The two who had just returned from the beach suddenly felt unusual gazes on them, and Hattori Heiji and Edogawa Conan instinctively looked over.
Little girls?
What they saw were two little girls.
They were not old, but the gazes of the two little girls felt particularly strange.
However, the two little girls only looked at them for a moment, then turned and left.
"Edogawa, were those two little girls strange?"
"Yes, their gazes felt strange… but those two should be from wealthy families."
Conan also found the two little girls strange, so he paid special attention to observing them. All he got was that they were very wealthy.
"Both were dressed exquisitely. Especially that kimono, it did not have overly elaborate patterns, but it was surprisingly delicate."
"I cannot tell the price, but it is probably much more expensive than an ordinary kimono."
"Yes."
Heiji agreed.
"The silver-gray haired girl was the same. Her outfit, dress, and shoes were all custom-made, and not cheap. These two should be from rich families, but why are they out so late?"
With two consecutive murders nearby, would a wealthy family let their children out this late?
"Heiji, first think. Do you think their family is stupid? Do you think they would not know what everyone else knows?"
Conan did not believe a young lady dressed like that would be without protection.
Just like Sonoko, who never flaunts her wealth at school, he never worried when she was with Ran. If Ran and Sonoko could not handle something, the family bodyguards could. What was there to worry about?
"…You are right."
Heiji chuckled a few times, then pulled his attention back.
The two quickly returned to their rooms.
They had solved a case yesterday and played hard all day today, and now both were exhausted.
They sat opposite each other again.
"This time, after I go back, I will also follow up on that organization's case."
"Now that news of that organization has leaked, it is not necessarily a bad thing. Those guys will probably think twice before acting."
"Right now, that organization is probably going all out to find the missing Miyano Shiho and Miyano Akemi, as well as the third party who helped them escape."
Originally, Heiji had no intention of letting that organization off.
They had caused huge turmoil, and the drugs they manufactured had killed many people. There was also Kudo Shinichi's share. He would not forget it.
Conan nodded slightly, while reminding,
"Heiji, it is fine to keep an eye on that organization yourself, but you need to be more careful in some areas. Even though they have exposed a lot, they certainly do not want more exposure, and they will act more directly if anything risks further leaks."
"Therefore, do not expose yourself."
"You will not be the only one hurt. Everyone around you will be too. I have already tasted that bitter fruit."
Conan bluntly used himself as the most failed example.
His current state was caused by excessive self-confidence. If he had been a little more careful, it probably would not have come to this.
Seeing Conan's dejection, Heiji naturally understood the risk of exposure.
Conan's situation was a warning. And this was still the best outcome after exposure.
"Do not worry."
Having learned much about that organization from Takagi, he now understood how dangerous it was.
Even the Old Man needed to be very careful facing them, let alone him.
Any information about that organization should not be acted on impulsively. Some might be traps, and a stick might be swung from the darkness at any moment.
"Before investigating, I will definitely make a backup plan and tell the Old Man my whereabouts so he can bail me out if needed."
Heiji might be more impulsive in other situations.
But facing that organization, he would not take chances. Any impulse could lead to irreversible consequences.
Conan breathed a sigh of relief. He had worried Heiji might act rashly.
"That is for the best."
"No matter what, if you go to investigate that organization, call the Police first. They have broader experience dealing with situations. And if you call, your warning will draw their attention, and they will be more cautious in their actions."
"Our individual actions are still too weak. We cannot face such a large organization."
"In the end, we are just detectives, and can only be detectives."
He now had a deeper understanding of being powerless.
"I understand."
Heiji naturally understood Conan's reminder.
Being careful is never wrong.
"In an emergency, you can tell your father about my situation."
"!?"
Heiji's heart skipped a beat.
"Edogawa, this is not a joke."
"I know."
Conan naturally knew the fewer people who knew his situation, the better, but that was only ideal.
"Sometimes, to get more information, you need to exchange some."
"Your father has his own considerations. He cannot leak everything to you. If you want information, you need to compromise."
"No one knows my current situation, but I do not know if the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's upper echelons already know the drug's effects, and I am not sure if your father knows."
"But my guess is he does not."
"So, Heiji, you need to use some of my information to compromise with your father."
Heiji understood all that Conan said.
"But if that… leaks, you are finished."
Heiji could not imagine it. If the information leaked from him and then leaked again by the Old Man, Kudo Shinichi might face death again.
"Yes, I know. If it comes to that, I probably will not be able to go on living. If I continue, everyone around me will face that organization's threat."
"But for me now, I might only be able to bet everything."
Looking at Conan's resolve, Heiji took a deep breath, and determination appeared on his troubled face.
"I understand, Edogawa."
"But this time, I will not let you face such danger alone. I will talk to the Old Man, in my own way."
(To be continued.)
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