Kaito Kid had already infiltrated the Sally Beth cruise ship.
First, he used a voice-changing device to impersonate a police officer and inform Shiro Suzuki that the ship's departure time would be delayed by two hours. Then, disguised as Shiro Suzuki himself, he boarded the vessel without raising suspicion.
Neither Sonoko Suzuki nor Tomoko Suzuki noticed anything strange.
Now, with the disguise shed, he had transformed into someone even less conspicuous—the most easily ignored presence at any grand banquet: a waiter.
Holding a tray of champagne, he blended into the crowd, searching for his opportunity.
His eyes settled on Hayashi Yoshiki, and a mischievous grin played on his lips.
He hadn't forgotten the humiliation of April Fool's Day—how he'd been outwitted and forced to flee. Now he wanted a little payback.
When he saw Hayashi Yoshiki finish the champagne in his hand, Kaito Kid, still in disguise, stepped forward smoothly.
"Would you like another drink?"
Hayashi placed his empty glass on the tray. As he accepted the new one, he glanced at the waiter with calm curiosity.
Kaito Kid turned away, pretending to continue serving.
Unbeknownst to the crowd, the glass he'd handed over contained a small dose of aphrodisiac. His plan was simple: let the "famous detective" make a fool of himself while Kid stole the Dark Night Star undetected.
But Hayashi Yoshiki didn't drink.
He casually swirled the champagne, but made no move to taste it.
Ever since he'd sensed someone observing him earlier, he'd remained on high alert. While he hadn't been sure if it was Kaito Kid, he hadn't ruled it out.
As Kaito Kid continued his charade, he couldn't help but glance back.
Why hasn't he taken a sip?
At that moment, a representative from the police stepped onto the podium.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I am Officer Chaki of the National Police Agency. Many of you may have heard my name."
He addressed the room with authority.
"According to our intel, the infamous Phantom Thief, Kaito Kid, has likely already infiltrated this ship. As you know, he's a master of disguise. He studies his targets meticulously—appearance, voice, behavior—he can mimic them flawlessly."
"We suspect he's already replaced one of the guests tonight."
A murmur spread through the crowd.
"Normally, we would conduct individual identity checks, but we won't ruin your evening. Instead, we propose that you and the person next to you create a secret code—something only the two of you know. If you suspect an imposter, use it to verify each other."
Given that the room was filled with politicians, CEOs, and elite figures from all over Japan, the approach was practical—and effective.
"That's a good idea. Let's think of a code…"
Kogoro Mouri's eyes lit up."Hey, Yoshiki, how about 'Okino Yoko'? I'll say 'Okino,' and you respond with 'Yoko'!"
"That works," nodded Hayashi, then added,"But Uncle Mouri, if anyone hears 'Okino,' they'll probably guess the rest. It's not very secure."
"Eh? Hmm… that's true. Then what should I use?"
Mouri fell into deep, if not entirely helpful, thought.
Nearby, Ran and Conan sighed in unison.
"What do you think we should use?"
"I'll come up with something later," said Hayashi, smiling.
Then, unexpectedly, he handed his champagne glass to Ran and began unbuttoning his suit jacket.
"Could you hold this for me?"
"Huh? O-okay..."Ran took the coat, slightly puzzled.
"What are you doing, Brother Yoshiki?"Conan asked with concern.
But Hayashi was already walking toward the waiter—toward Kaito Kid.
As he walked, he undid his tie and let it slip free from his collar.
(Why is he coming this way…?)
Kaito Kid, still holding the tray, felt a chill run down his spine.
A second later, Hayashi Yoshiki closed the distance.
With the sound of silk against air, a whip-like kick flew at Kid's torso.
His instincts fired before his brain could catch up—he dropped the tray and jumped back just in time.
The kick barely grazed him.
But Hayashi didn't pause. Before the champagne glasses even hit the floor, he shifted his weight and charged.
Kaito Kid, barely recovered, was forced to raise his arms to block the next attack—a straight punch aimed directly at his chest.
Kid gasped, trying to act confused, face painted with feigned panic.
The crashing sound of glass drew attention. Conversations hushed. Eyes turned.
"Wow. Your reaction speed is really fast."
Hayashi Yoshiki looked at him with a calm smile, like he was simply greeting an old friend.
But Kaito Kid kept up the act.
"What... what did I do? Why are you—?"
"You've looked at me 18 times in the last seven minutes," said Hayashi, voice gentle, but pointed."While it seemed like you were just scanning the crowd, your eyes lingered a little longer on me each time."
"When you first came in, the real waiter never offered champagne proactively. But you did—and kept in character too well. Makes me wonder: was there something in that drink?"
Kaito Kid stood stunned.
All that effort—undone by the smallest of details.
All that just to… mess with him!?
There was no use pretending anymore.
With a dramatic flair, he pulled off his disguise. His clothes and face transformed in an instant, revealing the iconic white suit, top hat, and monocle.
He opened his arms theatrically, preparing a few witty lines for the inevitable press—
But he didn't get the chance.
The guests nearest to him threw off their coats—revealing police uniforms underneath!
"Kaito Kid! We've got you this time!"
Leading them was none other than Inspector Ginzo Nakamori.
A dozen officers lunged forward in unison.
Kaito Kid, completely caught off guard, barely had time to leap back as they closed in from all sides.