Pseudo-Murder: a murder takes place, yet there's no actual victim.
Natsume Sonoko was stunned for a moment, suddenly realizing that such a method actually existed.
After all those days trailing behind Uncle Kogoro Mori, freeloading meals and drinks, she'd encountered countless criminal incidents, but the idea of a 'pseudo-murder' case had never crossed her mind.
"So, this kind of pseudo-murder must have some prerequisites, right? Like inviting Uncle Mori to some event or something?"
Sonoko looked up at the two serious men in suits, her tone uncertain.
"Correct." Rubbing his nose, Takeshi Hayashimura glanced at Sonoko with some surprise, not expecting her to be quite this informed.
"This is internal information. For this... departure method to function, inviting Kogoro Mori is essential. Moreover, only the appearance of the 'Sleeping Kogoro Mori' can fulfill all the requirements for departure. This also dictates that the murder case cannot be too simple; it must be complex enough to warrant a detective's involvement."
Takeshi Hayashimura nodded, explaining everything he knew in detail.
"Even if some organizations are aware of the departure method, they don't know the specific intricacies. Their success rate remains very low, and their fabricated murder scenarios have become increasingly extreme and grandiose," Saito added flatly.
Sonoko understood now. It wasn't so much that Kogoro Mori needed to be present, but rather that Conan needed to be.
It seemed even the Metropolitan Police Department hadn't grasped the core information; they knew less than she did.
You had to admit, that Conan kid was seriously deceptive.
Probably only someone like Misaka Mikoto could sense something different about him.
This departure method was likely designed to mislead Conan.
He was the key to activating the magic circle. Perhaps if Conan believed someone was dead, even if he wasn't directly controlling the array, he could indirectly influence its operation, causing it to eliminate its effects on that 'deceased' person.
As for why it had to be a murder case, it probably had something to do with the nature of Conan's ability as a gemstone.
"I see. But I have another question. If I can't break free from this magic, when the fifteen days are almost up, are you guys going to stage one of these pseudo-murders for me too?"
Sonoko looked at them suspiciously, feeling it was highly likely.
"Yes. We've already prepared three meticulously planned murders. One for you, Sonoko, and the other two for ourselves. We've even identified suitable 'culprits'," Takeshi Hayashimura said, an awkward look on his face.
Discussing how to stage her murder in front of the intended 'victim' was obviously not a pleasant experience.
"Can I see the scripts? I'm a bit curious," Sonoko said, her face lighting up with curiosity.
--+--
Mori Detective Agency.
Takeshi Hayashimura and his partner sat opposite Kogoro Mori, seemingly deep in discussion. Ran was busy making breakfast; dawn was approaching, and with two additional guests in the house, there was more to do.
Sitting in her room, Natsume Sonoko looked curiously at several files on her phone.
It seemed the Special Investigations Unit had even invited several crime consultants to conduct on-site visits of some civilian buildings in Beika City, devising numerous usable murder scripts to counter this magic.
Reading the detailed murder processes and descriptions, Sonoko suddenly felt a chill run down her spine.
Decision made, she thought, I need to work harder on developing my Nitrogen Armor.
Espers might seem powerful, but sometimes they could be taken down surprisingly easily. Sonoko wasn't entirely sure she could withstand such a relentless barrage of murder methods.
However, according to the two men in suits, they would contact her before carrying out the 'murder,' requiring her cooperation. Otherwise, the damage caused if Sonoko lost her temper wouldn't be something they could handle.
"Sonoko-neechan, Uncle wants you to come over. It seems they've reached a conclusion," Conan said, running up to her.
"Okay, I'm coming."
When Sonoko entered the agency's office, she noticed Conan had followed her in.
"Sonoko, I've discussed it with these two gentlemen. For the next few days, they will be fully responsible for your safety," Kogoro Mori said, a hint of awkwardness in his tone, sounding apologetic.
"We've discussed it with Mr. Mori. There are only three days left until your scheduled return to Academy City. If you, Miss Sonoko, are willing to return early, we will communicate with the authorities inside Academy City. If not, for the remaining time, you must follow our arrangements and relocate to a nearby police station," Saito stated very seriously, a note of firmness in his voice.
"Is this because of those strange guys attacking me? Are they that dangerous?"
"Yes. Today's attack was merely a minor skirmish. The real enemies are still hiding in the shadows."
Sonoko listened attentively, but the more she heard, the more confused she became.
This was all so baffling. Since when had she attracted the attention of some evil organization? And by the looks of it, it wasn't going to be an easy problem to solve.
"If that's the case, I choose to go back early."
Sonoko only hesitated for a moment before speaking. She wasn't one to cause trouble for others and naturally understood what the best choice was in this situation.
She'd been away for so long, and her parents hadn't even come back to see her. There wasn't much point in staying any longer.
It's just that the planned trip to visit her cousin, Takashi Natsume, would have to be canceled. I really wanted to know if Nyanko-sensei exists...
"But why are those people attacking Sonoko-neechan?" Conan, who had been listening nearby, could no longer contain his curiosity.
"Conan, mind your manners!" Ran scolded, coming over with breakfast, slightly annoyed at Conan interrupting the adults' conversation.
"It's alright, no problem."
"They are actually a criminal group with advanced biotechnology. Their goal is to get revenge on your father, Ryunosuke-sama. After all, he is a very famous police officer who has arrested countless criminal syndicates," Takeshi Hayashimura said with a smile.
Combined with the scar on his face, his grin looked rather fierce.
"Is that so?" Conan nodded, seemingly finding it somewhat plausible.
Sonoko, however, wasn't so convinced. There was no concrete reason, just a feeling that things probably weren't that simple.
She had looked directly into the eyes of one of their members. The madness she saw there was far more intense than mere revenge.
After spending another half hour at the Mori Detective Agency, Sonoko finished breakfast as usual and looked up to see Ran's slightly tear-filled eyes.
"Sonoko, let me pack some things for you. We still have some fresh fruit at home; you can take it for the journey," Ran said, reluctant to see Sonoko go, a trace of sadness in her voice.
The effects of the magic circle had temporarily faded, but they all retained their memories from the anomalous period—nearly three months' worth. Sonoko felt a pang of reluctance too.
"Ran-neechan, we can keep in touch by phone. Messaging is easy too. Once I'm back in Academy City, I'll register your and Conan's numbers with the Board of Directors," Sonoko reassured her.
"Besides, maybe you'll all see me on TV someday, just like Misaka Mikoto-senpai," Sonoko said, brimming with newfound confidence.
"Misaka Mikoto? The Level 5 ranked third? Sonoko-neechan, can you become a Level 5 too?" Conan asked, surprised.
"Anyway, I'm constantly striving towards that goal."
While packing her luggage, Sonoko discovered the automatic cat feeder she had originally intended to give to her cousin, Natsume Takashi, still sitting quietly in her suitcase, along with two multifunctional watches.
"I'll have to ask Ran-neechan to mail this for me."
Sonoko took some time to write a letter, then handed the letter and the automatic feeder to Ran. Not having her cousin's contact number was really inconvenient. She emphasized in her note that if he replied, he must include his phone number.
As for the two multifunctional watches, Sonoko simply gave them to Hayashimura and Saito. She wasn't planning on taking them back anyway.
Sitting in an ordinary business sedan, Sonoko stared blankly at the sky outside the window.
Saito was driving; this car was their official vehicle, far better than Uncle Mori's clunker.
'I just feel like I've forgotten something...'
Her frown deepened as she lost herself in thought.
Just what had she forgotten?
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
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