IW: Chapter 164 - Shinigami Bai Ye: I Can't Keep a Low Profile Anymore, Aizen, That Sly Fox, Is Coming for Me!
"That guy wants to fool me like I'm an idiot!"
If he agreed to those conditions, there wouldn't be much difference between him and an idiot.
What he received was payment for a mission, not something he absolutely had to complete.
"So, as a partner, shouldn't you be more sincere?"
Vermouth's words were pointed.
"Secrets make a man more manly."
Hearing Bai Ye's words, Vermouth froze for a moment.
He!?
It seemed he understood her quite well?
"So, what organization are you from?"
To be able to directly approach the organization and even know so much about her, Vermouth now felt a hint of wariness towards Bai Ye, and at the same time, she was guessing which organization Bai Ye came from.
But something felt off; others who wanted to join the organization or obtain information about it would go to great lengths to hide themselves, fearing that people in the organization would discover they were from somewhere else.
But Bai Ye was different. After saying that, if you were to say he didn't understand the organization, it seemed impossible. Everyone would think he had a special purpose, right?
"Phantom Thieves of Hearts."
"…"
Was that what she wanted to ask?
Vermouth stared intently at Bai Ye, clearly wanting to discern something from him.
"Don't look. What can you see through a mask?"
Bai Ye said, somewhat exasperated. With that scrutinizing gaze, how could she see through him through the mask?
"A gentleman will not disappoint a lady!"
"Your words, however, are highly poisonous."
Although he was very good-looking, he was indeed a venomous beauty.
"It seems you know me very well?"
Someone who knew the organization so well perhaps shouldn't be kept around.
Wait!?
This wasn't what she should be thinking. Gin should be the one with the headache.
Vermouth actually had very little loyalty to the organization now. Ever since she met her angel, she now truly desired salvation.
However, Bai Ye was indeed a very dangerous existence to her right now!
Knowing so much about the organization's intelligence, it seemed, from what Gin had said before, that he had actively sought out the organization. This was actually a point Gin was quite concerned about.
At that time, he had searched for a long time and still didn't know where the leak of their organization's intelligence had started.
Originally, he was going to kill Bai Ye, but then he decided to cooperate with Bai Ye once, with the mindset of first understanding what went wrong from him.
After this time, Gin also realized that Bai Ye seemed to have some ability, so he had a slight idea of continuing to cooperate.
Anyway, there were countless spies within the organization. If someone like Bai Ye joined the organization, he would naturally have to do many things, and there were many benefits for the organization in that. However, if it was just cooperation with Bai Ye, the organization wouldn't lose too much.
"After all, he's my partner. No matter what, I need to understand him, right?"
"But we know nothing about you."
This was too much understanding, wasn't it?
A hint of a cold smile flashed in Vermouth's heart.
"How about we find a Hotel and get to know each other better?"
Bang!
A gunshot rang out, and a bullet grazed Bai Ye's cheek, only to vanish in mid-air.
"Say those words again, and next second I'll shoot you in the forehead!"
Vermouth smiled at Bai Ye. She didn't just have one gun on her.
"Well, I'm rather looking forward to it!"
Bai Ye shrugged. The moment Vermouth fired, Bai Ye didn't try to dodge. Her bullet wasn't aimed at him at all.
Indeed, little girls were better. Even if he made a suggestive remark, they would at most scold him. But with these older sisters, a single word could lead to them drawing a gun!
"Black Star, Kid has already sent out a notice for tomorrow night. Our organization will buy it this time. You can discuss the specific details with Gin later!"
Saying that, Vermouth waved her hand, signaling Bai Ye to return the gun he had just snatched.
"Here you go. Also, don't casually shoot at people, at least not when you're unsure of the difference in strength between you two."
Saying that, Bai Ye tossed the handgun to Vermouth, along with a bullet.
Looking at the bullet in her hand, Vermouth was incredibly shocked!
How was that possible!?
The bullet she had just fired was actually caught by Bai Ye?
Just as Vermouth was about to ask, Bai Ye leaped down from the clock tower, and with the sound of the clock striking the hour, he instantly vanished from her sight.
"How was it?!"
When Vermouth returned to the organization's contact bar, Gin looked up at her. It was their first encounter, and he was quite concerned.
"That guy is a monster."
Vermouth said faintly.
She wouldn't forget the tension that had just been there.
But the bullet had been caught by Bai Ye. She hesitated for a moment and finally decided not to mention it for now.
"A monster?"
I sent you to make contact, what did you do?
Gin instinctively thought of something, but then thought it impossible.
"I mean, is that guy from another organization?"
"He said he's from the Phantom Thieves of Hearts."
Before coming, Vermouth had investigated, but she couldn't find any information about this so-called Phantom Thieves of Hearts.
However, given Bai Ye's ability to catch a bullet bare-handed, it was impossible for him to be from another organization. No matter what method Bai Ye used, if he caught it, he caught it.
"No."
Vodka shook his head, indicating he had never heard of it.
"Perhaps he's just a pure Kaito?"
Vermouth now leaned more towards Bai Ye being a Kaito rather than someone from another organization.
"The better if he is, because I don't want to cooperate with those guys!"
A cold smile flashed across Gin's face. For him, it was better if Bai Ye was a Kaito. If he was one of those guys, Gin would have to deal with it later.
"Big Brother, that guy has already sent out the notice, and the Suzuki family has also declared war!"
With the treasure being targeted by two Kaitos simultaneously, Sonoko also told the media that this time, she would make sure both Kaitos returned empty-handed.
"Vermouth, keep a close eye on it then."
"I am not your subordinate."
A cold smile flashed across Vermouth's face, then as if remembering something, she mocked, "Do you still have the leisure to be here? To let Miyano Shiho escape right under your nose, it seems you're not so capable anymore, Gin!"
Yesterday, shortly after Miyano Shiho escaped, she was discovered by the guards, but by then she was nowhere to be found.
"Heh heh, I will find that woman. She can't escape."
Gin was now somewhat confused as to why Miyano Shiho was able to escape.
Ventilation ducts?
But logically, that woman couldn't have climbed out, and even if she could, she shouldn't have been able to break free from the handcuffs.
It was too bizarre.
So much so that Gin believed the ventilation ducts were merely a diversion set up by Miyano Shiho, and that the actual escape method was not that way. And today, the laboratory also caught fire, and everything inside was burned down.
Miyano Shiho had escaped, and that laboratory was no longer safe, but he would now fully pursue Miyano Shiho.
"Sister, that guy is going to steal something!"
Inside the cafe.
Ai Kisugi, holding a newspaper, rushed to Kisugi Rui and Kisugi Hitomi.
"This jewel isn't one of Father's collectibles."
Kisugi Hitomi shook her head. This jewel had nothing to do with their father.
Cats Eye never collected treasures; they never liked stealing, but it was always out of necessity.
"We can go watch."
Kisugi Rui, however, had a different idea.
Even now, Kisugi Rui was still wondering what trick the other party had used to so easily steal the treasure right under their noses during their last failure.
"Big Sister, you mean we should go and see their methods?"
"Then if that's the case, we'll need to get invitations!"
Kisugi Hitomi and Ai Kisugi exchanged glances, feeling that it might indeed be possible.
"I can get the invitations."
"Then let's go!"
Just treat it as a relaxation.
Metropolitan Police Department.
After receiving this news, Officer Sato Miwako immediately took action.
Tomorrow, she would definitely bring this thief to justice!
"Bai Ye-kun, we haven't received any notification to act yet!"
"My apologies, this time I'm acting alone. You all should stay put for now. We'll act as the Phantom Thieves of Hearts later."
Bai Ye certainly wouldn't let Kasumigaoka Utaha and her come.
Before they awakened their Persona, Bai Ye didn't want them involved in this matter.
Besides, they currently didn't understand anything, and he might need to help train them later.
"Alright, I thought we could act right away!"
A bit disappointed, but understandable.
After he hung up her call, Kato Megumi and Eriri also called to ask, and after learning that Bai Ye was acting alone this time, they all felt it was a pity.
The next evening.
Sonoko checked the list of people boarding the ship one by one, and also gave each person a small gift.
"Sonoko!"
"Ran, you're here."
The Mouri family and Conan.
On the ship, Sonoko was warmly greeting Ran, and Vermouth, disguised in the crowd, was also somewhat surprised to see Ran there.
Her gaze lingered on Ran for a moment, then Vermouth also began to look at the crowd. The ship had already left the coast, and if Bai Ye hadn't boarded yet, it was unknown if he could still get on.
"Cheer up! We absolutely cannot let that guy steal the jewel again!"
Officer Sato Miwako's eyes swept through the crowd, feeling that everyone was a suspect.
Just like in the anime, Sonoko had everyone open the small gift boxes she had given them earlier. Inside was the Black Star.
This was also Sonoko's strategy to deal with the two Kaitos.
With so many people carrying the Black Star, would they be able to find the real Black Star?
"A petty trick."
A sneer flashed across Vermouth's face. Ordinary people might be amazed by this, but she could tell at a glance that the real Black Star must be on Suzuki Tomoko's person.
How could Suzuki Tomoko entrust such a valuable item to others for safekeeping?
This kind of self-deceiving cover-up was somewhat childish.
"Sis, it should be on her, right?"
Ai Kisugi put on the fake Black Star, then pursed her lips and looked at the jewel worn on Suzuki Tomoko's chest.
"Of course, but I'm more curious how that guy will take it?"
Kisugi Rui nodded, and her gaze also swept through the crowd.
She wanted to see how Bai Ye was going to take that jewel.
Suzuki Tomoko was wary of anyone who approached her. Since they could tell, the other two Cats Eye probably could too, so they just needed to observe anyone approaching Suzuki Tomoko.
"Am I going to follow Kid's old path?"
Bai Ye was a bit troubled, but if he just snatched it directly, it didn't seem to fit his image as an elegant phantom thief.
However, if he acted directly, it should be more shocking, especially since he used the Transformation Jutsu.
Even taking this jewel right in front of everyone, it seemed like there wouldn't be any problem, right?
After realizing this, Bai Ye walked directly towards Suzuki Tomoko without any hesitation, an action that attracted everyone's attention.
"Hey, hey, hey, that guy wouldn't be…?"
Kaito Kid, disguised as Ran, watched the man walking unhesitatingly towards Suzuki Tomoko, and countless "Nimas" ran through his mind. Does he have to be so reckless?
But then he remembered that the other party seemed to have done the same thing last time, and Kaito Kid suddenly felt it was quite normal.
But isn't it too arrogant to go over without even a disguise? Or does he also use disguise?
While he was thinking, Bai Ye had already walked in front of Suzuki Tomoko, then directly raised his hand and quickly took the Black Star from her chest.
"I'll be taking the Black Star!"
"Holy crap!!"
Kid was stunned!
Indeed, the most simple and unadorned method for a thief is to just snatch it directly!
But how are you going to escape?
Not only him, but even the Cats Eye three sisters and Vermouth were dumbfounded.
What was he thinking?
"Go! Get that guy!"
A hint of excitement flashed across Officer Sato Miwako's face. She had expected a tough battle, but she didn't expect the opponent to just appear!
"Aren't you being too arrogant?"
Suzuki Tomoko's eyelids twitched wildly. Looking at the man in front of her, she felt even more speechless.
What was he thinking?
"You're mistaken. I just felt that your performance, Madam, was too boring, and I didn't want to continue playing along with you."
Saying that, Bai Ye leaped, dodging Officer Sato Miwako and a group of police officers' attempts to tackle him.
On the podium, Bai Ye flicked his hand, and his original black-bottomed red-cloud attire and mask appeared before everyone: "By the way, everyone, we will appear in a new image from now on, and we will be called the Phantom Thieves of Hearts. After this, we will go to Shujin Academy to steal someone's treasure of the heart."
After speaking, Bai Ye took a bow. Miwako reacted and directly rushed towards Bai Ye, shouting, "Don't run!"
Bang!
A cloud of smoke billowed, and when the smoke cleared, Bai Ye had already disappeared from the ship.
"He's definitely still on the ship, search!"
"He must be among us!"
"How could this be?"
"It's simply illogical, how did he escape?"
The Kisugi three sisters exchanged glances. That scene just now was so similar to last time.
Even seeing it again, they still didn't seem to have cracked his ability.
"Phantom Thieves of Hearts, huh?"
Kisugi Rui murmured, committing the name to memory.
"Did I fail?"
Kaito Kid felt a bit defeated. He had never failed since his debut, but it seemed he had failed twice at Bai Ye's hands.
This trick of instant disappearance was like magic.
He knew very well that Bai Ye was definitely no longer on the ship, disappearing in the same way as last time.
"Secrets make a man more manly, don't they?"
A hint of a smile flashed across Vermouth's lips. Indeed, he was a man full of secrets.
At the same time, after Bai Ye stole the Black Star and left, the media quickly published the news, also mentioning Shujin Academy in the newspaper, stating that the Phantom Thieves of Hearts would go there next to steal a treasure of the heart.
"Illogical, it's simply illogical!"
Conan stood in the direction Bai Ye had left, propping his chin with his left hand, thinking about how Bai Ye had left. But there were no mechanisms here at all. How did he leave?
This also sparked a challenging thought in Conan's mind regarding Bai Ye; he was going to bring this phantom thief to justice!
"Why is this happening? I had everything prepared!"
Officer Sato Miwako already imagined that tomorrow's newspaper would be even worse.
Most likely, the police were once again played by Bai Ye, and even when Bai Ye actively appeared and directly snatched the item in front of everyone, the police still couldn't catch him.
They would most likely be labeled incompetent again.
Similarly, regarding Bai Ye, her determination to catch him grew even stronger in her heart. No matter where he escaped, she would definitely catch him!
"Gin, remember to give me the weapons you promised, and also the money. This time, you must add more money."
"…"
On the other end of the phone, Gin was speechless.
Does this guy only care about money?
"I'll try to get it for you, but it will take some time to arrange."
Gin finished speaking, then suddenly thought of something and continued: "Give the items to Vermouth first. I won't go back on my word."
He had also decided to continue cooperating with Bai Ye.
But before that, he needed Bai Ye to hand over all these items to Vermouth first.
"Okay, I'll hang up if there's nothing else." After hanging up, Bai Ye looked at Vermouth, then threw the jewel in his hand to her and said, "Here you go."
"So, how did you disappear?"
Vermouth held the Black Star in her hand, a hint of curiosity in her eyes. How he left, she believed everyone wanted to know, right?
"It's a secret."
"…"
That bullet from before seemed to have hit her right between the eyebrows.
Vermouth always felt this was a very unpleasant matter, yet she seemed to have no way to deal with him.
The next day.
The newspapers fully covered yesterday's events.
In response, the Suzuki Group was furious. Suzuki Jirokichi and Suzuki Tomoko, leading the two, directly declared war on Bai Ye, stating that they would catch him next time.
The Metropolitan Police Department, also under pressure, hesitated and finally approved Officer Sato Miwako's proposal to establish a special task force specifically to deal with the Phantom Thieves of Hearts.
And the higher-ups also began to send other people over, preparing to catch this thief.
"Lupin, you still need to work hard, look at him!"
"Hey, hey, hey, what do you mean, woman?"
Facing Fujiko Mine's words, Lupin III was also a bit annoyed. Why look at him?
Moreover, what was her attitude? He wasn't her slave, nor her boyfriend, so why care so much?
"Phantom Thief?"
Koizumi Akako's eyes flickered as she watched Bai Ye's instant smoke. Was it magic?
In another elementary school.
A little girl smiled as she looked at the cute girl in front of her and asked, "Sakura, how about we also create a phantom thief special? I can make you special clothes!"
"No, thanks."
Sakura Kinomoto shook her head repeatedly, feeling that Tomoyo seemed to have awakened something incredible.
"Oh, isn't this great? The Phantom Thieves of Hearts, they're very popular lately!"
"Bai Ye-kun, just as you said, I did sense something unusual there."
"Then Kato, let's send out the calling card, and I'll train you all well!"
"Okay!"
The Phantom Thieves of Hearts' first operation?
Kato Megumi was still very much looking forward to it.
On the other end, Bai Ye also felt a bit emotional, always feeling that this thing seemed to be taking forever, or something.
Anyway, after sending out the calling card, he didn't know when that time would be!
After all, the Conan world is just like that.
Nichijou Bai Ye: [@Pirate Bai Ye, I've got the weapons for you. I'll send you some armed helicopters first!]
Pirate Bai Ye: [OK, I need this stuff right now. The big three pirate war is probably coming soon, and I'm considering whether to join the fight!]
The three legendary pirates: Roger, Golden Lion, and Whitebeard.
Missing this major event would indeed be somewhat unacceptable to him.
Naruto Bai Ye: [Don't you want to become the Pirate King?]
Pirate Bai Ye: [I'm actually quite conflicted; I feel it's just an empty title.]
Shinigami Bai Ye: [Indeed, an empty title isn't necessary.]
Inuyasha Bai Ye: [Holy cow, you finally appeared! I thought Aizen had killed you!]
Speaking of which, the Shinigami world's Bai Ye hasn't appeared for a long time.
He almost forgot about this person!
Shinigami Bai Ye: [It's not that exaggerated. I have strength now, but I still need to lay low!]
Lay low!
This has been his way of survival for so many years living in the Shinigami world. Even now that he has strength, he still adheres to it.
Naruto Bai Ye: [This Shinigami is clearly strong but overly cautious?]
Shinigami Bai Ye: [But I feel like I should be meeting Aizen soon. He probably can't hold back anymore.]
Although he had been avoiding it, Bai Ye knew very well that Aizen would probably come looking for him very soon.