The Deep Core Laboratory
The subterranean research facility beneath the Tenryuu Tower was Kaito's most precious asset. It was a flawless white realm of scientific precision, guarded by multiple layers of The Hound's security, entirely disconnected from the outside world.
Dr. Elara Vance stood before a massive holographic display, which rendered the molecular structure of the APTX 4869 in blinding detail. Kaito, now sixteen, visited the lab regularly, not as a patron, but as the project's lead strategist.
"General Kaito," Dr. Vance reported, her voice resonating with scientific reverence. "We have isolated the primary mechanism of the drug: the telomerase activation that causes reverse-aging. Our stable, reversible shrinking compound—the first step of AP-X 1111—is entering final trials."
"Excellent," Kaito confirmed. "But what about the creator? Does the science betray the scientist?"
The Scientific Fingerprint
Dr. Vance brought up a secondary molecular map, highlighting subtle, almost imperceptible flaws in the APTX 4869's original composition.
"The drug is brilliant, but it contains a distinct, idiosyncratic signature," Dr. Vance explained. "A unique method of utilizing specific synthesis enzymes. It's like a scientific fingerprint—a blend of Japanese and highly specialized British methodologies, particularly those pioneered in the late 1990s."
She paused, looking at Kaito. "It suggests the primary creator was either educated in the UK or worked closely with British research teams specializing in genetic longevity studies two decades ago."
The Search for Miyano
This was the intelligence Kaito needed. He immediately tasked his core strategic team:
Kazuya (Profiler): "Cross-reference all known scientific personnel who fit the genetic longevity profile—Japanese origin, UK education or strong affiliation, age range 40-60—with any scientist who has recently vanished or left the academic field abruptly."
Masato (Cryptographer): "Search all historical, high-security financial transfers and organizational funding related to British research institutions from the late 90s. Look for anything tied to the Black Organization's known shell companies."
The search yielded a fast, cold result.
Kazuya provided the name: Miyano Elena. A brilliant, quiet Japanese scientist who had worked in a remote UK genetics lab before returning to Japan and vanishing entirely with her husband twenty years prior. Her profile perfectly matched the scientific signature.
The Scent of Sherry
"Miyano Elena is the original developer," Kaito confirmed. "But the drug is being mass-produced now. That means the creator has a successor."
Masato quickly pulled up a Tier 2 communication intercept from the Black Organization's network—a brief, highly encrypted message sent years ago, related to the completion of the APTX 4869 formula.
The message contained two key data points: The drug was complete, and the creator's code name was 'Sherry.'
Kaito knew from the future timeline: Sherry was Shiho Miyano, the younger sister of the original developer, now hiding as Ai Haibara and currently a classmate of Conan.
The General's New Asset Target
Kaito stared at the map of Beika. The chess pieces were almost perfectly aligned.
The detective (Conan) was protected. The organization (The Serpent) was tracked. The antidote (AP-X 1111) was in development. And the scientist (Ai Haibara/Shiho Miyano) was now clearly identified.
"Shiori," Kaito commanded, his voice decisive. "The scientist is the key to accelerating the antidote and understanding the Organization's true scope. We must locate and secure Shiho Miyano before the Black Organization does."
"She is currently living under the assumed identity of Ai Haibara, a first-grader in Conan-kun's class," Shiori stated, pulling up the school roster. "A highly volatile asset."
"The Hound is to focus all its resources on her protection," Kaito instructed. "But we cannot use force. We need to acquire her trust and cooperation, not her captivity. Task Agent 007 (The Charmer) with establishing a remote, safe line of communication to her guardian, Professor Agasa. He is to create a scenario where Professor Agasa willingly seeks the General's assistance."
The hunt for the antidote's creator had officially begun.