Detective Conan: Is Miss Haibara planning to assault a police officer again today?

Upon arriving at the side hall, he glanced around and found that the people present had remained unchanged, just the same few people from the Tokyo F5.

"Brother Higashino, Director Odagiri's son is here today as well."

Inspector Megure straightened his hat and said in a deep voice, "The father and son have always been at odds, and Toshiya Odagiri is now a major suspect. To be on the safe side, you will lead the team to set up surveillance in groups."

"If any unexpected situation arises, our police will be able to handle it promptly, as there may be reporters sneaking in among these guests."

Higashino Ning nodded, "Okay, I understand."

Although he is the case leader in charge of the serial murders of criminal police officers, strictly speaking, he is not currently carrying out case investigation duties.

According to regulations, Higashino Ning does not have actual authority as an inspector when Megure is present, and he must follow Megure's instructions for most of his actions.

After receiving the assignment, Higashino Ning looked at Sato Miwako again, "Officer Sato, you might find it a bit long-winded and annoying, but I still have to say, don't leave our sight at will. It's best to stay close to Takagi so he can protect you in real time."

Sato Miwako smiled and shook her head, "I am so grateful to have colleagues and friends like you who are concerned about my safety, how could I find it nagging?"

She stood at attention and saluted, saying, "Inspector Higashino, I will stay by Officer Takagi's side and never leave him!"

After saying that, she playfully stuck out her tongue.

This occasional cuteness was a 100% critical hit for Wataru Takagi.

Higashino Ning was relieved; as long as Sato Miwako remained within the police's sight, there was absolutely no way she would get into trouble.

he's gone.

He's back again.

Megure Juzo and Shiratori Ninzaburo were completely dumbfounded. "Is there anything else?"

Higashino Ning nodded. "Yes, something big has happened. Chief Odagiri has started arguing with his son in public. Should we go and try to break them up?"

Of course I want to!

Shiratori Ninzaburo, representing the party that invited the banquet, rushed out immediately, while Higashino Ning also quickly arranged for manpower.

He had only taken a few steps when he heard Chief Odagiri telling his son to get lost and referring to the other man as a "wild dog looking for food."

That's really too harsh.

He even joined in the cursing; that's certainly a tough style.

Toshiya Odagiri got so angry from the criticism that he grabbed his guitar and left.

To be honest, if he hadn't brought his guitar, Inspector Megure wouldn't have been so nervous about him.

That violin case looks big enough to hold a sniper rifle.

Higashino Ning originally wanted to stop Odagiri Toshiya for a check-up, but after thinking about it, he realized that he didn't have the authority or the need to at the moment.

Moreover, he genuinely didn't believe that Toshio Odagiri could be the murderer; it didn't make sense from either a logical or scientific perspective.

Especially in cases involving multiple suspects, how often is the first suspect the real culprit?

After Toshiya Odagiri left, the banquet hall fell silent.

Shiratori Ninzaburo reacted quickly, immediately helping Director Odagiri to sit down, saying a few words to calm him down, and then quickly steer the conversation elsewhere.

The other attendees were also knowledgeable and started chatting amongst themselves, which livened up the atmosphere again.

Higashino Ning led his men to guard the entrance, while also arranging for others to keep watch at various points inside the building.

Ensuring the engagement party goes smoothly is also very important.

Two hours passed in a flash.

Higashino Ning rubbed his stiff back and said to the person next to him, "I'm going to rest for a bit. I'll be back in half an hour."

He really couldn't stand it anymore, and it wasn't really appropriate to let Ai Haibara stay with Ran Mouri and the others.

With his involvement, Ai Haibara is now really not very familiar with this group of people.

Higashino Ning went to find Ai Haibara, but didn't see Ran Mouri. He casually asked, "Where's Ran?"

Ai Haibara tossed her hair. "Ran-neechan went to the restroom just now."

"Oh, I see." Higashino Ning tapped Conan on the head. "Drag a chair over here, you're tired of standing."

the other side.

Sato Miwako gently patted Takagi Wataru's chest, "Don't worry, I'm just going to the bathroom to touch up my makeup. I'll be out in three minutes at most. Nothing will happen."

"And..." she lowered her voice, "Odagiri Toshiya has already left, and there are still police officers here. Even if the culprit is someone else, they won't make a move."

Chapter 176 It’s too late

Just as Sato Miwako was about to leave, Higashino Ning's voice suddenly came from behind her.

"Officer Sato, where are you going?"

She turned around helplessly, and Dongye Ning had already gotten up and was coming over. "I'm going to touch up my makeup, so don't worry, nothing will happen."

Higashino Ning was considering trying to hold on a little longer.

But friends are friends, so restricting someone's access to the toilet is a bit too abstract.

"Um... okay, sorry, I just didn't want anything to happen to you. Your safety is a very serious concern right now."

Higashino Ning took a step back, and Sato Miwako nodded and turned to leave.

As soon as she entered the restroom, Higashino Ning immediately signaled to Takagi Wataru, "Go and keep watch at the restroom entrance."

Takagi Wataru was slightly bewildered. "Huh? This...this isn't a good idea, is it?"

“What’s wrong with that?” Higashino Ning pushed Takagi Wataru toward the restroom. “The criminal’s last two crimes involved shooting at point-blank range, otherwise I wouldn’t have had you standing by Officer Sato’s side all this time.”

"It's not convenient for you to go into the women's restroom, but there won't be any problem waiting outside."

But this was still a bit of a stretch for Takagi Wataru. He turned around and raised his hands in surrender. "Higashino, this really won't do. I think we should just wait here. It's not that far, is it?"

"No, you need to get through here right now..."

The words have not yet fallen.

Suddenly all the lights in the venue went out!

"Ok?"

"Is there a power outage?"

"How is this going."

The crowd began to murmur amongst themselves.

Higashino Ning subconsciously looked towards the stage, and then his heart skipped a beat.

broken!

The host, who is used to appearing in the spotlight, didn't show up. Maybe this time it's because the criminal is about to make a move!

Without saying a word, he rushed straight towards the toilet.

"Higashino!" Takagi Wataru called out from behind.

His shout was particularly "bright" in the darkness, making the police officers tense up.

Megure Juzo instinctively exclaimed, "Higashino-kun has been murdered?! Turn on the lights!!"

The police officers began to communicate and gather in the dark, calling out to confirm their location and running in the direction where Higashino Ning had originally been.

Ai Haibara, who had been standing next to Eri Kisaki, was so frightened that her face turned pale and her legs went weak, almost causing her to lose her balance!

Megure's words struck her heart like a giant hammer.

The thing is, it actually makes a lot of sense!

The perpetrator was already targeting the police officers, and just now Takagi Wataru suddenly shouted "Higashino," seemingly quite agitated.

Ai Haibara didn't care about anything else anymore. She knew the general location of Ning Higashino and ran over without hesitation.

But when she arrived, Higashino Ning and Takagi Wataru had already disappeared, and instead, there were many other police officers present.

"Inspector Megure! I haven't seen anyone!"

"Inspector Higashino! Takagi! Where are you?!"

"There was no blood on the ground, and I didn't smell any gunpowder."

"..."

The fragmented report threw the other guests in the banquet hall into chaos, but gave Inspector Megure a sense of reassurance.

He quickly reassured him loudly, "Brother Dongye is alright! He must have sensed something was wrong and chased after it. Now, let's prioritize restoring the lights. Everyone, get moving!"

...

In front.

Higashino Ning had already led the way into the women's restroom.

But... it was too late.

Water jets were shooting out of the toilet. Sato Miwako lay on the floor, her blood spreading on the tap water, while Mouri Ran sat blankly to the side, her eyes filled with terror.

"Damn it! You just wait!"

Higashino Ning took out his phone to call an ambulance, just as the lights were restored.

"Officer Sato!"

Hearing Higashino Ning's angry outburst, Takagi Wataru, who had finally decided to barge into the women's restroom, instantly turned red in the eyes and rushed over to check on Sato Miwako's condition.

Immediately after, Inspector Megure and the others also ran over.

After finishing the call, Higashino Ning clenched his fist, slammed it into the ground, and stood up, his gaze icy. "Inspector Megure, this is a series of crimes targeting detectives. I am now in full charge!"

He took out a walkie-talkie and shouted, "Everyone, immediately seal off the 15th floor of the hotel! Block all exits! No one is allowed to leave!"

Megure opened his mouth but did not refute, choosing to completely delegate power to Higashino Ning.

Once visibility was restored, the police acted several times faster, sealing off the entire Mihana Sun Plaza Hotel in just a few minutes.

Although Ai Haibara was relieved that Higashino Ning was alright, seeing Sato Miwako lying on the ground, her life hanging in the balance, still worried her greatly.