Detective Conan: Death Note

One afternoon after the bus hijacking incident, in the apartment where Asami lives.

"Stretch out your arms."

"Okay."

In front of Haibara Ai, Hiroki Sawada, who looked only four or five years old, obediently stretched out his arm. Haibara Ai disinfected it with a cotton swab soaked in iodine, then took a syringe and began drawing blood.

Narumi Asai, a doctor, observed from the side. The child's calm movements didn't seem like something a real child would do at all.

But at this point, Narumi Asai already knew the truth.

"Okay, press down on the spot with this cotton ball."

"Alright..."

Hiroki Sawada nodded, then looked calmly at Haibara Ai injecting his blood into a test tube. After a pause, he couldn't help but ask:

"Where's Yoshiki-nii?"

"He went to the Metropolitan Police Department for a meeting early this morning."

"Is it because of the bus hijacking a few days ago?" Narumi asked.

"It was in the papers. The leader of the robbers was released by the police and has now gone into hiding."

"Maybe there are other cases that need him."

Haibara Ai didn't know much. She looked at Narumi and Hiroki and added coolly, "But when he brought me here, he asked me to remind you—Hiroki needs to change his name."

"Oh, don't worry about that. I'm actually planning to give this child my surname—Narumi," Narumi said with a smile.

Sawada Hiroki lowered his head slightly.

Yoshiki brought Ai here, but… why didn't he come to see me?

He felt a sting of concern.

Since the last time Hayashi Yoshiki left, Hiroki still had many questions. He wanted to see him.

Haibara Ai, of course, understood just by looking at him.

"He didn't come on purpose."

"Eh?"

"He's highly respected in that organization. You never know when someone might be watching him. That's why... he won't meet you unless it's safe."

Haibara Ai looked calmly at the boy in front of her.

Before taking APTX4869, he was just a 10-year-old child—and a victim of my drug.

Logically, Haibara Ai shouldn't be so cold-hearted.

But when she remembered how Hayashi Yoshiki had risked everything to save this boy—only to be met with suspicion—she couldn't help but feel irritated.

Still, there was a reason Hiroki Sawada acted this way.

He was angry—because Yoshiki always did dangerous things without ever explaining.

Even that day... they never found out.

"Why does it have to be like this...?"

Hiroki looked down in frustration.

Then, after a moment, he lifted his head and looked at Haibara Ai with rare seriousness.

"Can you tell me about that organization—and about Yoshiki-nii?"

"Why?"

Haibara Ai didn't answer immediately. Hiroki still wasn't mature enough—and knowing too much could endanger Hayashi Yoshiki.

"His intention was for you to forget all that. He wants you to live like a normal kid."

"But maybe... I can help Yoshiki-nii!"

Hiroki retorted, eyes burning:

"If we use the power of Noah's Ark, we can track all the organization's crimes—find the evidence, their locations, even their real appearances... in real time!"

…

At that moment, Haibara Ai's expression changed.

If artificial intelligence really could do what Hiroki said... it could be an enormous help to Cointreau.

They might even break free from the organization... and live under the sun.

Inside the Metropolitan Police Department – Criminal Investigation Office

Toshiro Odagiri and Hayashi Yoshiki sat across from one another. Between them, two cups of tea released faint trails of steam.

"According to headquarters, the task force will be reduced significantly," said Odagiri, arms folded.

"That's understandable," Hayashi Yoshiki replied without surprise.

"After all, if the culprit used artificial intelligence to cause the accident, then... how do we arrest a program that lives on the internet?"

…

Odagiri was silent for a moment, then spoke again:

"But in the end, people are the ones using the tools—and people have weaknesses. Just like Thomas Schindler."

"Perhaps."

"I'm sorry, Counselor... but we have to prioritize our limited resources."

"I understand, Minister Odagiri."

"It's good that you do." Odagiri nodded, then looked at Yoshiki seriously.

"But the task force hasn't been disbanded. I still hope you'll remain as our consultant."

"Minister Odagiri," Hayashi Yoshiki said, picking up his teacup,

"What I didn't say during the meeting... is that I suspect the murderer has ties to the police."

Odagiri's expression immediately darkened.

"Even if they're not the killer," Yoshiki continued, "They're at least closely connected to the force."

"Because of the two robbers on the bus?"

"Exactly. Their identities were never leaked. Yet they died in such an absurd manner... The only people who knew about their actions—besides the passengers—were the police."

"…I'll take it seriously."

Odagiri did not take Yoshiki's words lightly. He had no reason to.

How could you distrust a man who stood in front of a bomb for the sake of civilians and officers alike?

A man who stared down the barrel of a robber's gun and said:

'It doesn't matter if you kill me—but let the child go.'

Silence fell between them.

As the escaped jewel thief Kunio Yashima remained at large, the only sound was that of Odagiri boiling more water for tea.

"Some officers from the task force will be reassigned to investigate the recent surge in crimes committed by the thief gang "Genjibotaru"

"Another gang?"

"Yes. They've been active since 1989. Do you know anything about them?"

Before Yoshiki could answer, Odagiri added:

"They've repeatedly stolen Buddhist statues and valuable works of art. Their operations span Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Each member uses the name of a historical retainer of Yoshitsune—and they all carry a copy of Yoshitsune-ki."

"…And what have they done recently?"

"Their leader, who calls himself Yoshitsune, commands eight others—Benkei, Ise Saburo, and five more. Recently, the last five were murdered... and the Yoshitsune-ki in their possession was also stolen."