He picked up the Phone in confusion, only to hear the Voice of Sato Miwako, the "Flower of the Metropolitan Police Department," which carried an underlying anxiety that could not be hidden despite his calm tone: "Ms. Hashimoto, are you free right now?"
The Milk on the dining table was still warm, emitting a sweet aroma, the toast on the left hand was toasted to perfection, crispy and delicious, with the scent of wheat filling the tip of the nose.
However, at this moment, Nana had no heart to focus on this breakfast.
It turned out that the original 'Seven Deadly Sins' murder case had encountered new complications; Little boy Lai claimed to be the ultimate mastermind behind it, he had also kidnapped Suzuki Sonoko.
He specified that he wants to see you.
Upon hearing this news, Nana could not even bother to eat breakfast; he hurriedly threw on his coat, grabbed a piece of toasted bread with his right hand, ran toward the Entrance in a rush.
On the way, she hurriedly made a phone call to Kindaichi to inform this Senior of what had happened.
I already know," Kindaichi said with a serious tone. "I went out on vacation with Miyuki yesterday, so I'm not in Tokyo right now. I'll be back on the Shinkansen immediately.
Calm down first." Kindaichi still had a fair amount of trust in his junior, who was both a protégé and a friend, but considering it was the other person's first time encountering such a situation, he was still quite uneasy. "If they are willing to take a hostage just to demand a meeting with you, then there must be something about you that they find worthwhile.
But—" Nana raised a doubt. "Before this, I didn't even know him at all.
Think carefully about your intersections with him." Kindaichi was also somewhat puzzled by this, but since he was not the party involved, it was Impossible for him to have experienced everything personally, so he could only ask Nana to think more carefully. "If you really have no clue, when you are in contact with him, try to probe a little while trying your best not to provoke him.
Nana nodded solemnly, only realizing just after he had finished that the other party likely couldn't see him, before finally speaking, "I know."
Regardless, you must be careful," Kindaichi finally urged, "Watch your own safety, don't try to be a hero.
Even though he himself had a personality that often involved putting himself in danger, this time he was the one reminding Nana to stay safe.
Even though the situation was critical, Nana felt a warmth in his heart, finally relaxing his furrowed brows as he said softly, "I know, thank you."
..
For Suzuki Sonoko, this matter was nothing short of an unexpected disaster.
Normally, with her best friend Ran, a Karate expert, by her side, having no grudges against anyone, there was no reason for Suzuki Sonoko to be kidnapped.
Unfortunately, Lai's appearance was so deceptive that even Ran was nearly stabbed by him because he lowered his guard.
Due to her height, Lai could not properly hold Suzuki Sonoko hostage; however, he had a handgun in her hand.
This silver Ladies' handgun was currently being pressed silently against Suzuki Sonoko's heart. Nanase's technique was skillful and professional; to anyone with a certain understanding of firearms, his familiarity with guns would be beyond doubt.
The side in a standoff had the advantage in numbers, including a worried-looking Mori Ran, a frowning Mori Kogoro, Kyogoku Makoto with eyes filled with anger and panic, a heavy-faced Edogawa Conan, Sera Masumi who had rushed over upon hearing the news, a group of Japanese Police, the composed Shuichi Akai.
There were only two people on the opposite side.
However, the Boy's actions left the side with the obvious numerical advantage feeling powerless.
He turned a deaf ear to the persuasion of the person opposite, as if he had heard nothing at all, maintaining his stance in a manner that was almost playful, occasionally tilting his head to prove that he was not a Twisted-jointed Doll.
When the Police urged him to drop the weapon in his hands, promising that he could receive leniency, a look of almost mocking derision appeared on Nanase's face.
“Are you kidding me? How many people have I killed? —Though they really deserved to die.” Lai raised his eyebrows high, his tone filled with disdain and a casual cruelty: “How much 'leniency' can there be? I'm not an idiot.”
Conan stared intently at this boy, the tranquilizer needle in his watch ready to fire.
However, the physique that was usually inconvenient for Nanase had now become an advantage; Suzuki Sonoko shielded him completely, making it impossible for Conan to bypass Sonoko to aim at Nanase.
And, Lai is clearly an experienced guy; the location where he is in a standoff with the Police is not suitable for sniping at all. Not to mention he specifically chose an indoor setting, making it even more impossible to deal with due to the cover provided by the opaque walls.
Shuichi Akai calmly surveyed his surroundings, in a place where no one was watching, a flash of green flickered in his eyes.
I said, if you want to talk, have Hashimoto Nana come over—" At this, Nanase paused for a moment, then looked up and said in a lighthearted tone, "Oh, she's here.
Thus, Nana's arrival attracted everyone's attention just like that.
Nana: ".."
Nana: "??"
She couldn't help but pause her steps, facing the burning gazes of Everyone, tilting her head with a bewildered expression, feeling quite lost.
..
The moment Nana entered the door, Nanase finally seemed to take an interest, the expression on his face was no longer that of a listless person.
The boy's clear eyes stared directly at the Black-haired female detective; having shed his usual childish disguise, he now displayed an undisguised aggressiveness.
He laughed, his two pointed canines gave him a touch of childishness.
Innocent and cruel childishness.
I've arrived," Nana said, trying his best to remain calm as he dealt with him. "Why did you specifically ask me to come here?
"Such an attitude is truly heartbreaking.. Sister Hashimoto." The Boy called out to Nana in a sickly sweet tone, causing the latter to feel an involuntary shiver and break out in goosebumps.
She retorted, "I've only seen you in previous murder cases.. Speaking of which, those murder cases were also related to you, weren't they?"
“What? You're being so aggressive. You were clearly so caring before~" Boy blinked his eyes. "Are adults always this unreasonable?"
Regarding his act of playing the innocent, Nana truly found it hard to tolerate: "Is the care obtained through deception really what you want?"
Nanase was momentarily speechless.
After a pause, the Boy raised her head again, her gaze heavy, her tone finally returned to normal: "Ms. Hashimoto, what are you talking about?"
“You know it yourself,” Nana said with a grim expression. “Not just me, but also Mrs. Aida; what you called being kidnapped by her at the time—”
She did not continue speaking.
Mrs. Aida's ordeal was truly lamentable, but looking at it now, the fact that she ultimately chose such a path of no return might not have been without provocation from Lai.
Lai sneered, "And what do you know?"
“You don't know anything, so where do you get the confidence to judge me?” The Boy's voice grew increasingly stern.
Indeed, she did not know the ins and outs of the matter.
It seems.. the Truth of the matter is likely somewhat different from what she had guessed.
Nana felt apologetic about this, however he did not regret saying what he had said before.
After all, only by doing this could she find Nanase's weakness.
No matter what, no matter what hidden circumstances Nanase has, or how much pain and necessity they endure..
At the very least, Suzuki Sonoko is innocent.
He should not have become a victim.
Nana's gaze was heavy, his words carrying a subtle inducement: "In that case, what is the Truth, after all?"
“……” Lai opened his mouth, but then closed it again, his words dissolving into a smile.
Having finally reacted, Shiran did not fall for the trick. He looked at Nana with a half-smile, "Brother is truly cunning.. but it's alright, I forgive you."
Nana, who didn't need his forgiveness: ".."
"If you want to know more, why don't we talk privately?" Lai blinked innocently, a faint smile playing on the corners of his lips.
Nana frowned.
He clearly had no Plan to release Suzuki Sonoko, in this situation, a private talk meant—
Before the person could even speak, Sato Miwako reacted, rebuking sharply, "What nonsense are you talking?! Do you think we'll let you take another hostage?!"
They have a responsibility to protect the safety of the citizens.
Suzuki Sonoko must be saved, but that doesn't mean they would let another Innocent's situation become dangerous just to save Suzuki Sonoko.
Moreover, wouldn't that just mean being led by the nose by that guy?!
"Why don't you ask Ms. Hashimoto's opinion?" Nanase gave a light chuckle, meeting the challenge without backing down.
Nana hesitated for a moment, remained silent for a long time, finally nodded.
“I promise you.”
For some reason, she always felt that Nanase's target shouldn't be her.
The Police were deceived by Nanase's contradictions, believing him to be the mastermind behind the Serial murder case, they were exceptionally wary of him. Furthermore, since Nanase had taken hostages and possessed firearms, his danger level was raised several levels higher.
But they also overlooked one point because of Lai's various behaviors.
—Just like before, when they subconsciously lowered their guard and ruled him out as a suspect because of his appearance as a Child.
The people Little boy Lai killed could not even be considered innocent.
Nana felt that he.. shouldn't have done anything that would leave him publicly condemned, right?
-----------------------
Author's Note: Thank you to the Little Angels for the likes and mines, love you mwah~
Thank you to Shulaia Little Angel for the landmine, love you mwah~
Thank you, Meow Unspeakable Little Angel, for the mine, love you mwah~
Thanks to Grapefruit flavored You Nini's landmine, love you mwah~
Thanks to the Little Angel who provided Nutrient solution:
Hansheng, Meiri Yixi Yi Yuanyuan, Guiyuan 10 bottles; Zi Mingyingyou, Song Wenrui 9 bottles; Kongshan Jue 5 bottles; Yuzhong 1 bottle;
Thank you very much for everyone's support, I will continue to work hard!
Chapter 168 Chapter 152 Is he really an idiot..
Although he was still a bit hesitant, Nana still made his decision.
No.. It is not just because of Sonoko.
It is even more because..
It had been a while since she had received any news regarding Zhenjun.
Since their parting on the night of the Party, Nana has been restless, yet under these circumstances, Zhenjun has remained completely out of contact, which only seems to further validate her unease.
Nana knew what Murphy's Law was, but at this moment, he had no intention of risking his life at all.
So—
Since Zhenjun mentioned this boy.. could it be that he knows something?
Besides, Nana believed he had nothing worth this boy's interest, so perhaps the reason he approached him.. might have something to do with Zhenjun?