Hayashi Yoshiki didn't care much about Rena Mizunashi. What he needed to focus on now was the FBI agent who was in contact with Rum. The FBI
Hayashi Yoshiki didn't care much about Rena Mizunashi.
What he needed to focus on now was the FBI agent who was in contact with Rum.
The FBI had captured Rena Mizunashi not long ago, and the intelligence immediately leaked into Rum's hands.
However, The Winery seemed unable to obtain the exact location of the hospital where Rena Mizunashi was held.
Could it be that the FBI agent who leaked the information didn't even know the location?
No, that shouldn't be the case.
According to Vermouth's logic, when Rum first rose to power, the intelligence he provided was always incredibly valuable.
This shows that the FBI agent feeding him information couldn't be a mere pawn.
So, was Rum deliberately withholding the most critical intel?
Or was that cooperating FBI agent not fully loyal and hiding something?
This was extremely important.
Hayashi Yoshiki needed to confirm this.
Or perhaps, could he use that FBI agent as bait to lure out Rum?
Without intending to dwell only on speculation, Hayashi Yoshiki watched the news on TV—
crime news.
In truth, Mihama Town was a very comfortable place to live, and in normal social interactions, you wouldn't expect to hear about murders nearby.
But the news reported one murder after another, undeniably real cases.
He wondered if, like Light Yagami, a crazy crusader against criminals, the crime rate in Mihama Town might actually be curbed.
Suddenly, a breaking news ticker appeared on the screen:
"CNN News Special Report"
"The Queen Sakura and Prince Gill of the Kingdom of Vespaland have died."
"We apologize for interrupting the broadcast. Up next, a special news report."
At that moment, Hayashi Yoshiki's pen paused mid-motion.
The screen flickered, switching to another news channel.
"At 10:20 a.m. local time, Queen Sakura and Prince Gill of the Kingdom of Vespaland died in a hunting accident caused by an accidental discharge of a rifle."
"Repeating the report."
"It is said that Vespaland recently discovered an unknown mineral that has attracted worldwide attention. The beloved Queen Sakura..."
Hayashi Yoshiki furrowed his brows.
Though this news had nothing to do with the citizens of Mihama Town, to Hayashi Yoshiki, it seemed like the beginning of an incredible story.
Princess Mira, who looked almost identical to Ran, Lupin III, and Fujiko.
No need to mention Lupin III and his crew, but even the unknown mineral appearing in Vespaland was incredible—a type of mineral that could grant ultimate invisibility.
As technology advanced, militarily advanced countries developed stealth jets that could evade radar detection, but the unknown mineral found in Vespaland took this to an extreme.
This was pure science.
Sakurazaka Hotel
Although it was just the opening night of a new luxury hotel, the event attracted many celebrities and VIPs.
Outside the venue, police and helicopters patrolled continuously.
"Seriously, at such a wonderful event, Ran actually went off to practice karate."
In the banquet hall, Sonoko Suzuki muttered to herself in a dress.
There were many well-known entertainers present, and she even wanted to go up and ask for autographs.
"Ran-chan has really been practicing karate a lot lately."
"Why?"
Sonoko looked down at Conan, who whispered back, "She hasn't competed recently, though."
"I don't know,"Conan said, holding his head.
Kogoro Mouri, holding a glass of wine, smiled as he admired the beautiful women around him.
But when he turned his face, he suddenly saw Sonoko giving him a sharp look.
"What's up?"
"Uncle, don't you care about how your daughter has been lately? She suddenly got so serious about karate."
"How would I know? Maybe she just decided to get serious all of a sudden."
Kogoro said casually, "Alright, don't disturb my admiration. Besides, she said she'll come even if she's late."
Sonoko and Conan were speechless.
"By the way, where's Yoshiki-kun?"
"I just saw him... over there. He's working really hard."
Sonoko originally wanted to go talk to Hayashi Yoshiki, but seeing many people gathering around him at Conan's glance, she decided to hold back.
The opening of the Sakurazaka Hotel sent invitations to many celebrities.
Because of his fame, Hayashi Yoshiki was approached by many people, forcing him to shift into "business mode."
Not long after, the lights suddenly dimmed in the hall.
Spotlights shone on the stage above, and the host took the microphone, saying:
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for waiting. Please give a warm round of applause to today's distinguished guest, Princess Mira of the Kingdom of Vespaland!"
The venue erupted into enthusiastic applause.
A princess attending a hotel opening might sound strange and even extravagant, but this was connected to the recently deceased Queen Sakura of Vespaland—who had loved Japanese cherry blossoms that shared her name. This cherry blossom-themed hotel's opening was actually planned as the venue for the queen's scheduled visit before her accident.
With the Kingdom of Vespaland now leaderless and the discovery of a special mineral, the situation was extremely delicate.
Finally, Princess Mira appeared.
She walked onto the stage dressed elegantly, and Kogoro Mouri, Sonoko, and a few others were stunned—she looked like she was carved from the same mold.
Much like Shinichi Kudo and Kaito Kid share an uncanny resemblance, the princess resembled Ran almost exactly, except for slight differences in her expression and aura.
"She looks like Ran..."
"Ran isn't that arrogant!"
Their friends and father debated this.
Hayashi Yoshiki studied her closely for a moment. From the subtle differences in eye color and hair shade, he could tell she was different from Ran.
Suddenly, his gaze shifted elsewhere.
Among the applauding crowd below, a woman in a sexy purple dress, wearing sunglasses and with wavy hair, smiled at the princess.
Her slender waist and excessively large hips made it easy for Hayashi Yoshiki to recognize her identity—Fujiko Mine, the infamous "only wind and rain can enter, but not the beast country."
Noticing Hayashi Yoshiki's eyes, Fujiko looked over and, realizing he was handsome, blew him a flying kiss.
Hayashi Yoshiki smiled and looked away.
This woman was too much trouble, and she wouldn't stay quiet. The best was to avoid provoking her.
Still, he wondered—if Fujiko ended up in Gin's hands, would Lupin III and his crew come to The Winery to give Gin a hard time?
For now, Hayashi Yoshiki was just thinking.