

############

"Kaito Kid, escaping death again, truly the immortal magician under the moon... Damn it! That lousy thief!" Aoko crumpled the newspaper into a tight ball and took a furious sip of black coffee. 

"It's all because of him that my dad won't be home for another week. Again! What a jerk."

Kuroba Kaito bit into a bagel, raising his eyebrows teasingly. "Isn't that great? It means a raise, doesn't it? Look at your dad, still full of energy in his middle age, truly motivated."

"But I saw on the social media forums that there's a high chance it's a fake. Or some fan wanting to see if Kid is still alive, using his name to send the letter, trying to bait him out."

"That's good. If it's a false alarm, your dad still gets his overtime pay."

Bang—Kaito Kuroba rubbed the bump on his head

"I'm just stating the truth. Was that necessary?"

"Don't be so mean, Kaito. Don't speak that way about my dad,Kaito! I'm not talking to you anymore." Aoko raised the newspaper and turned her head away in a huff. Kaito hurriedly apologized, taking another bite of his bagel while removing the curry from the gas stove for tomorrow's brunch.

"What does your father think?" he asked. Aoko shook her head. 

"My dad? He's complaining how reckless Kid is, even if there's no injury left from the last incident, he shouldn't be joking around with his life. As for me, I think that thief should be dead."

Cough, cough, cough —a violent bout of coughing, making Aoko worry about Kuroba's health. She pressed her hand against his forehead, then quickly withdrew it. "You have a fever! Kaito... you should stay home today. I'll come back right after delivering the bento."

Actually, his coughing was more from surprise, but he hadn't realized he still had a slight fever.

"Idiot, I'm not a child. No need to be so worried," Kuroba Kaito added. "But you're right. Sorry, Aoko, looks like you'll be going out alone today."

Aoko turned around, hiding her increasingly shy face from Kaito's view. "Kaito... I'll have my mom make a pot of ginger soup for you. Remember to reheat and drink it later. I'll be off now."

That challenge letter indeed wasn't sent by Kaito Kuroba. He had planned to lay low for a while, never expecting someone to send a letter in his name. The Confession of the Mask was the crown jewel of the Suzuki Exhibition Hall, embedded in a black leather mask, said to be designed by an ancient underground club's most prestigious owner. It symbolized a noble dynasty and the enslavement of gender classes, hiding a story mixed with romance and tragedy. Kaito Kid had previously glanced at the Suzuki family's collection and took a liking to it, but got sidetracked by Pandora. Now that he had obtained Pandora, he wasn't planning to give up easily. It's a bargaining chip, the first step in revenge.

Since he got Pandora. Next, he needed to find his father's true killer.

And could this impostor be the same people who hunted down the first Kaito Kid eight years ago? After several encounters with the animal-named organization, except for Scorpion or Spiders, the rest were just lackeys. Kaito found it hard to believe his father fell into the hands of these fools.

Who could it be? Gin?Vodka? The organization which drugged Meitantei in the first place.

"If it's a fake, do you think Kid would still show up? Maybe he got hurt and is hiding, afraid to appear."

Aoko's morning question echoed in his ears. Facing the bright moon outside the window, Kaito smiled confidently—A phantom thief must be bold, glamorous, and make a dazzling entrance.

And he wouldn’t let anyone play his role at any game!

###################

"Alright! No one slack off! Hahaha, finally, the day we've been waiting for has arrived! I'm ready to capture him!" Inspector Nakamori Ginzo's enthusiastic declaration was heard by Ran, who found Aoko delivering lunchboxes in the crowd. She couldn't help but remark, "Your dad seems in a good mood."

"Humph—not because of that stupid thief. He survived and is back to causing trouble." Aoko turned curiously, seeing Kudo, Hattori, and Sonoko behind her. She asked, "Where's Kyogoku? Sonoko, you said you'd introduce him to me last time. What a shame... It's getting late, I need to catch the bus back."

"Haha, he had urgent matters and had to decline. No worries, no worries. Leave Kaito Kid to those dumb boys. Today, let's have a girls' night out. Are you sure you don't want to stay?"

Ran pushed away the gossiping Sonoko. "Sonoko, that doesn't sound like you. Could you be Kaito Kid and dress up like Sonoko??"

"How could that be? I'm genuinely your best friend, Ran. Actually, I don't believe this challenge letter is from Kid. There's no special excitement. Don't you think so? This letter lacks the puzzles that used to get detectives' blood pumping. It simply states he'll steal the Confession of the Mask at midnight. Apart from the attached love letter, there's nothing else. To me, it looks more like some ignorant fan posing as him. Boring."

Sonoko's beautiful eyes scanned the room. "Isn't your boyfriend with you this time?"

"What? Sonoko, don't say that... Kaito's not my boyfriend!" Aoko blushed instantly, denying it. Sonoko laughed, "What a pity. Oh, Aoko, girls nowadays should be bold and proactive. Otherwise, you'll end up like Ran, waiting years for just a few kisses. Right, Ran?"

This time, it was Ran's turn to blush and push Sonoko away. "Stop teasing Aoko. She might just want to be friends. When the time is right, they'll figure it out. Let's go, Sonoko."

"Wait!" Aoko called them. "Kaito didn't come today. Can I join you? The crowd outside is getting bigger. I think it's better to stay here."

"Nice to see you again, Nakamori Aoko." Kudo Shinichi, flanked by Officers Takagi and Sato, stood beside Hattori, who was there to help but also to observe.

"The teenager  who was with you last time isn't here today? Kudo want to thank him personally for returning that bag." Hattori's first concern was this. Aoko shook her head. "He had a cold and fever a few days ago. He said he would stay home to watch the live broadcast. My mom made ginger soup for him. He should be back at school next week. Kudo, can you explain the situation here? Don't underestimate me, I've helped my dad before."

Kudo and Hattori led Aoko through the crowd into the top floor of the Suzuki Museum. Inside was a surveillance room filled with high-tech equipment and people being scolded harshly. And in charge was none other than the museum's owner, Suzuki Jirokichi.

After a few rounds, Ran, Aoko, and Kazuha were chatting happily. Ran then realized Sonoko wasn't there. "Aoko, do you know where Sonoko went? She's Kid's number one fan and was the one who dragged me here. But now she's gone. It's almost time for the heist. Inspector Nakamori is about to clear the place. Where is she?"

"Don't worry, Ran. I heard she wasn't feeling well and left early," Aoko said. The others nodded, not thinking it was a big deal. All attention was on the mask in the exhibition hall.

Water Clock Tower, full of intricate mechanisms, Mr.Suzuki had spared no expense on this piece. The audience in front of the TV held their breath, and the live reporters were anxious, all quietly waiting for the moment to arrive.

They awaited the next miracle, the appearance of that familiar handsome figure. 

30....29......28...27.....

Kudo Shinichi's heart had never beaten so fast. He always had a bad feeling, a very bad feeling. He couldn't sense Kaito Kid's presence at all, and this foreboding feeling was gradually being confirmed. As the last second ticked away, there was still no movement. The guards hiding in the shadows and stationed around the exhibition hall didn't dare relax for a moment.

Time's up. The church bells announced the arrival of midnight. It was the spring equinox, the day when day and night were of equal length, the fairest day, where God gave no one more light or darkness. Yet as the seconds passed, even five minutes later, there was still no movement. The mask remained in the display case, like an abandoned princess.

"How could this be..." Inspector Nakamori's mouth hung open in shock, but wasn't everyone else just as stunned? Yes, they were. The ever-punctual Kaito Kid had never missed his appointment, or perhaps he never planned to come this time at all.

Impossible... this doesn't mean Kid... he... A terrible, eerie silence fell.

"Impossible! That brat will definitely show up!" Suzuki Jirokichi shouted loudly. "I told you, his life is mine!"

"Maybe he's just late?" Takagi Officer, unfamiliar with Kaito Kid, suggested, only to be scolded by Nakamori: "Damn! Where did you come from, rookie? Kid has never been late, never!"

"Or did we misinterpret the notice?" Hattori asked, but Kudo disagreed: "No, that guy already laid out the detailed information in the notice, straightforward and decisive. It's too out of character for him."

Nakamori's eyes reddened as he grabbed Kudo Shinichi by the collar: "Are you saying that the heist notice wasn't from Kid at all?"

"Inspector, I know you want to catch the thief, but the facts are clear, aren't they?"

"Or are you Kid in disguise? Hasn't Kid also pretended to be Kudo Shinichi several times to fool us?"

Ran prepared to step forward to defend Kudo Shinichi, but he shook his head and replied with a cold smile: "I wish I were Kid, but the fact is he hasn't shown up, and he hasn't stolen the jewel."

Kudo Shinichi turned his head towards the insurance company's gem appraisers, who nodded solemnly, confirming Kudo Shinichi's statement. Nakamori had no choice but to let go, though his anger wasn't directed at Kudo Shinichi.

"Nonsense... I've been chasing him for twenty years, and even though he disappeared for eight years before, he has always kept his word, whether the notice was from him or someone impersonating him. Even when Jirokichi called him to unlock a vault  because of a dog, he came. How could this... how could this ever happen?"

It was the first time seeing her father so enraged, the first time seeing him so defeated. Aoko had thought that without Kid, her father would be happy and relieved, but she realized she was wrong. At the scene, she realized that the existence of certain people in the world is like a ray of light, becoming the motivation and hope for others.

Kudo Shinichi couldn't say anything either. Everything seemed to have fallen silent. The loud noise, the bustling crowds, all became the background, blending into the night. The cold wind, the merciless night, 

“Excuse me.”  Kudo felt a strange pat right on his shoulder, a figure just passed him, he recognized that person, insurance company's gem appraiser, who didn’t even turn back.Then, a smile came out.

A heist notice just left in Kudo Shinichi’s pocket. 

It was you.

###############

Next morning, Sonoko's phone screen lit up with big words: "Kaitou Kid returned! Real one shows up to defeat the Imposter?"

"What's this..." Ran asked.

"Ah, it seems Kid has officially responded to the last fake notice." Sonoko said excitedly. Kudo immediately took the phone: "In response to the impudent request from the last fake, I will retrieve the Confession of the Mask by 9 PM tomorrow night. Please, Suzuki Foundation, do not move the Confession of the Mask..Ah!Kid Sama! Come and take me with you!"

Looking in the rearview mirror at Kudo Yusaku, he smiled faintly: "This time, it's very likely him. Shinichi, do you know what this means?"

"A notice without a puzzle, it happened a few times before, usually due to unexpected situations. Are you saying... has time become urgent for him? Speaking of urgent, Dad, when are you going back to the US... Didn't you help the police chase Kaitou Kid before? Want to come and take a look?" Kudo asked.

"Hmm? I'll be here for a few more days, the editors are pushing hard, can't stay long." Kudo Yukiko turned the steering wheel and glanced sideways, not complaining: "Shinichi, don't miss us too much."

"In that case, Uncle Yusaku, won't you go see it? Nakamori Aoko had mentioned that you once co worked with her dad on cases like twenty years ago. " This question was from Ran. Kudo Yusaku smiled and shook his head: "Kaitou Kid? No, let the young people handle young people's matters. Yukiko and I plan to use the last bit of our vacation to visit the hot springs at the foot of Mount Fuji."

####

Looking at Aoko's bright, excited eyes, Kuroba sighed and turned on the TV. Unsurprisingly, all the news was about the prediction sent from the subway. They had planned to ride the motorcycle back, but the abdominal pain forced them to buy subway tickets instead.

"Inspector, what do you want to say to Kaitou Kid about this operation?" A reporter just approached, and Nakamori Ginzo immediately grabbed the microphone and shouted at the media’s camera: "You wait, Kaitou Kid! This time, I will definitely not let you disappear without a trace like last time! This time, I will put you in jail! Hahaha!"

"Mr. Kudo Shinichi, is this notice sent by Kid himself, or is it another fake?" Another reporter asked Kudo Shinichi at the entrance of the police station.

"We're not ruling out the possibility."

Kuroba turned off the television.

"Aoko, your dad knows Kaitou Kid is back, no need to be so happy, right?" Kuroba Kaito looked sideways, unsurprisingly seeing Aoko puffing her cheeks: "That thief__ should just die. He's causing trouble again."

"Damn it__ Dad finally made up for all the sleepless nights recently."

"Idiot, sleep doesn't work that way." Kuroba teased.

"But Kid... he... Kaito, do you think there's such a thing as immortality? After what happened last time, if he's really alive, and... continues to steal, he's really... amazing."

Meitantei... the plan is moving step by step, don't hinder me.

Chapter Text

Kid Kid Kid Kid!

Kid Sama! Please take me with you! Kid Sama! Welcome back!

The fans' crazy shouts below, and the tattered cloak dancing in the arrogant strong wind, strikingly prominent, as if this elegant noble phantom thief didn't belong here, but to another world.

It really is him.

Kaitou Kid.

Kudo Shinichi swallowed quietly, the magician before him, so real yet so illusory.

"Yo, Meitantei, looks like you've reverted back." Kaitou Kid's figure, light and steady, stood on the edge of the rooftop, his monocle reflecting the full moon in the sky.

He's still alive.

First relief, then full of doubts, did this guy forget the scene from last time?

Their conversation remained as usual, provoking, probing, without pretense.

"Yes, revert back, next is to send you to prison."

"Oh__" Kid feigned surprise, seeing Kudo Shinichi raising a gun, his mouth twisted: "Meitantei is serious this time?" His slender fingers, his bewitching expression, made one's heart itch.

"Hey hey__ after all, I'm a victim too, last time's notice wasn't from me, this time is just... clarifying." Kid secretly wiped cold sweat, he could feel Kudo Shinichi's seriousness, a powerful aura, completely unmatched by Edogawa Conan.

"Too bad you didn't get to enjoy my show downstairs. It was specially prepared for you, Meitantei, consider it a return gift." Kaitou Kid knew the detective had blocked all the escape routes from the basement, the police guarding the exits were certainly his idea, and the only way out was the rooftop. Ah, pity the fireworks picked by Jii-chan, should've given them to Aoko, at least she would thank him.

"Too much talk." Kudo lowered the safety catch: "Having you is enough as a gift."

Was it an illusion, Kudo noticed a fleeting look in Kid's eyes, Kid also pulled out his poker card gun, aiming straight. Kudo Shinichi laughed: "Hmph__ planning to compete your card gun with my pistol ?"

Swish__ Kudo stared blankly as a card sliced past like a blade , leaving a shallow cut on his cheek, and seemingly hit something, clang__ a gunshot , Kid pushed Kudo away, the cement wall left with spider web cracks and steaming shells. At the same time, a bullet pierced through Kid's right shoulder.

Blood bloomed like wildflowers on Kid's pure white suit.

"Who is this ?" Kudo growled into the darkness.

Clap, clap, clap—crisp and loud clapping sounds echoed eerily in the night as a tall man emerged from the shadows, his iconic features allowed Kid recognized this bastard with a short glance__ that  familiar black hat and a distinctive mustache. Snake.

"As expected of the undying phantom thief, Kaito Kid. I never thought you'd still be alive. Well, if Gin and his subordinates had actually killed you, it would have been quite embarrassing for me," Snake said.

Kudo didn't intend to waste words and immediately aimed his gun at Snake, kicking away the Snake's gun on the floor.

It was always the same. Whenever a third party tried to interfere in their duels, they would deal with the outsider first.

"What do you want this time?" Kid asked.

"Nothing much, just here to confirm if you're really alive. Turns out, you are. Boss was right, and you didn't disappoint him. Your magic show is as brilliant as ever. Looks like you've found your place off the stage, Kaito Kid."

"Hmph?—why not just send me a letter if you're so worry about my safety? If I received it from you guys , I'd make sure to reply and let you know I'm still alive, so you wouldn't worry." Kid retorted. Kudo couldn't help but chuckle softly. Although he didn't know who the man was, it was clear that Kid didn't take him seriously. Snake clenched his fist, his good manners barely containing his rage.

"It seems that dying twice hasn't taught you humility, huh? Hand over Pandora and stop interfering ."

Kid had already died twice? What does that mean?

Another gun appeared. However, Kudo Shinichi wasn't interested in listening to more nonsense. Without letting Snake say another word, he shot the gun out of Snake's hand, then shot his ankle. Kudo felt a surge of fierce energy within him, radiating with a murderous aura. Behind him, Kid neither fled nor hid, sensing something strange—something terrifying—about the detective today.

"Damn it, who the hell you are! Are you trying to get yourself killed? Stay out of grown-up business!" Snake cursed, realizing his opponent wasn't someone to be trifled with. He quickly decided to flee. Surprisingly, Kudo let him go.

When the gun was pointed back at him, Kid snapped back to reality, smiling elegantly as he tipped his hat.

"Now that the distraction is gone, it's time to settle our problem, Kaito Kid."

"Now that you mention it, today's scene does seem particularly lonely and deserted. It's just the two of us again. Meitantei, wouldn't it be more useful to capture that organization's hitman instead of me? After all, I did save your life. It's not right to come after me as soon as you return."

"Don't try to change the subject. You should just surrender. This time, I've put in all my effort to send you, the so-called genius artist, to prison," Kudo said.

"Hahahahaha."

It had been a long time since he heard such uninhibited laughter. The phantom theif in front of Kudo seemed unbothered by the gun that aimed at him.

Leaning against an iron pillar, Kid laughed, making the night and their conversation feel like everything had returned to the beginning, to his first encounter with Conan.

With a flick—a mask landed squarely in Kudo's hand. He raised an eyebrow in surprise. "When... when did you steal this? You didn't go down, did you?"

Kid laughed. "Never underestimate a magician. Well, now that the treasure is returned, I'm leaving."

Kudo sneered. "Do you really think I'll let you go this time?"

Kid turned his back to him, the moonlight splashing generously on his figure. "Then you'd better make sure you can catch me."

With a leap, he vanished into the sky. Kudo was exasperated; the gun Kid had tampered with couldn't fire. He smiled wryly.

Kid escaped again. 

There were still many questions left unasked, many words left unsaid. At least Kid was unharmed, at least Kid was still alive.

But... it was time to investigate the organization which was hunting Kid. Kudo Shinichi clenched his phone.

One day, I will catch you and never let go again.

"Haibara, it's me. Are you still awake? I need you to do something for me. I just fired one of your special bullets. Send me the last known location... Don't worry, Haibara, I know what I'm doing."

############

Hattori and Kudo sat silently in the backseat, both searching for information about the organization mentioned by Inspector Nakamori.

"I think someone wants to use this warning letter to lure out Kaito Kid," Kudo said.

"He succeeded in provoking the people who turned you into Conan, but it seems he also got involved with another organization," Hattori shook his head. "Am I surprised? Not really. Kudo, in some ways, your encounters are quite similar."

"What do you mean?"

"Don't you find his reasons for theft strange?" Hattori closed his laptop and turned around. "He doesn't use weapons, and even when he steals, he returns the items. Logically, he should either keep them for himself or sell them on the black market. But doesn't he seem like someone who treats these external things as nothing?"

"Kaito Kid must be looking for something. But... I feel it's connected to this organization. Nakamori said the organization's targets are also gems, and afterwards, Kaito Kid's targets are also gems." Kudo turned the tablet in his hand. "Look, Kaito Kid hasn't stolen many treasures over the past decade, but they aren't all the same type of gems."

Hattori sighed. "Whenever I think of his face, which looks exactly like yours, I find it strange. The Kaito Kid who appeared twenty years ago should be at least in his early forties by now... but don't you think... Kudo, Kaito Kid hasn't appeared... could he really be in trouble?"

Kudo didn't respond.

That very night, Kudo Shinichi found out the connection between Kid and Black Organization.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! It's show time!"

His figure, his sharply tailored form, swiftly and agilely moving among the police, those barriers and traps rendered useless before him. And Conan, as usual, is waiting for him on the rooftop.

"Did you solve the riddle,Meitantei? You're quick this time. The Inspector downstairs is really on fire today, is it a special occasion?"

"Ah..." Conan licked his lips, slowly bending down to touch his shoes. The shadowed Kaito Kid silently took a few steps back.

"I remember it's his daughter's eighteenth birthday, right?"

Aoko is eighteen?

Kaito Kid was lost in thought for a few seconds, barely dodging the high-speed soccer ball that exploded into a brilliant flash behind him.

"You... you're serious this time, Meitantei."

"You talk too much. Alright, knocking out Kyogoku Makoto was already your biggest protection. It's a miracle you dared to take him on."

"Well... I'm short-sighted, and I'll try to avoid him in the future, but who knew he would suddenly return from America." Kaito Kid said innocently, then, with a light turn, his gaze deep and bright, a crescent moon accompanying his wind-blown white cape. Everything seemed to return to their first encounter. Kaito Kid slowly raised the Sapphire towards the moonlight—Conan suddenly felt a tightness in his chest—a bad premonition surfaced.

It's all over.

Click—that was the sound of a gun being cocked, and Kaito Kid's face, shrouded in shadow, showed no expression, like a puppet manipulated by someone, jumping off the railing.

"It's all over, Kaito Kid."

It was Gin.

#################

"Do you always have to dress so formally, Mom?" Kuroba Kaito asked, exasperated.

His mother had finally skyped him, and the camera was straight toward the full-length mirror—Chikage dons a striking yellow evening gown that flows elegantly down to her ankles. The dress features a fitted bodice with a sweetheart neckline, accentuating her graceful figure.. Kuroba Chikage looked at her handiwork with satisfaction. "As expected, the craftsmanship from Duran in France is the best. Looks good, right? I specially ordered this from France. If your father was here, he would definitely love it!Quite like his old style."

"So, what's the occasion for this dress-up?" Kuroba Kaito squinted suspiciously. "Even though love is open and free now, I still hope to be informed a few months in advance if I'm getting a stepfather, rather than finding out at the wedding as a groomsman."

Kuroba Kaito was far away from being a fool, he knew exactly what his mother would look like when in a relationship. He didn’t know who the guy was, who stole his mother’s heart just like his father did twenty years ago, however, as long as his mother was happy, he wouldn’t mind at all.

Chikage covered her mouth, chuckling, "Oh, my dear, you're getting funnier. Of course not. Your uncle wants to meet you, and besides, have you forgotten what day it is?"

How could he forget?

It's been almost nine years since his father passed away.

"Uncle? Since when did I have an uncle?"

"You'll find out soon enough. Kaito, you know it's not that Mom doesn't trust you, it's just too dangerous right now. I can't be at ease. Don't think I don't know what you've been secretly up to these past few weeks. You think I wouldn't find you on some news page just because I am no longer to be the Phantom Lady?"

"You asked Aunt Sharon directly, didn't you?" Kuroba Kaito exposed his mother's words. 

Kuroba Chikage sighed helplessly, her eyes filled with complex emotions, "Your father and I never wanted you to get too involved with Black Organization. But when I accepted you as Kaito Kid, perhaps... it was recognizing a reality—that this era now belongs to your generation."

###################

"Attention to all passengers, the commemorative train to Osaka will depart at 8:45. Please board with your tickets. Attention to all passengers, the commemorative train to Osaka will depart at 8:45. Please board with your tickets."

Looking at the numbers on his ticket, Hattori Heiji opened the compartment. The spacious eight-seat compartment was reserved for them. Hattori, Kudo, and Kyogoku Makoto walked ahead while Suzuki Sonoko said she would first greet her uncle in the next compartment.

"I don't see why we couldn't just take the Shinkansen back. This train is way too... ostentatious, just like that Suzuki Express you were on before," Hattori grumbled as he placed his luggage on the rack.

"The old man is using this as a crazy promotion for the newly opened Osaka Museum," Kudo Shinichi chuckled. "Kid's resurrection, Suzuki is using this news to turn the Osaka Museum into a self-promotion event. Well, it's within reason."

"Ran? Kazuha? Why are you taking so long?" Hattori Heiji asked. Ran and Kazuha looked embarrassed, and behind them came a loud bang. Sonoko, blushing furiously, followed. Those who knew her instantly understood.

"So... did you run into someone?" Hattori asked with a resigned look. Sonoko giggled mysteriously. "No, no, when I went over, my uncle was with Inspector Nakamori and a few officers in an eight-seat compartment just like ours. There was a super handsome guy sitting next to Nakamori!"

Feeling a sudden chill, Ran tugged on Sonoko's sleeve, but she didn't notice. "I didn't see his face clearly, but he seemed really focused on his laptop, wearing headphones. Also, I saw Aoko's bag across from him. I bet that guy is the childhood friend Nakamori Aoko always talks about. I didn't expect Aoko to come too."

"Childhood friend?" Hattori raised an eyebrow. "You mean the one who 'looked like Conan when they were kids'? Kudo... why do you always run into people who look like you?"

"The last time Kaito Kid disguised himself as Kudo Shinichi, Inspector Nakamori didn't see through it." Sonoko added: "Ran, do you remember that Hakuba Saguru also showed up then? But it's strange, I heard from Inspector Nakamori that he has been studying abroad for a long time, and he doesn't have much interaction with Kudo. So how did Hakuba know that the Kudo standing before him was actually Kaito Kid in disguise?"

"Maybe it's a detective's intuition." Ran explained, "Everyone has different expertise. No matter how skilled he is, there will always be flaws in his deductions."

"So Kudo, you mean that Kaito Kid looks a lot like you? I remember last time Inspector Nakamori pulled Kudo Shinichi's face, and there were no flaws, and he was also similar to you in Singapore. But... up close, there are still some subtle differences." Kyogoku Makoto, who rarely spoke, asked. Kudo responded and quickly explained, fearing suspicion from Kyogoku:"When I was Conan, almost every appearance of Kudo Shinichi was actually him. Maybe he thought it was more convenient to disguise and take actions under my identity."

"Nonsense." Sonoko interrupted bluntly, "Kaito Kid is clearly more handsome and charming than you... he's like my prince charming." Surprisingly, Kyogoku, who would usually get flustered by such comments, remained calm this time. He smiled gently and made a seat for Sonoko.

"But I heard from my uncle that the reason we're taking this train today is that a certain treasure-robbing group is also eyeing this gem. My uncle didn't trust any other means of transport, so he created this armored train. It travels at 260 kilometers per hour, which is slower than the Shinkansen, but it avoids the rush hour. I also want to take this chance to walk around Osaka Castle with Makoto. It's a rare opportunity, and I want to make the most of it before he goes back to the US for training. Right, Makoto?" Kyogoku's face turned red instantly, and he scratched his head,

"Sonoko, is this okay? Didn't your uncle want us to attend the museum's opening ceremony?"

"Oh, that's just for the morning. Besides, there's a cultural festival at a nearby middle school. We can visit it—just like going back to middle school. It'll be a romantic date!" Kudo rolled his eyes. It was typical of Sonoko to exaggerate—transporting goods by hand. Soon, there was a knock on the door—it was Nakamori Aoko.

"Sorry, my father said you were here too, so I thought I'd come over. It's boring in my dad's carriage. They're all talking about where to drink tonight...... you know those police officers, right? And my friend is rushing a report for next week. Since you're here, I thought we could chat. Kudo, Hattori..."

Sonoko quickly introduced herself, "Do you still remember me? My name is Suzuki Sonoko. This is my boyfriend, Kyogoku Makoto. He just finished his spring training, and I'm taking him to see Osaka. Nakamori Aoko, come and sit down."

"Are you also here for the museum opening?" Aoko asked Ran curiously.

"Not really, actually, Shinichi was invited by the police superintendent to attend a conference in Osaka. We might visit the museum." Ran explained, "What about you and... your childhood friend?"

Aoko blushed instantly, "What...what? No, we're not on a date."

Sonoko grinned mischievously: "See, you just gave it away without us saying anything."

"No!" Aoko denied vehemently, "Who would date that idiot? My dad said this trip might take several days, and he didn't want to leave us at home alone. After the recent incidents, he's been worried about everything. This time he insisted on bringing me and Kaito on his business trip."

"It's not surprising for Inspector Nakamori to be here since he's in charge of the second division, but I don't understand why I saw the police of first division, which is in charge of homicide cases and some officers from other departments are also in this train. Ran and I saw some officers discussing something about the Osaka Police Department in the smoking area while we were looking for the bathroom." Sonoko tapped her chin thoughtfully,

"It feels like a lot has been happening lately."

"Yes." Aoko continued, "I often hear my father talking with his superiors. Apparently, a treasure-robbing organization has been committing frequent crimes, even collaborating with foreign mafia groups, targeting gemstones. Anyone who gets in their way is killed. My father has to attend meetings with the first division because of this."

But doesn't Nakamori usually dislike interference from Inspector Megure? Kudo thought.

"What about you and that person?" Sonoko teased, making Aoko blush even more. "He's finishing a report on the train, then he might just wander around. Do you want to join us? I'm not very familiar with Osaka."

"Of course, you can join us." Ran and Kazuha immediately nodded. Sonoko added, "We originally wanted to invite you. My uncle is very nice, he treats all my friends well. Let me, Suzuki Sonoko, show you and 'that person' around, with food and accommodation included!"

Sonoko... you're too excited. Ran could only smile awkwardly next to her friend.

"I'll go get Kaito. Do you mind if he comes over to meet everyone?"

Hattori chuckled: "Why would we mind? But your childhood friend's name is quite unique or……odd......Kaito?"

"Oh yes, his parents named him. Probably it's related to their experiences abroad. They traveled around" Aoko said.

"I've always wanted to see the person Aoko secretly likes." Kazuha added with a smile. Aoko grinned and opened the compartment door. A few footsteps later, another door opened, revealing the sounds of an argument between Inspector Nakamori and Inspector Megure.

"Aoko? What are you doing here?" Inspector Nakamori asked.

"Dad, I'm taking Kaito to the next car. We won't disturb you. Come on, Kaito! Stop typing. You used to sleep in class. Since when did you become so diligent?"

"Hey, hey, hey—Aoko? Wait...wait!" Hearing this, Kudo and Hattori were both shocked.

That same voice, that same tone.

 "I want to introduce you to my friends. You know, the new friends I mentioned meeting at the Metropolitan Police Department." The door slid open again. A long leg in black jeans stepped in gracefully, but then tumbled to the ground. Aoko stood there, holding a slim laptop, while the other foot unceremoniously kicked Kuroba Kaito into the carriage.

"I asked you nicely, but you wouldn't come in. So don't blame me for being rough." Kuroba winced, rubbing his head, "Aoko? Could you be gentler? Are you sure you're not a guy?"

"How dare you......Kuroba Kaito!"

"You...?! Kuroba Kaito!!!" How could Kuroba possibly allow Aoko to give him another punch?With a swift turn, Kuroba easily dodged Aoko's fist. As he turned,  facing the carriage ,he heard a sound like shattering glass beneath his poker face.

It was over.

Chapter Text

Stepping closer, the figure of the young man became clearer. A familiar aura washed over Kudo, who stood frozen, staring straightforward as the young man's frame leaned backward into view, his lips twitching slightly.

Years later, Kuroba Kaito asked Kudo Shinichi how Kudo saw him that day. Was that the moment you fell for me?

Calm ...... Stay calm. As Kudo Shinichi turned his head, he was met with an astonished Hattori Heiji. Time seemed to freeze, space suspended its flow, and everything intertwined in parallel. Two fated adversaries, who should neither meet with nor know each other. And that moment , their destinies came together.

"You...?!" Ran's eyes widened, that teenager had the exact handsome face like Kudo Shinichi, but full of vigor. The lazy voice of the young man was so similar yet so different from Kudo's. Most unforgettable were those eyes, outshining a thousand jewels, deep and azure, like the night with a luminous river of light flowing through the void and the sea. Kuroba lost his balance and stumbled directly toward Kudo.

As Kuroba Kaito spoke, Kudo Shinichi felt his blood freeze.  Not only did his voice matched Kudo his own, but sounded like a lost child searching for parents and the way to go home.

“Ah…… Oh, sorry.”

And why must I encounter him in this manner? Kuroba roared in his mind, he dared not to meet Kudo Shinichi's gaze. The two were so close that a mere glance up would expose him.

No, it wasn't about being exposed—he was, after all, showing his true face.

Kudo Shinichi's expression was complex, making it impossible to discern his thoughts. He himself was unsure; he only knew that every breath, every syllable from the juvenile in front of him, struck a chord within his nerves.

"Are you okay?" Kudo asked.

Is the world broken? Why is Meitantei here? This can't be right. And why am I meeting him like this? Thought Kuroba.

"Mm." Kuroba Kaito pursed his lips. Taking advantage of Kuroba Kaito's moment of distraction, Aoko grabbed his collar and yanked him back beside her. 

"Let me introduce you all, this is my childhood friend, Kuroba Kaito."

"Kuroba Kaito... that's your name?" Kudo enunciated each word carefully. Kuroba Kaito's heart skipped a beat.

 Meitantei ... Was he declaring war?

When you finally meet me, Meitantei, does that mean our story  is  close to an end? 

Nakamori Aoko covered her mouth, unable to believe the two men in front of her looked like twins. "You... Do you know each other?" Aoko asked, confused. Hattori looked perplexed, "I guess you could say we've met."

Rather than waiting to be cornered, Kuroba Kaito decided it was better to take action first. There was no evidence, so he might as well maintain his cover as a normal high school student: "Have you attended the Japanese High School Cultural Festival Exchange? I might have seen you there."

Kudo raised an eyebrow, "I wasn't around then."

During that time, he was Conan, not Kudo Shinichi.

"This is the famous detective from Kansai, Hattori Heiji. The girl next to him is also from Osaka, Toyama Kazuha. This is the heiress of the Suzuki family, Suzuki Sonoko. Across from you is the Taekwondo prodigy, Kyogoku Makoto. And Mouri Ran, She is the daughter of the famous detective Mouri Kogoro. Finally, the famous high school detective, Kudo Shinichi," Aoko introduced them to Kuroba Kaito, following the seating order. Kuroba Kaito felt like his world was falling apart. His nemesis was right in front of him, looking at him with an intense gaze that gave him goosebumps. Even Kyogoku, who usually didn't care much about deductions, was scrutinizing him with those sharp eyes.

In an instant, Kuroba Kaito just wanted to escape, to run as far away as possible. Saying more would only deepen Kudo's suspicions. Kudo was too familiar with his voice, his silhouette. To others, Kaitou Kid might be a mysterious magician under the moonlight, but to Kudo, who had confronted him numerous times, or even, slept with him before( M23 in Singapore) he was unmistakable.

Suspicions and intuition were subjective, but objectively, there were too many loopholes. Even if Hattori had doubts, he couldn't conclusively link Kuroba Kaito to Kaitou Kid. However, this situation still stirred Kudo's excitement, making his blood race and leaving him wanting more.

Hattori stood up, "I'll go get a waiter to take our order, Kudo." He signaled with his eyes, and the two teenagers left the compartment. Kuroba pretended not to care and continued working on his group project.

"What is going on now?" Hattori asked after dragging Kudo away from the compartment. "That... that boy... you don't think he's..."

"Suspect?" Kudo shook his head. "My intuition tells me he is Kaitou Kid, but my rational mind as a detective tells me he can't be. But... staying vigilant and suspicious is in our nature as detectives, isn't it? To pursue the truth," Kudo said with a smile of excitement

The door slid open, and Kudo and Hattori returned to their seats. Hattori noticed ancient Roman architecture photos on Kuroba's laptop and asked curiously, "Kuroba kun, is that right? What kind of school project are you working on?"

Kuroba smiled, "Hm? It's a report on ancient Roman architecture, a term project for history class. One of our group members suggested studying the architectural structures of different European eras."

Hattori nodded, "You're quite knowledgeable about architectural structures. This analysis is more detailed than a developer's report."

Kuroba shrugged, "One of my classmates has high standards. Even if I don't like it, I have to do it. But for a science student, this type of analysis report isn't too difficult."

"High school? Which high school do you attend?" Just high school students?

"EKotaro High School," Nakamori Aoko answered, "And the classmate he's referring to is Hakuba."

"Hakuba?" Sonoko exclaimed, "You mean Hakuba Saguru? That handsome British guy  from England?"

 Ran nodded, recalling a bit about him.

"Kaito, stop bad-mouthing Hakuba. Watch out, he might come after you," Aoko warned, aware of the grudge between Kuroba Kaito and Hakuba Saguru.

"Hey, Kudo, if he really is Kid, that would be wild," Hattori whispered. The teens in front of them started to argue.

“Why are you always defending him?” Kuroba roared.

“And why are you always holding a grudge against him? ” Aoko shouted.

"Are you all classmates?" Sonoko's question stopped Kuroba and Aoko's bickering.

"Yes, Kaito, Hakuba, and I all attend EKotaro High School," Aoko nodded, "But Hakuba goes back to London sometimes since he's a transfer student."

"He should just stay in England and stop bothering me," Kuroba muttered.

Aoko stuck her tongue out at Kuroba, "Do you know him? Hakuba Saguru often helps my dad with cases. He's the son of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department Chief."

"Yeah, last time Kid appeared and disguised as Kudo, Hakuba came to help too," Sonoko nodded, "I remember Kid walked right out... It was so awesome!"

Kuroba Kaito felt uncomfortable hearing this and continued working on his report.

"Though, it's strange how Hakuba knew that 'Kudo Shinichi' was actually Kid that time," Sonoko said.

Aoko thought for a moment, "Hakuba kun helps my dad often and probably understands Kid 's pattern or his style well. Anyway, if we ever catch that thief, I'll definitely ask him why he became such a notorious criminal. Kaito, why are you laughing?"

Kuroba apologized and closed his laptop, "You look so fierce; even Kid would confess under that glare."

"Wouldn't that be great? Ran, Sonoko, Kazuha! Don't be fooled by that thief's good looks. He's just a criminal. A criminal who toys with the police!" Aoko shouted, standing on the seat. Kudo instinctively glanced at Kuroba, who smiled awkwardly.

Kyogoku hadn't expected such a reaction from Aoko and squeezed out, "Nakamori... must really hate Kid."

"Hate? That's an understatement," Aoko fumed, "He's a liar who deceives everyone! Don't fall for his tricks. Ran, Sonoko, Kazuha! That guy should be thrown in jail to repent!"

Everyone else laughed awkwardly.

"Just wait! One day, my dad will catch him," Aoko declared. Like always, the passionate Inspector Nakamori and his equally fiery daughter were so alike in Kuroba's eyes. He could playfully tease Aoko but also knew deep down that their old friendship was quietly fading.

Something just changed. He couldn’t control or deter them.

"Yeah," Kuroba stood up, grabbing his bag as the announcement of their arrival came on, "I believe Inspector Nakamori will catch Kaitou Kid someday. Aoko, don't forget your backpack. I don't want to have to help you find lost items again."

#################

“What the hell? Losing it? Are you kidding me!”

A vein bulged, and Inspector Nakamori was ready to explode: "I told you to keep an eye on the jewel, and you lost it? Useless idiots! It's bad enough you can't catch Kaito Kid, but this gang in black suits, how hard is it to recognize them?"

The police officers on the opposite side were dazed by Inspector Nakamori's yelling, but he showed no signs of stopping: "Look at the footage on the surveillance camera!"

Kuroba Kaito took off one of his earphones and happened to see the Inspector bursting out of the compartment next door. Following behind him, Kudo ran up: "Inspector, what's going on? What about the jewel?"

"Damn it! They got away with it." A punch landed hard on the vending machine beside the train restroom, creating a loud metallic sound that drew the attention of the other compartment's officers. Seeing the enraged Inspector Nakamori, they quickly shut their doors, fearing they'd be the next unlucky targets of his anger. Aoko pushed past Kuroba and ran over: "Is it Kaito Kid? But wasn't it the same jewel he stole before?"

"He returned it and warned us that someone else might try to steal it. Turns out he was right," Nakamori shook his head. "It's the police's fault for being too careless."

"It's okay." The automatic door opened, letting a gust of cool air into the corridor, and Kudo Shinichi's dark blue suit billowed in the breeze: "The train hasn't stopped for these fifteen minutes; it's still a locked room."

"Fifteen minutes? Only fifteen minutes, and there are twelve carriages to check? How do we search them all?" Nakamori asked.

Hattori Heiji said, "Don't forget, more than half of the people here are police officers. We can verify each other's identities compartment by compartment, and then ask the passengers to cooperate with the investigation. 'Confession of Mask is quite large, unlike an ordinary jewel that is easy to hide."

"Um..." Kuroba spoke up, and Nakamori, thinking it was Kudo Shinichi, didn't even look up: "Kudo-kun, what do you think?"

"Inspector... it's me..." Kuroba said, exasperated. Nakamori, apologetic, replied, "Ah—Kaito, sorry, sorry, you and Aoko wait inside..."

"I suggest you check the train car first."

"What?" Kudo Shinichi stopped in his tracks: "The train itself, you think the criminal hid somewhere in the train?"

"I'm just suggesting, if the train is full of police officers, I wouldn't carry the jewel with me. Being searched by the police is only a matter of time. The best option is to hide it somewhere. But with so many officers, a thorough search is easy. There's only one place ordinary people wouldn't think of and can't access. If the surveillance footage showed that those guys left the room without the jewelry__which is pretty big to hid in the suit, plus I don’t think they took the jewelry, they just simply stole it and hid it, when the train approached to the destiny, they just fetched someone dressed up like a waiter or police officer and take it back." Kuroba looked up at the ceiling.

“And there is only one place to hide such high profile transparent jewelry.”

Kudo smiled slightly: " Hide inside as a part of the chandelier. And if the Inspector asked to check the ceiling, they disguised themselves as police and stole it from here. Clever enough."

Not long after, a policeman hurried in.

"What did you say?" Nakamori shouted, "You really found it? And you got footage of a suspicious person entering the locomotive? Excellent."

As soon as they got off the train, a group of officers rushed out like the wind. Kuroba Kaito leisurely packed up his earphones and laptop, not noticing Kudo walking behind him.

Lucky? No—Kuroba Kaito just happened to understand Snake's mindset. From their confrontation on the train, he knew Snake liked to tamper with structures—besides, he saw Snake disguised as a security personnel sneaking into the first class and talking to one of the members about the light. Such a poor disguise was a glaring flaw in front of Kaito Kid, essentially just altering the eyes and mouth, resulting in exaggerated bone structure.

Moreover, when they locked eyes, Kuroba Kaito knew Snake recognized him—not as Kaito Kid, but as the son of Kuroba Toichi.

"Inspector, what about the suspect?" a subordinate asked. Kudo shook his head: "Blending in with the crowd, it'll be hard to find him."

Wait—Kudo remembered he'd said that phrase before, as Shinichi Kudo. But where? He couldn't recall.

Mouri Kogoro had slept through the entire train ride, completely unaware of the commotion. He grabbed his luggage and found Ran: "Oh, so you're Inspector Nakamori's daughter. I'm Mouri Kogoro."

Aoko enthusiastically shook Mouri's extended right hand, then his left: "Nice to meet you, I'm Nakamori Aoko. I've heard a lot about the famous Sleeping Kogoro."

Flattered, Mouri laughed: "You're too kind, too kind..."

"How infuriating... That guy slept like a log from the start. Why did the Superintendent insist on having him on the train?" Inspector Nakamori grumbled quietly. Suzuki Jirokichi said: "Inspector Nakamori, they called Mouri the detective, which means Kudo Shinichi is with him. I must admit, I really need him. Ah……excuse me, my assistant just calls me."

Detective Mouri, Inspector Nakamori, and Kudo Shinichi followed the police procession to the Osaka Police Headquarters, while a group of girls, along with Makoto and Hattori, headed towards the northern shopping district of Shin-Osaka Station.

"Aoko, you guys have fun. Don't worry about me." Kuroba, holding his laptop, pointed to the café across from the police headquarters: "I have a report to finish; you all go ahead."

"Really?" Ran asked, realizing she mistook him for Kudo: "Kuroba-kun, it's almost lunchtime, aren't you going to eat something?" Kuroba shook his head; he needed to review the data sent by Jii and complete the template.

"I'll get you some food then," Aoko said, looking concerned.

After wandering around a few times, Hattori was tired, but the girls seemed to have endless energy for shopping. Makoto's muscle endurance was beyond ordinary, so Hattori thought of someone—he wandered into the café Kuroba had pointed to, and sure enough, he found Kuroba Kaito by the window.

The officers across the street, arguing heatedly, had no idea the mastermind behind their predicament was leisurely sipping hot chocolate.

On the laptop were calculus symbols and notes.

"Kuroba-kun?" Hattori signaled with his eyes, and Kuroba nodded with a smile. Hattori grabbed a breadstick and sat opposite him, Kuroba removing his earphones.

"They're still shopping, so I came to chat with you."

Kuroba pretended to know nothing and nodded: "What do you want to talk about?"

Hattori propped his chin on his hand, and Kuroba called for a plate of chocolate souffle’.

############

The scene was somehow amusing and weird. Kudo received Hattori's text message half an hour ago, saying he was going to the café on the corner to fish for information. After several unanswered calls, Kudo decided to go there directly. On the way, he ran into Ran, Sonoko and Aoko. Sonoko had twisted her ankle and was taken to a nearby clinic by Makoto.

"Heiji said they're here, but I can't reach them." Kazuha said.

“If you are looking for two high school teenagers, they’re upstairs.”The receptionist, after hearing Aoko's description of the two boys, pointed to the ceiling. They found the two boys laughing hysterically. Kazuha was surprised at how well Heiji and Kuroba got along.

"Hahaha, Kuroba Kaito, you're too funny," Hattori laughed, almost tearing up. Kuroba raised an eyebrow: "You should have seen his face then."

"I can imagine," Hattori thought of Hakuba's frustrated and angry expression.

"Does he know it was you?" Hattori asked. Kuroba made a face: "Him? Of course, he knows. No, he suspects me whenever something happens. Last time, the exam proctor misplaced his paper under the podium, and the teacher called him late at night to retrieve it, but he still accused me."

Hattori leaned over to Kuroba's ear and whispered something that made Kuroba laugh. Kuroba then took Hattori's baseball cap and pressed it down, imitating Hakuba's voice: "Let's see... it's now 9:07:233 PM London time. My pocket watch deviates only 0.001 milliseconds a year."

Hattori was amazed: "Let me try." He pulled down the cap's brim, leaned back, and pointed at Kuroba: "You're the culprit!"

Kuroba leaned against the window ledge, laughing heartily: "Hahaha, that's awesome. Hakuba that bastard sounds exactly like that. Every time I see him on TV, I just want to punch him."

Hattori imitated Hakuba's tone: "All mysteries are solved; surrender now."

Kuroba sipped his cocoa, smiling: "Just don't say that to Hakuba. Next time we see him, let's stay away."

"Kuroba Kaito!" Aoko interrupted them: "Stop fooling around. Get up; our car is waiting downstairs."

"Hattori __ When did you and Kuroba get so close?" Kudo pulled Hattori to the corner. Hattori gave an awkward smile, "You... weren't you the one who told me to get close to him and extract information?"

It's true, but it's annoying seeing how smoothly it's going.

"So? What did you find out?"

"Kudo __ I have to be honest, if we set aside some of our preconceived notions, he really wouldn't be on your list of suspects. Never mind the voice and appearance, just the age alone is seriously mismatched. Kaitou Kid debuted twenty years ago, so at the very least, he should be your parents' age. And you're saying this criminal genius is a seventeen-year-old high school student? Even though you and I are seventeen-year-old high school detectives, we solve cases and deduce, but criminals are different. They have to plan and create something from nothing. They and we are fundamentally different; they are the ones who execute. Honestly, I don't think anyone that young could reach that level. But... if you consider all other factors, maybe if one day he really turns out to be Kaitou Kid, I wouldn't be too surprised."

"What do you mean?" Kudo asked.

"Although I'm not like you, I've only directly dealt with him twice, and there were a few encounters where I didn't even realize it was him in disguise. However, for a genius criminal like that, their personality and charm are hard to hide. And Kuroba Kaito... he gives me an inexplicable vibe. Let's put it this way, it's like talking to you with your voice and face, hitting it off instantly, chatting about school stuff, talking about girls, just like a more humorous and... younger version of you." Hattori noticed the change in Kudo's expression and quickly added, "Kudo, I must remind you, don't jump to conclusions too quickly. If he is Kid, aren't you afraid he will vanish? If he isn't, then you've made a new friend. Kuroba is really easy to get along with, humorous, charming, and he has this quality that makes you want to be close to him without realizing it. Maybe he's just an unlucky guy who looks a lot like you, an ordinary high school kid."

Hattori knew that Kudo must be even more suspicious of Kuroba now.

The corners of his mouth lifted, the same smile, but without Kid's arrogance, instead, it was pure confidence.

"Then let me get to know you better, ordinary high school student, Kuroba Kaito."

Chapter Text

"So they decided to hold a meeting at the Metropolitan Police Department tomorrow?" Hattori asked. Kudo nodded, "This time to understand the clues from the Second Division, to do handovers and sharing, it's going to be a messy scene with a bunch of territorial officers probing each other, making it so that your father and Toyama's father have to step in to resolve things."

"... It's going to be ugly there tomorrow." Hattori shook his head at the thought of returning to the MPD tomorrow.

"So, what's the conclusion from the officers?"

"They've roughly sorted out some clues, but it's still a mess. The formal discussion is tomorrow, and my father seems to be going too. I saw a nameplate for my dad’s name__Kudo Yusaku at the meeting."

Hattori gasped, "Wow, looks like The MPD is really taking this seriously this time."

"Probably." Kudo said solemnly, "But it might not just be because of that guy, a big part of it is also the robbery organization. Anyway, let's wait for tomorrow."

"Shinichi! Come in and put your luggage!" Ran Mouri turned on the light, swiped the room card, revealing an enormous twenty-tatami mat room. "Aoko, Kuroba-kun, Inspector Nakamori asked if you want stay here with us? This room can allow about ten people to stay. The rest of the rooms at Tsukikage Mountain Lodge are occupied by police and clerks."

"Sure, sure, sorry to intrude! I hope we are not causing any trouble." Nakamori Aoko took off her shoes, placed them next to Kuroba's sneakers, clasped her hands,"Ojama shimasu"( for greetings) , and walked into the room with her suitcase. Sonoko pulled open the curtains, letting in the bright moonlight and starry sky. She plopped down, "So comfortable! We walked so much today, my legs are killing me. "

Kuroba happened to overhear this and, despite not wanting to provoke Makoto Kyogoku, opened his suitcase and tossed over a pain relief patch, 

"Suzuki, I happen to have a pain relief patch, use this for now. If you still feel unwell tomorrow, I suggest going to the emergency room."

Looking at Kuroba Kaito's handsome face, Sonoko couldn't help but blushed , "Thank you, Kuroba-kun." 

Aoko teased from the side, "Kaito is like an old man, always carrying strange things. Last time it was a surgery bag filled with  bandages, this time it's patches, are you..."

"Wasn't it because you tricked me into ice skating last time, and I learned my lesson to always carry a first aid kit." Kuroba retorted, grabbing a towel and a change of clothes as he walked into the bathroom. Sonoko, while opening the pain relief patch, said, "You two get along so well."

Ran nodded, "I really envy you two, it seems like you spend every day together."

Kudo quietly listened to the girls' conversation while flipping through a book. Hattori sat down, drying his hair.

"Actually... Kaito really spent many nights with me. Sometimes Dad would work around the clock because of Kaitou Kid, and my Mom, being a prosecutor on night shifts or working overtime, would leave early and come home late. When no one was around, Kaito and I would visit each other's houses. And... he... his father passed away early, so... my parents treat Kaito like... like their own son."

Recalling the past, Aoko smiled, "Come to think of it, I first met him under the Egota Clock Tower."

"Egota Clock Tower?" Kudo Shinichi walked over and asked, "You mean a place that looks like Big Ben?"

"Yeah... you know that place, right? That's where I first met Kaito about ten years ago. We were just kids then, and my dad forgot me there because of Kid. I was crying, and Kaito walked over. I'll never forget that smile, full of sunshine and energy, saying, 'My name is Kuroba Kaito, nice to meet you.'"

Sonoko started to swoon, "Oh my god, so romantic!"

"Speaking of which, Kudo-kun, you seem to know that clock tower, but it's in our neighborhood."Aoko said.

Kudo smiled, "After becoming a detective, most of my cases were with the First Division until one day, Inspector Megure took me to the scene. It was a dark night with a full moon. There was a thief trying to steal the gem on the clock's hand, leaving a code on the clock."

"I don't think I know about this?" Ran asked curiously. Aoko picked up, "Oh, I remembered that case! That was Kaitou Kid. That time he claimed he was going to steal the clock tower. I heard a young helper from the MPD took a shot from a helicopter. Was that you?"

Kaitou Kid? So, our fates were intertwined early on.

The sliding door opened with a swish, steam from the bathroom wafted out, meeting the cold air conditioning, creating a misty swirl. Kuroba stepped out wearing a loose white turtleneck shirt and black lightweight sweatpants, immediately starting to cough.

"Gosh.Why is it so cold?"

"Kaito, why didn't you take two towels? You'll catch a cold!" Aoko fussed as she pulled a towel from the cupboard and draped it over him, "You're always so afraid of the cold but don't take care of yourself, just like a child."

Kuroba rolled his eyes and took the towel off his shoulder, "I'm going outside to warm up. Here, take this back. Each towel is accounted for, and weren't you planning to wash your hair today?"

The considerate side, the thoughtful side, Aoko didn't expect that Kaito remembered even her offhand remark from the car.

"Then you..."

"Use mine." Unexpectedly, Kudo appeared behind Kuroba and draped a towel over his shoulders again. Not one to be overly interpreted and overthink, Kuroba thanked him.

"Thanks, Kudo-kun." 

Kuroba might not have noticed, but Kudo's fluctuating gaze was fully captured by Hattori.

"Meitantei, are you really trying to make this place like Antarctica?" Kaito Kid was about to sneeze magnificently but was promptly stifled, coughing as he hurried out of the bathroom door. Meanwhile, Conan lay on the double bed watching BBC news, looking utterly puzzled.

"What's up with you?"

"Are you trying to breed penguins with the air conditioning set to 25 degrees?" A few minutes later, Kid slowly entered the hotel room, so chilled he could barely speak. Conan furrowed his brow and turned off the indoor air conditioning. 

"No, this is Singapore, after all... hey, hey, what's with you? Are you really that afraid of the cold? I get that a magician's hands need to stay sensitive , low temperature may slow down the movement of your hands, but your reaction is way over the top."

Conan watched dumbfounded as Kid shrank under the covers, shivering. He sighed and climbed back under the blankets of the double bed.

"Meitantei... what are you doing?" Shouted horrified.

"Shut up, aren't you afraid of the cold?" Conan stared at him speechless.

"Well, there's no need to hug me!" Kid exclaimed.

"You're so ignorant . You've hugged me countless times on the glider. What are you still afraid of?"

###################

Kuroba, with his charming face, easily convinced the receptionist to let him use the lounge to dry his hair, and smoothly obtained a VIP invitation to the rooftop bar. "Sis, can I take one of these?" He blinked, heading straight for the top floor. Kuroba Kaito's personality indeed matched Hattori Heiji's description—he quickly won over Mouri Kogoro, who was drinking beer alone on the rooftop. The two hit it off immediately, chatting happily. "Hahaha, you are much more likable than that brat Kudo," Mouri patted Kuroba on the shoulder. "At first, when Inspector Nakamori dumped you and Aoko on me, I thought it would be a hassle, but it was worth it. Cheers!" Kuroba picked up his soda-filled beer mug and downed it in one go. "I thought Inspector Nakamori and the others would come up for a drink tonight." "No way! Those guys got a stern talking-to from Nakamori today, and the pressure from above isn't small... Hahaha, quitting the police force was definitely the right decision." 

"Mouri san really isn't suited for a life of restrictions," Kuroba said, clinking their glasses again. 

He wondered what kind of person he would be at that age, twenty years from now. Would he have avenged his father? Would he be in jail? Or would he still be alive? 

"You're absolutely right, hahaha... Cheers..." Mouri had already fallen asleep. Kuroba quietly put down his glass and glanced at the crescent moon overhead. Soon, it would become a new moon, repeating the cycle. He wondered how much longer he could stay with Aoko.

############

In the corridors of the Osaka Police Headquarters, hurried footsteps echoed constantly, as if the entire building was preparing for the upcoming special operation meeting. Officers moved through the halls, their tense expressions revealing an indescribable sense of urgency. Police officers from Tokyo and Osaka gathered in the meeting room, their faces full of anticipation and excitement. They knew this meeting was not just an ordinary routine exchange. 

The constant movement of people, the low and loud greetings, and the clatter of low heels on the floor created an unending symphony. Today, no matter who they were or their position, everyone gathered here under the police badge had only one goal. The appearance of Kudo Shinichi and Hattori Heiji attracted several glances: "Kudo-kun! Hattori? You're here too! Hurry, hurry, come in, your father is here too." Police officers entered in single file, busy staff moved about, and Kudo Shinichi and Hattori Heiji sat in the back row towards the right. 

Hattori glanced at the VIP badge on his chest and smiled slightly: "Kudo, this gives me goosebumps. No wonder he's an international thief, what a grand event."

 "Kuroba only returned to his room at 2 AM last night," Kudo said. In the early morning, exhausted from the whole day, Kudo Shinichi was wide awake, while everyone else was sound asleep. 

Of course, one person was still missing. 

Kudo watched the clear moonlight coming through the window and occasionally saw a shadow reflected on the glass.

 It was Kuroba Kaito. 

He opened a crack in the door, entered, locked the door, put his things down, and made his bed—all without making any noticeable noise. Quiet as a phantom, he was about to turn off the last light left for him when he accidentally kicked the lamp, sending it crashing down.

 Kuroba Kaito did only one thing—he jumped back into bed and pretended to sleep. 

Kudo blinked, his mouth twitching. 

What's up with this guy? 

"He told me this morning that he drank with Uncle Mouri until late last night," Hattori said, surprisingly aware.

 "He even told you that?"

 "Why not? Besides, your father-in-law doesn't care if someone drinks with him or not. Uncle Mouri is already a hopeless drunk," Hattori completely misunderstood what Kudo was concerned about. 

At this moment, Inspector Nakamori in a conspicuous green suit entered their view, he and several subordinates were the first to rush into the cafeteria, even breakfast felt like a military drill. 

"If you're still suspicious of him, why not call Haibara or the professor and check his background?" Hattori suggested. 

"No, the more I think about it, the stranger it seems. The more I doubt, the more innocent he appears. Maybe he's just someone who happens to look a lot like me. After all, there's a theory that there are three or four people in the world who look exactly like oneself, a result of human genetic combinations." Kudo looked at the name tag box in front of him, and at that moment, a hand patted his shoulder. 

"Dad? You're here already?" Kudo was surprised that Kudo Yusaku actually appeared here. Yusaku smiled elegantly: "Commissioner Hakuba invited me for tea tonight, and I couldn't refuse his kind offer. I also wanted to catch up with some police and chiefs__some of them are my old fellows, and then I'll fly back to the United States from Osaka Airport tomorrow afternoon." 

"What about Mom? She's not out shopping today, is she?"

 "Her? Hahaha, she went back last night... disguised as me to finish things up. After all, Yukiko is an Oscar-winning actress and my editor is a monster." 

Kudo Yusaku shook hands with Hattori Heizo, who had just walked over: "How is your wife doing?"

 "Good, good. We're planning to take Hattori to Tokyo for our next anniversary."

 "Hattori, remember to visit me. Last time Yukiko and I went over, we troubled you for several days." Kudo Yusaku seemed to be well acquainted with many officers. After some small talk with Hattori Heizo( Heiji’s father), they quickly turned to the topic of the wanted criminal. "Recently, there was a series of bombings in Osaka Castle. Although we can't yet confirm it's the same bomber, from the evidence we have, I have a strong premonition... The bomb fragments sent to Okada's residence a few days ago seem highly similar to the ones received at the Metropolitan Opera House two months ago...Hyakushi box." 

"Why does your father know so many officials?" Hattori Heiji asked Kudo Shinichi in a low volume. 

"My dad, while being a novelist, also worked on cases for the police, but that was years ago. After moving to the US, he naturally had less contact, but I hear he still occasionally gets calls from close friends to exchange opinions," 

"Ah... and Toyama Kazuha's father is here too? Strange, why so many detectives and police officers from Division One? " 

Police chief Toyama, an old acquaintance of Hattori Heizo, chatted briefly with him before taking his seat. 

"The active robbery group recently has been ruthless, killing anyone who stands in their way to the jewels, just like the Black Organization. Their goals are different, that's all." Kudo Shinichi was saying this when Inspector Megure nodded to him as he approached.

At precisely 10:00 AM, the strategy meeting officially commenced.

First, Commissioner General Hakuba specially thanked everyone for attending. Then, he handed the microphone to the Chief of the Second Investigation Division of Osaka Prefectural Police:

“Thank you very much for today's meeting. I'll cut to the chase without further ado. As you all are aware, the increasingly rampant theft gangs in recent years originated from the Japanese samurai family gangs. Recently, they have been primarily focused on treasure theft and are also known by another name—Yamajū Group. Our current information is extremely limited, and even the Metropolitan Police Department has few records of associated members being arrested. However, there have been numerous confrontations. All we know is that this Yamajū Group is violent and reckless. For example, Two weeks ago, the Daikoku family's ancient shield embedded with nine pink diamonds disappeared amidst a gunfight in central Kyoto. A month ago, they appeared in Okinawa, attempting to steal the Blue Dream Necklace, fished out from the ocean by local fishermen. Fortunately, the alert local police sent the necklace for expert appraisal, revealing it was from a late 19th-century merchant shipwreck near Ryukyu. Additionally, we have discovered a couple of shootings in Kyoto involving the Yamajū Group. Thankfully, no one was injured. Please turn to page five of your documents for my briefing. I'll now hand it over to Inspector Chaki.”

The atmosphere in the conference room of the Metropolitan Police Department was heavy and solemn. Inspector Chaki stood in front of the conference table, meeting everyone's gaze. He knew this was a crucial moment.

“Colleagues, we are all aware that criminal activity is spreading in our city. This is not just a police problem; it is a societal problem.” Inspector Chaki's voice filled the room, resonating with the attending officers.

“Criminals are challenging our laws and order. Their actions threaten the safety and lives of every innocent person. We cannot stand idly by. In this era filled with crime and unrest, Japanese society is facing unprecedented challenges. We must unite and work together to protect our society. Inspector Nakamori, please step forward and explain the attached materials.”

Inspector Nakamori took the microphone directly: “Fellow officers, starting from page ten is our data. In your hands are details about the Yamajū Group spanning over twenty years to today. This organization lurking in the shadows of Japanese society has only recently been recognized, with increasing evidence and eyewitnesses. The latest incident, just three days ago, involved Kaito Kid attempting to steal 'Confessions of a Mask.' They appeared armed, and this time, surveillance cameras captured them. Several eyewitnesses also provided testimonies. It is known that the hitman members use animal codenames, with Scorpion, (In Conan’s Movie 03, that female assassin is Scorpion who aimed the victim’s right eye. She actually had been mentioned once in the old version of Magic Kaito when Snake was having a group chat online)who attempted to kill Kid, recently committing suicide in prison, leaving no clues. Another known hitman is Snake, who has clashed with our police before.”

The familiar face on the slide made Kudo recognize the assassin he had shot on the rooftop.

“Thanks to Kudo Shinichi, who, with our approval, shot a tracking bullet into his ankle. We recently obtained the address of an underground hospital. Yesterday, the riot squad raided the place, finding evidence of illegal transactions and human trafficking and organ trading. Additionally, Hakuba's son, Hakuba Saguru, provided valuable information to the Japanese police. These criminals, brandishing guns to threaten and coerce, are the scourge of Japanese society that must be eradicated!”

Hattori Heiji whispered, “Inspector Nakamori truly has a leader's charisma.”

On stage, his roar stirred the officers' anger and passion. He set down the microphone, smiling heavily, then grabbed the standing mic beside him: “Next is today's main event. Everyone, my subordinates are handing out over 200 pages of documents regarding international criminal Kaito Kid, chronicling his crimes over the past twenty years. This arrogant phantom thief cannot continue like this! Where is the police's authority and dignity?!”

The officers rose, shouting in indignation, while the higher-ranking officials in the back row smiled in satisfaction: “As expected, leaving it to Nakamori to wrap up. Chef Inspector Chaki, your capable subordinates, is truly impressive. Inspiring.”

“You flatter me,” Chaki replied, smiling contentedly. “Chief Toyama, this is our duty.”

“Everyone, this is the darkest period for Japanese police. Crime is rampant! We cannot let this guy continue to be like this. Should we foolishly wait for him to steal all the world's treasures and retire? Remember, eight years ago, he disappeared, and a month ago, he vanished again after the coastal building collapse incident. Should we let ourselves be suppressed by a criminal, always in a passive role?”

The officers' emotions peaked.

“Forget the Yamajū Group; compared to Kaito Kid, those people are just armed robbers. Catching them means sending them to the judicial system. But... Do you know how the public views this international thief?! I've never seen a felon enjoy such star-like treatment! We must send this guy to prison! Kid is the main culprit tarnishing the police's reputation! Do you agree?!”

Kudo covered his ears: “Goodness, this shouting is scarier than Uncle Mouri.”

Finally, thunderous applause subsided at Commissioner General Hakuba's signal.

“I have specially invited a familiar face—renowned modern mystery novelist, Kudo Yusaku. Many of you know that Kudo Yusaku partnered with the Metropolitan Police Department to hunt this international thief over a decade ago.”

Kudo Yusaku stood gracefully, slightly bowing: “Officers, thank you very much for the invitation. Unfortunately, since Kaito Kid disappeared eight years ago, I've moved to the U.S. and rarely dealt with subsequent cases. The investigation process I handed over to the Metropolitan Police. As many of you know, one of the main villains in my detective novels is based on Kaito Kid from those days. The Yamajū Group indeed clashed with Kaito Kid years ago, often encountering those villains. The Kid I dealt with was elegant, composed, mysterious, and... flamboyant, a perfect opposite match for the term 'Kid.' Truly unparalleled... His flawless magic performances were awe-inspiring. I must say, he was a formidable opponent.”

“Thank you, Mr. Kudo, for sharing. After the meeting, we welcome any questions or discussions during the afternoon's exchange session. I'd like to invite another Mr. Kudo, the famous high school detective from Kanto, Kudo Shinichi, also known as the Kid's nemesis.”

Edogawa Conan.

Seeing the teenager who no longer resembled a child, restored to his original self, the officers naturally whispered among themselves.

“Today, I am here because...” Kudo Shinichi glanced at his father, who nodded, giving him the courage to speak: “You should know that recently, Kid saved me and restored me to Kudo Shinichi.Regardless of past cases, since ten months ago, his frequent thefts either revealed forgeries or were returned after being stolen, with one exception... the Orpheus Queen's Jewel from the last heist. Technically, he returned it, but the most valuable part was missing and remains unrecovered. Not a mistake, but Kid’s meticulous personality led him to place the jewel’s fractured pieces in my pocket. Gemological analysis revealed a gel-like substance filling the hollow part, and the crystal within was missing. Among over a hundred jewels, it's the only one he didn't return. I asked him before; he only targets specific types of jewels.”

“So, he found it,” one officer remarked.

“I'm afraid so.”

“If that's the case, why hasn't he retired? Just three days ago, Kudo kun, you had another encounter with Kid, and he returned 'Confessions of Mask,' didn't he?”

“I believe... he found the jewel and is now searching for something else,” Kudo stated. “I submitted this information to the Metropolitan Police, included in the second half of the electronic document. It pertains to the legendary Mafia theft group, which I suspect is also searching for the same jewels.”

“So, the time Kid was gravely injured, was it also the Yamajū Group?” Inspector Megure asked.

“No,” Kudo's eyes darkened. “It was the work of the Black Organization.”

A collective gasp echoed, the name striking fear. The police's nightmare, lurking in the darkest corners of the world, moving among the dead and the damned.

“I understand some may question if I would let Kid go because of past life saving deeds. My answer is absolutely not. Though I don't know his true intentions or how many he has saved, as a detective, I pursue the truth. As his nemesis, I want him to stay here forever.”

The meeting extended until 12:30 PM. After the doors opened, officers eagerly grouped together, discussing and preparing to find food. Kudo Shinichi intercepted his father, preparing to leave with Commissioner General Hakuba.

“Dad... I'm a bit unclear. You said his stage was mostly in Europe and America over a decade ago. Why, ten months ago, did he mostly commit crimes in Japan? Another thing I don't quite understand... Your description of Kaito Kid differs from Inspector Nakamori and mine. Rather than elegant... he seems more like a pretender.”

Kudo Yusaku smiled meaningfully: “Shinichi, over time, people change, or perhaps, Kid was never who I thought he was. I used to chase Kaito Kid, and now, it's your turn to seek the truth.”

Now, it's your turn to seek the truth . Kudo Shinichi understood that his father's words always carried deep meaning.

Chapter Text

Kudo and Hattori left the police station and called Ran, meeting up at the agreed-upon restaurant. Surprisingly, the usually quiet Kyogoku Makoto was chatting animatedly with the girls.

"Kuroba-kun has gotten really close to Kyogoku Makoto, hasn't he?"

Kuroba Kaito's slender figure stood out, one hand resting directly on Kyogoku Makoto's broad shoulder. He turned his face slightly, and Kyogoku Makoto smiled awkwardly. 

"Kuroba-kun, you know that's not what I meant."

"What are you talking about?" Kuroba leaned closer, whispering inaudible, "You can't just let this chance slip by, can you? Since we're in Kyoto, you should try it."

"So, what do you suggest, Kuroba-kun?"

"Hehe, leave it to me."

Kudo turned, his face full of suspicion. "You two aren't plotting something, are you?"

Kuroba's smile faded. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Hattori, hands on his hips, added, "Stop pretending. I heard something about a date... mmm!" Kuroba quickly covered Hattori's mouth. "Keep it down, Hattori kun, you big mouth."

Hattori glanced at the girls, who were oblivious to their discussion, and grabbed Kuroba, pulling him outside the room.

"Explain yourself."

Kuroba rolled his eyes. "Mouri Ran told me all about you and Kazuha. No, she complained. Hattori Heiji, your confessions have been disastrous. You chose the right places, but the key isn't the location or the words; it's the timing."

"It's not like I can control the timing!" Hattori began counting on his fingers. "Once it was zombies, another time it was a murder case, and another time... a thief disguised as Kazuha... and another time... Hokkaido... Let's just stop, I get your point."

Kuroba looked horrified. This guy is blaming this on me?

"Since timing isn't on your side, you have to create the opportunity yourself. Eliminate all possible factors and get straight to the point. Simply put, act like a killer planning a crime; you need to create the chance and set the scene."

"Alright... what do you suggest?"

"The simplest confession is the most straightforward." Kuroba Kaito was determined to make up for the times he'd inadvertently caused Hattori's failures. He whispered into Hattori's ear, and Hattori's eyes widened. "Wow, good for you, Kuroba!"

On a quiet night, Kazuha had her eyes blindfolded as Aoko and Ran led her to an open-air bar. The crescent moon on the last night of the month looked like a mysterious smile, the cold night wind beneath the starry sky. Kudo could only see Hattori and Kazuha silhouettes as they slowly leaned into each other.

Suddenly, a streak of stars lit up the night sky, followed by dazzling fireworks. One by one, like blooming flowers, colorful and spectacular. Kazuha, both surprised and delighted, hugged Hattori tightly. He was a bit surprised too, considering Kuroba hadn't mentioned this. And they were in the best spot to enjoy the night view.

Kudo Shinichi hid behind the bar counter, suddenly noticing some movement. Kuroba realized his secret spot was already occupied. 

Kuroba Kaito, holding a bag of cream puffs, felt it would be strange to turn back now, so he cautiously sat down next to Kudo.

"Kudo-kun? Want one? These are chocolate cream puffs from that famous Red Leaf Sweets shop around the corner. Mouri Ran bought them."

"You..." Kudo watched as Kuroba adjusted his posture, hands clasped together, wearing a white waiter's uniform with a black vest and bow tie, looking strikingly similar to himself. In the dark, Kudo saw the reflection of the light in Kuroba's deep blue eyes.

"Thanks." Kudo took the cream puff, not mentioning that he wasn't fond of sweets, especially chocolate. But as Hattori might say, Kuroba Kaito had a kind of instant familiarity, or maybe it was preconceived bias, making Kudo unconsciously compare him to a certain showy thief. Perhaps, as Hattori suggested, he should set aside all biases and try to befriend this boy.

Taking a bite, a rich creamy flavor melted on his tongue, followed by the bittersweet chocolate powder balancing the sweetness inside. There was a faint intoxicating taste, making him unable to stop until he finished it. He then noticed Kuroba took a bite, his expression turning strange.

"What's wrong?"Kudo asked.

"... Too bitter."

"You... you..."Kudo couldn’t understand what he meant.

Kuroba Kaito frowned, preparing to put the cream puff back into the bag. Kudo intervened, grabbing it with an annoyed look. 

"Do you know how long Ran queued for this? Please don’t waste it."

Kudo took a bite and indeed tasted the mocha flavor mixed with a strange sweetness. After a few bites, he inspected the remaining puff in confusion, unable to discern much in the dark.

Boom—!

Watching the fireworks overhead, Kudo, initially struggling to find a topic, was glad the fireworks served as a good conversation starter. He asked, "Did you plan this? The fireworks."

"How could I?" Kuroba laughed. "A nearby high school is holding a festival. The prefectural government's anniversary is next week,too,  so they're celebrating together. The fireworks are from the prefectural government, launched from the back hill. This spot has the best view. I just gave Hattori kun this brilliant idea, and no one is supposed to interrupt them."

Vibrant colors lit up the night, like a magical performance in the vast darkness.

"You didn't tell Hattori in advance, did you? He seemed pretty surprised."

"If I told him, there'd be no surprise. He had to be genuinely surprised; some reactions can't be faked." Kuroba explained. "I'm glad my plan didn't fail. This time, he finally went for it."

"I know someone who can fake even the most genuine reactions." Kudo said.

Kuroba squinted his eyes. "Being friends with such a person must be exhausting. You can't guess what he's thinking, even his smile makes you wonder what's behind it... better not to be friends at all."

"We're not really friends. Maybe... if all these things hadn't happened, if that person hadn't done those things, if I weren't a detective... maybe we could have been good friends." Kudo gazed at the bright fireworks in the sky.

"If there's no fate, just let it be. Why force it? She's not your lover." Kuroba Kaito didn't quite understand what the detective was talking about, grabbing another cream puff, this time a vanilla-flavored one.

"That won't do. I have a promise with that person. An oath, I might say."

Does that count as an acknowledgment? Kuroba took a bite of the cream puff, surprised to find that Meitantei was “such a man”, thinking about another woman despite having Mouri Ran, not afraid of being punched to death by Ran. Remembering how he used to wear Kudo Shinichi's face and loved seeing Conan's clenched teeth, he thought Meitantei was truly devoted to one person. Amazing—what kind of person could it be? Driven by curiosity, he asked with half a cream puff in his mouth, "What oath?"

Suddenly, those piercing eyes locked onto Kuroba, the same ones that used to be carried by Conan in his arms, now in a tall, well-built adult body. Kudo's hands firmly grasped Kuroba Kaito's wrists, each word hammering into Kuroba's heart with resolute determination, "I swore to catch you one day, Kaitou Kid!"

The cream puff rolled a few times before hitting the ground. Kuroba broke into a cold sweat, realizing the detective was serious. Rather, he genuinely believed Kuroba was Kaitou Kid to say such things.

Boom——a streak of blue and white fireworks lit up, illuminating their faces. Kudo looked down at Kuroba, who lay half on the ground, a hint of fear in his eyes. Kudo's cold smile appeared, slowly releasing his grip, fingers brushing past Kuroba's lips, picking up some of the white cream. Under the moonlight, there seemed to be a hint of deep red.

Kuroba Kaito noticed Kudo's gaze. "What's wrong... is my mouth bleeding? Did I accidentally bite my tongue earlier?"

Kudo stood up, taking a deep breath. "You know what? The police department seems to be getting serious this time, even higher-ups are personally involved. They're willing to use any resources to catch that thief. They're planning to discuss with Mr. Suzuki tomorrow about luring Kaitou Kid out again."

Kuroba pretended to know nothing. "Why? Did he get into some trouble?"

"He is the trouble itself." Kudo smiled, shaking his head. 

"Pandora, have you heard of it?"

A chill ran down Kuroba Kaito’s spine.

How on earth did Meitantei know about this?

Innocent eyes, ignorant expressions.

"Sorry.Never heard of it."

############

"That Pandora? The woman from Greek mythology who symbolizes hope and disaster? Pandora?" Jodie asked.

"That's right. It’s also a legendary gem with mysterious powers. Hope in disaster—you never know what's inside until you open Pandora's box. I don't know what deal he made with the assassins, but… to save me… he drank something called Pandora's Tear. But do you know why those assassins didn't kill him and instead let him take the gem?" Kudo Shinichi nodded in response. On the other end of the phone was Akai Shuichi, who took over the conversation: "The legendary Pandora was created by combining the traits of many gods to form an exquisitely beautiful human. She was sent to Earth to bring harm, spreading disease, jealousy, war, hunger… all nightmares. However, Pandora ultimately closed the box, leaving hope inside."

Akai Shuichi's deep voice continued: "Do you have any information about this gem called Pandora so far?"

"No. I only learned about it after asking my mother. My father once added this plot twist to his story, but the publisher found it extraneous and cut it out." Kudo replied while holding the phone.

"The police department got this information too," Akai added. "We’re heading back to Japan tomorrow. See you then."

"Wait… Do you remember the first question I asked you?" Kudo asked.

"You asked me if I had ever heard of Pandora."Akai Shuichi replied.

"Exactly. If the person directly told you they hadn’t heard of it, what would that mean?" Kudo wanted to confirm if Akai's thoughts matched his own.

"They would be suspicious…"

FBI agent Jodie, somewhat confused by their rapport, took the phone from Akai and ordered a coffee from the waiter.

"Pandora. Every student probably knows about Greek mythology, right? And if someone asks you, "Have you heard of it?" Normally, a person would think for a moment before answering yes or no and then usually continue to ask about it. However… Kudo Shinichi's question was directed at someone who he knew didn't know. But how can someone confirm if that memory exists if they don’t know? Normally, one would say: "I don't think I've heard of it. Is it a person's name? Or something else?" Kudo-kun, do you… have a suspect in mind?"

"Yeah… Akai-san, I need your help investigating someone—Kuroba Kaito."

Akai was stunned… not because of the unusual pronunciation, but because of the surname.

Kuroba.

The Kuroba family.

"Akai? What's wrong?" Jodie asked.

"I know that surname. It’s rare, and… many prominent figures have come from that family. It's an old and mysterious lineage. Fine, I'll check on Kuroba Kaito for you… How did you two meet?" Akai asked.

"It's a long story… Hattori and I met Inspector Nakamori's daughter, Nakamori Aoko, at a hospital in Hokkaido(Movie27). Kuroba Kaito is her childhood friend."

After Akai hastily hung up the phone, it rang again. Kudo saw the caller ID and answered without hesitation.

"Kudo, I need to talk to you. Is it convenient?"

"It's fine. I'm at the police department's reception area."

############

Haibara Ai on the other end pursed her lips: "I can't be certain… but when you just changed back, I took a blood sample from you, remember? To ensure you had genuinely reverted to Kudo Shinichi. I found another source of blood in your body—not yours, but there was no rejection. Another possibility is that it’s due to the antidote."

"So…?"

"Don’t you get it? That kind-hearted thief must have known something, which is why he gave you the drug to change back. I confirmed that the medicine he gave you was indeed taken from me. There are many legends about gems with mysterious powers, often containing unknown radiation or substances. Maybe the Queen of Ophir’s gem is actually the antidote the organization seeks. Yes, the organization has the antidote for the poison, but I didn't give you that sample because it only works for 99% of poisoned individuals during the golden time frame. If taken then, the lethal toxin will dissipate, leaving residual effects in the body, turning the victim into a tool for the organization. Researching this antidote isn't economically beneficial. Why save someone if the organization intends to kill? If someone accidentally ingests it, it's just survival of the fittest. After the blood report came out, I cross-referenced the detected components. Although in small quantities, it matched several elements. You must understand, the original antidote is much stronger than what I gave you. Fortunately, he was smart enough not to let you take it directly. Kudo… you drank his blood, didn’t you?"

"You mean he…?"

Haibara Ai sounded slightly reluctant: "Kudo, I don't know how much good karma you accumulated in your previous life, but the only person capable and willing to do this for you is probably that kind-hearted thief."

Kaitou Kid.

"The information you just provided confirms my suspicions," Kudo Shinichi said. "The deal between Gin and Kid must be…"

"If you really care about that thief, Kudo Shinichi…" Haibara Ai’s voice trembled with urgency. "You must find Kid and ensure the Black Organization doesn’t take him!"

Damn it!

Kudo Shinichi pushed through the crowd in the subway, forcing his way into the car. As he opened his phone to call Ran and ask where Kuroba Kaito was, several urgent messages popped up. Some were from Inspector Megure, and one was a major news alert—Kaitou Kid had issued a challenge to the Osaka Prefectural Police, intending to steal the museum's prized gem, the Eye of Medusa.

The subway was abuzz, with everyone discussing the news.

"Awesome! I thought Kid had forgotten about Osaka!"

"Oh my God, will we get to see him this time?"

"I don't know, but he must be handsome! It’s like God answered my wish!"

Kudo squeezed his way to the edge, quickly sent a message to Hattori, and received a call instead: "You… Kudo! Where are you?! Did you see the news? The meeting ended this afternoon, and now, at ten thirty, Kaitou Kid issued a notice. It’s a blatant challenge! Where are you? Why is it so noisy on your end…"

"On the subway. Let’s meet at the police station." Kudo slipped out just before the subway doors closed. Within minutes, he was back at the police station, where the once-empty building was now buzzing with officers.

##################

… At the agreed location, Kuroba Kaito silently counted the number of people, some hidden behind beams, others slowly surrounding him from all directions. Under dim lights, he could make out about five sniper rifles, their laser sights aimed at him. 

He pulled down his hat and stopped at the entrance of an abandoned factory, his footsteps echoing in the desolate place, like the entrance to a death carnival, with him forced to buy a ticket.

He remembered a few weeks ago, this silver-haired devilish man had the same smile during his grand appearance.

"Kaitou Kid, I didn’t expect you to actually come." Kid concealed his rapid breathing and smiled like a gentleman: "What? Not happy to see me? Your men outside were quite eager to welcome me with tear gas and bullets. I barely made it."

Gin’s eyes flashed with murderous intent as he crushed his cigarette underfoot: "Those useless pawns were just to buy time. The real welcome gift has yet to be delivered. Rum asked me to apologize on his behalf. He intended to recruit you, but couldn’t make it."

Kid maintained his smile, though he sensed something amiss. Despite his attire as Kaitou Kid, Gin seemed to be speaking to someone else.

"Kuroba Toichi."

Chapter Text

Kid’s heart skipped a beat. He hadn’t expected this organization, responsible for shrinking the great detective, to be connected to his father. Despite his perfect poker face, his alert level had maxed out. Kuroba discreetly scanned his surroundings, spotting more sniper rifles. 

Gin was right; the outside was just a distraction, likely hired mercenaries.

"Impressive. You blew up our bases in Okinawa and Tokyo, then found your way here? Hahaha… If the organization had someone like you, I could kill a thousand useless members."

Driven by impulse, Kid had planned to infiltrate the organization’s lab to find an antidote for Meitantei. He thought the remaining members had fled, only to discover a more complex labyrinth inside. 

The youthful zeal drove him to solve one puzzle after another, and then… upon opening the final iron door, his body froze. A presence more chilling than winter’s heart-shaking fear washed over him. Behind a dark gun barrel was a silver-haired man with a cigarette, a sinister smile implying that Kid’s arrival was anticipated. 

Yet, it wasn’t Gin who instilled that near-death fear… it was the man hiding behind a magically disguised window. Gin knew Kid had figured out who the real person was.

"If I had enough time, I’d love to catch up with you. However… it seems Mr. Kaitou Kid has a reason for being here."

"The antidote for APTX." Kuroba Kaito mimicked his father’s voice. Gin raised an eyebrow, surprised by the demand: "Oh? What will you offer in return?"

Kuroba's eyes were definitely locked onto the man before him. He remained silent as the door to the room swung open. Vermouth, known as the Witch with a Thousand Faces, with her long, flowing white hair, concealed her inner shock and fear as she hurried to Gin's side, whispering in his ear.

A sinister smile appeared on Gin's face as he looked up again, making Kuroba feel uneasy.

 Lowering his gun, Gin waved his left hand in a black leather glove. Immediately, a subordinate respectfully stepped forward and presented an iron box. Gin casually turned it a few times, and the lid popped open, revealing a row of red and white pills. He picked one up, examining it as if it were a treasure, and slowly walked forward. "A single pill, 99% of those who take it will die in agony, but the remaining 1% will revert to their body from ten years ago. How surprising that Kaitou Kid would risk his life for his archenemy..."

With a cold laugh, the door opened again. Vodka, with his massive frame, dragged in a woman who was screaming and begging for mercy, and threw her to the ground.

Gin continued to stare at Kid, then viciously kicked the woman in the upper abdomen. She widened her eyes and coughed up blood, but before she could close her mouth in panic, Gin's left hand covered it. After a fierce struggle, the woman twitched a few times before her eyes remained wide open, lifeless. Kuroba turned his head away.

"Such a pity. If she were that 1% lucky one, perhaps you could have saved her life."

"What are your terms?" Kuroba asked calmly, suppressing his rage.

"We're all smart here... Why don't you propose the terms first?" Vermouth said with a seductive smile. Kuroba clenched his fist in secret. He knew that revealing his identity was highly likely if he spoke, but his reason for being there was singular, his mind raced. "A permanent antidote, abandon the pursuit of Kudo Shinichi's case, and do not harm anyone around him. Those are my terms. I owe him a favor."

Raising his gun, Kuroba truly thought Gin had figured out his identity, but Gin smiled. "The favor of Kaitou Kid is priceless. Fine, I accept your terms. That gentleman thought you would ask for more. As for our terms..."

Gin's dark eyes glinted. "We know you have Pandora."

"You want it?"

"Of course not. Without the proper blood trigger, Pandora is just a worthless stone. But Kuroba's blood is the key. I need you to drink it, and the antidote you want... will be your blood tainted with despair and calamity."

Is that all?

Another tall, thin man in a white coat, wearing square-framed glasses, walked in. He glanced at Vermouth. "That gentleman is ready to transfer, the rest is up to me and Mr. Kuroba." The doctor approached Kid, surprised by the particularly youthful face under the hat, but said nothing. "The blood dosage is three times, so next month and the month after, during the full moon, you must use your blood as a catalyst to maintain his body's balance."

"How much each time?"

"He will know." The doctor said with a strange look.

Gin tilted his head, and the members behind him made their way. Beyond the iron door was a cliff, three kilometers from the entrance. For members of the rebel organization, it was a dead end, but for Kaitou Kid with his wings, it was a crossroads.

"Just a reminder, tonight is the last full moon of the month, time seems to be running out."

Kid gritted his teeth and leaped, spreading his pure white wings.

When Kaitou Kid decided, he was willing to risk everything. Perhaps when Kudo Shinichi appeared on that train, it was all within Kuroba Kaito's calculations. He had to approach Kudo Shinichi. The month-long deadline had come. Kuroba Kaito used Hattori's confession to bring Kudo to the terrace under the cover of night. He specifically told Aoko that Kudo Shinichi liked coffee-flavored puffs, marking them specially for the staff. Kuroba also knew the great detective couldn't bear to waste the dessert his girlfriend had waited nearly an hour for, so he had mixed a small amount of blood into the coffee puff beforehand. Everything was under control in some ways.

And now, Gin was closing in step by step, his poker face concealing a racing heart. Gin's eyes were like those of a predator locking onto its prey.

"Our terms are simple, the 'Eye of Medusa' at the Suzuki Museum." Gin bit on his cigarette and tossed a USB drive to Kuroba. "Upload the data, mail it to this area, the deadline is five days from now at 9 PM. If you try any tricks, like before, your son will be in danger. Once it's done, we're even."

Gin and his men left, leaving Kuroba Kaito to slowly peel off his father's mask, laughing... Son?

 Unlike the truly foolish Snake who couldn't tell who the real Kaitou Kid was, Kuroba Kaito tended to believe Gin knew exactly who he was, or perhaps didn't care if it was Kuroba Kaito or Kuroba Toichi. He wanted Kaitou Kid, and Pandora confirmed the blood source.

So what was this game? Just a test to measure how valuable he could be to the organization.

Even? Kuroba Kaito wasn't that naive, just pleasantries.

The earpiece crackled with the voice of Jii-chan, along with the sound of Aoko crunching on a doughnut. "Kaito, I'm at the Mitsui Electronics section."

"I'll be there in a minute."

In the men's restroom, Kuroba Kaito quickly swapped clothes with Jii-chan. Jii -chan donned a two-tone trench coat, a pre-hidden fisherman's hat from the backpack, and glasses, while Kuroba changed into the sports shirt and black dress pants Jii-chan had used to impersonate him, and switched shoes. Before leaving, Jii said worriedly, "Young master, be careful."

"Don't worry, I'm the Kaitou Kid."

###

***

Kyoto's streets are serenely picturesque, 

mirrored in the rippling mirror lake.

 When the cycle of the four seasons halts,

 the bell of fate chimes, 

guarding your wish for eternal life.

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Kaito Kid***

Kogoro Mouri got out of the taxi, his face expressionless. "What is this nonsense? Kaito Kid is as pretentious as ever. I finally found a bar that wasn't crowded... Damn it."

"Uncle Mouri, this time Kaito Kid's riddle is relatively simple. The two lines of numbers below can be converted from binary to decimal, paired with longitude and latitude coordinates, which point to the Suzuki Museum near the Osaka Prefectural Police Headquarters. The 'rippling mirror lake' hints at the Medusa statue in Mr. Suzuki's private collection, which Kid is after for its two cat's eye diamonds," Hattori explained. Kudo added, "As for the time, the third hint, 'the cycle of the four seasons,' refers to the spring equinox in the Chinese 24 solar terms. If we see the 24 solar terms as dividing a day into 24 parts, the spring equinox corresponds to the 3-4 AM time zone. The chime signifies the start, so the announcement time is 3 AM."

"When is that 3 AM?" Inspector Nakamori asked as they ascended in the same elevator.

"The day after tomorrow is the Kyoto Castle birthday celebration. Kid plans to strike then," 

Kudo said, answering his phone. It was Ran Mouri calling.

 "Ran? Where are you guys?"

"I’m with Sonoko near the shopping district, and we saw the news saying Kaito Kid sent another warning letter. Is it true?"

The police urgently convened a meeting to discuss their strategy. Unlike the polished façade they showed in the morning, now everyone revealed their true selves—exhausted and busy. Hattori Heiji and Kudo Shinichi entered Hattori Heizo Hattori's office, where nearly all the senior officials from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department had gathered.

"Damn Kid, this is blatant provocation, not taking us seriously!" Despite the loud complaints, everyone's eyes burned with passion. Kaito Kid's lighthearted warning letter had doomed some to a sleepless night.

"I don’t see this as provocation," said the Osaka Prefectural Police Commissioner to his reliable subordinate, Inspector Toyama, who smiled faintly. "Don’t you think Kid’s timing is way too rushed this time?"

Hattori Heiji looked up, noticing his father sipping black coffee. "The notice letter was sent tonight for an action at 3 AM the day after tomorrow. Indeed, the timing is tight. Father... are you planning to stay here overnight?"

"Of course, this is our police turf. Our dignity is at stake. The gem can be lost, but once our authority is gone, it’s hard to regain."

Police cars, helicopters, and rows of well-prepared officers surrounded the Suzuki Museum. This time, they convinced the host, the Suzuki conglomerate, not to let anyone in from the event day until the warning period ended.

 No detectives, no audience, no officers—a vast, empty building like a giant prison.

"Every time you let Kaito Kid blend into the crowd and escape, but now... I won't let even an ant in! Hahaha," Suzuki Jirokichi laughed until his tears flowed, his face turned sour as Inspector Nakamori pulled at his cheek. "It's suspicious that you're saying this now. You always wanted Kid to have an audience and for everyone to get a close look. What changed?"

"This time is different. Commissioner General Hakuba specifically requested this. How could I refuse?" Suzuki exclaimed. With a wave of his hand, the museum's glass suddenly turned into transparent floor-to-ceiling windows. The light from outside shone in, revealing the now-empty exhibition hall, except for the Medusa statue. Inspector Nakamori nodded in understanding. "And then?"

"The Osaka Prefectural Police suggested Mr. Suzuki fortify the museum, but due to time constraints, we are guarding all entrances, ventilation shafts, and drainage pipes with our officers. We deployed 200 officers, all subjected to strict scrutiny," one inspector explained.

"To prevent Kid from using flashbangs or suddenly destroying our lighting, each squad leader and inspector will wear special sunglasses made by the Suzuki conglomerate," said Suzuki Jirokichi, showing off the seemingly ordinary sunglasses hanging on his chest, which could automatically adjust to any light change.

Kuroba Kaito smirked as he pressed an earpiece, "As if I can't pass your test, old man. Don't worry, Inspector Kenmochi, I'll borrow your identity for a bit. Relax, I'll remember all the names of the cats and turtles your wife's family has. Sleep tight."

The busy day quickly passed, and soon it was midnight. Kudo Shinichi and Hattori Heiji stood in front of Inspector Megure’s police car, arms crossed, looking at the quiet, brightly lit building. A sense of unease grew.

"Inspector Kenmochi? You are late! Mr. Sonoko is in the restroom, we need you to be the guardian and protect Mr.Suzuki at any cost. Do you understand me?" Chef Chaki commanded.

Of course.

I will take good care of him.

"Something still feels off. Kid has never been this rushed," Kudo mused.

"You think it's an imposter?" Hattori Heiji nodded. "It's possible, but why? If someone else wrote the letter, Kid wouldn't be foolish enough to step into the trap. This is right after the summit, with top police officials from Tokyo and Osaka here. It's practically walking into a trap."

"No... from what I know of him, he never acts unless he’s confident he can control everything."

The familiar voice and tone made Kudo turn around, surprised. "Dad? Weren’t you in America?"

"Kid interrupted our tea, so Commissioner General Hakuba and I lost interest in drinking tea," Kudo Yusaku replied in his usual mild manner. "After eight years, it's good to see how he’s doing now."

Three, two, one... a loud snap. 

Hidden bombs in the curtain rods exploded, shattering a row of windows on the third floor. The commissioner shouted through a loudspeaker, "Don't panic! Hold your positions! Even if Kid breaks the glass, he still has to come and get it himself!"

Really?

A second snap of white gloves, and strange sounds came from afar. Everyone turned to see doves flying into the building.

"Quick! Raise the iron bars!"

"Inspector, look up!" Before they could react, they saw the elegant figure in a moonlit suit, high hat, and smug smile on the rooftop. The helicopters surrounded him, but Kid’s grin showed he never considered them a threat.

"Hahahahaha... As promised, I’ll take Medusa’s eyes. Thank you, officers, for your hard work."

"Damn it! Kid, you bastard!" Nakamori roared. "Where did all these doves come from? Why aren't they leaving?"

A smirk appeared at the corner of his mouth. Suddenly, a cloud of smoke dissipated, leaving only a floor covered in white feathers.

"Look quickly!" Old man Suzuki screamed, rushed out from nowhere, Inspector Nakamori grinned," Kenmochi that jerk, just one mission, he couldn’t even keep Suzuki inside the safety room.” pointing at the exhibit stand inside. The Medusa statue was intact, but the two most crucial eyes were missing.

"Let me in! Impossible! Absolutely impossible! All the mechanisms and equipment are the strictest. I refuse to believe that Kid took Medusa's eyes! Kid is gone, and you’re still guarding this place?!" He raged, 

"Do you know I bought that Medusa from an Italian auction house from a sculpture collector? That’s my favorite Italian auction piece. No way! Let me in!" Suzuki and the police officers rushed to the third floor like madmen. Kudo and Hattori exchanged glances and ran at the back of the group. Suzuki clutched his head and screamed, "Impossible, impossible, absolutely impossible!"

The walkie-talkies buzzed with reports: "Reporting to the officer: no suspicious persons detected."

"Reporting to the officer: no sign of Kaitou Kid on the first through fifth floors."

Kudo clenched his fist. How could it be? How could a living person, under so many watchful eyes and without using any time-consuming cutting tools, steal the gems from the statue and vanish into thin air?

Kudo and Hattori began to survey their surroundings. Every floor of the Suzuki Museum featured Baroque patterns on the floors and ceilings. The empty exhibition hall, with the fierce yet seductive statue of Medusa at the center, had empty, glaring eye sockets, which looked particularly terrifying.

"Reporting to the officer: no sign of Kaitou Kid on the first through fifth floors."

Kudo clenched his fist. How could it be? How could a living person, under so many watchful eyes and without using any time-consuming cutting tools, steal the gems from the statue and vanish into thin air?

Kudo and Hattori began to survey their surroundings. Every floor of the Suzuki Museum featured Baroque patterns on the floors and ceilings. The empty exhibition hall, with the fierce yet seductive statue of Medusa at the center, had empty, glaring eye sockets, which looked particularly terrifying.

"Uncle, maybe a pigeon took it," Sonoko tried to comfort him, but it was useless. "Who cares about a pigeon? That was Kaitou Kid’s pigeon. That thief, as announced, came on time and stole it on time. Damn it..." Suzuki Jirokichi’s blood pressure soared, and he gasped, 

"I’m tired. You all should rest early too." Dejected, he slowly walked upstairs, shaking his head and sighing.

Too easy.

Using Suzuki’s fingerprints, Kid made his way to the top floor without hindrance. He glanced at the moonless starry sky, feeling a bit lonely. Next, he would unfurl his glider as usual—

"Where are you planning to fly,Mr.Suzuki? Or should I call you Kaitou Kid?"

A clear, resonant voice echoed on the rooftop. Everyone downstairs froze. Suzuki Jirokichi slowly turned around, seeing a figure with crossed legs leaning against the railing, as if waiting for Kaitou Kid.

Kudo Yusaku.

Chapter Text

"Won’t you stay for a chat? It’s been eight years since we last met in these circumstances, please, I insist." Kudo Yusaku adjusted his glasses.

His invitation sounded more like a demand.
Facing him directly, Suzuki argued, "Mr. Kudo, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Kid had already stolen the gems using a pigeon. And just now, the Kaitou Kid seen on the rooftop was clearly visible to everyone, including me, wasn’t it?"

Kudo chuckled softly, "That was probably a decoy, an inflatable dummy. When the white doves flew away, they punctured the dummy, making Kid seemingly disappear. The feathers on the ground were likely to obscure the balloon remnants."

"If I were Kid, how could I steal the gems?"

"Simple. You probably kidnapped old man Suzuki and impersonated him.I am guessing that you approached Mr. Suzuki as a guard.  When the feathers blocked everybody’s vision, you instructed your assistant to use a special liquid on the gems from the ceiling, actually coating them,  and because you set the room temperature pretty low, the coating stiffened and covered the gems, like pottery clay, making them look like they were stolen. Finally, you came in as Suzuki and stole the real gem.”
"Hahaha, Mr. Kudo makes a good point. But how would I steal the gems without damaging the statue? Remember, Medusa is a once-in-a-century masterpiece, I wouldn’t damage my asset on purpose. "
"You can take the gem without hurting the statue. Even Mr. Suzuki knew that the gems are not the original ones that come with the statue, he said that the eyes of Medusa are put inside by the former collector.”
Another voice sounded from behind. Kid didn’t need to turn to recognize it. Closing his eyes, he said, "Oh? Kudo Shinichi, what should I do?"

"Just like I just said. Those eyes have been embedded in the statue on purpose, so the collector used another method and didn’t hurt the statue. He used an alloy to stick the gem and the statue. Do you see Medusa’s silver white eyelashes and shadows?On top of that, In Greek mythology, Medusa was cursed by Athena, transforming from a pitiful woman into a snake-haired monster. Anyone who saw her turned to stone. After you deceive everyone to believe the gems have been stolen,you use sunglasses to focus and reflect the spotlight, rapidly heating Medusa's eye sockets. After deforming from the heat, the gem edge melted and it fell out easily. I am guessing the edge of that gem is made of Bi-Pb-Sn-Cd-In-Tl, that is how the former owner put the gem eyes in it in the first place, and the reason why Medusa’s eyes sockets have layers of beautiful silver luster. Like a female's eye shadows. That certain kind of alloy has a low melting point. Around 41.5 °C (107 °F) Only need to heat a little bit, then you can reach your  goal easily. As for the proof? Check your sunglasses—they're actually convex mirrors! Wearing a floral shirt to slightly obscure them, no one would notice the difference between your specialized glasses with Suzuki’s normal sunglasses, even if someone spotted the differences, they might think it’s a new tech product. After all, old man Suzuki is a wealthy spendthrift."

Kid smirked, "Hahaha, exactly,Meitantei."With a flourish, Kid’s signature white outfit appeared before everyone. The policemen below yelled and rushed into the building, but Kid remained unfazed.

"I'm terribly sorry to drag you all into this on your day off, but I have urgent matters to attend to. I must go." With a snap of his fingers, the scattered feathers on the ground suddenly lifted as if alive, soaring out the window towards the rooftop, forming white ribbons of feathers that flew to a helicopter.

"Captain! Unknown flying objects are blocking my view, what should I do?"
"Report, sir! Kid... Kid has disappeared!"
"What?! Where is Kid? Unit 8, Unit 8!" Inspector Nakamori yelled into the walkie-talkie.
"Reporting, this is Unit 8 at the highest point, no sight of Kid." Kid smiled and used a totally different voice.

Kudo Yusaku gave a slight smile, "Inspector, Kaitou Kid is in Unit 8. Using the flying objects to block the view, he leveraged the high vantage point to jump into the helicopter. His accomplice must have been waiting inside from the start."
"As expected of Kudo Yusaku. You even noticed this... Can't blame the police department for finding a helper from outside, on the other hand, I’m in a rush this time. Let them off easy for once," Kid mused, calmly committing every detail to memory.
He didn’t need to keep the gems. Leaping, he ignored gravity, standing on the tail of Unit 8’s helicopter like a dragonfly on water, then soared away.
"Look! It’s Kaitou Kid!"
"Ah! Kid-sama!"
"Take me with you, Kid-sama!"
Watching the arrogant thief disappear, Kudo Shinichi yelled, "Kaitou Kid!!!"
Turning around, he saw his father’s gentle smile, with a hidden excitement. It had been a long time since he saw this expression—a determination to prove oneself.
"Dad?"
"Interesting... Kaitou Kid, was it?"

#####################

Yawning, Kuroba Kaito snapped back to reality, being dragged along by Aoko. He rested his chin on his hand, stirring his coffee with a spoon, sipping, then grabbed a napkin. Thud—a coffee cup was placed on the table by Hattori Heiji. Last night, he and Kudo slept four hours in the police station’s conference room, returning to the hotel around eight to shower and have breakfast. Kazuha and Ran brought dishes filled with colorful vegetables and fruits.
"Did you even sleep?" Ran asked, turning to Kudo, who was chewing a sandwich, unaware he was stirring hot coffee with a plastic straw, deep in thought.
"Shinichi! The straw! It is made of plastic for beverages, not for hot coffee!"
"Sorry, sorry, I wasn't paying attention." Kudo turned to his right__Kuroba, resting his chin, gazed out at the waking city.
How to dispose of those documents? Kuroba spent a lot of time last night recording data, realizing it must not fall into the organization’s hands—the list of deceased undercover agents and some cooperations with Black Organization.
Even though Gin already told him about the alloy and Medusa’s real purpose, Kuroba did not feel any better, on the contrary, Kuroba made a deep research, only to find out the former owner died a few years ago in a terrible car accident. No need to guess, that was just a cover story,

Kuroba wouldn't be surprised when later finds out that is Black Organization killed him.

So somehow Medusa’s left eye was a threat or something organization needed. but hidden by the former owner so well. And now Kuroba himself got the information, and he returned both gemstones to the police in the early morning.
He noticed that Meitantei was staring at him.
"Kudo? What’s up?" Aoko noticed his odd behavior. Kudo suddenly threw something at him. Kuroba instinctively caught it, opening his hand to reveal Medusa's right eye.
"This is...? Medusa's eye? Is this a fake?"
"The real one." Kudo continued stirring his coffee, now mixed with plastic. Ran snatched the mug from him, apologizing to the server. Aoko’s eyes widened, noodles hanging from her mouth, "What? Kudo, why did you bring out the real one?"
"Actually, the real treasure is the statue. This is just a synthetic crystal. The real gem was lost during the statue's multiple transfers." Kudo seemed to speak directly to Kuroba, "I didn’t see you near the museum yesterday. Thought you might want to see the real thing."
Kuroba examined it closely, "What’s the statue’s value?"
"Historical relic. It’s the masterpiece of 19th-century sculptor Galbinceff." Kudo said. Kuroba smiled, returning it, "According to you, Kaitou Kid stole the least valuable thing, ignoring the true treasure?"
Aoko laughed, "Isn’t that guy an idiot?"
"True value is subjective."
Kuroba turned instinctively, seeing the man who exuded a similar aura to his father—Kudo Yusaku.

Ran was surprised, "Huh? Uncle Yusaku’s flight was this morning. Why are you still here? Was the flight delayed?"
"Is it because of Kaitou Kid? Kaito, Uncle Yusaku, was amazing last night. He predicted Kid's move and waited on the rooftop," Aoko said excitedly. Kuroba nodded—you didn’t need to tell me...
"Actually, I was going to leave after the meeting yesterday, but Yukiko called, saying she was going to France for two days to visit friends. I thought I’d fly back later in the evening. Besides, I've been looking forward to meeting you... Kaito."
Kudo Shinichi's companion, Kuroba Kaito, offered a polite smile, "We haven't met before, have we? How do you know my name?"
Kudo Yusaku blinked, "How could I not know? You're the son of my best friend. I named you Kuroba Kaito."
Aoko looked incredulous, "Oh my, Uncle Yusaku, you know Uncle Toichi?"
"Who's Uncle Toichi?" Sonoko and Kazuha, arriving late with their trays, curiously approached. Aoko gave up her seat across from Kaito to Kudo Yusaku, who was holding a cup of cappuccino.
"Kuroba Toichi, Kaito's father," Aoko explained.
"Kuroba Toichi?" Sonoko exclaimed, "Kuroba, why didn't you tell us your father is 'the' Kuroba Toichi? The genius magician of Japan!"
Magician?
"Magician?" Hattori's eyes widened as he stared at Kudo. Even Ran was surprised, "Sonoko, you mentioned him before, right?"
"Yes! That handsome and dashing gentleman. Ah, what a heartthrob! You know, even our generation, anyone who learns magic knows who he is. Kudo Shinichi, you must know him, right? My parents were huge fans of his; they attended every performance in Japan and even had a full-body portrait of him. Among magicians, my favorite is Kaitou Kid, and second is Kuroba Toichi. Though he was young, his magical skills were extraordinary, like real magic!"
Sonoko shouted excitedly, "It's a shame he died in an accident several years ago. Otherwise..." Ran pinched Sonoko under the table, and she realized her mistake. However, Kuroba Kaito didn't seem to mind. He had expected his father's legacy to thrust him back into the detective's suspicions. Still, he was confident that Kudo wouldn't find solid evidence.
"It's fine... it's been a long time. I'm used to it."
Sonoko felt guilty and quickly changed the topic, "So, Kuroba-kun, you must be a magician too, right?"
"Sort of... just some simple tricks, totally an amateur." Kuroba's poker face was barely holding up. Was this lady targeting him?
"Hahaha, Sonoko, don't get your hopes up. With Kaito's skills, it will take years to catch up to his father." Aoko had a knack for teasing her childhood friend. 

Kuroba's face darkened, "Who are you mocking?"
"But Kuroba-kun, why don't you join a magic competition? I heard the training and atmosphere there can greatly improve your skills in a short time," Kazuha said. "In our high school, many students join the club. They hold inter-school competitions and invite students as judges."
Kuroba shrugged, "I'm currently more focused on my studies. Since I rarely practice, only to be called a layman."
"But I guess Kuroba-kun isn't a novice, right?" This comment came from Kudo Yusaku, and Kuroba's heart sank.
"Every time Toichi talked about you, he was so proud of your progress and increasingly skilled techniques. Seeing you today, it's clear you haven't stagnated over the years, right?"
Yes, I've never wanted to lose to you, Father. I've always been chasing your footsteps, even though I could never surpass you.
"Dad... you knew Kuroba-kun's father?"
Toichi... Even Kudo was surprised at his father's familiarity with the man, calling him by his first name without hesitation.
Kuroba hesitated for a moment, then couldn't help but ask, "Mr. Kudo, you seem to know my father well... What kind of person was he?"
Kudo Shinichi watched from a distance as Kuroba Kaito and Aoko bickered about whether to pack their luggage.
Time now made sense; the Kaitou Kid's thefts over the past ten months and those from a decade ago could be the work of two different people, a father and son duo.

This would explain why the Kid, who should be in his middle age, still looked unnervingly young. If only the appearance and voice matched, one might dismiss it as coincidence, but the magic? Too many coincidences were simply unreasonable.
Kudo didn't plan to act now; he needed more evidence. These clues alone proved nothing. He smiled.
"Kudo, don't you think this is his challenge to us? Boldly appearing before us, betting that we can't prove he's the Kaitou Kid? Maybe no one will even believe he's the Kid. The last possibility is that he's just an unlucky scapegoat."
"You're right, Hattori, this is a challenge to us." Kudo's increasingly clear mind and surging anticipation were evident. Hattori nodded, "But I still don't understand why Kid would take such a big risk, breaking through police encirclements, just for... an artificial diamond? Kudo, don't you think that's odd? Plus, his actions this time seemed spur-of-the-moment."
"Let's not dwell on that. My dad is at the front gate; I'll go see him off." Kudo jogged to his father's side when his pocket suddenly buzzed. It was Akai Shuichi.
"I saw the news on NHK. Are you done over there?" Akai asked.
"Regarding the person you asked me to investigate... He's seventeen, currently attending EKotaro High School. Father deceased, mother alive, Kuroba Chikage and the famous magician Kuroba Toichi. I didn't understand why you suspected this boy, but after seeing his background and appearance, I understand now."
Kudo Yusaku waved from a distance as Kudo Shinichi quickened his pace, talking on the phone, "I know all that. Was there anything unusual in the investigation?"

Akai frowned.
"Kudo... it seems he might be your cousin."

Chapter Text

Clang—the phone fell to the ground before Kudo Shinichi could catch it. Yusaku, looking more serious than ever, ran over and held out his hand, revealing the left eye of Medusa. "Contact the Akai san immediately, Shinichi... something's happened."

"What?" Kudo Shinichi stared at the two gems in confusion. An eerie glint reflected off one of them as he held it up to the airport lights, "Is this... an optical storage disc? Data encoded using optical principles?"

"Though we don't know what's inside yet, Kaitou Kid acted hastily this time, without his usual flair. It made me suspicious of this gem. You must confirm with the FBI as soon as possible." Kudo  Yusaku grabbed his suitcase handle, "I need to return to the U.S. to discuss this with your mother and find an old friend of mine in France who works for ICPO. He will know something." Kudo Yusaku said. Everything happened so quickly that Shinichi didn't have time to ask his father about Kuroba Kaito before hearing him say softly, "Take good care of Kaito. Don't let him run wild. Kuroba Kaito... is your cousin."

Kudo Yusaku stepped into the boarding gate, raising his hand in farewell—not to Kudo Shinichi, but toKuroba  Kaito, who approached from the other side. 

The teenager, with a face and eyes so similar to his own, walked closer with a complex expression, accepting his fate.

"Don't look at me like that, Kudo Shinichi. I just found out about our relationship too.

###################

"My father returned to the U.S. just in time when you came back. If you need to urgently contact him, I can relay a message." At the Tokyo FBI branch, Kudo Shinichi spoke to Akai Shuichi, who was holding a glass of Martini in his hand.

"No need. I arrived at Tokyo airport around 4 PM yesterday and sent the evidence you brought to the lab for X-ray and spectral analysis. But why didn't the Japanese police confiscate the evidence? Why was it with your father?"

"They didn't. After Kaitou Kid returned the gem, the police dropped the case. Mr. Suzuki was pleased my father bought the gem, even though it was damaged. The true value wasn't the gem itself. However, if it contained a list or data, that would be totally different. I think the Black Organization commanded Kaito Kid to steal the data. If Kid was after the gem, it wouldn't arouse FBI suspicion, but if it was the Black Organization, then it would be a different story.But why didn't Kid take the gem or replace it with a fake? How is he going to explain to the Organization? " Kudo Shinichi was puzzled. Akai opened a computer screen, displaying a sealed list.

"Who said he didn't take the data? Kudo, our IT department discovered that the D drive was last accessed during the Kaitou Kid heist. I believe Kid memorized the list and then returned it. There's no record of data export."

"What?!" Kudo exclaimed, "Could he have seen it and decided..."

"The Kaitou Kid we know is never one to be controlled by others," FBI Agent Judie said. "When he realized the list's importance, he decided to defy the agreement."

"If that's the case, he's in big trouble. The Organization won't let him get away like this."Kudo Shinichi closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and pulled out his phone. He paused, sensing something ominous.

"Agent Akai, there is another heist notice!"

... Kaitou Kid has sent another notice again? The headline on the news hinted at something discordant. A sense of foreboding rose within him.

"Kudo, has Kid gotten himself into trouble?" Jodie asked.

As if to confirm Agent Jodie’s assumption, a bullet's roar echoed. 

To Kid the Phantom thief, it was no fatal threat. 

The problem was, on the rooftop, he saw someone he least wanted to see— Nakamori Aoko.

After narrowly evading Kudo Shinichi and Inspector Nakamori at the scene, dodging bullets from the shooter behind him, and relying on his impeccable geographical memory to find an escape route, he saw Aoko waiting on the rooftop.

"Kaitou Kid! Surrender! Kudo-kun told me you'd come here, so... I'll arrest you on behalf of my father!" Aoko's face was a mix of excitement and tension. Kaitou Kid gritted his teeth and dashed forward. The assassin hiding in the dark with a sniper rifle smirked—bang. Blood splattered on Aoko's pale face, like red roses blooming in the silver snow. 

The special bullet pierced Kid's left collarbone, hitting a nerve cluster. The real danger lay in the bullet fragmenting into tiny metal shards upon impact, causing excruciating pain.

Got you... become my prey, Kaitou Kid.

In the dark, a cold smile curved like a bloodthirsty blade. Kid knelt on the ground, clutching his wound. He looked up to see Gin's condescending gaze. Aoko's mind went blank.

 If it weren't for Kid, she wouldn't have known about the assassin who was hiding in the shadows—a man in pure black exuding a deadly aura.

Terrified, she instinctively sat on the ground, her legs paralyzed. At that moment, Kid's blood-stained cloak still shielded her.

Gin smirked and stepped on Kid's wounded shoulder with force. The pain from the injured nerves finally broke through the painkillers, and Kid's body, already weakened by Pandora's gradual erosion, couldn't take it anymore.

"Ahhh!"

"I knew you wouldn't behave. But this was within my expectations. If you had handed over the data obediently, I would have to worry about whether you were plotting something secretly." Gin licked his lips and fired another shot. This time, Kid bit his lip to avoid crying out as the bullet pierced his left thigh, skillfully avoiding arteries and bones, going right through muscle and nerve.

"Typical of Kaitou Kid. You knew this heist notice was from us and still showed up. Could it be that you care about your son? After being away from him for so long, I almost thought... you didn't want him anymore."

Son? Despite her fear, Aoko silently memorized every word of their conversation.

"Haha... Gin..." Kid laughed through the pain. "Stop with the nonsense. What do you want?"

"You." Gin suddenly stepped forward, easily grabbing Kid by the collar, aiming the gun at Aoko. "That girl is troublesome. Maybe she should go first."

"Let her go!" Kid shouted with anger, more with fear.

"Then you might want to recall every name on that undercover list and the companies, not a single one missing, for her sake."

Kid hesitated. Gin must have known what he did. Realizing this might be his last stand, he taunted back, "Of course, Gin. Otherwise, how could I survive you..."

"Only you can interrupt me like this, Kaitou Kid." Gin pressed the scorching gun barrel against Kid's bleeding shoulder. Gin suddenly paused, then turned his head slightly, firing a bullet that struck the concrete wall behind.

"Akai Shuichi." Gin sneered as Kudo, Jodie, and Akai appeared behind them. The darkness suddenly lit up, revealing FBI agents in deep blue uniforms surrounding the rooftop.

"Gin!"

Kudo Shinichi aimed his gun steadily at Gin, "Put down your gun!Let him go!"

Gin glanced down at Kid, who was barely conscious but refusing to pass out, and chuckled.

"Kid, you once begged me to spare the detective. I agreed. But... he keeps throwing himself in the line of fire. This won't do... Anyone who threatens the Organization must die." With a cruel smile, Gin pulled the trigger without warning. But Kudo, anticipating his move, shot the gun from Gin's hand. Without wasting a second, Gin pressed a button in his pocket, and pre-planted explosives detonated.

"Damn it! Kid, where are you?!" Kudo shouted through the smoke. Jodie rushed to comfort the nearly fainting Aoko, and Akai mobilized the FBI agents for a large-scale pursuit. As the smoke cleared, only a few drops of blood, a distraught Aoko clinging to Jodie, and the cold wind remained—both Kid and Gin had vanished.

"Kudo! Kudo! You must find Kid... he..." Aoko sobbed, her words barely coherent, "He got hurt saving me, and... those bullets weren't normal... He can't be captured, right?"

Akai's deep voice said, "Based on the evidence, Gin escaped alone. Kid likely used his glider to get away."

"Kudo," Akai Shuichi suddenly grabbed Kudo's arm, "About what Gin said... I need to remind you, after this, the FBI and public security will be more interested in Kaitou Kid."

"Kaito Kid is not part of the Organization." Kudo's tone shifted, everyone could notice that.

"Yes, but now even the Organization is hunting him, not to mention the undercover list and the antidote."

"We've seen the fate of those targeted by the Organization. Perhaps only the police can offer him the best protection. You... you go." No more words were needed; everything was understood.

Turning to the tear-streaked Aoko, Kudo urgently asked, "Aoko, where is Kuroba Kaito?"

"I... I don't know!" She wiped her tears, "I think he said he was waiting for me at the municipal library nearby... I'll go find him."

"Wait! Hattori and I will find him. The police will need you to provide some information soon." Kudo exchanged a glance with Hattori, who had just arrived, and they immediately rushed to the exit.

#################

"Dammit! That son of a……."

Kuroba Kaito gritted his teeth as he half-ran, half-jumped down the stairs, clutching the handrails for support. Pain was overtaking his brain, but he couldn't afford this drama now. Hiding his glider and changing into his original clothes, he dashed down from the sixth-floor foreign book section.

Restroom—he could feel the blood threatening to flood his throat, coughing out a few mouthfuls. His mind blanked out as he clung to the handrails, his body swinging down. The pursuers right behind only saw a young man sitting on the stairs, clutching the rail with whitened knuckles.

"Excuse me!" Kuroba stood up, didn't even look up to see who it was, trying hard to swallow the blood. He shoved past the person and rushed to the row of sinks in front of the public restroom. Minutes later, when the blood turned into stomach acid, and he could no longer throw up, he gulped down several mouthfuls of icy tap water, cleaning the sink he had soiled. He was so consumed by pain and distress that he didn't notice Kudo Shinichi approaching him from behind.

"... I still need to call Aoko. It's so late already..."

The cold water washed over his flushed cheeks, and Kuroba felt a flicker of life return. He leaned on the marble sink, a faint smirk at his own folly and fate. 

Gin... that bastard was hell-bent on taking him. 

Then, Kuroba  caught sight of Kudo Shinichi's reflection in the mirror__ his eyes were cold and resolute. Kuroba's exhausted mind couldn't process much, and he instinctively stepped back, crashing against the sink.

Meitantei?!

"Kuroba Kaito? Or should I call you... Kaitou Kid?"

"Kudo kun... are you kidding me? I... don't understand..." The overlapping shadows in Kuroba vision reminded him of his weakened state, but he had to endure.

Spout any nonsense. Kuroba Kaito stumbled, trying to leave, only to be blocked by the man he had bumped into earlier —Hattori Heiji.

"Move..."

Without a word, Hattori's hand struck down, and Kuroba, already weakened, couldn't dodge in time. He crashed against the plastic door, trying to catch his breath.

The scene in front of Kudo was too familiar—Kuroba Kaito's posture, the way he breathes, everything reminded them of  Kaitou Kid, minus the white suit and defiant attitude.

"Kudo... what if we're wrong?" Hattori asked, blocking the exit.

Kudo Shinichi couldn't hold back his anger any longer. He grabbed Kuroba's burning collar, staring into his cold, unyielding eyes, now mixed with unfamiliarity and distrust.

Dammit!

Kudo pressed Kuroba against the wall, one hand on his chest. But Kudo didn’t have to, because Kuroba couldn't run even if he wanted to. Kuroba met Kudo's gaze, wishing to leave, but Kudo gave him no chance. The confined space was thick with their breaths.

Meitantei...

"How long do you plan to hide, Kaitou Kid?" Kudo growled.

"Kudo... I'm not who you think. And asking me to prove something I've never done is the devil's proof, isn't it? Besides... as a detective, shouldn't you wait for concrete evidence before interrogating a suspect? Why skip that step? It's unfair."

Kudo laughed bitterly, "Your words just prove it, don't they?"

"I... let go..."

Kudo wouldn't comply. He stepped closer. Kuroba, agile as a cat, slipped from Kudo's grasp, but Kudo was faster, catching Kuroba's wrist and pressing him against the wall.

"Move again, and I'll make sure your arm is useless for a week."

Faced with Kudo's threat, Kuroba laughed slowly. Forced to turn his face, he mocked, "Meitantei, if Ran were here, wouldn't she misunderstand?"

Meitantei... Kudo tried to hide his surprise and joy. Kuroba's delirious state made him oblivious to how his words betrayed him.

Only one person would call him "Meitantei" with such a mix of jest and respect.

"... You..."

Kudo stopped speaking, raising Kuroba's suspicion. Overwhelmed by pain, Kuroba said what he thought would stump Kudo. But seeing that confident smile on Kudo's face, he wasn't sure if it was a trap. Suddenly, a wave of dizziness and a bloody cough hit him.

"... Let go of him... he doesn't look well," Hattori said.

"You... how are you feeling?" Kudo finally let go, reaching for Kuroba's burning neck. Kuroba jerked back, "What are you doing?!"

"It's the organization, right, Kid?"

The name made Kuroba break into a cold sweat. Facing Kudo, who matched his height but radiated pressure, he felt a genuine sense of danger.

Conan, as a child, was much easier to handle. But the grown-up Kudo... was terrifying. Kuroba shivered.

"Don't call me Kid, Kudo kun."

Gritting his teeth, anger surged. Kudo, seeing no admission from Kuroba, controlled his arm and reached for his collar. With a swift motion, Kudo tore it open.

"What are you doing, Kudo?!" Hattori shouted, as Kuroba's pristine collar bone was exposed, unmarked.

Impossible?

Kudo tore open more buttons, revealing Kuroba's lean, unblemished physique.

Could it be...?

Kuroba's face was pale. He hadn't expected the detective to be so thorough. If not for Pandora's rapid healing of minor wounds, he'd be exposed. Kuroba pushed Kudo's hand away, slowly buttoning up the clothes.

"Are you satisfied now, Meitantei?" Anger flared. 

"Where else do you want to check? My back? My legs? What evidence do you seek? Bruises, scrapes, or gunshot wounds? Just list all the proof you think will confirm I'm Kaitou Kid... or go ahead and take my fingerprints for assurance."

"Sorry... I was too hasty," Kudo sincerely apologized.

"You... you suspect me just because I know some magic tricks? Many people enjoy magic. And I'm a seventeen-year-old high schooler—how could I be Kaitou Kid?" 

Kuroba Kaito certainly played the role of an innocent teen perfectly.

"Did I say something wrong?" Kuroba asked. Hattori shook his head, "The facts are right in front of us."

Kuroba Kaito breathed a sigh of relief, turning to Hattori, "Hattori Heiji, I can’t believe that you agree with Kudo..."

"No, Kuroba... I never doubted you. Really. I consider you a friend, but Kudo insisted..."

"Enough," Kuroba cut him off. "You've seen enough, Kudo Shinichi. Do I still have any suspicion?"

"Temporarily, no."

Typical detective, never absolute.

"Fine. I won't stay longer." Kuroba took out his car keys, planning to discuss matters with Jii-chan. Kudo reached for him, then stopped, "Where are you going this late?"

"Meeting Aoko for a movie night at her place. Good night."

Confirming Kuroba had left, Hattori closed the window, "Kudo, I told you it was a mistake. You treated Kuroba like a criminal, tore his clothes. Won't he misunderstand?"

"Hattori, what kind of nonsense are you saying?" Kudo asked, looking exasperated. He took out a transparent biohazard sample bag.

"You… you stole his hair? Kudo! How can you still suspect your cousin? From my point of view, he's just an unlucky relative who looks like you and is under suspicion because your uncle once was a great magician."

"Relax, Hattori. It's not Kuroba's hair sample. This is a fresh sample from Kid the Phantom Thief that hasn't coagulated yet at the time I took it." Kudo Shinichi explained. 

"I need to find out what really happened at the time. What kind of trouble did he get into?"

"I don't understand. If fingerprints can't match, why would you think DNA from a bloodstain can confirm his identity? Besides, you can't just access hospital medical records based on this data. What are you planning?"

"I'll send it to Haibara. She has her ways." Kudo carefully sealed the sample bag.

##################

"Gin threatening Kaitou Kid with his son? Hahaha, that's just like the organization's methods—if you don't comply, they go after your family. It seems Gin really has no leverage over Kid. The organization's members couldn't retrieve the original list and allowed the Hirano and Kimura families to exploit the situation. No wonder Gin was so furious last time he went to meet Kid with the gun ." The head of the FBI agent, James, laughed after reading Aoko's testimony. 

"Indeed, given Kaitou Kid's age, he should be married with kids by now."Agent Jodie blinked.

"No..." Kudo Shinichi, deep in thought, held his head. Yesterday's incident with Kuroba Kaito completely shattered his original deductions. All his theories had to be reconsidered. If Kuroba Kaito isn't Kid and Kuroba Toichi died eight years ago, it would be an incredibly coincidental script fitting all the facts, with Kuroba Kaito coincidentally resembling him.

"Impossible..."

"Kudo, we've already checked everything. Are you still doubting your cousin?" Hattori asked with hands on his hips. After returning to Tokyo, Kuroba and Aoko went back to EKotaro to continue their school.

"No, he has no suspicion. And I checked the library surveillance; he was there for a long time, giving him a solid alibi. And the  Kaitou Kid we met that day couldn't have been an imposter. As for whether Kaito Kid once was Kuroba Toichi two decades ago, that's not a consideration for now. From our interactions, he's not using disguise techniques, and his way of speaking is completely youthful. Damn it... this means everything is back to square one." Kudo Shinichi, frustrated, rubbed his bangs and slowly reclined on the living room armchair, looking up to see Akai Shuichi.

"It's not square one. We still made significant discoveries."

"Akai-san? What brings you here?" Kudo asked. No longer playing the role of Subaru Okiya, Akai Shuichi spent most of his time back at the FBI office. This visit, he brought some gifts.

"Your father sent us more detailed information. I came to thank you and to borrow something."

"What is it?" Kudo asked.

"Your father's original novel." Akai explained. "He mentioned some details in the original edition, and yesterday, he told me the first edition is stored here."

"No problem. Did my dad say anything else?"

"He asked you to get along well with your cousin." Akai raised an eyebrow.

Kudo laughed. "That's probably... unlikely."

"Unlikely that Kuroba Kaito would agree." Hattori chimed in. "After what Kudo did to him last time, he likely wouldn't come near us again."

"What happened?" Akai asked, while Kudo and Hattori exchanged an awkward glance and remained silent. Akai probably guessed something and shook his head. "You still need to get him out, Kudo Shinichi. Have you considered that Kid and Gin might have made a deal? Last time, Gin made it clear he wouldn't let you continue chasing and threatening the Blcak Organization. As your relative, Kuroba Kaito is in danger even if he's just a high schooler."

The phone rang, interrupting the conversation

"Hmm? Kuroba Kaito here, who is it?" His words dripped with a careless, unhurried ease.

"Kuroba-kun, it's me. Kudo Shinichi."

"Hmm? Meitantei....... it is too early. Are you going to tear my clothes off again?"

Jodie, listening on the other end, was baffled by their conversation.

"Can you come over now? To my place." Kudo asked. A dreadful silence followed, then the sound of rustling as Kuroba got out of bed and opened the curtains. 

"It is still so early.Wait……What time is it?"

"It's not early at all, ten-thirty." Kudo couldn't help but ask, "Do you always wake up this late?"

With a heavy sigh, not wanting to arouse suspicion so early in the morning, Kuroba agreed. "Alright, send me your address. I'll come over now."

However, when the doorbell rang, it wasn't just Kuroba Kaito who appeared but also Nakamori Aoko.

"Long time no see, Kudo-kun," Aoko greeted energetically, with a groggy Kuroba Kaito in a white shirt and black trousers behind her.

Given the recent incident, Kuroba Kaito didn't bother pretending to be friendly anymore. Cleared of suspicion, he decided to show his true personality, hoping to avoid future misunderstandings. Hattori, seeing Kuroba, started chatting enthusiastically. Kudo Shinichi slowly walked out of the living room, wearing a complex expression with a hint of guilt. "Kuroba-kun, these are my friends."

Aoko was both surprised and happy. "You guys were the plainclothes officers on the rooftop last time, right?"

Kuroba cut her off. "So, Meitantei, what's so important that you woke me up early?"

Meitantei... That familiar term still couldn't be ignored. Kuroba Kaito stood with arms crossed, looking reluctant but intriguing. 

So this is Kuroba Kaito... Akai Shuichi silently observed the charismatic young man whom Kudo suspected.

"I need your help."

"These FBI agents aren't more useful than me?" Kuroba retorted, ready to leave. Jodie then asked: "How did you know we are FBI agents?"

"Hmm? Aoko told me," Kuroba replied nonchalantly. "She recklessly rushed to the crime scene. Luckily, the police arrived in time. Otherwise, who would clean up after her? And you guys seem to be foreigners."

"Kaito!"

"What? I'm just stating the facts. You always like to rush into danger. Do you realize that's the reason why Meitantei was poisoned? Yes, I did my research on you, my dear cousin, Kudo Shinichi." Kuroba's sharp words were filled with sarcasm, resembling a peace summit between sworn enemies.

"Kuroba Kaito! Don't speak to Kudo that way!" Aoko fumed, throwing a punch which Kuroba dodged easily. Jodie intervened: "Nakamori san, Kuroba kun is right. The last incident was beyond the Second Division's scope. The FBI is involved because Kid's been linked to an extremely dangerous crime organization. If you get entangled, bullets don’t have eyes. Innocent people who block their way will be killed without hesitation and discrimination. We've lost a few colleagues to them."

Aoko stepped back, the fear from last time still vivid and unforgettable.

"I understand. So, why are the FBI agents here at Kudo's house?" Aoko asked. James shook his head: "We're just here to talk to Kudo. It's about time for us to leave."

"But Mouri and the others will join us later. We could use your help; more people make things easier." Hattori pointed to the bookshelf with numerous hardcover novels. 

"Clues."

Clues, it seems, lead back to a showdown twenty years ago between the Moonlight Magician and the genius detective. Not only were Kudo and Hattori, the two high school detectives, engrossed in this mystery novel, but even Ran couldn't help but be drawn in by the story's intrigue. Sonoko, on the other hand, fell in love with the antagonist in the story: "Kudo Yusaku must have based the villain on the Kid from twenty years ago. I heard Kudo Yusaku used to help the police with cases, just like Kudo Shinichi does now. Wow, no wonder Kid was so impressive even back then!"

Kudo looked up to see Kuroba Kaito leaning against the window sill, seriously reading the novel. 

"Kudo Yusaku was really something," Kuroba said earnestly. Perhaps Kudo Yusaku had long known about his father's identity and the ongoing rivalry. 

As he thought of this, Kuroba turned his head, and their blue eyes met.

"Kuroba-kun, do you like detective novels?" Hattori asked.

"Not particularly, but I do read technical manuals often, being a science student. However, reading these mystery novels once in a while isn't bad. Although..." Kuroba Kaito skipped over many parts of the detective's cases-solving process, familiar as he was with his father's methods of magic and the captivating duel between the two.

In other words, he seemed to see his father, his most respected teacher and the most mysterious and distant goal, standing at the edge of the storm in a white cloak. One and only legend in this world.

"But how does Akai-san, an FBI agent, know about Kaito Kid?" Aoko asked curiously. Kudo replied, "Kaitou Kid has been active worldwide for the past twenty years, though there was a period when he disappeared. Most of his recent crimes have been in Japan, but he still caught the FBI's attention. Furthermore, several international crime organizations are targeting him now."

"Did you hear that, Aoko? International crime organizations. If you recklessly get involved again, I'll tell Inspector Nakamori to keep you at home," Kuroba warned, not wanting Aoko to risk herself in his next heist. It was too dangerous.

Aoko made a face but didn't argue. "But why is Kaitou Kid mixed up with those people?"

She put down the book. "I understand why so many people like him. To Aoko, he's a big bad guy. But... he saved me. Kaito, I saw that bullet pierce his shoulder! Didn't my father say he failed his mission a month ago? Yet he still saved me! Kaito Kid is the worst man ever" She slammed the book down, startling Kuroba. 

"Aoko! Be gentle! It's the first edition!"

"That's how he is, always doing bad things but still impossible to hate."

Kuroba looked at her, speechless. "Then don't worry about him. Why get into so much trouble? Just be a normal high school student. You're not smarter than those detectives and officers, so... okay, okay, I am just saying that please don't go there next time, and come with me to visit all the dessert shops on this list, alright?"

Kuroba smiled, coaxing her. Having been childhood friends for over ten years, he knew this gift was far more tempting than Kid.

#################

One, two, three—Kudo Shinichi suddenly grabbed Kuroba's hand. Kuroba, confused, turned his head, moving the clip from his right hand to his left. Four, five, six—six chocolate ganaches, two large cream puffs, and three birthday cake-flavored cupcakes were all placed on the tray. "Kudo-kun, what do you want? I'll get it for you."

Looking at the boy before him, Kudo felt a strange sense of frustration. "Do you... really like sweets that much?"

"No, most of these are for my mom. She said that she will return to Japan soon.  And as for the cupcakes, Aoko will take the rest."

"And you?"

"Kudo-kun... is something wrong?" Kuroba's words always carried a hint of detachment, politeness, and subtle provocation.

"I've noticed you don't seem to eat much with us. Even at shops and restaurants, you only order the smallest portions or drinks. Are you feeling okay?"

Though it was a simple concern, it made Kuroba break into a cold sweat. Meitantei is observing me? He slowly freed his wrist from Kudo's grasp. Ever since that incident in the bathroom and learning that Meitantei was his cousin, he hadn't known how to face Kudo Shinichi.

"It's nothing... Just ate too much yesterday."

Yesterday? Aoko had said Kuroba only had half a bowl of udon and nothing else. He got up at ten today and likely hadn't eaten before arriving at Kudo's. Now it was past one in the afternoon, and he went straight to the dessert shop without eating lunch?

Kuroba silently picked three egg tarts and asked the staff to pack them all. As he said, Aoko happily took most of the sweets into a gift box, leaving only a few for herself, while Kuroba just scolded her a bit.

"Shinichi...You don't like sweets, so Sonoko and I bought you some lemon tarts from that corner café."

"Thank you, Ran. Just the smell of those sweets in the store was too much." Indeed, the perfect treat had to be sweet with a hint of sourness, the lemon's tangy zest stimulating the taste buds, biting into the thin, crisp crust. Sonoko is over there and trying the chef's latest creation—chocolate sundae pizza.

Bzzz—Kuroba checked his phone screen, saw an unknown number, and instinctively grew cautious. He put down the bag, told Aoko a few things, and borrowed the back door from the chef. Kudo Shinichi, biting into a lemon tart, approached Aoko. "Where's Kuroba-kun going?"

"Oh, he said his mother had something personal to discuss with him." Kudo didn't inform anyone else, quietly telling Aoko, "When Ran comes back, tell her Inspector Megure calls me. And if I get late, she can go home without me, I'll take a taxi home."

"Huh? The Inspector? " Aoko asked, mouth full of egg tarts. Kudo shook his head. "No worries, just an inquiry about a case, some suspect files that need correcting, and they want to see if I remember anything. Not a big deal, tell Ran don’t wait for me."

Aoko nodded, continuing to eat macarons. Kudo squinted, she was truly a glutton, and then he slipped out of the store to follow Kuroba Kaito.

Chasing after Kuroba’s shadow outside, Kudo couldn’t even catch a glimpse of Kaito’s. A cold, knowing smile crept onto Kudo Shinichi’s face. 

“So much for making a call…” That uncontainable excitement, that restless urge hidden in the blood of a detective, surged within him. He quickened his pace, in pursuit of a truth beyond anyone’s reach.

################3

Just now, Jii-chan had conducted an investigation on the list Kuroba Kaito had written from memory. The most recent contact with the organization was the Hirano conglomerate.

The Hirano conglomerate had been involved in trade for generations, their family business and connections were not to be underestimated. Honestly, it was no surprise that such a large family would be involved with the organization. The most important question was, what type of business dealings did they have with Gin?

 However, no matter how powerful the family, how perfect their system, it couldn’t withstand the greed and desire for control inherent in human nature. In the past fifty years, the family had split into three major factions, led by brothers Hirano Junichi (elder)and Hirano Junji(younger), each founding their own main and secondary branches. Although on the surface they ran legitimate businesses, their actual dealings were not much different from the underworld. The only difference was that their underworld operations were untouchable even by the police. The smallest faction, the side branch, was led by the old family head’s illegitimate son, Shunsuke Hirano. Unlike the fiercely competitive main and secondary branches, Shunsuke focused quietly on his own specialty, managing the port’s wine distribution rights, leading a prosperous life without provoking his older brothers.

Hirano Junichi and Junji each conducted business with the organization under different pretenses. The list didn’t provide detailed descriptions, but the names were written clearly in black and white, and Kuroba decided to take a chance.

Hirano family.

Medusa, a being feared even by the gods, turned into a monster by the jealousy and anger of others. Betrayed by her lover, shunned by everyone, destined never to be with her beloved and to live a life of loneliness.

The last mission assigned by Gin had a second part: stealing the Hirano family’s information. What clues and information are crucial and held by the Hirano family? Clearly Gin wouldn’t say, and Kuroba Kaito naturally wouldn’t let it go unchecked.

"Hirano Junichi and Junji each hold an object which is related to the Dionysus staff, both entrusted and left to them by the deceased master of the Hirano family. But which one holds the organization’s secrets? Hahaha, well……that’s simple. I just steal both."

"But Young Master, the Hirano family is famous for their impenetrable vaults. Several assassins and bulgers have tried and either failed miserably or disappeared completely. Are you sure you want to go through with this?" Jii-chan’s voice was full of concern over the phone, but he couldn’t dissuade Kuroba Kaito’s determination.

"Oh please, this might be my closest chance to the truth. If I back out now, wouldn’t that…"

"What if something happens to you? How would I face Toichi sama?"

"Jii-chan… from now on, I’m not just Young Master Kaito. I’m my father’s successor. If it were my father, he’d do the same, and I won’t back down."

I am Kaito Kid.

Putting away his phone, Kuroba thought about his next plan as he slowly walked back to the dessert shop.

bump, bump, bump… Kuroba silently counted the footsteps behind him. No matter how much the stalker tried to remain silent and keep a safe distance, such tricks were child’s play in front of Kaito Kid. He picked up his phone again, pretending to scroll, but actually using the screen’s reflection to catch a glimpse of the person behind him: black clothes, black hat… After circling the shrine park about three times, Kuroba concluded that the stalker wasn’t from Gin’s group.

Gin wasn’t the type to patiently tire out a mouse; he was more like a swift and precise falcon. This person clearly wanted to make a move, but with so many people around, it wasn’t easy. However, the crowded place was also a risk; in a throng of people, it was easy to get snatched without anyone noticing.

After the train incident, fearing Snake would harm innocents, Kuroba had already mapped out the area. Using his mental map, he left the crowd and ducked into an alley. The tail followed, weaving through the maze-like old streets. Kuroba kept his head down, pretending to scroll on his phone, until a pair of shiny black shoes appeared in front of him.

Finally found this brat.

Snake raised his chin, looking down at the slightly shorter Kuroba. Just like any other high school student, he walked while looking at his phone, unaware of his surroundings. Not watching where he was going, he bumped into Snake’s black coat.

"Sorry, I didn’t… didn’t see anyone."

Kuroba gave an apologetic yet sincere smile, even taking off his earphones for effect. Snake sneered, showing no sympathy.

"Young man, you think you can just apologize and walk away after bumping into someone?"

"Then… what do you want?" Kuroba asked.

"You, of course. Kuroba Kaito."

Chapter Text

"Kuroba Kaito."

Hearing his own name, Kuroba felt a chill. Although he knew it wasn’t hard to find out the information , and even the detectives probably knew his background, this was different. He knew Snake, a fool willing to go to any lengths to complete their tasks. No matter how crude or crazy, he was ready to gamble. And this time, who knows how many innocent lives would get caught up in his gamble.

"I don’t know you, why should I go with you?"

Of course I know you, what a fool. It's kinda hard to forget you after the chasing game on the train roof top( OVA). Kuroba smiled, taking a step back, noticing a few more pairs of shoes not far away.

"It’s not up to you. How about this… come with us willingly, and we won’t hurt you."

This was outright kidnapping. Kuroba wasn’t dumb enough to believe a kidnapper’s words.

"Oh, and may I ask where you willtake me?" More and more organization members appeared, but Kuroba remained calm. If he could use this chance to infiltrate, it would be the perfect tribute to his father’s memory.

"Don’t rush, telling you would ruin the surprise." Snake stepped closer, Kuroba stepped back, playing his part well.

At least, he couldn’t let Snake catch him so easily.

He started running, weaving through alleys, his exceptional geographical skills guiding him through the maze-like old streets. Just as he was happily outmaneuvering Snake, a shrill cry pierced the air: "Mommy, Daddy! Help me!"

Kuroba turned sharply. A little girl, about nine years old, with twin ponytails and tear-filled eyes, was held by Snake, who had his hand over her mouth. Her backpack had fallen, scattering her school supplies. She struggled hard, and Snake responded with a punch.

"Ahhhh!"

"Shut up, or I’ll kill you." Snake snarled, satisfied as Kuroba stepped forward.

"They say your father had a kind heart. Looks like his son inherited it."

"You knew my father?" Kuroba asked coldly.

"Of course, Kuroba Toichi, my unforgettable “friend to the death.” Hahaha, kid, if you don’t come with us, this little girl doesn’t need to stay alive. Is her life more important, or your freedom? Think carefully."

Damn Snake, resorting to threatening innocent lives when he couldn’t match up. Without the girl, Kuroba might have infiltrated them, but now he had to save her.

"What do you want from me?"

"To draw out your dear father, of course. See what his precious son is worth. Think it over." Snake’s smugness made Kuroba grit his teeth.

"My father died eight years ago. Are you joking?"

"Kid, do you think your father’s dead? Especially when he’s so active? Hahaha, you probably don’t know your father’s true identity. He is… the Moonlight Magician, Kaito Kid."

What a bunch of fools.

Snake didn’t realize the boy in front of him was the Kaito Kid who had fooled them so many times. Kuroba worried for the assassins, but rescuing the girl was the priority. He had to confirm their connection with the detective organization.

"You… what nonsense are you talking about?"

"Don’t believe me? Think, who else could be the genius magician Kaito Kid? Stop wasting energy, come with me. I have a lot to discuss with your father. Staying here is wasting time."

The girl’s cries became weak gasps, tears falling uselessly.

"Fine, I’ll go with you. Let her go."

A cruel glint flashed in Snake’s eyes.

"You’re in no position to negotiate. Refuse and I’ll kill her and take you. Cooperate and she lives."

Several members approached silently. Kuroba knew Snake wouldn’t release her. He smiled gently at the terrified girl.

"Don’t cry. I promise you’ll be safe. Let me show you a magic trick, okay?"

What?!

Before Snake could react, a thick, choking smoke filled the alley, blinding him. Cards flew, pinning his wrist to the wall, making him release the girl. When the smoke cleared, Kuroba and the girl were gone, only scattered school supplies remained.

"Sir, they’re at the alley entrance!"

The radio crackled with a subordinate’s scream. Snake, furious, ordered: "Chase them! I won't leave without that son of the bitch!”

---------------------------

Running swiftly, Kuroba held the little girl close to his chest, darting into a dark alley. He covered the little girl’s  mouth gently and whispered, "Don't be afraid. I will get you out of here. Just don't cry, okay? When I let go of you,  you have to stay quiet and don't let those bad guys see you."

The little girl nodded, trembling. Kuroba released his hand from her mouth, holding her with one arm while using the other to help them run faster.

It would be easy to shake them off, but carrying a little girl and with his current stamina, Kuroba knew he might risk being caught. He could feel the oxygen in his lungs depleting, his blood flow weakening, and his brain getting dizzier. He bit his lip hard, forcing himself to stay awake through the pain.

"Damn it, it's acting up again."

"When we get out of this alley, it should be a street with fruit vendors. Can you go find help by yourself?"

The little girl clung tightly to Kuroba's neck, crying, "Brother, don't leave me alone... I'm scared."

"Don't worry. Even though we've only just met, I can tell, Keiko, that you're a very brave girl."

"Brother? Are you a magician? How do you know my name?"

Kuroba chuckled, glancing at the name tag on the pencil case that had fallen. "I am a magician. Not only do I know your name, but I've also seen your future. You'll grow up to be a beautiful and smart girl. So when I leave you at the fruit stand, you must call the police and tell them everything. Of course, I have one request. Don't tell the police what that mad man said to me, okay? You know he's just a crazy guy. We don't want him spreading rumors, do we?"

"Okay... Keiko understands. I'll keep your secret."

Satisfied, Kuroba smiled. He held the girl protectively as they turned into the last alley, emerging into a bustling shopping street. He set the girl down and with a flick of his wrist, conjured a delicate pink rose, which he tucked into her hair.

"I'll keep your secret too, Magician." the girl beamed, her tears gone. She followed Kuroba's instructions and ran to the nearest fruit stand. Kuroba Kaito, seeing she was safe, turned back. The shadows that had been chasing him were closing in.

"Now, let's see if I can deal with your real boss."

But things often don't go as planned.

As Snake and his men rushed out of the alley, sirens blared. If the girl had called the police, they wouldn't have arrived so quickly. The man appearing behind them answered that question.

Kudo Shinichi. 

------------------

Kudo smiled like an old friend, ignoring Kuroba Kaito entirely. "Is this how your gang operates? You can't even catch a teenager. The police are less than a kilometer away. You'd better run now rather than waiting for them to catch you."

"Damn it! Where does the bastard come from? We're out of here!"

At Snake's command, his men retreated into the dark alley. Kudo Shinichi stood with his arms crossed, not making any move to arrest them. Kuroba Kaito avoided looking at Kudo Shinichi's face.

His heart raced, pounding against his ribs. How much had the detective seen or heard? Had he been there the entire time?

In reality, Kuroba was overthinking. Kudo Shinichi had stumbled upon Snake and his men thanks to the smoke bomb Kaito had thrown. Following the smoke, he found their location and immediately called the police. Guessing that anyone sane would flee to a busy area, he circled around to wait in the shopping street. He never expected to see Kuroba Kaito carrying a little girl.

Kudo watched Kuroba Kaito's graceful, nimble figure, the rose he conjured to the girl, and that smile. It reminded him of one certain pretentious phantom thief.

Kudo Shinichi had never seen this side of Kuroba Kaito. Or perhaps, he wasn't sure if Kuroba was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. He didn't want to believe Kuroba was KID just because he wanted to find Kid so much that he tried to find Kid’s shadow everywhere.

In fact, at the moment when Kudo knew KID was alive, feeling his familiar, strong presence, made Kudo ecstatic. Seeing that face he'd thought about day and night made his blood rush.

Kuroba maintained a polite smile, though he knew his poker face was shattered already. He gently shrugged off Kudo's hand, putting on his best poker face so quickly it seemed like a dream. His disheveled appearance, however, was reflected in Kudo Shinichi's eyes, a reminder for him__Meitantei will catch him sooner or later, he could hear the knock on the door of truth.

"Kudo-kun... did you... did you call the police?" Kuroba Kaito felt his heart in his throat. Kudo nodded lightly.

"How did you know I was in trouble?"

"I followed you," Kudo Shinichi said simply. "Soon after, I saw those armed thugs and called the police. Are you alright? I heard gunshots but didn't see any blood."

"No problem." Kuroba Kaito lowered his head. He knew explaining his situation would be difficult, especially with the detective's expression suggesting he knew everything yet nothing.

How would he explain this hour-long disappearance to Aoko?

Suddenly, he spotted a souvenir shop around the corner.

"What are you up to?" Kudo Shinichi didn't understand why Kuroba dragged him into a sweets shop. Didn't he have more important matters to deal with? Like proving his innocence to the detective?

Could this guy only think of sweets when in danger?

Sure enough, as they left the shop, Kudo found a pure white cupcake in his own palm. Fluffy white cream and vanilla base, sprinkled with coconut shavings like snowflakes. Pure and white, just like the teen in front of Kudo. Kuroba Kaito's eyes were as clear as snowflakes, and every smile seemed to bloom flowers in the frozen winter. 

Yet, Kudo knew this handsome man right in front of him was like a snowflake—cold, distant, and forever out of reach.

"Thank you for calling the police. I just wanted to buy something sweet for you in return. "

Polite and distant, with that icy demeanor.

"Can you even eat sweets? I thought that you can’t eat anything." Kudo Shinichi suddenly asked.

"You overthink things, Meitantei."

"Really? The drugs you've taken may have sped up your external healing ability, but they've severely affected your internal injuries. It's not just internal bleeding and coughing up blood; I'm guessing you can't eat normally either, right? Does Nakamori Aoko know about your condition? Have you seen a doctor?"

Kuroba's body visibly stiffened at the mention. He hesitated for a moment before muttering, "You're overthinking, Meitantei."

"Am I? That just proves I'm right." As Kuroba turned around, he was greeted by Kudo's navy uniform. A sweet taste filled his mouth, quickly followed by a nauseating sourness. His stomach felt as though it had been punched, and when he opened his mouth, a drop of red blood dripped onto the white cream, slowly trickling down.

Wiping away the cream, the pain from his stomach crept up his spine to his chest.

"Kid. Gin came looking for you."

Kuroba didn't bother correcting the name. He closed his eyes, accepting the inevitable. He knew he could deceive the world but never the detective. The title "Kid’s nemesis" wasn't just a praise; it was because the detective could sense his presence. And the detective's intuition was an inescapable trap.

Maybe this time, Kuroba didn't even want to argue.

"Detective... what are you talking about?"

Kudo Shinichi's short laugh showed his admiration for Kuroba's stubbornness in not admitting the truth, even now.

"You went to meet Gin before your act. The “Kuroba Kaito” seen with Aoko or in the library was probably an imposter, relaying information through an earpiece."

Kuroba Kaito stayed silent. It wasn't that he admitted defeat, but he simply wasn't paying attention to anything Kudo said. His brain was foggy, his chest was heavy, making it hard to breathe. He forced his body to walk normally, but he could barely hold on. 

With the bustling street around him, he didn't want to collapse in front of his rival, but eventually, he lost the battle to sleep. His right hand, gripping a handrail, finally let go as he lost consciousness.

"Kuroba Kaito?!!"

################

"What's going on?" Aoko's voice was filled with surprise as she saw Kudo carrying the unconscious Kuroba. Kudo kicked open the door and gently placed Kuroba on the couch in the Detective Mouri’s Agency. The usually cluttered couch was finally clear for once. Aoko couldn't understand how someone could go out fine and end up unconscious an hour later.

"Probably heatstroke," Kudo offered a plausible but unsatisfactory explanation. However, Hattori Heiji wasn't buying it. He grabbed Kudo by the collar and closed the office door, ensuring the girls wouldn't overhear their conversation.

"Kudo, what happened to him?"

"Heatstroke."

Hattori rolled his eyes. "Save that for someone else. What really happened?"

"A robbery gang targeted him."

Those words explained everything. Hattori wasn't too surprised; seeing Kuroba's face, it was just a matter of time before they found evidence.

"So, what's his condition?"

"He should be fine. He ran for almost an hour, carrying a kid, so he's probably just exhausted."

"Impressive stamina," Hattori commented. Kudo shook his head. "He's hiding something."

"Did you confront him directly?" Hattori asked.

"He passed out halfway through our conversation," Kudo said, with an exasperated expression. "I ended up carrying him back. He owes me for this."

"Have you decided what to do? You brought him here instead of the police station. What's your plan?"

"I want to win him fair and square, capture him as Kaito Kid , not Kuroba Kaito. And thinking back, my dad probably knew his older brother was Kaito Kid. He told me to keep an eye on Kuroba Kaito before he left, not to let Kuroba be too flamboyant, likely knowing Kuroba Kaito is Kaito Kid."

"Not to be flamboyant?" Hattori scoffed. "Kaito is the most ostentatious thief. Alright, I agree with your approach. We won't tell anyone about this. But... what if he disappears after waking up?"

"You know Kaito as well as I do. The three of us have 'worked together' in Hokkaido (Movie 27). He wouldn't back down. If given a reason, he'd appear here openly."

"But this time, it's Kuroba Kaito, his real identity."

Before Hattori could finish, the door burst open. Kuroba struggled to his feet, glaring at them. He seemed unaware of their conversation, focusing solely on getting some rest.

"What... are you doing?" Kudo's anger flared. Was Kuroba so desperate to avoid him?

"Uh... it's getting late, Aoko and I should head back."

"You..." Kudo really didn't want to explain or persuade further. Had Kuroba Kaito forgotten what happened earlier? Or was he just eager to leave?

The excruciating pain was unbearable, something no one could understand. Kuroba Kaito thought this, but Kudo Shinichi knew that kind of heart-wrenching pain too, as if his heart was about to explode. Kuroba clutched his chest, taking two steps at a time down the stairs, the rush intensifying, gasping for breath while leaning against the wall. He needed to take painkillers soon.

"Kuroba, do you have a death wish?!" Kudo yelled. Kuroba closed his eyes. "I... do you have any painkillers?"

"You..."

"I can't go to the hospital like this. Even if I did, the doctors wouldn't be able to help."

You... are you admitting it?

"Then why insist on going back?" Kudo asked. "I remember you said you live alone. If something happens to you at home..."

Kuroba Kaito curled his lips into the smirk belonging to Kaitou Kid, self-mocking, "Then the world would be rid of a menace."

Kudo Shinichi was speechless. His usually sharp tongue often fell short in front of Kaitou Kid, and similarly with Kuroba Kaito. So Kudo realized something.

Why should he argue with him ? He just needed to take action.

"What are you... doing?! Meitantei!!" Kuroba barely had time to react before Kudo flipped him onto the ground, using the fireman's carry demonstrated by Hakuba in( comic No.1119,) lifting him effortlessly. Step by step, he carried Kuroba Kaito down the stairs of the Mouri Detective Agency. Light, so light—was this really the weight of a grown man?

Reaching out, Kudo hailed a taxi. 

In the front passenger seat sat inside another teenager, with dark skin, an athletic build, and speaking in an Osaka dialect, giving an address.

The taxi driver glanced through the rearview mirror, momentarily stunned by the familiar-looking teenager , who opened the door calmly but emitted a sense of suppressed emotion—half anger, half joy. With a wave, the other teen was tossed into the car. Struggling to sit up, he was pushed back down.

"Behave." Kudo's tone was firm. Kuroba wanted to crawl out but felt dizzy, nearly falling off. A cool touch on his neck, Kudo's left hand steadied Kuroba's burning jaw, repositioning his body.

Damn, who knew that Meitantei was this strong?

"Don't..."

The face beneath Kudo flushed alarmingly, the redness spreading like paint on Kuroba's pale skin. Cold sweat beaded beneath Kuroba’s dark hair. His hands, weak, dangled by the seat. His bent legs were pressed against the back seat. 

Kudo turned, fastening his seatbelt while looking at the prone Kuroba.

"Don't move your hands." Kudo's grip tightened around his wrist. Kuroba strained to sit up, the detective's grip surprisingly stubborn.

Kudo bit his lip. "Stop moving. The car is in motion. You don't want to be thrown out, do you?"

"Meitantei..." 

It was hot, like living in a volcano, Kuroba's whole body felt wrong. The last face he wanted to see contorted in front of him.

 Kuroba blinked his fevered eyes."Your... hand is cold."

"It's your body that's burning up, not my hand being cold."

Gently brushing aside his damp bangs, Kudo felt the fever. This position was terribly awkward, but the person beneath was already delirious.

So …… hope Kuroba won’t mind.

That face, that voice, that tone, and the appellation he used.

Kid... it really was him, wasn't it? Shouldn't  Kudo have recognized it long ago?

"Meitantei.".

"I said stop moving." Whether it was because Kudo Shinichi could finally confirm that Kid was him, Kudo felt himself couldn't hold back any longer. Temporarily freeing Kudo's own  left hand, Kudo yanked off the dark blue tie, quickly and forcefully wrapping it around Kuroba's slender wrists several times, pulling his hands over his head. The driver, glancing occasionally in the rearview mirror, broke out in a cold sweat. 

Were young people really like this nowadays? Should he call the police?

Glancing over to the front seat, Hattori Heiji was trying hard to ignore the scene in the back.

"This..." Hattori was shocked, too.

"It's fine. He has a high fever, a bit losing his consciousness." Hattori Heiji struggled to explain. Even he was confused about the relationship between these two men. 

Hattori, feeling the oddity, wondered if he should intervene but thought back to a previous misunderstanding involving Kid and Kazuha (Hattori almost kissed Kaito Kid when he disguised as “Kazuha” in comic 1018~1021) the mistakes he made when thinking Kid was Kazuha and tried to kiss "her"  on the lips,  and figured he had no right to judge at all.

"You're... cold..." Kudo barely heard the muttering, but having dealt with fevers many times, he instructed the driver to adjust the air conditioning. Reaching over, he unbuttoned Kuroba's shirt. Hattori quickly intervened, "Excuse me, driver-san, you can see my friend has a high fever. How long until we arrive?"

"Just a few more minutes, we've passed the worst traffic." The driver, glancing again, had accepted the situation. 

Unbuttoning the third button, Kuroba was roused by the cold. Kudo patiently explained, "The cold sensation is because of your high temperature. You need to take some fever medicine."

Go back? Go where? Realizing Meitantei didn't know his address, the only place left was ...

The car stopped. Kudo signaled Hattori, the latter took the keys and opened the door. Kudo opened the other side, dragging the half-conscious Kuroba out. Finally getting Kuroba into the living room, Kudo found those restless hands pushing against him again. 

With a sigh, Kudo realized the tie was left at the entrance. Such dexterous hands, even while feverish, still easily can untie Kudo's knot.

"Why did you bring me here?" Kuroba struggled to sit up, only to be pushed back. Kudo irritably put down his bag. "Where else should I take you?"

Finding handcuffs from somewhere, realizing he couldn't keep Kuroba restrained forever. Whatever, just this moment.

Lifting Kuroba's wrist, Kudo cuffed him to the bedpost. The dazed teenager didn't resist. Hattori returned with painkillers. Kudo shook Kuroba's shoulder, "Hey, Kuroba, any allergies or serious health issues?"

Kuroba shook his head dully.

"Still cold?"

He nodded.

Kudo slipped the capsule into Kuroba's fevered lips, giving him water to swallow. Compelled by some inner need, Kudo finally asked the question he most wanted to be answered, "To you, what am I? Just a friend? A cousin? Or...?"

"Meitantei... you're... so annoying... if I knew this would happen... I wouldn't have given you the antidote sooner... Conan was easier to handle than you..."

A flash in Kudo Shinichi's eyes.

Moving closer.

"Do you admit you're Kaitou Kid?"

No answer. Was that an admission?

"Hmm"

A soft syllable slipped right into Kudo's heart.

 "You...". Although there was ample evidence proving Kuroba Kaito was not Kaitou Kid, to Kudo Shinichi, it was just another puzzle waiting to be solved. The teenager sleeping on the bed was so familiar; they had once shared a bed. Now, they had swapped roles of disadvantage and advantage.  Kudo clenched the half-drunk glass of water, made a fist, turned off the light, left a desk lamp on, and exited the room.

Leaning against the door, Kudo Shinichi felt his strong, fast pulse clearly beneath his muscles. Hattori Heiji, oblivious to everything, looked puzzled: "Finished? I microwaved some popcorn and leftover chicken skewers, let's eat together?"

Being worthy of Kudo Shinichi's  best friend, Hattori understood Kudo well, immediately guessing Kudo Shinichi planned to stay up all night. Hatorri turned on the TV, but all channels were discussing major jewel heists, Kaitou Kid, assassin organizations, and robbery gangs. Switching to a movie channel, they found "Kindaichi Case Files" playing. The two high school detectives kicked off their shoes and started watching the movie. 

Later,  Kudo got up and grabbed the ear thermometer from the table. "I'll check on him."

Hattori bit into some popcorn and looked up: "Alright, call me if you need anything."

Quietly opening the door and walking in, the teen on the bed was sleeping soundly. Kuroba Kaito's calm and silent breathing, slightly turned face – Kudo couldn't help but reach out and gently open Kuroba’s shirt collar. 

The fever was gradually subsiding. To help him cool down, Kudo slowly rolled up the covers, exposing a delicate arm, perfectly white and unscarred. At first glance, it seemed normal, but upon closer thought, what kind of normal teenager has no scars or even minor injuries? Kudo didn't know why, maybe because they were quite familiar, or because of their sudden inexplicable family ties, not to mention he had already gotten alone with Kid back when he was Conan. 

He lifted Kuroba's shirt without any hesitation – the fluid muscle curves, lean abs, beautiful bones. No wonder this guy could use a glider, performing aerial stunts for extended periods; besides Kyogoku Makoto, only Kid could do this. Slowly covering Kuroba with the blanket, Kudo took out the ear thermometer, while Kuroba mumbled some words in his sleep without waking up.

His temperature had slightly dropped but was still around 38.5°C. Kudo wasn't sure if the people had done something to Kuroba Kaito, nor did he know the exact reason triggering his immune response. Could this guy have been in this condition all along? Although it did fit some of Kid's character traits, loving to show off, this was too reckless.

At midnight, all abnormalities disappeared instantly. Kudo looked at the number on the ear thermometer, 36.5°C, as if everything suddenly returned to normal. The rapid heartbeat ceased, the flushed face faded. Moonlight freely fell on the teen's handsome face, extraordinarily white, like a beautiful painting. Seeing Kuroba sleeping soundly with no intention of waking up, Kudo responsibly stayed until 2 AM before dozing off himself.

When Kudo woke up, it was already 8 AM. A metallic sound from the bedside woke him, but he was awake earlier.

 Kuroba, one hand reached for the bedside, reflexively tugged against the restrained hand, pulled the handcuff, his head splitting with pain. Supporting his forehead with one hand, he half-sat up, trying hard to get his brain to function normally.

With a frightening, wary look, his deep blue eyes like an ocean, Kudo Shinichi could only gaze across the sea at the lone island where Kuroba Kaito resided. 

"Meitantei..." 

He must be awake now. 

"What did you do to me?" Kuroba tugged at the handcuff on his right hand, showing no expression. Kudo began to admire Kuroba Kaito's poker face, always able to perfectly hide his emotions. Unfortunately, it was useless in front of Kudo.

Kudo slowly stood up: "Awake, huh? Planning to escape?" 

Kuroba's heart skipped a beat. 

Damn, did he say something he shouldn't have last night? Trying repeatedly to recall but failing, Kuroba Kaito slowly opened his mouth: "What... exactly happened yesterday? Why am I here? And what's with these... pajamas?" 

"You had a high fever yesterday, your clothes were all wet, so I changed them for you." It was rare to see that guy blushing so much, looking like a child who has been bullied . Kuroba Kaito's fingers brushed his hairline: "You changed my clothes." 

"Or what else can I do? Wait until you catch pneumonia, then carry you to the hospital? Last night you were like a drunken man, saying lots of things. Besides, you also took off my clothes before, what's the big deal?"

Kuroba Kaito closed his eyes tightly. "saying lots of things" last night? He could barely remember.  Adding those words from the detective, he wished he could immediately flee this place. What if he exposed his identity last night without even noticing?

 "What do you mean?" 

Kudo laughed. Did this guy really not remember anything? Even if he didn't remember, he knew he must have been discovered.

 Interesting, very interesting. 

As Conan, almost every time he had to let Kaitou Kid go, but now, Kudo Shinichi finally saw his cold, mysterious other side. As the saying goes, what goes around comes around , and this time, Kudo Shinichi had the upper hand. "Nothing special, but yesterday I finally got to know you,Kuroba Kaito."

"My dear cousin, we are not that close."Kuroba frowned.

With a deep smile, Kudo tugged at the handcuff on the bedpost: "Honestly, I thought you would take care of  this on your own, or are you afraid I'll see?" 

Kuroba licked his lips, his usually sharp tongue and brain choosing to strike. "I... didn't..." 

Kudo had no intention of releasing Kuroba, grinning while handing Kuroba a piece of wire, making his point clear. Kuroba sighed; unlocking it now would be admitting his identity, but not unlocking it meant being stuck in a room with Meitantei, staring at each other? 

So, smart as he was, he chose the third way. He pulled open a drawer with his left hand, finding various skin creams and sunscreens inside. Biting open a tube of sunscreen, he squeezed some out and slipped it off with his slender hand. Kudo didn't stop Kuroba’s cheating; Kuroba lifted the blanket, preparing to get out of bed, his face darkened by the unbuttoned cotton pajamas underneath. Disheveled, during his uncomfortable sleep last night, he vaguely felt someone opening his shirt. 

Though he didn't think of it strangely, his face still flushed uncontrollably. Just standing up, he felt another dizzy spell, grabbing the bedpost for support, and Kudo stepped forward, trying to help, but was pushed away with one hand. 

"Still pretending to be tough, huh?" Kudo much preferred the defenseless Kuroba Kaito from last night. Now he resembled a black cat, territory invaded, baring fangs. 

"Still unwilling to tell me what happened?" Kuroba was silent for a moment: "We're not close." We're not close. For some reason, that phrase enraged Kudo Shinichi. 

Not close?

 "Kid, we've shared life and death so many times, are we still strangers?" Slightly stunned, Kuroba gave up struggling, fine, if the detective had real intent, he wouldn't be waking up in the police department now. 

Fine, continuing this facade was really tiring. 

"Indeed." Just heard Kudo laugh: "You know everything about me, but I know nothing about you. Only a few days ago, I found out your real name. Compared to me, you've openly used my face and identity many times." 

"Stop it..." Kuroba was too tired to listen to this: "Meitantei, some things are better left as mysteries, why force me?" 

"Where are you planning to go with this sick body?" Kudo asked, arms crossed.

Kuroba slowly put on his trench coat: "Meitantei.Has anyone told you that you're really annoying?

Most of the time, it was Kudo Shinichi complaining about others.

"What's your physical condition? Yesterday, when I helped you change clothes, there wasn't a single scar on your body. Even for a normal person, that's too unusual."

Kuroba glanced at Kudo through the mirror and slowly zipped up his coat. "Are you interrogating me?"

Kudo shrugged. "If you'd prefer to go to the police station, I'd be happy to accompany you."

"I never thought you wouldn't... hand me over to the police."

"Of course," Kudo interrupted Kuroba's words. "Kid, until the mystery is solved, everything is just speculation and assumption. Besides, even if I took you in yesterday, how many people do you think would believe me? Are you... are you planning to go back like this?" Kudo asked.

"Yeah. I have classes. What else would I do here?"

"It's already past nine in the morning," Kudo pointed at the clock, but Kuroba nonchalantly responded, "It's fine, the teachers are used to it."

Kudo rolled his eyes and turned his head as he walked downstairs. "The gang from yesterday, they're part of a robbery syndicate. Aren't you afraid they'll come after you again if you go back?"

"If it weren't for you ruining my plan yesterday, I would've had those bastards in the police station by now."

"And then?" Kudo asked. "What about you? Do you plan to take them down and get caught in the process? You know that if those people are caught, they'll either commit suicide or drag you down with them."

Kuroba reached the front door and greeted Hattori with an expressionless nod before stepping outside, afraid that staying any longer would make him the detective's prisoner.

"Wouldn't that fulfill your dream, Meitantei? I'm leaving, thanks for the hospitality."

As always, he left decisively, but this time, he left his name behind.

Kuroba Kaito.

Chapter Text

Annoying—absolutely annoying.

At ten in the morning, Kuroba entered his classroom, only to find that the long-vacant seat was now occupied by someone he least wanted to see.

Having just parted ways with two detectives, he now faced another one. Talk about being haunted by detectives.

Kuroba pulled out his calculus textbook and both volumes of Japanese history, already anticipating who was behind him. "Standing there watching me won't tire you out, right, Hakuba kun?" 

Why was this guy so annoying? Didn't he have more important things to do?Why can’t he just stay in London, like forever?!

"......" Hakuba was speechless. Even though he was in London, he had received news that Kaitou Kid was severely injured, his fate uncertain, and Kudo Shinichi had returned. The assassination organization lurking in Japan had resurfaced, and Kid, with injuries severe enough to make survival unlikely, couldn't possibly be the person standing here joking with his childhood friend, Kuroba Kaito.

Even though he didn't want to admit it, the physical evidence suggested otherwise.

Later, when Kaitou Kid resurfaced and was again targeted, Kuroba was injured while rescuing Nakamori Aoko. Such injuries couldn't heal in a few days, let alone be hidden easily. Yet the boy before him, lifting heavy textbooks without any sign of discomfort, looked merely a bit thinner but otherwise normal.

Maybe he thought he was used to it, but suddenly, he didn't know how to face him. Or perhaps he thought that once he confirmed Kuroba wasn't Kid, his interest in the person would wane, but the opposite happened.

"What's wrong, Hakuba? Lost your mind?" Kuroba Kaito, as always, spoke bluntly, but it was genuine concern.

Do detectives' eyes always that incisive, incisive enough like shooting x-rays through walls?

Kuroba chuckled awkwardly. "Do you care about me that much?"

"Sometimes a gentleman's duty is to check on a dear classmate."

Kuroba was long accustomed to such pretentious conversations and stifled a shiver. "Thanks for the concern."

Whether as Kuroba Kaito or Kaitou Kid, he felt that compared to Kudo Shinichi, he had little to say to Hakuba. He couldn't stand this classmate's privileged life, always overshadowed by his parents—a life he didn't have, and one Hakuba could never understand. Compared to a rivalry, it felt more like an aversion, an inability to connect that doomed them to be mere acquaintances.

"My father, being the head of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, received many reports about random attacks linked to criminal organizations."

Kuroba squinted. "What's that got to do with me? I'm not related to those incidents.You know, you should be friends with Kudo Shinichi, he might be very interested in this topic."

"But Inspector Nakamori is related to the case, and if they target Nakamori Aoko, you might get caught in the crossfire. You two are often seen together. Be careful."

"Yeah. Maybe you should look out for yourself first." Kuroba smirked. "As the police chief's only son, you're the most valuable hostage among us."

Hakuba just smiled.

"So you know Kudo Shinichi?"

Kuroba sighed. "Yeah, so what? Do you know him too?"

Playing the ignorant third party still had to be done. Besides, Hakuba should now be reluctantly convinced of Kuroba Kaito's innocence.

"Kuroba, are you truly unaware or just pretending? Hakuba's teasing smile made Kuroba feel annoyed.

"I thought you'd see through my casual courtesy. The teacher said you spent many years in London, so it's only natural that you'd need 'friendly classmate care' here. Honestly, I'm not interested in your affairs. So... just asking."

"Kuroba, you've become quite blunt." Hakuba laughed. "I can tell you don't like seeing me, but I'm genuinely relieved to see you're safe and sound, Kaito."

Kuroba shivered, glaring at him before burying his head in his books, secretly searching for details about his next heist on his phone.

"Just letting you know, I'm heading to England for an exam tomorrow. My father wants me to get into Cambridge. Don't get caught by anyone while I'm gone, Mr. Kaito."

Meanwhile, Kudo stood in front of Akai Shuichi and James. The whiteboard across the iron table was covered with photos connected by red threads, outlining the relationships between various individuals. "Although the most recent activity on the list was at the cement factory, I suspect it was just routine cement transactions," Akai said, and Jodie nodded. What would they need cement for? Naturally, to dispose of bodies. And recently, there have been regular interactions with the Hirano family. "I predict Kaitou Kid's next target will be here." At the center of the map was Shizuoka Prefecture.

"I thought you wouldn't come," Kudo Shinichi said with a hint of surprise as he opened the door. Kuroba smirked, took off his boat shoes, and placed them neatly at the entrance. He raised two bags of exquisite gift-wrapped boxes, looking quite valuable. On closer inspection, they were dessert gift boxes from a specialty boutique in Paris. Kudo thanked Kuroba but noticed that he seemed to be keeping a deliberate distance from him.

This guy probably remembers what happened yesterday.

The great detective had figured it out after racking his brain all day. Kuroba Kaito had been restless the entire afternoon, though it was hard for outsiders to notice. Now facing the detective who had “ touched ” him the night before, Kuroba realized he had walked into the lion's den alone. Nervously, he peeked inside the mansion. "Meitantei, no one else is here, right?"

Kudo rolled his eyes. "If you say something and I reveal your identity, you'll have to explain yourself to Inspector Nakamori. By the way... aren't sweets your favorite? Why did you bring them for me?"

Kuroba didn't answer. Instead, he touched the smoke bomb at the bottom of his backpack, fearing he might not make it out. He had specifically instructed Jii-chan and brought some escape tools just in case.

Kudo just chuckled. He always felt that Kuroba Kaito gave off a friendly vibe, but he was actually polite and distant, warm yet detached. Who really understood him?

"Since your mother gave me two bags, you can open one. I can't finish them all by myself."

Kuroba looked at him. "You said it,Meitantei." He glanced at the cookies and drinks on the kitchen counter, but he had no intention of touching them. He only trusted the food he brought. Since the detective had said so, Kuroba didn't hesitate to bite into a tart. A wave of intense soreness and nausea hit him, and he spat out the unchewed piece. He quickly turned around, not wanting Kudo to see the dark blood in his palm.

But who knew that when he turned, his arm, sore and unprepared, revealed Kudo Shinichi's all-knowing eyes. "You admitted it yesterday. Planning to do it all over again today, Kid?"

Kuroba smirked, skillfully switching positions with Kudo, pinning his hands behind his back. The aggressive and predatory look on his face belonged to the Moonlight Thief. "Meitantei, there are some things you shouldn't meddle in."

Their faces, their eyes, locked in a stalemate. Finally, Kudo let go, knowing that pushing too hard would only make Kuroba resist more. Kuroba also released him, packed the sweets, and headed straight for the door.

 "You're leaving already?" Kudo asked. Kuroba twirled the keys on his finger. 

"I just remembered I left something in the classroom. Gotta go back."Kudo frowned. 

"At this hour, won't the place be empty? Even if there are tutoring classes, the other rooms will be locked... Sorry, I forgot who you are."

Of course, since this guy's identity was revealed, he didn't bother hiding anything anymore. If bank vaults couldn't stop him, the old locks at school were just a breath away from being unlocked—a minor inconvenience at best.

Hearing a strange sound, Kuroba turned around to see Kudo Shinichi putting on his coat, heading for the entrance as well. "What are you doing?" "I'm coming with you," Kudo said.

"Did I ever agree?" 

"Every time you impersonate me, did I ever agree?"

 "There were a few times, okay! But first, hold on tight."

 "Yes, I'll never let go."

It turned out that holding on tight was not just Kaitou Kid's usual flirtation but a necessity. Kudo had to wrap his arms around Kuroba's waist from behind. Although they had done this before, it felt different now that they were in their adult bodies. Fortunately, neither minded, especially since they were on a motorcycle.

Kudo understood why this man could win the world__Kuroba Kaito, in his black leather jacket, exuded a unique charm. He was roguishly handsome, like a mischief-maker wandering through Kabukicho at night. Men envied him, and women knew they should stay away, yet they couldn't help but be drawn to him. He had a way of silently stealing hearts with just his presence.

Upon reaching their destination, Kuroba removed his full-face helmet with one hand. At that moment, high school students staying late for self-study began to emerge, heading out for dinner, all eyes on them. It wasn't because Kuroba revved the engine loudly; in fact, he hadn't sped at all. It was because of the two of them.

"Kuroba-kun!" "Isn't that Kuroba Kaito? He's as handsome as ever! Why don't we have such good-looking guys in our class? I'm so jealous of Class 2B."

"If you like him, go talk to him. He's single now, you might be the one."

"Don't say that! Isn't Aoko close to Kuroba-kun?"

"That's just childhood friends. They haven't started dating yet."

"Wow, there's another handsome guy with him. They look like twins.""Twins? No way, Kuroba-kun is way hotter.""Are you blind? Can't you see? That's Kudo Shinichi! The high school detective from the news!"

Kuroba paid no attention to the chatter. With a few cheerful greetings, he shed his outer jacket, evaded the infrared sensors, and scaled the outer wall. Kudo sighed.

"You're quite popular at school." Kuroba glanced at him.

"What do you mean? I have to think carefully about everything you say, Meitantei. Who knows if you're trying to trick me?"

"If I were, you'd just dodge it anyway," Kudo replied irritably, "So Kuroba, what did you leave behind that's so important you had to come back?"

With a swift motion, the lock fell to Kuroba's nimble fingers, and Kudo followed him into the pitch-dark classroom, which suddenly lit up. Kuroba rushed to his seat, leaving Kudo momentarily dazed.

It was hard to accept that Kid was just like him—a regular high school student with a similar life rhythm. But when Kuroba retrieved his Japanese history textbook and pulled out a piece of paper, Kudo was impressed.

"Don't tell me that's a heist letter." The paper was covered in intricate drawings rather than text, leaving Kudo momentarily baffled.

"It took me nearly three hours to draw this, with eight drafts scrapped. I can't just redo it."

"Why not just sketch a rough version?" Kudo asked, earning a scornful look from Kuroba.

"I'm a perfectionist. How can I settle for less?"

If only you'd compromise a bit, maybe the police department's workload would be lighter. Kudo curiously examined the paper and realized it was a stack of thin sketch paper. Kid was truly talented in art, capable of detailed sketches.

"What's this?"

"Meitantei , can't you let me keep some surprises? If I tell you now, those hours would be wasted." Kuroba took back the paper and started packing his things. Kudo took the chance to observe everything around him—the scent of books and paper, the atmosphere of a high school preparing for college entrance exams, the mixed aromas of various foods, and the different paper qualities of test booklets from different publishers. The blackboard was filled with dense mathematical formulas, while the back of the room was a platform for students to relieve stress, covered in all sorts of graffiti. Among the drawings, there were sketches of Kudo and Kid. Kudo was stunned by the detailed depiction of Kid standing on a rooftop, while he stood below with his hands in his pockets.

Kuroba finally stuffed three textbooks into his backpack and locked the classroom door.

"Are you familiar with Hakuba Saguru?" Kudo asked,"His seat is right behind yours. Given his deductive skills and what happened last time, he must know your identity, right?"

"I'm not familiar with him, and I am planning not to. " Kuroba replied as they descended the stairs. "He's just annoyingly persistent. Why can't he stay in London and never come back?" 

Kudo chuckled at seeing another side of Kuroba.

"His father is the head of the police department, and Nakamori Aoko's father is Inspector Nakamori. If you're not careful and get caught, it could end badly for you." Kuroba smiled wryly. "I won't get caught, and even if I do, I won't die."

"That's not what I meant. These organizations are also after you. The police might not shoot, but they will. Even if I don't know how you heal so quickly, that can't be your only card."Kudo couldn't help but say.

"I've always wanted to ask you something, Meitantei. Whose side are you on?" Kuroba threw a helmet to Kudo.

"Why are you helping me?"

"Because I am the only one who can catch you. Until then, I won't let anything happen to you," Kudo said.

"Confident as ever, Detective." Kuroba started the motorcycle. "But there's a long waiting list, you'll have to wait your turn."

Kudo smirked. "In this world, it's not about who comes first, but who has the power to take what they want."

"A robber, huh?" Kuroba teased. "Kid, you're the last person qualified to criticize me. By the way, when are you sending your heist notice?" Kudo's question sounded oddly like an accomplice.

"Now, but you might have to wait outside for a bit."Kuroba smiled.

As a dove with a scroll attached to its leg took flight, Kuroba turned back, satisfied. Now he planned to ride to his doorstep and ditch the detective, making him walk home next time.

But he saw Kudo already in the front seat. "Get on, we're going home."

The strong wind whipped past, and Kuroba screamed, "Meitantei! You... Why are you speeding? Slow... Slow down! Ah, don't cut into that lane! Turn left, not right—well, okay, but you didn't have to circle back! Did you even get your license? Can you ride this thing!?"

Just as he thought, only by surprising him could he see the real Kuroba Kaito. Feeling Kuroba's grip tighten around his waist. Kudo regretted not being able to stop and enjoy the look of terror on Kuroba's face. As the warmth of the teen behind him pressed against his back, Kuroba screamed loudly. "Meitantei!!!"

"Don't scream. What happened to your usual composure? Relax, I got my license two weeks after returning to being Kudo Shinichi. Hold on tight."

Kuroba closed his eyes and tightly hugged Kudo's waist. "Dammit, what are you trying to do?!"

"This is payback for all the times you bullied Conan."

After holding you so many times, it’s finally your turn to hold me.

"Ahhh, but this is scarier than a roller coaster! And when did I ever bully you?!"

Hattori Heiji and Mouri Ran were the first to notice the commotion at the entrance. Rushing out, they saw the most bizarre scene. Kuroba Kaito, who usually wanted nothing to do with Kudo Shinichi, was clinging to Kudo like a child, screaming as he held on tight. Kuroba felt guilty towards Aoko, realizing this must be how girls felt when he sped on his motorcycle. The detective's wild driving was far scarier than skateboarding. 

There were signs from Conan's past stunts on his skateboard. If there was anyone who could match Kaito's adventurous spirit, it was Kudo.

"Hey, Kuroba kun, let go of me."

Switching names, Kudo felt awkward. Kuroba, still in shock, noticed the change and turned around to see others there. 

Hattori blinked in confusion, wondering when Kudo and Kuroba got so close. He still wasn't sure about Kuroba being Kaito Kid, but even so, their interaction seemed overly familiar.

 As Kudo got off the bike, Kuroba's legs gave out. Kudo, knowing Kuroba's other side well, smirked and let go, causing Kuroba to stumble and hug Kudo's back, refusing to let go.

"Let go." It was funny because this phrase was usually Kid's line to Conan. But this time, the roles were reversed.

"Kaito… What are you doing?! Get down! This is so embarrassing." Aoko's face was bright red like a ripe apple. She grabbed Kuroba by the collar and yanked him away. 

"Why are you hugging Kudo Shinichi like a koala? If people see you two like this, they'll get the wrong idea. You might not care about your reputation, but Kudo is a public figure!"

What?!

Kuroba thought he was the real "public figure," but facing his childhood friend, he pulled a funny face, and the two teens started bickering.

"It's not your face that's embarrassed, why do you care?"

"Idiot! Kudo is my friend, and I'm embarrassed for him." Aoko twisted Kuroba's ear and dragged him away. "Dad's in a good mood today. He caught two trout himself, just waiting for you. Don't make him wait."

"What?! What the hell?!" Kuroba's face turned pale, feeling nauseous. Whether it was his natural aversion to fish or a side effect of Pandora's poison, he let Aoko drag him away.

"Don't worry, Dad knows you don't like fish, so he grilled some beef for you."

"That's not the point! Watching you all eat fish is the problem!"

"Why do you have to be so picky?"

"Idiot!"

"What’s going on between you and Kuroba?" The next day, in Inspector Megure's office at the police headquarters, Hattori finally asked Kudo.

Kudo evaded the question, "I need more evidence. Until then, we have to play as a family." For some reason, Kudo didn't plan to reveal everything. Somehow, Kaito Kid had become a special presence to him. Moreover, he was holding a new notice letter.

A new challenge was just beginning.

#################

"Young master, please be careful this time. Hirano are not easy to deal with." Jii handed Kuroba a new gadget, and Kuroba smiled wryly. "Jii, you say this every time. But isn't Kaito Kid also hard to deal with? Haven't I always succeeded?"

"But... this involves the organization. Shouldn't we inform Madam first?"

"No, no, no..." Kuroba quickly stopped him. "If Mom finds out, she'll send me straight to Kudo's place. Now that Meitantei knows my identity, I don't want him interfering. This time... the Hirano family must fall. Even if you and Mom keep secrets from me, I still know what happened between the Hirano family and my father 20 years ago."

Kuroba gave a quick glance, and Jii sighed. He knew the young master was exceptionally smart, and nothing could be hidden from him.

Master Toichi... What should I do?

"Besides..." Kuroba turned on the TV, where the news was all about Kaito Kid's latest notice. "An impostor sent a notice after mine. How can I ignore that? Someone cracked my heist notice, the one I designed and drew for like half a day, and then that person just sent another heist notice using my name but one day earlier than my original time."

"Young master, you must be careful. Whoever sent that fake notice has bad intentions. By revealing the notice to the police, you’re..."

Kuroba's cold smile was captivating in the dark. "Isn't this interesting? I'm curious to see who can decode my meticulously designed notice. Maybe... a new formidable opponent."

"Young master!" Jii was worried that Kuroba didn't realize the danger of the situation.

"That impostor first deciphered your notice and then announced the fake one to the world. Doesn't this ruin your plan to only inform the Hirano family? Now, not just the police, but even the FBI might get involved! How will you escape?"

"Don't worry, Jii-chan... Have a little more faith in me, will you? I am the unbeatable Kaito Kid. I'm looking forward to meeting the detective who solved my notice."

But Jii was far from comforted. "If the other party isn't the police but from the organization, wouldn't you be walking into a trap? And haven't you heard about the recent random explosions in Tokyo? They say it's the infamous Hyakushi Box explosives."

Hyakushi Box?

Jii-chan took the remote and switched to NHK News. Although the news focused on Kaito Kid's challenge, the ticker mentioned the explosions.

"And what does that have to do with me?" Kuroba asked. "Isn't this the detective's job? Jii-chan, what are you getting at?"

"Young master, do you know why the Hirano family, as a yakuza clan, thrives in both Kanto and Kansai? Besides their connections and background, it's because of their illegal smuggling routes. I've heard something you'll be interested in. Hyakushi Box. The underworld says some authentic ones have recently been smuggled into Japan via the Hirano's route."

Hyakushi Box?

Kuroba Kaito raised an eyebrow: “So that thing really exists? I thought it was just a story my dad made up when I was a kid. He said there was a puzzle box in the world that could stump even him and told me not to think I was an invincible genius. I always thought it was just a tale to get me to practice magic tricks harder. After all, no one has ever seen the Hyakushi Box, right? Some even say it's been lost for ages and that the ones on the market are cheap knockoffs, not real trick boxes.”

Kuroba Kaito suddenly realized he should remind the old man not to believe everything he reads on the internet and said, “Jii-chan... the so-called rumors you heard might just be exaggerations made up by people. The Hyakushi Box is supposed to be the king of mechanism boxes. I don't think it would be used in some random bombings around Tokyo.”

“Regardless... you still need to be very careful.”

Kuroba Kaito covered one ear with his hand and said, “Oh, I've heard that a thousand times already, Jii-chan! Don't worry. Even if I did encounter the Hyakushi Box, I'd be confident in defusing the bomb and handing the criminal over to the detectives to deal with. Besides... hmph... the magic show I prepared this time is sure to amaze Meitantei.”

“But that notice wasn't sent by you, young master. It must be the organization. They... they still won't leave you alone! Why not just give up the identity of Kaitou Kid? Since they believe Kaitou Kid is your late father... why not let it stay that way?”

Kuroba Kaito smiled and said, “Jii-chan, I'm no longer the young master you speak of. I'm the magnificent Kaitou Kid who appears during the day of night!”

##############

In the darkness, a spark lit up half of the man's face as Vodka brought a lighter to Gin's mouth, and a thin wisp of smoke rose from the cigarette.

A rush of footsteps burst into the private room, but Gin couldn't be bothered to look up. With a wave of his hand, the bartender immediately handed over a freshly made martini, placing it gently on the edge of the table before wisely retreating. The newcomer was a messenger with a message to deliver. He glanced fearfully at the devilish Gin, almost ready to burst into tears.

“I have no patience. Speak quickly or keep your life and get out,” Gin said with a cigarette between his lips, smiling as he released the trigger. The messenger, terrified out of his wits, forced himself to speak.

“Hirano-sama... he... he said that Kaitou Kid is after the information in the scepter and will come to steal it in two evenings... Our master has always remembered you... Ahhh!”

Scared just from standing up?

Gin flicked the ash from his cigarette without even glancing at the man, coldly smiling, “So... your master wants us to clean up the mess you've left behind?”

“No... we wouldn't dare ask you for help... Just remembering our past cooperation... and that the Kid is after that list... and the Hyakushi Box... we also had a part in that... and we are all in the same boat...”

Bang!

The messenger hit the ground in pain but dared not make a sound, sticking tightly to the floor and not daring to get up. The hard leather heel of the other's shoe pressed firmly against the back of his head.

“In the same boat? Ridiculous... What do you think your family is?”

With a glance, Vodka swiftly handed over a black box. Its contents were enough to make anyone break out in a cold sweat.

“This is... this is...”

“Pick a color you like,” Gin said, stepping back into the shadows. The messenger, left trembling on the floor, knew what would happen if he swallowed the pill, but... he still had to take it. He began to feel his lungs constrict, air slipping away, and his consciousness and nerves burning as if in a great fire. Faintly, he heard Gin's ghostly laugh: “Finally willing to make a move, Kuroba Toichi?”

Too late for you, Kuroba Toichi. 

This time, the Kaitou Kid I want is Kuroba Kaito.

###########################

Two notice letters?

One of them was familiar—Kudo Shinichi flipped through the paper in his hand, discovering it wasn't a draft but a stack of sketch-like sheets. Eight hours of drawing? Recalling Kuroba Kaito's words, Kudo Shinichi couldn't help but smile.

Since so much time was spent, I must rise to the challenge.

But what about the other letter? A typical notice letter, its signature and writing style indeed seemed like Kid's, but... but two notices had a hint of something strange.

No pretentious wording, according to Inspector Nakamori, Kaitou Kid used to send such direct notices pinpointing specific people, times, and places.

Nakamori squinted, taking the sketch Kid sent and comparing it with the plain notice letter, then concluded, “Damn! That arrogant thief must think we're fools!”

Kudo smirked. So... it does feel that way. If the second notice is taken as a solution, then piecing together the sketches in Kudo's hand indeed forms a floor plan—Hirano Junichi's mansion.

“What does this mean, Kudo?” Hattori leaned over, “You said the second notice is the solution. I can see that, but if it's just the first sketch, I'm completely lost. What is wrong with him, can you even read this stuff, maybe......this... could it be Kid worried we couldn't figure it out, so he sent a solution? That's too...”

“No.” Kudo Shinichi pursed his lips, feeling everything was disconnected. 

With Kid's personality, he'd balance the difficulty of the notices perfectly. If deciphering it were extremely difficult or clearly required prior knowledge, then it means Kid intended the notice for specific people, not everybody.

This notice was meant for someone like the organization or Hirano family.

 Kudo couldn't believe Kid would be the type to worry about the police and send a solution.

Meaning, the second notice was likely not sent by Kid himself.

*** In two days at midnight,

 I will tread upon the shattered stars, 

To claim the scepter of the wine god, Honoring Dionysus.

 Kaitou Kid.”***

Chapter Text

"The last one was quite straightforward." Mouri Kogoro opened a can of beer while turning on the TV, biting into a seasoning packet and squeezing all the spicy miso sauce into the freshly boiled water. "Not too many pretentious words."

"But the police said that at first, Kaito Kid did send a riddle, but it was so difficult that he ended up sending the answer," Ran said, clasping her hands behind her back, humming a tune. Mouri Kogoro paused, "What the heck, is that guy getting more arrogant?" He looked up and inexplicably felt a twinge of fear at his daughter's unusual happiness.

"What... What happened, Ran? Why are you so happy?" He was afraid she might be planning another surprise anniversary dinner with her mother, AKA, Mouri’s wife, but luckily, Ran's joy was for another reason. 

"Do you remember Nakamori Aoko? Inspector Nakamori's only daughter. She's invited Sonoko and me to their house tomorrow. Dad, I'll pack lunch early tomorrow, so I won't be going with Shinichi."

Hirano Junji (younger brother) waited and waited, and past midnight, he sat back down in his armchair in despair. It seemed... his most trusted butler wouldn't be coming back. The sound of footsteps heralded his wife, dressed in a deep blue kimono, simply adorned and looking weary. "Your brother... he's insisting on seeing you. Can't wait any longer."

"How do you know it's my brother?" Hirano Junji's tone turned wary. His wife replied, "Your brother told me and gave me this."

In her palm was Kaito Kid's notice letter.

"Alright." Hirano Junji waved his hand and sighed. Forget it, all this family infighting, when facing an outsider's intrusion, they still had to unite. He understood that much.

"Kaito Kid will arrive in less than two days, Brother... why do you have the leisure to have tea with your little brother?" Even though he couldn't forgive his brother, sitting across from him, making tea for him, he couldn't help but gaze into the reflection of himself in the tea.

Hirano Junichi(older brother) chuckled, shaking his green cup. "When did I become a parricidal villain in your mind?"

Hirano Junji sipped his tea. "Saying these things now is pointless. The past... there's no evidence, pursuing it further is meaningless. Brother, since Father entrusted you with the real power, the scepter and gem are with you. It's your call. I don't want to interfere."

Junichi raised his cup, glanced at his brother's wife waiting respectfully outside the tatami room, her eyes meeting his, beautiful yet worn. Lowering her gaze, Junichi slowly lifted his cup in a toast to his brother...

"Brother, I especially owe you an apology..."

"What's the use of saying that now?!" Hirano Junji said angrily, pouring another pot of tea. This time, he poured for both of them. "If the Black Organization decides to silence us... at least Hirano Shusuke can continue the Hirano family's business and bloodline... we're already lambs to the slaughter. I just want to know... what am I to you? Am I your brother... or just a tool? Ridiculous... your lover stands at my door, has been my wife for fifteen years, yet she can't even remember her name... Brother, I'll ask you one question... in these fifteen years, have you never regretted it?"

Clenching his fists under his yukata, he maintained a smile. "No regrets."

"That's the whole story." Hirano Junji, exhausted, looked up, still maintaining his habit of fitness jogging despite being over fifty. His burly frame and coarse eyebrows, square features gave him a general-like appearance, but now he wore a bitter expression, repeatedly emphasizing his innocence. He recounted all the conversations, avoiding only the parts about the organization.

"I really didn't kill anyone... even if... even if my older brother recorded our tea conversation, it doesn't prove anything... I... I didn't kill him!"

"The gun is yours, it has your fingerprints, you admitted it was your private collection. The police found a yukata in your closet with gunpowder residue, and the servant testified you wore that pattern on the day. Are you going to argue you didn't kill your brother?"

"I... I really didn't kill him!"

Hirano Junji was almost in tears. Mouri Kogoro squinted, "Are you mocking me?" Folding his arms, he said, "Mr. Hirano, though I am the famous Sleeping Detective, that doesn't mean I'll exonerate you just because you pay me well."

"But I really didn't kill him! I swear to heaven!"

"Swear to heaven all you want, that has nothing to do with me." Mouri Kogoro stood up, and Hirano suddenly lunged at him, tears streaming down. "I hated my brother, hated my father, but... I didn't need to kill! Think about it, if anyone had a grievance, wouldn't it be me? Yes, twenty years ago, my brother and I both loved my current wife. I married her, but she was already sick, I mean, look at her, she can’t even recognize me for the past 15 years! Couldn't even tell the difference between me and my brother. Do you think... I really killed Junichi?!... my brother was arranged by Father, my brother gave his lover to me. Honestly, has this marriage been happy these years? The only one who can prove my innocence can't even recognize me! But I swear, I didn't shoot!"

"I really didn't kill anyone... even if... even if my older brother recorded our tea conversation, it doesn't prove anything... I... I didn't kill him!"

"The gun is yours, it has your fingerprints, you admitted it was your private collection. The police found a yukata in your closet with gunpowder residue, and the servant testified you wore that pattern on the day. Are you going to argue you didn't kill your brother?"

"I... I really didn't kill him!"

Hirano Junji was almost in tears. Mouri Kogoro squinted, "Are you mocking me?" Folding his arms, he said, "Mr. Hirano, though I am the famous Sleeping Detective, that doesn't mean I'll exonerate you just because you pay me well."

"But I really didn't kill him! I swear to heaven!"

"Swear to heaven all you want, that has nothing to do with me." Mouri Kogoro stood up, and Hirano suddenly lunged at him, tears streaming down. "I hated my brother, hated my father, but... I didn't need to kill! Think about it, if anyone had a grievance, wouldn't it be me? Yes, twenty years ago, my brother and I both loved my current wife. I married her, but she was already sick, I mean, look at her, she can’t even recognize me for the past 15 years! Couldn't even tell the difference between me and my brother. Do you think... I really killed Junichi?!... my brother was arranged by Father, my brother gave his lover to me. Honestly, has this marriage been happy these years? The only one who can prove my innocence can't even recognize me! But I swear, I didn't shoot!"

Mouri Kogoro impatiently shook off Hirano Junji's hand. "Whether you shot or not, let me tell you, the reason why the police inform you about the guntest report is to test you, the truth is you poisoned your brother's tea. Right?The lab report confirms cyanide in his cup, and that is what caused his death. And only you and your wife handled the tea. You say you were attacked from behind while drinking, but there was no one else in the room except your wife and brother. Just like you said before, your wife isn’t capable of doing such a thing. ”

The guards led Hirano Junji back to the interrogation room.

"Kudo... don't you think this whole thing smells fishy?" Standing outside the interrogation room, Hattori Heiji folded his arms. "Tomorrow is Kaito Kid's announcement day, and this happens? Hirano Junichi was the head of the family! And now Junji is detained as a suspect. If he's the killer, it means the Hirano family’s fortune will be led by their third sister, Reiko. Do you know what that means? It means, regardless of who did it, Reiko benefits by consolidating power."

"I'm not interested in the Hirano family's wealth and business." Kudo Shinichi said coldly. "I just don't understand why Junichi's body was cremated immediately after identification. Was it his last wish?"

"I heard the family insisted, partly for his widow." Hattori replied. "Speaking of his wife, that's also odd. What's wrong with Mrs. Hirano? The family won't say, claiming with the evidence and the suspect caught, their private matters don't concern the police. But... isn't tomorrow the day of the notice? If I were Junji, that was not the option or a good plan."

"Why would Kaito Kid steal from the Hirano family?Maybe this question links directly to the case. Maybe the Hirano family gets something that is fatal that may draw " Kudo Shinichi couldn't understand Kid's motives at all.

After all the danger and crisis, why did Kaito Kid still show up if he had already got what he wanted?

"If he's looking for a specific treasure, didn't he already find it?" Hattori asked. "That time when you were Conan, the only item not returning back among hundreds of treasures. He should've stopped then, right?"

"He should've stopped." Kudo Shinichi felt inexplicably irritated.

"But if you ask Kuroba, he'd never admit it." Hattori said, noticing a change in Kudo's eyes. "Even if Kuroba Kaito admitted he's Kid, he's still on the opposing side of ours. I'm just worried... the Hirano family isn't easy to deal with. Akai-san mentioned their underground dealings. Could Kid be targeting their treasure for similar reasons as the Medusa's Eye? Holding some kind of information?"

Kudo Shinichi's eyes flickered. "Jodie contacted me a few hours ago, saying she barely repaired the Medusa's chip storage, recovering about forty percent of the data. The missing sixty percent were company IDs, likely transactions with the black organization."

"Did you see the record that turned you into Conan..."

One look from Kudo Shinichi, and Hattori apologized, "Sorry, not the time for jokes."

"So, what information is Kid after this time?"

As a gunshot signaled the start of the game, an unbearable excitement itched in Kudo Shinichi's chest. This was a new round, a new challenge.

##################

"So you're saying the Eye of Medusa is a record left behind by a former agency associated with the Black Organization? Shu, this... this is incredibly bold. Would the organization really allow something like this?" Agent Jodie pushed up her glasses as the man she called “Shu” stubbed out his cigarette. Looking out the window,  Akai Shuichi saw a familiar silver car below.

"It seems a certain public security officer wants to join our discussion." Akai Shuichi smirked, not at all surprised.

At the doorbell's ring, Kudo Shinichi entered, accompanied by Amuro Tooru, whom he had met on the way.

"Come in." Despite her biases against Amuro, Jodie opened the door. She smiled at Kudo in welcome but immediately adopted a wary expression as she faced the Japanese public security officer.

Akai shook his head in resignation.

 "It's just as well you're here. Saves me from having to repeat myself." He twisted open a bottle of tequila with one hand, poured three glasses, and replaced the cap after glancing at Kudo.

"Three days ago in Okinawa, Gin made a huge scene by blowing up a factory, killing about a dozen people, including some unsuspecting laborers nearby." Amuro began, "That factory was the Hirano family's starting point before they sold it to the organization, turning it into a shell company. You might recall it as the first transaction on the Medusa list. The organization used this company for illegal smuggling of contraband and migrant workers."

"Is the organization trying to clean the house?" Jodie asked. "Those transactions involve their past collaborators, right? There's no need to wipe out the entire network. Is there?"

Amuro raised an eyebrow, seriously contemplating the question. Akai turned to Kudo Shinichi. 

"Weren't you at the Metropolitan Police Department this morning with Hattori Heiji, the detective from Kansai? Is he back?"

While with Hattori, Kudo had refrained from divulging much about the Black Organization, not wanting to involve him too deeply.

Kudo preferred to handle these matters himself. "He went to meet up with Ran and the others. He doesn't need to know too much."

Akai nodded, clearly agreeing with Kudo's discretion.

"I think it's less about wiping out the network and resources and more about destroying evidence. For them, eliminating traitors is what 'cleaning house' means. Those companies exposed to police scrutiny are just pawns with no more use. Keeping them around only invites more trouble." Kudo explained. "Those thousands of transactions might seem numerous, but the organization has serious trust issues. The companies involved have long-term relationships, only a dozen or so, some of which no longer exist."

"Hey... Akai." Amuro remembered something, "Do you recall which intermediary company it was? Even though you were undercover as Rye, sent to be an assassin and informant, you shouldn't be familiar with intermediaries, right?"

"You're no different, Bourbon."

"I'm asking you a question, not answering one." Amuro retorted, putting down his glass in irritation before heading to the FBI office’s lounge to get coffee. Kudo was used to their interactions.

"So neither of you know much about the organization's external contacts." Kudo said. Akai frowned. "Besides Gin, I vaguely know there's an intermediary, but it's not in my or Gin's purview. It’s more like... Absinthe and Tequila’s area."

"Tequila?!" Kudo was shocked to hear that name again, remembering Tequila had been shot dead by Gin long ago.

Seeing Kudo's confusion, Amuro explained. "The Tequila you knew was replaced by a veteran agent shortly after his death, becoming a top assassin. He originally worked closely with 'that person,' holding a high rank and thus had no specific codename to conceal his identity. Few in the organization have seen him. However, Rum often mentioned Tequila and complained about him, likely due to the usual high-ranking competition for resources and power."

"Last night's murder and today's succession suggest that the Hirano family has changed leadership. Hirano Junichi’s bodyguards were all dismissed, and the third daughter of the Hirano family directly involved the police. I'm afraid... this might lead to another intense confrontation with the organization." Akai shook his head.

"You mean the Hirano family is the black organization's next target?" Jodie asked.

"I don't think the organization will kill somebody that fast." Kudo mused, as Akai Shuichi added, "This seems more like an insider’s doing than the Black Organization’s usual method. Moreover... I believe Kid the Phantom Thief's actions are a test for the Hirano family. If they fail to protect the gem and let Kid successfully steal classified documents inside the gem, the Black Organization will eliminate the entire Hirano family to prevent further issues. If Kid fails, the family might survive a bit longer. The organization’s style is to leave no traces. If our informant’s information is accurate, Tequila will handle this case. Being close to 'that master,' his methods are naturally ruthless and discreet."

Kudo Shinichi continued. "And today... due to Hirano Junichi’s murder, there’s media attention and police deployment. Tequila wouldn’t do anything during such a sensitive time."

"Speaking of which, Tequila seems to have some history with your thief." Amuro Tooru's sudden remark piqued Kudo’s interest.

"He knows Kid?"Kudo asked.

"Not sure, but Rum and Tequila apparently had encounters with Kid over twenty years ago. Back then, Rum... didn’t have his prosthetic eye." Amuro’s voice dropped, leaving Kudo stunned.

Twenty years ago... That would mean Kaito Kuroba likely wasn’t involved.

So why... Why is Gin so fixated on him? So many mysteries remain unsolved, with so many questions needing answers.

###################

"Based on age, Kid the Phantom Thief should be middle-aged by now." Jodie speculated. 

"To maintain such peak physical condition... it's no wonder he's renowned as Japan’s greatest thief."

"What’s most concerning is the second notice." Akai Shuichi turned on the TV, muted, showing news reports on two distinctly different notices, neither clearly authentic.

"So he’s targeting the Hirano family’s scepter. ... Shu, could this be... an invitation to the organization?" Jodie asked.

"Whether thief or assassin." Akai Shuichi swirled his glass, the ice clinking melodiously. "Our duty is to capture these criminals and uncover the truth."

This time, the police refused the Suzuki Foundation's offer of assistance. To ensure safety, only police and FBI personnel were allowed near the Hirano estate. Hattori Heiji naturally followed Kudo Shinichi, the two youths standing out among the FBI agents in their navy blue coats.

"You two kids."

Inspector Nakamori Ginzo strode into the control room, still annoyed at the disruption caused by the FBI. Although higher-ups instructed cooperation, he couldn’t help but feel irritated.

"Nakamori san, FBI are here for the assassin organization. They won’t interfere with your work." Commissioner General Hakuba explained earlier.

What do you mean, not interfere?

Then why are the FBI patrol cars taking up sixty percent of the parking spaces?!

The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. Inspector Nakamori yelled. "Don’t wander around, got it?"

No megaphone was needed to convey his orders clearly, leaving his nearest subordinates dizzy from the shouting.

"What’s that? The timing of the first and second notices is a day apart? Then just guard for two days! It’s obvious he wrote the wrong time and sent another corrected one. The thief’s notice is for tomorrow, stay alert, understand?!"

"Is it just me, or is the inspector extra fiery today?" Hattori whispered. Kudo leaned in. "I heard from Inspector Megure that a special task force was formed to investigate Hirano Junichi’s murder, led by Akai and his team."

"So the inspector’s upset about losing authority." Hattori realized. "Hey... Kudo... I've been wanting to ask you something."

"What?"

"If... hypothetically... Kid the Phantom Thief appeared in front of you... would you..."

Hattori struggled with his words, feeling awkward.

"Would you catch him?"

Kudo Shinichi blinked, puzzled. "Isn't that obvious? I'm a detective, it's our duty to catch criminals. Besides... that show-off bastard is my nemesis."

"Good..." Hattori felt a pang of guilt towards Kuroba. 

Kudo smirked. "Worried I’d misuse my authority? Don't worry... no matter how special he is to me, he's still a criminal who challenges the law."

Is that so? 

Really?

Despite his words, on the day after receiving Kaitou Kid's second warning letter, Kudo couldn't help but stop Kuroba Kaito at the entrance.

"Hey, you shouldn't go today."

Kuroba Kaito turned back, puzzled. "Go where,Meitantei?"

Kudo took a deep breath. As Aoko and Ran stepped out the door, Hattori loaded the girls' belongings into the trunk. Kudo stepped forward.

Is he pretending to be clueless again?

"Don't go looking for Gin and the others."

"Meitantei... I'm underage, I can't drink alcohol,still under age." Kuroba Kaito tilted his head. His acting skills were impeccable. Kudo Shinichi sighed, "Come on, I mean, don't risk your life."

"What risk?Meitantei, can you at least use subjects and verbs in your sentences or be clear about the who, what, when, where, and why?" Kuroba blinked, looking just like any regular high schooler, dressed casually, backpack slung over one shoulder. It was this harmless appearance that made him truly terrifying.

"Don't go to Hirano's mansion," Kudo Shinichi repeated..

"Hirano mansion? Why would I go there?" Kuroba Kaito laughed, "I promised Aoko I'd help set up her post-exam celebration at her place today... Why would I go to a crime scene? Isn't that your job,Meitantei?"

Is he trying to deny his previous intentions? Or did he change his mind at the last minute?

"Meitantei?" Kuroba Kaito asked, "Will you come? Hattori Heiji is joining us too. Aoko asked me to check if we need to order another pizza."

"No, it's fine... I need to catch Kid." Kudo was genuinely confused. Is Kuroba planning to use these people as his alibi? But... where does his confidence come from?

"Really? Well, good luck. See you later."

Kuroba Kaito's words left Kudo Shinichi feeling weird. Today, Kuroba unusually reverted to his Kuroba Kaito persona, speaking the words of his age, with an innocent expression, curiosity and confusion in his bright eyes, without any wariness or distance towards Kudo Shinichi.

Something's off.

Everything's off.

Donning the FBI vest Akai Shuichi had thrown at him, Kudo sat in the surveillance room, with Hattori Heiji on a video call on his phone.

"You told me to keep an eye on Kuroba, right? But didn't you already... confirm him... Kudo, he's been here the whole time. He's either prepping with Ran or helping Aoko set up the lights... He hasn't shown any intention of leaving. Isn't the warning time in five minutes?"

Hattori leaned in closer. "Are you... are you sure Kuroba Kaito is Kaitou Kid?"

"Hattori... what are you implying?"

"I mean... could this all be a prank?" Hattori, though sharing Kudo Shinichi's suspicions about Kuroba's identity, didn't have the same unwavering conviction, since Kudo hadn't disclosed everything to him.

"But..." The camera panned to Kuroba Kaito and Aoko arguing over candle placement.

"I said this isn't a birthday party, why candles?"

"Stupid Kaito, if I want candles, I get candles, what's it to you?"

"But the wax will ruin the frosting, can't I care about that?"

"Then don't eat it! No one forced you to. I just made you stand in line to buy it, no one said you had to eat it."

"You bully, you're so unreasonable!" Kuroba Kaito yelled. Aoko stuck her tongue out, "Yeah, I'm unreasonable, what can you do about it?"

Meanwhile, hidden beneath Kuroba's hair, a small earpiece buzzed with the voice of his Jii chan

"Young master, are you really not going?"

"No. That's their schedule. Why should I follow their timeline? Kaitou Kid obeys to no one. Relax, once the time passes and Kid doesn't show up, Officer Nakamori and the police will believe the first letter is the real one. If the police retreat early, it's better for me since I never wanted them involved. If there's any negotiation or gun fight with Black Organization, Metanei will come, but he shouldn't be involved."

"But young master... what if Kudo Shinichi decides to bother you as 'Kuroba Kaito'?"

"Relax, I know Meitantei well. He doesn't like winning through unfair means. He wants to defeat me openly and fairly. But... I won't give in." Kuroba Kaito turned, his youthful smile intact. "Aoko, I'll get the door."

Ten... Nine... Eight...

Seven, six, five, four, three, two, one...

In the cold, gusty night, dressed in white, Kaitou Kid elegantly descended before Kudo Shinichi, his pristine white suit dancing as if it were the first night all over again.

"Kaitou Kid! Kaitou Kid has appeared!!!"

Live broadcast, the TV screen showed cheers erupting in the living room. Kuroba grabbed some popcorn, silently enjoying the shocked expression on Hattori Heiji's face.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, It’s showtime!"

Chapter Text

"Ladies and Gentlemen, It’s showtime!"

What?!

That familiar tone, the familiar phrasing... Kuroba turned sharply, staring at the TV. It was indeed Kaitou Kid.

 Impossible... How?

A terrifying thought crossed Kuroba’s mind.

Could it be... him?

Only one person in the world... could do this.

Flawless methods, perfect performance, breaking through FBI and Japanese police defenses, reaching the final treasure trove. The traps and mechanisms meant nothing to "Kid," dismantled like mere scrap. The green gem on the Dionysus staff vanished without a trace.

With a dazzling spin, Kaitou Kid ditched the officers behind him using some unknown magic trick. A glimmer of green light played at his fingertips, then disappeared from the magician's hand.

"You... Stop right there! Kaitou Kid!!!" Inspector Nakamori shouted, but could only grit his teeth in frustration as the thief eluded him.

"Inspector Nakamori, long time no see." Kaitou Kid lowered his cylinder hat, bowing gracefully. Standing atop the mansion, he looked down upon the world with an air of arrogance and irreverence.

"Twenty years ago, we met in similar circumstances, you, me... Officer Nakamori , you haven't changed a bit. Or should I call you “Inspector” now?"

Nakamori chuckled darkly, "Of course... To catch you, I've given my all, day and night, without rest. I, Nakamori Ginzo, swear I'll catch you with my own hands."

"That won't do. I have unfinished business. Forgive me for not staying."

The same words, the same lines. Twenty years ago, on a similar dark, windy night, in a traditional Japanese garden, two passionate young men faced off.

"That's right, he is Kaitou Kid! Quick! Start the helicopter!"

The FBI was in chaos below. Kaitou Kid wasn't the type of criminal they usually dealt with, and his myriad unseen tricks left them in awe.

Hattori Heiji was stunned, completely forgetting about Kuroba Kaito. He quickly contacted Kudo, "Kid's on your side. Can you see him?"

"Yeah, I'm out of the surveillance room. Hattori... is Kuroba still there?"

"Huh? Yeah... of course he is... and like everyone else, he's watching TV... Kudo, could the Kid on your side be a fake? Hello? Kudo?"

Thwack!

A few playing cards knocked Kudo Shinichi's phone from his hand.

It was Kaitou Kid.

Tall and poised, the moonlight highlighted his elegant silhouette. With a mysterious smile, he bowed slightly, "Meitantei, you can't lose focus while chasing a criminal, that would be very rude of you, or did you simply not enjoy my performance?"

"Hmph," Kudo Shinichi smirked, unable to contain his excitement and madness, "I wasn't distracted... just verifying a friend's innocence. Now it's just us, Kaitou Kid."

Kaitou Kid leaped gracefully, spinning with his cape obscuring Kudo's view. Before Kudo could react, Kid manipulated something in the room, and Kudo felt the floor shift beneath him.

"I can't stay long."

More cards flew, sending several FBI agents to sleep. Kudo instinctively raised his elbow, blocking a few drugged cards, cold sweat dripping.

This time, Kaitou Kid seemed... unusually serious. No nonchalance, no playful teasing... This thief was cautious, elegantly mysterious, something felt off.

This wasn't the Kid he had chased relentlessly.

But... that voice, those skills, proved undeniably that he was Kaitou Kid.

"Wait... Kid! I have questions for you..."

But the white thief didn't linger, departing gracefully.

On the other hand, when Kuroba Kaito came to his senses, he found himself on a motorcycle in front of the Hirano residence. He had already changed into his uniform and, taking advantage of the chaos among the police, mingled into the crowd. 

Bite the bullet, he ran with all his might. He wanted to know, desperately wanted to know… if that person was really his long-lost… father.

Unlike Kudo Shinichi , Kuroba Kaito didn’t need to do much reasoning or guessing. He simply followed his instincts as Kaito Kid and naturally found that familiar figure in the basement of an abandoned building near the Hirano Mansion.

"Kaito Kid!!!"

This time, Kuroba Kaito became a truth-seeking detective. He called out to the phantom thief who was about to leave alone. 

He wanted to see that person again… wanted to talk… wanted to…

Only that person could be his unreachable goal in this world.

And now, that tall and lean figure, that vaguely familiar face, was right in front of him, stepping confidently and elegantly towards him, one step at a time.

Suddenly… The very motivation and determination that had sustained Kuroba Kaito through the hardest crises and direct despair collapsed in an instant. The will that had carried him through countless lonely nights and self-doubt shattered. The main reason he became Kaito Kid—to seek the truth about his deceased father—now lay before him, very much alive.

Those deep, resolute blue eyes bore a striking resemblance to Kuroba Kaito’s, and that clean, handsome mustache exuded maturity and composure. 

“You should not come here tonight.” The voice, no longer mimicking Kuroba Kaito’s, spoke in a tone that Kuroba Kaito would never forget.

"You… don’t leave." Kuroba said, snapping back to reality as a sharp pain began to climb up his chest. Kuroba Kaito pinched himself hard… He couldn’t afford to collapse at this moment. He absolutely couldn’t!

This imposter of Kaito Kid laughed deeply, facing his grown-up son for the third time. Kuroba Toichi felt a sense of relief; his son, indeed, was capable of finding him at a time like this.

"I… I…" Normally sharp-witted, Kuroba Kaito now couldn’t find the right words or an opening line. 

What should he say?

 What could he say? 

At this moment, Kuroba Kaito… couldn’t say a thing. He changed out of his blue uniform and wore his original T-shirt, which was light and slim-fitting, but too thin for the cool night.

"Young man, you’re quite persistent. But… it seems like there are other guests chasing after us as well."

It was as if they had gone back to a few months ago, when Crow the phantom thief  and Kaito Kid first met. Despite the many questions and shocks in his heart, Kuroba Kaito quickly calmed down. The “guests' ' his father mentioned were unmistakable; they were not just the sidekicks like Snake’s crew but… The organization referred to as Dionysus in the advance notice—the organization using alcohol as their code name. 

Black Organization. 

Kuroba Toichi’s movements were a bit quicker. With a flashy turn, he switched places with Kuroba Kaito, the elder towering half a head above the younger. Toichi’s right hand waved, and a pure white cape directly blocked Kuroba Kaito’s sight. No, more accurately, it concealed Kuroba Kaito.

Step by step… Gin tread on the broken gravel, exuding an aura as formidable as Kuroba Toichi, his cold eyes tinged with a smile: "It’s been a while, Kaito Kid. But you don’t seem to be alone today. There’s someone hiding behind you, isn’t there? You… heh… you can’t let go of your son, can you?"

Kuroba Toichi stiffened—of course, Gin had known from the start who the original Kaito Kid and the subsequent one were.

"Gin. It has indeed been “a while.” You haven’t changed much." Kuroba Toichi glanced lightly at Kuroba Kaito behind him before replying.

"But to be precise, you’re no longer Kaito Kid, are you? You should be called… Crow the phantom thief." Gin spat out the cigarette from his mouth, crushed it fiercely, and took another step forward, his olive green eyes glinting with extreme chilliness.

"I’ve been looking for you for a long time, Kuroba Toichi."

Kuroba Toichi maintained his gentlemanly smile, but Kuroba Kaito could sense that the situation was not looking good. After all, it was because of his impulsiveness that he rushed over, disrupting his father’s original plan. As for why his father had risked coming back, there was only one possibility… Perhaps he had heard about Kaito’s entanglement with the organization. Standing behind his father, Kuroba Kaito felt a mix of emotions.

How to escape? What to do next? Kuroba Kaito and his father were thinking the same thing.

"Considering your words, I should “thank” you all for the “special attention” given to my son." Kuroba Toichi’s tone was far from grateful as he spoke. Confirming Kaito’s suspicion, Kuroba Kaito took a step back. At this moment… What should he do?

Closing his eyes, a face flashed by.

Kudo Shinichi.

At times like this, who else could he turn to but Meitantei?

"He has never once been bested by you, Kuroba Toichi." 

In the darkness, another hoarse voice rang out. Kuroba Kaito recognized it from the underground basement of the Black Organization, guessing it belonged to a high-ranking member. But there was no time to think about that now. Blindly typing a message in his pocket, Kuroba Kaito quickly sent the factory’s address to Kudo Shinichi.

He didn’t know if the detective would see it or how much the detective would figure out after today, but… he could only trust his nemesis lover now.

After sending the message, he looked up to see his father smiling proudly, a smile that was deeply etched into his heart.

"Of course… he is my only son."

My only son.

It was a confirmation. It was an acknowledgment.

Then, a barrage of bullets followed. His father’s nimble hands grabbed his wrist, dodging bullets as the cries of bomb squads echoed through the cement walls. As expected… the detective had indeed arrived. Several organization members rushed in frantically: "Gin! Outside, it’s the FBI and Japanese police!"

"Retreat." Gin remained unhurried, as if everything was under control. His ambiguous gaze hinted at a prolonged battle as he disappeared into the darkness, leaving the mercenaries to continue fighting the FBI. 

Feeling his father let go of him, Kuroba Kaito still managed to follow the footsteps ahead, using his excellent hearing and judgment. The sounds of their steps through puddles reverberated in the underground drainage system. Kuroba heard Kudo’s shouts several times, and each time, he turned his head.

"Your cousin sure is persistent about you." Kuroba Toichi remarked.

"You mean Meitantei?" Kuroba Kaito smiled: "He’s my backup."

"Well done." With a short comment, Kuroba Toichi leaped, hooked his fingers, and triggered the mechanism that pulled them to the highest point of the rooftop.

Strong winds ruffled the dark hair of the two generations of Kaito Kid, the moonlight dancing on their black and white figures. They didn’t notice Chianti hiding on the building’s edge, licking her crimson lips through the sniper scope.

"Become my prey, Kuroba Kaito."

"Watch out!!!"

Kudo Shinichi shouted, but it was too late. The bullet pierced Kuroba Kaito's shoulder blade perfectly, and everything went black.

###########################

Nakamori Aoko looked up, too shocked to speak. The Kaitou Kid, the phantom thief known as the Moonlight Magician, was standing on the rooftop, holding the unconscious Kuroba Kaito in his arms.

"What... Kid... what did you do to Kaito?!" Aoko screamed, her voice trembling. Kuroba Toichi raised an eyebrow. The childhood friend of his son had grown into a tall, charming girl with a straightforward and lively personality.

"I’m returning him to you, my beautiful lady."

With a mysterious smile, Kuroba Toichi gently laid Kuroba Kaito down in front of everyone and, ignoring Inspector Nakamori furious yells as he half-hung out of the police car window, drove near. Kuroba Toichi then spread his glider wings.

There were no significant injuries on Kuroba Kaito, nothing major. Kudo Shinichi frowned. The teenager in front of him had almost perfect evidence of an alibi. If Kuroba Kaito was the Kaitou Kid, then only he, the great detective, would hold the truth.

"Kaito, are you alright?" Inspector Nakamori was most concerned about Kuroba’s safety. Catching Kaitou Kid could wait; Kuroba's safety was paramount.

"Why did Kid take you away? Did he do anything to you?"

"No... I just... I wanted to be a detective like Kudo-kun for once and chase after Kid. But... it turns out I’m not cut out to be a detective." 

Kuroba Kaito said, displaying the perfect amount of self-deprecation, the perfect excuse, the perfect frustration. It was so perfect that even Kuroba Kaito almost believed the lie.

He was nothing but a fake detective, just a teenager seeking the truth, dressing up in adult clothes and his father’s tie. But deep down, he was just a kid. A kid who missed his father.

"Idiot! Kaito, you don't have Kudo-kun’s intelligence and skills. Why did you chase after Kid for no reason? You even made Hattori Heiji chase you for half an hour. You run fastest at times like these, but you never put in that much effort at the inter-school sports festival. You used to like defending that stupid thief the most. Why the sudden change?" Aoko scolded through tears, but in reality, she was relieved. 

Half an hour before, she had been watching the live broadcast halfway when Kaito’s face turned ghostly pale, and he ran straight out, not even giving Hattori Heiji a chance to follow.

"Sorry, Hattori-kun, I was impulsive." Kuroba Kaito said. Hattori waved it off, "No big deal. But where did you go to find him?"

"I... I got lost halfway and ended up in a nearby abandoned building. I felt something was wrong, so I sent the address to Kudo-kun. I didn't expect... I didn't expect Kaitou Kid to be there... talking to a group of men in black."

Kuroba Kaito’s testimony was perfect, it seemed like he provided a lot of details, but he was just repackaging information the police already had, sounding like a teenager recounting a thrilling adventure.

"Kaito, those people are very dangerous. Do you know they are the ones constantly causing trouble and hunting down Kaitou Kid? Don't be so reckless next time." Inspector Nakamori couldn't help but nag a little. Luckily, Kuroba was safe, and Kaitou Kid never hurt people. He probably protected Kuroba from those men. That’s what Nakamori thought as he blocked the FBI agents who wanted to question Kuroba further.

"Can't you see he's exhausted? What more do you want to ask? I'll answer." Inspector Nakamori stood with his hands on his hips, blocking Kuroba Kaito, who was wrapped in a thin blanket in front of the ambulance.

"What did you say?! Kid didn't return the Gem of Dionysus Staff this time? How is that possible? But last time, he returned it, didn’t he?" As Inspector Nakamori’s sound grew distant. Kuroba Kaito struggled to keep his heavy head up, his chest beginning to ache painfully. He asked the medical staff for some painkillers, but they couldn't ease the discomfort caused by the Pandora toxin. Too much had happened today, and the physical pain couldn’t stop Kuroba Kaito’s racing thoughts.

Today’s Kaitou Kid was indeed his father, but why... Why choose to reveal his identity now? Actually, after the last encounter with the Crow the phantom thief, Kuroba Kaito had a feeling that his father was still alive somewhere in the world. It was a silent understanding, an unspoken connection, needing no more evidence but just a gut feeling. 

However, Kuroba Kaito didn’t understand why his father chose this moment to appear. Was it because he found Pandora? Did his father know that Kuroba Kaito had already destroyed Pandora, at the cost of his own life? Or because of the rapid attachment he had with Black Organization? 

At this moment, he just wanted to go home, hoping all this was a dream, hoping to open the door and see his parents saying, "Welcome back," in a relaxed tone. Maybe looking in the mirror, he would find this was all a dream, and the reflection would be a six-year-old boy. Nothing changed, nothing ever happened, his father never died or falsed to die, he never found the secret of Kaito Kid.

The tissue in his hand was stained with a deep red, and he realized that blood had come up from his throat again.

"Kuroba Kaito."

Damn, there was another big problem, he forgot about Meitantei.

"What is it?"

“What's your relationship with Kaito Kid?” Kudo Shinichi asked. Kuroba hesitated.

What relationship? Should he explain? Tell the truth?

Or perhaps… his father had returned to stop his second-generation Kaito Kid from continuing down this path?

Was it time to confess or deny everything?

Maybe it’s time for him to stay out of this?

Maybe it’s time for him to be only a teenager instead of a criminal?

What exactly did his father want him to be?

“Kudo… haven't you figured it out yet?” Kuroba Kaito asked with a carefree laugh. “I've finally met the idol I've admired my whole life, and it's all been worth it!”

Kudo clenched his fists in secret. So, this was it. It was all lies.

“You really admire Kaito Kid, don't you?” Kudo Shinichi's eyes flickered, emotions unclear.

“Of course. I admire him very much,” Kuroba replied, biting out each word. On the other hand, this was true. After all , He admired his father greatly.

“You admire him so much that you needed to deceive me to get close to him?”

Meitantei’s words carried obvious anger and disappointment.

Kuroba Kaito made up his mind. 

Sorry,Meitantei. If it were before… maybe I’d confess, but now that Dad’s back, it means… I'm no longer Kaito Kid.

Closing his eyes, Kuroba didn’t understand why his heart ached with such complex and unwilling emotions.

“Yes. Don't you understand? When I found Kaito Kid's anonymous account on a magic forum, I was so happy. That magician, in my mind, was as great as my father. And Kaito Kid seemed… surprised. He seemed to have admired my late father too. We eagerly discussed various magic techniques online, and over time, he began sharing his plans with me. Sometimes, he even let me decipher his heist notes. This time, he even had me draw those plans for him.”

Kuroba Kaito’s expression was that of a die-hard fan, making Kudo’s heart sink. But Kudo’s rare display of anger put Kuroba at ease. It seemed the detective was truly angry__Kudo now truly believed in Kuroba Kaito's story.

“Why… Why did you deceive me?”

“Why?” Kuroba tilted his head. “Kaito Kid told me a lot about you, the famous detective Kudo Shinichi from Kanto. He also mentioned getting seriously injured during his last heist… and a lot about you. But Kudo, I never expected we’d be relatives. I thought… Maybe if I got close to you, I’d really meet Kaito Kid. After all, you’re known as his nemesis, the great Meitantei.”

“Enough!” Kudo Shinichi interrupted Kuroba Kaito. “And last time, when I took you home…”

“Those black-clad thugs weren’t my doing. They seemed to be targeting that little girl. Speaking of which, I haven’t thanked you for calling the police officially, I mean, last time I just thanked you on behalf of Kid. As for that day… low-dose oral atropine, with a half-life of about two hours, can cause fever and other inflammation-like symptoms. That’s why all my symptoms were gone the next day. And the blood… was just cheap blood bags. I never really thought this stuff can deceive you.”

“I understand your admiration for Kaito Kid, but why impersonate him?” Kudo demanded the answer again.

“Kudo Shinichi,” Kuroba laughed again. “When did I ever admit to being Kaito Kid? I never said it; I just went along with your assumptions. Didn’t you just assume? I just didn’t realize it would be so easy to make up a story. Plus, I wanted to know what it felt like to become my idol. Tell me, Meitantei… What's your relationship with Kaito Kid? Why are you so obsessed with him?”

Kuroba Kaito didn’t expect a direct answer, only trying to emphasize his innocence. However, Kudo Shinichi unexpectedly responded.

 Half of Kudo’s face was obscured by his pitch-black hair, and he spoke solemnly, word by word, “Among many criminals, he’s the exception. He’s the only one I must catch with my own hands.”

Kudo Shinichi’s eyes changed, showing a hint of detachment and rejection toward Kuroba Kaito. “So… stop pretending to be him. And don’t call me ‘Meitantei’ anymore. From now on, We’re just normal relatives.”

Chapter Text

Hattori Heiji intercepted the hurried Kudo Shinichi, who was acting very unusually today.

“Kudo! What happened yesterday? I heard even the FBI fired shots.”

Kudo flagged down a taxi, preparing to head to the police headquarters. “Kaito Kid took the Dionysus Staff gem  yesterday, and Gin went after him.”

“When I went to find my father at the police headquarters last night, Aoko Nakamori told me what happened afterward, and Kuroba-kun he…”

“Don’t mention him. He’s not Kaito Kid.” Kudo Shinichi’s tone turned cold instantly, startling Hattori. He had never seen Kudo Shinichi like this.

“I… of course, I know he’s not Kaito Kid. When Kaito Kid appeared yesterday, he was right next to me. That expression and shock were definitely not faked. What… what happened to you?”

Realizing his loss of composure, Kudo took a deep breath to calm down. “I just feel like everything’s back to square one.”

“You mean… Kaito Kid?”

A silver car approached, and the driver spoke with the taxi driver. Kudo called out to the driver. “Amuro Tooru?”

“Kudo, get in. We need to go to the police headquarters. Hattori, your father called, saying he’ll pick you up at Beika Town Post Office in twenty minutes. Kudo and I will go ahead.”

As they drove, Amuro Tooru explained how Junji Hirano's wife was brutally murdered at home. He stopped at a fast-food place to get three burger meals. “Eat something. This case might not be as simple as it seems. Even the FBI doesn’t think Junji Hirano's death is straightforward.”

“Mrs. Hirano is dead?” Kudo asked as Amuro closed the window. “Yes. It was Chianti.”

“Chianti?”

“Mrs. Hirano was shot dead by Chianti at the beginning. The one who answered the door was Vermouth in disguise.” As they arrived at the police headquarters, they went to the tenth-floor meeting room, where several familiar FBI agents had also arrived.

“No casualties on our side yesterday. The captured organization members are all low-level.” Akai Shuichi said, “But Junji's defense lawyer is here today. Let’s see what he has to say.”

Suppressing his inner doubts, Kudo Shinichi followed them to the interrogation room. Usually, after hiring a lawyer, suspects become harder to interrogate, but Hirano Junji seemed eager to clear his name.

“Kotaro Higashino.” Hirano’s lawyer.

Seeing Akai Shuichi and the others enter, Kotaro Higashino, Hirano Junji’s defense lawyer, stood up and shook Akai’s hand. Hirano Junji looked worse than yesterday, his face long and sour, clearly annoyed by his lawyer.

“Did you hire Kotaro Higashino as your lawyer?” Kudo asked Hirano Junji, who shook his head. “My old hag did.”

Old hag? Kudo then realized Hirano meant his deceased wife.

“She actually called her old classmate on her phone. That old hag can't remember anything about us but everything about other men.” With Junji’s complaining, Kudo sensed the suppressed grief in the man. His hoarse voice, heavy breathing, had aged him several years.

“Hmph—I thought she wanted me to join her in heaven.” Junji said.

“Don’t say that. Respect the dead,” Amuro Tooru said.

“When people are gone, you can finally say what you want about them.” Junji said. “My big brother was very proud and face saving. If he heard this, he’d be sulking. Haha… my brother, once angry, would sulk for a month. Crazy… all of them… are crazy.”

Finally, Hirano Junji seemed to give up, his hands resting on the table, letting his face sink.

"The old man and the old hag... why didn't they just stay together in the first place? Pretending to be so noble, giving their lover to me... they're all crazy. Hahaha... they're all crazy."

Lawyer Kotaro sighed deeply, "My client is not in a stable emotional state today. I think..."

"No. You don't need to speak for me, Mr. Kotaro Higashino. You're just my lawyer, not my agent," Hirano Junji interrupted rudely. 

"Officer, although I've had many conflicts with my brothers, I could never commit such a self-serving crime as murder. And you still haven't told me how he actually died. Is there something you can't say?"

"We're still investigating. It's not convenient to disclose details at this time," Amuro Tooru replied. Kudo suddenly thought of something and said, "Mr. Hirano, are you hiding from Gin?"

"What? Gin? I've been sober for years," Hirano frowned. Amuro was about to stop Kudo from pursuing the question further, but Akai Shuichi held him back.

"Mr. Hirano, although you're the second-in-command, you've never had your power usurped by any branch families or your brothers. This shows you're a very wise and clever decision-maker. You should be aware of the current situation. Who really deserves to be accused of murder? Don't you want to know who killed your wife?"

"You... do you even know what you're saying?" It wasn't a retort but frustration. Yes, such a simple truth even a young detective could understand, yet he decided to play dumb here?

"You definitely know what I'm talking about. Gin, Kaito Kid, they're all after the scepter your family has been trading with the organization for generations. Although I'm not sure what it is, I guess it must be some kind of key to unlocking a data repository, right? Mr. Hirano Junji, you have no reason to believe me, but we, including the police here and the FBI, are risking our lives to uncover the truth. And you... you're the key figure in this murder case. Don't you know if you killed the person or not? Though you always resent your brother... you actually cherish him, don't you? I've seen the crime scene, your residence always has a set of tea utensils that Mr. Hirano Junichi loved. On that tea party day, you specially served his favorite Longjing tea, and the cup he used had a crane totem, which is commonly used in your brother's residence. This means you're aware of his preferences and subconsciously pay attention to them."

"I've said it countless times... I didn't kill him. But the police don't believe me... yes, the gun was indeed my private stash, but in our line of work, shouldn't we have some defensive tools? How could I possibly... shoot him?"

"No. Actually... This is what I wanted to discuss with you. Mr. Hirano, the death report of Mr. Junichi was approved normally, but after the autopsy, his body was cremated immediately, as if not wanting others to see him one last time, or... not wanting the body to exist in the world for too long," Kudo lowered his voice. Hirano Junji widened his eyes, "I did go to identify the body that day. My younger sister and a few elders also went... it was indeed my brother. That face, and the birthmark from childhood, it wasn't a fake. Now... I can't clear my name anymore."

Hirano's eyes reddened again, forcefully pushing away Lawyer Kotaro who tried to comfort him. Kudo noticed this.

"Mr. Hirano, although I currently have no evidence to prove your innocence, please believe me, I will definitely catch the real culprit who killed Hirano Junichi. Meanwhile, I hope you can cooperate with the investigation. For example, do you remember what exactly happened that day?"

"I remember... my brother suddenly clutched his chest, saying he couldn't breathe, and then... then I heard a noise behind me, someone hit me... and when I came to, the police were already there... and I inexplicably became the murderer."

Difficulty breathing? Although Inspector Megure's autopsy report stated the preliminary cause of death was cyanide poisoning, Kudo Shinichi, familiar with cyanide poisoning symptoms, had more questions the more he inquired.

"I don't understand... why would they do this?" Hirano Junji was utterly despondent.

Amuro Tooru explained, "It's actually easy to understand. Let's assume you're not the murderer. After Hirano Junichi's death, pinning the crime on you makes you the obvious suspect to the police. This way, the two main powers of the Hirano family fall. Everyone knows about the discord between you and your brother. Adding to that, Kaito Kid has been eyeing your family's gems recently, the public would say it was pressure and emotional instability that accelerated your conflict, leading you to finally kill your brother. As for your deceased wife, her mental abnormality and subsequent suicide with one of your privately kept guns tie up the loose ends. This way, Gin has one less major concern."

Faced with Amuro Tooru's determined gaze, Hirano Junji finally chose to compromise.

"Alright. Recently, after Tequila took power, our family appeared prosperous but was actually on thin ice. We don't know when Gin will make a move, but it's only a matter of time. Kaito Kid was just the last straw. As you saw, that thief comes and goes as he pleases, stealing our last lifeline... My wife's death was a blatant warning. It means... Reiko, my sister, Hirano Reiko, the closest to the organization, now holds the power of the Hirano family. This way, the rest of the family members can survive. So you tell me, should I quietly stay in prison, or fight to clear my name if reputation still means anything..."

A bitterness welled up in his throat, "Officer, I've made up my mind. Whatever crime you charge me with, I'll accept it willingly."

"Why? If you didn't kill him, why plead guilty?" Kudo Shinichi stepped forward, but Hirano had already made up his mind, "Don't persuade me, Kudo-kun. If I clear my name, where will I have a place in the family? Within a day, my dear sister has already taken full control. What I once had, can I compete to get it back? Hahaha... I'm no fool. Besides, my daughter, my son, those elders and juniors with whom I have feelings with whom I love, should they choose sides because of me? What if the Black Organization members come after them?"

"Kaito Kid has obtained the gem on the scepter of Dionysus. Do you think the organization will leave you alone?" Kudo asked.

"... Even if Kaito Kid has the gem, it doesn't pose a threat."

Doesn’t pose a threat? 

"How come?"

Hirano Junji's next words clarified the matter, "The confidential documents inside the scepter's gem require professional decryption assistance to unlock. Simply possessing the gem doesn't mean you can fully decode its contents. You know our Hirano family still holds another item... Dionysus' Ivy Wreath."

"Ivy Wreath? What's that?" Kudo pressed, but Hirano Junji was obviously unwilling to divulge more or didn't know, "I can't say, and I don't know. It's my only bargaining chip now. I don't know too much, and I must hold some cards. I've lost my brother, I don't want to lose any more family members. As for that old hag... if there's a next life, God bless her, I'd rather not meet her again."

Hirano Junji refused to answer further and was escorted back to the detention center. Kudo and Akai exchanged glances.

Should they continue to investigate?

No evidence, no clues... this game had entered its most challenging chapter. Kudo suddenly realized that the truth he sought might be the most devastating wound to others.

"Meitantei, some things are better left as mysteries forever," Kaito Kid's casual remark resurfaced in his mind.

Remain a mystery forever?!

What a joke?!

Kudo Shinichi clenched his fist. Perhaps everyone has the right to accept or evade reality, but similarly, no one has the right to deprive Kudo Shinichi of his right to pursue the truth, right?

"Kid... like I’ve said before. One day, I will find the truth and make you confess to me willingly."

"Shinichi, did you have a fight with Kuroba-kun?" Walking absentmindedly, Kudo froze when he heard Ran's question.

"How could that be? Ran, why would you think that?" Kudo turned and closed the door to the meeting room. Aoko entered with her shoulder bag.

"Actually, Aoko was asking," Ran's gaze drifted to Aoko, who smiled awkwardly.

"Sorry, it's just that Kaito seemed troubled last night, he didn't say anything. He's always like this, keeping his troubles to himself. Since you were the last to talk to him, I wanted to ask what happened?"

"Nothing really." Just thinking about it made Kudo inexplicably irritated, not wanting to discuss it at all.

"We're not that close."

We're not close... that's what Kuroba Kaito had said.

We're not close.

From the beginning, Kuroba Kaito had been evasive towards Kudo, avoiding interaction. Whenever there was a chance to interact, Kuroba would politely distance himself. But yesterday, Kuroba claimed it was all a tactic. 

Perhaps Kuroba Kaito never intended to deceive him, and instead, he was the one repeatedly pushingKudo away. Maybe Kudo was trying too hard. Eventually, Kuroba couldn't handle it, so he turned to Kaito Kid for suggestions. 

Maybe Kaito Kid suggested that Kuroba Kaito should go the opposite way, by doing so, Kudo Shinichi could finally let go of him, by doing so, not only could Kuroba clear his name, but also meet his idol. 

If that's true, Kudo had no right to speak to Kuroba Kaito like that yesterday; the responsibility should be shared equally.

"Is Kuroba Kaito doing okay?" Kudo couldn't help but ask. 

Yesterday's words had been too harsh, and he feared it would make their interactions awkward, cause they are still friends or hang out someday. He needed to make amends. 

Aoko smiled and shook her head, as if it was no big deal,"Kaito's always been like that. A night's sleep and he'll be fine."

"He didn't come with you?" Kudo asked further. 

"No, Aunt Chikage seemed to have come back last night. They probably went out for dinner. It's been a while since they saw each other. What's wrong, Kudo?" Aoko asked.

"I just remembered I left something at home. Sorry, Ran, maybe another rain check?

__________________________

The door bell rang.

Chikage stopped stirring the soup with the spoon,"Kaito, get the door, maybe Aoko comes early."

"Who is it? Wait for me." A briskly and bright voice called out. When the door opened, both were stunned.

"Kuroba Kaito."

"Kudo Shinichi."

Chapter Text

"Kuroba Kaito."

"Kudo Shinichi."

Kuroba's expression changed so quickly that Kudo almost thought the bright smile just now had never existed before.

Before Kuroba could slam the door in Kudo's face, a tall stranger appeared behind Kuroba Kaito.

"Kaito, it's very rude to keep guests waiting outside." The stranger said.

Kuroba blinked, opened the door a bit wider, but still blocked Kudo's way with one foot: "Kudo Shinichi, are you here to confront me?"

"Can I come in and talk?" Kudo asked in a friendly tone.

Kuroba Kaito reluctantly stepped aside.

This was Kudo's first time in Kuroba Kaito's house. It had a simple industrial style, Kudo glanced around, the air filled with the scent of Provence. Kuroba glanced away, as laughter from a couple came from the kitchen. 

Kudo paused, recalling Aoko mentioning Kuroba Chikage—Kuroba Kaito's mother, who had just returned from France yesterday.

The kitchen door opened, and a couple emerged__Kuroba Kaito still wasn't used to seeing his father disguised as someone else, acting all lovey-dovey with his mother. In fact, everything felt strange.

"Kudo Shinichi! Yukiko and I often talk about you. You've grown into such a handsome and sensible young man, unlike our Kaito, who still can't take care of himself at his age." 

The woman before him looked incredibly youthful for her early forties, with a slender figure, a youthful face, and a stylish short haircut in deep purple. Aoko had mentioned that Kuroba Chikage had settled in France for a while, more or less influenced by Western culture.

 The tall, fit man beside her was handsome, but not as much as Kuroba Kaito, with features not quite resembling close kin.

Who is this guy? Never heard of him before.

"It’s my pleasure to meet you, Aunt Chikage." Kudo greeted. 

Kuroba Kaito cleared his throat: "This is... my mother's boyfriend... called... called..."

Called what? Kuroba Chikage glanced curiously at Toichi, mouthing silently.

"Arthur Nior." Kuroba Toichi smiled, gently shaking Kudo's hand: "Hello, you look very familiar... like I've seen you on the news."

"Kudo Shinichi, high school detective." Kaito explained, and exchanged for Kudo’s glance, and then deliberately avoided eye contact.

For some reason, this house gave him a subtle feeling. 

Was it estrangement? Or unfamiliarity?

The doorbell rang again; it was Nakamori Aoko.

Seeing Aoko, Kuroba Kaito gave a sincere smile, originally planning to send the detective away, but his mother invited him to stay.

"Shinichi... why don't you stay for lunch? It's getting late, and you can try some of my recipes from Paris."

At the dining table, Aoko initially felt shy facing Kudo and the unexpected man__ Arthur, but after a few chats, she took the lead in the conversation. Kudo sat beside Kuroba Kaito, clearly sensing the latter's unwillingness.

Was it about yesterday?

Was he too harsh on him?

Kudo lowered his voice: "Kuroba Kaito... I want to apologize."

"What are you talking about, Kudo-kun? I should be the one apologizing." Kuroba Kaito took a sip of the Provence soup, wanting to avoid the topic. Kudo put down his knife and fork: "No, I was also wrong. I pushed you too hard, which made you have to turn to Kid."

Kuroba found it ridiculous but nodded slightly. Across the table, Chikage and Aoko started discussing school life while Kudo listened silently, but barely a word came into his ears. 

There were always inexplicable plots, always unexplainable parts.

Thinking back to their conversation last night, something still felt off. Kuroba Kaito's explanation was too perfect, perfect enough to be a crime novel, but in reality, it couldn't be that precise.

"How did you and Aunt Chikage meet, Arthur san." Aoko asked, which also intrigued Kuroba Kaito. When did his mother realize his father was still alive?

"Oh, that's why I love the Michelin restaurant on Champs-Élysées so much. Toi... I mean, Arthur and I met there. His cooking was like watching a perfect magic show."

No. Kuroba Kaito couldn't help but suspect that his mother knew his father faked his death from the start, and he was the fool who knew nothing.

"Arthur san is a chef?" Aoko asked curiously. Chikage shook her head: "That day he filled in for the chef... I was immediately charmed by his talent and charisma... and then..."

Unable to stand his mother's infatuation, Kuroba Kaito quickly changed the topic: "Mom, why did you come back this time?"

"Arthur wanted to visit you in Japan, so I came along." Chikage said matter-of-factly: "Surprised?"

"Very surprised. Maybe next time you could let me know in advance."

Maybe next time, they could mention beforehand, mention that his father was still alive, mention that they were doing well in Paris, mention... mention...not just keep the secret from him, he was not a child anymore. Kuroba shook his head, not wanting to think further.

"And you, Aoko? How's school?" Chikage asked casually. Aoko took a big bite of custard tart, showing a happy expression: "Great, we're about to graduate. Time flies."

"How about Kaito at school?" Chikage glanced at her son, the couple who hadn't asked about their son for years couldn't help but be concerned now that they were back.

"Kaito? That idiot sleeps through classes every day, not paying attention at all. I'm not lying. After nine in the morning, he just slumps over to sleep, ignoring the teacher in front." Aoko quickly reported.

"That's because the lessons are too easy. I can understand them at a glance." Kuroba Kaito retorted, instinctively turning to Kudo, wisely shutting up.

He had just cleared his suspicions; better not draw Meitantei's attention again.

"And you, Kudo Shinichi? Your life must be full and interesting. What have you been up to recently?" Chikage asked. Kudo gave a modest smile: "Nothing much. There have been fewer cases recently."

Just chasing a certain phantom thief, Kaito Kid.

At this moment, Aoko couldn't help but speak up: "Hahaha, Aunt Chikage, do you know what Kaito did yesterday?"

"What?" Chikage, curious, propped her chin with her hand while glancing at Kuroba Toichi.

"He tried to play detective and find Kid... only to end up being saved by the Kaitou Kid. Have you ever seen a man being princess-carried by another man? Hahaha... Kaito, I mean... could it be that Kid has a crush on you?!"

cough cough cough Kuroba Kaito choked and struggled to swallow his soup.

"Aoko! What the hell?Stop talking nonsense!Are you out of your mind!"

"My deduction is very accurate, okay? Just think about how many times Kaitou Kid has crossdressed? My dad says that given his age, he should have been married with kids by now. Maybe... he's not like other people. I think... he must be..."

"Nakamori Aoko, you stand still!" Kuroba Kaito's face turned red as he roared in frustration. Aoko jumped up from her seat, running around the dining table, being chased by Kaito.

"Hahaha, I'm not saying anything wrong, Kaito... you were in his arms yesterday. Do you want a photo? I can send it to you."

Opposite them, Kuroba Toichi leaned back, his hearty laughter echoing through the dinning table.That laugh was so familiar, so nostalgic, that Kuroba Kaito subconsciously stopped.

 In front of him were his parents, half-embracing each other and laughing heartily, as if everything had returned to a dozen years ago. Back then, his parents had eased his first magic performance rehearsal mistake with light-heartedness and laughter.

 Kaito smiled; everything was so beautiful, so unreal, that he even doubted if it was all a dream.

"Aoko... send me the photo."

"Huh? You... must be joking, right?" Aoko was stunned, her finger resting on the image of Kuroba Toichi dressed as Kaitou Kid, protecting his very own son, Kuroba Kaito.

"I'm not joking. Just as a keepsake. Aoko, I really admire him. Finally meeting him in person, of course, I need to keep it."

Kaito... Kuroba Chikage's smile faded, a bittersweet feeling rising in her heart. She looked at her husband beside her, seeing a complicated expression in Toichi's eyes.

Kuroba Toichi's gaze darkened subtly.

We thought we were protecting our child, but in the end, was it the right choice? Or... what have we missed over the years?

What have we missed?

Missed his graduation ceremony, his first day of high school, missed his growth period where his personality and character were formed, missed his rebellious phase turning from a boy to a teenager, missed his magic finale at the school festival. Missed his son and father time.

In nearly ten years, what have we missed?

After lunch, Kuroba Kaito walked Kudo to the door.

"Thank you so much for today, Kuroba-kun," said Kudo Shinichi. Kuroba tilted his head, not used to Kudo Shinichi being so formal with him. 

In fact, Kudo had a purpose for coming today.

"I... actually have an unreasonable request."

"What?" Kuroba Kaito foresaw the upcoming topic and led Kudo to the hallway, ensuring Aoko was still in the restaurant chatting with his parents.

"You want Kid's account ID name, right?" Kuroba asked. Kudo nodded, "As I said, I need to contact him. The Hirano family matter... until it's resolved..."

"Don't tell me about it; isn't that classified police information? Besides, I'm not cut out to be a detective, not good at solving crime. I’ll give it to you. Paper and pen, please.”

Anticipating Kudo's visit, Kuroba had prepared an old account as a stand-in, thinking that he had previously used an alias on the magic forum. Back then, Kudo was still Conan; back then, Kuroba Kaito didn't know Kudo Shinichi. Kuroba Kaito casually wrote down an account and handed it to Kudo.

"Kuroba Kaito, thank you. Sorry for interrupting your family lunch."

"How could it be?" Kuroba Kaito initially wanted to nonchalantly say, "You're welcome anytime." But then he thought, the promise of "next time" seemed too heavy. He didn't even know if he could make it through another time. Instead, Kuroba forced a smile, "Be careful on your way."

Nakamori Aoko came to the hallway, bidding farewell to Kudo Shinichi, "Kudo-kun! See you tomorrow!" Then she ran to the Nakamori household next door.

"It's ridiculous... I AM KID ... Meitantei..." Kuroba Kaito closed his eyes, leaning against the cold door. His father's return was a regained loss, which also meant... Kaitou KID was no longer necessary.

"Kaito... your mother and I have decided that our family will temporarily go to Australia to lay low."

It wasn't a request but a notification. When Kuroba nodded to accept the fact, he suddenly missed the cold nights and the bright moonlight, suddenly wanting to spread his wings and soar in the night.

Enduring the pain in his chest, he gazed bleakly out the window.

When did he stop telling his parents everything and all his secrets? He stole Pandora, bearing its curse, while Kuroba Toichi was unaware. Their return was likely due to the news of Kaitou Kid's big showdown with the organization.

When did he stop being Kaitou KID just to avenge his father?

Does this mean it's all coming to an end?

Should the magic show belonging to Kaitou KID take its final bow?

-------------------------------------------

Isolated from all information and external contacts, Kuroba Kaito felt like he was about to rot to death. 

Bored... very bored.

These days, Chikage had been saying something to Aoko, so the following moments were either at school or at home. Aoko's presence ensured Kaito could only focus on his studies or magic, with no chance to investigate the Hirano family's matters. At the crucial moment, his wings were clipped. Today, his parents were out early and back late; he didn't know if they were investigating, working, or dating.

"Kaito, the current situation is too dangerous," Kuroba Toichi and Kuroba Chikage agreed, and two international thieves dealing with one teenager was more than enough.

"Kaito, it's not that we don't trust you, but you're our only son. We don't have high expectations for you, just for you to be safe and healthy."

"You child!" Chikage drew the curtains: "Have you packed your bags?" 

"Mom... you're back? Where did you and dad go?" Kuroba Kaito poked his head out to ask.

"Kaito , why do you care where we went? Grocery shopping! We're having beef stew tonight."

Kuroba Kaito returned to his room, grabbed his hidden laptop, and quickly searched for information. Now, gathering intelligence couldn't rely on Jii chan; any request would be known to his parents. Searching for information himself was faster.

After being forced to stay in the library for nearly five hours, in just three days, Kuroba Kaito, using his hands, first obtained the wireless network account of a household a few miles away, set up several layers of protection, and started unmonitored online activities.

In just three days, Kuroba Kaito built a more meticulous and comprehensive information network, investigating the Dionysus Staff in his room without his parents knowing.

The real gemstone on the Dionysus Staff was naturally with his father, and Kaito couldn't ask his father directly. The simplest way was to crack Kuroba Toichi's vault. This took Kuroba Kaito thirty minutes, using 3D printing to make a similar fake. He knew it wouldn't fool his father too long, who also had been Kaitou KID before. So he kept the fake one and returned the real item to his father after the research. Just keep a forgery just in case something happens.

While researching the message hidden in the Dionysus Staff, Kaito found that the chip storing the message was uncrackable, or rather, he needed a very complex decoding machine. The eavesdropping device Kid had left came in handy;Kuroba Kaito used it to let Inspector Nakamori carry the bug into the police department.

“Thanks for the drive, Inspector.” Kuroba Kaito and Nakamori Aoko got out of the car and walked to the school’s front door.

“Have a nice day! Remember, just focus on the exam.”

Kuroba opened the ear bug, plugged in his earphone, and overheard Kudo Shinichi exchanging information with the Second Investigation Division.

Ivy wreath? What's that?

"The Hirano family is indeed cunning; they must have a hidden card, to protect themselves from everything" Kuroba  muttered, sipping hot cocoa, feeling re-energized. To uncover the Dionysus Staff's secret, KID needed to obtain the so-called ivy wreath. But it seemed even the police were unsure what it was. Was it jewelry, a medal? a machine?

After a day of hard work, Kuroba Kaito left his computer desk, hid his laptop in the closet, and went downstairs to get some food, noticing an unknown message.

Kudo Shinichi.

Oh no, he almost forgot Meitantei. He almost forgot he gave Kudo the "Kaitou KID" account to contact.

Kuroba Kaito, biting a slice of French toast, swallowed hard, feeling his body increasingly out of control. He just wanted to solve everything quickly.

No title, no subject, not even a complete message, just a string of numbers.

An address.

Kuroba Kaito smirked. This late, the detective was still working tirelessly, hoping to catch me... a workaholic.

Said Kid phantom thief , who worked on and on at the computer simultaneously__ 

"Mom, I'm going out for a bit."

"Alright, be careful on the road and come back soon," Kuroba Chikage said. Even though Kaito Kid had been sealed, Kuroba’s parents were not overly protective of their son. They trusted Kuroba’s abilities and believed that the organization wouldn’t make any significant moves in the short term—the gem was still with the Kuroba family, and Kuroba Toichi must have reached some agreement with them. 

A dangerous balance, the tranquility before the storm.

##########

At the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, Kudo Shinichi kept checking the time on his watch. Every minute was precious. After three days of sending messages, the other side finally responded. 

What messages should Kudo send? Should he send"Urgent meeting needed." ? Seemed like strange wording, but Kudo couldn’t think of a better way to put it. Should it be "I need to see you. It’s about the Hirano family."? That seemed like too much information. 

Kudo had considered using a cipher but decided it wasn’t necessary. The final message was simply the coordinates of the Beika Aquarium and a meeting time of midnight. The response was brief: "Meitantei, wait for me."

Meitantei, wait for me. Familiar wording, silently revealing the responder's identity. The watch showed eleven PM, and the police department was still brightly lit. A group of officers, having downed lots of coffee, extended their strategy meeting. 

Nakamori Officer was perplexed, "You told me before that to decipher the Dionysus Staff code, we need to combine the item with the ivy wreath at Hirano’s Junichi’s mansion, but Hirano Junji refuses to say what it is. Are you sure this is Hirano’s Junji exact wording?"

 "Yes," Officer Megure replied during the joint meeting.

 "But for the past three days, Kaito Kid hasn’t sent another heist notice or shown any intention of returning the gem. According to you, shouldn’t he be making a big move to steal the item from the Hirano family? Why hasn’t he acted yet?" 

"Nakamori san, how would we know?"

 "We are re-collecting all evidence and clues about Junichi Hirano’s case. There are many doubts, and we hope Division One and Division Two can assist each other." This was what the higher-ups said, but implementing it was another matter. Kudo Shinichi rubbed his aching temples, figuring that if he left now, he would arrive at the aquarium in time. He sneaked out of the police department, enjoying the perks of being a detective rather than a police officer—no need to adhere to professional ethics or workplace rules.

At midnight, the Tokyo Aquarium was empty and quiet. Kudo had visited the aquarium with Ran several times but never after hours. This wasn’t his first time breaking the rules and entering a building after hours, but meeting like this was a first. The main door was unlocked, indicating "that person" had arrived already. 

For the first time, he showed up early. A tall, young high school girl sat in the dark lobby, back against the large glass of the aquarium, resting with her eyes closed. 

In reality, she was too scared to turn around. 

That wall of fish, whether in the dark or daylight, was terrifying. If the aquarium turned into a "Night at the Museum" scenario after midnight, with ancient fish fossils coming to life, Kuroba Kaito might lose his life here. 

"You’ve waited long, Kaito Kid." Kudo Shinichi leaned against the glass, smiling. The highschool girl didn’t turn around, though she knew her greatest fear was right behind her, the physiological fear of fish trumping the vigilance she should have towards her nemesis. 

Kudo aimed his tranquilizer watch at the disguised girl. "You really like dressing up as a teenage girl." Kudo teased. 

"Yeah, it’s cuter this way," Kid replied. 

"Don’t underestimate people. Trusting me with your back? Aren’t you afraid I’ll take you down?" 

"Meitantei, you’re no fun. If you wanted to take me down, shouldn’t you have alerted Inspector Nakamori? More police officers would make it easier for you to arrest me, wouldn’t it?" Kid questioned. 

"What’s the point of bringing the police to negotiate with you?" Kudo retorted. 

"Then stop standing there," Kid still didn’t turn around. "Let’s talk somewhere brighter." He really didn’t want to see those creatures swimming forward and backward in the dark.

In the dead of night, the only well-lit place was the emergency exit sign at the stairwell. The phantom thief lazily leaned against the doorframe, hands folded, casually flicking her long, waterfall-like wig, and glanced at the detective, "So, what’s the matter?" 

"You know Kuroba Kaito, right?"Kudo couldn’t help but think of Kid protecting Kuroba Kaito, and he felt a sting on the nerve.. 

Kid blinked, did Meitantei really want to confirm this at midnight? All for this? 

"Why? You were the one who asked for my contact info," Kid said. "He told me about what happened between you two. Don’t worry, that kid  won’t bother you anymore."

 "No, actually, it was my fault too. I pushed him too hard, and he came to you for a solution," Kudo admitted.

 "Forget about it,Meitantei... You should focus on taking down the Hirano family."

 Don’t change the subject . Kudo took a deep breath, "What’s your relationship with Kuroba?" 

"Meitantei... what do you mean by that?" Kid asked.

 "I don’t know if Kuroba Kaito told you, but I’m his cousin." Kudo sat on the stairs, clenching his fists.

 "And?"

 "He shouldn’t be involved in our matters and cases, especially with the Black Organization’s recent activities. I don’t want him in danger. If things go wrong and he’s seen as your accomplice... Aunt Chikage told me they might move away soon. Don’t try to convince him to stay." 

Kid wanted to laugh. What was this? A rival issuing a warning? Somehow, seeing Meitantei spouting nonsense was amusing. 

"An accomplice? Why would you think so?Meitantei, if anyone’s seen as an accomplice, it would be you." 

Kudo finally relaxed, smiling, "You’re saying you’ll be caught someday? "

 "Every magic show ends," Kid replied, catching Kudo off guard. What was he saying?

 "When that day comes... when you know who I am, it’ll be over.Meitantei, be careful with the Hirano family." Kid handed Kudo a disk in the most traditional and secure way.

 "I have some things to attend to. Last time, you covered Kuroba Kaito, so I’m repaying you with this. It’s the current data I have. Don’t ask where it’s from; you wouldn’t believe me. Goodnight, Meitantei."

 Watching the girl leave, Kudo gripped the disk tightly. 

Something was off. Very off.

#############

The day before Kuroba Kaito packed his package and left Japan, he took the college test, among all the things happened recently, Japanese university entrance examination compared to the cases and  Black Organization, wasn’t a big deal at all, and since he only applied to one college__University of Tokyo, he finished the test sooner than others.

“But what if you fail the exam? Does that mean you have to wait for the next year?”Aoko worried for him, Kuroba Kaito teased her as he used to, “Is this the first day you know me? How can I ever fail the test? That’s  just a piece of cake to me.” 

Then, he got a nice farewell gift from Aoko__a bump on the back of his head.

“Aoko, you need to be more gentle to others, otherwise nobody will dare to like you.” Kuroba reminded her.

“Kaito! You jerk! Hurry up and get to your vacation in Australia, Aoko won’t miss you one bit” Aoko yelled at him.

Kudo remained silent as they had the last event together. Whereas Kuroba Kaito never spoke to Kudo alone, they just acted like normal classmates, not too close, not totally strangers, either.

Something is not right.

Somehow, Kudo Shinichi was having this weird feelings throughout the whole time. 

The strange feeling earlier now had an explanation—The next day at 6 A.M., Kaito Kid’s heist notice, targeting the Dionysus Ivy Wreath of Hirano Junichi.

"June 2th, 2 AM 

When the world is silent,

 I shall take the Dionysus Ivy Wreath 

Kaito Kid."

Chapter Text

Kudo Shinichi held Kid’s heist notice letter in his hand, snapping back to reality as Akasa Hakase had already driven to the base of the Ekoda Bell Tower.

"Thanks,Akasa Hakase. You can let me off here. I'll go the rest of the way myself," Kudo Shinichi said as he unbuckled his seatbelt.

"Call me when you're done. I'll drive you back,"Hakase said.

"No need. I'll take the subway home," Kudo thanked him.

Standing at Kuroba Kaito's doorstep, was this a farewell? 

Kudo stood there for a long time, recalling that Kuroba Chikage, Arthur-san, and Kuroba Kaito were scheduled to leave Japan today. Although he wasn't particularly close to Kuroba Kaito, and their interactions had been far from cordial, they were still family, and perhaps friends to some extent. 

Borrowing Hattori's words, if they hadn't met under such circumstances, and if there wasn't a certain thief between them, Kuroba might have been a decent friend, a normal, average good friend.

But something felt off... Frowning, Kudo pressed the doorbell again. There was no response from inside. He peeked inside and noticed that the neatly stacked boxes by the door were gone. 

Would a moving company really come this early? It was only just after six in the morning... Looking towards the shoe rack, he saw only Kuroba Kaito's shoes, neatly placed. The women's high heels and the larger men's dress shoes were missing.

"Kuroba!" Kudo called out anxiously, "Kuroba Kaito! Are you there? Open the door, please!"

No response.

"Damn it... Why won't he answer his phone?" Kudo muttered, frustrated by the repeated unanswered calls. Kudo put down the gift he was holding and persistently pressed the doorbell.

 He then called Ran.

"Shinichi? What's up? It's only 6:20 in the morning," Ran asked on the other end.

"Do you know what time Kuroba Kaito's flight is?"

"Huh? I remember Aoko said it was around two in the afternoon. So they should be heading to the airport around noon. What's wrong?" Ran asked.

"I can't reach Kuroba on the phone, and he's not here... Never mind, I'll ask Nakamori Aoko." Before hanging up, Kudo saw Aoko running down the stairs in her pajamas, waving her hands.

"Kudo Shinichi! You... huh... what are you doing here? Are you here to see off Kaito too? Isn't it a bit much to see him off? I mean, it’s only 6:30 in the morning."

"He didn't tell me how long he'd be gone," Kudo replied.Anyway, this was the day, and Kudo Shinichi, being Kaito’s some sort of friend, felt a certain obligation to say farewell.

"Just a week in Paris, to check out his mother's and Arthur-san's place, after the visit in Paris, he said maybe they would stay in Australia through the summer vacation. After all……and we've all finished our college exams," Aoko said, looking puzzled. Nakamori Aoko always questioned about this, she was totally confused, not knowing why Kuroba family suddenly decided to move to Australia. Mostly was anger, for Kaito just left her alone in Japan.

 "Could Kaito still be asleep?"

Aoko took out her key and opened the door to Kuroba's house. They both called out "Excuse us," turned on the lights, and entered.

"Strange... Aunt Chikage's luggage is gone, but Kaito’s are still here... huh? Didn't Kaito plan to leave the country? Why are his things still here? 

“Kuroba Kaito? Kuroba Kaito! Hey! Are you here? Are you dead?" Aoko called out.

Kudo was used to Aoko and Kuroba Kaito's banter. As a detective, he didn't miss any details.

The last time he visited, he didn't pay much attention to his surroundings because of Kuroba Kaito. He didn't want his professional habits to make Kuroba uncomfortable, and he was there to make peace, not to investigate.

But now... fate has given him another chance.

In the black and beige entryway, the morning sunlight perfectly illuminated the interior. The practical, simple furniture and smooth layout seamlessly blended industrial style with 90s European culture, silently exuding an artistic atmosphere.

What caught Kudo Shinichi's eye the most was the photos on the wall.

A tall, unfamiliar man with a mustache, resembling the Arsène Lupin from his imagination, wore a black and white suit with Kuroba Kaito smiling in his arms, Kaito was holding a white rabbit which been pulled out from the magician's hat, 

That must be the twin brother Kudo Yusaku had mentioned before__Kuroba Toichi, Kaito’s father... an inexplicable sense of familiarity.

Kudo Shinichi felt like he had seen him somewhere before.

“What’s that in your hand?” Aoko asked curiously, “Is that Kid’s heist notice letter this morning? It is all over the news, me and my father were having breakfast and then he just rushed out of the house. Huh……I am guessing my father will not come home tonight. ” She got tired of complaining about it. Furthermore, there was one more important problem to solve.

Where did Kuroba Kaito go?

"Huh... Kaito isn't home? I've called him several times and he won't answer? Chikage-san's phone is turned off. Could something have happened?" Aoko said after checking the whole house and returning to the living room.

A ringtone interrupted, and Kudo Shinichi answered his phone. It was Akai Shuichi's voice.

"Kudo... come to Beika Hospital."

A sense of foreboding engulfed him.

#####################

Three hours before the call, Akai Shuichi's expression was as grave as the midnight sky. The sky was pitch black, yet silent. The calm before the storm.

Three hours earlier, at midnight, while negotiating with the Japanese police high command, Akai Shuichi received a rare call for help from Bourbon. A faint smile couldn't last long.

The FBI's support quickly arrived, storming the Kyoto base of the organization, finding it in shambles. Unexpectedly, lying on a stretcher was Furuya Rei, seeking help as the organization's member "Bourbon." The other person was the recently discovered ICPO ``vacation agent," Arthur Nior, who single-handedly destroyed the organization's Kyoto base.

The man on the stretcher appeared ordinary and unremarkable, but Akai's years of experience told him it was merely another disguise.

Disguise.

As an FBI agent, he couldn’t tell the true identity underneath.

"Dad?!"

Then a teenager dashed into view, skillfully bypassing the police officers stationed there.

Dad?

So there really was an Arthur in this world?

Looking again, Akai Shuichi was stunned.

It was Kuroba Kaito.

A clean, youthful face. They had crossed paths several times, even Kudo suspected him before. His father... was the world-renowned magician Kuroba Toichi... could it be...

Kuroba Kaito didn't waste any words. He briefly explained a few things to the ICPO officers, grabbed his backpack with him, and headed to the blood donation room on his own.

High command contacted Akai several times, hoping the FBI stationed in Japan would cooperate with the ICPO to safely escort people back to French territory. Akai Shuichi agreed, though even the head of FBI group, Agent James was surprised.

"You mean... the ICPO agent sent here with Amuro Tooru is... Kuroba Kaito's biological father? Kuroba Toichi? But... How is that possible? Wasn't he supposed to be..."

Without leaving his father's side, Kuroba Kaito lay half-asleep on the bed. Running here in the middle of the night, barely eating, and finally learning his father was out of danger, he collapsed into a deep sleep.

When Arthur's subordinates arrived and saw the scene, they were equally confused. Medical staff carried Kuroba Kaito out of the ward before transferring Kuroba Toichi.

Akai Shuichi ordered an investigation into Arthur Nior's identity, confirming it was indeed the supposedly deceased Kuroba Toichi, now holding a high position in the ICPO with exceptional skill and experience. 

His son, Kuroba Kaito, with a face resembling Kudo Shinichi's, was undoubtedly a remarkable individual.

He dialed a number. After a few minutes, Kudo Shinichi, using his "family" status, entered the hospital.

"Kuroba Kaito is over there."

####################

Kudo Shinichi turned his head.

Half-lying in the observation area of the hospital, the young man, dozing off against the wall, had been called to Beika Hospital three hours earlier. After a blood transfusion, Kuroba Kaito’s mental and physical state wasn't good; due to low blood sugar, the doctor kept him for observation.

Kudo seemed to have a vague idea of what was going on. Akai Shuichi, standing with his hands on his hips, leaned against the wall,talking with the ICPO. Kudo Shinichi came to Agent Jodie for an answer.

"Arthur Nior? Is he in the ICU?" Kudo Shinichi asked.

"No... Interpol took him away," Agent Jodie said. "Mr. Nior is actually an Interpol officer, here on vacation to visit his wife. An hour ago, Interpol sent a special plane to take him back to France, and Kuroba Chikage went with him."

"Aunt Kuroba Chikage remarried? Why did Kuroba Kaito say that was her boyfriend?" Akai Shuichi then noticed Kudo Shinichi hadn't come alone. Following him was Nakamori Aoko, who asked the question. 

Jodie replied, "Perhaps Mrs. Kuroba, as a mother, wasn't ready to talk to her child about it."

Kudo approached and gently shook the drowsy Kuroba Kaito.

"Kuroba-kun... are you alright?"

"Meitantei... ah... Kudo? What... what are you doing here?" Kuroba, half-awake, hadn't realized he used the wrong form of appellation. 

Groggy, his brain seemed to be on strike. How many times had this happened already? In the past twenty-four hours, it had occurred three times. At this rate, things weren't looking good, especially since he had just donated blood to his father. 

In his current condition, even trying to get back to Kid’s statement was challenging. He regretted sending that notice letter on a whim.

Youthful impulsiveness, that's what it was. Moreover, when he returned home, he received an urgent message: his father was in critical condition in the ICU.

The one who contacted him was Jii-chan. When Kuroba Kaito tore off his uniform and rushed to the hospital, he saw his father's bloodless face. Although Kuroba Chikage knew the whole story, she was too frightened to speak. Kuroba Kaito knew his mother and Jii's personalities well enough to realize it would be hard to get answers from them.

So what? He was Kaitou Kid. He never needed anybody's help.

Thus, after some reasoning, Kuroba Kaito roughly pieced together what had happened. 

It was Black Organization.

Enraged, he sent out a notice letter. 

This time, their target had been his father. If they were so eager for him to show up, they shouldn't blame him for being ruthless.

After a nap, feeling much more refreshed, Kuroba Kaito put on his most polite and courteous smile, donning his father's poker face.

"Sorry to trouble you again, Kudo."

"Kaito... What happened to Uncle Arthur?" Aoko asked.

"He originally came to Japan to visit my mom, but it seems his old illness flared up, so he went back to France. Why are you here?" Kuroba lied effortlessly, and Kudo didn't react.

" Kaito, why didn't you say anything when something happened? Kudo and I thought something had happened to you. So does this mean... you don't have to go to France or Australia?"

The girl's face was barely able to contain her joy. Kuroba gave a cheeky smile, "What, you'll miss me if I leave?"

"What... don't be so narcissistic, okay? I don't care if you go to France or not. It'd be better if you didn't come back, so I wouldn't have to deal with the hassle. Always having to make excuses and cover for you in school. Stupid Kaito, if you're okay, then come home with me. My dad just told me that Kaitou Kid has sent another notice letter. I was planning to bring my father dinner. Jeez... Father finally had some free time, and now he has to work overtime again." Aoko thanked Akai Shuichi , "Sorry for making you come all this way. By the way, Kaito... What does Uncle Arthur do?"

"A police officer, I guess? My mom went back with him," Kuroba Kaito answered while grabbing his backpack, "Sorry Aoko, it seems like you have to make dinner for me these days."

Blushing red, Aoko stuck out her tongue, "Fine, I, the great Aoko sama, will generously prepare dinner for you too. Kudo-kun, thanks for coming with me. I'll take Kaito back now. Don't you have other things to take care of? We don’t want to disturb you any longer."

After the split up, Kudo Shinichi followed Agent Jodie to the fourth-floor room. Opening the door, the man lying on the bed with an IV was originally looking out the window. Turning around, he gave a warm smile, but his tone was far from friendly.

"You can leave now,Agent Jodie," Amuro Tooru said, surprisingly, Agent Jodie didn't mind his attitude at all, pretending not to hear it, "I'll go speak with the doctor. And Akai Shuichi may see you later, Kudo-kun. I am terribly sorry, there were too many things that happened last night, too many things to communicate. And you know well, when it comes to communications and cooperations with different authorities, it’s only a mess. Thankfully, James and Akai will handle the conversations. Later."

Closing the door, Kudo frowned, "Who did this?"

"Kir and Chianti," Amuro Tooru replied, lifting the thin blanket. Underneath was his right leg in a cast and some bruising on his left leg. His shoulder also had a gunshot wound, but after two hours of treatment, it was no longer a major concern.

"We walked into an ambush. I mean... the organization walked into an ambush. Now the Bourbon identity can't be used. It’s unusable. The shot was fired by Chianti, and Kir, whose undercover identity is still intact, fired a shot to protect her cover. But I'm fine." 

Amuro Tooru paused, "Didn’t Akai Shuichi tell you? Interpol started investigating the Black Organization five years ago. This time, they planned to rescue an undercover agent held at the Kyoto base. Such rescue operations are common, and the organization's upper echelon didn't pay much attention. But... Interpol sent their most capable devil agent, Arthur Nior. However... he seems to know our organization's internal workings very well, even knowing that I'm an uncover for public security. He did not hurt me but saved my life."

Interpol's devil agent? Arthur Nior?

"Then why did Kuroba Kaito come here?" 

If it was only because Arthur was Aunt Chikage's boyfriend or her current husband, it wouldn't be that important to Kuroba Kaito. He wouldn't have stayed so long or donated blood to someone he barely knew as a "stepfather."

Amuro Tooru frowned, "You'd better ask Akai about that. Right after that kid arrived, I was taken into surgery."

Looking far ahead, Akai and ICPO Agent Camel were having a serious conversation. Knowing it wasn't a good time, Kudo went to the reception desk and casually asked, "Excuse me, I came with Akai."

"Kudo-san!" The nurse recognized him, smiling as she asked, "Akai san specifically mentioned you. Most people on this floor know you. What would you like to know?"

"Kuroba Kaito. Do you remember him?"

"Kuroba Kaito? You mean the young man who looks a lot like you? He somehow found his way here and donated 500 milliliters of blood to an Interpol agent, Mr. Arthur... Arthur. Nior, right? Kuroba's blood matched highly with Arthur's. At first, the hospital didn't agree to let Kuroba donate that much blood, but Kuroba-kun said, 'The person inside is very important to me. Doctor, if possible, I'm willing to trade my life for his.'"

Wait... what?!

Kudo Shinichi rushed back to the ward, "Amuro-san, wait... When did the organization get ambushed?"

"Around midnight," Amuro Tooru replied.

Midnight... that means Arthur isn't Kaitou Kid. Because by the time Kid sent out the heist notice, Arthur was in the coma.

There's only one possibility left.

"Today is going to be a tough battle."

Chapter Text

"Mr. Hirano." Morning at 9, Kudo Shinichi sat across from Hirano Junji, not to seek the truth, but to negotiate. 

"Have you decided already?" Hirano stared at the table in silence. Kudo took out a prepared letter.

 "I understand your concerns. This is a letter your wife wrote to you before she passed away. It was evidence held by the police, but they allowed me to show it to you."

 Hirano's hands began to tremble, and tears rolled down his rugged face, which now appeared weathered and vulnerable. 

"Your wife suffered a severe brain injury in that car accident, leading to prosopagnosia, but that doesn't explain the subsequent memory lapses or the inconveniences in her daily life. What I mean is, despite her condition, she had full self-care abilities. She could still recognize people through other cues, like their voice or lifestyle." 

"Are you saying... that old hag knew all along who her partner was? That she knew it wasn't my brother living with her? She never forgot anything? Impossible..." 

"The tea was prepared by your wife. But... When Officer Takagi questioned your household staff, they said that every time your wife made tea, she was meticulous about the tea ceremony, ensuring the arrangement of the tea utensils was perfect. To her, you two were entirely different. She might not distinguish faces, but other characteristics—such as physique and style—are just as telling. Perhaps your wife did this to preserve your marriage. Don’t want you to feel guilt all the time. I mean, she thought if you think she already lost her mind, maybe the marriage between you two can continue.”

 "Why bother?" Hirano Junji sneered coldly.

 "Why go through all that trouble? Marrying a man she didn't love and pretending to be mad... What a foolish woman." Tears soaked the letter. "Perhaps she initially fell in love with your brother," Kudo glanced at the lawyer sitting beside Hirano. "And maybe, up until her death, she still loved your brother. However, humans can share love with more than one person. She loved your brother, but she also loved you."

"Ridiculous... Kudo Shinichi, if you knew how that accident happened, you'd understand that love and hatred can't coexist. She only hated me. Why else would she stay with me except for money or our child's future?" "Mr. Hirano, you've misunderstood me. Maybe I haven't experienced marriage and can't grasp the complexity of adult relationships, but... I'm a detective. Based on the clues, she did many things to protect you," Kudo said, looking at the lawyer, who remained silent.

 "Isn't that right, Mr. Kotaro, or should I call you... Hirano Junichi?" 

What?! Hirano Junji almost fell off his chair.

The lawyer standing beside him, stammered,"Mr.Kudo... What are you talking about? How could I be... Hirano Junichi?"

 Kudo walked to the wall, pulled down the curtains, and turned off the recording equipment. "You can continue your game of lies. I have no evidence to convict anyone yet. Or, we can be honest. Time is limited, and dangers are imminent. You should know by now, right? Kaito Kid plans to steal the treasure from Hirano Junichi’s place tonight, The ivy wreath. When that happens, how long do you think your family's secrets and deals will remain hidden? Or, do you think the organization will let you live once you lose your value?" 

Kotaro's face turned ashen. Kudo gestured for him to sit, then took a seat himself. 

"This morning, I realized that physical evidence can be tampered with. But if you set aside visual intuition and observe in other ways, connections become clear. For instance, Mr. Kotaro and Mr. Hirano, I noticed the way you drink water and handle chopsticks, the hand gesture. It's too coincidental unless you grew up in the same environment and culture." Kudo continued, "Mr. Kotaro is very attentive to Mr. Hirano. I did some background research. Hirano Junichi studied law and even obtained a lawyer's license before taking over the family business. Impersonating as a lawyer wouldn't be too challenging to you, right?." Kudo cut off Kotaro's attempted rebuttal. 

"No need to argue. As I said, I have no evidence. It's all conjecture. Today, I'm not here to arrest anyone. I just want to make a deal. Please, hear me out." 

"......" 

Kudo spoke, "It's simple. Hirano Junichi poisoned himself with barbiturates, entering a death-like state. Your wife then attacked you to create confusion. This allowed you to be detained." 

"Why?!" Hirano Junji shouted. "Why would my brother do that? If my wife hated me, why not just kill me? Why this elaborate charade?" 

"What if your wife did it to protect both of you? Making Hirano Junichi seem dead while you were under police protection. Perhaps she saw it as the only way to face the Black Organization." 

Hirano Junji suddenly understood. He turned to Kotaro, "... Is it really you?" 

Kotaro pursed his lips, hesitating before responding, "Yes.  it's me."

 A heavy silence filled the room. Kudo checked the time. He couldn't delay any longer. "I will give you time to talk, but right now, I need to know... What kind of deals are recorded on the Dionysus Staff? What is so important that the organization would go to such lengths? And what exactly is the Ivy wreath?" 

The brothers exchanged a look before Hirano Junichi responded, "Sorry, Detective. We can't disclose that."

 A reasonable answer. Kudo hadn't expected a different one. "If you want to hold onto the Ivy Wreath, you should tell us where the treasure is."

 "If you don't know, Kaito Kid won't find it either," Kotaro added. Kudo clenched his teeth. These cunning old foxes wouldn't reveal anything. "Kaito Kid has the Dionysus Staff. That artificial gem may have carried the clues. Kaito Kid is a world-class thief. Do you think he won't find it? You're gambling your entire family's lives." Hirano Junji didn't correct Kudo's misunderstanding about the Ivy Wreath.

"Detective Kudo, we aren't fools," Hirano Junji said. "If we tell the police and Kaito Kid returns the Dionysus Staff, it would be like walking into a trap, provoking the organization's wrath."

"Become protected witnesses for the FBI," Kudo suggested. The men laughed. "Detective Kudo, you know their capabilities. Can the police really protect us?" 

The answer was obvious. 

“No, but at least there will be chances for you to live.”

################

The roles in this game have reversed.

Akai Shuichi was unclear on what Kudo Shinichi had discussed with Hirano Junji during the entirely private, unrecorded twenty-minute conversation, which had immediately turned the police’s disadvantage into an advantage. But Kudo Shinichi was not just a silver-tongued talker. He held the trump card.

Even if the newly reconciled, cunning old foxes of the Hirano family wouldn’t loosen their tongues, Kudo, through the information given by the Kaitou Kid last night—the decoded message of the Bacchus Staff—could guess a few possible locations of the Ivy Wreath.

Hattori Heiji had been waiting outside the interrogation room for Kudo.

“Did you see Kid privately?”

“Hattori?” Kudo was surprised. “You know?”

Hattori rolled his eyes. “Of course, that night, you snuck out and left the police headquarters early. Besides him, only Ran could make you act like that. So, how is the “date” going with the two of you?”

“Exchange of information.” 

It wasn’t really an exchange; it was more like Kid unilaterally providing information.

As they walked, Kudo explained, “After analyzing and compiling the data he gave me, along with today’s conversation with those old foxes inside, I’ve roughly figured out the Hirano family’s modus operandi. The victim may not truly be a victim.”

“What do you mean?”

“Even if Hirano Junji was initially wronged, that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t sacrifice his family and career for the greater good. Even if he is cleared today, we can’t expect his help,” Kudo said. Hattori pursed his lips, “I’ve heard from my father that the Hirano family always deals with benefits; human relationships are worthless to them. So, Kudo, are you regretting helping him collect evidence to clear his name?”

“No... I don’t regret it. All I want is the truth. To bring the culprit to justice and ensure the innocent aren’t incarcerated for that.” Kudo sighed. “But sometimes, the pursuit of truth makes you doubt humanity. Hattori, do you think humans are inherently good or evil?”

Hattori raised an eyebrow, thinking seriously for a moment. “It’s hard to say. Even criminals might have their reasons. By the way, how did you know where Hirano Junichi kept the Ivy Wreath?”

“Like I said before, no matter how divided the Hirano family is, they wouldn’t sacrifice their entire future. Since Hirano Junichi faked his death, they can’t contact each other. We don’t even know the position of Miss Hirano, their sister. If Hirano Junichi contacts any family member, it would attract attention. I think the Hirano family anticipated this long ago. Hence, the two lifesaving tokens are known by several family heads. One is kept by Hirano Junji in the mansion's safe. The other we must find before sunset. Before the heist.”

“Kudo! Do you think Kaitou Kid knows?” Hattori grabbed Kudo. “Maybe we should follow him this time and see where he leads us?”

Kudo Shinichi showed the determination of a detective, “Hattori, I can’t lose to Kaitou Kid in this game. He had already taken the step ahead of us. Giving up the puzzle means forfeiting.”

###########

At noon, Kudo Shinichi met Nakamori Aoko, who came to deliver lunch. He greeted her, “Nakamori, where’s your father?”

“Ah... Dad was called to a meeting again.” Aoko answered.

“I see...”

“Sorry, Kudo-kun, I have something this afternoon and can’t stay long. Should I call him?”

“No need.” Kudo thanked Nakamori, “You go ahead with your business.”

“Wait... I haven’t thanked you for accompanying me to the hospital this morning. I think... The afternoon matter isn’t urgent. How about I take you to him?”

Kudo asked curiously, “Where are you going? School?”

“Of course not... Don’t tell Kaito; I plan to surprise him. His birthday is at the end of month, and there’s an anime convention this week, featuring a hot-blooded anime we both like. Since a lot of things are going on, and I can’t imagine how Kaito handles the incident of Uncle Aurthur right now, I want to sneak in and buy something for him. Can’t wait to see his grateful face.”

Kudo was speechless.

Is this how teenagers pursue idols or or two-dimensional characters these days?

“Birthday at the end of the month?”

“Yes! I also want to buy a Gemini keychain for him.”

Gemini? The Zodiac sign?

Wait... Kudo Shinichi’s heart raced, and he quickly took out his phone.

“Although zodiac stuff is more about psychological self-explanation, knowing some Greek myths and stories is fascinating... Kudo? Kudo... what’s wrong?” Nakamori Aokoasked, and Kudo suddenly looked up, smiling like Kuroba Kaito, “I see. Thanks, Nakamori.” 

Kudo Shinichi immediately called Hattori Heiji, running to the meeting room while saying, “I know the location. Kaitou Kid’s prediction letter. Hattori, the Ivy Wreath isn’t a gem or a relic...”

“Wait... Kudo, what are you talking about? Where are you now? Are you coming here?”

“I’m almost there. The location in Kaito Kid’s notice letter is the planetarium Miss Hirano took over and renovated.”

“Planetarium?” Hattori didn’t understand, “Kudo, how are you sure it’s the planetarium? I don’t believe those old foxes of the Hirano family would tell you.”

Kudo smiled mysteriously, “The Ivy Wreath is actually an armillary sphere simulating celestial movements. The only place it can be is the Hirano family’s planetarium.”

#####################

The evening wind was especially strong, a cloudless lonely night. 

A moonless night, the full moon hidden by clouds, symbolizing an end and a new beginning. Clad in white, enveloped in the night, Kaitou Kid stood atop Tokyo Tower.

The vibration from the right chest pocket mirrored his inner turmoil, heart pounding against his ribs. Kuroba Kaito dared not imagine the worst outcome.

Answering the phone, it was his mother’s voice, slightly crying, her nasal tone resonating.

“Kaito... your... your... father… he……”

His fingers disobeyed, hanging up, eyes vacant, gazing at the bustling night city. Sometimes, Kid wondered, if the night truly fell without lights and people, could he find his way home by the stars just like romans in the old days?

Does he still have a home now?

Clutched in his hand was the gem from his father before he left—Dionysius, the last words from Kuroba Toichi echoing in his ears, “Do what you must, Kaitou Kid.”

Not Kuroba Kaito, but Kaitou Kid . Finally approved by his father, the recognition weighed too heavy to breathe.

The burden was suffocating. Kid looked over the nightscape, anger simmering within.

For the first time, he felt deep, wild anger, the rage like a desert storm, a thunderstorm in the ocean. At some point, the sky seemed to crack open. Rain poured down.

Kaitou Kid let the rain soak everything, time ticking away, forgotten. 

His favorite rainy day, why so bleak? The most pleasant night, why so lonely?

Rain drenched everything, his suit, rain sliding down his hat brim, drop by drop, replacing the tears he couldn’t shed.

Suddenly, he felt so tired. So exhausted.

Suddenly, he wanted to tear off the cape and leave, abandoning the identity of Kaitou Kid.

Kudo seemed to have a psychic link, looking up, seeing the white figure standing at the boundary of heaven and earth, like a fallen angel.

“Kaitou Kid!!!”

Meitantei... again.

Why is it always you?

Kudo Shinichi’s shout sparked something in Kid’s gradually cold heart, igniting a flame.

Kaitou Kid smirked. Yes, he was always alone, so what? He was Kaitou Kid, invincible, immortal.

“Do what you must, Kaitou Kid.” His father’s words echoed again, an expectation and an entrustment. This time, he became the true Kaitou Kid, unique, the ultimate and the only phantom thief.

A turn, donning a new suit, all in white, daring and magnificent entrance.

Don’t worry, Dad... They will pay for that.

Chapter Text

Without pretentious lines, without a grand stage performance, and without that brazen, conspicuous white figure, Kaito Kid was especially eerie today. It wasn't like last time when Kudo clearly felt it wasn't the thief he knew or had faced before. But this time, the feeling and aura had returned, only... the phantom thief had changed. He seemed more menacing.

Even Inspector Nakamori noticed something different. No longer shouting loudly as before, an uneasy feeling settled over him. He couldn't help but look up, one hand gripping the police car door.

 Why is Kaito Kid more... more dangerous than usual?

A gleaming soccer ball sliced through the sky, sparking as it returned to Kudo Shinichi’s feet. Kaito Kid dodged it effortlessly, lightly licking his lips. Kudo smiled, "Hey, Kaito Kid? You're especially serious today."

Kid didn’t reply, as another soccer ball flew towards Kaito Kid. This time, Kid had to jump off the roof, narrowly avoiding an arrow shot from the shadows.

How terrifying, he almost forgot he was on the territory of a master of traps, a planetarium designed by a genius architect from the late last century. 

But so what? Kaito Kid revealed a few red balls with a wicked smile. Could these traps really outsmart him?

Never.

 If there are so many gimmicks, why not just blow a hole through them?

As expected of a phantom thief, even his thinking was so different from others. "I just want to borrow your equipment to get the answers I need. You're blocking my way, so I have to 'break in'." 

His pure white suit vanished into the night.

Inspector Nakamori watched Kaito Kid blow a hole in the planetarium’s hemispherical dome, stunned, mouth agape... Today, Kaito Kid was really out of the ordinary.

"Hurry! It's Kid! Group A and B, surround the front entrance. The rest, follow your team leaders' instructions inside. Move on!" Nakamori shouted, closing his radio with a mutter, "Useless, all of them, following orders one by one."

Kudo Shinichi and Hattori Heiji exchanged a glance and, in tacit understanding, entered the planetarium with the tactical team. Nakamori Aoko, who arrived with Inspector Nakamori, followed closely behind.

Without any extraneous movements, without any flashy techniques, Kaito Kid was not a magician today but more like an assassin targeting his prey. Dressed in black, he approached his goal step by step. 

Hypnotic gas, tear gas, electric guns paired with conductive wires, he used them all, bodies falling one by one.

"You... you can't come any closer! Surrender now, Kaito Kid!" One brave yet trembling officer blocked Kaito Kid’s path, while the others lay unconscious on the ground.

"Move."

With a lazy yet imposing tone, the officer complied, falling to the ground. Kaito Kid had no time to bother with him, striding to the western entrance of the planetarium. Moonlight peeked through the clouds, focused into a beam by the lens at the front of the modified armillary sphere.

 Today was early June, right in the Gemini constellation period, under the patronage of Dionysus. Kaito Kid took out the green gem from his chest, standing in front of the large customized armillary sphere.

His fingers traced the intricate metal globe until he found Athens, Greece—where Dionysus' temple was located. He lightly touched the gem, fitting it perfectly into place with a click.

Rumbling sounds echoed from the top floor of the planetarium as metal grates rose around him, forming a cage like that for a trapped beast. But Kaito Kid had anticipated traps. 

He didn't rush, leisurely deciphering the gem. Moonlight reflected and refracted, eventually forming text on the ground.

This was the information the organization wanted.

It wasn't just another deal with the Black Organization but something else.  Though Kaito Kid didn’t fully understand it at the moment, he memorized all the information quickly. Just then, Kudo Shinichi, stepping over unconscious officers, shouted from behind the iron grates, "Kid, watch out! That's a bomb!!"

#######################

Kaito Kid turned to see a small square wooden box presented before him, accompanied by the sound of gears. Kudo clenched his teeth, knowing all too well what it was.

"Kid! Run! Get the hell out of there! Somebody open the cage! " Kudo yelled at the walkie talkie.

"Meitantei, how strange, you're letting me go today?" Kaito Kid curiously looked around as Kudo urgently shouted, "No time for jokes! That’s a Hyakushi Box!"

Hyakushi Box?

"Run, we'll handle the bomb. There's no time," Hattori added. Only then did Kaito Kid notice Nakamori Aoko among them.

Idiot, Kuroba had warned her not to come, but she didn’t listen.

Aoko quickly took out her phone to contact Inspector Nakamori, trying to reach his father:”Father, Kudo asked you to turn off the metal cage trap, there is a bomb! What do you mean ? You mean that isn't the police's plan?” Aoko didn’t understand.

“Then who did this?!”

Kaito Kid blinked, gently removing the Hyakushi Box with his gloved hands. He understood. The detailed plans recorded inside Dionysus included the manufacturing, transport, and sales of explosives and the schematics of a certain device.

Hyakushi Box.

So, Jii-chan’s information was correct; the Hirano family did have such a thing. If he left now, the information in Dionysus' staff would be incomplete, and Kaito Kid was determined to destroy any data that could fall into the wrong hands. He looked back at the detective.

He had to stay here and dismantle the bomb.

"Don't you get it? Run! Damn! Kaito Kid!" Kudo Shinichi yelled, gripping the iron grates. "Just take the gem with you and go!"

Seeing Kaito Kid not fleeing but starting to solve the bomb, Kudo could only curse. 

Bastard, couldn’t he prioritize?

Are gems and information more important than life?

Inspector Megure had mentioned the Hyakushi Box and the recent random bombings in Tokyo to Kudo Shinichi recently.

The device naturally caught the detective’s attention, but before he could examine it up close, the curse had befallen Kaito Kid first.

While memorizing the information revealed by the moonlight and swiftly dismantling the bomb, Kaito Kid turned a few times before realizing the device in his hand was a major problem. He had never seen such a multi-faceted explosive secret box.

"Dad wasn’t lying; this thing is really tricky. What the hell is this?"

After memorizing the information inside the gem, Kaito Kid held the gem in one hand and the Hyakushi Box in the other, feeling the box getting hotter. A drop of cold sweat slid down.

Every side was a puzzle, and he couldn't solve it step by step like a detective. He had to use Kaito Kid’s method—smirking, closing his eyes, and using those hands which belonged to magicians to feel and explore.

Soon, unseen by Kudo Shinichi, the Hyakushi Box disassembled into several cubes rolling on the ground, releasing thick smoke.

"Kaito Kid!!!"

Kudo Shinichi shouted as the metal grates lowered, the weight sensors losing their target, the trap and the cage naturally deactivated. 

As the smoke cleared, Kudo picked up the fallen Kid card and the Dionysus gem, and knew the cracks on the mechanism were caused by Kaito Kid. Deep in thought, he gazed at the armillary sphere. The single chance to read Dionysus had been used by Kaito Kid.

That’s fine.

Looking up at the night sky and those pure white gliding wings, Kudo smiled with relief. At least... the information in that guy's hands was the safest outcome.

Chapter Text

"Screw it…"

Hirano Junji's hands trembled with frustration and anger.

"Damn!"

Piece by piece, evidence was delivered, and Hirano Junji was released by the police, only to return home to a scene of utter chaos and emptiness.

Everything was over.

 Last night's news was all over the place, Kaitou Kid, as usual, succeeded and left triumphantly. The planetarium tower, blown open with a hole on the top of the roof, now became a new tourist hotspot, while the police at the scene couldn’t stop the endless flow of people. 

Hirano threw the remote control to the ground in rage, smashing it to pieces. Now wasn't the time to watch TV.Rushing into the bedroom, he tore through the room, filled with memories of his grandmother, but now wasn’t the time to cry either.

The phone rang.

"Brother."

It was the voice of his sister, Hirano Reiko.

"Welcome home."

How much of it was fake, how much was sincere? Hirano Junji didn't have time to care: "Get to the point."

"I guess you didn't miss much news in custody. Last night, that thief solved one of the Hyakushi Boxes. At least he saved us the trouble."

"Right, he didn't get blown to bits, lucky him. But... sister, you should think hard about how we can avoid getting blown to bits ourselves," Hirano Junji said, holding the phone between his shoulder and ear while pulling out a passport and checks from the safe.

"He dealt with one Hyakushi Box, and stealing our family's hidden trump card, and those assassins will surely turn their guns on us," Hirano Reiko said, smoking a cigar, crossing her legs, and gazing out at the drifting petals at the pedestrians .

"What was the point of getting those useless cops involved?" Hirano Junji demanded. "Now that I'm back, it's time to settle scores. No matter what your past connections with the organization are, this disaster involves us all. The black organization is not someone who values personal connections ; they always root out every last weed. So thinking about how to get out of this mess is a family affair. Priority!"

Despite internal conflicts, external threats always brought the family together.

"Brother... you know I never agreed with Grandfather and father taking on the organization's orders. The path of producing bombs has cost too much blood, first is the threat along with the Hyakushi Boxes sent by Black Organization, and now……these murder cases, and if the government catches on, we're done for. Didn't the police have some capable detectives as helpers? Kudo Shinichi, I think? He is the one who saved you from going to prison. Maybe you should turn to them for help."

"Idiot!" Hirano Junji snapped. "You’re practically announcing we have bombs! How many kilograms of explosives are buried under the planetarium? This morning, the police and FBI sealed off the tower, searching every inch. They’d have to find something! You’d better tell me you've already moved them."

He really wanted to go over and wring his sister's neck through the telephone. First, his older brother’s faking death nearly put him into jail, now his reckless younger sister was putting everyone in the family into danger, Hirano Junji suddenly found himself missing his old hag…

"Brother... Don’t you worry, I already moved all of them, but... one Hyakushi Box is still there in the planetarium,I didn't dare touch it."

Damn... the Hyakushi Box.

"How many are left?" Hirano Junji whispered.

"Kaitou Kid dismantled one, so there should be two left. One is still in the planetarium, who knows what traps might send me straight to hell. This morning, Hirano Shunsuke, that bastard outside the family, took one from me. "

"Why does that son of the bitch know about these things?" Hirano Junji asked furiously," Father never really mentioned Hyakushi Box to me, but only to tell me to keep it safe. "

"We all know Hirano Shusuke is dad’s favorite. God wishes him luck. So the last one... what do we do? The one that is still kept in the planetarium."Reiko replied.

Hirano Junji went silent for a moment. "Alright, I'll handle it."

"Where's our big brother?" Hirano's third sister asked. A laugh came from deep within Hirano Junji, filled with disdain: "Why do you care now? Almost had power in your hands, didn’t you? Unsatisfied? The last thing you want is us to get back to this family, isn’t it?"

"What nonsense. I'd be thrilled for you two to take over the family business. I just want to live my life as a noble lady. Don’t want to bring disaster upon myself. FYI, Shunsuke’s head is clearly smarter and wiser than you two. At least he ran as far as he could if this shit happened to us. Brother, don’t say I didn’t warn you, some things are too dangerous to handle. If you’re not fated for it, don’t try."

“What do you know?” Hirano Junji gibed,” As far as I know, Shunsuke did make some deals and business with the black organization. He is not that aloof as you imagine.”

Hirano's third sister continued: "Hyakushi Box, they're a warning. They're reminding us that every deal, every penny we earn, is knocking on hell's door."

Hirano Junji sneered and hung up.

"Hirano Shunsuke? That smelly brat dares get involved too?" Hirano muttered, pouring himself a cup of tea, gritting his teeth. “What's so special about Hyakushi Box? Just some old boxes.Why is everyone after those crap?... ugh..." His breath caught, eyes wide, foaming at the mouth, vision blurring.

A streak of blood marked the table leg.

"Gin," Vodka lowered his binoculars, "Hirano Junji is dead."

Gin bit down on his cigarette, stepping hard on the gas: "Useless pawns should be discarded. Consider it a free ticket to hell; he should be grateful."

"Gin.. wasn’t the Hyakushi our original target? Why did Tequila send three to the Hirano family? Won’t the Boss have questions?" Vodka asked.

 Gin gave a cold glance: "Shut up. Even if so, it has nothing to do with me. Hyakushi Box is the Boss's collection and interests, I’m not interested.As for Tequila? I don’t care about him at all."

Gin answered a call, his tone growing colder: "Rum... is you, how rare. Fine, you take people to the Hirano family's cemetery in Kyoto. Those fools thought burying bombs and the materials there was clever. I won't be joining you."

################

Blood... it was all blood.

"Kaito? Kaito... are you home?"

A frantic knocking at the door from the living room, but Kuroba Kaito couldn’t respond. He clung to the edge of the sink, barely managing to stand, turning the faucet on full, trying to wash away the bloodstains.

"Kaito?"

"Wait! I'm coming!" Kuroba Kaito coughed up more blood, finally finding the strength to speak. He jogged to the living room and opened the door, only to see the last face he wanted to see.

Nakamori Aoko.

"What is it? Early morning? No school today. Couldn’t you just call?" Kuroba instinctively wiped his mouth, fearing the blood would cause unnecessary trouble.

"I chased Kid with Kudo yesterday, lost my phone somewhere. Going back with Kudo later to find it. I came because Chikage called my father yesterday... and..."Aoko frowned slightly: "Are you okay?"

Are you okay?

Of course he was okay.

Aoko continued, "She informed us of the tragedy. I am so sorry, Kaito. If there is anything I can do for you to make you feel better……."

Kaito forced a smile even though he didn't believe it: "I’m not close with Uncle Arthur, I think."

"Really? Kaito... you know you can tell me or my dad anything. Don’t keep it all inside." Saying this suddenly, Aoko felt awkward.

"Want to come with us?" she asked. Kaito declined with a smile, hiding the nausea in his throat: "No... you go ahead. I want to check out the anime expo alone."

"Alright... see you later."

As Aoko’s figure disappeared around the corner, Kuroba Kaito took a step forward to call her back. He had a bad feeling.

Like this might be their last conversation.

"Aoko!" He then shouted out loud instinctively. 

She turned, smiling: "What is it, Kaito? Change your mind? Wanna be with me?!"

"You..." Kuroba Kaito grimaced: "Idiot, stop saying misleading words. You'll give people the wrong idea."

"You... Kuroba Kaito! I'll get you for this!" Aoko shouted back, sticking out her tongue. Watching Kuroba Kaito waving his hands, Aoko suddenly felt a tightness in her chest, as if she might lose Kaito.

An inexplicable premonition of looming disaster.

____________________________________________________

"Nakamori-san!" Hattori waved his hands as Aoko’s figure approached. "Didn't Kuroba-kun come with you?"

"Ah... that idiot said he was going to an anime convention. So, I came by myself, but aren't you guys here too? By the way, why are there still so many police officers after Kaitou Kid made his move? Did he send another heist notice?" Aoko asked, puzzled. 

The top floor of the planetarium was surrounded by yellow tape, technicians were repairing it. Thankfully, the damage wasn't severe: the steel frame and structure were intact, only the switchable dome screen at the top was blown open.

"The police suspect the Hirano family is involved in the bomb case, maybe they were responsible for the production and storage of the explosives. Police are investigating the case. However, the police searched the entire building thoroughly and found nothing, plus, they couldn’t hide those things inside the public place, maybe they hid those bombs somewhere else, and now, the police are investigating on the armillary sphere. Trying to find any clues that related to the gem. " Kudo Shinichi stepped over the yellow tape. 

“Oh, Kudo kun! Huh……I lost my phone yesterday, how can I get it back? I can’t remember where I put it.”

"I told Inspector Megure that we'll accompany you inside to get your phone later. Those Agents are about to leave, moving out the sphere and any other evidence, before the Hirano family sends anyone to steal them back. Do you need any help?"

"No need. I can get it myself. I think I left it on the top floor, at the time I tried to call my dad. It’s fine, really, I don’t want to bother you, Kudo." Aoko said, "Aren't you going to question Hirano Junichi-san? Don't delay because of me."

Kudo nodded, and Inspector Megure approached. 

"Kudo, just as you said, we've brought Mr.Hirano Junichi here. He and Officer Takagi are heading to the control room on the first floor of the planetarium."

"Thank you, Inspector Megure. But is the building safe...?"

"I've spoken to the building assessor and the officers who guarded it all night. They said the overall structure is fine. The dome of the planetarium isn't made of typical materials, in order to allow visitors to watch and enjoy the starry sky, it's constructed with thin steel frames and plastic materials like other observatories. Kaitou Kid only blew off the east side of the roof, plus the only devices that were damaged along with the roof are the loudspeakers and public address system. They should be repaired in no time. It should be just fine, but just to be careful, you should all go to the control room, just let the police and technicians take care of everything. What about Nakamori Aoko? You told me she went to the top floor to look for her phone?"

“Yes, but it shouldn’t take too long,” said Hattori.

Hattori and Kudo followed Inspector Megure into the planetarium.

"By the way, Kudo, why was Kuroba-kun at Beika Hospital? Aoko Nakamori told me. Chikage-san's husband was incredibly lucky; his wife's child happens to be a blood match. Without that, he wouldn't have survived long enough for the ICPO to fly him to France for treatment. Too bad he did not make it through."

That's right... Kuroba Kaito.

Kudo's voice turned cold. "Coincidences aren't just coincidences."

Hattori Heiji wanted to ask more, but they entered the control room, putting their curiosity aside for the moment. FBI agents, led by Akai, were already at the control panel, reviewing yesterday's surveillance footage.

"Mr. Hirano Junichi, I regret to inform you that your brother... Hirano Junji, was found dead at home this morning at six o'clock, just two hours ago." Agent Jodie put down her phone, shocking everyone present. 

Hirano Junichi shouted in disbelief. "What... What did you say? Say it again!"

"Mr. Hirano Junji was found dead at home by detectives this morning at seven. He died around six o'clock. Before his death, he spoke with Miss Hirano, your younger sister, who confirmed the call and has a perfect alibi. During the call, she was at a private party at a high class hotel in Kyoto, with many witnesses and staff to confirm her presence. We've ruled you out as a suspect."

"I've been under police surveillance the whole time!" Hirano Junichi said, suppressing his anger. "Of course, I couldn't have killed my brother!"

Officer Takagi quickly tried to calm him down. "Yes, yes, we know. After investigating, we found that no one entered Hirano Junji's residence after he returned. He used a replaced teacup laced with poison. Our surveillance footage shows a woman in black entering his house early this morning. Do you recognize her?"

"Vermouth."

Kudo Shinichi spoke up.

Jodie paused. "Vermouth... it was the organization."

"Mr. Hirano, your family knows the information we need." Agent Jodie said. "You see how the organization operates. It's best to come clean because that is the only way for us to protect you."

Hirano Junichi closed his eyes in resignation. "Inside the gem of Dionysius’s staff, there are detailed records of all our branch family's transactions, including those with the Black Organization. These records include transactions from years ago, such as the manufacture and transport of explosives. Honestly... we've never understood why our grandfather kept such records or why the organization cares so much about them."

"What do you mean?" Hattori asked.

"The Hyakushi Box."

The Hyakushi Box?!

"Are you saying the box Kaitou Kid solved yesterday is the legendary Hyakushi Box? But isn't that supposed to be lost for a century?" Jodie exclaimed. Hirano Junichi shook his head.

"No. Our branch family specializes in making ordinary bombs, not making the Hyakushi Box, which is not a bomb, that is a mechanism box, someone else made them, we never really know who did it. You have to ask Shunske. When our old man was alive, he favored his illegitimate son, Hirano Shunsuke. The Hyakushi Box wasn't our main business, plus, nobody really know what that fucking thing is; it was an old man’s hobby__finding the legend. So, he left this legacy to his favorite child. When our family tried to end business with Black Organization, they sent three Hyakushi boxes at our front door, to threaten us, to control us.”

“Back to Dionysius staff, that gem contains many of our explosive storage sites and supply chains. Initially, we thought the organization was after this, but now it seems they're also interested in the Hyakushi Box. They sent some of the boxes to us just to see if any one of us can possibly dismantle them. To be honest, that cursed thing... I want nothing to do with it, all we know is that the gem contains information about Hyakushi Boxes which my father and grandfather have collected for a while, we never really saw them, not to mention to make them, until a month ago, we received three Hyakushi Boxes from Tequila. All we know is that Shunsuke is in charge of this cause now he takes one from Reiko, and has gone missing, probably living it up somewhere."

"You mean you're clueless about the boxes? The one that was solved by Kaito Kid yesterday was sent to you, not made by your family?" Hattori asked. 

Hirano Junichi nodded. ,"We know our limits. We focused on our expertise—explosives materials. Why meddle with the Hyakushi Box? It's known as the Kiss of Hades. Not careful enough, that curse will take your life!"

Suddenly, Kudo Shinichi turned to Inspector Megure. "Inspector Megure, do you have Kaitou Kid's heist notice?"

"Which heist notice?" Officer Takagi rummaged through his backpack. Kudo Shinichi, impatient, took the letter from Takagi, searching until he found a stack of folded papers.

The ones Kuroba Kaito showed him in class.

"Isn't this invalid?"

"No. It isn't." Kudo Shinichi realized the papers weren't a code but the architectural plans for the Hirano residence. Ignoring how Kuroba Kaito obtained these, Kudo rearranged the sketches, finally finding the correct order. Using ultraviolet light, he revealed a complete 3D-like architectural diagram__not only of Hirano Junichi’s mansion (Where Kuroba Kaito initially planned to steal the gem), but the whole map of the Hirano family’s common real estate.

Then some places catched Kudo’s attention.A hidden vault... and the Hirano family cemetery.

"Could this be where the explosives are buried?" Inspector Nakamori asked.

"Akai-san, it’s your call." Kudo handed the copies to Akai, who nodded. With a look and an order, ten FBI agents, along with Jodie, followed Akai rushing out the planetarium. 

Before leaving, Akai said to Kudo Shinichi, "I'll inform James. If there's any news, Jodie will contact you. Kudo Shinichi, later, I need to tell you something."

Akai Shuuichi decided to reveal to Kudo the ICPO's operation against the organization, including the matters involving Kuroba and Arthur. Kudo understood the importance of the situation from Akai's words and expressions.

"Do what you need to do, detectives," Hirano Junichi said. "What is borrowed must be returned. All I want now is to go home and sit on the porch with my former lover, drinking tea and saying nothing. This planetarium is where our love began and where it thrived. The person who wanted visitors to see the stars was Mrs. Hirano... but alas, this is where our love started, where Mrs. Hirano and I met, and where love died—she married my brother here. Since she is gone, the remaining memories should be buried with the stars. I just want her to see the stars here one last time, as a final farewell."

______________________

In the damp and dark night, Akai led his team, surrounding the organization members who were digging graves. Amidst the howling wind, Tequila crushed his half-smoked cigar underfoot.

"Sir... the FBI is here! What... What should we do? There are too many of them."

Tequila didn’t really pay attention to those duds, he picked up his phone without any looks of panic. On the other end of the phone, the voice of Rum, with the background noise of sushi being chopped, replied. "If the FBI is here, someone on your side betrayed us.Tequila."

Tequila laughed coldly, kicking the scout chair supporting him into the grave. "I'm not like you, constantly worrying about uncovering moles. Since Kaitou Kid sent out the designs of the whole place, who says we're the only ones who can interpret them?"

Rum laughed, picking up a long knife, and a slicing sound followed. "Are you blaming Kid for this?"

Tequila sneered, shooting the pursuing detectives while talking on the phone. Following the original escape plan, he retreated to the air-raid shelter under the Hirano house, where several FBI agents awaited, resulting in a standoff. 

"FBI……How troublesome..."

Tequila reluctantly threw a grenade, retreating to the west exit. "You're too late to find him now. This isn't Kaitou Kid's stage but the final farewell from Kuroba Toichi to his son."

Rum put down the butcher knife. "What do you mean?"

Tequila laughed. "Rum, you're far behind the news. ICPO agent Arthur Nior, aka Kuroba Toichi, died almost one day ago despite rescue efforts. Of course... it was just an “accident”.  Without that thorn in our side, it's boring... so boring that I'm just wasting time with a few FBI agents. Tsk tsk."

Tequila effortlessly killed another police officer who was chasing him and now knocking on the door to heaven……or hell?

Another fool rushing to die...

"Disappointed? Hahaha... 'The Master' asked me to deliver a message to you guys, the core members in the organization." Tequila said.

"Don't be too harsh on Kid. After all, he's just a child."

Rum scoffed,"Kuroba Toichi... old friend of mine, after eight years, you were still as sharp and sly as the fox, causing a lot of problems and bringing a lot of chaos. But did you really think sending your son to the police could keep the organization away from him?"

We will get him, eventually.

Chapter Text

Was it all over?

The Japanese police and the FBI had captured most of the organization members who went on bomb digging, although the core member__Tequila had escaped from the cemetery. Moreover, the police found out companies and politicians who had colluded with the Black Organization. But a sense of foreboding lingered. 

At the last moment, as the police took Hirano Junichi away, he gave a bitter smile.

"Let all memories be buried here."

"Something's wrong!" Kudo shouted, causing the officers and Akai to stop and tense up. "What is it, Kudo?"

Hattori said, "The planetarium! Hirano Junichi planted the last bomb there. Kaito Kid blew up the top floor to create a stage, but Hirano Junichi planted another explosive on the third floor below. Remember? He said the Hirano family had three Hyakushi Boxes. Kaito Kid dismantled one, Hirano Shunsuke took another... the last one..."

Ran turned pale. "Hattori... are you serious? OMG! Shinichi! Aoko is at the top floor of the planetarium!"

"What? Why is she still there?" Inspector Megure asked. Ran anxiously replied, "She said she lost her phone and went back to the top floor of the planetarium to find it. But she still has not returned."

"What's going on?" Inspector Nakamori, ready to call it a day, was puzzled by the commotion. Ran grabbed his elbow. "Inspector Nakamori, Aoko is still near the planetarium’s top floor! Hattori and Shinichi suspect a Hyakushi Box is buried below!"

Kudo added, "Remember Hirano Junichi's last words? He said it was the start of romance and the death of love. He wants to use the Hyakushi Box to blow the top off the planetarium, so his dead lover, Mrs. Hyakushi  can see the stars as a final gift before he blows off the entire place.."

A chill ran down their spines.

"What are you standing around for? Go to the surveillance room! Call Aoko!" Nakamori shouted.

Nothing must happen!

The surveillance feed was still up, but their relief turned to horror as they saw the shadow hidden in the floor's crevice from the previous explosion.

"Inspector! The call won't go through; someone is on the line!" Aoko appeared in the screen's corner, rummaging through her bag. Nakamori snatched the phone, hearing a voice mail message: "Sorry, the number you dialed is currently in a call. Please try again later."

“Inspector, the public address system still can’t be used!” Another officer yelled.

"Damn it! Drag Hirano Junichi here!" Inspector Nakamori shouted ten times louder than usual.

Junichi laughed, as the police took his smart phone out of his right pocket, the number on his phone screen was as red as blood.

35 seconds.

” Oops, looks like you only have thirty seconds left.”

"You jerk!" Nakamori roared, spit flying onto Hirano's face. "What are you trying to do? You want to take an innocent person go down with you? Stop the bomb immediately! Right now!"

"It wasn’t me who triggered the bomb, and I don’t know who did, but I am guessing once the organization decided to wipe out the entire Hirano’s family, they will do it soon, the more people know this place the worse, they killed my brother this morning, the next target will be this place. I did not plan the Hyakushi box here on purpose, we just put the bomb at the place where Gin demanded us to. Mr.Nakamori, I am terribly sorry that you can't save your precious daughter! But in the end, I lost my brother and my lover... why should I bear this pain alone?" Hirano Junichi shook his head.

“That’s the reason why you didn’t mention it until now?”

Watching the countdown through the screen, Nakamori's despair was palpable.

Time waits for no one.

#######################

"Where’s my phone?"

Phone, phone, phone?

Following the faint music, Aoko found her phone under a plank. The caller ID showed Kuroba Kaito.

"Hello?"

"Aoko! No time, do exactly as I say!" Kuroba Kaito shouted through the strange noise, like a strong wind howling in the background. 

Aoko, startled by the yelling, was about to scold him when Kuroba's urgency stopped her. 

"There's a bomb on your floor. There’s no time. Can you see that? It is under the plank—throw it as high as you can! Now! Find cover and hide yourself, Now!!"

Despite her confusion, Aoko obeyed. 

Kaito's voice was strangely compelling today. Her body moved on instinct. She pried open the plank, revealing a black bomb with a blood-red timer showing 8 seconds. Without hesitation, she grabbed it, ran to the tower's center, and hurled it upwards with all her strength. 

At that moment, a white figure sliced through the night sky, catching the bomb and tossing it higher.

"Kaito Kid?!"

Everything happened so fast. 

The bomb exploded mid-air. Aoko only remembered her hiding behind a statue, feeling the waves of gray smoke and heat. She buried her head in her arms, eyes shut tight.

Kaito... if only you were here.

Save me... Kaito.

Boom... crash! The massive sound echoed in the planetarium. 

Aoko curled up, hands over her ears, counting the seconds. When the noise ceased, she peeked out. The planetarium's big hole had grown, only a few steel frames clinging on. Smoke and mud filled the air, burning her throat.

Pressing her pounding chest, Aoko realized she had survived.

She almost died!

 Inspector Nakamori's shout echoed through the planetarium's entrance. "Aoko! Aoko! Where are you?! Aoko!"

"Dad!" Aoko responded immediately. The smoke cleared, and Nakamori saw his daughter safe, relief washing over him. The smoke also revealed scattered remnants of an elegant disguise—a burnt hat, shattered monocle, casually lying on the ground.

"Inspector! It's... it's...Kaito Kid!"

Chapter Text

The police gathered around the young man. His once pristine white suit was stained with large patches of crimson, and Kid lay silently in blood, like in a deep coma.

Nakamori Ginzo could hardly believe his eyes as he murmured, "Kaitou Kid?!"

The surrounding officers took a step back, unsure of what to do without further orders from their superiors. They drew their guns and stood ready, not daring to relax even for a moment. Who knew if this was another one of his magic tricks?

Even Nakamori didn't dare approach. But for Nakamori Aoko, it wasn't the Kaitou Kid she was worried about, but Kuroba Kaito. She quickly dialed Kuroba's number, and at that moment, a buzzing sound echoed through the space.

The police exchanged glances. What was that sound? Could it be another bomb?

Kid seemed to move a little. The moment he hit the ground, a phone slipped out of his inner suit pocket, landing nearby. With his last bit of strength, his gloved finger touched the answer button on the screen.

"I did it, Kaito! I threw the bomb upwards just like you said, and Kid appeared out of nowhere, as if he had some sixth sense, and caught it. Where are you? You… Kaito?"

When you hear your own voice echo back to you after a few milliseconds, it feels incredibly strange. When Aoko heard her voice coming from another place, she turned towards Nakamori and saw the screen on the floor, glowing brightly.

Aoko.

No… it can't be!

"Kid!" Nakamori Ginzo swallowed hard. He had waited more than eighteen years, day and night, for this moment, but now he couldn't move. At that moment, Hattori pushed through the officers, turning the young man's body over.

The tattered suit was his last disguise, and the familiar, youthful face was in front of them there. But before Nakamori could say anything, Kudo pushing aside the officers and rushed over.

"Kaitou Kid!" he shouted. The teenager lay still not answered. Hattori checked for his pulse and said urgently, "Kudo, there's no time. Officer, when will the ambulance arrive?"

Still in shock, Nakamori mumbled a number, watching Kudo's anxious face and Kuroba Kaito's pale one.

Impossible… it must be another disguise.

Thud—the sound of a phone hitting the ground.

"Kaito?" Aoko stood in a daze.

Kudo skillfully tore off Kid's tie, pulling apart the top buttons of his blue shirt, revealing more blood, wanting to pour out, but there was no significant wound.

"Damn it, no time! Kid, wake up!"

He couldn't risk further blood loss.

"Kudo! What are you doing?" Hattori Heiji looked on in horror as Kudo opened Kid's shirt, removing his blood-stained gloves.

"Saving him. It takes three minutes for the ambulance to get here. He can't wait that long." Kudo removed Kid's tie and blazer, kneeling beside Kid, placing his hands on Kid's chest. If all his inferences were right, Kid must have the ability to heal the wound faster than anybody else, but it obviously had some severe side effects, which he didn’t know yet.

You can't die! Not now!

One, two, one, two. Steady, rhythmic compressions, Kudo feared applying too much force might worsen internal injuries.

"Hattori! Pulse!"

Kudo gritted his teeth.

"Kudo, I can barely feel a pulse!"

One, two, one, two.

No response.

"Damn it!" Kudo had never felt so defeated. For the first time, he looked at that face so similar to his, so helpless and fragile. This once powerful, brilliant nemesis, now lay in his arms, stripped of all disguises.

"Kid!" Kudo had never felt such a desire to cry. His frustration and despair grew with each passing second. Hattori worriedly spoke up, "Kudo, can you wait for the paramedics, or do you need my help?"

"Hattori! Elevate his head. Officer… one of you, lift his legs. It’ll help blood return to his heart faster." Kudo moved to Kid's side.

Nakamori approached instinctively. It was a reflex, driving him to confirm the truth. For the first time, he touched the criminal he had chased for so many nights. The surreal sensation left his mind blank as he watched Kudo shake Kid's shoulders, trying to wake him. But the face he had known for years showed no sign of waking.

They were all avoiding the truth.

"Kudo!" Hattori shouted, "This won't help; he isn't breathing!"

Anger flared within Kudo, and he punched Kid's chest, yelling, "Damn it!"

"Kid! Do you think I'll let you off if you die like this? I promised to put you in jail myself. You can't leave now! I won't let you go!"

He knelt down again, compressing Kid's chest, feeling a faint response beneath him.

"Kudo, you…" Hattori knew the paramedics would arrive soon, but artificial respiration could greatly increase survival chances.

"You can't get away from me. Ever." Kudo resumed the compressions in his chest, took a deep breath, he then pinched Kid's nose, breathing the air into Kid’s mouth.

The taste of blood.

Ignoring everything, Kudo continued the rescue breaths. The teen's eyes started to flutter. "Kid! Can you hear me? Damn it…"

Coughing up blood, Kudo wiped his mouth, realizing it was Kid’s blood. "Hattori, prop up his upper body."

Desperation filled the air . Hattori and Nakamori looked on, their faces pale with worry.

As Kid was taken away, Kudo whispered, "You can't die, Kaito. Not now. Not ever."

Bang! A forceful yet controlled palm strike transmitted power through Kid’s back, and it worked immediately. The young man, who had fainted, opened his mouth unconsciously and spat out a mouthful of blood, followed by a weak cough. Kudo Shinichi didn’t hesitate; he knelt down on one knee, cradling Kaito Kid, allowing Kid’s chest lean upon Shinichi’s shoulder as a support.

"Spit it out!" Kudo roared. The young man spat more blood, groggy and in searing chest pain, wanting nothing more than to fall asleep, but the great detective wouldn’t let go. Another palm strike, and the stress in his chest found its release, another large mouthful of blood.

"Stay with me!!Kid!!!"

 Kaito Kid had no sense of danger, unaware of the surrounding police officers, unaware of who saved him. Kudo Shinichi's words were the only command. Clink—a small shard in the dark blood glinted and then dissolved.

As paramedics approached, preparing to place him on a stretcher, Kaito Kid fought to regain some consciousness. 

It was Kudo Shinichi... 

Meitantei, why are you again? 

Kuroba Kaito bit the bullet,and used the last of his strength to push Kudo away. Before slipping into unconsciousness, he silently apologized.

Sorry, Meitantei, this time, I absolutely won’t let you be my accomplice.

###############################

One toast to freedom, one toast to death, forgive my pride, pardon my despair. (Based on lyrics of Drowning Sorrows )

Tangled emotions churned within Kudo Shinichi as the surgery lights came on. The nurse rushed out, faced with armed officers, hardly believing the famed white-clad magician was restrained in the room. Recognizing Kudo Shinichi, whose face was everywhere on the news, the nurse hurried over: "Sorry, we urgently need a blood transfusion, but the hospital’s... and the consent form, we... since he’s an FBI detainee, the Bureau has already signed."

The nurse hesitated, then handed over the consent form. The four characters stood out starkly—the name on the Recipient: Kuroba Kaito.

"You must be mistaken!" Inspector Nakamori couldn’t help but jump up. "You’re telling me Kuroba Kaito is in there? What kind of joke is this?!"

The nurse, speaking calmly but firmly, said, "Our hospital doesn’t take sides, but records show the patient is Kuroba Kaito. We received FBI orders to detain him. If there’s any misunderstanding, please wait until after the rescue surgery."

Nakamori’s anger flared and then subsided. Facing this fact was hard. He still leaned towards believing Kuroba was a scapegoat, despite the injuries, the skills, the appearance, Kudo’s reaction, and the impressive background. He chose to side with Kuroba.

"I, Nakamori Ginzo, have been chasing him since my twenties. Kuroba Kaito wasn’t even born then!"

An agonizing hour-long surgery later, Kudo, Hattori, Aoko, and Akai waited outside. The sixth floor of the hospital was lined with FBI agents. The surgical doors opened, two nurses pushing out a special iron bed. The lead doctor, still masked, asked, "Who here is family?"

Aoko stood, but Kudo Shinichi was quicker, his taller frame blocking her view. She heard that familiar voice, so similar to Kaito’s, urgently asking, "How is him?"

"We retrieved data from online hospital records and finished the surgery. The fourth rib is slightly fractured, an abdominal gunshot wound..."

"Fractured ribs?" Kudo added, "I performed CPR on him."

"Yes. The shoulder area is bruised."

"What about the brain?"

"Rest assured, I’ve checked everything. MRI shows no damage to vital organs or the head. The primary cause of his coma is blood loss-induced shock. Don’t worry, he’s stable."

Those words seemed so distant to Aoko. She walked closer but dared not approach. The FBI guards by the bed warned her to keep her distance. What did it matter? Was it really Kaito lying there?

Yes. Her most familiar childhood friend, slender, dressed in sterile garments, hands exposed, cuffed to the stretcher. His waist seemed bound by something under the blanket—a wide white strap securing him to the bed.

"When will he wake up?" Kudo asked the most important question.

"It shouldn’t be long, the young man recovered super fast."

###################

Maybe fate wasn’t done with him, maybe God didn’t want to spare him at all. Kuroba knew. Surrounding him were ruins, fire, fear, and despair. Kuroba Kaito tried to escape this bizarre place, but it was like an endless universe, trapping him forever.

"Kaito?"

A familiar, deep voice. Turning around, he saw his father. Kuroba Toichi, mature and handsome as always. Ever since witnessing his father had been pushed into the ICU, Kuroba Kaito had fallen into an abyss. Having regained and lost him again, this time, it was final.

"Dad! I... you... you’re dead," Kuroba Kaito said. Toichi nodded, pride on his face.

"You’re stronger and more impressive than I imagined."

Kuroba Kaito chuckled self-deprecatingly, "What’s the use? The scum who killed you and the assassin are still alive and free."

Toichi’s gentle smile could melt winter ice. "Son, you’re alive, and I want you to live well. You’ve done great, fulfilling your vow and bringing those criminals to justice."

Toichi’s eyes locked onto his son, now grown, tall, and capable, the young man he barely saw before their final parting.

"Your mother and I are proud of you."

Those words meant more than any other.

"Kaito, I’m sorry...all this……you shouldn't have been involved in the first place."

"Dad," Kuroba Kaito interrupted, "No need to apologize. I have no regrets."

No regrets. Never.

Slowly opening his eyes, Kuroba saw the breathing mask. Pure oxygen had a faint chlorine smell. Instinctively, he tried to sit up, hearing the clink of metal. In a daze, he heard unfamiliar voices.

"Sir, he seems to be waking."

Whether due to anesthesia or weakness, Kuroba Kaito struggled to think clearly, part of his mind still sluggish. Trying to sit up, he couldn’t move.

Where is this? A hospital? Why can’t I move my legs?

Straining his neck, pain shot through his muscles. Half-closed eyes saw a blur of blue hair. Blinking, his vision slowly cleared.

Chapter Text

So this is what Kaito Kid looks like.

While replacing the IV stand,  nurse Jane only dared to observe the teenager on the bed through the metal bars. He slept deeply, his chest rising and falling gently. His delicate, streamlined jawline, jet-black tousled hair, and sharp, handsome face exceeded any image she used to imagine of Kaito Kid . 

He looked so young... Could it be that her seniors had made a mistake?

Thud! In a moment of carelessness, the IV stand toppled, and Jane e quickly squatted to pick it up. At that moment, the flash of light reflecting off something on the stretcher caught her eye.

A pair of shining handcuffs bound the teenager’s thin but beautiful wrists. They hung loosely, with the other end of the chain fastened under the bed, restraining both hands.

"Who... who are you?"

"Ahhhh!!!" Startled, Jane fell back, sitting down. Above her was Kuroba Kaito , just waking from anesthesia, squinting with some effort. He hadn't fully regained his senses yet. Two policemen stepped forward, lifting Jane and ordering sternly, "Finish up and leave."

Kuroba, still somewhat disoriented, wanted to ask if he looked that scary.

Footsteps approached, and in walked Chef Inspector Chaki, a few FBI agents, Akai Shuichi, and Kudo Shinichi. With Kuroba Kaito’s eye vision both restored to 2.0, Kuroba recognized them and felt his heart sink.

I've been caught.

Kuroba frowned, brain was sending out many warning signals. After removing the oxygen mask, adjusted to the normal oxygen level, and he finally managed to speak. "What did you inject me with?"

Agent Jodie's eyes flashed with surprise. She couldn't quite believe the young man in front of her was Kaito Kid . A scapegoat or an assistant seemed more plausible. An ordinary person wouldn't be this calm in such a situation.

"The effects of anesthesia," Kudo Shinichi said from the doorway. Akai Shuichi added, "Though you were completely unconscious, it was a major surgery. The doctor administered an intravenous injection."

"How long did I sleep?" Kuroba asked. Akai Shuichi shook his head with a smile, "After the anesthesia wore off, you slept for five hours." With the crucial answer given, Kuroba asked the typical question, "Where am I now?"

"Tokyo Beika Hospital, under FBI jurisdiction," Jodie replied. Kuroba nodded, his awareness slowly returning, his logic and thoughts reconstructing as fast as he could.

At that moment, the attending physician, specially appointed by the FBI, entered. Initially surprised that Kuroba had regained consciousness so quickly, he marveled at the young man's exceptional resilience. Kuroba licked his lips and asked, "Doctor, Could you tell me my physical condition?"

James nodded.

The attending physician was a competent middle-aged man, a sincere healer who treated everyone equally, from agents to informants to criminals, with genuine care and effort. For the first time, he felt a faint sympathy for this patient confined in a single room.

"An abdominal gunshot wound, no vital organs hit. Chest trauma, fourth rib fractured. Upon examination, it wasn't severe and is under observation. Pain medication is prescribed for this. Multiple lacerations around the waist should heal completely within a month. A bullet was extracted from one centimeter near your heart. Fortunately, there's no concussion, though trauma might cause some memory loss. Do you recall anything before losing consciousness?"

Hearing this, Kuroba couldn't help but smile in resignation : Still alive, they said "Only the good die young." Clearly. He was not one of them.

 “James, I've uploaded all the data to the cloud database. Inform me immediately if there's any change." Doctor said,

"... When can I  check out ?" Kuroba asked.

"The earliest check out time is tomorrow, but we have to consider the exact condition of your physical body." the doctor replied matter-of-factly. "My responsibilities include the FBI's Tokyo branch, so even if you are transferred there,I’ll be there."

"Thank you, doctor," Kudo Shinichi interjected, opening the door to see the doctor out.

"What's your problem?" Kudo Shinichi couldn't help but ask. Kuroba raised an eyebrow, his expression the same as the other five policemen in the room.Confusing and complicated.

"Kuroba Kaito, as smart as you are, you must understand what it means once you leave this hospital, right?" Kudo hit the stretcher, while James motioned for him to stand down. He grabbed Kuroba's cuffed right hand, "Look at this! Kuroba Kaito ! Look! These are specially designed handcuffs, made to your measurements, impossible for you to unlock. You know what's under the blanket? A restraint belt! Once out of this door, do you know what awaits you? Kaito Kid is an international criminal! You're a suspect. Until you clear your name, they won't let you go."

Kuroba winced at Kudo's words, wanting to shake off Kudo's grip but unable to due to the restraints. Kuroba squinted, coldly scrutinizing Kudo Shinichi, raising a familiar, provocative smile. "Kudo Shinichi, may I ask, what right do you have to interfere in my personal matters?"

"You..."

Kudo slowly stood, a halo of light and aura gathering around him, distinct from Kaito's aggressive and arrogant presence. Kudo smiled with the absolute confidence of a great detective. "Because I've officially joined the investigation team. I said I'd uncover the truth eventually."

############################

The front pages of newspapers and news outlets were ablaze with the shocking news that spread nationwide and even internationally. The suspect in collaboration with the Moonlight Magician, AKA, Kid the phantom thief, currently held under heavy FBI guard in a hospital, was yet to be confirmed as such, meaning the identity was not solidified.

Photos, their source unknown, circulated, showing Kudo Shinichi kneeling on the ground, holding an unconscious Kaito Kid. Many online commentators debated the credibility of the news, analyzing possible hidden motives behind the official response.

"Some netizens pointed out that the police department hasn't made any announcements yet. Usually, regardless of whether Kaito Kid succeeds in stealing or not , they inform the media first. However, this time they remain silent."

"Judging by the photo, it must be a composite. Otherwise, why were FBI vehicles present instead of ambulances?"

"Kaito Kid is an international criminal; it's normal for the FBI to take over."

Then, eyewitnesses to the incident left comments under the discussions: "It's true, absolutely true." They attached tickets from the observatory that day.

"We went to the planetarium last night even though it didn’t open because of the case. I saw Kaito Kid fly out of the big hole on the planetarium roof, throwing something into the sky, followed by a loud explosion. Shortly after, ambulances and police cars arrived, and many police officers disembarked, causing chaos. Finally, Kudo Shinichi rushed out of the observatory holding Kaito Kid."

The comment section heated up: "So young. So handsome!"

"Responding to skeptical netizens, the photo is likely real. I'm an intern under a certain FBI department, and agents there are discussing this matter."

"But there's also speculation that this youth is Kaito Kid's assistant."

"Assistant makes more sense, right? That young, doesn't fit Kaito Kid's profile."

Rumors, like falling snowflakes in winter, grew bigger and bigger even without solid proof.

"Aoko... Aoko... it's me, can you open the door?" Nakamori Ginzo knocked on the door for a long time without any response. He knocked again, "Your mom made a pot of curry. Come down and eat when you're hungry. Do you want me to drive you to school or call a taxi for you? Aoko?"

Giving his daughter the necessary space was Nakamori Ginzo's way of respect. Regardless of the validity of the suspicion, Aoko's heart must be in turmoil.

"I am going to work." Inspector Nakamori said the last time.

Just as he turned to leave, the door burst open with a loud bang. Standing there was Nakamori Aoko, dressed neatly, but not in school uniform—in formal attire.

"Aoko?"

"Dad, take me with you." Aoko's voice was exceptionally calm, but the tear stains and swollen eyes betrayed her.

Nakamori sighed, "Aoko, is this really necessary?"

"Take me with you. I must see Kaito myself. Until I hear it from him directly, I won't leave. I, Nakamori Aoko, refuse to believe Kaito is Kaitou Kid's accomplice!"

Chapter Text

"Nakamori-san, please... have a seat first." 

"When did you arrive?" Aoko asked, and Hattori Heiji replied, "Two hours ago, I came with Kudo kun. Your father arrived twenty minutes ago. Don't overthink it for now."

What shocked her even more was seeing Kudo Shinichi flipping through stacks of documents on the table in the interrogation room. Although Aoko wasn't familiar with all Kid’s cases, she knew from Inspector Nakamori that the real Kaito Kid possessed key evidence and testimonies related to the crime syndicate. To prove Kuroba Kaito was Kaito Kid or his accomplice, they needed evidence directly linking him to the case. 

Inspector Nakamori swiped his ID card to enter, revealing a row of guards in the isolation room, while federal agents and police officers gathered at the door discussing.

One of the guards opened the door, and Aoko curiously looked up, discovering a large interrogation room behind the iron door. The aroma of coffee wafted in as many high-ranking officials entered. Hattori lightly padded Aoko's shoulder, and they silently moved to the far corner.

"I can't believe my dad is here too, I mean……he didn’t even mention it to me and mom." Hattori said. 

"Your father... the Senior Superintendent of the Osaka Prefectural Police... why...?" Aoko asked.

Hattori shrugged. "Kid has stolen a lot of things in Osaka too. Besides, high-ranking officials' meetings these days revolve around this... Aoko, I don't want you to worry. Until Kuroba kun admits to anything, everything is still uncertain. Don't overthink it."

The visitor's ID tags indicated that most of the people present were Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department commissioners, officers, inspectors…… higher-ranking officials, along with a few agents. Each person wore a serious expression, holding drinks or hot coffee provided by the reception as they sat on the iron chairs, whispering and discussing seriously.

"Officer Sato, long time no see. How have you been?" A middle-aged man with stubble, looking rugged like a lumberjack, raised his coffee cup to the woman beside him, who smiled and downed her energy drink. He was Director Hamada.

 "Inspector Megure specifically asked me to catch up with you. But we still have to wait until they finish questioning," Officer Sato said. 

"Director Hamada!" Officer Takagi hurried over, greeting them, and noticed Officer Sato. "I'm sorry, I came to find Officer Sato. There's been another explosion in Ginza, and we are short-staffed. Inspector Megure...he wanted us to be there." 

"Alright." Officer Sato immediately grabbed Takagi's hand and ran out, leaving Hamada alone, shaking his coffee, lamenting, "Ah, the young couples."

"Commissioner General…….Hakuba? You... you are here too. I thought you went to London for a vacation." Hamada, who couldn't stay idle, patted his beer belly and gave a strong hug to his old comrade, who once shared a military bunk and buried torpedoes together. Facing his superior,Hakuba, Hamada showed no extra flattery or respect. 

"How could I, there are too many things to handle here." 

"How is your son, Hakuba Saguru, doing? He is such an impressive detective. I miss him these days. "Hamada asked Commissioner General Hakuba 

"My son is preparing for the Cambridge University entrance exams, currently in seclusion. He said that he wouldn't be coming back for like two weeks?" 

Hamada exchanged a few pleasantries, his eyes scanning the room and spotting Hattori Heiji standing in the dark. 

"Hattori! Ah, Hattori Heizo( Hatorri Heiji’s father), you look even thinner." Compared to others, Senior Commissioner Toyama and Superintendent Hattori were more serious men. Then, Hamada recognized Nakamori Aoko.

 "Ah, isn't this Nakamori's daughter? You probably don't remember me, but your father used to pick you up from kindergarten and drop you off at my office before going for beer parties with colleagues. Haha, am I bad mouthing your father in front of his daughter? But why are you here? Oh right... Nakamori is inside. Are you also a fan of Kaito Kid?"

Hattori Heiji wanted to stop him, but Director Hamada continued, "I'm not surprised. Honestly, I'm a big fan of Kaito Kid, too. Noticed him twenty years ago. His disappearance eight years ago left me and my wife a bit disheartened. Didn't expect him to  ten months ago. When I saw the photos online, I thought it was some bored netizen's work. Didn't expect... he'd really become a suspect."

"Not a suspect, right? People said he might just be an accomplice." Hatorri Heiji said.

"Accomplice or not, the police are still unsure, right?" Aoko reflexively wanted to defend Kuroba Kaito. At this moment, Commissioner General Hakuba smiled slightly. 

"Young girl, you're really a supporter of Kaito Kid. I can't imagine the uproar when the press conference happens."

"You misunderstood... I... I'm not a fan of Kid." Aoko felt overwhelmed. "But the person inside... is just a suspect, right?" 

Hattori Heizo's thick eyebrows furrowed.,"If he happened to be there, you might think so. But considering the people, place, and time that day, no ordinary person could intrude. If the suspect inside is a scapegoat for Kid or accomplice, it's possible. One of my friends who works as an attending doctor told me about the situation. A bullet in the scapula, an old gunshot wound in the abdomen, fractured ribs, and after restoring the video, it captured the last moment when you threw the bomb. It was indeed Kid, or someone who dressed up as him who maneuvered the glider to throw it away. The explosion's timing and impact disrupted the glider's flight. Even if it isn't Kid, it must be his accomplice. After all, a magician always has an assistant, right? There are many willing to be his assistant. Let me see..." Heizo flipped to the front of the file, no photo of the suspect.

"I remember FBI Agent James said the suspect is a special case. If his identity is confirmed, his name can be announced officially. I've asked Nakamori several times, but he won't reveal it," Commissioner General Hakuba explained.

"But Dad, don't you think this interrogation room is too big? Nakamori Aoko, look, there's only an iron table in the center—alright, larger than a standard table—but from the chairs to the walls, there’s a four-meter gap." Hatorri Heiji said.

 "Heiji." Heizo leaned against the wall, arms crossed, eyes closed. "If the person inside is truly Kaito Kid, better safe than sorry. Have you seen how he broke through heavy security before? How long did it take him? Ten seconds to escape from a team of police officers comparable to a military unit."

 "No way, that's incredible?" Hatorri Heiji's eyelid twitches. 

"This guy was once called the Magician of the Century. Honestly, if the Japanese police can catch Kaito Kid, I’d be really surprised. If it's truly him inside, the media will say we took advantage of the situation. If it's his assistant, do you think an ordinary place can prevent Kid from rescuing him?"

The high-security interrogation room had two doors, one for law enforcement, leading to the familiar observation area where Nakamori Aoko stood, separated by reinforced two-way glass, offering a clear view of the interrogation room. The other door was for the suspect, which slowly opened.

Though they were all high-ranking officials who had seen much in their lifetimes, the mere mention of the infamous Kaitou Kid made everyone hold their breath. 

It was, after all, the first time the Japanese police had successfully brought a suspect associated with Kid into custody. 

The officers in the observation room remained silent in perfect unison. The door opened fully, revealing the spacious interrogation room, prepared to accommodate a large tactical unit if necessary. 

This was to ensure they could react swiftly should the suspect have any connection to Kid.

The four black-suited bodyguards entered first, taking positions at each corner of the room, already lined with a row of detectives. Akai Shuuichi followed them, nodding at the mirrored wall behind which dozens of officers were watching. Agent Jodie at the forefront, received the signal, ensuring everyone was present before closing the waiting room door.

A burly man in a blue suit should be police or guard, adorned with handcuffs, a stun gun, and a tranquilizer gun on his belt, followed behind Akai Shuichi. Another three guards walked in behind him. Aoko knew they were from their matching blue suit trousers. 

Amidst the blue, a pair of long, slender white legs strode forward, conspicuously standing out.

Finally, Aoko saw him—the person she dreamt of day and night—Kuroba Kaito. Through the special glass, she saw clearly the teenager she used to spar with, now looking completely different.

"This... this kid is too young! He looks like a high school student ! Could it be... we've caught the wrong person?" One inspector couldn't help but exclaim. No one gave him a warning look because everyone shared the same thought. However, the aura of black and white he exuded convinced them otherwise—this excessively young boy couldn't possibly be the mastermind Kaitou Kid who had the world's police dancing to his tune, but maybe the accomplice.

"What a show of force... This man is rather handsome and serene. But he looks under twenty... no, even younger. I believe he’s just a scapegoat used by Kid. At most, he could be an accomplice." Director Hamada shook his head while flipping through a file.

"Juveniles idolizing Kaitou Kid are increasing. It’s easy to find a random teen to do the work." Another police officer said.

 "A young teenager like him couldn’t be Kid the phantom thief."

Kudo Shinichi gazed at the young man in front of him. Kuroba tilted his head and smiled. The bodyguards on either side stepped forward, half-holding him to the table, indicating he should sit with just enough force. They then took out two pairs of silver handcuffs, securing his legs to the metal chair.

In just one day, Kuroba Kaito was no longer the dazed patient in the hospital bed. He remained as handsome as ever, unfazed, dressed in a black turtleneck and white suit trousers, sharp and stylish.

 Kudo smirked; this guy perfectly displayed his two identities with the most fitting colors.

Kuroba Kaito's black, Kaitou Kid's white.

The blue-suited bodyguards stood behind Kuroba Kaito.

"Miss, do you know the boy inside?"  Commissioner General Hakuba whispered. Aoko didn’t respond. 

Emotions surged; she wanted to rush in and save Kaito, take him home, get the hell out of here. But part of her wanted to stay—to find out the truth.

Kudo Shinichi stood up, glancing at Inspector Nakamori , taking a deep breath. Inspector Nakamori’s gaze wavered. In his eyes, Kaito was supposed to be a smart, kind, ordinary boy. But now, his indifference to the security and restraints around him marked a departure from "ordinary."

The idea that Kuroba Kaito might be Kid's assistant wasn’t far-fetched. Maybe he saw in Kid a reflection of his magician father, Kuroba Toichi. Inspector Nakamori didn't want to delve deeper.

Maybe—maybe it was simple. Kid contacted Kuroba Kaito, asked him to save someone, and lent him his suit, teaching him how to use the glider.

"Let’s begin." Akai sat to Kuroba Kaito's right, opposite Inspector Nakamori. 

"Kuroba Kaito, when will your lawyer arrive? And your mother?" Nakamori Ginzo found it was too difficult to speak, his words raspy.

Kuroba Kaito shook his head: "My mother is on vacation in Hawaii. As for the lawyer, they said this isn’t a formal interrogation, just some questions. I told them there was no need for a lawyer. But I have a question."

Akai responded: "Go ahead."

"If it’s just questions, why are there so many onlookers?"

General Hakuba was shocked. How did this teenager know they were outside? He stroked his mustache and laughed: "This child isn’t simple."

Another officer entered, handing another stack of files to Kudo: "The FBI wants you to ask Mr. Kuroba questions. Inspector Nakamori, if you have anything to ask, please wait until after."

Kudo Shinichi couldn’t sort his thoughts—chaotic, irritable. His familiar nemesis sat before him, seemingly about to reveal everything.

Haibara’s words echoed: Have you thought about the story’s end? How do you think it will conclude?

Has the grand magic show truly ended?

"Kuroba Kaito—is that your real name?"

Outside, a murmur arose: "Kuroba... a rare surname... wait, it sounds familiar?" 

He nodded.

Kudo’s next question answered them: "Your father was the late magician Kuroba Toichi, and your mother is the French amateur art appraiser Kuroba Chikage?"

The world-renowned magician Kuroba Toichi.

Kuroba smiled: "Yes."

Then came some basic information questions, but Aoko, outside the glass, was extremely nervous. Several times she wanted to leave, thinking this was just another of her father's mistakes. But her instinct told her to stay. Then, she saw the Kuroba Kaito she had never known.

"I heard Kuroba Toichi was a shining star in the magic world, but he died young. I also heard he had a son, who turns out to be him." Officers started to discuss.

"Maybe he sees something familiar in Kid, as both his father and Kaito Kid are magicians."

Aoko broke out in a cold sweat. She realized the officers’ speculations were entirely plausible.

"Do you know me?" Kudo asked.

 "Of course, you are Kudo Shinichi, the famous detective from Kanto, assisting the police in criminal cases, mainly homicides in Division One. You’re the only son of the renowned novelist Kudo Yusaku and the retired American actress Kudo Yukiko."

"What about Inspector Nakamori?" Kudo asked. Kuroba Kaito looked at his handcuffs: "Inspector of Division Two, long responsible for intelligent crimes."

"Kuroba Kaito, according to Nakamori Aoko, you should have been at the anime convention that day. You indeed sent photos to Miss Nakamori. Were you at the planetarium tower that time?" Kudo asked.

Don’t admit it. .. Nakamori Aoko screamed internally. 

This was no joke.

 An FBI agent outside shook his head: "No one would admit it, right?"

"Yes. The photos I sent to Nakamori Aoko were not taken that day." Kuroba Kaito finally raised his eyes, his gaze meticulous and cautious. Only Kudo understood that Kuroba Kaito didn’t want Nakamori Aoko implicated.

"You called Nakamori Aoko, informing her of a bomb in the observation tower. The caller ID showed your name, and Nakamori’s phone recorded the call. Do you need me to play the recording?"

Kuroba shook his head: "No need. I learned about the bomb on the third floor mezzanine from your conversations." 

"Unfortunately, Nakamori Aoko was nearby. So, you called her. How did you know about our conversation?" Kudo knew it was a foolish question. Kuroba glanced at him, speaking as if recounting an adventurous tale, not a confession leading to conviction.

"A bug. I hid it in the Inspector's tie clip."

Rather than simple yes-or-no questions, Kuroba Kaito provided the most damning evidence—Inspector Nakamori, rarely paid attention to his attire especially after the incident, had worn the same tie for days. He reached for it, indeed finding a tiny listening device hidden there.

A bug... how did Kaito get that?

"Kuroba... why... would you have something like this?" Nakamori was at a loss for words. Kuroba didn’t meet his eyes, not answering. Following Akai Shuichi’s instructions, Kudo had to ask again: "Kuroba Kaito, why did you plant a bug on Inspector Nakamori?"

"Which day are you referring to?"

Nakamori’s face darkened. “Which day” implied he... planted more than one time? Still choosing to believe in Kuroba Kaito, Nakamori was repeatedly stunned by Kuroba’s words.

Outside, Director Hamada shook his head and laughed: "This practically admits he's Kid’s accomplice, doesn’t it?"

"The Hirano case." Kudo Shinichi said. Chef Inspector Chaki couldn’t help but warn him: "Kuroba-kun, I must warn you, Kaitou Kid is an international criminal. Being his assistant makes you an accomplice, regardless of direct involvement in theft. However, if you can provide substantial information, the prosecutor might not press charges."

"You suspect I’m Kid’s accomplice?" Kuroba Kaito asked confusingly. 

What did this mean? Didn’t Meitantei say anything to them?

Inspector Nakamori sighed, "Kaito-kun, I understand... Perhaps that guy is very similar to your father, but that doesn't mean you have to... As long as you're willing to provide us with information about him, the police won't bother you. Besides, Kid saved Aoko this time... Kaito Kid must have known about Aoko's situation, that's why he gave you her location."

"To answer your other question, I am not Kaito Kid's accomplice. And Nakamori Aoko has nothing to do with this."Kuroba replied calmly, slowly lowering his head.

This is me, I am Kaito Kid, how can there be any assumption of an accomplice? 

Outside the interrogation room, the officers were in an uproar. "If it were me, who would dare to admit it?"

"Only a fool would confess! Even a child knows being an accomplice is a serious crime."

"A kid that age would be terrified."

"What are you talking about? Even if he is still young, once he's an accomplice, he still has to face legal consequences."

Chef Inspector Chaki took the bomb model handed to him by his subordinate. Known for his strict discipline with his subordinates, he now showed unusual gentleness towards the young man. 

Chaki sighed softly, "This bomb model causing all the commotion recently is the work of the same person. We hope to use your help to find Kaito Kid. He is the only one who can defuse these new types of bomb mechanisms. Although the Hirano family and some organizations have been arrested, the bomber was hired separately. Now, similar bomb cases keep happening. We hope... though it's embarrassing to say, we need his help. Even if he doesn't show up, we need him to provide some clues to aid our investigation. We need you to be our messenger. This is a sample of the bomb you were holding before you fainted. We've received many similar ones, but this one came in here early, sent by an anonymous person. This is an empty box."

Kuroba slowly raised his head, his expression obscured by his hair. From the FBI custody to his current regular handcuffs, did the police really believe he was just Kaito's accomplice? Perhaps after investigation, due to his age and pre-action precautions, they concluded he was only an "accomplice." The officers here might just be afraid “Kaito Kid” would rescue him.

How ironic?

He turned his head slowly. The real person was right in front of them, yet no one believed the truth. The only one who saw through it was the detective in front of him.

"Kuroba-kun, this is no time for jokes," Chef Inspector Chaki said. But Kuroba's smirk brought a familiar hint of flattery.

"The thing in the inspector's hand is not a model, but a real bomb," Kuroba said.

"What?!" Chaki's eyes widened. He inadvertently let go, and the bomb rolled to the ground in front of Kuroba.

"No... impossible!"

Only Kudo Shinichi's eyes locked onto Kuroba Kaito's, asking, "Why do you think so?"

"You excluded it as a bomb because it's too small or because it's empty? The real bomb is the box itself. The large bombs you found earlier just contained some flammable materials to enhance the explosion. And the box says itself. The puzzles, the structure." Kuroba answered. 

Chaki gestured, and the team leader outside immediately called for the bomb squad. 

Kudo Shinichi stood up, picked up the bomb box, and asked word by word, "How much time is left?"

"How would I know?" Kuroba Kaito shrugged and smiled. "There's no timer inside, probably some condition triggers it."

"Can you disarm this bomb before the bomb squad arrives?" Kudo Shinichi leaned forward, almost touching Kuroba's forehead. "Or is this too difficult for you, Kaito Kid ?"

Kuroba stared back, then took the bomb box with a relaxed smile, he arched an eyebrow. "Who do you think I am? Meitantei?"

Who do you think I am,Meitantei?

Those words, with Kid's unique intonation, were both flattering and mocking. Kuroba closed his eyes, as if lowering the curtain on a magic show, and his fingers started to move rapidly. 

The Hyakushi Box, like a large Rubik's cube, seemed to come alive in his hands. Within moments, under the stunned gaze of everyone, it disassembled into tiny pieces, falling from his fingers. At that moment, the shiny handcuffs clattered onto the table. Even Kuroba Kid was momentarily stunned, unconsciously removing the handcuffs while solving the puzzle.

"You... you are... you are..." Chef Inspector Chaki was too shocked to speak, while Kudo Shinichi pressed further, "How did you dismantle it?"

"Are you asking about the bomb? It was just a mechanism box, with fine textures on the surface that, when solved, could be disarmed. As for the handcuffs... if I said I accidentally broke them, would you believe me?" Kuroba smiled helplessly, "Meitantei, didn't you tell them?"

Kudo's eyes darkened. He crossed his hands, almost as if he were the one being interrogated. "Kid, I don't want to make any decisions for you. Even during the deal with the Hirano family, I didn't..."

Kuroba Kaito interrupted with a cold laugh, "Everywhere is your scheme. It looks like an ordinary heist, but in reality, it's a trap covered in fallen leaves, and as you expected, I stepped right into it, didn't I?Meitantei."

Nakamori Ginzo finally began to accept the truth. The young man in front of him was not just a child from the neighbor, not an accomplice of Kaito Kid, but the real Kid the Phantom Thief.

Kudo Shinichi shook his head, more like defending himself, "Kaito Kid, that's not what I meant..."

Kuroba didn't correct Kudo's way of addressing him. "I know your intentions. Your main target appears to be the mafia conglomerate in the financial market, but in reality, you're aiming at the Black Organizations lurking in Japan and other countries. Or maybe, your initial target was me. Meitantei I don't know about the others, but you knew I would intervene, right?"

The Black Organization—a familiar group known to the police as the highest secret, with few aware of its existence. Among the informed were the Phantom Thief, who had often been entangled with them. Now, even the skeptical high officials believed everything.

"After taking a bullet for you, is this how you repay me, Meitantei?"

To be honest, Kudo hadn't thought much at that time. He hadn't expected Kaito Kid to actually be willing to take the risk.

"That indeed wasn't your responsibility. After all, it was my choice. I don't blame you," Kuroba said. It seemed like he truly didn't mind the detective's scheming behind his back. 

This indifference was like his tolerance in their many confrontations, despite knowing their opposing stances, despite understanding the risks of their covert cooperation. Each time, Kaito Kid still chose to trust him.

"With your skills, you could easily stay hidden in the shadows without getting involved directly, couldn't you? So why did you show up before the explosion this time?" Akai Shuichi rarely asked questions, and Kuroba Kaito did not answer again.

The only variable that day, not in Kaito Kid's plan, was Nakamori Aoko. Hattori Heiji cursed quietly, realizing the pale and dizzy Nakamori Aoko beside him. He couldn't help but feel sympathetic.

Akai Shuichi stepped forward, and the door behind opened. Several police officers and FBI agents entered, some holding tranquilizer guns. "Kuroba Kaito, raise your hands where I can see them." Kuroba Kaito complied. Akai grabbed his slender wrists, feeling a cool, heavy sensation accompanied by a slight prick. He gently raised Kaito's hands to the table, revealing what he was wearing: a heavy metal handcuff with a circle of locks, seemingly electronic, and the inner circle closest to his skin appeared to have some mechanisms.

Aoko gasped.

"You... admit you are..."

Even now, Meitantei couldn't confirm his stance, could he? If so, let me place you back in your rightful position: opposite me, the light to my shadow. 

Kuroba smiled wryly as he leaned back, sitting crossed-legs, "Kaitou Kid, that’s who I am."

Chapter Text

After one last check, the attending physician nodded. The CT scan results were fine, and the doctor was amazed at the young man's quick recovery, though not surprised. The neurotoxin inside his body was faded__known as the poison of the century, and also had the ability to trigger rapid cell regeneration. But why did this teenager have such a classified neurotoxin in his system?

The closer to a perfect ordinary life the genius appeared, the more perfect a criminal he became. Enjoying his last moments of freedom, Kuroba Kaito took in the cold air deeply, cherishing the freedom he once had.

Kuroba Kaito enjoyed a moment of solitude, with only a single incandescent bulb lighting the dressing room in front of the clinic. After a while, he spoke coldly into the darkness, "Standing at the door all this time, aren't you tired?"

Wearing a long indigo suit and sporting neatly cropped hair, Kuroba Kaito recognized her. In the darkness, a wise and deep smile appeared.

However, he acted like he never knew the woman in the formal suit as the agent.

"We're both smart people, no need for small talk. I'll get straight to the point. I'm here to propose a deal on behalf of my boss. This is between you and us, unrelated to the FBI."

"What do you want?"

"You..."

Kuroba instinctively took a step back.

"Don't worry. For now, the boss is just interested in you and wanted me to inform you not to act rashly." Her sharp heels clicked forward.

"But before that, I want to know what you want. If you want freedom, we can arrange for you to leave the country immediately, with a new identity and a new life."

Kuroba laughed and interrupted, "If I escape the FBI and gain freedom, I'll soon be hunted by various countries or wake up in some underground 'fortress.' I dare not be such a distinguished guest."

She raised an eyebrow soothingly, "A smart person indeed."

Kuroba laughed, "Afraid I'll run away?"

"Of course, a world-renowned genius thief, a master of evasion and escape. Every law enforcement officer's blood boils seeing your white silhouette, yet they fear your magical performances and unpredictable escapes. The guards in your ward, all top graduates from military academies, even decorated agents, don't dare blink in front of you, fearing you'll vanish like smoke, even while handcuffed and unconscious."

The woman in the dark laughed like a crescent moon, beautiful and cold. Kuroba calmly retreated several steps, the moonlight transforming into his white suit, covering his black attire.

The woman approached again, her voice haunting in the night, "Knowing you don't trust judicial justice, I'm being straightforward. With your crimes, intelligence, skills, and memory, the Japanese police and FBI will never let you go."

"You're not with the police... Vermouth," 

Seeing no need for further concealment, Vermouth removed her mask, smiling helplessly, ""As expected of you, being the only son and heir of his." Vermouth said, “Soon, the organization will come for you, so be cautious. When that time comes, you must reconsider your role."

"And your advice is?"

"For now, the police offer the best protection."

############################################

The next day’s interrogation saw an influx of people, including additional FBI agents. Aoko nearly got pushed out by the crowd, but a strong hand caught her just in time.

“Thank you… Ah… Hattori kun,” Aoko said gratefully, recognizing the man who had helped her. Hattori Heiji approached, greeting her with a nod. “I came with Kudo.”

Hattori Heiji was worried his father would immediately order him to go home, but Hattori Heizo simply nodded and handed him a cup of black coffee. “Staying up is fine, but don’t wear yourself out. Nakamori san, what brings you here today? I recall your father isn’t involved in the interrogation. He’s currently under suspension and being investigated.”

“Can… Can I stay here?” Aoko asked, her voice hesitant.

Hattori Heizo sighed. “Does Inspector Nakamori know you’re here?”

Aoko nodded in response.

“Dad, why are there so many people here today?” Hattori Heiji noticed the influx of police chiefs, directors, and superintendents from various provinces, ranging from the northernmost to the southernmost parts of Japan. Public Security officers were present in full force, along with overseas government officials, international organizations, and familiar names like ICPO, CBI, and the FBI.

Most of the faces were unfamiliar.

Before Heizo could respond, inside the interrogation room, James was laying out a series of photographs on the table while Akai Shuichi edited documents on a lightweight laptop resting on his knees.

A moment later, another door opened, and Kuroba Kaito entered with several guards who had escorted him the previous day. However, the security measures, already stringent, were noticeably heightened, with each officer now fully armed, carrying non-lethal weapons like stun guns and tranquilizers. Yet, Kuroba remained as composed as ever.

“Kuroba-kun, Kudo will join us later. He’s fetching a report. Before that, we need to verify something once more. Please identify the member of the organization you mentioned yesterday, codenamed Gin.”

Kuroba’s gaze swept over the photos. Oh my,was this some kind of psychological or IQ test to assess his intelligence?

Eliminating the obvious filler images, he was left with about a dozen silver-haired men, all of similar age, ranging from their 30s to 40s. 

Was this really just a test?

Kuroba pondered for a moment. With his keen eye for facial features and expertise in disguise, it took him only a few seconds to pick out Gin’s photograph. James smiled, impressed. “Remarkable. Few people can make such a precise identification in such a short time. Now, let’s move on to the main topic. Here is a list with photographs. Can you identify any known members of the organization?”

“I’m not particularly familiar with this assassin organization,” Kuroba Kaito replied, frowning. “If you’re looking for more detailed information, perhaps consulting Kudo Shinichi would be more appropriate. I only know a few members who’ve tried to kill me, or tried to seduce me…….”

“About a month ago, Kaito Kid infiltrated the organization’s headquarters, stealing the antidote and some crucial data. A few days ago, you discovered a group of the organization’s IT members, killed by a bomb, and notified Kudo Shinichi. We’re hoping you can help us identify any members we’re not yet aware of. The suspects on this list were anonymously reported.”

Kuroba furrowed his brow, put his elbows on the table, resting his weary head in his hands, and began swiftly scanning the thick album. His movements were quick, flipping through the pages with the sound of rustling paper, accompanied by the clinking of his handcuffs. 

In less than ten minutes, from a photo album about five centimeters thick, he had selected a dozen pictures. Kuroba divided them into three groups.

“These are confirmed members of the organization. Most are likely mid-level or low-ranking assassins. These three appear to have a close relationship with Gin. When I infiltrated the organization, I saw them drinking together. This group, I’m not certain about—possibly due to the dim lighting, which might have caused some discrepancies. As for this final group, I saw them in the interrogation room, likely members who betrayed the organization or were suspected of being undercover agents or kidnapped… or victims who didn’t survive.” Dead corps.

Oddly, it seemed that everyone instinctively trusted Kuroba’s judgment. No one doubted that Kid might deceive them. Indeed, he had been prepared to confess everything since waking up in the observation room after surgery.

Was the show ending now?

James was completely impressed by Kuroba Kaito’s exceptional recognition abilities. Many of the photos were of known members or undercover agents placed by various law enforcement agencies, and Kuroba had correctly identified every single one from his infiltration of the organization’s annual global meeting.

Bourbon, Kir, Margaret…

“However, some members not on this list were involved, as were some cooperating contractors,” Kuroba added. At this moment, Akai opened the interrogation room door. “Jodie, bring in the sketch artist.”

Moments later, a sharp-looking woman entered, holding a large tablet and the latest model of a stylus.

“Hello, I’m Nakajima, the sketch artist. What would you like me to do?” she asked Akai. He stood up, allowing her to take the seat beside Kuroba. “Please assist Kuroba-kun in sketching the facial features he describes.”

Nakajima was momentarily taken aback, her cheeks flushing noticeably as her breathing quickened. Laughter could be heard from outside the interrogation room. Nakajima hesitated, adjusting her skirt and tucking her loose blonde hair behind her ear before hurriedly opening her tablet, struggling to prepare.

This made Kuroba feel a bit embarrassed. “Um… take your time, Nakajima-san. No rush.”

“I’m sorry, I… I’m not sure why the stylus isn’t connecting,” she stammered.

Kuroba leaned forward naturally, completely oblivious to Nakajima’s increasingly reddening face.

“Let me see… sorry, may I take a look?” he asked.

A bodyguard stepped forward immediately but was stopped by James.

“It’s fine. Nakajima-san passed the security check,” James assured.

Kuroba took the tablet and stylus, first checking the settings for the device’s ID, then carefully examining the pristine white stylus. “This is the latest stylus, isn’t it? I saw it at an exhibition recently.”

Nakajima was surprised. “Yes, our department just replaced the old equipment yesterday with the latest model. I didn’t expect you to know about these things.”

“Oh, it’s nothing, just something I noticed in passing.”

“Do you think it’s defective?” James asked, and Kuroba tapped the tablet thoughtfully. “Probably not. Do you still have the old stylus? Switching back to that might solve the issue. I remember this company changed their chip supplier late last year. If the new products are used together with the old ones, it can cause incompatibility, leading to delays, interruptions, or even complete malfunctions.”

“How do you know so much about this?” Nakajima asked, impressed.

Kuroba smiled modestly. “It’s nothing, just something I came across in the news.”

Nakajima, still blushing but maintaining her professionalism as an FBI agent, responded, “Such changes are usually only disclosed in meeting reports and financial statements, rarely making it to the news. Some companies even consider their suppliers confidential.”

Kuroba hesitated before admitting, “...You’re right. I tend to research these things specifically. I encountered this issue while modeling and took apart the tablet to discover the incompatible chip. ”

He glanced at Akai, who nodded, granting him permission to use the device.

One by one, detailed sketches, as lifelike as photographs, began to take shape before their eyes.

Outside the interrogation room, the department heads shook their heads. "I was prepared for this, but he really is... a genius."

"If this young man hadn’t chosen a life of crime and had instead pursued a career in law enforcement, it would be a completely different story."

Hattori Heizo crossed his arms. "Speaking of which, this is a formal interrogation—why didn’t the kid hire a lawyer?"

Hattori responded, "Kuroba kun said that a lawyer would just be window dressing...not going to be much helpful."

"It looks like he's planning to take the fall for all of KID’s crimes over the past ten months?" Toyama asked.

"Yes… He doesn’t seem to have any intention of denying it," Hattori replied.

"Most criminals hope to bargain for leniency by offering information, but he hasn’t mentioned a word from start to finish," Commissioner General Hakuba said, his tone full of confusion.

Toyama and Hattori seemed to be pondering something. "How old is he now?"

"A high school junior… around 17, I think?"Commissioner  General Hakuba answered, a deep smile on his face. "Given the severity of his crimes, it’s unlikely he’ll be protected by juvenile law. The FBI wants to keep him here, while we, the Japanese police, hope to own custody of him."

As the artist left with his tablet and equipment, the door opened again to reveal Kudo Shinichi, holding a hospital report. The moment Kuroba Kaito saw the detective, he felt the hairs on his neck stand on end.

He must know.

Damn it.

"I’ll get straight to the point, KID," Kudo Shinichi said. "As sharp as you are, you must know what this report in my hand is about. We detected a small amount of the Black Rose neurotoxin in your blood."

Kuroba bit his lip. "Are you sure that’s legal? Drawing blood without the subject’s consent while they’re unconscious?"

"First of all, given the current situation, I’m certain you’re an exception. And besides..." Kudo said as he flipped through the report, "Every test showed the same concentration of toxin. Although knowledge about this toxin is limited, it seems to be stable. Haibara Ai told me it’s another poison developed by the organization’s pharmaceutical division."

The realization struck Kuroba, narrowing his eyes for the first time. He asked coldly, "Is that so? No wonder I’ve been sleeping longer than usual these past few days."

Kudo didn’t deny it, "I told them you’d figure it out."

"I still have one question," Kudo continued, "Last time you said you didn’t know. Now, with the evidence right in front of us, why don’t you tell me what deal you struck with Gin?" But he didn’t expect an answer.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about, Metantei."

"KID, are you really going to keep up this lie?"

"I must say, Metantei," Kuroba's gaze was chilling, "I have no obligation to confess everything, do I? I have no need to satisfy all your curiosities."

"What else could you possibly have to hide?" Kudo Shinichi snapped.

Kudo Shinichi finally lost his patience. He abruptly stood up, grabbed Kuroba Kaito by the collar, and demanded, "Do you even know what that stuff is? Do you... do you really not value your own life? Pandora, an extremely potent toxin—"

"What does any of this have to do with you?!" Kuroba glared up at Kudo.

Outside the glass window, several agents stood up, alarmed by the escalating tension. Hattori murmured,"They're arguing."

"What exactly are you afraid of? Worried the organization will come after you? This is the FBI’s base—you can’t get out, and no one else can get in."

Kuroba Kaito smirked defiantly, allowing Kudo to grip his collar. "So I should be thanking Meitantei for his protection, huh?"

Kudo smirked back, clenched his fist, "Is that so? I don’t need your thanks. Since you claim you can answer anything, why not explain your motive for the crimes? Pandora—I asked Kuroba Kaito before, and now I’m asking KID!"

"What do you want me to say, Metantei? What story do you want to hear? Or besides being a detective, are you also a psychologist?" Kuroba asked flippantly. 

Kudo retorted with a grin, "Not as skilled as you are, with your hundreds of aliases and identities. The FBI’s psychologists either fell for your sweet talk or were so confused they couldn’t tell fact from fiction. Out of eight psychologists, six became your biggest fans, and the other two gave completely contradictory reports."

Kuroba smirked, "That’s not my fault, is it?"

Kudo Shinichi was always polite—a courteous young man, whether dealing with criminals, friends, or strangers. But he had never gone hard on the boy in front of him.

 His reluctance to go all out was because he knew KID would return, would appear again. Until that one time, when a real, palpable fear struck him, making him realize that if he didn’t seize the opportunity, KID might slip out of his world forever.

"I’m not joking around!"

Kudo forcefully pulled Kuroba Kaito up by his collar, no longer hiding his anger. Kuroba stood up, trying to break free from Kudo’s grip. Their shoulders collided as they stood chest to chest. Kuroba grabbed the iron table, trying to pull himself back, but Kudo, stronger than him, quickly tightened his grip on Kuroba’s right shoulder with one hand while clutching his collar with the other. The nearest guard rushed forward but was easily dodged by Kuroba.

"Let go!"

At that moment, Kuroba found an opportunity. He raised his dominant leg and sharply kneed Kudo in the side, striking a pressure point with precision. Kudo hadn’t expected Kuroba to know how to hit pressure points, and a sharp pain shot through him, forcing him to release his grip. They both slammed into the reinforced glass behind them, but by then, Akai Shuichi had appeared from nowhere. With a strong arm, he yanked them apart, swiftly unlocking Kuroba’s handcuffs. The guards rushed forward, each grabbing one of Kuroba’s arms and cuffing them behind the chair.

Kudo Shinichi took a few deep breaths as the pain gradually subsided.

"Calm down. We’re all civilized people here. There’s no need to resort to violence. KID, if you two start fighting again, the guards will hit you with a taser," Jodie said as she entered the room.

Kuroba Kaito retorted, "I started it? I couldn’t even move freely, could I? And,Metantei, you were the one who threw the first punch, weren’t you? You’re older than me, so why should I be the one punished instead of you?"

"The KID who appeared eighteen years ago—who was he?" Kudo Shinichi asked, but Kuroba remained silent, his hands lowered, clearly not intending to answer.

"If you don’t want to say, that’s fine. I’ll share my thoughts, okay? Your father, Kuroba Toichi, is almost certainly the original KID—about 95% sure. The world-renowned magician, the mysterious thief in white who prowled the night. But suddenly, he vanished, and there were even rumors that KID had retired. Then, ten months ago, after an eight-year absence, you donned your father’s costume and became the most well-known KID of this generation. I believe you know why your father stole in the first place."

Kuroba remained silent.

His father was the one barrier Kuroba could never overcome. His return, his death—Kuroba Kaito had no desire to discuss or open up about any of it with anyone. None of the psychologists hired to counsel him had ever received completely accurate information.

Kuroba lowered his head, unwilling to listen. "Kudo Shinichi, please… stop talking."

Jodie hinted at Kudo to stop, but he continued, “And you have a suspicion about your father's faked death that year. He kept it from you, not wanting to involve you and Miss Chikage in his dangerous situation.”

“Enough... Stop talking,” Kuroba's voice was cold and stiff. “I really don't understand why you feel the need to uncover the truth, Kudo kun... Some things aren't like puzzles that can be solved by piecing together. What is it that drives you to seek the truth so desperately? You're just like everyone else, aren't you? There are no such things as reasons and circumstances in this world. I knew the risks and rewards of my choices from the very beginning.”

“Even if it costs you your life? Kaitou Kid, others might not see it, but I know you well enough. You must have anticipated all of this, right?” Kudo had a sudden realization—Kuroba Kaito might have foreseen the entire chain of events, or perhaps he had already braced himself for the worst.

“Do you remember what I said back when you were still Edogawa Conan? When all this is over, I’ll take responsibility for what I’ve done.”

Clang—the door slammed open as Aoko stormed out. Hattori ran after her, shouting, “Nakamori Aoko!”

“Don’t follow me!”

What does he mean by ‘I’ll take responsibility’? Kaito, you’re such an idiot!

Chapter Text

Aoko cried as she ran, wiping her tears with her sleeve, but soon realized it was pointless. The tears kept falling like pearls from a broken necklace. They never stopped.

Yes, Kaito had no reason to tell Aoko. He was that kind of boy—seemingly carefree, yet Aoko knew better than anyone how elusive he could be. He was like ice cream—sweet on the outside but cold and distant within.

Hattori caught up to Aoko and grabbed her arm. “Calm down!”

They stood in the middle of the reception area, surrounded by bustling employees from various departments. Behind them was an open space on the third floor, where suspects, inmates ready for transfer, guards, and officers all passed by. This hustle and bustle helped Aoko regain some composure.

“You might not agree with me, but I believe Kuroba Kaito has always been sincere with you. Also, Kudo asked me to tell you that Kuroba mentioned you yesterday. He wanted me to apologize to you on his behalf. Kuroba never intended to use your feelings, and he doesn’t expect your forgiveness. If possible, he’d rather you forget about him.”

Aoko blinked her tear-filled eyes, biting her lower lip hard.

Forget him?

How?

“...Hattori... I want to see him.”

###########################

“Kuroba Kaito!”

The police officers and officials turned their heads in surprise at the sound of Aoko's voice. She no longer cared about anything else. She ran back to the interrogation room and shouted, “I know you don’t want to see me, but I... I have something I need to say. Please don’t turn me away!”

Kuroba Kaito had just stepped out of the interrogation room, completely unprepared to see Nakamori Aoko standing there.

He instinctively quickened his pace, but Aoko gritted her teeth. Though they were close, it felt like they were worlds apart. She tried to approach him, but several guards immediately stepped in front of her, blocking her path. “Sorry, no one is allowed near him.”

James and Akai Shuichi appeared just then, and James told the guards, “You can step back and let them finish their conversation.”

Aoko’s heart leapt with hope as she tried to move forward, but Kuroba Kaito took a step back. “Don’t come any closer.”

“Kaito...”

What should she say to him?

Kaito was a liar?but Kuroba Kaito always showed the truth in his own way that he never truly deceived her.

Kaito, I hate you? Aoko never could bring herself to hate him.

Kaito...

“Don’t come any closer,” Kuroba Kaito repeated, taking another step back and bumping into a guard. All the questions Aoko had prepared vanished from her mind as she noticed the handcuffs that stood out starkly, dividing the space between them like a galaxy.

“Miss Nakamori, whatever you want to say to me, you can say it from there.”

Miss Nakamori?

But I... I’m Aoko.

In the end, Aoko fought back the urge to cry. She wanted to ask him so many things, but the only words that came out had nothing to do with Kaitou Kid. 

“Kaito, you haven’t been in school for a few days, and lots of classmates have been asking why you’re missing classes again. Even the teachers have been asking me. These past few days, universities have been releasing their acceptance lists and scores. They say this year, the scores for Tokyo University and other top schools broke all-time records for the lowest in history. However, one student single-handedly raised the average.”

“Is that so... So much has happened lately that I almost forgot. How did you do?”

Kuroba Kaito's expression changed as easily as breathing. Aoko suppressed her shock and bit her lip. “I remember being so nervous after the exams, but you said the worst-case scenario would be retaking the test with me.”

But how could they retake the test together or even be together now? Could they?

“You used to bite your lip unconsciously after getting a bad test result, but now... I guess you did pretty well?”

Kuroba smiled warmly, speaking as if it were a normal conversation, as if they were back to discussing what to buy for lunch at the school cafeteria. Aoko pinched her thigh to hold back her tears.

“I got a backup spot in Tokyo University’s finance department and a primary spot in the journalism department. My first choice, finance, was originally a backup, but today I got notified that I’m now officially a student.”

Kuroba smiled with proud, “You did well. I told you it would be fine. I’ve always been good at guessing exam questions.”

Aoko feared that the FBI would take him away any moment, so she quickly added, “The teacher gave me your report to pass on to you.”

He shook his head, saying softly, “It’s okay. You keep it. I couldn’t take it even if you gave it to me.”

“Kaito... Congratulations on being the top scorer in the university entrance exams... for Tokyo University.”

Kuroba Kaito gave a helpless smile. “Thank you, but the top spot at Tokyo University should go to Kudo.”

As Aoko watched his familiar figure, she was suddenly reminded of those days when the setting sun would cast long shadows on their way home from school. She remembered how Kuroba Kaito, in his high school uniform, would walk ahead, casually carrying his bag. And finally, as his figure disappeared, her tears, which she had held back for so long, flowed freely.

“Kaito, aren’t you going home?”

“Yeah, you go ahead. I just remembered something urgent I need to take care of. I’ll catch up with you later.”

But this time, Aoko was destined never to catch up to Kuroba Kaito again.

####################

"Oh my, it seems someone still can't forget a certain criminal. Shouldn't you be worried about Mori-san, Kudo?" Haibara Ai typed, casting a sideways glance at Kudo Shinichi, who was also focused on his computer. 

Without even looking up, Kudo replied, "Worried about Mori-san? Why?"

"Jealousy, of course." Haibara closed her eyes, "You really don’t understand a female’s heart."

Kudo shot her a speechless look—what nonsense was she spouting now?

"How long did you spend at the police headquarters?" Haibara asked. "At that time, when Kid’s life or death was uncertain, I assumed you were immersing yourself in the case to distract the attention. But what about now? You can see him whenever you want. I’ve heard the police and the FBI are considering negotiating with him. That good-hearted thief seems quite cooperative, doesn’t he?"

"Cooperative? I find it strange." Kudo suddenly felt a wave of irritation. "What about you? If you were the police, what would you want to do?" Kudo asked.

"Keep him." Haibara twirled a strand of her chestnut color hair around her finger. "He’s a once-in-a-millennium genius. If it weren’t for that explosion, the police wouldn’t have caught him in another ten years. Kudo, I admit you’re impressive, but he’s even more so."

" Can’t argue with that." Kudo didn't mind that at all.

"Besides, he's different from other criminals. His conscience and kindness far exceed those of most people. It’s just his moral compass... Well, it started off on a different path than ours. Yesterday, when the FBI brought out the photo lineup for him to identify, didn’t he organize everything, even providing sketches, without making a single request? Although I don’t know him well, I can tell he’s never parsimonious about helping the police. If you throw him in prison, it’d be a waste—and nobody would sleep soundly."

"Are you saying he might..."

"Breakout of jail? He certainly has the ability to. But... I don’t think the police will hold him long enough to see that happen." Haibara’s voice was calm.

 "There’s a reason he was called the Miracle of the Moonlit Night. If you intend to keep him, I believe you should give him a reason to stay—like that girl named Nakamori Aoko. In fact, the reason he’s keeping his name rather than going into hiding is probably because of her. He’d rather atone with his real name than disappear from her world like a fugitive."

"Actually, speaking of keeping him, you are right. Many in the upper echelons of police hope Kuroba-kun can work for the police, assisting with investigations."

Haibara seemed to see right through him. "Kudo, what are you really worried about?"

"I’m worried he’ll refuse. Even though the trial hasn’t happened yet, it’s clear he’s facing a long-term sentence."

"Why do you worry about him? Have you suddenly switched sides?"

Kudo sighed. "I don’t know either. Haibara... I once swore to put him behind bars, but... after crossing paths with him so many times, maybe I... I just believe he doesn’t deserve that kind of ending."

"Kudo, remember what I told you after that case when Kid performed the “instant teleportation trick?”, I said "The moment he stepped into the night dressed in white, he had already prepared for the worst." But we aren’t born ready to defend ourselves. We have to experience loneliness before we learn to be strong. On this path, he was always alone."

"Kazuha and Ran just dropped by with some snacks for the kids." Haibara glanced at the cakes and chocolates on the table. "I heard you and Kid had a heated argument—was it over this?"

"No... the argument was largely my fault."Kudo said.

"That doesn’t sound like you, Great Detective. You’re usually calm and objective, but Hattori said you threw the first punch today."

"I couldn’t stand him shouldering all the blame. Everyone knows Kuroba Toichi was the original Kaitō, but... Kid won’t say a word about it."

"The truth isn’t really what you’re after, Kudo." Haibara hit the nail on the head. "What you want is his trust."

#################

"Aoko? Aoko!"

Aoko blinked, startled out of her daze by her friend Momoi Keiko’s concerned voice. She looked up to see Keiko and a group of classmates, even some from the neighboring class, staring at her with worried expressions. She rubbed her eyes and forced a weak smile.

"You... saw the news, didn’t you?" Keiko asked cautiously, and Aoko nodded numbly.

"Did you see the rumors on the forums? What did your father say? Did they really catch Kid? Everyone’s been asking me..."

Exhausted, Aoko bit her lip. "I’m sorry... Excuse me..."

She couldn’t stay in that classroom a moment longer. The ever-present shadows haunted her, piercing her heart. Tears streamed down her face as she ran to the front gate, only to find Kudo, Hattori, and Mori waiting for her.

"Are you... are you okay, Aoko?" 

Aoko wiped her tears but didn’t answer. Hattori  didn’t know how to comfort her, so Ran spoke up first, "Do you want to come with us? Shinichi needs to go to Beika Hospital first, and the rest of us are planning to go downtown for a bit."

"I’m going to the police headquarters to see my father." Aoko said.

"Kudo-kun... is Kaito... is he okay?"

Kudo nodded. "He’s Kid, after all. No one’s giving him a hard time."

"You guys don’t seem too surprised by all this..." Aoko said hesitantly, and Hattori didn’t read too much into her words. "Oh, of course. We’ve crossed paths a few times without his disguise."

"And you, Aoko?" Ran quickly changed the subject, sensing the conversation could take a darker turn. Aoko shook her head silently. "I really can’t stay there. It’s like I can’t breathe. Thanks for the ride, but I’ll get out here. Ran, Kudo, Hattori-kun, Kazuha, see you later."

###############

Outside the Inspector's office at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department:

"Dad... what do you mean by this?"

Aoko stared at Nakamori Ginzo, who stood with his hands behind his back, gazing out at the city through the window. She asked in a trembling voice, "A press conference? Does that mean Kaito will..."

"No, considering he’s a minor, the police won’t allow him to appear at the press conference or in public. But given his involvement in numerous international crimes, the higher-ups have decided to make the announcement tomorrow."

"..." Aoko began biting her lip.

"You... Dad... do you think Kaito’s relationships with us were...fake?"

"No. I’ve dealt with countless people, and Kaito-kun isn’t that kind of person. Never has there been anyone who could become a genius criminal just by being close to law enforcement or the police. After countless encounters and cases, I have to admit, he’s the most brilliant and elegant criminal I’ve ever met. His methods, his performances... If Kid hadn’t shown up at that building that day, if you hadn’t been in danger... we might never have known the truth." 

More experienced and mature than Aoko, Inspector Nakamori saw the situation with a clear, rational mind.

"Kid saved me... Kaito called me to tell me there was a bomb and to throw it upwards, and then Kid appeared... I’ve wondered... Why was it always so coincidental? Coincidentally, What Kid brings to me……the feeling……just like Kaito. Coincidentally, whenever something happened to me, Kaito at home somehow knew, as if he could read my mind. Because... because it was Kaito all along."

Tears streamed down her face. She had tried so hard to hold them back, but she couldn’t anymore. The boy she had once secretly admired—were they destined to be strangers now?

"I will need to undergo some questioning at the Metropolitan Police Department in the coming days. Don’t worry. Go back to Hokkaido with your mother, Nakamori Midoriko, and rest for a few days."

Though Aoko had mentally prepared herself for this, when it all happened, it felt like a massive earthquake had turned her world upside down, triggering a tsunami that crashed into her life. She thought she could hold on, but she realized how difficult it was. Even walking down the street, she couldn’t escape this nightmare.

"Can you imagine, host, that this master thief who played the world’s police like a fiddle has been caught?"

On the giant billboard screen was the famous TV host Matsuda, who was discussing the latest hot topics in entertainment with her guests. Like everyone else who had seen the joint announcement from the Metropolitan Police Department and the FBI, Matsuda was in disbelief, though more than anything, she was excited. Aoko stood there, tears streaming down her face, but it didn’t seem out of place, as many others shared her feelings.

 People from all walks of life, each with their own reasons, stood before the screen, captivated by the broadcast. Every passerby, chatting and laughing, discussing the news with enthusiasm, felt like wave after wave, eroding the strength within her.

She needed to leave. Run as far as she could.

It was half an hour later when they finally arrived at Kudo's house, thanks to the heavy traffic and citywide gridlock. Sonoko jabbed at the doorbell with force, and to her surprise, the door was answered by Amuro Tooru. Aoko's eyes widened.

"Akai-san?" She recalled the name of the FBI agent. "I… I'm Nakamori Aoko."

Akai nodded. "You're here to see Kudo, right? Come inside."

"Suzuki? Nakamori? Kyogoku Makoto? What brings you all here?" Kudo's spacious living room was neatly arranged with folded shirts, pants, and boxes of files. Kudo quickly introduced the group. "This is Akai Shuichi, a senior officer with the Japanese branch of the FBI. This is my high school classmate, Suzuki Sonoko, and her karate champion boyfriend, Kyogoku Makoto. Sonoko, why didn’t you go home to unpack instead of coming here?"

Sonoko huffed. "Kudo!How could you not tell me about something this huge in advance? Me and Makoto just finished our trip and came back from the USA, then we saw Aoko on the street, so we brought her along. Where’s Ran?"

"I’ve got to leave soon with Akai-san. Ran took my assignments to school and is handling some errands for me. We’re dealing with a tricky situation."

Aoko glanced around the room, noticing a few items that looked strangely familiar. Slowly, she picked one up and examined it closely. "Kudo-kun, what is this? It looks so familiar…"

"That's a replica of a bomb fragment from the forensics department," Akai answered. "We're still stumped by the bomb-making case. I’m heading to the parking lot; wait here for me."

"I’ll tell Hattori he’s staying behind to sort the documents," Kudo replied.

Akai, a man of few words, twirled his keys and walked out the door. Shortly afterward, Hattori finally emerged from the bathroom, looking like he’d just finished a shower. 

"Suzuki? Nakamori? What are you doing here?" he asked, drying his hair with a towel as he extended his left hand to shake Makoto’s. "Kudo and Akai are heading to the police headquarters. If you’re looking for Ran…"

"They know," Kudo quickly interrupted Hattori. "Are you sure you don’t need more sleep?"

Hattori chuckled. "You’re one to talk. I’m pretty sure you’ve had less sleep than I have. You got home just after eight this morning, didn’t you? You’re practically a walking zombie."

"What do you mean?" Aoko asked. Hattori took a bite of an apple. "Kudo spends nearly the entire day at the branch office. I can’t stand being there for more than a day—it’s dark, claustrophobic, and the security is suffocating. Honestly, I admire that Kuroba guy. Staying in that hellhole for so many days and still acting unaffected."

Kudo frowned. "Why would he be affected?"

"Ha! Kudo, are you kidding?" Hattori, oblivious to the warning in Kudo’s eyes, laughed. He caught a glimpse of Aoko’s increasingly distressed expression and quickly shut up. Surprisingly, it was the normally reticent Makoto who spoke up. "Kuroba-kun is really Kaitou Kid?"

This was Makoto’s first sentence since entering the house.

"He admitted it himself. Though he didn’t need to. There’s hardly any direct evidence tying him to Kaitou Kid’s thefts. If he had denied involvement in previous cases, things would have gotten complicated. But these past few days, he’s pretty much owned up to everything. Kudo, getting him riled up is quite the feat."

"What do you mean, I got him riled up?" Kudo defended himself. Hattori, biting into the apple again, grinned. "It was the first time I saw him fight back. Out of everyone, you’ve been the hardest on him. Honestly, watching you two argue was like watching an old married couple bicker. You two went at it hard yesterday—if the guards hadn’t restrained him, I think he would’ve actually thrown a punch at your face. "

"Do you think I want that? The Police and the FBI are trying to piece together cases from twenty years ago up to eight years ago. He’s willing to talk about anything except his father. He clams up the moment you mention him."

Aoko interjected, "Kaito’s never liked anyone bringing up Uncle Toichi. Whenever someone does, he suddenly becomes very distant, refusing to say anything about his father. I remember eight years ago, after the accident happened, Kuroba completely changed. But then, he was only eight years old."

With Aoko’s words echoing in his mind, they unknowingly arrived at the police headquarters. The security had been elevated to the highest alert level, and Kudo Shinichi didn’t need to guess to know that the "phantom thief" had already arrived.

"Kudo-kun, Kid is in the third-floor conference room signing the confession," Officer Sato whispered to Kudo. "Inspector Megure just received a tough serial murder case and wants you to come downstairs."

A serial murder case involving bombs. Kudo Shinichi compared the site’s remnants with three photos taken a few days ago. The explosion sites indeed had many similarities.

"It seems that the victims were just passing by at the time, caught in the blast. The bombs were placed near shopping centers or crowded business districts. If we focus on the locations alone, there’s no clear connection. However, if we consider the timing, they were all set during rush hour. Fortunately, no one has died, and most of the injured sustained only minor to moderate injuries." Kudo quickly assessed the situation, standing in front of the projection screen in the Metropolitan Police Department’s Investigation Division, listing the factors he could think of while eliminating the irrelevant ones.

"Based on the current information, I think the bomber placed the explosives during the morning rush hour. Though there are surveillance cameras everywhere, the crowds make it difficult to identify anyone. Then they detonate them during the evening rush hour, or perhaps the other way around. Cross-referencing the locations to find matching faces has been challenging. Inspector Megure, didn’t you mention on the phone that two more small bomb cases were found near Ginza? Were they defused?"

"The bomb squad secured the area for 24 hours as a precaution and brought the two samples back. If this explosive is the work of the same person, the blast could be catastrophic," Inspector Megure said, gesturing toward the basement. "Shall I take you down there? Hattori-kun, would you like to come along?"

Kudo examined the bomb case carefully. "This doesn’t look like an ordinary bomb case."

"Exactly. The surface is covered with strange patterns, and we can’t open it yet, but we can hear a steady countdown ticking inside. We’re not sure what the explosive material is, but we’ve got a few hours before sunset."

Hyakushi Box

"Hattori, you go ahead. I need to fetch someone."

"What? Kudo, can’t you ask someone upstairs? What if you don’t make it back in time?"

"I can’t trust anyone else with this. If you can’t dismantle it, don’t push it. The bomb containment room in the police headquarters should handle the blast. I’ll be quick."

As the officers waiting by the elevator stood quietly, curious about the commotion, the elevator doors opened, revealing Kudo Shinichi, dragging something—or someone—behind him. The other passengers, with embarrassed expressions, quickly exited. Kudo was the last to step out, heading from the third floor to the first, then taking a special elevator down to the bomb containment room. Officers Sato and Takagi were holding reports, ready to go downstairs.

"Kudo-kun! Inspector Megure is on the fifth basement floor... wait, what is this...or who is this?"

As Kudo exited the elevator, the sound of harsh metal dragging on the floor turned heads among the officers and SWAT team members. Behind Kudo's tall figure, a young boy struggled to keep pace.

"Don’t worry about it," Kudo reassured the officers with a smile. "I can handle this myself."

The cloth finally slipped off, revealing Kuroba Kaito, who immediately protested, "Kudo Shinichi... What the hell are you doing! Let me go!"

"You should look around and see where you are first," Kudo replied, tightening his grip on the handcuffs that bound Kuroba’s wrist. "Do you really want to cause a scene here?"

"This is blatant kidnapping!" Kuroba growled, to which Kudo smirked. "So what? There are plenty of police officers here. You’re welcome to ask any of them for help—I promise I won’t stop you."

The receptionist had never witnessed such a spectacle and hadn’t yet recognized who Kudo was dragging along. But whispers soon spread through the office.

"Is that... Kaitou Kid behind Kudo?"

"...No way! Isn’t he supposed to be in the meeting room?"

Suddenly, Kudo picked up his pace, the clanging of the handcuffs causing Kuroba to reflexively tug back.

"Could you be a bit gentler? My wrist really hurts! That’s enough.Aren't you supposed to solve cases and be your Grim Reaper or Death Angel…… whatever you want to call. Not……" Kuroba muttered, his voice thick with irritation. "Why did you bring me here?"

"I thought you might get bored and start causing trouble, so I brought you along," Kudo explained calmly, pressing the button for the lower floors.

"Kuroba-kun?... Why... why are you here?" Officer Takagi gasped.

“I would love to know the answer, too.” Kuroba sighed.

"I’ll explain later, Officer Takagi. For now, let’s head downstairs."

As the elevator doors closed, Kudo pressed the button for the lower levels. Everyone was staring at them, noticing the exceptionally handsome young man Kudo was dragging along. Leaning against the elevator mirror, Kuroba Kaito scoffed, "What do you need me here for, Meitantei? Don't tell me you want me to solve a case for you. I’m not a detective."

"Don’t worry, I’ll handle the case. You’ll just have to deal with the bomb."

Outside the glass-walled containment room, the increased FBI presence and Inspector Megure’s stern expression said it all. Hattori Heiji could only stare in disbelief as Kudo Shinichi dragged a figure down the corridor.

"What... what did you bring here?" Hattori was stunned, struggling to believe his eyes.

"My cousin," Kudo replied.

Hattori quickly understood, while Inspector Megure was still trying to process the situation, only seeing Kaitou Kid.

"You... Kudo... you’re really..."

Kuroba Kaito glanced at the bomb case inside the containment box and recognized it instantly.

"Why should I help you?" Kuroba asked.

"Don’t bargain with me. I brought you out, so you should thank me properly," Kudo retorted, adding, "This explosion is part of a series of random, innocent bombings targeting rush hour, probably to disrupt traffic. We still don’t know the motive."

"Hyakushi Box," Kuroba identified the bomb without hesitation. This intricate and deadly device had almost killed him a few days ago at the planetarium.

"It was created fifty years ago by an architect who lived in seclusion in the Italian mountains. He was known for making these things, similar in concept to the trap box from last time. But this one... if I remember correctly, is more like a labyrinth map. Generally, the easiest way to open such a box is manually."

"So you can handle it, Kaitou Kid?" Kudo asked.

Chapter Text

Kuroba chuckled, "Of course, it’s a piece of cake. But first, take off these handcuffs."

Inspector Megure blinked, trying to contain his shock. "You... you’re..."

"How am I supposed to help you with my hands behind my back,Metantei?" Kuroba tilted his head. "And time isn’t as abundant as you think. You might have less than half a day left. Just like the bomb Inspector Chaki had—if you don’t start working on it immediately, it will explode."

"What?! How do you know that?" Inspector Megure was horrified.

Kuroba Kaito explained, "The heat—I’m guessing the bomb inside might be a simple device that continuously generates heat until it reaches a critical point and explodes. The heat inside had already built up to a certain level. If you don’t deal with it soon, it could blow up at any moment."

Kudo considered this for a moment. "How about I become your hands then?"

Kuroba shook his head and sneered. "Metantei, only I can decipher the patterns. Or maybe when you become fully blind."

Behind the thick, transparent glass, Kudo Shinichi felt an inexplicable sense of unease. Kuroba Kaito knelt down, carefully holding the small Hyakushi Box in his hands. As he touched it, his suspicion was confirmed—it was like a complex puzzle with six sides, and the intricate patterns on its surface were too delicate for an ordinary person to decipher. Sending it to a lab could trigger the bomb, leading to disastrous consequences.

"Kaitou, if you can’t do it, step out. We’ll think of something else," Kudo suggested.

Kuroba Kaito took a deep breath and looked seriously at Kudo. In that moment, a powerful and familiar aura emanated from him. The smile that spread across Kuroba’s face was no longer playful but filled with a hint of challenge—it was the smile of Kaitou Kid, confident and unyielding. 

He straightened his tall frame, and his hands moved with focused speed. To everyone’s amazement, the rough-looking wooden box revealed itself to be composed of tiny wooden blocks, like a large, complex Rubik’s cube.

"Metantei, don’t you trust my skills?"

Within minutes, the Hyakushi Box disintegrated into wooden blocks, scattering fine dust that ignited with a crackling sound. Kudo instinctively sensed danger. He swiftly pulled open the isolation glass and yanked Kuroba out of the chamber. Wherever the dust settled, sparks flew, but the bomb squad quickly activated fire extinguishers. The flames weren’t large, and after rapidly extracting oxygen from the chamber, the fire was extinguished.

"Are you two okay?" Hattori asked as he pulled them further away. The two coughed a little from the smoke but were otherwise unharmed. Kuroba Kaito pointed to the mess inside. "There are still some parts that haven’t reacted. If you take them back to the lab for analysis, you might be able to figure out the contents. I think the culprit intended to explode these wooden blocks from the inside, using the high temperature and flames to cause a secondary explosion of the dust dispersed in the air. Some of the blocks inside were white and yellow, likely made of phosphorus powder."

"Kuroba-kun, you’ve got some paint on your face," Hattori pointed out the spot near his brow. Kuroba raised his right hand to wipe it away, and that’s when Kudo noticed the marks on Kuroba’s wrist—deep, overlapping, and crisscrossing.

"Your... your wrist..." Kudo began.

Kuroba turned to him, puzzled. "What? Is there more paint?"

"I told you to let me help, didn’t I? And those wounds on your wrist... are you sure you’re okay?"

"It’s nothing," Kuroba shrugged it off. "I thought it was interesting. That bomb was pretty easy to disarm."

"You should really get that treated," Kudo insisted.

"No need, Metantei. I used to get cuts like this all the time when I practiced magic tricks back when I was little. The human body isn’t that fragile," Kuroba replied nonchalantly. Then he turned to Inspector Megure, "I was going to disarm the other one, but it didn’t seem to have any explosives in it."

"You mean... it was an empty box?"

"If the culprit behind the Ginza bomb cases’s goal was to create mass panic, then yes. A few empty boxes and a few bombs could certainly cause a lot of commotion. And lower cost. If you want to catch the culprit, you should focus on the bomb materials, not the Hyakushi box. The mechanism box is much more complicated. The triggering chemical isn’t anything special, but the craftsmanship—those boxes are incredibly difficult to make, and they have to be handmade. "

Kudo and Hattori nodded. "Inspector Megure, we’d like to borrow a computer from your office to gather some basic information about the bomb," Kudo said as he grabbed Kuroba’s arm and led him into the elevator.

"What’s the deal? You brought me here to disarm the bomb, I did it,Meitantei, what more do you want? Didn’t last time with the Hakuba kun case make it clear I’m... not interested in solving mysteries... Could you be a little gentler? Are you a beast or something?"

"That injury on your hand can’t be left like that—it’s going to get infected," Kudo said, pressing the button for the Investigation Division’s floor, then the ground floor.

"I’ll be back up to meet you once I’ve taken care of this," Kudo said as they reached the ground floor. The lobby was bustling with chattering police officers. Kudo hurriedly pulled Kuroba through the corridor.

"Is that him? Are you sure you’re not mistaken...?"

"How could I be? Look who’s beside him—Kudo Shinichi. If he’s not Kid, who else could he be?"

Kuroba Kaito’s expression of helplessness only seemed to earn him more admiration from the female officers, especially the receptionist. Kudo Shinichi, scanning the ceiling for directions, spotted the sign for the medical station. "You’re a troublemaker wherever you go," Kudo muttered as he led Kuroba along.

"Well, you’re the one who dragged me out,Meitantei... Are you sure it’s a good idea to bring me somewhere no one can see us?"

Kudo’s heart skipped a beat, thinking it was another one of Kid’s teasing tricks, but Kuroba’s expression was unusually serious. "Meitantei, do you really think it’s safe to bring me here? If they think I’m holding you hostage... or worse, they might think you’re my accomplice."

You are my accomplice.

Am I?

"I informed Inspector Chaki beforehand," Kudo replied, shoving Kuroba further into the room. The nurse seemed startled by the sudden appearance of the two boys.

"Excuse me, I need some cotton and a small bottle of antiseptic solution," Kudo requested.

"Uh... where is the injury?" The nurse, unable to see the handcuffs on Kuroba’s wrist due to the height difference, was momentarily distracted by the sight of the handsome young man in front of her. Kudo couldn’t stand to see another girl swooning over Kuroba—this guy was truly a magnet for trouble.

"No need to trouble yourself, miss. Thank you for the medicine," Kuroba quickly thanked her, noticing Kudo’s increasingly dark expression. He hastily pushed Kudo out of the examination room. The result of this was Kuroba gritting his teeth as Kudo slowly poured the iodine directly into the narrow space between the metal and skin. It stung like fire, as if his hands were being roasted.

"Do you have a grudge against me?"

"Could you stop moving? Kid. How am I supposed to clean this up?"

"Just give me the iodine," Kuroba gasped as Kudo upended the bottle, letting the liquid flow. The pain was intense—Kuroba cursed under his breath, "Damn it, Meitantei! You are even worse than the devil.!"

Ding—the elevator door opened, revealing two boys who looked strikingly similar, tugging at each other as they emerged in front of Ran, Kazuha, and Aoko.

"Meitantei, move!—you’re stepping on my foot! Stop pulling!"

"That’s your foot, not mine!"

"It hurts! Open your big eyes and look where you’re going! Move over!"

"If you keep resisting, I’ll have the guards downstairs haul you up, and then we won’t have this problem," Kudo threatened.

"That’s not my fault! And is that how you’re supposed to use a bottle of antiseptic?" Kuroba retorted, changing the subject to a few minutes earlier. "You’re such a clumsy guy—what do girls even see in you?"

Kuroba suddenly fell silent as they reached the second floor of the Investigation Division, where a large crowd had gathered. Kudo’s face darkened again—this guy...

"Ahem... Anyway, come inside," Inspector Megure said, opening the glass door under the pressure of dozens of eyes. Hattori, Kudo, and Kuroba entered the conference room.

"I’ve already disarmed the bomb, so a few more minutes won’t make a difference. Detective, could you be a little gentler..." Kuroba began, but Kudo tossed the empty Hyakushi Box at him.

"I noticed some patterns on the surface. See if you can find any clues," Kudo instructed. Kuroba complied.

Each side of the map corresponded to ancient Tokyo’s old sites, and the police uncovered another clue buried beneath one of the sites. Although this clue couldn’t be used, Kudo quickly listed the three belts of Orion’s constellation.

"Metantei, I’ve got a bold theory—what if the creator of the Hyakushi Box and the person behind the planetarium explosion are connected somehow? I mean, since the box is so unique, maybe the craft is passing down privately and only few people know in the entire world.That would give us even more clues. Maybe the bomb maker is not the Box maker, but they sure are the customer and seller."

"Why do you think that?" Kudo asked, considering the connection.

"Just a hunch. I’m not a detective like you. Besides solving math problems and natural equations in class, I mostly rely on intuition and experience. I’ve got a feeling this one is similar to the one at the planetarium. The weight is about the same, and though Mr. Hirano’s bomb wasn’t as decorated, the weight, size, and structure are almost identical. Both explosions left behind fine dust. I mean, Maybe the Hyakushi boxes came from the same craft."

"So, what do you think?" Kudo asked, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

"Naturally, we need to trace it back to the source, we find the guy making Hyakushi Box. But that won’t do, we’ve got to catch this bomber who’s spreading fear. I bet they are different people, maybe our Tokyo Bomber just ordered the box from the real maker of Hyakushi Box, and the maker definitely is related to the Hirano family. Don’t ask me why, I just think the Hirano family knew far more than they told.”

Kudo picked up the phone, later said:” I’ve just talked to Haibara on the phone.”

“And ……?” Hattori asked.

“If I’m not mistaken, When Kid mentioned the temperature, I suddenly thought—could that be it? Temperature and humidity triggering the chemical reaction inside, activating the chemical process. So I asked Haibara Ai to check each explosion site. Besides the crowds, the bombs were placed near restaurant or shop air conditioning vents, which provided a steady source of heat and moisture. But when the explosives were moved to the underground isolation chamber, the temperature was manually controlled at 15 degrees Celsius, and the humidity at around 40%, accelerating the chemical reaction—maybe oxidation. Now that we know how they controlled the detonation time, the next step is..."

"Surveillance cameras."

Kuroba Kaito and Hattori Heiji said in unison.

"Exactly. Since the culprit had to be familiar with the air conditioning and temperature settings at each location, he must have scouted the sites. Most store entrance cameras have a narrow field of view. Earlier, we considered the crowded streets and high repetition rate of commuters not to be an issue. By cross-referencing, we can have the model identify the faces that appear most frequently, narrowing down our suspects.

"So, are you planning to have that young lady solve this for you?" Kuroba meant to be Haibara Ai.

Kudo's gaze shifted toward him. "You realize that this data is highly protected, right? The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's data isn't something that can be transmitted carelessly."

"When you were still Conan, you had honed your skills at snooping to perfection," Kuroba remarked.

"Same here. But no, it's better not to expose Haibara Ai to any danger right now. If there’s a mole in the Metropolitan Police, and they track the data transmission, it could bring trouble to her."

"Then what’s your plan? Maybe there are people in the investigation unit with the right background?" Hattori asked, while Kuroba's lips twitched. "Meitantei, I’m not your part-time intern."

It turned out that Kuroba Kaito had it even worse than the interns.

After all, he didn’t get paid after all the hard work.

 Kuroba received a pile of flash drives collected by Inspector Megure’s subordinates and began transferring the video recordings to his computer, his fingers flying across the keyboard faster than handcuffs could ever restrain. In just a few minutes, three photos popped up on the laptop screen.

"Querying the database… Found them,Metantei. The suspects have been narrowed down to three. You can make the arrests."

Kudo nodded. After identifying the three suspects, he quickly zeroed in on one of them.

"Meitantei, I’ve seen this man before. He’s the university roommate of Hirano Shusuke, you know, right? Hirano Shusuke, the heir of one of the Hirano family’s branch houses. So back to the topic, they’re close, and he graduated from Harvard University’s medical department a few years ago."

#####################

"The blue nails are stained from prolonged exposure to nitroglycerin. And due to years of handling nitric acid and other chemicals to make explosives, his dominant hand is frequently corroded by strong acids." Chef Inspector Moroboshi read the report with his reading glasses on, which was when Inspector Megure realized that the person beside the desk was none other than Commissioner General Hakuba.

"Ah…General, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt your…"

Hakuba chuckled and raised his teacup, interrupting Megure’s apology. "No worries, no worries. We were just chatting. Please, continue. I shouldn’t be a distraction, right?"

Inspector Megure quickly shook his head. "Not at all!"

"So, the bomb suspect initially denied making explosives for an anonymous client, but… he eventually confessed?"

Megure nodded at the deputy director. "Yes. Kudo suggested following the suspect’s cash flow, so we pretended to trace them and try to find the evidence but lacked solid evidence, shifted the focus to another suspect, and had officers Sato and Takagi keep a close watch. Sure enough, the day after his release, he couldn’t wait and started transferring large amounts of money. But Kudo also emphasized that this person is likely just a contractor or the one mixing the explosives. We still can’t confirm whether he’s the one behind the Hyakushi Box. We think it might not be him."

"The suspect didn’t try to flee?" asked Chef Inspector Moroboshi.

"No, Kudo suggested we have a child plant a tracker on the suspect. Early this morning, Officers Sato and Takagi led a mobile unit to storm the abandoned factory, arresting both the suspect and his client. Kudo’s point is, since every explosive incident only causes panic without significant casualties, it shows the maker’s caution. He doesn’t want to kill. Our investigation revealed that the suspect has a son currently being raised by his ex-wife and an elderly mother living in seclusion in Hokkaido. The money was sent to his mother. He sent all the commission fees to her."

"Why would he do that?" The Chef Inspector folded his hands on the desk, intrigued.

"He was recently diagnosed with a terminal illness, so he started using this method to earn money for his mother’s care and his child’s future education. Before he was caught this morning, he even sent a million yen to his ex-wife. Maybe somebody is behind the public attack, wanting to incite the public panic. Or maybe it is only him trying to release his pain and stress that accumulated in all these years."

The Chef Inspector nodded approvingly.

 "Well done. Although the bombings weren’t lethal, they caused a lot of turmoil.Good job, really good. But… Kudo-kun’s approach this time is different from usual. He typically focuses on physical evidence, so why did he start with investigating the suspect’s background?"

"Chef Inspector Moroboshi means he doesn’t know who Kudo referred to as “that person.”" Hakuba explained.

Megure felt a cold sweat. Although Kudo hadn’t explicitly stated it, he had mentioned not revealing this matter publicly.

"Megure-kun, sometimes…" Unable to withstand his superior’s intimidating smile, Megure silently apologized to Kuroba in his heart. "It’s Kudo’s friend… He said it’s his cousin."

A cousin—that wasn’t really a lie, was it? Though it sounded like a joke, that’s indeed how Kudo had introduced him.

"Kudo-kun’s cousin?" Commissioner General Hakuba put down his teacup and walked over.

 "Hahaha, the young man is really something. He went to the police headquarters to see the prosecutor in the morning and solved a case on the side."

"You… Commissioner General, do you know who I’m talking about?" Inspector Megure asked in surprise. Hakuba stroked his gray beard.

 "I think it’s time to meet this “Kid” face-to-face."

Chapter Text

By the afternoon, the third-floor conference room was sealed off, leaving Kuroba Kaito alone inside. There was heavy police presence outside the room, but for privacy reasons, he was the only one inside, as the prosecutor had left in the morning. As for why he had to stay? No one had informed him, and he didn’t bother to ask.

Resting his forehead on the cold handcuffs, he felt a bit drowsy.

The door opened, revealing a middle-aged man with a sturdy build and an ID badge from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department hanging around his neck. He casually exchanged a few words with Kuroba before the conversation turned to the mountain of files and photos spread across the table. 

Kuroba instantly regretted having targeted too much jewelry, realizing that each case would take time to resolve—if he’d known earlier, he would have been more selective.

And not to answer or accept every challenge Suzuki Jirokichi made. 

Anticipating another mental ordeal, Kuroba asked the guard outside for a cup of black coffee.

As he casually flipped through the papers, Kuroba took a sip of the coffee and nearly spat it out—it turned out the police department’s coffee was this bad, like drinking medicent as water? Poor Inspector Nakamori.

Unable to bear the bitterness, he tore open a packet of sugar and boldly poured it in.

"Young man, can’t handle coffee?"

A thick, gentle voice sounded, and Kuroba, always polite, responded with a smile. "I can’t stand such bitter drinks."

The man sat down casually. He was about fifty to sixty based on the look, with a round face and body, brown hair, round glasses, and a gray casual suit, with a “Visitor” badge on his chest.

Kuroba, feeling a bit wary, carefully licked the now sweetened, thin coffee. He took a sip, but his expression remained odd.

"Try adding some creamer. The protein neutralizes the coffee’s bitterness and reduces the burning sensation in the mouth."

Kuroba shook his head, declining the offer. "I’m not really used to drinking coffee. It’s just that there’s been a lot going on lately. And no one can force me to take another sip of that."

The old man stood up and approached the coffee machine on the conference room wall. "I used to work here when I was younger. Back then, we didn’t have these machines. Did your generation know that hot coffee used to be dispensed into paper cups from vending machines? Ah, I miss the old days. The present is good too, though, with your generation now in charge, while we elders step back."

But sometimes old ginger is spicier. (With age comes wisdom.)

The old man smiled and shook his head, not denying it,"Today I’m meeting a young man who I see a lot of potential in. I want him to work for me."

Kuroba took another sip of coffee before finally deciding to push it far away.

"Why are you here alone? Got yourself in trouble?" The old man pointed to the special handcuffs on Kuroba’s hands. He didn’t try to hide them, instead smiling wryly. "I guess you could say… I caused quite a big mess."

"You look pretty young. How old are you? A high school student? I have a son around your age. He applied to a foreign university, Cambridge. He got in but then told me he wanted to transfer to Tokyo University."

"Senior year. Your son’s impressive—getting into Cambridge means he’s in the top 1% of students, not to mention needing “connections and family ties” to get in." Kuroba, without making direct eye contact, continued flipping through the assistant’s papers while chatting with the old man.

"Which university did you get into?"

"Tokyo University."

The old man raised an eyebrow. "You’re quite capable, young man. Which department? Medical? Electrical Engineering? Finance? I heard this year’s exam was harder than ever. Have you chosen your major?"

"I wasn’t home yesterday, so my mother chose for me—Electrical Engineering. But I probably won’t go to college. There’s something else I need to deal with, something I need to repay."

The old man raised an eyebrow. "What nonsense—what could be more important for a student than school?"

Kuroba smiled sheepishly and raised his cuffed hands slightly. "I’ve got time to serve."

"So young, and you’re already serving time? What did you do? You don’t seem like the type to kill or start fires."

Kuroba smirked and let out a small chuckle. "It’s complicated… The crimes I’ve committed are quite serious… Strictly speaking, very serious."

"Where will you serve?" Commissioner Hakuba initially thought Kuroba would be offended by the question, but instead, Kuroba simply rotated his sore wrists before turning to the next file. "I’m not really sure… It doesn’t matter to me where."

"You don’t plan to escape?"

Kuroba Kaito hesitated for a moment before laughing. "Hahaha… I never really thought about it." He put away the file and began twirling a pen with his right hand. Casually glancing at the man’s deep red tie, he frowned slightly, as if something was off.

"Would you mind?" Kuroba asked as he reached out, taking the tie clip from Hakuba's chest, twisting it a few times before reattaching it. The tie automatically shortened to the appropriate length.

A pinhole camera.

Kuroba carefully adjusted the collar, then picked up the pen from the table, spinning it. Hakuba responded with a gentle, curious smile. "Rest assured, I won’t breathe a word to anyone about what you’ve told me."

"In terms of ability, I certainly have a great chance to escape… But what’s the point? After the final curtain falls, it’s time to pay for the crimes I’ve committed. Even though I know that some things are beyond forgiveness." Kuroba's tone suggested he was discussing someone else’s fate rather than his own.

"If you had the chance to start over, would you still walk down this path?"

Kuroba looked deeply into Hakuba’s eyes. "Given a million chances, I’d still make the same choice."

Hakuba nodded, took a sip of coffee—terrible as expected—and patted Kuroba on the shoulder. "Young man, what’s your name?"

"Kuroba Kaito."

It wasn’t hard to imagine this young man as the notorious Kaitou Kid. The sense of camaraderie that emerged between them carried an air of carelessness, yet Hakuba’s smile was honest, almost fatherly, as he brushed away invisible dust from Kuroba's shoulder.

"It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kuroba-kun."

Kuroba grinned. "Likewise, Tokyo Metropolitan Police Commissioner General Hakuba."

"So you knew who I was?" Hakuba raised an eyebrow, though his tone suggested he wasn’t surprised.

"Of course. You’re the head of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, the Commissioner General." Kuroba said slowly.

"And you are Kaitou Kid, the world’s most wanted thief, who has outwitted the police globally." Hakuba’s tone was equally calm, like two seasoned players at a high-stakes game, both fully aware of the cards they held.

"When did you find out?" Hakuba asked curiously. "My face doesn’t often appear in the news."

"I knew the moment you walked in. This is a highly secure conference room, yet you entered with a visitor’s badge and talked for so long without anyone interrupting. Only someone of Deputy Commissioner rank or higher could pull that off. When you turned around, I recognized you as Commissioner Hakuba immediately."

"Memorizing the names and faces of hundreds of police officers is probably a simple task for you. But I’m a bit surprised at how candid you are—most criminals would hide their true abilities, but you openly admitted you could escape… You truly live up to the name Kaitou Kid."

Kuroba remained silent.

"The legendary Kaitou Kid, the world’s greatest thief, held the world's police in the palm of one hand, a delightful challenge in the eyes of detectives. My subordinates have been completely outplayed by you. You’ve manipulated the police as if they were puppets, rescuing people and aiding investigations effortlessly. Without your intervention in those moments, I might have lost half of my best men. For that, I should thank you. When I first heard that Kid had been captured, I didn’t believe it. When I was told the suspect was a mere seventeen-year-old boy, I was even more skeptical, yet a tiny part of me held on to hope. The interrogation three or four days ago convinced me completely—the brilliant criminal standing in front of me is indeed you."

Kuroba shook his head slightly, but Hakuba’s previously gentle demeanor began to expand, revealing the commanding presence of the man who held the highest authority. 

His aura was like aged wine—mature and sharp.

After a long silence, Kuroba finally spoke.

"Commissioner Hakuba, you've come to see me—there must be something you want, right?"

Chapter Text

Father called me to the police station today. Why? Wouldn't it be more private to discuss this at home? 

Aoko was smart—she wiped away her tears, knowing that despite the sadness, life must go on. Her father’s office had noticeably changed, something she couldn’t overlook.

“If he’s been so close to us all along, setting aside my own negligence, if the higher-ups suspect that we were colluding with him… the consequences could be disastrous. I don’t know what Kuroba Kaito has done, but… he must have some agreement with the police or someone higher up. Not only did I stay in the Second Division, but I also got a promotion.”

“So… is Dad trying to make up for all this? Does he think…?” Aoko’s trembling voice broke into sobs. “Why? Why!”

“Listen, Aoko, a lot has happened this weekend. Maybe you should take some time off from school. Your mother and I both support you. Take a good break; after all, you’re about to graduate. Missing a few days won’t matter. The school won’t punish you for skipping classes without permission—I’ll personally call your teachers.”

Inspector Nakamori rarely held his daughter close. Aoko was tougher and more independent than other girls, and their interactions usually involved someone else—Kuroba Kaito.

“And… Kaito? What… what will happen to him? Legally, he…” Aoko didn’t want to ask, but her heart still clung to Kaito.

“It’s hard to say…  Although most of the cases are in Japan, there are numerous crimes committed abroad, involving foreign companies and cases. Not to mention, from twenty to eight years ago, many incidents occurred in Europe and America. Even if it wasn’t Kuroba Kaito then… it was still his father. The FBI was the first to get involved, and other international organizations wouldn’t interfere. Legally, most of it will be judged by Japanese law, and as for his father’s part, it will naturally end without a conclusion. Crimes like obstruction of justice, theft, robbery, trespassing, and kidnapping… These are serious criminal offenses. A prison sentence is inevitable… Even though he’s a minor, the protections for minors don’t apply to him anymore. A reduced sentence is likely, considering he saved many people and secretly assisted in investigations… These are all grounds for leniency.”

Nakamori Ginzo couldn’t find any comforting words for Aoko.

“Kuroba Kaito admitted his identity without hesitation; there’s nothing more to say. Aoko… you…”

How do you feel about him? Will you wait for him?

Ten hours earlier:

“I do have a request for you, Kuroba.”

Commissioner General Hakuba said, “Or rather, I want to ask you, what is worth your future freedom?”

“You’re asking what information you want me to trade for freedom… No… You’re asking what I want in exchange for giving up my freedom.”

No doubt a clever person, Kuroba immediately grasped Hakuba’s true intention, completely reversing the situation.

But then Hakuba said something completely unrelated, yet it was the thing Kuroba cared about most: “Kuroba kun, we’ve found your father’s body. It’s been brought back to Tokyo from ICPO.”

Kuroba’s face remained expressionless. After hearing Commissioner Hakuba’s words, he blinked, “What are you trying to say? I already knew about my father’s death. My mother told me as soon as she found out. Died in the line of duty.” Died after Aurthur left him.

“Your mother knew everything about your father, including joining ICPO in France and becoming an undercover agent. Though it’s said he died in the line of duty, Kuroba Chikage, who is far away in France, expressed that before his death, your father wished to be buried in Japan if anything happened.”

A dreadful silence fell.

“When is the burial?” Kuroba asked coldly. Hakuba softened his tone for once, “As soon as possible. You know these things shouldn’t be delayed…”

“I want to say goodbye to him one last time. Whatever conditions you have, I’ll accept them.” Kuroba’s icy voice pleaded with the most humble request.

“That’s not a problem, but we have some conditions.”

“What conditions?” Kuroba asked.

“First, you must waive your juvenile offender status, meaning you won’t have the protections of a minor when facing the law. Second, the trial will be held in private. Third, the prosecution’s investigation into the Hirano Foundation has been at a standstill. We all know why, Kuroba, and before the data was destroyed, you must have remembered all the transaction details. I need you to name the institutions that laundered money through the Hirano Foundation, and then we’ll take it from there.”

Kuroba Kaito nodded slightly, “So, you knew all along.”

“One last thing: the Japanese police want to sign an agreement with you. I’ll get the decision from the higher-ups by this afternoon and bring it to you by 9 p.m. tonight. You’ll see the document then.”

As if none of this concerned him, Kuroba was silent for a moment before replying, “Alright, I accept. But can I make one condition?”

“Go ahead.”

“Inspector Nakamori’s twenty years of hard work and dedication—I don’t want my choices and actions to affect his career or family.” 

It was a clear hint, with resolute eyes.

Hakuba’s wrinkled face broke into a smile, “I never intended to hold him accountable. The reason I paused the investigation was to keep him out of your case. I understand your meaning; I’ll take care of it.”

After signing the waiver and confidentiality agreement, the electronic lock on the interrogation room door finally opened. Kudo Shinichi stepped in, “Kid, do you know what you’ve just done? You’ve given up not just your legal rights, but your freedom!”

Kuroba sneered, “Meitantei, why are you so angry? Strange, didn’t you swear last time that you’d lock me up in a prison you called a tomb? Shouldn’t you be happy with my choice? Or was this not your plan from the start?”

Kudo sighed, “You really think this was my plan? I only found out this morning!”

“So what? I completely understand the concerns of the Japanese police. If I were in law enforcement, losing this legal protection would make my work much easier. Plus, maybe there is no such thing like minor protection considering Kid is a felon.”

“If you’re so considerate of others, Kaito Kid, I ask you… is this really the outcome your father would have wanted?”

Kuroba stood up, “What my father wanted doesn’t matter to me! I don’t know what he wanted. He and my mother never asked me, never told me anything. They protected me in their way, but they never knew what I truly wanted. Just like you, I sought the truth, so I pursued it my way. But the moment I made this choice for my curiosity, I was no longer that eight-year-old boy hiding under my parents’ umbrella! Kudo Shinichi, my father made his choice, and now I’ve made mine!”

Finally hearing the emotions Kuroba had repressed, Kudo’s trembling eyelashes and clenched fists revealed the turmoil within him. Even though he had achieved the objective Akai had hoped for—breaking down the wall around Kuroba Kaito’s heart—Kudo felt no sense of accomplishment. His gaze penetrated those mature and determined eyes, seeing a lost boy within, unable to find his way home.

“Meitantei… whose side are you on?” Kuroba’s tone shifted,

“Forget it. Forget all those encounters with Edogawa Conan. You and I are destined to be opposites, light and shadow. I’ll never let you become my accomplice.”

_____________________________________________

“The higher-ups have already issued their final judgment. This wasn't a public trial; it was an internal hearing with a direct verdict. Of course, if you have any objections to the judgment, you can request a retrial and follow the formal procedures. I'll skip over the legal jargon and the exceptions. Although you're a minor, you've repeatedly challenged both domestic and international laws, and since you didn't adhere to juvenile protection laws, the sentence is twenty years. Considering the unique nature of Kaito's crimes, the sentence was ultimately reduced to ten years. This agreement was unanimously accepted by the FBI and the Japanese police higher-ups. Naturally, as the person involved, you must sign this agreement for it to take effect.”

“I have no objections.”

“Given the unusual circumstances surrounding Kaito Kid's crimes, they unanimously agreed that your verdict shouldn't align with that of ordinary individuals. Your father, Kuroba Toichi, was once recruited by the ICPO, and now, we're presenting this agreement to you. We're giving you a chance to reclaim a normal life… a somewhat normal life,” the Deputy Director added. Kuroba hesitantly flipped open the first page.

“But you will lose your freedom, which means your freedom will be in our hands and those authorized. By working for us, you’ll live like a regular high school student, with no major changes.”

No major changes would mean a fundamental shift.

“Working for you?” Kuroba turned to Hakuba with a wry smile, meaning no offense. “I mean what exactly do you see in me? I’m just a high school student who occasionally dabbles in international theft, which is completely at odds with your police stance.”

“Your intelligence, your skills, and your unique way of thinking. Do I need to continue?”

Kuroba Kaito quickly interrupted the Deputy Director: “Can I keep the agreement and the judgment to think it over?”

It wasn’t surprising to find the young man leaning against the windowsill, fast asleep, with neatly stacked papers on the desk. Upon closer inspection, Kudo noticed that Kuroba had already made faint notes on the documents, categorizing them by type of law, and had a book pressed under his side.

“You finished reading the laws?”

Kuroba shrugged, “I read them, but I don't intend to make any major corrections to the agreement.” He then let out a self-deprecating laugh, “Honestly, whether I agree or not makes no difference.Meitantei, do you believe that if I refuse, they wouldn’t find other ways to coerce me? You don’t need to look at me like that. I don’t intend to taint your sense of justice or the law, but I want to tell you how different we are. You’re a detective, and I’m a criminal. Naturally, some of our views and stances differ greatly.”

“Ten years, that’s all,” Kudo said, not knowing why. “Kaito Kid, it’s just ten years. After that, you’ll regain your true freedom.”

“Meitantei, we both are better than this, we both know the situation.”

Kuroba’s tone wasn’t one of resentment but rather indifference. When an officer handed him a pen, Kuroba bit off the cap and signed his name neatly and swiftly.

##############################

He vaguely recalled that there wasn’t an official funeral for his father eight years ago. It was just a rushed visit to the cemetery with his mother. But this time, Kuroba Kaito felt suffocated with each step, a ton of pressure weighing on his chest.

This time, his father was truly gone. The center stage showed his father in his signature black tuxedo, and as memories flashed by, Kuroba Kaito’s heart was in turmoil, torn beyond repair.

The host, a successful entrepreneur and friend of his late father, first expressed gratitude to everyone who had come to pay their respects to the great and magnificent magician. Skipping over his own reflections and Kuroba Toichi’s life story, he knew exactly who this funeral was truly for.

“Dear guests, we gather here at this solemn moment, not only to bid farewell to a great soul but to commemorate a precious life. Today, we gather here with heavy hearts to say goodbye to our beloved Kuroba Toichi. His passing brings us immense sorrow and grief. We invite Kuroba-sensei’s son to the stage.”

Step by step, as the young man appeared before the crowd, a murmur rose, much like the anticipation at every Kaito Kid’s performance, where the audience couldn’t help but hold their breath and listen intently.

However, Kuroba Kaito didn’t want to bring Kaito Kid into this.

In his memory, Kuroba Toichi was never the white-clad thief, just his father. In the happiest eight years of his childhood, there was never a Kaito Kid.

Kuroba tightly gripped the handcuffs around his wrists, the physical pain pulling him back to reality, forcing him to speak. His eyes were fixed on the ground, just like a fragile, inexperienced boy facing his first performance, a little stage-frightened.

“Thank you all for taking the time to be here.”

When his voice echoed out, Aoko, sitting in the fourth row, suddenly wanted to rush up and embrace Kuroba Kaito tightly. She would never forget how the accident eight years ago destroyed the boy who should have remained pure and joyful.

“I’m relieved my mother didn’t attend this funeral. Standing here now, I’m more nervous than I was during my first presentation, and my mother, who knew my father better, with deeper feelings and richer memories, would probably be too overwhelmed to speak a word.” Kuroba paused, finally raising his gaze.

“My father left me a long time ago. My memories of him froze at eight years old. At eight, a man-made accident took my father away. It doesn’t matter, because he was still my only father. In my memories, he was always elegant and graceful. I still remember how sometimes, my parents would pick me up from kindergarten, and the three of us would go on a date together. Of course, the most important and profound role he played in my heart was that of a magician.”

Kuroba knew his voice was beginning to sound nasally. He smiled faintly as if all of this were just a distant memory.

“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call him the greatest magician of this generation, would it? My mother would take me to every one of his grand performances, always so unpredictable and spectacular. Back then, I swore that one day I would surpass him. But after that accident, the vow lost all meaning.”

“In those few short years, my father taught me the true essence of being a magician, yet he became someone I could never surpass. When my father finally re-entered my life a few weeks ago, it felt like I had returned to being that eight-year-old boy, struggling to believe it. I almost thought those lost eight years were just part of a magic trick. We finally had a family lunch with a few friends, but the irony was, after eight years, I didn’t know how to interact with him anymore. Too much had happened in those years. I’m sure my father knew everything that had transpired. He sought me out in different forms and disguises, and I once felt lost because he left without a word, angry at his secrecy. But when I truly tried to understand my father, I realized I didn’t understand him at all.”

“I didn’t understand him at all.” Kuroba repeated, turning slowly toward the photograph behind him. He could say no more.

There were a few more speeches after him, but Kuroba Kaito didn’t hear any of them. He couldn’t stay any longer. He desperately needed fresh air. The venue was heavily guarded, so Kuroba Kaito ignored the officers and walked out of the hall alone. 

He needed to breathe. 

Out of the corner of his eye, he saw one of the captains trying to stop him, but Kudo Shinichi held him back and followed.

On the rooftop, Kuroba Kaito stood in the cold wind, gazing into the distance.

“Kaito Kid… You anticipated the explosion, didn’t you? But you didn’t warn the police or me; you went in yourself because… this was your father’s plan… so even knowing it was a trap, you willingly stepped into it.”

Kuroba Kaito’s eyes remained fixed ahead.

“I knew my father’s intentions all along. Without Pandora, Kaito Kid would cease to exist. Or rather, the trap my father set before he died gave me two options, and I chose the one he wanted,” Kuroba replied.

“Why?”

Kuroba finally turned around: “You asked me why I became Kaito Kid that day. I can answer you now. Just as you’re no longer a detective because of your father or anyone else, but because of yourself. You enjoy the process of solving cases. And I… it was never just about avenging my father. " He then continued.

"Maybe, in the beginning, the motive was simple, to find my father’s killer. But I gradually became Kaito Kid. I was fascinated by the challenge of outsmarting the police and breaking through their defenses. I loved the thrill of solving puzzles and deciphering codes. I was addicted to the danger and excitement of each narrow escape.”

Kuroba paused: “Have you ever experienced the rush of gliding through the night sky on a hang glider? Have you ever stood atop Tokyo Tower, looking down at the world below like a ruler? Have you ever felt the exhilaration of matching wits with a detective of equal skill? Over time, it was no longer about avenging my father. It became… a way to get closer to him, maybe even become him.”

"I think there's something wrong. I don't believe he's someone you'll never surpass. In fact... you've already completely surpassed your father. I'm not just talking about technique, but also time. His era has ended, and the one who inherits it is you," Kudo Shinichi said.

"Are you ready to send Uncle Toichi off for the last time?"

Kuroba Kaito sighed. The sun was finally shining brightly, but to be honest, he was afraid this might be his last time standing on a rooftop, freely basking in the sunlight.

A slender, dark-colored coffin held the person he missed the most—his father, who had once praised his magic performances, who was once the Moonlight Magician Kaitou Kid, and the Crow of Phantom Thief who had captivated France. Now, lying before him with a flawless, peaceful face, he looked exactly like the father Kaito remembered. 

Although the room's four walls were lined with police officers, there was no one else around the coffin but Kuroba. This was the final farewell between father and son.

 Step by step, Kuroba Kaito had never imagined how difficult each step would be.

This time, he was truly alone on this path.

The moment his hand touched the coffin, his legs gave out, and he had to lean against the edge for support.

"Farewell, Father."

As the flames roared, this time, it was truly a farewell between worlds.

Chapter Text

More unfamiliar faces followed behind Kudo SHinichi showed up. Kuroba didn't need to ask to know who they were. From the quality of their understated black uniforms, their walking positions, their body language, and even the terms they used, Kuroba quickly deduced that they were a mix of high-ranking Japanese officers and federal agents. 

Yes, he recognized a few familiar face__also a few high-ranking officials whom he had encountered while sneaking into the police headquarters as Kid, or maybe he had knocked out a few and borrowed their identities.

Fortunately, they weren’t here to introduce themselves, and Kuroba Kaito had no intention of getting to know or avoiding them. 

He stood there indifferently, like a museum’s prized exhibit, letting them observe without bothering to interpret each officer’s expressions or comments. Once every officer had signed their names, the agreement was established. Finally, Kudo couldn’t stand the situation any longer, so he dragged Kuroba away. "Hey, you come with me."

"Metantei, could you slow down a bit?Oh my, you are as strong as Aoko." Kuroba, annoyed, followed his pace.

In front of the desk were a few high-ranking police officers. And Officer Takagi locked the door behind him and nodded at Kudo.

"Of course, this is still a form of detention. We restrict your freedom by limiting your movement range. Under non-emergency circumstances, you must stay within one kilometer of your handler," Akai Shuichi said as he took out a small silver gun, causing Kuroba to instinctively step back.

"A locator. I hope you won’t force us to use this to track you. Otherwise, the result will be a massive armed police force hunting you down." Akai took out another small box, containing two compartments. The silver gun and a little box. 

Kuroba spaced out for a moment. Did he hear that wrong? 

Seriously, High school?

Just as he nodded, two sturdy officers immediately stepped forward, tearing open his collar without a word. Akai’s precise marksmanship wasn’t limited to sniping from afar; it also included an understanding of human anatomy and physiology. A searing pain surged through him as cold alcohol and the narrow gun barrel pierced his skin. Kuroba couldn’t endure it for a moment. The small tracker was embedded above his right chest, beneath the scapula, following a path that passed through nerve-rich fascia.

"That wound should heal in about a week. The doctor will prescribe some painkillers. But I bet you can endure that well." Kudo, somewhat sympathetic, noted that Kuroba was in too much pain to make any sarcasm.

“Well, you can have a try and then you say that.” Kuroba took some time to finally squeeze a word.

"You and your handler will live together, work together. If you get close to the range limit, the handcuffs will send out an alert, along with your approximate location."

These people sure talk a lot... Kuroba endured the pain in his chest and directly asked what mattered most to him: "Who... is the handler?"

At that moment, the great detective in front of him, so similar to himself, flashed a bright smile.

Kudo Shinichi.

Are you kidding me?

"Wait... what about when you go to school,Metantei?"

Kudo Shinichi smirked. "This is something I fought for you. Congratulations, Kuroba Kaito. You’ve been admitted to Tokyo University’s Department of Electrical Engineering as the top student with me. But before that, you’ll have to transfer to Teitan High school and finish your senior year with me. Before returning to school, we need to solve this Hirano case."

------------------------------------------------------------

"Shinichi? You’re here!" Ran threw her arms around her boyfriend in front of her, then let go. 

"Come upstairs; it’s just me and Dad. Kazuha and Hattori seem to be shopping in Ginza. Sonoko and Kyogoku went back to the Suzuki residence to pack their things. I made dinner; come on up. You mentioned a package during our call a few minutes ago. Dad received it for you this morning. What is it?"

As she tidied up, Ran sneaked a glance at Shinichi behind her. Kudo’s face lit up with joy as he carefully unwrapped the outer packaging. Inside was a gown sealed in a dust bag. Kudo and Ran lifted it together—a sleeveless midnight blue dress with a simple, form-fitting cut and a slight plunge at the neckline.

Ran blushed. "Shinichi... who... who is this for?"

Kudo checked the fabric for flaws and stitches. "Mom asked me to order it for a friend."

A friend? It’s probably from Auntie Yukiko asking Shinichi to receive it. The dress wasn’t in Ran’s size, and it seemed to be for someone taller and slimmer. Although she had anticipated this, hearing that it wasn’t a gift from Shinichi left her a little disappointed.

Suddenly, a thought flashed through Kudo’s mind, and he couldn’t help but smirk. He just wanted to take the dress back to show Kuroba immediately and see the twisted face.

 "Sorry, Ran. I just remembered something urgent. See you at school on Monday."

"Hey, wait! Shinichi, do you want to hang out this weekend? Kazuha booked a photo studio for a day of kimono and river photos. Hattori can’t make it, so I was wondering if you’d like to join, but I couldn’t reach your phone."

"Sorry, Ran, things have been crazy at the police headquarters. I’ve been chasing the Tokyo Bomber case, and I hope to wrap it up soon. If I have time, I’ll definitely come join you. Can you send me the address?"

Ran, of course, agreed. "Sure! Do you want to come up and eat?"

Kudo hesitated for a moment. "Wait a minute...Ran, can you come with me somewhere?"

Being in a place that seemed like a galaxy of stars was every girl’s most romantic, tender desire deep in her heart. Though she had seen many VIP room exhibits, Ran was still awed by the luxury of Chanel, Tiffany, and other high-end brands' VIP member lounges.

"My dad’s gold card... really is..." Kudo Shinichi was at a loss for words. Although he had always lived comfortably, this level of extravagance seemed a bit excessive. The attentive clerks bustled about, introducing various jewelry pieces to other well-dressed socialites.

"Shinichi, how do you plan to choose?" Ran wasn’t sure about the taste or age range of the person he was shopping for.

"A necklace, no rings, bracelets, or earrings. Excuse me, miss, do you have something like...?" Kudo gestured, describing the type that he thought would suit that person best. The clerk quickly led them a few steps forward to a display case holding a delicate necklace adorned with fine diamonds.

The clerk mistakenly assumed it was for Ran. "But with this young lady’s features and figure, this more subtle, understated piece might not be the best fit." She turned to a necklace with a large pink diamond, priced three times higher.

"No—it’s not for me. It’s for a friend," Ran quickly explained.

"Then may I ask, sir, how old is this friend, and what kind of gemstones does she prefer? If you have a photo, that would be even better. If not, you could describe the impression she gives you." 

Kudo wasn’t sure what to say.

"Roughly..." Kudo Shinichi tried to recall the person’s appearance, realizing that almost any style would suit him.

"Around our age. As for style preferences, it shouldn’t matter much, just not too flashy. Could you show us your latest collection?" Kudo asked.

In no time, an array of necklaces lay quietly in transparent cases, waiting to be chosen.

"For young women like yourselves, most prefer something simple with a touch of quality. Platinum, silver necklaces are good options. Simple and delicate. As for pendants..."

Simple? Kudo didn’t think that person liked anything ordinary.

"No metal or plastic pendants, just diamonds." Kudo Shinichi carefully browsed the jewelry in the display case. He pointed to a gold chain adorned with a sapphire pendant. "How much is this?"

"Ah... that." The clerk was trying to find a polite way to dissuade him.

"This section of our store features higher-end products. What you saw earlier were mostly synthetic diamonds, but this area is for real diamonds and gemstones, which requires assistance from our specialist in the back."

Kudo flashed a gold card and asked again, "I understand. Can you tell me if this necklace is solid gold, or can it be swapped for a silver chain?"

"I'm sorry, but it's only available in solid gold as it's embedded directly into the design." The saleslady was startled, not expecting a high schooler to be from such a wealthy background.

"Could you show me something similar then? I’m looking for a silver chain, though I haven’t decided on the color or shape of the gem yet. But I’ll skip the section in the back for now. Also, I’d like to pick out a bracelet for Ran. Ran, whichever one you like, have the lady wrap it up."

"Wait... Shinichi! This is too much. Even if your father..."

"Mom and Dad always say I owe you a lot, especially after staying at your place..." Ran's face turned bright red as she quickly covered Kudo's mouth, not letting him finish.

"Alright... Thank you. I think I’ll go with this one." Ran immediately took a liking to a simple rose gold bracelet in the display.

 As for Kudo Shinichi, after circling around, he still couldn’t decide. It was indeed hard for him to make a choice.

In his memories, none of the jewelry worn by his mother, Ran, or even the heiress Sonoko seemed suitable for that guy. 

Just when he was about to give up, he spotted a white plastic hand in the display, resembling a magician's glove, delicately holding a faintly glowing necklace. Upon closer inspection, it had a crescent-shaped blue sapphire, full and radiant, with a soft, shy halo. Even a nearby couple stopped in their tracks, wanting to get a closer look.

"This piece is a favorite of our designer. It’s called "Pledge Under the Moonlight," symbolizing a subtle, unspoken emotion between two close friends, sharing their hearts under the cover of night and moonlight," the saleslady explained, not just to Kudo and Ran, but also to the potential customers gathering around.

Kudo immediately said, "Miss, I’ll take this one."

"But is this really a sapphire? It seems to have something mixed in. Otherwise, why does it have such a peculiar glow? The sapphire jewelry I own doesn’t look like this," one of the women asked.

Kudo responded, "Sapphires are primarily composed of aluminum oxide, but the blue color comes from trace elements like iron and titanium. I believe this necklace has rutile inclusions. These are needle-like or thread-like crystals inside the gem, and when aligned in a specific direction, the light refracts and reflects in a way that gives the gem a hazy appearance rather than a pure blue. That’s also why it’s more expensive. But that’s not the only reason; heat treatment during the gem’s processing can artificially enhance or diminish optical effects."

"But iron and titanium aren’t blue metals. How do they create such a vibrant blue?" Ran asked.

"It’s not the metal elements, but their ions. The magic of color creation happens during the process of charge transfer," Kudo Shinichi explained in detail, attracting curious passersby who had no intention of buying, but now entered the store out of curiosity.

The saleslady returned Kudo's bank card with a smile, "Thank you so much for your business today. I’ve given you a discount as a small token of appreciation. We look forward to your next visit."

Along with the two sky-blue jewelry boxes in the black paper bag, there was a carefully wrapped box of chocolates.

Admiring the subtle glow of the bracelet on her wrist, Ran blushed with happiness. She glanced at Kudo walking quietly beside her, "Shinichi, between the dress and the jewelry, how is it that Aunt Yukiko has so many friends with birthdays at the same time?"

But Kudo's mind had already drifted to the bomber case.

"Sorry, Ran, I need to head back now. Thanks for coming with me today."

Ran’s eyes dimmed slightly, but then she smiled understandingly, "Thanks for the gift. You should take the chocolates the saleslady gave us. I can’t finish them all by myself. Shinichi... you really can’t come tomorrow?"

Without waiting for a response, she looked up to see only the back of her childhood friend disappearing around the corner.

----------------------------------------

"This will be your first case together," Inspector Megure superior, Chef Inspector, handed the file to Kudo.

"Aside from Inspector Megure, Officer Takagi, and Sato, other higher-ups are also willing to assist."

"Thank you, but... where is Kid?" Kudo asked.

Megure adjusted his glasses, "With the other officers in Commissioner Hakuba’s office."

Inside the office, despite it being past midnight, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department was still bustling with activity, its lights burning brightly. Officers were fervently discussing and analyzing the bomb's components and surveillance footage, but among them, the quietest was the most noticeable—the man sitting in the middle, carefully reading the document.

"What are you looking at?" Kudo asked.

"School rules," Kuroba Kaito replied without looking up. Kudo also noticed that Kuroba’s magician’s hands were free of any obstructions. However, his right wrist bore a plain black metal bracelet. 

After a closer look on what was holding by Kuroba, Kudo smiled wryly, "It really could be considered "school rules.""

"Meitantei... this is just too strange," Kuroba Kaito quickly skimmed the list of prohibited actions, 

"It’s forbidden to leave the supervisor’s vicinity within a 2 kilometers radius (land, sea, or air, including overseas), discuss the case details with others, discuss the verdict... And in this area, unless it’s an emergency or with permission, you can’t impersonate anyone or use weapons to harm others... Temporary restrictions, until the person under restraint gets approval from higher-ups to use: magic props..."

"Once you solve a few cases, I am sure that the Director will approve it," Kudo said. Kuroba set the document aside.

As soon as Kudo arrived, Commissioner Hakuba clapped his hands twice, bringing the room to silence. Then the he Deputy Superintendent took over, "Now that everyone is here, we need to quickly discuss tomorrow's operation. Please take your seats, and pick up the tablets on the table to review tomorrow's schedule. The event will take place on the 20th floor of Seijo Ryo Construction in West Tokyo, starting at 9 PM sharp. The police will enter the venue around 7 PM to prepare. Our primary protection target is the heir of the Hirano family, Hirano Shusuke. If possible, try to approach him.

"To avoid alerting them, we've asked Mr. Kudo Yusaku to pass the invitation to Kudo Shinichi." Inspector Kuroda continued.

A new wave of murmurs broke out.

"If Meitantei entered under the name Kudo might not get more than a few words out of Mr. Hirano. Even if Mr. Hirano doesn't recognize him, the elders of the Hirano family certainly will," Kuroba Kaito remarked, instantly silencing the other debating officers,"And there's no way I can go in. It’s simply impossible."

"No, we're asking you to accompany Kudo Shinichi inside, not to go in as yourself," the Deputy Superintendent explained.

Kuroba blinked, "You can't be serious. Are you suggesting I go in dressed as a female companion?"

"It's not like you haven't done it before. What's there to be scared of? Two men would draw too much attention," Kudo nudged Kuroba.

Haven't done it before? Of course, he had, a couple times—but back then no one knew about his female persona. This time, every officer here knew who she was.

"And besides..." Kudo lifted a paper bag from the floor and placed it on the conference table,

"I ordered a custom dress just for you."

--------------------------------

Embarrassed—Kuroba Kaito had never been this embarrassed before. Kudo slightly parted his lips, unintentionally gasping. 

The person before him was no longer just a handsome youth. Wearing a knee-length, midnight-blue dress, with a silver-blue satin ribbon cinching the waist, it accentuated a tall, slender figure. The dress, though simple, exuded an understated elegance. The A-line skirt with its slit revealed a pair of perfectly slender legs. But what drew the most attention was the delicate, graceful face.

Silky, jet-black hair cascaded smoothly down, grazing her exposed collarbones. Under the light makeup were deep yet soft features, and her smile was as mild as a lily in bloom. Kuroba Kaito walked into the conference room, clipping on earrings, followed by a stunned Officer Sato. 

The officers, who had spent the night in increasingly heated discussion, turned at the sound of the heels clicking on the floor, only to be captivated by the sight of a young woman walking towards them, momentarily lost in thought.

"Metantei, come here and help. This is too high; I can't put it on myself," Kuroba Kaito's voice called out.

"You... Kid?" Kudo still hadn’t recovered, especially since he had chosen a particularly well-fitting dress for Kuroba, and after Kuroba put on a corset, things only got worse. 

And as a fellow man, Kuroba certainly knew where Kudo’s eyes were wandering. Resisting the urge to roll his eyes or punch Kudo on the face, Kuroba handed Kudo a metal clip, "Please give me a hand."

Kudo recognized it immediately—a concealed recording device.

"My apologies, could someone bring a mirror?" Kuroba asked.

"Uh... sure... just a moment," the officer outside quickly scurried away. Kudo Shinichi followed Kuroba to a nearby dressing room. Once they ensured no women were inside, the two young men stood in front of the large mirror. 

Despite Kuroba's instructions, Kudo still couldn’t manage to braid the hair properly.

"Why make it so complicated? I think you look great with your hair down," Kudo said.

"Metantei, I’m very particular about the details. Is this the first time you know me?" 

Kuroba swatted away Kudo’s hand and turned his head towards the mirror, his fingers swiftly weaving the thick black hair into three immaculate braids. He then carefully pinned them up, leaving a few strands loose to frame his jawline. When he looked up again, he saw Kudo staring at him with a strange expression.

"Metantei? Is something wrong?"

"No... it’s just that I’ve never seen you dressed like this," Kudo replied, unable to pinpoint exactly what felt off, but something within him had definitely shifted.

"You've disguised yourself as an old lady, a high school student, even women we know, but I've never seen you like this... dressed as a female version of yourself."

Kuroba finished lining his lips and didn’t add anything more, "Haven't you? Remember that time with Mr. Suzuki’s Tellier safe?"

"Ah, right. By the way, Officer Takagi will drive us there, while the others will stay in the upstairs guest rooms. Technicians have already been dispatched to set up the equipment. Here, take this."

Kudo pulled a blue box from the paper bag, and Kuroba skeptically opened it, revealing a sapphire necklace.

"I wasn’t sure what kind of gemstones you like, but I thought this color would match your eyes."

"Metantei... I’m still a guy, you know. Could you please stop flirting with me... or maybe you aren’t?" Kuroba noticed that Kudo wasn’t joking in the slightest, "Metantei, this is too extravagant; it's just a party, it’s just an undercover mission. "

"A private party sponsored by the LOWES family, attended only by the elite and the elite of the elite. Just wearing an expensive dress won’t be enough. Besides... this necklace is nothing compared to the gemstones you’ve targeted before."

Kuroba Kaito turned to face Kudo, "Why didn’t you just borrow a necklace from Suzuki Jirokichi?"

Kudo shook his head in disbelief, "That would be too flashy."

The two young men gazed at the reflection of the young woman in the mirror.

"Have you decided on how to play our roles yet?"

Chapter Text

The music played softly and briskly, resonating through the grand hall. Among the crowd, plainclothes officers disguised as waiters remained vigilant, while guests continued to check in. At the reception, a waiter graciously accepted the invitation card from Kudo Shinichi, then glanced at Kuroba beside him. "Is this young lady your companion, Kudo-kun? May I ask for her name?"

"Ueto Aya." Kuroba Kaito effortlessly changed his voice as usual. To the outside world, Kudo and Kuroba appeared as a young couple, chatting intimately with smiles on their faces. Kuroba took the initiative to link arms with Kudo as they headed toward the champagne area.

"Ten o'clock, the patriarch of the Hirano family. Eleven o'clock, someone I’ve seen before—probably one of the heads of the chemical plant." Kuroba smiled as he discreetly thanked a waiter who handed him a drink, whispering as he spoke. Kudo lightly touched Kuroba's hand to signal his understanding.

"Don't forget, the law forbids drinking before the age of twenty," Kudo reminded, snatching the glass from Kuroba just as it was about to reach his lips. "Besides, you're not even of legal age yet."

"Metantei... Everyone's watching us. You'd better take my drink and finish it, and act like we are a real couple, not just some clumsy undercover agents." Kuroba warned.

Kudo wasn’t naïve. He understood what Kuroba was implying. They were surrounded by adults, and if they didn’t look like a couple—a "man and woman" duo—in this setting, they would draw unwanted attention. But unlike Kuroba, Kudo wasn’t skilled at such subtleties. 

Thankfully, the beautiful "teacher" beside him was willing to give him some pointers.

"Alright, what do you suggest?" Kudo asked.

"It's simple. I'll ask you a question, you look into my eyes and answer, then drink it all. Don't worry, it's just champagne soda, with very low alcohol content," Kuroba whispered in Kudo Shinichi's ear. Then, he wrapped his arm around Kudo's shoulder, his voice sweet as candies as he softly said, "Meitantei, what would you do if I tried to escape halfway?"

Kudo tightened his grip on the glass, a sliver of aggression flickering in his eyes. With his other hand, he gently grabbed Kuroba's chin, issuing a mild but firm warning: "It's simple. No matter where you run, even to the ends of the world, I'll find you."

With that, Kudo downed the drink, satisfying the curious gazes around them. Perhaps it was the rush of the champagne, but Kudo unconsciously tightened his fist. Kuroba took a deep breath, smiled sweetly, and reclaimed the glass. "Compared to your father-in-law,Metantei, your drinking skills really need improvement."

—----------------------------

Suzuki Sonoko couldn't believe what she was witnessing. She nearly spit out her sparkling drink, and beside her, Mouri Ran noticed her friend's reaction, ready to turn around. "Sonoko, are you okay?"

"Ha... Haha, Ran! I-I'm fine... Look... over there... cough, cough."

Clearly trying to hide her distress.

Ran, suspicious, maneuvered around the body blocking her view, and in that instant, she felt all the blood in her body rush backward, leaving her cold.

"Ran... That... That might not be Kudo..."

Impossible... It couldn’t be Shinichi! Ran's mind went blank as she saw the teenager’s face come into clearer focus—it was Kudo Shinichi, dressed in a tuxedo she had seen before, tilting his head as he appeared to be laughing and chatting with someone.

"That bastard , he lied about having a case at the police station, but he’s actually here on a date!" Sonoko was so furious. She put down her glass, ready to march over and confront him, but Ran held her back.

"Ran! I'm going to teach that guy a lesson!"

Ran's muscles, honed by years of karate, clamped down on Sonoko's wrist with unyielding strength. "Don't go, Sonoko... I just want to see..." The rose-gold bracelet on her wrist was so bright it was blinding. 

She just wanted to see who it was that could make Kudo laugh so freely and happily.

The figure under the soft light pushed him away playfully, a smile as enchanting as a blooming flower.

"Who... Who is that?" Sonoko also caught sight of the scene—Kudo Shinichi holding a slender woman in his arms, dressed in stunning midnight blue, causing Ran’s tears to well up.

"No... It can’t be... That dress..." 

Even the necklace adorning the woman's delicate collar bone was... personally selected by Shinichi.

"Ran, which one do you like? Choose whatever you like."

"Miss, I'll take that one."

When Sonoko heard about it, she was livid. 

"What? You mean yesterday afternoon, Kudo dragged you shopping to buy something for another girl? And he even asked you to accompany him? Ran...Son of a jerk, I can't stand it anymore! Even Kid-sama is more of a gentleman than he is. Come on, let's confront him."

It wasn’t just the two girls who noticed them—other guests were starting to glance their way too. The female in Kudo's arms wasn't shy or assertive, but with her nearly equal height to him, every glance and movement she made was as captivating as a wildcat.

"It's simple. No matter where you run, even to the ends of the earth, I'll find you."

The threatening tone of his voice shattered the last of Ran’s defenses. As the crowd murmured, Kudo took the glass from the woman's hand and drank it down.

The young girl, with a slightly satisfied smirk, taunted, "That depends on whether you can catch up to me!"

With a swift tug, she yanked Kudo's tie, pulling him down in an instant. Looking down at him from above, she gently lifted his chin with her finger.Then, those two beautiful profiles slowly leaned closer together.

"A good performance. The target has taken the bait," nodded Inspector Megure, who was monitoring the situation from the 18th floor. Officer Takagi kept a close eye on the screen, sneaking a glance at Sato before opening his communication earpiece.

 "Kuroba-kun, five o'clock direction."

Receiving the command, Kuroba Kaito smiled slightly. He pushed against Kudo's chest with one hand and playfully hooked a finger under the loose tie at Kudo's collar. 

"Five o'clock direction, it's Hirano Shusuke. I have to lure him in," Kuroba whispered.

"How?"

"Dance with me. May I have a dance with you, my dear Meitantei?" Kuroba Kaito spoke, gracefully turning and stepping back, merging into the rhythm of the lively music and blending into the dance floor.

It was the first time Kudo had seen Kuroba dressed as a girl up close. His already handsome and slightly delicate features became even more refined. As the song ended, Kudo couldn't help but teased,"Sometimes, I wonder if Nakamori Aoko ever finds out this side of you."

Kuroba retorted, annoyed, "What did you say? Don't think I didn't hear that clear."

"I said, "Nice dance, Miss Kid.""

Kuroba pinched Kudo's waist hard, "Hey,are you trying to get us both exposed?" 

With a sudden tug, Kuroba, who was leading the dance, instinctively let go.

"Excuse me, may I have this dance with the lady?"

It was Hirano Shusuke. 

He was dressed in a pure black BV suit, exuding the cold elegance of a top student. His natural chestnut curls and amber cat-like eyes revealed his mixed Japanese-British heritage. Despite his slightly awkward Japanese, Hirano confidently took the most beautiful girl at the ball from Kudo’s hands.

Kuroba's light cerulean eyes shifted, and like a shy maiden, he gently bit his lip, "Well..."

"Don't worry,sir. I'll return her to you safe and sound after the dance." Hirano's gentlemanly smile oddly reminded Kuroba of Hakuba Saguru.

Damn, why are all the British people I know so pretentious? Though Kuroba wanted to roll his eyes, Kuroba maintained his facade as a blossoming young girl, "But... I..."

"I’ll find you later." Kudo Shinichi nodded. Kuroba reluctantly let go of Kudo’s hand. Hirano, in a gallant gesture, knelt halfway and gently kissed Kuroba's finger.

The dance began. Kuroba had planned every step of this encounter meticulously—first, playing the part of an affectionate young couple with Kudo, then becoming a shy, fragile girl once separated from him. Hirano, with his smooth dance moves and sweet talk, gradually drew Kuroba deeper into the performance.

"My dear lady, your eyes truly are a pair of unparalleled sapphires." Hirano's tone made even the most absurd things sound believable. Kuroba smiled back at him, his lips curling into a faint, teasing grin. Dancing with Hirano was effortless; he was a natural dancer, guiding Kuroba’s steps with ease. Kuroba was spun out of the dance's circle and then swiftly pulled back in, their noses nearly touching as the final notes lingered in the air.

"Looks like it’s time to return you to your companion."

Kuroba's research the previous night hadn’t just filled in the necessary information for their conversation, but had also dug deep into Hirano's background through gossip columns and university forums. 

A man who flitted from one woman to another like a bee among flowers wouldn’t be easily caught only by the pretty face . Kudo had surmised that Hirano's fellow bombers were likely his old Harvard roommates.

Suddenly, Kuroba noticed the Ivy League pin on Hirano's chest.

"Hirano-san... You might be my... senior?" For the first time, Kuroba spoke up, addressing him with respect. Hirano looked surprised, glancing at the woman in his arms, "No way, you went to Harvard too?"

Kuroba shook his head slightly, "Currently enrolled."

"Which year are you in?"

"Second year, Harvard Medical School."

"What a coincidence, I also graduated from the Medical School two years ago before returning to Japan." Dropping his deliberate gentlemanly act, Hirano revealed his true self—a witty and humorous top student. As they conversed, Kuroba, a natural genius, noticed a slight change in Hirano’s demeanor, as if he was beginning to sense something amiss.

"You know, there are always people trying to impersonate us and sneak into our circle." As the second song played, Hirano didn’t switch partners but took Kuroba's hand again, guiding them both towards the center of the dance floor.

"Do you know Casey-senpai? (“Senpai” means senior in Japanese) She won the college prize in our year, and I heard she stayed back as a teaching assistant at Harvard for personal reasons."

"Ah... she teaches anatomy, right? As assistant." Kuroba asked softly. Hirano raised his eyebrows, nodding, and they started discussing university life.

 No matter what Hirano asked, Kuroba answered correctly—sometimes quickly, sometimes with hesitation. Whenever Kuroba pretended to struggle with recalling something, twirling his hair in thought, Hirano had to force himself to stay calm, despite the increased saliva production in his mouth.

"When do you have your anatomy practical sessions now? I remember some genius scheduled them an hour before lunch back in my day."

The woman in Hirano’s arms squinted, her budding smile dangerously alluring.

"Actually, it’s not much better now—an hour after lunch... Once, a friend of mine ate too much for lunch and..." Kuroba trailed off, pretending to be embarrassed to continue. Hirano nodded, understanding.

"Perhaps the school wants us med students, who spend endless hours hunched over desks, to take our diet seriously... But... you don’t need to lose any weight." Hirano naturally slipped his arm around Kuroba’s waist, his hand easily encircling it.

Truth be told, since Pandora, Kuroba hadn’t had much opportunity to eat properly. Between the poison coursing through his veins and his mind being preoccupied, the details of daily life had become trivial.

"Hey, where... Where are you taking me?" Hirano hooked his arm around Kuroba’s, leading them both toward the dessert table. All the while, Kuroba kept a vigilant eye on the people around him, still not spotting Hirano's sister. Just then, Hirano offered him a finger puff dipped in lemon curd. 

While Kuroba's eyes searched for Kudo Shinichi, he slowly bit into the puff. But before he could finish, Hirano leaned down, trapping Kuroba against the edge of the long table, his gold-tinted eyes laughing as he bit down on the other end of the puff.

At that moment, Kuroba Kaito was reminded of how Hattori nearly kissed him the last time—an experience that left him equally flustered. Do foreigners really behave this openly, or has he gone too far this time?

"Want to hear a story of adventure? You remind me of a night in college when I snuck out to buy puffs with my girlfriend. We wanted to check out the rooftop of the dorm to gaze at the stars, but the roof was always off-limits. So we climbed out the window of a lower floor to get there, only to be caught by the building's warden, who looked just like the hunched and ugly old witch from a ghost story. And the worst part—he could practically teleport. So, we ended up playing a game of cat and mouse on the rooftop. He eventually caught my girlfriend by the hair, and I had to pin him down, steal his ID card, and escape with her."

Kuroba gasped, "Oh my... Hirano-san, that's..."

"Playful? Naughty? Haha, not just that, we locked him up there the entire night, on Christmas Eve. Later, I heard they had to call an ambulance to bring him down. But do you know how it was finally resolved? My father paid several million dollars to make sure the matter was quietly settled, with no consequences. No one ever questioned me about it, and no one ever knew. After my mother passed away, I’ve always been my father's only one. And now, I am alone and single, a truly free man."

"And... What about your ex-girlfriend?"

Hirano Shusuke squinted his eyes, and Kuroba Kaito noticed a hint of disdain flash in them. "Her? Just another gold-digging liar, a bitch after our family’s wealth." He suddenly grabbed Kuroba by the collar, his breath hot against Kuroba’s ear, "Just like you."

"Crap, They’ve been exposed." Officer Takagi put down his headset, "Kudo, Kuroba is in trouble."

Hirano’s eyes turned dangerously cold, and he stared at Kuroba with a mocking expression. Although Kuroba had anticipated this, he still had a backup plan. He shook his head in feigned confusion, "Sir... I’m not sure what you’re talking about."

"Hmph... guessing wrong once or twice is within reason, but being able to answer every question perfectly is suspicious. You claimed to spend most of your time studying, with little energy for socializing, yet you somehow know all the gossip about people. Some of that information is only shared among specific groups or societies, yet you, a foreign student, could still answer... I’ve never met anyone like you, but I know what goes on in that pretty little head of yours. Everyone... Everyone who approaches me is after money, power, or....sex. You’re no exception, are you?"

Such a narcissism.

Kuroba bit his lip.

The truth was, he wasn’t after any of those things.

"That’s why I despise these social events. You... Ueto Aya, that’s not your real name either, is it?" 

Hirano’s voice remained gentlemanly, but his question was terrifying. Kuroba put on a face of wounded pride, biting his lip until it bled.

 Just then, Kudo Shinichi appeared out of nowhere, shoving Hirano aside and grabbing Kuroba’s hand, the one shackled with a single handcuff, and pulling him along.

"We’re leaving," Kudo said.

In a flash, three familiar faces burst into view, and Kuroba was genuinely startled.

It was Suzuki Sonoko and Mouri Ran, followed by a breathless Nakamori Aoko, dressed completely out of the event’s dress code.

This fiasco had just escalated.

"Kudo Shinichi, what’s the meaning of this?" Sonoko demanded, her voice loud and indignant. The moment she saw Kudo, she instinctively hid her clenched hands behind her back and glared at him furiously, "Who is this woman? You’ve kept Ran waiting for so long, you’re already in a relationship, and yet... Who is she?"

Chapter Text

Damn it! 

Kudo cursed silently, glancing back at Kuroba with a questioning look. Kuroba nodded.

No matter what happened, given that this could turn into the next bomb site, they had to complete the show.

"She..."

"Shinichi... stop lying to me..." Ran’s voice was soft and slightly nasal as she spoke, "I’ve had enough of waiting... maybe... we should..."

Kudo fought the urge to take Ran into his arms, instead standing there, helpless, watching as she trembled and sobbed, "It’s not like that... it’s really not what you think."

Taking advantage of the moment, Sonoko seized the opportunity, storming up to Kuroba, "I’m warning you, don’t even think about messing with Kudo Shinichi. I don’t know who you are, and I don’t care, but Kudo’s heart is already spoken for, and you..."

"Sonoko... enough!" Aoko pulled Sonoko back.

Sonoko pointed at Kuroba’s nose, yelling words harsher than she had ever spoken before, "You homewrecking woman, go back to wherever you came from!"

The police officers watching through the surveillance cameras were at a loss as the drama took a sudden nosedive.

"Ran, I’ll explain everything to you later..." Kudo let go! Kuroba worried for the detective, fearing that his emotional ineptitude had pushed Ran even further away. Well, in that case, they might as well go with the flow.

If Hirano was born to be an actor, then Kid was a king of actors.

With a tear-streaked face and a self-mocking laugh, Kuroba wiped away his tears in a pitiful manner. He kicked off his painful high heels and walked a few steps towards the exit, shoes in hand. Pausing, he looked back and smiled.

It was a smile that seemed washed clean, like a lotus blooming out of the water, shedding its elaborate makeup and pretentious demeanor. Kuroba turned to face Hirano, his slightly reddened nose and eyes glistening with tears.

"You’re right... I did deceive you... To get close to you, to talk to you, I forced myself to dance in these unbearable heels, spent hours memorizing class names and professors’ details, and gathered information on your likes and interests. But in the end, it was all a lie."

Though he had only needed a couple of minutes to scan through all the names, he exaggerated the effort, letting his tears fall easily as he wept like a delicate flower.

"For power? Money? That’s not it, right?" Kuroba whispered, "The truth is, I happened to see your interview. I don’t know why, but I was deeply drawn to you. I remember it was nine years ago, your father was assassinated, and you were interviewed in a special segment. I... I felt like I’d found someone who shared a similar experience."

"You..." Hirano was stunned. "Her" words were no longer just beautiful; they were real.

"My dad also passed away when I was young. Even though I went on living—going to school,hanging out, growing up—I knew that my life had completely changed since then. It could never go back to the way it was. Every time I saw classmates’ parents picking them up after school, laughing and chatting, I just felt like the world was so far away from me. Later, I fell in love with someone, who treated me so well, as if I was part of the family, but... how could that ever be a real family? I thought you could understand me, but maybe... maybe I’m the only one who’s truly broken."

"You... who are you, really?" Hirano asked, dumbfounded.

"I don’t even know who I am. I’ve spun too many stories, played too many roles. One day, I might forget who I really am. Which one of them is the real me?" 

Kuroba Kaito took a deep breath, tilting his head back, 

"The truth is, I’m not a Harvard prodigy, I’m not even of age yet. I’m just a runaway high school student!"

The quiet venue echoed with his not-so-loud but melodious voice. Kuroba blinked, and tears rolled down his cheeks again as he turned to leave.

"Wait! Miss Ueto!"

As expected, Hirano caught Kuroba by the arm, but Kuroba didn’t even turn around, "Please let me go."

"The ball isn’t over yet, where do you think you’re going?"

"I don't know… anywhere would be better than here," Kuroba whispered, and those were precisely the words Hirano Shusuke had been waiting to hear. 

Without asking for permission, he swiftly stepped forward, scooped Kuroba up in his arms, and without a care for the gasps around them, commanded his bodyguards, "Prepare the car."

Turning on his heel with a decisive motion, Hirano addressed Kudo with a cold tone, "Mr. Kudo, I'm taking this person with me."

Mouri Ran watched as Kudo Shinichi's face turned pale, feeling her heart sink in tandem. Kudo clenched his teeth, fully aware of Kuroba Kaito's plan, yet the impulse inside him drove him to rush forward.

"Stop right there!" He bolted out of the hall, sprinting down the red carpeted corridor, only to see Hirano at the end, stepping into an elevator with Kuroba in his arms. As he approached, the bodyguards immediately closed ranks, blocking his path. Enraged, Kudo shouted, "Hirano, stop! Leave the person here!"

Hirano Shusuke cast a cold glance at Kudo. "I know who this is—none other than the famous high school detective, Kudo Shinichi. But is he really the right match for you, Aya? Even though we just met today, I feel a certain kinship with you. At our core, we are the same—wild, rebellious, and most importantly, we both crave freedom. Being with him is no different from being a prisoner."

A vein throbbed on Kudo’s forehead; he had never felt such an urge to pummel someone before. Kuroba found himself at a loss for words. Hirano shook his head slightly. "What exactly is your relationship with him?"

What relationship?

An antagonistic one.

Hirano continued, "Kudo Shinichi, it’s an honor to finally meet you in person, though I regret that we're on opposing sides in this chapter. I know what you're looking for. And since there are no 'innocent guests' or undercover officers around, I'll be blunt—yes, the bomb contractor is me, along with my captured friend. So what? Your police have no evidence, not even a clue where we stash our goods."

"But you’re planning to transfer the goods today, which is why you brought your pocket watch and kept checking the time while dancing," Kudo said.

“What on earth are you doing this? Is there any benefit to you?”

"Our Hirano family has been pushed to the brink in Japan by that damn Kaitou Kid, so we decided to relocate overseas—to a place where you can't touch us. Do you know why I'm telling you this now? Because even so, without evidence, you have no right to detain us."

"What do I have that you want?"

"What I need right now is a genius who knows how to crack the Hyakushi Box. I’ve heard your police department has someone who dismantled a bomb sent by one of my idiot subordinates. I need him to help me disarm it."

"Are you… in some kind of trouble?" Kudo asked. Hirano sneered, "I don’t owe you an explanation. Just find me an expert to disarm the explosives. Now, Aya is my hostage. Of course, I’ll let her go after the deal is done, but if she chooses to leave with me afterward, that’s not my problem."

"He won't go with you," Kudo said with absolute certainty.

He wouldn't, right?

------------------------------

"Hattori Heiji? What are you doing here?" Sonoko asked.

Hattori Heiji exchanged a grim look with Kudo Shinichi. The latter's face was unusually serious, a sight even Ran had never seen. Without a word, he led Aoko, Sonoko, and Ran out of the venue. When the girls opened the door to the 18th-floor room, they were startled by what they saw. Familiar officers, sophisticated equipment.

"Where did he go? What's the situation now?" Kudo asked urgently.

"Sir…," one of the officers, who was intently watching the tracker, reported in a panic to Inspector Megure, "We've lost the signal."

"Impossible!" Inspector Megure was equally flustered. At that moment, Inspector Kuroda, who had just finished smoking his pipe by the door, calmly said, "That’s Hirano's car. His family is notoriously paranoid—they make sure their own cars are free of any signals or tracking devices. If he’s in the car, we’ll lose contact for a while."

The girls were momentarily confused. "Shinichi… what is this? Why is Inspector Megure here? And… what exactly is going on?" Ran asked.

"Well, Mouri-san," Takagi said, lowering his headphones and walking over to explain, "This is actually an undercover operation. We had Kudo use an invitation from Kudo Yusaku-san to get in."

"What?! An undercover operation?" Sonoko was shocked. "Then… Kudo and… that woman…?"

The officers' faces turned as red as beets. The entire spectacle had been too captivating for words.

"Is she an officer from the Metropolitan Police?" Sonoko suddenly felt guilty for ruining the operation and saying such harsh things.

"No… he’s… Kid." Kudo averted his gaze.

"What?! Kudo, that’s impossible! You're… you're lying, right? That was a woman…" Sonoko’s voice trailed off. It wasn’t so far-fetched—Kid had disguised himself as many women before, each one strikingly convincing. Inspector Kuroda added, "Miss Suzuki, don’t worry too much about what you said. After all, your appearance gave Kuroba-kun an entry point, making the whole scene more believable."

Ran glanced worriedly at Aoko, who looked more shocked than anyone else. Although she was gradually coming to terms with reality and knew that Kaitou Kid was skilled at voice mimicry and disguise, watching Kuroba Kaito perform live and hearing those words still hurt more than anything.

"So what now?" Inspector Megure asked. "This has already violated the primary rule—should we inform the commissioner…?"

"No—let's not act yet. I trust Kid," Kudo said coldly. "If you want him to strike at the heart of the matter, you have to trust him once."

And as the detective had predicted, within half a day, Kudo received a call from a private number. The caller was a jogger reporting an incident, and using his exceptional deductive skills, Kudo pinpointed the location to an abandoned factory. A large contingent of police immediately stormed the place. As they pried open the door, they found workers sprawled out, some familiar faces from the venue, piles of explosive components, and a drowsy Kuroba Kaito beside Hirano. Kudo was the first to recognize him, quickly pulling Hirano aside and checking Kuroba's breathing—it was calm and steady.

"Sleeping gas… This must be Kaitou Kid’s work," Inspector Megure said. Kudo nodded. At that moment, several more inspectors stepped out of their cars. "This operation was quite a success, wasn’t it? How long before they wake up?" one asked.

"Sir, they should wake up in about twenty minutes," Officer Takagi replied. Chef Inspector smiled faintly, "Interesting, Kuroba-kun timed our tracking and arrival perfectly. I suspect the jogger who reported the incident this afternoon was also him using a disguised voice."

A puzzled officer asked, "What do you mean, sir?"

Chef inspector monocle reflected the light, "Kuroba-kun trusted that we wouldn’t take longer than expected to find this place. Otherwise, if these people had woken up before we arrived, do you think he would still be lying here peacefully?"

"I'm still not quite sure I understand."

At that moment, the deputy commissioner stepped out, surveying the abandoned factory. "This is a gesture of goodwill. It shows that we trust him, and he trusts us."

—-----------------------

Kuroba Kaito rubbed his drowsy eyes, and the first thing he saw when he opened them was an unamused Kudo, who threw a shirt and pants at him and shoved him into the dressing room.

"Hurry up and change. Just focus on getting dressed; don’t wash off your face for now."

Once Kuroba had changed back into his black shirt, he still bore the face of Ueto Aya. With a glance from Kudo, two officers moved in from behind, locking his hands in those all-too-familiar black and gold handcuffs. Kuroba didn’t seem to mind.

"About time," Kudo said with a smile. Kuroba rolled his eyes. "What do you mean, 'about time'? I put serious thought and planning into deciding to wrap up this mess today."

"What did they do to piss you off?" Kudo asked, referring to the sleeping gas.

Kuroba shrugged. "Well, I wanted to get it over with quickly because of him. He was so eager to “own me” that I had no choice but to send him off to dreamland first. Who knows what he’s dreaming about now? Apologies, though… Metantei… that necklace I was wearing got torn."

Kudo’s face stiffened as he gritted his teeth. "What exactly did you two do?"

It was rare for Kaito Kid to see Kudo with such a flustered expression, so he couldn’t resist teasing him, making his story more and more outrageous. "Honestly, I’m not sure. Things just got out of hand. What started as play-acting became all too real. Hahaha! Oh,Metantei, I love that look on your face."

"Stop messing around," Kudo said, his face darkening.

Kuroba raised an eyebrow. "Up to this point, no one’s ever taken advantage of me, the legendary Kaitou Kid. Is that answer good for you?"

Kudo nodded, opening the door to the interrogation room and shoving Kuroba inside. "Ueto Aya, he’s waiting for you there. Keep it short."

Kuroba stifled the urge to roll his eyes. After shedding the ornate dress, Kuroba donned a dark blue suit jacket over a clean white T-shirt. His once-tied hair now cascaded over his broad shoulders, but fortunately, the oversized clothing masked the masculine build beneath. Hirano looked slightly surprised when he saw Kuroba, shifting over on the bench to make room. Kuroba slowly sat down.

"What brings you here? Miss Ueto... I never thought things would get this messed up."

Inspector Nakamori was on fire today. As soon as he noticed that none of his officers were in the office during the meeting, he immediately questioned the receptionist.

"They went to the interrogation room to watch the show."

"Which room?"

"Number two, the one registered under Inspector Megure."

Upon arrival, Inspector Nakamori harshly reprimanded the subordinates present. "Which criminal managed to captivate you slackers so much that you dared to skip out on work? I’ve been waiting for half an hour!"

"Sorry..."

The officers standing outside the interrogation room’s glass wall mostly pretended to be passing by, drawn by curiosity. Inside, a pitiful-looking young woman sat, her petite frame swallowed by an oversized suit. Everything about her—her voice, appearance, hairstyle, even her mannerisms—exuded innocence, with no trace of the infamous Kaitou Kid, except for the custom black and gold handcuffs on her pale wrists. Nakamori was about to scold his officers again, suspecting they were shirking responsibility, when Kudo Shinichi approached to greet him.

"Chef Inspector Nakamori, what brings you here?"

"Is that... isn’t that Hirano in there? Congratulations are in order... but who’s that beside him?"

Unable to resist, Hirano slipped an arm around Kuroba’s shoulder. Kuroba, trembling slightly, raised his hands, and Hirano noticed them. He suddenly stood up, gripping Kuroba’s shoulders tightly.

"Miss Ueto, why... Why are you here too? This has nothing to do with you! And why are you handcuffed?"

Kuroba, wiping away tears, tried to appear strong. "I... Kudo thinks I helped you... and... he’s taking it out on me. I woke up to find myself locked up, but I’m fine, really... The important thing is, what about you?" Kuroba’s delicate hand brushed Hirano’s cheek, gliding down to his jaw before gently patting his knee.

"Will you admit to the crimes Kudo mentioned?" Kuroba asked.

"It’s Kid." Hirano suddenly spoke coldly. He finally understood—it had to be Kaitou Kid. The sleeping gas was Kid’s signature move, and he must have disguised himself as someone to plant it on him. Damn it... but wait, wasn’t that guy supposedly under special detainment by the Japanese police?

"It must be him. Damn it... Ueto Aya, this is all my fault. You... you didn’t deserve this." Not only were the officers outside stunned, but even Kudo Shinichi couldn’t figure out what kind of spell Kuroba had cast on Hirano. Just a day ago, Hirano had been distant and indifferent toward "Ueto Aya," yet now he seemed like a newlywed husband.

"The important thing is how to get you out of here." Hirano’s determined eyes met with a slightly moved "Ueto Aya."

"You don’t need to worry. Although the Hirano family is likely finished, I have a relative in Singapore. If I can get you there, someone will take care of you."

Kuroba frowned. "No... I want to stay with you..."

"Aya... There's one other way. Let’s escape."

"What?! This is the Metropolitan Police Department! There are tons of officers outside. How do you plan to escape?"

You idiot, don’t you realize there are officers outside the interrogation room? Kuroba looked up at Hirano’s jaw with a speechless expression.

"So what?" Hirano smiled. "Hasn’t that Kid guy always managed to get away?"

"Hirano... don’t joke around. I saw the Chief on TV the other day saying it’s impossible for the police to let him escape... Besides, it’s been days, and he’s still locked up here. I don’t think it’s that easy." As soon as Kuroba said this, he felt something was off, but self-mockery wasn’t difficult for him.

"Hmph—do you really think they can hold him here? To him, even thousands of officers are just for show, right?" The thought of Kaitou Kid, that nosy thief, ruining their once-thriving operation made Hirano so agitated he stood up, while Kuroba remained seated, lightly tugging at his sleeve. "Hirano... What if we really do manage to escape? Where would you go?"

"Kyoto, Osaka ... Hokkaido. We’d lay low in the countryside first."

"Enough, Officer Takagi," Kudo Shinichi said.

"The foundation’s details have likely been figured out. Hirano really was planning to take his lady and run. He has no backup plans. " Officer Hamada shook his head. 

As the door opened, Kudo’s intense gaze made Hirano unconsciously sit down across from Kuroba. Kudo Shinichi then sat beside Kuroba.

"With the evidence in hand, it will be handed over to the prosecutor. As for the terms you initially offered, I now understand the reasons behind them. Don’t worry, ten minutes before you came in, the bomb squad successfully defused the Hyakushi Box. The bodies beneath the ruins of that factory can rest in peace."

"You knew?" Hirano’s eyes widened.

Kuroba understood now. 

“The black Organization threatens you with the Hyakushi Box, if you don’t help them with the explosion, the place that blows up will be your family’s old mansion.I know you weren’t the mastermind, and that your cousin has already been apprehended by the FBI. As for everything else, it’s no longer our concern. And don’t worry about your parents' remains—Inspector Megure has already arranged for the police to relocate them. As for the contractor, our officers found relevant evidence in your factory, as well as clues linking you to the bomb maker." Kudo closed the file folder. "From now on, you’d better start talking. Who’s the real creator of the Hyakushi Box?"

"To be honest, I really don’t know. I only ever got a few addresses and contact numbers from the organization’s liaison. Every time we made a delivery, we’d only meet a few hired bodyguards, and sometimes we were just told to leave the modified bomb at the door and leave. Sometimes they’d drop off their products at our factory the next day without leaving any clues or evidence. The payments were always made through anonymous bank accounts or mobile payments. Our Hirano family even tried to trace some of the accounts, but they all turned out to be shells."

"So, they paid you, you handled the final adjustments and finishing touches, and you were also responsible for part of the distribution?" Kudo asked. 

Hirano nodded. "I’ve read that Kudo-kun has crossed paths with this organization a few times, so you must know these people are cold-blooded killers. Our Hirano family didn’t dare cross them; we just did what we were told and split the profits."

“Do you realize that your actions have severely impacted the safety of the Tokyo area?” Kudo said, his tone sharp. “People are on edge—what exactly are you trying to do? Create social unrest?”

“I honestly don’t know what they are aiming at. But, Kudo-kun... if we refuse or snitch, we'll be the ones found dead in the streets!” Hirano pleaded.

Kudo didn’t want to continue arguing with Hirano. After all, Hirano had already answered the important questions, and when it came to bombs, he and his team were no match for Kuroba. With that, Kudo put away the documents.

“Wait—” Hirano urgently called out to Kudo Shinichi. “I’ve already told you everything. Please, let Aya go. I don’t know what crime you’re trying to pin on her, but whatever it is, I’ll take the blame.”

Kudo chuckled softly. “Her crime? You’ll take the blame?”

“If it weren’t for me, Aya wouldn’t have been caught in the first place,” Hirano confessed.

Kudo shook his head. “You’re wrong. If it weren’t for her, we might not have found you at all. And honestly, if she disappeared, it would be a bigger headache for us than if you did. Don’t you agree?” He said, lifting up a pair of handcuffs attached to Kuroba’s wrist, which still had a bracelet above them.

“Miss KID?”

Kudo’s lips curved into a smirk as he ripped off Kuroba’s disguise. Kuroba Kaito gritted his teeth. “Metantei, you’re going to peel off my skin.”

“Sorry, sorry. I didn’t expect your wig to be so secure.”

“Are you doubting my abilities,Metantei?” Kuroba retorted. “I helped you out big time, and this is the thanks I get?”

“Oh really?” Kudo smirked, taunting him. “But who told you to break the rules? Without higher-up approval, you’re not allowed to be more than one kilometer away from me.”

Kudo glanced again at “Aya Ueto,” now revealed as a vibrant, handsome young man. Gone was the elegant, smart, shy, and feisty woman—replaced by that overconfident smile, the defiant smirk of an internationally wanted criminal.

“Strange, isn’t that sapphire necklace around your neck the gift I gave you?”

Kuroba blushed. “What’s a guy like me supposed to do with a necklace? You should give it back to Mouri Ran.”

“What nonsense. I gave it to you, so it’s yours. Besides, it’s been yanked off by another man—what good would it do me to give her a broken one?”

“KID... No way... Hahahahaha! So that’s how it is!” Hirano suddenly laughed. “No wonder. I kept wondering how there could be a woman who knew so much. Turns out... it was you, Kaito KID.”

Hirano’s gaze softened, almost eerily, and Kudo’s mood darkened. Kuroba curled his lips into a smirk. “Of course. They say only men truly understand men. To completely bring you down, I put a lot of effort into studying Aya Ueto’s personality.”

In Aya Ueto’s soft, alluring voice, Kuroba said, “Hirano-san, could it be that you’ve fallen for me?”

The mere thought of Kuroba Kaito being held sweetly in Hirano’s arms made Kudo Shinichi’s face darken.

“You...” Hirano hesitated. “Did you make a deal with the police? Overturn our family, and what did you get out of it?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. With bombs like yours, I would’ve destroyed your family even without a deal.” Kuroba Kaito retorted bluntly. Hirano, as if accepting his defeat, muttered, “Losing to you guys... I can accept that.”

He stood up, and two police officers appeared beside him. Hirano glanced meaningfully at Kuroba and the intricate handcuffs on his wrists. He suddenly realized something. “Hey, KID, what I mentioned before, does it still stand?”

“Are you asking me to run away with you?” Kuroba sneered, ready to say more, but a blur of blue appeared before him. Kudo Shinichi stood in front of Kuroba, his words clear and resolute, allowing no room for refusal, “He’s not going anywhere with you.”

The tall, striking boy stood there, his proud smile claiming ownership, staring only at Kuroba, who was momentarily stunned.

“He’s not going anywhere with you. He’s mine”—those words hit Kuroba straight in the heart, each one hammering down. He instinctively turned his head away, thinking that if he were a woman, his heart would probably skip a beat. Fortunately, in this world, he was Kaito KID, and Kudo Shinichi was the detective standing opposite him.

“Kudo Shinichi, Gin will never let you and your people off the hook,” Hirano yelled. Kudo coldly replied, “Good. I was afraid he wouldn’t want to see us. We were about to have the FBI dig him out from wherever he’s hiding.”

Aoko silently watched everything unfold, her emotions a tangled mess.

“...He... he really has changed a lot. Still just as handsome, still just as... smart and quick, but... in other ways, I can barely recognize him. That confidence, that... recklessness and freedom... Or maybe, he was always this kind of person, and I just never realized it. Ran... I used to think that KID getting caught would be the best thing ever for me. He’d return Dad to me and Mom. Dad would get a promotion because of this, ready to fill the spot left by Chief Inspector Chaki. There’d be more overtime during the week, but on weekends, we’d finally be able to sit down and have a proper family meal together... He’d return Dad to me, just like he promised...” Aoko slowly tightened her grip on her skirt, overwhelmed by a newfound confusion.

“You need to confront and deal with these feelings. If you really can’t let go, maybe you should talk to Kuroba-kun about it. What about your father? What... What was his reaction?” Ran asked.

“He... he’s as driven as ever. But... Mom and I can tell he’s just pretending. Deep down, he’s even more shocked.”

It’s no surprise, considering the boy he watched grow up turned out to be someone he never knew at all.

“Aoko?!”

Inspector Nakamori, seeing a silhouette resembling his daughter’s, called out tentatively, and sure enough, it was Aoko... Ran, and Hattori.

“Dad? What are you doing on this floor?” Behind him was a group of old and new subordinates.

Nakamori explained, “Well, someone who dares to skip work really needs a good scolding.”

Aoko instinctively covered her chest, her heart racing with nerves and fear.

The door to the interrogation room opened.

“What are you thinking? Thinking of going with him?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,Metantei. Even if I were planning to run away, I wouldn’t bring along any dead weight, not that stupid. And besides, his bombs nearly sent me to meet the god last time. I wouldn’t go near him if I am still not losing my mind.” Kuroba and Kudo walked out of the interrogation room, one in front, the other holding the other’s collar behind, with Hirano in tow.

Kuroba, for once, allowed himself a genuine smile. 

“Oh, so you really believe in those words,Meitantei?”

The officers trailing Inspector Nakamori, who had spent months tirelessly pursuing Kaito KID, couldn’t believe their eyes. Just moments ago, they had sneaked a peek at him while skipping work. Now, face-to-face with him, they were left dumbfounded.

The commotion caught the attention of everyone on the floor, and soon, heads turned. There was no need for an intense search; among the crowd, they easily spotted the boy—a striking figure in a lightweight white trench coat, paired with fitted black trousers. His extraordinary presence stood out, marked by his flawless silhouette and the silver titanium handcuffs that adorned his slender wrist.

“KID...you...” Kudo whispered, but Kuroba shook his head slightly.

What’s meant to happen will happen.

Chapter Text

Inspector Nakamori took another step forward, staring at Kuroba. Who exactly was this person standing before him? The lean, upright figure radiated an aura that seemed to stretch infinitely, making him resemble the real Kid far more than the last time they met.

"Kaito... Kaitou Kid, how is your recovery going?" The familiar nickname slipped out, but Nakamori eventually realized the true significance of the name Kuroba Kaito. Kuroba, who had been silently counting the officers behind him, subtly nodded—satisfied that the agreement had been honored. 

As Kuroba lifted his head, his demeanor shifted instantly to that of a bright, outgoing high school student, flashing a dazzling smile. Even Aoko, standing nearby, found herself momentarily dazed.

So, this is the real Kaito?

"I'm fine, thank you for your concern, Inspector Nakamori." Kuroba took another step forward, the seemingly harmless young man now exerting a subtle yet undeniable pressure. "Or should I say, soon-to-be Chef Inspector  Nakamori? Congratulations."

"How... How did you know about my promotion, Kid?" Nakamori's eyes narrowed in suspicion, but Kuroba had anticipated this reaction.

"It's simple, really. It’s all about the officers and subordinates behind you. The deduction wasn’t hard to make."

"Of course, it wouldn’t be difficult for someone as sharp as you, Kuroba Kaito." Nakamori's voice was laced with bitterness.

At that moment, a tiny crack appeared in Kuroba's otherwise flawless poker face—so small but even Nakamori, usually unobservant of such details, noticed it. Kuroba suddenly longed to return to the beginning, to a time without Kaitou Kid, without the Moonlight Magician, when he was just an ordinary honors student who occasionally dropped by the Nakamori household. 

How wonderful that life could have been— ordinary and happiness for a normal person.

But becoming Kaitou Kid was his destiny, a choice he embraced with no regrets.

"You're the one behind all this, aren’t you?" Nakamori's tone was no longer questioning but certain.

Kuroba's face showed blank confusion. In the past, this expression might have been enough to dispel Nakamori’s suspicions, but given the current situation, the more innocent Kuroba appeared, the more it fueled Nakamori's doubts.

"I don’t understand what you’re talking about."

The verbal clash between Inspector Nakamori and Kaitou Kid quickly drew a crowd, blocking the hallway. Inspector Megure, seeing the situation deteriorating, hurried people along.

"What did you trade for this?"

"Alright, Nakamori, we have other matters to attend to," Megure interrupted.

Nakamori could barely contain his anger, a fury that had been building since Kuroba Kaito confessed his identity in the interrogation room, now reaching its peak.

"Kid, do you think...?"

"No, I never expected you to understand, let alone forgive me, Chef Inspector." For a brief moment, Nakamori thought he saw the Kaitou Kid from twenty years ago, brushing past him. That same cold elegance, like an angel fallen to earth.

"This is what you deserve, you earn this." Kuroba Kaito didn’t stop as he walked through the crowd. And this outcome, this fate, was what Kid deserved—he never believed he needed redemption. 

Turning to Kudo, he whispered, "You might want to inform Akai-san where he is. I suspect Hirano mentioned something in the interrogation room."

"What do you mean?"

"While he was talking to me, he seemed to be sending Morse code with his fingers. I suspect there might be a mole from the Organization here. Just a hunch, but better safe than sorry."

--------------------------------

Better safe than sorry—Kid hit the nail on the head. As they slowed down to analyze the video, the footage revealed a hidden message: Wednesday Midnight at Yokohama Pier Hotel.

"Akai-san, our intel shows that Hirano’s family is missing thirty kilograms of explosives. Could it be that Hirano tipped off someone outside?" One agent asked.

"We intercepted Hirano's family's recent communication with the Organization—they ordered a hundred kilograms of explosives. Jodie also reported seeing some shadows near Yokohama Pier. James, I’d like to request assistance from the Japanese police. And just ten minutes ago, Hirano Shusuke bailed out." Akai Shuichi replied, then Kudo came in and asked,"Should we follow him?"Akai-san, do you think Gin and the other core members will show up?"

Akai smirked. "Hirano now is just a disposable pawn. I know Gin—no matter how hard Hirano tries to make amends, he's just a dead man. Killing him is only a matter of time. Knowing as much as he does about the Organization, Gin is probably on his way to kill Hirano right now. We need to make our move to the hotel.

30 minutes, Police Officers enter the Yokohama Pier Hotel.

"Our men didn't find Hirano Shusuke, we should search the footage." Agent Jodie reached to Akai through the phone, she was searching and asking for information floor by floor.

Just then, Kudo's urgent voice came through the Bluetooth earpiece: "Akai! I’m at the Hotel roof right now...Looks like Gin and Vodka just entered the commercial building across the street! "

"Quick! Send reinforcements immediately," James ordered, mobilizing the police force. Akai slung his sniper rifle over his shoulder.

Kudo adjusted the analysis level on his glasses, changed his position, and lay prone on the rooftop balcony of the hotel, his view unobstructed. Sure enough, Gin and Vodka were taking the private elevator straight to the boardroom floor. It turned out that several companies in the building had connections to the Organization.

"Kudo, where are you?" Jodie asked.

"Now? I am still on the rooftop. Have you arranged the police forces? I’m worried they’ll make a move on Hirano. He’s now checking the hotel room.

"Don’t worry. We’ve coordinated with the officers here, and the Tokyo Metropolitan Police have dispatched nearly 50 officers." Jodie’s words, however, only increased Kudo’s unease.

"Akai! They’re not planning to infiltrate the hotel room—they're going to execute Hirano on the spot!" Kudo shouted. His eyes met Gin’s across the distance as the sniper Chianti emerged, rifle in hand. Despite his skills, Hirano couldn’t escape the Organization. 

Several gunshots rang out through the windows, and Hirano collapsed in a pool of blood in his own room.

Something was wrong—terribly wrong.

"Damn it! They are runing away! Akai san, the helicopter is here!"

Kudo leaped from the balcony, determined to catch up to Gin as quickly as possible. He could hear the distant hum of helicopter blades as a police force surrounded the building.

 Armed SWAT teams stormed the building. Kudo quickly calculated the time, gritted his teeth, and grabbed the emergency escape rope by the window. He pulled out the bungee cord, hooked it to the opposite building’s balcony, closed his eyes, and jumped.

"Gin, isn’t that the detective?"

From the helicopter, Vodka squinted in alarm. Gin simply smiled. Kudo’s eyes narrowed as Akai and the FBI agents arrived.

Akai shouted, "We’ve been tricked!"

As the helicopter rapidly ascended, "Gin" ripped off his mask, revealing flowing blonde hair— it was Vermouth.

"This is a decoy strategy!" Kudo shouted.

-----------------------------------

Suddenly wide awake, the impending danger was palpable. In the darkness, Kuroba quietly displayed a gentlemanly smile, as if surrendering to fate. Slowly opening his eyes, he muttered, "I thought you wouldn't show up, Gin."

With each step, as the threat and tension peaked, Kuroba felt a chill. In the shadows, Gin's eyes gleamed with a terrifying red light. Kuroba found himself handcuffed to the chair, both wrists and ankles bound, realizing that the eerie silence outside was likely due to the few officers being lured away or replaced. 

Seeing Gin approach, Kuroba instinctively tugged at the cuffs, only to feel utterly helpless—completely at their mercy.

"Why?" Gin, in black gloves, slowly lifted Kuroba's chin. "Hirano finally served a real purpose before dying."

"You deliberately had them leave to get to me. Let me guess, the Gin who Kudo saw was actually Vermouth."

Gin tightened his grip on Kuroba's chin, drawing his gun. With two swift shots, the chains binding the chair and his ankles shattered. Kuroba flinched, too stunned to resist, when the whirring sound of a motor interrupted his thoughts. Vodka, wielding a large power saw, approached step by step.

"What... are you doing?"

With a clink, the tracking device hidden within the handcuffs broke. Sensing Gin's intentions, Kuroba barely had time to react as a slender silver needle pierced his shoulder, and a pale blue liquid was slowly injected, bringing with it an overwhelming drowsiness.

----------------------

"Kid!"

Kudo didn't need to enter the room to guess the outcome to imagine what happen. Outside, the officers were all knocked out with tasers, waking up one by one in pain. Kudo felt a cold sweat as he rushed into the lounge, where two bright handcuffs lay on the floor, next to deep scratches from a metal struggle.

"No... impossible... this is all my fault... damn it!" Kudo picked up the broken tracking device, the jagged metal cutting into his palm. How could he have been so confident that leaving Kuroba alone would be safe? Even if he trusted Kuroba's intentions not to escape, who could guarantee no one else would target him?

His mind echoed with their last conversation before parting: "This time, the credit goes to you, Kid."

"Stop with the sappy talk, Metantei. Go catch Gin; why are you still here?"

"I'll bring you back a brownie from that shop around the corner when I return."

"If I knew there was a reward, I might have dealt with Hirano faster." That sincere smile from the other side: "Metantei, it’s all up to you now."

Wait for me to come back... wait for me ...

"Alright, Metantei, if you keep staring at me, aren't you afraid Ran might really get the wrong idea? Don't worry, I'll be right here. I'm not going anywhere."

Don't worry, I'll be right here.

Chapter Text

Kuroba opened his eyes again, feeling the cold pillar against his back. He tried to break free but found his arms completely unresponsive. His hands were cuffed behind the pillar, numb and no feelings. 

Gritting his teeth, he closed his eyes, trying to focus all his energy on his arm muscles, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t feel anything.

"If I were you, I wouldn’t struggle." That voice was all too familiar, and Kuroba reluctantly gave up.

"I'm not like those incompetent cops." Tequila sauntered in, his tone dripping with mockery. "Just one dose of anesthetic—doesn’t harm anyone, but it sure makes sure you can’t pull any tricks."

He crouched down, his gaze a mixture of ridicule and curiosity as he looked at Kuroba kneeling on the floor. Despite Gin’s ruthless nature, every mission entrusted to him was flawlessly completed, and Kuroba hadn’t suffered even the slightest injury. Even his white shirt and black suit pants were spotless.

"What did you bring me here for?" Kuroba asked.

"To catch up, of course. It’s been nearly two weeks since our last meeting. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but I disagree. If someone starts acting cold after some time apart, just meet up more often."

"I think you’re insane. I can't answer any of your questions." Kuroba Kaito coldly interrupted the veiled threat.

"How could that be? You think bringing you along is a risk. But in truth, you have no idea of the value you hold in the eyes of the police, do you?"

"The police would never agree to any of your demands just for a criminal," Kuroba retorted, turning his head away. Tequila raised an eyebrow.

"Don't lose hope yet. I bet your detective would dig up the entire city to find you. Tsk tsk... where's that witty and sharp-tongued boy I saw last time? You’ve really toned it down now."

"This is your territory; I have to be more obedient," Kuroba said self-mockingly. Tequila's smile deepened as he pulled out a tablet, displaying a series of coded messages.

"Then be an obedient hostage. Kid, decode this cipher."

—-------------------------------

"Kudo Shinichi, calm down!" Hattori Heiji shouted. "What are you going to do now? Where will you even begin to look for him?"

"No... the high-ups don't just have this tracker. There has to be a way, there has to be a way to find him!"

"Kudo Shinichi!!!" Hattori grabbed Kudo's shoulders forcefully, forcing him to calm down. "It's too late! We don't even know where they've taken him, only that it’s somewhere completely off the grid. How do you plan on finding him?"

"Are you telling me to give up?" Kudo, panting, regained his composure and quietly asked, "Knowing what they'll do to him in a place like that... how do you expect me to stay calm?!"

"Kudo! Think about it. If the organization really wanted to eliminate this threat, why would they go through all the trouble of taking him? The fact that they're making a big deal out of this shows there's an insider in our ranks. So why didn't they just kill him on the spot? Why take him away? Honestly, I think the fact that they took him to the organization means he's safe for now. Kudo! Where are you going?"

Kudo, like a man possessed, hurriedly packed his things, shoving documents into his bag and rushing to the elevator.

"Where else? I'm going to Haibara's place. Let me know if the police find any new leads."

What?!

Just as he entered Dr. Agasa's house, he was met with the sight of Haibara Ai, mature beyond her years, arms crossed and feet propped up on the desk. She glared at Kudo Shinichi with a chilling intensity.

"Haibara..."

"Are you an idiot?" She narrowed her eyes. "You trusted that playboy Hirano Shusuke?? Anyone could see it was a trap. Why didn’t you consult me first? Why wait until something goes wrong to think of me? I told you before the organization would make a move. Why didn’t you keep a closer watch on him?"

"What do I do now?" Kudo felt a storm brewing inside him.

"What do you mean, 'what do you do now'?" Haibara Ai, ever the ace up Kudo's sleeve, pulled up a list on the computer screen. "These are the hideouts I know of. If the police can't track him, he must be in one of the organization's shielded bases. These are the three I can confirm: two I know of, and one found by Akai Shuichi and his team. It’s at least... a start."

"You..."

Back to the past, Haibara Ai would rather die than tell Kudo Shinichi the truth. She confided in the FBI and insisted they keep it from Kudo to prevent him from acting on his own. This case was different from the usual detective work—anything involving the organization required Haibara Ai to be more guarded and cautious.

"You never used to tell me these things."

"Great detective, your Kid has already been captured. If you don't go save him now, do you really think the police will get there in time? Kudo Shinichi, wait until I finish speaking! Make sure you bring Akai Shuichi and the FBI. Don't even think about going in alone! Honestly... one or two of you are just impossible."

##############

After fifteen hours, his hands slowly regained feeling, but he didn't dare move too much, fearing that Gin would inject him with something again. Fifteen hours had passed, and the police still hadn't arrived, meaning the base was likely outside signal range. 

It was probably in an insulated basement, with layers of metal and equipment blocking any transmission or reception of signals. Over those fifteen hours, Kuroba Kaito had quietly observed his surroundings and the people around him. 

Though he had been taken to different places, his exceptional sense of direction and awareness allowed him to construct a rough mental map.

One, two… most of the time, there were five organization members on watch. Kuroba smirked. If not for the detective’s high efficiency, which maybe could leave a few incompetent members, Kuroba might have had a chance to escape. Before being brought here, they had searched him thoroughly. Although he hadn't hidden any magic props on him, the paperclip in his pocket and the bracelet on his right hand had all mysteriously disappeared. The only means of contacting the outside world might be… the tracking chip inside his body.

Kuroba's mind raced as he squinted his eyes, forming a bold plan. A bald middle-aged man entered through the door, looking anything but friendly. Judging by the respectful attitude of the other members towards him, this man was definitely not someone of low rank.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Kaitou Kid. Or rather, Kuroba Kaito." The man smiled, but Kuroba didn't sense any immediate danger—yet the lack of threat was what made it all the more terrifying.

"I've always wanted to get to know you better, Kuroba-kun. Unfortunately, your father and I never got along. We seem to have some history together. That detective of yours used to frequent my sushi shop, you know. So, if you don’t mind, would you like to try some of my sushi?"

Kuroba twitched his lips and shook his head in refusal. "No, no, thank you for your kind offer, but I really don’t like sushi."

"Hmm? You're the first to dare refuse me." The atmosphere grew increasingly eerie.

"No, I really don’t like fish. It's just not my thing." Kuroba clarified. Rum nodded, but the growing menace in his expression didn’t ease. A guard standing by the door approached respectfully. "Sir, the boss requests his presence."

Immediately, five burly men appeared behind Kuroba Kaito, lifting his slender body without giving him a chance to speak. They quickly covered his head with a burlap sack and whisked him away. The world turned pitch black, but the magician's hands didn’t rest. From the sound of footsteps, he assessed his surroundings, confirming that no one was behind him. In a flash, he discreetly reached for the wire in the belt case of the member to his left and the blade hidden inside.

The moment the burlap sack was yanked off his head, a sharp pain shot through Kuroba’s right arm. He squinted his eyes, seeing two members pressing him onto a chair. A young doctor in a white coat was drawing his blood. As the doctor lifted his gaze, Kuroba recognized him—it was the same young scientist who had once explained Pandora and the antidote to him. What was he doing here?

"Sorry, Kuroba-san, but you'll have to endure this."

Endure?

 Kuroba Kaito glanced at the table beside him, which held a row of syringes—some empty, others filled with colorful substances. He could guess the worst-case scenario and coldly asked, "What is happening?"

"Don't worry, we'll take your blood based on your physical condition. Although Pandora is no longer in your body, the drug's half-life hasn’t expired yet. That means even though its effects are not at their peak, they’re still significant."

For the first time, Kuroba felt a twinge of fear as he watched his dark red blood slowly being drawn from his arm—one vial, two vials, three vials…

The doctor pressed a piece of cotton onto his arm. Another young woman appeared from the shadows, looking timid, with a flaxen braid and a syringe in her hand—just one shot.

"Don't worry, it won't hurt you."

Won’t hurt me? What does that mean? If you’re not going to harm me, why did you bring me here?

Come on, try to use those kindergarten’s tricks on me?

Don’t be silly.

Kuroba Kaito had nothing to say, but he knew this was the perfect time to escape. His legs suddenly kicked upward, and the unsuspecting members who had been holding him down immediately clutched their stomachs and fell to the ground. 

Kuroba quickly spun around and stabbed the syringe filled with a sedative into the male doctor’s arm. He didn’t waste a moment. As his gaze shifted to the female doctor, she kept muttering, "I’m sorry… just go," over and over. 

In the past, he would have taken the beauty with him to escape, but now, he knew even his own chances of escaping were slim. Besides, if she stayed, she might still have a chance to survive. At most, the core members would see her as useless. But if she ran away and got caught, that would be a betrayal. 

He knew he wouldn’t face death, though the consequences of rebelling against the organization were something he had witnessed too many times. He jumped off the chair and ran.

"Don’t run! Ah!"

Kuroba grinned as he knocked out one member with a swift chop and dislocated another’s shoulder with a skilled move.

One, two, three… Relying on his sharp mind, Kuroba dodged the pursuing members and dashed into a room that looked like a torture chamber. With agile movements, he easily leaped onto the equipment, flipped gracefully, and crawled into the vent on the ceiling, slipping into the darkness. Just as he suspected, when he passed by a few closed torture chambers, he knew there had to be vents. 

After all, given the organization’s ruthlessness, they would trap prisoners here until they were on the brink of madness before letting them out, forcing them to confess everything. It felt like he was back in his days as Kaitou Kid. His hands quickly pulled himself forward, but crawling through vents wasn’t a long-term solution.

Peering down from the vent ahead, he found himself above the control room where Gin and Vodka were stationed.

"What a bunch of bauchle, can’t even handle a teenager." Gin coldly puffed on his cigarette, either contemplating his plan or simply watching the show. "Well, it’s Rum’s problem now. I won’t get involved unless that guy begs me to."

"Gin… but we’re dealing with Kaitou Kid." Vodka said.

"Hmph… Do you think I don’t know that? But my work is done. Now, it’s just a matter of watching Kid embarrass that old man. Don’t bother with it." Gin bit off the cigarette tip.

"What if he really escapes?"

Gin’s sharp eyes narrowed, his striking silver hair shifting slightly. "Do you think this place is somewhere he can just walk out of?" Suddenly, his fierce gaze shot up, directly meeting Kuroba Kaito’s eyes through the vent. Kuroba was startled and quickly moved forward. The sound of bullets piercing the vent and Vodka’s panicked voice followed.

"He’s in the vent!"

"Isn’t that simple? Flood the vent with knockout gas."Gin ordered.

Kuroba quickly found the nearest exit he could remember and jumped down, landing in a lab stocked with various drugs. He hastily opened a drawer, grabbed a handful of wire and paper clips, and stuffed them into his pocket. He then picked up a mop from the toolshed, pried open the protective door, and nimbly dodged the approaching members. 

With a swift back kick, he shoved three people into the lab, quickly closing the door behind him. Kuroba jammed the mop handle between the door and the wall, grinning as he heard the muffled sounds of frustration and pounding from inside.

"Fools. That’s how you called it a “high school prank”. Stay put and don’t try to chase me."

The distant speck of light ignited a flicker of hope in Kuroba's heart. He pushed himself to run toward the exit with all his might. As the light grew brighter, he gritted his teeth, feeling his legs growing weaker. 

Throughout the entire passage and vent journey, he had sensed he was moving upward, but the sloping path was exhausting. This place was indeed built in an underground fortress. Kuroba Kaito finally reached the exit, with Mount Fuji faintly visible in the distance, shrouded in mist. He barely had time to catch his breath before a chilling sensation crept up his spine.

Outside the door, more members of the organization awaited, their guns aimed at him. If it had been in the past, Kaito would have faced them with the same fearless bravado he showed the police, but now, his body was betraying him.

 Kuroba Kaito felt a deepening sense of powerlessness. Frowning, he leaned against the doorframe, knowing that the exit was so close, yet he had a foreboding feeling that escape was impossible. His legs began to lose sensation, a numbing pain creeping up from his feet. Behind him, he heard footsteps and the unmistakable sound of a gun being cocked.

"Enough running? Or do you want to play more?Kaito Kid? We've been playing tag with you for nearly an hour. Aren't you tired yet?"

As if to confirm the statement, a sharp pain shot through Kuroba's chest, spreading rapidly. Drowsiness, as heavy as a blunt instrument, struck him hard. He struggled to turn his head, catching sight of Tequila, Rum, and a line of assassins behind them.

"You… you… what… what is this…?" Kuroba could feel every cell in his body screaming at him to flee, but his energy was draining away, and the figures before him grew increasingly blurred.

"Tranquilizers. Along with a needle for drawing blood," Tequila said with a victorious smirk. Just then, a steady, rhythmic set of footsteps approached from behind. 

Gin, with a cigarette clenched between his teeth, appeared, looking as if he had just watched an amusing sideshow. Vodka handed him a syringe, and Gin smiled wickedly as he took it, advancing towards Kuroba step by step. Instinctively, Kuroba Kaito retreated, but his back met the cold, unyielding surface of a cement wall.

"The game’s over. Do you want me to come over there, have Vodka carry you back, or let the people behind drag you in?"

Is escape truly impossible?

Kuroba tilted his head back, a sharp pang shooting through his neck. As he faded into unconsciousness, who would know what a fleeting smile meant? 

As one of despair or victory?

Metantei, I’m counting on you now.

Chapter Text

"Akai-san!" The FBI agent at the console shouted, "We've caught the signal!"

"What?!" James rushed over, gripping the chair, "What did you say?"

"It seems to be near Mount Fuji. I'm extracting the target's coordinates right now."

Jodie leaned in as well, "Did he manage to escape?"

"No." Akai Shuichi shook his head, "The signal disappeared again. Knowing Gin's nature, it's likely that Kid isn't gambling on his ability to escape. He's betting on whether we can discover him in time and get there. Dispatch agents and the police immediately."

It was already the next morning by the time Haibara Ai called Kudo Shinichi, giving a brief explanation about the underground base near Mount Fuji.

"I've never been there, but I suggest you stay in the car first. Go in only after the situation stabilizes. I’ve heard that place is the most secure, the last line of defense."

No words were needed between them; they understood each other perfectly.

"I'll call you once it's all over," Kudo said as he was about to hang up.

"Wait---Kudo, you... you don't need to call. We'll wait for you to come back."

Surprisingly, Kudo Shinichi followed Haibara Ai's advice. He really stayed patient, remaining in Akai's car. Meanwhile, countless scenarios played in his mind, waiting for the sound of gunfire and explosions. Jodie's voice came through his earpiece: "Cool boy, all clear, you should go and get him."

As he looked at the boy on the ground, who appeared to be Sleeping Beauty, Gin’s eyes flashed with a bloodthirsty and cruel smile. This teenager was cunning, pretending to escape to send a message. You think you’ll be rescued that easily? Dream on.

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