Yoko Okino's concert on April Fool's Day was a resounding success.
Hayashi Yoshiki watched from the front row, where the view was as spectacular as the sound.
Perhaps because she knew he was in the audience, Yoko performed with particular passion that night—her subtle winks throughout the show were both endearing and unforgettable.
But, alas, it was a large-scale event.
Her agency and manager were ever-present. Even during breaks or restroom visits, she was never alone. Yoko Okino couldn't find a moment to speak privately with Hayashi Yoshiki.
As for Kaito Kid, he did appear—just as predicted—on the rooftop of the Haido City Hotel.
Despite knowing that the code in his notice had been cracked, the pride of a thief wouldn't let him back down. He showed up anyway, only to find the building crawling with police, lying in wait.
Cornered, he managed only to leave behind a second notice letter before retreating—gracefully, but not without embarrassment.
(Hayashi Yoshiki…)(I'll remember that detective…)
The phantom thief in white seethed quietly as he vanished into the night sky.
A Week Later – April 19
Yokohama Port – Banquet Hall, Luxury Cruise Ship
A grand celebration was underway.
"Our Suzuki Group celebrates its 60th anniversary today. I extend my deepest thanks for your continued support and trust," declared Shiro Suzuki, dressed in an elegant suit, as he stood on the podium addressing the hall.
"I hope the over 500 esteemed guests aboard tonight will forget about the Phantom Thief for now and enjoy this refined banquet."
Polite applause followed.
Kogoro Mouri, already halfway through his champagne, muttered,"I didn't expect that thief would dare to show up again."
"He does seem to have immense confidence in himself," said Hayashi Yoshiki, chuckling.
The second notice Kaito Kid had left on April Fool's Day made no attempt to conceal his intentions. He clearly stated he would steal the Dark Night Star during the 60th Anniversary Celebration Banquet of the Suzuki Group.
So, naturally, the Suzuki family called on both the police and private investigators—specifically Kogoro Mouri and Hayashi Yoshiki—to assist.
Hayashi, having cracked the original code, received a notably generous commission.
He stepped forward now, approaching the group with a champagne glass in hand.
His first compliment was for Ran, who was wearing a vibrant red gown.
"You look stunning in that dress, Ran."
"Thank you, Yoshiki-nii." She smiled warmly.
Next to her, Conan asked curiously,
"Brother Yoshiki, you didn't show up when Kaito Kid appeared last time. Why not?"
"But why? That was your deduction spot, wasn't it?"
"Well... he did say it was an April Fool's prank."
"You're way too relaxed about this."
Even Kogoro shook his head in disbelief.
After Shiro Suzuki's speech, his wife Tomoko Suzuki took the stage with a bright smile.
She explained that she had issued her own "challenge" to Kaito Kid: upon boarding the ship, every guest received a jewelry box containing a fake Dark Night Star.
With 500 fakes worn around the room, locating the genuine article would become nearly impossible—even for a master thief.
"Hey, don't you think my mom's idea is pretty clever?"
Sonoko beamed as she hugged Ran's arm.
"Yeah, I think it's a smart move," replied Ran, giggling.
"They really do look authentic."
Hayashi Yoshiki examined his piece with interest.
Even though the gems were fake, the Suzuki Group's craftsmanship made them look exquisitely real. In fact, they were valuable enough to be luxurious party favors in their own right.
After the speech, Tomoko Suzuki approached the group.
"Good evening, Mr. Hayashi, Mr. Mouri."
"Pleasure to see you, Mrs. Suzuki."
"My husband tells me you two are our strongest reinforcements tonight. With your help, that arrogant thief won't stand a chance."
Her tone was cheery, her confidence palpable.
"So, what do you both think of my little challenge?"
"Using fakes to confuse him is quite clever," said Hayashi.
Tomoko smiled with satisfaction—but her smile faltered slightly as he added:
"But if I may, Mrs. Suzuki… I suspect you still have the real Dark Night Star with you—on your person."
"Eh? Brother Yoshiki, you mean Aunt Tomoko is holding the real one?"
Tomoko tilted her head."And how did you figure that out, Mr. Hayashi?"
"The Dark Night Star is a family heirloom, is it not? It wouldn't be entrusted to just anyone—not even for a night. And it's a decades-old jewel. No matter how well-maintained, its luster can't compare with newly made fakes. A thief like Kaito Kid would spot the real one immediately if it were placed among the replicas."
Her proud expression dissolved.
She hadn't considered that her plan had such a fundamental flaw.
After a moment's reflection, she looked up and suddenly asked:
"Mr. Hayashi… may I ask how old you are?"
"Me? I'm twenty-two."
"Have you thought about marriage yet? Would you consider marrying into the family?"
The people around them nearly dropped their drinks in shock.
Even Hayashi blinked, stunned into silence.
"…I'm sorry, I don't have any such plans for now."
"Ah, young people these days..."
She sighed, then turned to her daughter."Don't just stand there—go call your sister Ayako. I haven't seen her yet tonight."
"Okay, okay…"Sonoko obediently took out her phone and made the call.
While she was distracted, Hayashi Yoshiki sipped his champagne.
His senses, honed by years in the underground training facilities of the Black Organization, sharpened. Whether it was instinct or learned awareness, he could feel it clearly:
Someone was watching him.
It wasn't a fleeting glance. Not the admiration of party guests.
It was something else—sharp, focused, hidden.
Someone's targeting me.
Suddenly, Sonoko's voice broke through the tension.
"What? You and Dad aren't even on board yet?"
She turned around in surprise, eyes darting to the podium.
"Then who gave the speech just now...?"
She looked up—but Shiro Suzuki was gone.
There was no trace of him anywhere.