"Sending Rena Mizunashi back into the Organization to continue her infiltration… and in the process, you gained even more of Gin's trust." "
"Sending Rena Mizunashi back into the Organization to continue her infiltration… and in the process, you gained even more of Gin's trust."
"Two birds with one stone."
"But you sure do keep a lot of secrets."
As the silver Mercedes sped down the highway, Conan couldn't help but speak up from the passenger seat.
He was referring, of course, to the spy list.
Hayashi Yoshiki had quietly acquired it but kept it hidden from everyone, just like he had with many other things—always under the pretense of protecting them.
"If I had told you, you probably would've thrown yourself into investigating it without a second thought."
Yoshiki's eyes remained on the road, his tone calm.
"And once you were exposed, Uncle Mouri and Ran would be dragged in as well.
I can't take that risk."
"In matters like this, our positions are the same. Aren't you doing dangerous things too?"
"I'm different."
Yoshiki's voice remained level.
"No one will ever detect my movements."
Where did this guy get his confidence from?
Conan wanted to retort.
He's just… a little smarter, a little stronger, a little more composed, a better actor, better with people...
Okay, fine.
Conan fell silent.
"So listen carefully—don't investigate the names on that list on your own.
You might think that letting those spies remain embedded for one more day is one more day the Organization gains... but that's the wrong way to look at it.
Don't lose sight of the bigger picture.
Besides, Jodie will handle the investigations."
"I know," Conan nodded. "Do you think she's up to it?"
"She'll be fine."
As they talked, the Mouri Detective Agency came into view.
Hayashi Yoshiki gently pressed the brake, and just as Conan reached for the door handle, Yoshiki smiled:
"And if things get rough, you can always help her from behind the scenes, can't you?"
Conan smiled back.
After closing the car door, he turned and walked off, while Yoshiki stepped on the gas and drove away.
The matter of Rena Mizunashi's recovery by the Organization was now concluded.
But for Jodie Starling, it was just the beginning.
She had gone silent after seeing the spy list.
Even though Hayashi Yoshiki had laid it all out—and even though the Beika Hospital director, Hitomo Kaibu, seemed undeniably suspicious—
Jodie still couldn't bring herself to believe that James could be a traitor.
And that was… only natural.
Yoshiki completely understood how she felt.
But the seed of doubt had been planted.
Even if she couldn't investigate James directly, she would not ignore the other names on that list.
Hayashi Yoshiki wasn't worried about being exposed.
Jodie Starling wasn't the sharpest mind—
But that didn't mean she lacked ability.
Yoshiki merely thought: even within the FBI, I can have my own people.
The names on that list were assets he could use.
With Jodie investigating and him using the Death Note's power to assist her discreetly—
It wouldn't be difficult.
"James... Rum..."
"What are they really after?"
And then there was Renya Karasuma—
Had he truly been turned into an infant...?
There were still many unanswered questions.
However, the web of truth was becoming increasingly clearer.
That evening, Hayashi Yoshiki returned to Meiwa Apartment Complex No. 2.
It was already dusk.
Upon entering his home, he immediately noticed that the medical report on the living room table had been moved.
Aunt Eri...?
He didn't pay it any mind and headed straight to his bedroom.
He opened the secret compartment in his closet and checked the Death Note.
Death Note
The black notebook lay open.
The front page, written in white characters on black, detailed the rules of the notebook.
Behind that, on the first white page—seemingly just regular paper—
were the characters: "Hayashi Yoshiki."
Of course, that page was fake.
Yoshiki had crafted a replica using normal paper, writing his own name and gluing it flawlessly into the notebook.
It only looked like he had written his name in the Death Note.
The fake sheet, even inside the real notebook, had no effect.
It was just a clever, harmless trick.
He didn't believe anyone would notice.
But just in case they did, the presence of his name alongside the early Death Note story drafts he had inserted would make it seem like a prop—
A fan-made item.
Knowing Jodie, she would definitely begin her investigation soon.
And the more she trusted James, the more urgently she would want to prove his innocence.
All Yoshiki needed to do was control the real spies and make them appear during her inquiries.
Hayashi Yoshiki picked up his pen.
He continued working until the last light of the sunset faded and the room darkened.
Ding-dong~
The doorbell rang.
Yoshiki stepped into the entrance hall and opened the door.
Standing there was Eri Kisaki.
"Aunt Eri?"
"...I thought I heard something, and figured you'd come back, Yoshiki."
Looking at the youth's warm and refined expression, Eri hesitated for a moment before speaking.
"Yes, I just returned," Yoshiki said with a gentle smile, stepping aside.
"Is there something you need, Aunt Eri?"
"I saw your medical report," Eri said calmly.
Although her voice was steady, it felt a bit forced.
Yoshiki didn't answer immediately.
He seemed momentarily unsure of what to say.
Trying to put herself in his shoes, Eri softened her tone.
"So… you haven't felt any physical discomfort lately?"
"No," he replied. "Nothing at all. Please don't worry."
"I remember Ran went with you to pick up your results last time. It was the same result, wasn't it?"
Eri's brows furrowed slightly.
"So she didn't tell me either…"
"That's because I asked her to keep it secret," Yoshiki replied with a bright smile.
"So don't blame Ran, Aunt Eri."
"The last report was the same?"
"More or less," he said.
"The last one was just a routine checkup.
This time, I picked up some medication while I was at the hospital."
He added with a reassuring grin,
"Don't worry. Once I finish the medicine, I'll go for a follow-up. I'll bring the report for you to check first, Aunt Eri."
"…"
This kid…
He always says exactly what leaves you speechless.
Looking at that gentle, joyful smile, Eri couldn't find any words.
After a few more exchanges, she returned to her room.
But even after she left,
on the light beige sofa—
There lingered a faint, sultry scent...
Feminine.
Warm.
Unmistakable.