"I have good news for you. According to my investigation, Snake is dead."
"Huh?"
"Do you remember the highway shootout that caused a massive stir a few days ago? During that incident, a different organization clashed with the one that's been pursuing Pandora."
Kindaichi Detective Agency
It was a beautiful day. While Hayashi Yoshiki relaxed on the balcony, enjoying the lazy afternoon sunshine, he exchanged messages with Kaito Kuroba.
Kaito Kuroba: "Is this the same organization that killed Spider?""Yes. They're an extremely dangerous bunch. But for you, this might actually be good news."Kaito Kuroba: "...Not thrilled about hearing that there's a new gang of even more lawless criminals.""Lawless? Coming from you, that's rich.""Besides your thefts, let's not forget the kidnapping and illegal confinement you've pulled off to impersonate others. All that could land you years in prison. Oh, and don't forget your assaults on police officers and inciting public disturbances. Those are serious charges.""Good thing you're still a minor.""If you ever do get arrested, maybe I can recommend a great lawyer to defend you. (laughs)"
Click – Send.
No reply.
Hayashi Yoshiki wasn't sure whether Kaito had been rendered speechless, but it didn't matter. Even if he got no response, the information trade was worth it.
You never knew when a connection like that might come in handy.
Ding-dong~
The doorbell rang.
Surprised, Hayashi Yoshiki stood up and went to open the door.
Thanks to his reputation, the agency occasionally received visitations from people seeking detective services. However, Hayashi Yoshiki wasn't interested in trivial cases—like finding lost pets or investigating affairs. He always referred those to Kogoro Mori, who often thanked him profusely for it.
"Hayashi Yoshiki, I came here just to see you."
"Hm?"
"How about a duel with me?"
As he opened the door, Hayashi found himself face-to-face with a tall, lean, dark-skinned young man wearing a baseball cap. The visitor wasted no time and addressed him with fiery energy.
Hayashi Yoshiki gave a courteous smile and began closing the door.
"Sorry, I'm not really into violence."
"Wait! I'm not here for a fight!"
The young man stuck his hand out, blocking the door.
"I want to challenge you in deduction! A battle of detective wits!"
"...Detective?"
"That's right! Heard of me?" The youth pushed up the brim of his cap, revealing a strikingly handsome, tanned face. "I'm Hattori—Hattori Heiji, from Kansai!"
"Ah, the high school detective. Yes, I've heard of you."
A warm smile appeared on Hayashi Yoshiki's face.
His fair, refined appearance was a sharp contrast to Hattori's rugged Kansai style. As Hayashi invited him inside, Hattori looked around the agency, taking in the pristine, well-organized surroundings.
It was immediately clear to him—Hayashi Yoshiki was a meticulous person.
"Well, how about it? Wanna compete?" Hattori said eagerly.
"What sort of competition?" Hayashi asked with surprising ease. After a moment of thought, he smiled."How about this—each of us commits a murder, and we see who can solve the other's crime first?"
"What the heck kind of suggestion is that?!"
Hattori Heiji was stunned.
He stared at Hayashi's cheerful expression, feeling that adults these days were seriously twisted.
"Sorry, I'm not interested in detective games. Besides, shouldn't you be looking for Kudo Shinichi instead of me?"
That was what puzzled Hayashi most—he never had any desire to get caught up in Kudo Shinichi's script.
"I tried! But he's vanished lately—hasn't shown up in a long time."
"So that's why you came to me?"
"The media's been saying you're even better than Kudo Shinichi. So if I beat you, that proves I'm better than him."Hattori grinned, pointing his thumb at his chest with bold confidence."I read your novel. The story was gripping. And you're only a few years older than me, right? So you're definitely one of my rivals."
A detective better than Kudo Shinichi…
That phrase had been floating around ever since Megure Juzo, during an interview, casually said:
"Brother Hayashi solves cases so fast, I sometimes feel like I can clock out the moment I arrive at a scene."
The media had run wild with that quote.
"Why not make finding Kudo Shinichi your goal instead? If you manage that, wouldn't it prove you're better than me?"
"...Do you think I'm three years old?"
Beep—
Hayashi Yoshiki suddenly received a message on his other phone—the one he used as Cointreau.
It was from Gin, who had been quiet for some time.
Gin:"The mission target has been sent to your email."
Hayashi raised an eyebrow.
He'd assumed the Organization would remain quiet for a while.
Opening the email, the first thing he saw was a photo of a bald, middle-aged man along with personal details.
"Tsujimura Isao, 54 years old, diplomat"Hobbies: Opera, GolfOften visits Nishiyama Golf Course and dines at the Left Bank French Restaurant, Beika-cho 4-chome.Owns several registered vehicles...(There was even data about his family at the bottom.)
Hayashi scanned the information quickly.
What caught his attention was the man's name, his diplomatic status, and a face that stirred a vague memory.
Could it really be just coincidence…?
He looked back at Hattori Heiji, still sitting confidently on the sofa.
Something sparked in Hayashi's mind. He pocketed the phone and stood up.
"Alright then. Let's go."
"Go where?"
"I'll take you somewhere you might learn more about Kudo Shinichi."
"You know where that guy is?" Hattori stood up at once, energized.
"Great! Once I find and beat him, I'll come back and challenge you next!"