Beika Hotel is a property of the Suzuki Zaibatsu. As one of the most famous hotels in Tokyo, it has hosted many important events.
Sometimes, even foreign government officials visiting Japan choose to stay here.
Today, the entrance of Beika Hotel was bustling, the occasion unprecedentedly grand.
The Suzuki Zaibatsu was holding its 60th anniversary celebration here today.
Unlike some older large zaibatsu in Japan, the Suzuki Zaibatsu had only been established for 60 years and had just gone through three generations.
Therefore, although the Suzuki Zaibatsu had many listed companies under its umbrella, in terms of politics it was still somewhat inferior to those old political families, and also lagged behind some long-established zaibatsu.
Even so, the Suzuki Zaibatsu still held an important position in Japan's economy.
To celebrate its 60th anniversary and expand its influence, the Suzuki Zaibatsu had invited many important figures and celebrities from the political, economic, and entertainment worlds to attend.
Because of Kaitou Kid's crime notice, many police officers and high-ranking officials from the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department also attended the banquet.
Some people online even complained that this was simply a performance jointly put on by the Suzuki Zaibatsu and Kaitou Kid.
Thanks to Kaitou Kid's appearance, the Suzuki Zaibatsu gained enormous publicity for free. This legendary phantom thief, who had disappeared for more than ten years, had reappeared and captured global attention.
At the hotel entrance, reporters held cameras and scrambled for position, frantically pressing their shutters.
Like an Osuka Awards ceremony, a thick red carpet was laid out. Luxury cars arrived one after another as celebrities from all walks of life stepped out in dazzling attire.
They wore gentle smiles, walked through the reporters, waved politely, and appeared approachable.
"That's Diet member Tsubameguchi. I heard he's under investigation for corruption and bribery by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police and the Special Investigation Department. I didn't expect him to show up here."
"Politicians always try to seize any chance to show their faces. Of course he would come. Besides, everyone knows how those so-called investigations work. He might get away with it after pulling some strings."
"Look, isn't that Shinomiya Oko, the next head of the Shinomiya family? Who's that beautiful girl beside him?"
"That should be Kaguya, the eldest daughter of the Shinomiya family."
"Aren't they quite far apart in age?"
"I heard she's actually the Shinomiya family head's illegitimate child."
"Huh? And those people who seem hostile toward the Shinomiya family?"
"You don't know? How are you even a financial reporter? That's the Shijo family. They used to be a branch of the Shinomiya family. After a conflict, they split off."
"The Shinomiya family continued developing domestically, while the Shijo family moved to America after losing out here. Now they have quite a foothold there too."
"Being able to establish themselves in America is impressive."
"It's said they connected with powerful figures in the upper echelons there. The details aren't something we can know."
...
Reporters chatted as they took photos, afraid of missing any important guest.
"It's the famous comedian Wakaba."
"Ah, a comedian. High status in the entertainment world, but here he's just a minor figure. But is that his daughter? She's really beautiful."
"Seriously, she's quite stunning. Her name is Wakaba Mutsumi. She was a child star before, but after appearing in a few shows and plays, she disappeared. With her looks, she's perfect for the entertainment industry."
"Stop talking. They're here, they're here. It's Chris Vineyard, the future Oscar winner!"
The reporters surged forward, their camera shutters nearly smoking.
Vermouth stepped out of a Maybach in a red dress, smiling as she greeted the reporters and fans rushing toward her, instantly causing a sensation.
Those important figures from politics and finance might hold high status in Japan, but to ordinary people, they lacked recognition.
Compared to them, Hollywood star Chris Vineyard drew far more attention and traffic.
The Wakaba family stopped and looked at Vermouth, who was surrounded by the crowd, and sighed. "A Hollywood superstar really isn't on the same level as us."
Mrs. Wakaba nodded gently.
Although Hollywood's influence had declined in recent years, its accumulated prestige over decades would not fade so easily.
Anyone who could become a major star in Hollywood stood at the top of the global entertainment industry. They were true international superstars.
Comedians like Wakaba were barely recognized outside Japan.
Meanwhile, the entrance of Beika Hotel remained crowded. Toru quietly drove his Porsche 911 into the underground parking lot, parked, and went directly to the venue from there.
If he were alone, he wouldn't mind walking the red carpet and showing his face.
But he was with Haibara today.
Haibara was not suited to appear publicly.
After arriving at the banquet hall, he presented his invitation. Seeing that it was Toru, the butler checking invitations immediately bowed and welcomed him inside.
Suzuki Shiro, chairman of the Suzuki Foundation, was greeting guests with his wife and chatting warmly.
Naturally, given their status, they only personally received guests of equal standing. Ordinary attendees would receive a simple greeting at most.
"Uncle Suzuki!"
Toru approached with Haibara.
"Fujiwara-kun, long time no see!"
Shiro stepped forward and warmly embraced him.
Toru was representing the Fujiwara family, placing him among the most distinguished guests. The Suzukis could not afford to be negligent.
"Fujiwara-sama!"
Hearing the voice, Toru knew it was Sonoko.
Shiro wiped away a bit of sweat and said, "Fujiwara-kun, please don't mind. Sonoko is just like that."
Toru laughed. "How could I mind? I quite like Ms. Sonoko's personality."
Sonoko's eyes sparkled. "That's great. Fujiwara-sama is here, and Kaitou Kid might show up too. Seeing two male gods in one night is so exciting."
Toru's jaw twitched. As expected of Sonoko, with so many male gods.
Still, despite her fangirl tendencies, Sonoko's private life was very clean. She was a good girl.
"Speaking of Kaitou Kid, how do you plan to deal with him, Uncle Suzuki?"
Tomoko, Sonoko's elegant and noble mother, spoke, "Since Kaitou Kid wants to steal the Black Star, we'll confuse him."
"Fujiwara-kun, this is something every guest will receive. A replica of the Black Star. Please wear it on your chest."
"The real one is among them. I want to see how Kaitou Kid finds it among so many fakes."
Toru took two boxes and opened them. Inside were two fake black pearls that looked identical to the real thing.
Looking around, he saw every guest wearing a pearl on their chest.
He handed one to Haibara and was speechless for a moment.
The Black Star was a valuable treasure, likely to fetch nearly ten million dollars at auction.
How could such a precious item truly be mixed with fakes for guests to wear? Toru could guess without thinking that the real one was worn by either Shiro Suzuki or Tomoko.
Haibara also twitched her lips. Like Toru, she immediately guessed where the real one was.
As long as Kaitou Kid wasn't a fool, he would figure it out too.
In any case, this was the Suzuki family's plan. Toru didn't bother.
He simply said, "Uncle Suzuki, did you follow my suggestion?"
"Don't worry, Fujiwara-kun. Everything you asked for has been prepared. This time, I guarantee Kaitou Kid will come and never leave!"
They chatted for a bit longer before more distinguished guests arrived. Shiro Suzuki apologized and left with his wife and daughter to receive them.
Just as Toru parted from Shiro Suzuki, someone approached him.
"So Fujiwara-kun is representing the Fujiwara family today."
It was Inoue Akihiko, the second-in-command of the Special Investigation Department.
Toru glanced around. "Sakai-sensei didn't come?"
"He usually doesn't attend events like this. We're here on his behalf."
Looking carefully, that was indeed the case.
Figures like Sakai Takaaki, head of the Special Investigation Department, or Commissioner Hakuba of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department were absent. They had sent subordinates instead, likely to avoid suspicion.
Just like Toru, who represented the Fujiwara family, Shinomiya Ko had also come representing the Shinomiya family as its future head, making his public debut.
"Who's that young man? Why are both Chairman Suzuki and Minister Inoue greeting him personally?"
"That's Fujiwara Toru. You don't know him?"
"Of course I know him. He received the Red Ribbon Medal. But even so, why is Chairman Suzuki treating him with such importance?"
"You're behind on the news. He's a member of the Fujiwara family. The head has already declared him the next successor."
"He's the next head of Fujiwara? No wonder Chairman Suzuki is so polite. But why is that Special Investigation Department official so respectful too?"
"He has powerful backing in America. Be careful not to offend him."
"I wish I had the chance to offend him just to meet him."
...
People whispered among themselves. The elites present all had sharp eyes. After hearing that Toru was the next head of Fujiwara, many wanted to approach him.
However, most couldn't find the opportunity.
At that moment, a gentle voice came from behind him.
"...Fujiwara-kun, did you keep Sakiko?"
Toru turned around.
Standing there was a light green-haired girl, her doll-like beauty so striking that even Toru was momentarily stunned.
(To be continued.)
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