Conan's sharp eyes scanned the venue.
Within ten minutes, he had already seen Hayashi Yoshiki speaking with numerous guests—mostly film stars and directors. His editor, Asamiya Nanae, was eagerly introducing him to others. Just as he had mentioned earlier, many in the film and television industry were clearly interested in adapting the Kindaichi series.
Conan's gaze then shifted toward the entrance again.
He already knew who Pisco, the Black Organization's agent, was targeting this time. Gin had mentioned over the bug that the target would arrive around 6:00 p.m.—and that the individual was someone the police were also preparing to arrest tomorrow.
There was only one person at the venue who matched this profile:
Shigehiko Tsuchiguchi, a politician accused of bribery and corruption, currently sweating under the press's questions at the entrance. He had no idea he was about to be silenced.
Nearby, Hayashi Yoshiki had just finished exchanging business cards with a popular actress. He smiled politely as she flirted, scratching his palm with her fingers. Yet, his attention drifted—he too glanced toward Tsuchiguchi.
This was a classic move by the organization.
They used money to promote their pawns into politics, then used assassination and blackmail to eliminate rivals and bind those pawns to them. If Tsuchiguchi were arrested, he'd spill everything. That made him a liability.
"You two snuck in here, didn't you? Did you tell Ran or Dr. Agasa where you were going?"
Hayashi Yoshiki looked at Conan and Haibara Ai with a warm smile.
"This event might last several hours. Should I call Uncle Mōri and Ran to come pick you up?"
"Ah—no, no!" Conan waved his hands quickly with a sheepish grin.
He couldn't possibly let Kogoro Mōri or Ran get involved in this mess—not with the Black Organization planning a hit.
He blurted out a quick excuse:
"Dr. Agasa was invited here for dinner! We were just tagging along because we were bored."
Hayashi Yoshiki gently ruffled Haibara Ai's head.
He wasn't worried about Pisco noticing. The arrangements were already in place.
But Haibara Ai, as she felt that familiar touch, was hit with a memory of the nightmare from that morning—the image of Jundu, bloodied and collapsed in the snow, still lingered in her mind.
Shivering slightly from her cold and unease, she reached up and gently grabbed Yoshiki's hand on her head.
But said nothing more.
"What's wrong?" he asked softly, leaning toward her.
"…" She pursed her lips and said quietly, "I had a very bad dream this morning."
"A nightmare?" he replied with a soft chuckle as if comforting a frightened child. He patted her head gently again.
Conan, watching the exchange, was speechless.
She really acts like a child when she's with him… and still claims she doesn't like him?
Just then, Inspector Megure Jūzō arrived with a group of officers, entering the hall through the main doors.
Conan relaxed. He had called the police earlier using a voice changer and anonymously warned them: "Someone wants to kill Shigehiko Tsuchiguchi."
With police protection now in place, Pisco wouldn't dare make a move.
At least, that's what Conan hoped.
Meanwhile, Hayashi Yoshiki glanced at his watch and discreetly sent a message.
To: Gin"Kenzo Masuyama is Pisco?"
Miles away, Gin was inside his car, finishing a check for bugs and hidden trackers.
He frowned as he read the message.
How did Cointreau know that?
Gin: "You were invited to the memorial for Sakamaki Akira?"
Gin: "And Pisco approached you first?"
As he read the final reply, Gin's face twisted with anger.
"That bastard Masuyama!"
"What's wrong, Aniki?" asked Vodka nervously.
"That old fool! Always doing more than he's asked!"
Gin gritted his teeth. Pisco's careless friendliness was bound to attract attention—especially with Vermouth also at the venue.
She was observant. If she saw Pisco chatting with Cointreau, she'd definitely grow suspicious.
"Cointreau's there too?" Vodka was shocked.
"Probably because Pisco invited him," Gin muttered.
"That senile bastard…"
Vodka didn't understand the details, but even he knew Pisco had become cowardly with age. Always trying to curry favor and protect himself.
Meanwhile, Gin stared at the crushed bug he'd pulled from his car—its gummy residue still sticking to the wires.
He knew he could trust Cointreau's instincts.
Gin: "Keep your distance from Pisco. What happens next isn't your concern."
Gin: "We suspect that Sherry is inside. If you notice anything suspicious, report it to me immediately."
Cointreau: "Pisco's mission is to kill someone?"
Gin: "Yes. That's his assignment."
Gin: "I'll give you yours later."
He's always thinking about murder…
Then he glared at the bug in his hand.
Sherry... Are you really here?
If so, you won't escape Cointreau's watchful eyes.
"You should've stayed in hiding… But now, it's time to celebrate our reunion… with a bright red rose—the kind you like so much."
Back inside the venue…
Hayashi Yoshiki looked down at Haibara Ai, who shivered again.
He tucked his phone away and softly patted her head.
She quietly stepped closer to him, seeking warmth.
He glanced—just for a moment—at Vermouth, who was elegantly mingling with celebrities. Her smile was polished. Her posture relaxed.
But her attention… unreadable.
The lights in the venue suddenly went out.