"What? The young lady of the Ōoka family and the young lady of the Fujiwara family were both caught in the explosion? They're not seriously hurt, right?"
"Oh, no life threatening injuries? That's good. That's really good."
"What? The one who went in to save them was the Fujiwara family's young master? He's fine too, right?"
"No life threatening injuries as well? Alright, alright, I understand. I'll head to the hospital right away."
The Kyoto Prefectural Police Inspector General wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and hung up the phone. If no one had been beside him, his legs would have gone weak and he would have collapsed on the spot.
Standing next to him was Heizo, the Osaka Police Superintendent.
Heizo also felt his nerves tighten and cold sweat break out after hearing the phone call.
At the moment, the two were at the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department discussing cases. Neither of them had expected this explosion to involve members of the Fujiwara and Ōoka families.
"Hattori, it looks like we'll have to go to the hospital together," the inspector general said.
Hattori Heizo nodded repeatedly.
Even though the case happened in Kyoto and technically had nothing to do with him, he was currently in Kyoto. There was no way he could avoid responsibility.
With the influence of the Fujiwara and Ōoka families, the two families joining forces could easily strip them of their positions.
Fortunately, neither of the young ladies nor the young master had suffered serious injuries. Otherwise, their political careers would truly be finished.
The two quickly grabbed their car keys and headed downstairs, continuing their discussion.
"Although the Fujiwara and Ōoka family members are safe, the casualties this time are serious. The number of deaths hasn't been fully counted yet."
Heizo listened and patted the inspector general's shoulder, sighing. "You've had it rough. Japan is really falling into chaos now."
The inspector general gave a bitter smile and shook his head.
…
At a hospital in Kyoto, Momiji was undergoing a medical examination. Chika, who had already been checked and found unharmed, stayed by her side.
"Doctor, how is Momiji's leg? She won't need an amputation, right?"
Chika asked nervously.
Momiji's face darkened.
Chika, if you have something nice to say, say it properly.
The doctor glanced at Chika. "Don't worry. It's a fracture. It's serious, but not that severe. She'll need crutches for a while."
"It's not light either, but this kind of injury is common."
Momiji finally breathed a sigh of relief, only to hear Chika speak again.
"Then, Doctor, will Momiji have any lasting effects? Will she walk with a limp for the rest of her life?"
As she spoke, Chika even exaggerated a limping walk on the spot.
The doctor fell silent for a moment. "It hasn't reached that level. Please trust our medical skills."
Only then did Chika brighten up. She grabbed Momiji's hand. "That's great. Momiji won't become disabled."
Momiji forced a dry laugh.
If I get scared to death, it'll be because of you.
The ward door opened, and Momiji's father, Ōoka Naoto, entered together with her grandfather.
Seeing her grandfather, Momiji exclaimed, "Grandpa, you're already so old. Why did you come all the way here?"
Mr. Daoka replied seriously, "This old man is not so weak that he can't walk."
Then he nervously looked at the doctor. "Doctor, how is my granddaughter?"
The doctor clearly recognized him. This hospital had been founded by the Ōoka family. He replied respectfully, "Ms. Ōoka's condition is stable. She has a broken leg and will recover after a period of rest."
Naoto walked to Momiji's bedside, holding her hand tightly. "It's good that you're safe. If something had happened to you, how could I live with myself?"
Momiji had always been dissatisfied with her father's arrangements, but after nearly losing her life, she had matured a lot.
"It's alright, Father. I'm fine," she said softly. "This time, it was all thanks to Fujiwara-kun."
"Yes, Fujiwara-kun."
Daoka and Naoto both turned toward Toru, who had just entered, and bowed deeply.
"Momiji is alive today because you risked your life to save her," Mr. Daoka said sincerely. "If you ever need anything in the future, just say the word. The Ōoka family will never refuse."
Toru hurriedly replied, "There's no need for that. Our families have been friends for generations. This is what I should do."
Kaguya and Hayasaka finally arrived at the hospital. Hayasaka, still wearing a maid outfit, looked somewhat out of place in the hospital setting.
"Chika, are you… not hurt?"
Kaguya looked at her only friend with worry.
Chika bounced in place. Her face was still smeared with soot as she said cheerfully, "See? I'm perfectly fine."
"Kaguya, you didn't see it. Brother was so cool back then. He kicked the door open and lifted that metal frame with one hand."
"And when I tried to save Momiji, I couldn't move the cabinet at all. Brother lifted it so easily."
Chika's eyes sparkled as she gestured wildly, exaggerating Toru's heroic actions and letting everyone know what had happened inside the building.
Kaguya said softly, "I saw it too. I saw him jump down from the fifth floor with you and Ms. Ōoka."
"You saw it? Did you film it?" Chika grew even more excited. "That scene could have been a Hollywood movie."
Then she sighed. "Ah… if only he wasn't my brother. I could just steal him away and make him my boyfriend."
Everyone around simply smiled and didn't take it seriously.
Chika always said strange things.
Yoshitaka had not yet left Kyoto and also rushed to the hospital. Daoka and Naoto thanked him repeatedly.
"Yoshitaka, you raised a fine son."
"Yes. If it weren't for your son, my daughter would have been in grave danger."
Yoshitaka felt a deep sense of pride. Even though Toru was somewhat distant from him in private, he always gave him face in public.
Having such an outstanding son was something he was truly proud of.
Only when the Kyoto and Osaka police superintendents arrived did Yoshitaka's expression turn stern as he began scolding them harshly.
With members of both the Fujiwara and Ōoka families present, especially Daoka, the former Prime Minister, the two officers were thoroughly dressed down.
Heizo wore a long face.
If I had known, I should have gone back to Osaka earlier. Why did I step into this mess?
Conan and Heiji arrived at the hospital at some point as well. Seeing Heizo being scolded like a child, Conan nudged Heiji and teased him.
"So even your dad gets chewed out."
Heiji laughed loudly. "Kudo, this is the first time I've ever seen him like that."
Just then, Conan suddenly felt a chilling gaze on him.
He turned his head and saw a little girl about his current age standing with her arms crossed, staring at him coldly.
Her eyes were sharp and emotionless, making Conan break out in a cold sweat. They reminded him of the men in black who had knocked him out before.
Haibara smiled faintly. "Kudo, this isn't a place for children."
Conan's pupils shrank. "How do you know my name?"
She glanced playfully at Heiji. "Didn't that person just call you that?"
Conan felt dizzy.
Was that really all it was? Or did her words have a deeper meaning?
Before he could think further, Heiji elbowed him. "Hey, Kudo, what's wrong? Did you fall for that cute little girl?"
"You're in high school. She looks like an elementary schooler. Don't commit a crime."
Conan forced a smile. He had many questions he wanted to ask that strange girl, but there was no chance to do so now.
Just then, the Kyoto Prefectural Police Inspector General received another call.
"What? Toshiya Yajima of the Satsuki Society was found dead at home?"
His mind went blank.
What kind of grim reaper did I offend? Why is everything happening at once?
Momiji heard the name and gasped. "Yajima is dead?"
"Ms. Ōoka, do you know something? His death may be related to the explosion. Please explain what you know in detail."
The police no longer cared that members of the Ōoka family were present as they followed procedure.
Heiji and Conan immediately squeezed closer, listening carefully, hoping to extract useful information.
At the same time, Toru had stepped out into the corridor to answer a call.
"Boss, we've traced the source of the explosives," the CIA operative in Kyoto reported.
"Where did they end up?" Toru asked.
"They ultimately ended up with a man named Kaieda Tougo."
"Who is he?"
"He's currently unemployed. Two years ago, he served as the private secretary of Kensuke Achiwa, a real estate developer in Kyoto."
"Tell me about Kensuke Achiwa."
"Yes. Kensuke Achiwa is currently the president of the Satsuki Karuta Association."
The CIA's efficiency was frightening. In such a short time, they had already uncovered everything.
Based on this, it was clear that Kaieda Tougo planted the bomb, and Kensuke Achiwa was the mastermind.
As for motives and evidence, those details were no longer important.
For the CIA, once you were suspected, your fate was already sealed.
Toru touched the pistol in his pocket, licked his lips, and sneered.
If Conan and Heiji solved the case, Kensuke Achiwa would likely only go to prison.
With his wealth and Japan's legal system, he might not even die.
But if Toru wanted him dead, no law could save him.
(To be continued.)
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◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)