"Something huge happened at the Osaka Sports Arena last night."
"I know, the national treasure-grade gemstone necklace, the 'Yasakani no Magatama,' was stolen."
"That matter isn't even the most important one anymore."
"It seems the Self-Defense Force opened fire and injured people."
"The Night Baron stole the 'Yasakani no Magatama' and escaped the security zone."
"It seems Kaito Kid didn't show up."
"I heard the national treasure-grade treasure 'Yasakani no Magatama' was snatched by the Night Baron."
"The Self-Defense Force opened fire and killed people last night."
"I heard dozens of people were killed."
"In the end, all those Self-Defense Force members committed suicide."
"No, it was the Night Baron who killed the Self-Defense Force members."
"It seems it was because the Self-Defense Force opened fire on civilians, so he got angry and wanted to eliminate evil."
"Wow, the Night Baron killed more than a dozen Self-Defense Force members for the sake of the civilians; that's so cool!" Nakamori Aoko exclaimed in surprise.
"Idiot, those are all rumors," Kuroba Kaito said resentfully.
"Rumors of what? So many people are saying it's like this; could it really be fake?" Nakamori Aoko gave Kuroba Kaito a roll of her eyes.
Kuroba Kaito was speechless: "You people don't know the truth at all."
"Then, Kaito, you tell us, what is the truth?" Nakamori Aoko shot back.
Kuroba Kaito remained silent: [I lied to Aoko and said I was at home reviewing; if she ever finds out I went to Osaka, I'll be nagged to death.]
"You're speechless now, aren't you?" Aoko said triumphantly. "But it's really strange that Kaito Kid didn't go."
[Heh heh, I went and you don't even know it.]
Kuroba Kaito leaned back on the sofa, his face somewhat dark: That guy... next time, I won't fall for it so easily.
Hattori Heizo sat on the sofa, his face somewhat solemn.
"Heizo, it looks like it can't be separated from that organization," Toyama Ginshiro said with a serious face.
Kudo Yusaku sat quietly to one side, his brows tightly furrowed: "From last night until this morning, under the premise that the police blocked the real news, the fact that it spread across all of Japan so quickly means it's impossible that there isn't someone behind it pushing it along. Superintendent Hattori, Superintendent Toyama, it seems that organization is also targeting the Night Baron."
Hattori Heizo nodded: "From the current situation, the Night Baron has indeed provoked that organization."
"The organization, the national treasure, the Self-Defense Force, the Night Baron..." Toyama Ginshiro gave a bitter smile: "This time, Osaka is going to get busy."
"The higher-ups of the Self-Defense Force will send people over to judge; there's no need for us to worry about it. As for that organization... this time their main target is the Night Baron, which aligns with our goal. Perhaps we can use them to find the Night Baron and retrieve the 'Yasakani no Magatama.'"
Hattori Heizo looked out the window with a look of sternness.
"Mr. Yusaku, I've really troubled you this time; after this, it's fine to leave it to us, the police," Toyama Ginshiro said apologetically.
Kudo Yusaku is, after all, a celebrity; there was no reason to trouble him to join in.
Kudo Yusaku shook his head: "I'm afraid I can't ignore this incident. One of the targets of that organization is my son, and the Night Baron even kidnapped my wife. How could I possibly not get involved?"
Hattori Heizo and Toyama Ginshiro looked at each other and nodded slightly.
"Since that's the case, having Mr. Yusaku join us is even more beneficial for us. However, if there are leads, I hope Mr. Yusaku can cooperate with our investigation and not handle it yourself."
Heiji lay quietly on the bed, and beside him was Sonoko, who was still sound asleep.
[It's the fourth day. There are two days left until the end of the mission; it's time to implement the plan.]
Sonoko moved slightly. Her eyelashes trembled once, and she slowly opened her eyes.
"Heiji, what time is it?"
Her voice was sleepy.
Heiji smiled slightly and pulled the quilt up, covering her properly.
"It's past nine o'clock; it's time to get up."
"It's only nine; I'm not getting up."
Sonoko pouted and burrowed into Heiji's embrace, her face full of happiness.
Heiji held Sonoko tightly: I'll implement it a bit later.
Heiji and Sonoko appeared in the room next door.
"Oh my, my, someone finally got out of bed. I'm telling you, Sonoko, you can't indulge him too much."
Seeing the two of them, Yukiko gave Heiji a fierce, rolling-eyed glare.
"Hee hee, Yukiko-san is still angry with Heiji."
Sonoko let go of the hand she had around Heiji, walked over to Yukiko's side, and leaned against her to act spoiled.
"I wouldn't dare be angry with him. Someone has cases to handle; for the sake of justice, if I were to happen to obstruct him, I'd become the enemy of justice," Yukiko pouted, speaking with hidden barbs.
Heiji was very helpless: Women are truly terrifying animals; they can actually hold a grudge over a small matter until now.
"Heiji, do you have time this afternoon? The few of us are preparing to go mountain climbing."
Eri Kisaki was not wearing her uniform. She was in loungewear.
"Mountain climbing?"
"Yeah, I'm preparing to take my teacher, Yukiko-san, and also Sonoko to go climbing. Heiji, do you have time?" Kazuha looked at Heiji with expectation.
Sonoko was the same, her eyes full of anticipation.
"I think he definitely doesn't have time."
Yukiko pursed her lips.
Eri Kisaki didn't speak; instead, she sat on the sofa, looking at Heiji quietly.
Four sets of gazes were all focused on him.
Heiji shook his head.
"I'd be happy to go with you, but I really have something to do this time."
There were only two days left for the mission; he really didn't have time.
Hearing Heiji's words, disappointment flashed in the eyes of Kazuha and Sonoko; Eri Kisaki gave a slight sigh; as for Yukiko, she gave him a fierce glare, though a trace of disappointment flickered in her eyes as well.
"However, as a way to make amends, I'll be responsible for making today's lunch."
Instantly, the four gazes converged on Heiji once again.
"Heiji, do you know how to cook?" Kazuha looked at Heiji strangely.
"Really? Heiji is going to make a meal for us?" Sonoko suddenly lunged into Heiji's arms, tilting her head up with a look of amazement.
"Heiji, you know how to cook?"
Eri Kisaki stood up with interest, a flash of surprise in her eyes.
"Heiji knows how to cook? I don't believe it at all."
Yukiko had a face full of disdain.
Heiji shook his head, walked into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and took a look.
Refined pork ribs...
There were only refined pork ribs!
After thinking for a moment, he looked at Kazuha and Sonoko:
"Kazuha, Sonoko, go and buy some mirin and potato starch (katakuriko)."
The two girls were stunned for a moment, then nodded.
Heiji began to tinker around inside.
Eri Kisaki and Yukiko stood at the kitchen door, watching Heiji's skillful movements; they couldn't help but look at each other, revealing a hint of surprise.
"Heiji, do you really know how to cook?" Eri Kisaki couldn't help but ask.
"I've seen it on TV."
Heiji didn't even turn his head.
The faces of the two women went dark.
"Hateful Heiji, he's playing with us again."
Yukiko thought Heiji was teasing them again.
Ten minutes later, Kazuha and Sonoko returned.
For the next half hour, the four women waited for Heiji quietly.
Very soon, the dish was done.
Looking at that plate of teriyaki ribs, the four women looked at each other in dismay.
"Heiji, what kind of dish is this?" Eri Kisaki asked in surprise.
"A Japanese dish—Teriyaki Pork Ribs."