"The clock without a second hand reaching the 12th word—I suspect this indicates the exact time of the crime!"
"But I haven't fully cracked it yet."
Officer Nakamori stood on stage, pointing at the big screen, brimming with confidence. "Finally, 'descending from the radiant sky pavilion' refers to the Tenshu Castle—this is where Kaitou Kid will appear!"
"In short, the notice means Kaitou Kid will strike between dusk on August 22 and dawn on August 23 at Osaka Castle's Tenshu, to steal the Imperial Easter Egg!"
"Oh!!!"
The officers in the room lit up with realization, applauding as if victory was already theirs.
Superintendent Chaki took the mic. "This time, we'll work with Osaka Police and, at Mr. Suzuki's request, have specially invited the renowned detective Mouri Kogoro and Mr. Tsuneo, who once protected the Dark Star from Kaitou Kid."
As Chaki pointed, all eyes turned to the distinctly out-of-place duo.
Tsuneo's hand, reaching for snacks in his pocket, froze. He couldn't chew now, so he just smiled and nodded.
Mouri, startled, sat up straight, waving. "Hello, everyone!"
These guys' stares are intense…
Chaki coughed lightly, redirecting attention. "Our joint operation's goal is to protect the treasure at all costs."
He added, reluctantly, "Even if the culprit escapes, we must secure the treasure!"
Nakamori wasn't having it. He stepped forward, grabbed the mic, and roared, "Everyone, how can we let him slip away so easily?!"
"The treasure comes second!"
"For the police's honor and pride, we must lock that thief in prison! We have to!"
"Or our reputation's done for!"
Nakamori's passionate speech set the room ablaze with fervor.
Watching the officers' fiery enthusiasm, Mouri and Tsuneo exchanged glances.
What a troublesome job this is…
…
"Dad, what happened at the meeting? You and Tsuneo-nii aren't saying a word!"
Outside the station, Ran watched the two emerge in silence, curiosity piqued.
"It's… not quite what I expected…" Mouri recalled the scene, at a loss for words.
Those officers were really riled up.
Sure, he's an international thief, but he's just a thief…
"They can't catch that guy?" Tsuneo scoffed.
With that meeting's vibe, toss a lion in and call it Kid—they'd probably skin it barehanded.
Kaito's got some serious plot armor.
"Not that easy to catch…" Conan glanced at Tsuneo.
This guy knew about it before anyone.
Got an invitation and didn't even tell me.
Yes, on the way here, the repairman had already bragged to the detective about his invite.
"Let's go, we've got a train to New Osaka Station. Sonoko's waiting!" Ran urged.
Conan, trailing behind with Tsuneo, asked, "Did the police figure out the time and place?"
"Yeah, like you said—zodiac dates. Location's supposedly Tenshu Castle." Tsuneo nodded.
The date's probably right, but the location?
No need to guess—they've never gotten it right…
"Tenshu Castle…" The detective fell into thought.
What does "the clock without a second hand reaching the 12th word" mean?
…
New Osaka Station.
The quartet stepped out and saw a certain heiress waving.
"Over here, everyone!"
Sonoko shouted.
"As expected of the Suzuki Consortium!" Mouri marveled at the spacious, luxurious car.
First time in a ride this fancy.
"Impressive!" Tsuneo nodded. Both he and Mouri were tall, yet sitting face-to-face, their legs didn't even touch.
As expected of the Suzuki Consortium!
The repairman pulled out his snacks and munched openly.
"Today's a special day!" Sonoko said, grinning.
"Special?"
They all looked over.
"Because I'm meeting my dream thief, Kaitou Kid! Gotta make it grand!"
Of course, a fangirl's logic is terrifying.
Good thing Kid isn't an idol needing votes, or this heiress might rally an army.
Mouri gave a speechless look.
Dreamy Kid…
Don't let the meeting room's crowd hear that…
"By the way, meet our driver, my dad's secretary, Mr. Nishino Masato," Sonoko introduced.
"Pleased to meet you!" Nishino nodded, smiling warmly.
Under thirty, glasses, friendly vibe.
"He's traveled the world, fluent in English, French, and German!"
"Amazing!"
Conan glanced at the two acting like nothing was up by the window.
Tsuneo: "Tasty, right?"
Mouri: "Bit salty—good with drinks!"
Tsuneo: "Told ya, I went out of my way to snag these!"
Mouri: "By the way, that's Tenshu Castle, right?"
Conan: …
What are these two even here for?
…
The car drove for twenty or thirty minutes, stopping at the Suzuki family's newly built museum.
It wasn't like typical museums.
From architecture to materials to sheer size, it screamed one word: Extravagant!
As Tsuneo and the others gawked at the art-laden building, two police helicopters roared overhead.
"Security's tight!" Ran remarked, noting officers posted every few steps.
"Not even an ant could escape," Mouri agreed.
"Of course! It's Kaitou Kid we're up against!" Sonoko started to gush.
A voice with an Osaka accent cut in from behind.
Tsuneo turned, a smile spreading across his face.
Time to train, kid!
(End of Chapter)
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