In the world of Detective Conan, however, he was bound to the Naruto System.

Chapter 44: The Shadow Rises Again, the Bandaged Strange Man on the Suspension Bridge

As Conan recounts his past experiences, Akutagawa Hiko also learns the version of the Shinkansen bombing incident, and Conan already knows the code names of Gin and Vodka.

"To kill and cover up a crime, they actually wanted an entire trainload of Shinkansen passengers dead. This is truly heinous and utterly despicable!"

Conan angrily slammed his fist on the sofa, clearly harboring deep hatred for the Black Organization, which had turned him into a child and committed so many horrific crimes.

However, this is just the beginning; there will be many more events even bigger than this in the future.

"In that case, where did those two men in black—I mean Gin and Vodka—get off the bus?"

Conan recalled that at the time, his attention was completely focused on the powerful explosives that could turn the Shinkansen train to ashes, and he didn't really pay attention to the train conductor's announcements.

"Let me calculate it..."

Conan glanced at his watch: "They got off at 2:30 PM, at which time the train should be stopped in... Nagoya!"

Conan stroked his chin, his glasses reflecting a cold light: "Since they chose to get off there, does that mean...?"

Their organization has a base in Nagoya. If we can find it, we might be able to get the prototype of that poison and have the doctor develop an antidote.

If I can turn back into Shinichi Kudo, it will be much easier to fight against the organization!

Akutagawa Hiko tapped Conan on the head, interrupting his daydream. Rather than actively searching for the headquarters, which was so well hidden that even Amuro Tooru, a codenamed executive, didn't know its location, it would be better to wait for them to slip up on their own.

After all, the distillery was essentially a makeshift operation built to prepare for that anti-aging drug. The old crow didn't have much time, and he wasn't as patient as the young people.

Akutagawa Hiko suppressed someone's reckless impulse: "Don't be so impulsive. I don't think they'll let you off the hook just because you're a child."

Conan tried once again to extract information from Akutagawa Hiko, but unfortunately he got nothing and was kicked out of the door in frustration.

Before long, Tangbing returned to the office carrying Xiaolongbao and Shirley. While waiting for the client to come and pick up the cat after finishing a phone call, Akutagawa Hiko petted the cat and chatted with Tangbing.

When he learned that the sherry had been found on a bench near the office, Akutagawa Hiko fell silent.

If I remember correctly, judging from the address the client filled in, the place where this cat is staying seems to be on the only way to get here...

"Ahem... Perhaps this lady is too concerned to notice..."

Even Akutagawa Hiko himself didn't believe what he said.

In short, Akutagawa Hiko easily obtained a three-star rating for the cat-catching mission, instantly mastering the application techniques of Gentle Fist, Eight Trigrams Palm, and Heavenly Return.

After practicing a few times in my room, I copied it onto a blank scroll, intending to fill my meager inventory.

Having prepared so many bookshelves, yet not a single one was filled, Akutagawa Hiko was very dissatisfied with his progress.

……

Soon, the appointed day arrived.

Akutagawa Hiko drove the three of them to her sister's villa in the woods, in a car that Sonoko had brought over. It looked incredibly understated, but its interior was lavishly decorated.

Completely disregarding safe driving regulations, Akutagawa Hiko chatted with Suzuki Sonoko, who was sitting next to him. He was confident that even if there was a car accident, the people in the car would not be hurt in the slightest.

With real power comes the freedom to be this capricious.

Sonoko Suzuki had already thought it through. The last time she invited Hiko Akutagawa to a party hosted by someone else, she was unaware of the grudges and entanglements involved, which led to the unpleasant murder case.

This gathering was organized entirely by her older sister. Knowing her sister as she does, Suzuki Sonoko was confident that the atmosphere would remain harmonious and friendly throughout the event, making it easy to erase any unpleasant first impressions.

It would be terrible if it left an impression that a garden was synonymous with murder or a deadly crime.

The villa in the woods boasts beautiful scenery and is far from the hustle and bustle of the world. It can purify the soul, allowing one to forget the terrible murder case and enjoy the beauty before one's eyes.

Most importantly, the poor signal at the forest villas also diminishes the internet's appeal to young people. In the meantime, the only way to pass the time will be through socializing and engaging in activities together.

At that time, why worry about not being able to increase understanding and cultivate feelings?

Garden, you are so clever.

Akutagawa Hiko glanced subtly at Suzuki Sonoko, whose facial expressions were gradually crumbling as she leaned towards Kogoro Mouri.

But it doesn't matter, as long as she's still willing to take him to those villas under her family's name that have been the subject of cases, these are all minor issues.

……

The next long stretch is a mountain road, and cars can't drive in.

Everyone had been cooped up in the car for quite a while, so getting out and walking around would allow them to breathe in some fresh air. They weren't carrying much stuff either, so they weren't burdened.

Sonoko Suzuki was very excited about the upcoming activities, and was naturally full of energy: "Once we get over this mountain, we'll be at my sister's villa!"

After walking for nearly two hours along the mountain path, the group finally saw the villa across the ravine.

Akutagawa Hiko simply couldn't understand why these rich people liked to build villas in such remote mountains and forests. If you actually lived there, it would be inconvenient to do anything.

The other three breathed a sigh of relief. Once they crossed the suspension bridge, they could put down their increasingly heavy luggage from their arduous journey and get some rest.

"That is..."

Just as the group was about to cross the bridge, they paused for a moment.

Because at this moment, there is someone crossing the suspension bridge.

The man was dressed in a black robe with a hood on his head. He had his back to the group and looked exactly like some shady cult members.

Unaware of the seriousness of the situation, Ran asked curiously, "Sonoko, who is that person? It looks like he's going to your villa."

Sonoko Suzuki scratched her head and guessed, "It's probably a friend of my sister's. My sister's social circle doesn't overlap much with mine."

Feeling confident that her guess was correct, Sonoko waved enthusiastically ahead: "Hey—, hello there!"

The strangely dressed person paused, then turned his head to reveal a face tightly wrapped in bandages, with only his eyes showing.

"!!"

In the dimly lit mountain forest, a sinister atmosphere permeated the air. The two girls, who were afraid of ghosts, felt a chill creep up their spines, raising goosebumps all over their bodies. Various ghost stories from deep in the mountains and forests instantly swept through their minds.

Sonoko Suzuki jumped back in fright, her voice stammering, "W-what was that?!"

Akutagawa Hiko kindly comforted him, "Whatever it was, it's already gone."

The two frightened individuals looked around, and sure enough, the figure had already quickly disappeared into the dense forest behind the villa...