Ai Haibara's Decision
The General's direct, whispered offer hung heavy in Professor Agasa's living room. Ai Haibara (Shiho Miyano) had encountered many powerful figures, but none had possessed the quiet authority, the depth of intelligence, and the verifiable assets of Tenryuu Kaito.
She looked at Kaito, recognizing the truth in his eyes: he was the greatest strategic asset she could hope for. His resources promised security and, more importantly, the chance to finally understand and defeat the drug she had created.
"General Tenryuu," Ai Haibara said, her child's voice laced with the cold logic of the scientist. "Your proposal is the only rational choice. I require the resources to complete my counter-agent, and I require the security that can defeat the Black Organization."
She looked at the oblivious Professor Agasa, who was happily discussing a new gadget with Shiori.
"My terms are absolute secrecy and direct control over the AP-X 1111 research methodology," Shiho stated.
Kaito smiled, a strategic victory achieved without force. "Agreed, Miyano-san. Welcome to the Cerberus Network."
The Hound Expands: Bourne and Chan
With Shiho Miyano secured and the AP-X 1111 project now having its lead scientist, Kaito turned his focus back to hardening the security around his growing circle of assets, especially given Shiho's extremely high threat profile.
The existing captains of The Hound were lethal, but Kaito identified gaps in specialized close-protection and unconventional recovery—areas requiring unique skill sets.
"Shiori," Kaito commanded. "We are adding two final Captains to The Hound. One for absolute, instinctive defense, and one for deep-cover, adaptive protection."
Jason Bourne (Acquisition Codename: The Instinct): Kaito acquired the legendary operative, granting him sanctuary and the purpose of protecting the most sensitive assets. Bourne, the master of improvisation, escape, and high-level field psychology, became the Captain of the Protective Strategy Division. His mandate: Anticipate the impossible threat and ensure total asset extraction.
Jackie Chan (Acquisition Codename: The Acrobat): Kaito recruited the master martial artist and stunt coordinator, not just for his fighting ability, but for his exceptional skill in using chaotic environments for defense and distraction. Chan became the Captain of the Adaptive Security Division. His mandate: Provide discreet, close-proximity protection for high-profile assets, utilizing environments and physical misdirection as weapons.
The final structure of The Hound, reporting to Captain John Wick, was a perfect, multifaceted shield:
Captain (Codename)DivisionCore SpecialtyJohn Wick (Baba Yaga)Overall CommandLethal Tactical EnforcementAgent 47 (The Ghost)Infiltration/DisguisePerfect Intelligence GatheringAgent 007 (The Charmer)Counter-IntelligenceHigh-Level Deception/DiplomacyCaine (The Blade)Unconventional CombatClose-Quarters Threat NeutralizationGhost (The Phantom)Covert Ops/Military StrategyPerimeter Security and ExtractionJason Bourne (The Instinct)Protective StrategyEvasion and Psychological Counter-MeasuresJackie Chan (The Acrobat)Adaptive SecurityClose-Protection and Environment Utilization
The Science of Defense
Shiho Miyano was immediately transported to the deep-underground research facility. Kaito had tasked the newest Captain, Jackie Chan, with establishing a new, discreet external security layer for the Tenryuu Tower—disguised as "high-end building maintenance."
This allowed Chan to blend his martial arts and observation skills into a perfect, everyday cover.
Meanwhile, Shiho and Dr. Vance, two brilliant scientists united by the General's will, began to tear apart the final secrets of the APTX 4869.
Shiho's knowledge of the drug's fatal blind spots perfectly complimented Vance's molecular biology expertise. The AP-X 1111 project accelerated exponentially.
"General," Shiho reported days later. "The permanent antidote is still distant, but I have found a solution. I can synthesize a temporary counter-agent—a drug that reverses the shrinking for exactly twenty-four hours. It will stabilize the telomerase decay."
"A temporary antidote," Kaito mused. An invaluable tool for his assets, allowing Conan to revert to Shinichi for critical moments.
"General Kaito," Shiho added, her eyes gleaming with renewed scientific purpose. "The Black Organization's greatest scientific secret is about to become your greatest strategic weapon."