Chapter 35: No Time, No See, No Interest
Back in Tokyo, Chi Feichi, still disguised as Ninzaburo Shiratori, tied up the person and placed them in a Delivery Box. To prevent Seiran Urashima from waking up too soon, he put a handkerchief soaked in Ether over her face. Avoiding surveillance, he drove to Beside the Bushes near the Police Department Back Door.
He wondered if this world was particularly strange. The placement of surveillance cameras was far less dense than in his previous life. Even near the Metropolitan Police Department, there were many Blind Spots and sections without surveillance...
Although handing Scorpio over for a private Bounty would yield a larger Bounty, the trading partner was unknown, the transaction time was uncertain, and the risks were significantly higher.
Who knew who the other party was? Would they try to eliminate him after the transaction was complete?
Moreover, a high private Bounty might not be from an enemy; it could very well be a trap.
For instance, he could have Kuroba Kaito issue a high private Bounty for himself. If he ever got caught, Kuroba Kaito could then claim it as the Bounty issuer.
If Kuroba Kaito were a ruthless person, they could even join forces to eliminate whoever captured him...
He wasn't short on cash and didn't need the money urgently. It was simply more convenient to hand him over to the National Police Agency.
Reaching a secluded spot, Chi Feichi switched cars, borrowed the Driver's License and face of the 'new car's' owner, changed his Disguise, went home to stash the Trophy Gun in the Bathroom Ceiling, and then rushed to the Airport, taking a direct flight to Osaka.
Two hours later, the plane landed in Osaka.
Three hours later, Chi Feichi was a guest at Heiji Hattori's Home and, while he was at it, sent an Email to the National Police Agency's previous contact Email Address.
[You have an Express Home Delivery. Please sign for receipt at Beside the Bushes near the Police Department Back Door.]
Two minutes later, a group of police officers hurried out of the Police Department Back Door and found the large Cardboard Box Beside the Bushes.
Printed Paper was also affixed to the Cardboard Box, but this time the words were:
[Live Nuisance Pet inside. Handle with care, keep away from water and fire, be cautious of injury, and do not open the box violently.]
Jin Yuan Sheng, who was leading the team, immediately became serious. He surveyed the area around the Cardboard Box, and after confirming that it hadn't been tampered with and that the Things inside hadn't escaped, he nodded and ordered, "Open it!"
Beside him, Kazami Yuya discreetly explained the Situation into his earpiece. Turning his head and seeing Jin Yuan Sheng so solemn, he was dumbfounded.
Although the Things inside were sent by 'July' and were likely a Wanted Criminal, requiring a degree of caution, the sight of a group of Public Security Police surrounding a Delivery Box, their expressions grave and movements cautious, was like...
They were unpacking a Delivery with a sense of ritual?
The scene was quite bizarre.
Jin Yuan Sheng, while his subordinates unpacked the Delivery, explained to Kazami Yuya, "We've noticed that whatever 'July' sends, there's always a hint on the Printed Paper. 'Document' means a Document, 'Live Delivery' refers to a person, and this Delivery was marked 'Live Nuisance Pet' with an added 'be cautious of injury' warning, which suggests a very dangerous Criminal!"
Kazami Yuya nodded, then asked, "Why 'Nuisance Pet'? Does 'pet' represent something?"
Jin Yuan Sheng was stumped. How was he supposed to know?
"Well, this..."
The Delivery Box was opened, revealing Seiran Urashima, bound and gagged with a white handkerchief, and a large piece of Printed Paper—
[Me, Seiran Urashima, Scorpio]
Jin Yuan Sheng put on a knowing expression. "This is also 'July's' usual style. He clearly labels the person or Thing he's sending on the Printed Paper inside the box."
Originally, he didn't need to explain this to Kazami Yuya, but this guy seemed to be in contact with Zero's people, so he had to take it seriously and perform well.
A Public Security officer picked up the white handkerchief, sniffed it gently, and immediately held his breath, then checked Seiran Urashima's breathing. "It's Ether. She's unconscious."
"It seems she really is a very dangerous Wanted Criminal..." Jin Yuan Sheng said to Kazami Yuya, then turned his head and saw the 'Scorpio' label, his expression slightly changing. "'Scorpio'? 'July' caught Scorpio?"
"It should be correct," Kazami Yuya repeated what he was hearing through his earpiece. "Just received news that Scorpio was discovered in the country by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Metropolitan Police Department. Just last night, Scorpio shot and killed someone. The Metropolitan Police Department hasn't released the news yet..."
"Send her to the Metropolitan Police Department to confirm her identity!" Jin Yuan Sheng directed his subordinates. "Fortunately, we were prepared. Using the excuse of adjusting business methods, we had the Home Delivery Company put numerical codes combining dates and locations on the boxes. Looking at the code on this box, it was produced within the last two days and assigned to the Leopard Home Delivery Packaging Point in Edogawa District. Immediately retrieve the surveillance footage near the Leopard Home Delivery Packaging Point in Edogawa District from the last two days. 'July', to conveniently deliver the person, must have driven a car or some other transportation. He might think of avoiding surveillance near the Police Department, but he definitely wouldn't expect us to have strengthened surveillance at the Home Delivery Packaging Point!"
A young Public Security officer had a sudden idea. "Mr. Kinehara, we could actually have those Home Delivery services keep a close watch on their own boxes, so if 'July' steals a box, we'd know immediately..."
Jin Yuan Sheng looked at his subordinate with a strange expression. He wondered if the Public Security Police's examinations weren't as strict as before. "He doesn't have to steal a Home Delivery Box. He can use other Cardboard Boxes, or just not use one at all. Our goal isn't to stop 'July' from stealing Cardboard Boxes. Theft cases aren't under our jurisdiction, and besides, the value of a Cardboard Box doesn't constitute a crime. We just need to find out 'July's' identity."
"He didn't show his face during the last protection Task, indicating he's very concerned about exposing his identity," Kazami Yuya reminded him. "Don't go overboard."
Jin Yuan Sheng had people take Scorpio away and then led others to check the surveillance footage.
Being prepared naturally made them efficient.
A group of Public Security officers quickly locked onto Ninzaburo Shiratori's face and found Ninzaburo Shiratori's police file.
By inquiring with the Metropolitan Police Department, they confirmed that Ninzaburo Shiratori had suddenly volunteered to go on a dispatch, presumably with the aim of capturing Scorpio.
Very suspicious, and also a pity...
After further investigation, the Public Security officers also confirmed that Ninzaburo Shiratori had indeed gone on vacation and hadn't returned to Tokyo at all.
The abandoned car was also found, but it seemed to have just been 'borrowed' casually. The traces inside the car were completely cleaned.
The investigation stalled again, but they could confirm one thing—'July' knew Disguise Technique!
Kazami Yuya secretly reported again via phone. This 'July' was capable, meticulous, cautious, and knew Disguise Technique. They had to take him seriously.
The voice on the other end of the earpiece analyzed, "'July' doesn't seem to mind us investigating him. His attitude is that he doesn't want us to find out, but he doesn't care if we do..."
Kazami Yuya: "..."
Forgive him for not understanding this kind of thinking. It was too awkward!
"Have Kinehara contact him. I want to meet him. You can mention Zero's identity."
"You're going in person?"
"Yes. He can choose to Disguise himself when he comes. I have an important high Bounty Task to discuss with him. I'll go alone. Tell him that."
"Understood."
Kazami Yuya responded seriously and relayed the message to Jin Yuan Sheng.
Jin Yuan Sheng immediately sent an Email: [July, our superior wants to meet you]
*Ding!*
The Email reply was quick:
[No time]
[It's a member of Zero. You should know what Zero represents in Japan, right? We are very sincere.]
[No see]
[You can meet in Disguise. It's just an important high Bounty Task we want to discuss in person. He will come alone.]
[No interest]
A triple denial left Jin Yuan Sheng speechless.
Kazami Yuya watched from the side and relayed the situation to the earpiece, "...That's how it is. The other party is very wary of us."
"Are you tracking him?"
"We are tracking, but the other party used Noah's Relay Website when sending the Email. We can't pinpoint his location."
"Then take it slowly. Give me his Email Address."
"Yes!"
...
Osaka.
Chi Feichi cleared his Email inbox, logged out, and logged into his public-facing Email Account before putting away his mobile phone.
Public Security had already found out that he had disguised himself as Ninzaburo Shiratori. This was not unexpected, but their actions were a bit faster than he had anticipated, probably because they had made some preparations beforehand.
An invitation to meet, indicating that the other party still didn't know his real identity and that their level of attention had increased.
As for the important high Bounty Task involving Zero, it was definitely a very troublesome and high-risk Task...
No meeting, definitely no meeting!
Heiji Hattori returned after finishing his phone call and explained the Situation to Chi Feichi, "I can't reach Conan or Mr. Mouri's phones. They must have gone somewhere with poor signal, but rest assured, Kaito Kid has never hurt anyone, and Conan will definitely see through him."
Chi Feichi stood up. "Thank you for taking care of Hissashi and for your hospitality. I've already booked a plane ticket and will head back to Tokyo first."
"It's nothing, you helped treat my injury!" Heiji Hattori grinned. "The hospital check-up showed there's absolutely no problem with my bone, and the swelling in my ankle has gone down a lot faster. I can even walk now. It's really amazing. But aren't you planning to stay in Osaka for a few more days?"
"No, I'm not." Chi Feichi declined.
Heiji Hattori knew Chi Feichi wasn't a talkative person and didn't mind his attitude. "Alright, next time you come, my leg injury should be healed. I'll take you to see the scenery of Osaka and try some delicious food! Of course, I won't lose in our next match!"
Heiji Hattori, as the host, was still very competent. He directly found a police car to take Chi Feichi to the Airport, attracting a lot of attention from passersby.
Chi Feichi didn't pay much attention to other people's gazes. Riding in a police car was also an experience. He got out of the car and entered the Airport, checked Hissashi in as live animal transport, and returned to Tokyo.
That day, Conan and his group discovered that the Castle Gate had been pried open. They braced themselves and cautiously explored the castle, but by the time they finished their adventure and returned in the evening, they hadn't found any trace of Scorpio.
Kuroba Kaito, disguised as Kudo Shinichi, met with Mouri Ran, dispelling Mouri Ran's suspicions about Conan and buying Conan some more time.
White pigeons flew into the night sky in formation. The person who had been surrounded by pigeons earlier had vanished without a trace.
Mouri Ran came downstairs and only saw the pigeons flying away into the distance and Conan standing downstairs.
Kuroba Kaito took advantage of the night and slipped into the Alley to leave.
At the End of the Alley, a dark figure stood in the Shadow cast by the wall. "Using a gorgeous spectacle to attract the audience's attention while reducing one's own presence, using the Blind Spot in the surrounding environment to escape, thereby achieving an amazing Magic Effect... a very brilliant Turning into Birds."
Kuroba Kaito paused warily, then suddenly chuckled and continued walking forward.
"If you were to learn Magic, you would definitely become an excellent Magician. There's a Method in simple Magic Performances where two people hide in a box, each revealing a head and a foot, to perform some Waist Severing Magic..."
"Conversely, there's also Magic that makes one person look like two, usually by using Acting Skill to mislead and then making the scene complex or chaotic."
[Two days before the New Year might be a bit busy, I need to help with the house cleaning, so there might only be one update then. Updates will continue during the New Year period, and there will be two updates when I have time. Just letting you know in advance, and I hope for your understanding.]
[End of Chapter]