Just as everyone began taking note of the bloodstains in the grand hall, the remaining two detectives mentioned by the maid arrived.
One of them was Ikumi Soda, a former prosecutor known for always carrying luminol with her. Without delay, she sprayed the hall—causing the hidden blood patterns to glow ominously under the black light.
Walking in alongside her was none other than:
Hakuba Saguru —a high school detective as renowned as Kudō Shinichi and Hattori Heiji.
"Detective Hakuba?! You're the son of Chief Hakuba of the Metropolitan Police!?"Kogorō Mōri stared in surprise.
"Yes, Mr. Mōri. You're correct. Chief Hakuba is my father."
Hakuba descended the stairs with poise. His sharp gaze landed on one person—Hayashi Yoshiki.
"At last, we meet, Hayashi Yoshiki."
"An honor. I've heard much about you."Hayashi smiled politely and extended a hand.
Nearby, Ran observed quietly. Compared to the other detectives present, these two men stood out—stylish, calm, and composed.But where Hakuba radiated a noble confidence, Hayashi's warmth made him seem grounded and approachable.
"You're the only person to have caught Kaitō Kid so far. I've crossed paths with him several times, but he always manages to escape in the final moments."
"And yet, he still escaped from me."
"That's on Inspector Nakamori."Hakuba chuckled. "I've read every report involving you and Kid. You solve his riddles with impressive speed. Honestly, I admire your insight. Do you have any... data on him?"
"Anything. Blood type, age, personality, height..."
Hayashi tilted his head slightly, then let a faint smile lift the corners of his lips.
"I don't know his blood type... but I'm confident he's an immature young man."
"You really think so?"
"Wait, wait!"Harufumi Mogi, the eccentric man from earlier, interjected. "Wasn't Kaitō Kid active 20 years ago? He should be middle-aged by now!"
"Ah, but that was the first Kaitō Kid."Hayashi calmly replied. "The one we're dealing with now is clearly a second generation."
"And I suspect he's young... possibly still a student. No, more specifically—a high school student."
"Cough!! Cough cough!!"Kogorō Mōri hacked loudly, drawing everyone's eyes.
Hakuba's gaze sharpened with interest.
"Consider the pattern of his heists.""Most occur in Ekoda City, occasionally spreading to Beika or surrounding areas—but almost always on Fridays, weekends, or holidays."
"During school breaks, like summer and winter vacations, his range expands significantly."
"He's also... empathetic."
Hayashi's tone softened as he recalled.
"In the 'Egg of Memory' incident, he stole art instead of jewels for the first time. And he signed the notice as 'The Magician at the End of the Century'—clearly acting for someone else."
"Romantic, dramatic, playful with police. Immature, but with a rich inner world. I'd say... he's lively, idealistic, and very much a teenager."
"And... probably not even a senior yet."
Hakuba Saguru clapped slowly, admiration evident in his eyes.
He had long suspected Kuroba Kaito, his classmate—but only after DNA verification. Hayashi had deduced it with mere intuition and careful observation.
"As expected of you. I'm glad I came today."
"You've come to the same conclusion, then?"
"Indeed. But more importantly—Hayashi... May I call you that?""There's something I'd like to discuss with you privately after this is over."
Hayashi accepted without hesitation.
The other detectives, far from bored, had been captivated by their analytical exchange. Some even looked disappointed as it ended.
The maid returned and offered to escort them to their rooms to drop off luggage.
"Great. I'd like to change first."
"You care too much about appearances, Boss."Amuro smirked.
"Attention to detail matters."
Hayashi changed into a fresh shirt and jacket—the rain had left his shoulders slightly damp.
After stepping into the corridor, Hayashi and Amuro Tōru, leaning casually against the doorframe, were about to rejoin the others. Just then, Kogorō Mōri walked past them.
"Yoshiki? What's wrong?"
Hayashi narrowed his eyes slightly, then:
"Excuse me... I'm a second-year at Ekoda High School..."
"Cough!! Cough!!"Kogorō wheezed violently, scanning the area.
No one else was nearby.
"How... how did you figure it out again!?"The voice no longer matched the old detective's gruffness.
"Ah, so it's really you, Kuroba Kaito."
"You KNEW all along!?"
The disguised thief was fuming.
"Where did I mess up?!"
"Downstairs—when you didn't swoon at the sight of Ms. Ikeda."
"Uncle Mōri would've shouted, flirted, and made a fool of himself by now."
"Tch. Yeah... I left the real guy tied up at a gas station on the way here."
"As long as he's unharmed."
"What do you mean 'unharmed'?!"Kaito glared. "You exposed so much about me just now in front of Hakuba! You basically threw me under the bus!"
"Well... I praised you quite a bit, didn't I?"
"'Praised'!? Which part of 'immature and lively' is praise!?"
"You also have a 'very interesting inner world.'"
Kaito's face turned red with a mix of embarrassment and exasperation.
He knew now—more than ever—Hayashi Yoshiki was not someone to let his guard down around.