Kindaichi Detective Agency, 2nd Floor
After turning down yet another request to investigate an extramarital affair, Hayashi Yoshiki sat in front of his computer, fingers laced together, gazing silently at the blank notebook before him.
Miyano Shiho had now taken on the identity of Haibara Ai, and Pisco's death was soon to be scheduled.
—Kenzo Masuyama: his name and photo still occasionally appeared in financial newspapers, which made things quite convenient for Hayashi Yoshiki.
While Pisco's personal abilities weren't impressive, as a long-standing member of the Organization, he had considerable internal knowledge—he might even have met Karasuma Renya in person.
Before Pisco died, Hayashi Yoshiki intended to use the Death Note to compel him to record everything he knew about the Organization—its members, its structure... and, if possible, to write down the name Karasuma Renya.
(I need to plan this carefully.)
Hayashi Yoshiki mused silently, the tip of his pen brushing the white paper.
The recent assault by the Brewery on the Zoo had clearly provoked retaliation. Several peripheral members of the Brewery had been taken out lately, and even Gin and Vodka had come under fire during a mission.
Of course, neither was injured. But they were furious. From the Brewery's perspective, the Zoo was now a prime suspect in Sherry's abduction.
Hayashi Yoshiki was quite pleased. After all, this turmoil was his doing.
The more chaotic things became, the better.
With both factions locked in tension and crossfire, no one would notice the venomous spider watching in silence... until it was too late.
A quiet smile formed on his lips as he finally wrote a new name in the Death Note.
After carefully detailing the cause and manner of death, he set his pen down, leaned back in his chair, and picked up his phone to check messages.
Messages and Maneuvering
Gin: "Be careful when you go out. Avoid bars tied to the Organization."
Cointreau: "OK."
That was it. No additional information.
Just then, a message arrived on his other phone—the one he used for less official matters.
Koizumi Hongzi: "I received the item. Checked it—pretty good quality!"
Koizumi Hongzi: "You did well. I'll accept the favor this time."
Hayashi Yoshiki: "Glad you're satisfied. Didn't expect magic to be so expensive, though."
His relationship with Koizumi Akako had taken time to cultivate.
She was wary, probably sensing his motives ran deep. She didn't trust him easily, and getting close to her had been slow and deliberate.
But Hayashi Yoshiki had something to offer.
As a witch, Akako required rare ingredients for her spells and alchemy. As a member of the Organization, Hayashi had access to... special resources.
Koizumi Hongzi: "Just a little money~!"
Koizumi Akako: "Hehehe~"
Koizumi Hongzi: "A witch doesn't owe favors lightly. Just wait—I'll prepare a lovely return gift."
Hayashi Yoshiki didn't respond.
Because another message popped up.
Kaito's Warning
Kuroba Kaito: "Did you offend Koizumi Akako?"
Hayashi Yoshiki: "What do you mean?"
Kuroba Kaito: "She was acting off today. Muttering, 'No man escapes my control,' and laughing like, 'Ohohoho~!' Total villain vibes."
Hayashi Yoshiki: "Sounds like a scene out of a manga."
Kuroba Kaito: "She mentioned your name. Said she had to uncover your secret. You definitely ticked her off."
Kuroba Kaito: "Also, if she offers you chocolate—don't eat it. I'm serious."
"..."
Troublesome.
But also... potentially useful.
Hayashi Yoshiki recalled that Koizumi's magic chocolates were rumored to carry enchantments or curses that made the eater fall madly in love with her.
He wondered... would such a thing work on someone as heartless as Gin?
His eyes narrowed slightly as he began to type.
Hayashi Yoshiki: "She's given chocolates to others before, right? If possible, could you find one of the old wrappers and send me a photo?"
Kuroba Kaito: "Huh!? Why me? That sounds like a pain!"
Hayashi Yoshiki: "I've got new intel for you."
Sometimes, bargaining worked better than threats.
Kuroba Kaito caved almost immediately.
With that settled, Hayashi Yoshiki opened his chat with Okino Yoko.
Ever since he'd used a half-baked excuse about needing shelter from the rain to get close to her, Okino Yoko had become far more affectionate… and clingy.
Hayashi Yoshiki: "Yoko, are you free tonight?"
Teitan Elementary School: Transfer Student
Today, Teitan Elementary welcomed a new transfer student:
—Haibara Ai.
Conan didn't think much of it at first. She seemed cold and standoffish—a typical aloof transfer student.
That is, until the Junior Detective League solved a counterfeit kidnapping case later that day. As they all parted ways to go home...
"ApTX4869 — that's the drug you took."
Nighttime.
Two short silhouettes stood beneath a bright streetlamp.
Haibara Ai's voice pierced the quiet.
After her calm yet piercing revelation, Conan's face went pale.
His mind flooded with questions.
Was Dr. Agasa in danger?Was Ran safe?Even his parents overseas—were they exposed?
Haibara had hinted that Dr. Agasa might already be dead. Panic gripped Conan. He didn't even say goodbye—he just turned and sprinted toward the doctor's house.
Behind him, Haibara smiled faintly and brushed a lock of hair behind her ear.
Now she truly understood just how reckless this famous detective was. If she hadn't scared him, hadn't given him this warning, he would've endangered them both.
Especially now that she knew he had interacted with Cointreau.
Her phone rang.
Cointreau.
"Hello? We had a bit of trouble today, but it's resolved…""Yes.""I'm heading to Dr. Agasa's place. Are you coming too?""Don't worry—I didn't reveal your identity.""Yes, Dr. Agasa is a good person.""See you soon."
She ended the call.
Just a few days earlier, she had introduced herself to Dr. Agasa—confessing that she was responsible for what happened to Kudo Shinichi.
It nearly gave the poor man a heart attack.
She had explained her defection, her escape, and her research on ApTX4869. But she deliberately left out two critical truths:
—That her sister was still alive.—And that Hayashi Yoshiki was involved.