The Apex Command Meeting
Following the decisive operation at the Yokohama docks, Tenryuu Kaito, the General of Special Operations, decided it was time to convene the leaders of his elite enforcement arm, The Hound. This was not a meeting of equals, but a strategic briefing delivered from the top of the Cerberus Network hierarchy.
The meeting was held in the most secure location available: the heavily shielded, deep-subterranean bunker beneath the Tenryuu Tower, adjacent to Dr. Vance's lab—a room known only as the Apex Command Center.
Kaito, now sixteen, sat at the head of a curved command table, flanked by Shiori (Logistics) and Kazuya (Intelligence). Facing him were the seven figures who collectively represented the most dangerous tactical force on Earth.
The Hound Divisions
Kaito addressed the assembled Captains, outlining their permanent designations and the structure of The Hound under the Cerberus Network:
Division No.Division NicknameCaptain (Codename)Core MandateIThe GhostAgent 47Absolute Infiltration and Perfect Intelligence Gathering.IIThe CharmerAgent 007Counter-Intelligence and High-Level Deception/Diplomacy.IIIThe PhantomGhostMilitary Strategy, Covert Ops, and Perimeter Security.IVThe BladeCaineUnconventional Combat and Immediate Threat Neutralization.VThe InstinctJason BourneProtective Strategy, Evasion, and Psychological Counter-Measures.VIThe AcrobatJackie ChanAdaptive Security, Close-Protection, and Environmental Defense.VIIThe FixerJohn WickOverall Command (Field Execution and Tactical Oversight).
"Your divisions are the teeth of Cerberus," Kaito stated, his voice clear and resonant in the quiet chamber. "You answer only to me. Captain Wick, you retain overall field command (Division VII, The Fixer), ensuring seamless coordination."
The Strategic Briefing
Kaito presented the strategic situation using the central holographic display, which showed the Black Organization's traced network laid over a map of global financial nodes.
"The enemy is the Black Organization (The Serpent). They have retreated since the Yokohama operation, but they will regroup. We need to move from defense to active dismantling."
1. The General Threat:
To Captain 47 (The Ghost): "Your division's mandate is to locate and infiltrate the main European pharmaceutical labs supplying the Serpent's raw materials. I need names, locations, and structural vulnerabilities."
To Captain 007 (The Charmer): "Your division will track all political and diplomatic contacts of the Organization, specifically looking for high-ranking government assets that the Serpent controls. We dismantle their legal shield."
2. Asset Protection:
To Captain Bourne (The Instinct): "Your division is permanently assigned to the protection of Asset Miyano (Ai Haibara). You will anticipate and neutralize every possible threat to her person or the AP-X 1111 project. Total, invisible security."
To Captain Chan (The Acrobat): "Your division is responsible for maintaining the discreet, close-proximity security around Asset Edogawa (Conan). Continue to provide necessary, highly unconventional distractions and cover when he operates in the field."
The Captains Respond
The atmosphere was tense, the level of trust absolute.
Captain Wick (The Fixer) was the first to speak. "The Organization will adapt to the loss of the isotopes. Our presence is known. We will require new, secure communication dead zones."
"Provided," Kaito confirmed. "Masato is already launching a proprietary network."
Captain Bourne (The Instinct), ever focused on defense, asked, "What is the likelihood of a direct, high-level assassination attempt on Asset Miyano?"
"High," Kaito replied. "But predictable. You will counter their move before it reaches the surface."
Captain Caine (The Blade), the blind assassin, tilted his head, listening to the echoes in the room. "My division requires more freedom to use unconventional environments for neutralizing targets. No need for traceable evidence."
"Division IV's mandate is non-lethal neutralization, but the means are at your discretion, Caine," Kaito affirmed. "The General's protection shields every action you take."
The meeting concluded with Kaito handing out the encrypted digital mission packets. The command structure was solidified, the mandate was clear, and The Hound was unleashed.