Detective Conan: Death Note

"What?! You're saying it was thanks to another armed group?" "Yes! Their target was probably the deadly bacteria in the hands of the Red Sia

"What?! You're saying it was thanks to another armed group?"

"Yes! Their target was probably the deadly bacteria in the hands of the Red Siamese cat. After getting it, they left immediately."

After securing the scene, Nakamori Ginzo reported to the Metropolitan Police Department at once.

After explaining the situation, he asked the most important question:

"The interior of the airship has returned to normal. Should we continue flying to Osaka?"

"...Wait a bit longer before landing. We need to hold an emergency press conference to inform the public that the airship is completely safe before arranging your landing."

"Understood."

That was the end of the matter.

Although the bacteria were taken by another dangerous group, at least this incident was properly resolved.

Nakamori Ginzo immediately discussed the matter with Suzuki Jirokichi.

Meanwhile, Hayashi Yoshiki climbed onto the surface of the airship.

Night had fallen.

The bright moonlight and the distant city created a tranquil backdrop as the huge airship slowly glided over the mountain ridge.

A lone figure stood there, overlooking the city at night.

"If you're infected, don't stand up so high in the wind, Mr. Fujioka."

"Cut it out."

The self-proclaimed freelance writer and the original "infected," Fujioka Takamichi, stood with his hands in his pockets, turning around.

"You already realized that there were basically no deadly bacteria on this airship."

"So you went through all that trouble pretending your body was covered in raw lacquer — especially your face... that must have been really itchy."

Hayashi Yoshiki walked up to him.

Thanks to the scale of the airship, walking on it felt like treading on flat ground.

"When I used that towel, I only dared to lightly wipe the back of my hand for show."

Fujioka frowned. From Hayashi Yoshiki's words, he realized something and found it hard to believe:

"You mean... You discovered that the towel was stained with raw lacquer from the very start?"

"That's right."

"That's ridiculous." Fujioka sneered coldly.

"So that famous detective title of yours is all just bluffing?"

If he had really discovered the towel was stained with raw lacquer earlier, he would never have let himself be locked up as part of the ruse.

Fujioka's plan was perfect.

He had successfully isolated the troublesome pair, Hayashi Yoshiki and Ran, by faking a bacterial infection.

Kogoro Mouri was also his target.

Originally, he planned to trick Kogoro into going to the smoking room, but when that failed, he had to slip a sleeping pill into his beer...

But plans couldn't keep up with changes.

Damn it, an armed group that suddenly targeted the bacteria pissed off Fujioka so much he wanted to curse.

Not only were the mercenaries he hired wiped out, but Hayashi Yoshiki also escaped and exposed that there was no bacteria at all—

Fujioka had planned to release thick smoke when the airship reached Nara City, making the citizens, who knew about the bacteria, flee in panic.

Meanwhile, his teammates would steal valuable Buddhist statues and artifacts while Nara was empty.

But now everything was ruined.

"Just like you, Mr. Fujioka."

Hayashi Yoshiki smiled.

"Using the excuse of being infected to escape from hostages and command mercenaries from behind the scenes...

Likewise, I needed to get away from everyone's watch for a while, or it would be bad if I got exposed."

What's he talking about?

Fujioka opened his mouth.

"You mean that group of people..."

"Don't make such a pathetic face. I'm just playing the same trick as you.

Or is it so hard to accept that I have a reputation as a good person but secretly have another identity?"

"Cut the crap!"

Fujioka's face turned cold as he pulled out a gun from his waist and aimed at Hayashi Yoshiki.

The latter smiled calmly.

Under the black night sky, bathed in moonlight, his figure and black eyes radiated an expression of superiority and mockery.

Fujioka immediately realized this famed detective was no ordinary person.

"Whether or not those people were called by you doesn't matter. They already left by helicopter, right?"

"Blame yourself for coming alone to find me."

Hmph...

"Here's the truth: I have two subordinates still hiding on the airship.

While everyone's guard is down, they'll take control. Then, the airship will descend, and we'll escape via speedboat parked by the bridge. As for you..."

"Just wait to die in the explosion!"

Fujioka fired with a ferocious grin.

Bang! Bang!

The muzzle flash lit the night as bullets flew, rushing past Hayashi Yoshiki's ears on both sides in the high-altitude wind.

But Hayashi Yoshiki didn't move, his mocking smile unchanged.

Fujioka sneered.

He meant to scare him and watch his reaction, but hadn't expected such boldness.

"Next shot's aimed at your head!"

"Then aim carefully. Want me to step forward a bit?"

Hayashi Yoshiki spoke and actually stepped forward.

Fujioka's expression changed, and he immediately fired again.

Still, the bullet only grazed Hayashi Yoshiki's shoulder.

"Do you believe in fate?"

"To be honest, I don't like that word, nor do I believe in fate — because that would make me feel this world is false.

Humans are free.

From breath to heartbeat, to consciousness and thoughts in the brain, everything is real and free."

"So I don't believe in fate. After all, just a slight deviation in free thought can lead a person to a completely different life — like someone destined to have an accident might avoid it just by braking a bit five minutes earlier."

What is this guy talking about?

Fujioka was annoyed and fired at Hayashi Yoshiki in anger.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Bullets flew one after another.

But all missed, which was unbelievable for Fujioka—he had great confidence in his shooting, especially with Hayashi Yoshiki slowly closing the distance.

Why?

Was it because of the airship?

Because of the curved surface or the altitude?

Fujioka was confused.

Then Hayashi Yoshiki took a notebook from his pocket.

"But..."

"Mr. Fujioka, I'm sorry to say this, but once your name is written on this paper, you lose your freedom and become bound by fate.

"But I still want to thank you for helping me complete an interesting experiment."