Conan: No, why aren't you following the script?

As they listened to the low groans coming from Conan Edogawa on the tape, along with the sounds of fists and wooden sticks, the faces of everyone present turned quite grim.

During the incident, Inspector Megure tried to turn off the recorder several times, but he hesitated because the kidnappers had not yet finished making their demands.

In the end, he had no choice but to withdraw his hand, which was hanging in mid-air, and sighed heavily again.

At that moment, the thugs' voices came through the tape recorder again.

"Heh, this is just an appetizer. The Metropolitan Police Department is so arrogant and rude; it seems it's time to teach you a little lesson as a warning..."

"Stop! How dare you!!"

Upon hearing this, Inspector Megure immediately slammed his fist on the table and stood up.

However, all he had in front of him was a cassette tape, so Inspector Megure's impotent rage served no purpose other than to incite the anger of those present...

The recording continued.

"However, I consider myself a merciful person, so I've decided to give the Metropolitan Police Department some time. When the bells ring tomorrow, the life of this boy named Edogawa will come to an end. This is my advice to the Metropolitan Police Department. I hope you, officers... will take care of yourselves."

The audio recording ends here.

Looking at the now-unused tape recorder, Inspector Megure gritted his teeth and turned to face the crowd.

Seeing this, Officer Sato stroked his chin, frowned, and said:

"The clock strikes tomorrow... does that mean the deadline is midnight tonight? But the clues we have right now are really..."

"I don't care about any of that,"

Inspector Megure glared at him. "Takagi, go back to the First Investigation Division right now and inform Superintendent Matsumoto that we're all going to mobilize. Even if we have to turn Beika Town upside down, I'll rescue the hostages safely!"

The Metropolitan Police Department has suffered far too much injustice lately; it seems like everyone can take a jab at the First Investigation Division.

This pushed Inspector Megure's patience to the brink of collapse.

He already had a bad temper, and now even some Tom, Dick, and Harry dared to swagger around on his head. Inspector Megure absolutely could not tolerate this.

At this moment, Kitagawa Isao, who had remained silent until then, finally spoke up.

“Inspector Megure, it’s better to calm down now. Rushing won’t solve the problem, and... to put it bluntly, all we’ve heard is a tape recorder. Conan could very well be... Anyway, I suggest we prepare for the worst.”

If he hadn't said those words, things would have been fine, but now that he had, Inspector Megure's emotions, which had finally stabilized a little, instantly teetered on the brink of collapse once again.

Seeing Inspector Megure's red eyes and trembling body, Officer Sato quickly stepped in to smooth things over.

“Mr. Kitagawa is right. Inspector Megure, we can’t afford to panic right now. No matter what happens, getting Conan out safely is the most important thing right now.”

"Ok, I know……"

……

And so, under Inspector Megure's command, almost every living person in the First Investigation Division was dragged out.

Along with Matsumoto, the superintendent, and Officer Shiratori, countless police officers drove police cars and began a thorough search of Beika Town. Even Kid, disguised as Officer Chiba, joined in the fun.

"Mr. Kitagawa, you have no idea... even when I was on my previous mission, these police officers weren't this excited. Do you think they'll ever find Conan?"

I don't know, but... I think nothing will happen. By the way, you've been following these police officers, and you still haven't found a clue?

"No... We searched almost every suspicious spot in Beika Town, but we didn't see a single mouse, let alone Conan Edogawa. I'm already a bit afraid of deductions, and now I'm even more at a loss for what to do..."

[Don't worry, there are still two hours left. Things haven't gotten to that point yet.]

Let's hope so...

Looking at the text message sent to him by Phantom Thief Kid, Kitagawa Isao smiled slightly, closed his phone, and slowly walked out of the bathroom.

Meanwhile, Professor Agasa had already joined the search team in his Beetle, but so far they hadn't found anything.

Seeing Ai Haibara calmly drinking tea in the living room, but actually panicking inside, Kitagawa Isao thought for a moment, then sat down next to her, wanting to say a few words to comfort the little one.

However, before he could speak, he heard a rapid doorbell ring from the entrance hall.

Upon hearing the sound, the two exchanged a glance, and then Kitagawa Isao was the first to get up and open the door.

The woman who appeared was the same rookie policewoman he had seen before, named Xia Chuanmo.

"Why are you here? Is there something Inspector Megure wants to tell you?"

"Yes, the situation is quite urgent. Inspector Megure asked me to pick up Mr. Kitagawa... Anyway, Mr. Kitagawa, please hurry and leave with us. The kidnappers don't have much time left!"

As he spoke, Xia Chuanmo reached out to pull the person, but Kitagawa Xun dodged away without making a sound.

Although Xia Chuanmo was quite large, he wasn't the type of woman he liked.

Moreover, he didn't want to have too much contact with other women in front of Ai Haibara.

Who knows what kind of monstrosity his dinner will become when he gets back to the apartment if this little guy sees something?

For the sake of his happiness in the second half of his life, Kitagawa Isao felt that it was better to be more cautious.

"I understand. I'll pack up and we'll be on our way soon."

After saying that, Kitagawa Isao calmly turned around, went to Ai Haibara's side, took his coat from the sofa, and prepared to leave.

Of course, he didn't forget to reach out and rub Ai Haibara's head a few times to soothe the little one's emotions.

This time, Ai Haibara did not resist.

"Brother Kitagawa, you... be careful. I'll make you a late-night snack at home. Don't forget our promise."

"Yes, I will, don't worry."

With a forced smile, Kitagawa Isao waved to her gently.

When Ai Haibara saw this scene, she felt as if something inside her was beginning to melt.

She couldn't explain why she felt this way.

It was as if the iceberg in her heart was beginning to melt, and scenes of her past with Kitagawa Isao flashed before her eyes one by one...

Maybe they're worried about this guy?

I worry that the roommate I finally found might end up like my sister, leaving me forever after saying goodbye with a smile that day…

……