Before dawn the next day, Megure brought a team of police to set up inside the building. He also brought along a female officer—introduced as Miwako Sato—who would drive Reika and Kaoru Tohsaka to Teitan High School for Kaoru's entrance interview. Naturally, her admission was being arranged through Ichiro Takayanagi's connections.
After that, Ichiro and Megure headed to the bank. Ichiro needed to transfer money to Vermouth, while Megure was preparing the six hundred million yen in cash demanded by the Italian robbery gang—specifically in loose, unnumbered bills.
They each handled their own tasks at the bank, finishing around noon.
On his way home, Ichiro happened to spot Conan, Ayumi Yoshida, and the others on the street. Pulling over, he asked, "What are you little ones up to?"
Hearing his voice, the kids turned around.
"Ah, it's the big brother who gave us water that day!" Ayumi was the first to recognize him and ran over. "Big brother, our Detective Boys are searching for treasure!"
"Detective Boys, huh? Treasure? Sounds just like you," Ichiro said with a smile from the driver's seat.
"Conan, show big brother the treasure map. Maybe he can solve it," Ayumi suggested to Conan, who looked less than thrilled.
Seeing him unmoved, Genta Kojima snatched the map from Conan's hands. "I'm the leader, and I have to listen to Ayumi, so I'll give it to him."
Genta handed the map to Ichiro.
Ichiro noticed Conan's dark expression and the three letters written on the map—no doubt Conan feared he might just keep it, considering Ayumi and Genta's favor toward him.
Pretending to study it for a while, Ichiro finally handed it back to Genta, shaking his head. "I can't solve this one. Maybe Conan-kun can figure it out."
Genta wasn't happy. "We can solve it too, right, Mitsuhiko?"
"Yes, but we should all work together," Mitsuhiko said wisely.
"Well, have fun. I'll treat you to lunch sometime," Ichiro said, waving as he drove off.
"Bye, Ichiro-oniisan!"
Once his car was gone, Ayumi asked, "Conan, do you not like Ichiro-oniisan? He praised you, and you didn't say anything."
"I think I figured out one of the symbols, but I need to confirm it," Conan said instead, drawing the group's attention back to the map.
…
After parking in the garage, Ichiro dragged the six hundred million yen prepared by Megure toward the elevator—only to be stopped.
"Mr. Takayanagi, let's not do this at your place. We'll trade here," said the same hoarse-voiced man from last night's call—one of the robbery gang.
Ichiro turned and saw a black sedan nearby with its door open. The man inside was now standing outside, aiming a gun at him.
The muzzle had an attachment—likely a suppressor.
"I really don't like this way of doing business… but I suppose I'll have to go along with it," Ichiro said, moving toward the car with the money.
Once both were inside, the robber spoke. "No offense, Mr. Takayanagi, I just prefer a safer method."
"So… are you planning to kill me?" Ichiro asked.
"Let's check each other's goods first," the man replied, ignoring the question. He gestured toward several bags on the passenger seat while inspecting the money Ichiro brought.
Opening one bag, Ichiro saw genuine gold coins—excellent in luster and material. Of course, their true value was something only the Italian side knew.
"Mr. Takayanagi, you really are a man of integrity. The bills aren't numbered—I can disappear without worry."
"So now," Ichiro asked calmly, "you're going to kill me?"
(End of Chapter)
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