Chapter 166: Moving Forward Together
The Following Days
Gin's plan proceeded rapidly, while Miyano Akemi's plan was also progressing smoothly.
Both operations were of paramount importance to the Organization.
The impending arrival of funds from both sides improved Gin's mood considerably. The only thing that bothered him was Bourbon's absence.
"I heard Bourbon is in Tokyo, but I haven't seen him yet."
Vodka shook his head and sighed. "I heard one of his targets is also in Tokyo, and he's been tracking them these past few days."
Although he resented Bourbon's behavior of arriving in Tokyo without reporting to his superior, Bourbon was currently carrying out the Boss's direct orders, so he couldn't say anything.
Moreover, Bourbon was the source of evidence and intelligence regarding the illegal activities of many company executives that he and Gin had been extorting. To rebuke him now would be counterproductive.
Gin frowned slightly but nodded anyway. "Tell him to make time in three days—he's part of this operation."
Tequila was in charge of Miyano Akemi's bank robbery, and everyone else was arranged. Only Bourbon could act as the getaway driver.
Although Vodka was also an option, he was skilled but lacked flexibility in unexpected situations.
"Don't worry, Aniki. I've already spoken to him. He'll be there when the plan is executed. I've already sent him the escape route."
While Bourbon's driving skills were slightly inferior to his own, he was still capable enough. This routine extraction was no problem—Vodka was quite confident.
The Organization held annual driving tests for motorcycles and cars, and Vodka's assessment of Bourbon was favorable.
Although the man wasn't particularly likable, his driving skills were seventy percent of Vodka's level.
Don't underestimate that seventy percent—that level was top-tier in the Organization, and no one except Vodka could match it.
Three Days Later - Suzuki Residence
The Suzuki estate operated as usual.
"Ayako-sama, welcome back~" The gatekeeper greeted Suzuki Ayako at the entrance, bowing as he opened the vintage iron gate.
"Yes, thank you for your hard work~"
Suzuki Ayako smiled and nodded in response, glancing around before entering the courtyard.
"Strange..." The gatekeeper scratched his head, feeling that Ayako-sama's smile seemed different today—a blend of innocence and allure that was quite captivating.
Moreover, her figure seemed slightly different as well.
The change wasn't particularly noticeable, so much so that he only wondered if she might be wearing padding.
"What's wrong?"
Another gatekeeper asked curiously, then pulled the puzzled gatekeeper aside and scolded him. "Staring at Ojou-sama like that is extremely impolite. Aren't you afraid of being fired by Tomoko-sama?"
Normally, a mansion only has one gatekeeper, but the Suzuki family was different—they had two, in addition to over twenty guards working in shifts.
"No, I just feel..." This gatekeeper was somewhat naive, unaware that staring at the young lady was already a breach of etiquette, but he vaguely sensed that Suzuki Ayako was different from usual.
It wasn't that his observation skills were particularly remarkable—it was just that from his first day as a gatekeeper, he'd developed feelings for the incredibly approachable Suzuki family ojou-sama.
And today, her charm had increased even more.
The veteran gatekeeper didn't let him finish speaking, covering his mouth and dragging him away.
"You can eat carelessly, but you can't speak carelessly. If Tomoko-sama hears talk like that, you'll definitely be fired!"
Japan was a country that placed great importance on etiquette, especially between masters and servants, where social hierarchy was strictly observed.
Not everyone was as carefree as Suzuki Sonoko, making friends with children from ordinary families.
While the young gatekeeper was being reprimanded, 'Suzuki Ayako' had already entered the main house's living room.
"Where are Father and Mother?" 'Suzuki Ayako' beckoned a servant and asked.
"Shujin-sama and Oku-sama went to the company for a meeting earlier, and later they have an appointment with Masuyama Kenzo-san from the automotive company. They'll be back quite late today."
The servant replied respectfully.
"I see!" 'Suzuki Ayako' nodded in understanding and went straight to her room.
It seems the plan is working perfectly. The two heads of the Suzuki family have been lured away.
Although Suzuki Jirokichi and Suzuki Sonoko remained, these two were less significant and had minimal impact on the plan.
Suzuki Jirokichi should be fishing in the backyard right now. 'Suzuki Ayako' wasn't worried that he would affect her plans—this wealthy man's schedule had been very predictable lately.
He fished in the morning and tended to the newly cultivated vegetable garden in the backyard in the afternoon.
The hobbies of the wealthy are worlds apart from ordinary people. While others strive to become civil servants and escape farming, the wealthy enjoy rural life.
Suzuki Sonoko had the lowest profile and least vigilance. Even if she followed constantly, 'Suzuki Ayako' wasn't afraid of being exposed.
Back in her room, 'Suzuki Ayako' took out her phone and sent a text message.
[Baileys: Entered the Suzuki residence]
A moment later, her phone dinged with a reply.
[Gin: Awaiting notification]
Meanwhile - Teito Bank
Miyano Akemi rested her chin on her hand, staring blankly ahead, unaware that a customer had arrived at her station.
With the plan about to be executed, her heart was inevitably racing, affecting her work performance.
If it weren't for her good looks, she would have definitely received complaints by the end of the morning.
"Hello, Masami-neesan! My uncle is here to deposit money again!"
Conan waved his arm vigorously, emphasizing the word "again" to pull Miyano Akemi back from her reverie.
It wasn't that he deliberately emphasized it—he'd already called her name several times, but she'd stared straight ahead like a statue, showing no reaction whatsoever.
She'd been perfectly normal when they came to deposit money before, but today, for some reason, she seemed distracted.
"Oh! It's Conan-kun. Is Mouri-san here to deposit money?" Miyano Akemi snapped out of her daze, flashing a professional smile as she asked softly.
"Yes. You're very kind, Masami-san." Kogoro Mouri picked up Conan and tossed him aside, scratching the back of his head and laughing.
Showing off my earning ability in front of a beautiful woman—quite impressive, isn't it?
Ever since he'd discovered Miyano Akemi while depositing money that one time, he always made sure to come when she was working.
Not for any other reason than to admire a beautiful woman!
"Mouri-san, you're amazing! You've been to our bank three or four times in the last two months, haven't you? Business must be booming!" Miyano Akemi greeted him with a forced smile, her mind clearly elsewhere.
"Ahaha, it's nothing—just a few million yen."
This old man is really getting carried away.
Conan rolled his eyes and quietly observed Uncle Mouri's smugness.
During their conversation, he suddenly noticed something odd.
"Masami-neesan, is something wrong? Why do you keep checking your watch? Is something urgent?" Conan asked cutely.
His detective instincts were kicking in—he felt uncomfortable if he didn't investigate.
Moreover, as a detective, he seemed to smell a case brewing.
Yes, like the scent of gasoline, lingering and unmistakable.
"Not really, I'm just feeling a little unwell. I have a doctor's appointment at noon, so I've been keeping track of the time."
As she spoke, she glanced at her watch again, then gave an awkward yet polite smile. "I'm sorry, Mouri-san, my appointment with the doctor is coming up. I might not be able to process your transaction in time. I'll have a colleague handle it for you."
Before Kogoro could agree, Miyano Akemi handed his documents to her colleague.
"Eh?"
Kogoro was somewhat disappointed but didn't object. He sighed and moved to the next station, his eyes meeting those of a middle-aged female clerk.
Conan frowned. That's suspicious. And who makes a doctor's appointment at noon? Doctors need lunch breaks too!
Despite his doubts, Conan wasn't curious enough to follow her.
He'd met Hirota Masami a few times, but they weren't exactly close. It was possible she had an appointment with a doctor she knew personally and chose lunchtime. That wasn't impossible.
The deposit process was rather complicated.
It wasn't that there was a problem with the deposit itself, but Kogoro's deposit limit had been reached, and to deposit more, he needed to activate VIP privileges.
Simply put, it was an account upgrade.
Conan nodded smugly. It's mostly thanks to me that Uncle Mouri has reached his deposit limit.
However, the process took considerably longer.
"Ran-neechan, I'll wait for you outside." Conan decided to go outside for some fresh air. For some reason, the air conditioning inside made him feel stuffy.
Franky's Villa
Natsukawa, wearing his Tequila persona, was making final arrangements with Franky.
"Are you sure you want to give the address information of Hakuho Pharmaceuticals to the IRS?"
Franky, unaware of the full plot, thought Natsukawa was taking too much risk. After all, only a few members of the Organization knew about Hakuho Pharmaceuticals. If the address was exposed, the Tequila identity could be investigated.
This base was different from the Kamo River base—it was right under Gin's nose.
The base's security measures were extremely thorough. If the IRS discovered it, the Organization would definitely assume there was a traitor and would certainly investigate the code-named members.
Natsukawa's identity appeared flawless on the surface—he'd been undercover for a long time. However, with just a little investigation, they'd find that Tequila's whereabouts were mostly unknown.
After all, Natsukawa didn't maintain the Tequila disguise all the time, leaving too much room for suspicion.
"It's fine. I've already made a thorough plan. Just submit the information, and remember to negotiate a good reward."
Natsukawa didn't offer any further explanation—he certainly couldn't explain this from an omniscient perspective.
"Understood. I'll arrange it. Is there anything else?" Franky nodded seriously, taking the USB drive Natsukawa handed him.
"I have an anonymous letter here, given to you in advance. After I notify you, secretly hand it over to the Public Security Bureau, preferably to Yuri's division." Natsukawa handed over the envelope, then added, "After receiving my notification, you must deliver it to Public Security within one hour. Timing is critical."
"What are you planning?" Franky took the envelope. This wasn't particularly difficult for him.
Because he'd investigated Yuri beforehand, he knew some information about him. Although handing the envelope directly to Yuri might be difficult, finding other members of their team was possible.
For example, one of them was named Kazami Yuya, who had recently investigated Natsukawa.
Natsukawa shook his head and remained silent, unable to elaborate.
Before things were finalized, he couldn't guarantee the plan would succeed—he could only do his best.
Fifteen Minutes Later
Having left Franky's house, Natsukawa parked his car in a roadside space.
Across the street was Teito Bank.
In the billion-yen heist, he was the field commander, his status equivalent to Gin, who was currently executing the dog-stealing operation.
Gin had given Natsukawa full authority for this mission, which proved his trust.
However, Gin was unaware that everything being arranged had been pre-planned by Natsukawa.
So far, the situation had unfolded exactly as Natsukawa had orchestrated.
Confirming the time was correct, Natsukawa took out his phone and issued the order. "Operation begins. After the mission is complete, change vehicles 100 meters left of the Beika Bridge. Blue delivery truck."
"Understood."
Miyano Akemi replied calmly on the other end.
It seemed this wasn't her first time carrying out such an operation.
Hanging up, Natsukawa waited quietly.
This operation involved two robbers and two accomplices.
One of the accomplices was Miyano Akemi, who was also the mastermind. The other was a cash transport officer from Teito Bank headquarters.
All four participants in the plan were members of the Organization's peripheral network.
Gin had already given orders to eliminate them one by one after the mission was completed.
This included Miyano Akemi.
Soon after, a silver armored truck passed by Natsukawa and smoothly drove into the parking lot adjacent to Teito Bank.
This area served as both parking and a cash transport zone.
Because it was midday, the parking lot was nearly empty.
Two robbers were already waiting. As soon as the armored truck pulled up, they immediately began their operation.
Because there was an inside man in the truck, the two robbers were confident and unhurried.
Across the street, Natsukawa rolled down his window and looked around. I remember there should be a Conan scene here.
I wonder where that kid is now.
CLANG—
The sound of shattering glass faintly echoed, indicating the operation had begun. The billion-yen heist had officially started.
Whether Miyano Akemi lived or died would soon be revealed.
Just then, Natsukawa caught a glimpse of the automatic glass doors of Teito Bank slowly opening.
Conan, wearing his blue suit and bow tie, strolled out. At this point, he hadn't noticed anything amiss. After descending the stairs, he put his hands in his pockets and squatted by the entrance, counting ants.
"Looks like he hasn't noticed yet."
Conan counted ants for several minutes without any further movement, completely oblivious.
He was incredibly bored.
Saturday had finally arrived, and Conan was supposed to go to Professor Agasa's house to play video games with the other Detective Boys members. He definitely wouldn't have come if Uncle Mouri hadn't promised to treat everyone to a nice meal after depositing his savings.
He didn't even know what they'd be eating.
But knowing his uncle's love of alcohol, Conan had a vague idea.
(End of Chapter)
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