In the stillness of the night, Naoki Matsuzuka quietly approached the drug refrigeration unit inside the research institute.
As the head of security, he had every right and clearance to be there.
Upon seeing the box labeled "APTX4869", Matsuzuka took one container without hesitation, tucked it into his jacket, and swiftly exited the room.
Utilizing his credentials, he deleted the surveillance footage for that time period and left the institute without raising suspicion. Ordinary security staff and researchers couldn't leave freely, but as one of the institute's top authorities, Naoki Matsuzuka could come and go at will.
"Master Gin asked me to deliver something.""Understood, Master Matsuzuka."
The staff at the reception had no doubts—after all, Gin often sent Matsuzuka on errands.
After logging his departure, Matsuzuka drove off calmly. Once he reached the main road, he pressed down on the accelerator.
Upon entering the city, he stopped at a clothing store to change into attire that concealed his identity, including sunglasses. Exiting the store, he tossed his old clothes and organization-issued cellphone into a roadside planter—he knew the device had GPS tracking and couldn't afford to be followed.
Whether the institute's travel logs or storage access records, he couldn't erase everything.In short, once Gin realized the drug was missing, it would be obvious who had done it.
And yet, fully aware of that risk, Naoki Matsuzuka didn't hesitate—he hailed a taxi and headed straight for Dorobika Paradise.
The Next Morning: Alarm at the Institute
By the time the institute noticed the theft, it was already the next morning.
At 8:00 a.m., during routine inventory checks, a researcher realized the number of APTX4869 boxes didn't match. The alert was triggered immediately.
Shiho Miyano, holding a cup of coffee and ready to focus on her research, nearly dropped the mug in shock when she heard the news.
"Check the entry and exit records of the storage room!""Yes, ma'am!""Has Gin been informed? Where's Naoki Matsuzuka?""Master Gin has been notified!""Team Leader, Matsuzuka-san hasn't returned since last night!"
"Everyone, suspend all operations immediately. From now on, don't consume anything, including water.""Understood!"
The air grew tense and heavy.
Within minutes, Gin and Vodka arrived like a storm.
The piercing coldness in Gin's glare silenced the room. The researchers and guards dared not lift their heads.
"Have you retrieved the surveillance footage?"
"We did… but the footage between 8:00 and 8:30 last night was deleted!"
"Bastard!" Vodka cursed, storming toward the computer."I'll see if I can recover it."
"Use your brain for once, Vodka." Gin's tone was glacial."Trace where Naoki Matsuzuka ran off to—now!"
Even without the footage, Matsuzuka's name in the access logs said enough.
How dare he betray us...
Despite being entrusted by the Organization to guard one of its most sensitive sites, Naoki Matsuzuka had turned traitor.
"Brother, the last GPS location from Matsuzuka's phone was 6-chome-14, Beika Town. But it hasn't moved since 9:00 p.m. yesterday—he probably ditched it there."
"Pull every surveillance feed from that sector."
"And someone retrieve the phone. Search the institute top to bottom!"
As the guards sprang into action, Shiho Miyano folded her arms, distanced from the chaos, and returned to her terminal—until Gin called out:
"Shirley, back up all research. If necessary, we'll evacuate the entire facility."
While Vodka frantically tried to recover the footage, Gin prepared his report for their superior. Simultaneously, the Organization's network of agents was activated to locate Naoki Matsuzuka.
Meanwhile: Hayashi Yoshiki Watches It Unfold
The theft was a complete success.
Although Hayashi Yoshiki hadn't received intel from Gin's end, he didn't need to. From his position in the shadows, he merely watched the behavior of those whose fates he controlled.
The reactions confirmed what he already knew—the plan had worked.
But for now, the "merchandise" would remain in circulation.It wasn't yet time to retrieve it.
Hayashi Yoshiki didn't believe the Black Organization could track down the stolen APTX4869, but he wouldn't make a move until the storm passed.
Unexpected Sight: Conan in Distress
At that moment, Hayashi Yoshiki was driving down the street.
He was helping Eri Kisaki deliver some case files to her law office. Apparently, she had taken the folder home the night before and forgot to bring it back, so she reached out to Yoshiki.
As he waited at a red light, phone in hand, something outside caught his eye.
To his right, in the passenger seat of a dark green sedan, Conan Edogawa was banging on the glass, clearly mouthing something desperate—possibly a cry for help.
Hayashi Yoshiki quickly lowered his window.
Before he could react further, a plump woman in the driver's seat suddenly reached over and covered Conan's mouth. She gave Hayashi Yoshiki a strained smile—then sped off as soon as the light turned green.
Was that Yukiko Kudo...?
Hayashi Yoshiki vaguely remembered the Kudo couple's tendency to tease their son, but he wasn't one to take chances.Without hesitation, he picked up his phone and called the police, even as he stepped on the gas to follow the car.
The silver Mercedes-Benz E-W210 roared into motion.
"Hello? Inspector Megure, I've just witnessed a kidnapping. It appears to be a case of child trafficking."