Toru parked the Panamera by the roadside.
He leaned back in the seat, holding his phone, and said calmly, "Send the specific information to my email."
"There's a risk of exposure online. Let's stick to the phone."
CIA Director Spencer's voice came through the receiver.
As the agency most heavily targeted for surveillance in the world, the CIA's anti-interception tech was unmatched.
So, phone communication was actually safer.
The internet, on the other hand, was another matter. No matter how advanced the technology, there were always major vulnerabilities. Truly classified data was never connected to an external network. Once linked, it became a liability.
"This intel came from our mole inside the Organization. Based on their recent movements, she located the research institute."
"According to her, an incident involving a key researcher's family stirred internal chaos, exposing a weakness."
Toru's expression stayed composed, but inwardly, he sneered.
That mole could only be Mizunashi Rena.
Spencer had said she was under his supervision, yet he still had her report directly to him.
Is this what he called trust?
Although that thought crossed his mind, Toru's voice and expression didn't change.
Spencer was still the CIA Director, and all of Toru's connections in the U.S. came through him.
At the moment, there wasn't much he could do about Spencer. He needed to bide his time.
He asked for the mission details.
Spencer gave him an address. "There's a research facility under Kobayashi Pharmaceutical at this location."
"Your target is there. Clear out the institute and secure the research data."
"I'll assign support for you. They're not CIA agents, but NATO elite mercenaries. They're experienced and specialize in this kind of cleanup operation."
"That said, I don't trust them. I only trust you. I'll only feel secure if you lead the operation and bring back what I need."
"Remember, don't expose yourself. I still have to maintain cooperation with the Organization for now. I'm not ready to tear up the agreement just yet."
Toru put on an enthusiastic tone. "Understood. I'll complete the mission."
As for Spencer's line about "I only trust you"—if he were someone indoctrinated, he might have been touched.
But Toru wasn't. He sneered inside, while outwardly playing the loyal subordinate.
"Boss, besides manpower, I'll need additional equipment support."
"What do you need? Just say it."
"Prepare an Apache attack helicopter for me."
"What do you need an Apache for?"
Spencer was stunned.
No, I'm asking you to infiltrate a research institute and retrieve data, not launch a terrorist attack in Tokyo.
What, are you planning to bomb Tokyo Tower? Or the Imperial Palace?
"The Organization has raised quite a few lunatics. They might even hire retired special forces or ex-military from abroad."
"Given how important this facility is, who knows how tight their security is? All we can assume is that they probably won't have heavy weapons."
"Still, have an Apache ready. No matter what defense they have, I can break through."
Toru's words reminded Spencer of just how critical the target was.
As the CIA, when they wanted something, they had to plan with absolute certainty.
Spencer didn't hesitate. "Alright, I'll contact the military and have U.S. Forces Japan prepare one for you."
Spencer had a military background and deep contacts. He knew both the Commander of the Pacific Fleet and the Commander of U.S. Forces Japan personally.
As for whether Toru could fly one, Spencer wasn't concerned.
Back during training in Hawaii, Toru had flown not just helicopters but also F35s, and had even practiced carrier takeoffs and landings.
After hanging up, Toru tapped his fingers lightly on the steering wheel.
There was no way he was handing over APTX4869.
The research data for that drug was even more valuable.
A drug capable of shrinking the human body, and potentially granting immortality, it was a true Pandora's Box.
"I just don't know if shrinking damages the mitochondria or affects lifespan. That part's still unknown."
"But this drug can't fall into the CIA's hands. Something this dangerous has to stay with me."
"If the day comes that it's perfected, the things I could trade it for would be limitless."
Because death is the one thing equal to all. If someone could escape death, it would drive the world mad.
Toru needed to find a way to cover this drug's existence.
If the CIA got their hands on it and poured national-level resources into developing it, it might really get completed.
The drug could be perfected, yes—but only under his control.
"...Did I forget something?"
Toru thought for a moment, then realized something.
He had met Conan... but there hadn't been a murder.
"Congratulations to me, I guess?"
He chuckled and started the car, heading home.
Later that night, he still had a run to do and he had to bring food for a certain female ghost.
In Toru's eyes, Kayako was the real source of horror.
...
In the suburbs of Tokyo, at a research facility under Kobayashi Pharmaceutical.
Shiho Miyano, wearing a white lab coat over a red, form-fitting wool sweater, stood with a vacant expression and deathly pallor. She was gripped by both arms and coldly thrown into a room that resembled a gas chamber.
(To be continued.)