About an hour later, the group of five—Jin Kurosawa, Satoru Gojo, Bruce, Kasumi Shimizu, and Tequila—stepped into a quaint, ancient manor.
From Tequila's brief explanations, it was clear they were now far from that isolated island. This also meant the era of forced mutual slaughter was over. However, as future codenamed members, the missions they would undertake would only increase in frequency and danger.
Of course, the Organization would not mistreat its members. The rewards for completing missions were immense; their salaries would be figures that ordinary people couldn't earn in several lifetimes.
The manor was located in Italy—one of the properties the Boss had purchased in his early years and his current temporary residence. It was hidden deep within lush woods and winding paths. The main entrance was an ancient stone archway flanked by rows of towering oaks, its white roof covered in a thick layer of moss. The entire estate was sprawling, low-profile yet aristocratic.
To ensure they weren't carrying any dangerous items like explosives, the manor's attendants prepared to frisk them. The others complied without objection, but when it was Gojo's turn, he tilted his head slightly and refused to compromise. His blue eyes flashed with a pride that brooked no violation.
"Don't touch me."
Tequila was exasperated, shooting him frantic glances to no avail. He hissed under his breath, "This is the Boss's residence! Don't be so reckless!"
Gojo didn't listen. If he acted like a "good boy" and let a stranger search him, the System's "OOC Triple-Electrocution" penalty would be no joke.
Caught in the middle, the attendant had no choice but to seek instructions from the Boss. After a while, word came back.
"That Gentleman does not mind. He says you need not be restrained here... Treat this place as your home, Young Master Gojo."
Tequila already knew Gojo was special, but he was still surprised by the depth of it. Fortunately, he had maintained a decent relationship with the boy over the years. Seeing the Boss dote on him so much... perhaps if he made a major mistake in the future, he could ask Gojo to put in a good word for him.
Jin Kurosawa had no reaction; he had expected as much. Regardless of Gojo's identity, it wouldn't change his own attitude. The hulking Bruce stood there like a statue, silent. Little fangirl Kasumi Shimizu, however, was excited: "As expected of Gojo-sama, to be held in such high regard by the Boss."
Gojo himself wasn't surprised. He made himself comfortable on a sofa and amused himself by fiddling with the chess pieces and playing cards on the table.
"Once you're ready, head inside. Don't keep That Gentleman waiting."
Jin Kurosawa was the first to meet the Boss.
When he emerged, his face seemed as cold and stern as usual, but Gojo—who had lived and slept in the same room with him for three years—keenly sensed his good mood, right down to the nearly imperceptible curve of his lips. As the future "Top Killer" who would pour his heart and soul into the Organization, the Workaholic was fiercely loyal and respectful toward That Gentleman. Having likely just received some words of encouragement, he was probably itching to show off his skills.
Gojo asked, knowing full well what the answer would be: "What's your codename?"
"Gin."
Jin Kurosawa answered truthfully. No—from now on, he should be called Gin.
"A famous hard liquor, huh?" Bruce, standing nearby, seemed nervous. He muttered to himself, "I hope she likes my codename..."
She likes it? Hearing this, Gojo took a few extra looks at him and guessed his identity.
Sure enough, when Bruce—the second to see the Boss—stepped out, he looked conflicted. "Calvados... it should be okay, right? Is it too many syllables? Will it be a hassle to pronounce..."
[As expected of Vermouth's number-one simp. So much potential at such a young age,] Gojo complained internally.
The third was Kasumi Shimizu. Perhaps due to her nationality and name, she received the codename Sake. Sake is a traditional Japanese liquor with a relatively low alcohol content—mild and fitting for a female agent.
Finally, it was Gojo's turn.
He leaped off the sofa and walked toward the long corridor that symbolized the heart of the Organization's nest. The Boss was in the room at the very end.
...He wondered what that "old geezer" would say to him.
Paintings hung on the walls on either side, their brushstrokes distorted and chaotic. They were eerie, yet possessed a unique aesthetic.
Tap, tap, tap...
Arriving at the slightly ajar door, Gojo's mind stirred as he processed the information provided by his Six Eyes. Hidden behind this unremarkable door was technology that would expose any hidden blades or firearms. If someone with ill intent entered, an alarm would likely trigger instantly.
The thought flashed by as he pushed the door open. The interior wasn't pitch black as he had imagined; instead, it was quite bright, looking much like any ordinary executive's office.
"Heh... long time no see. You've grown, Satoru."
A computer sat on the office desk. The raspy voice of an old man emanated from the screen. A broad, slightly hunched silhouette reflected in Gojo's vision. The video feed wasn't clear; he could only vaguely see the Boss leaning quietly back in a chair, showing only a sliver of the skin on his hand. That skin appeared wrinkled and crisscrossed with lines, a map of passing time.
On the desk sat a golden cage containing a crow. Its body was pitch black, its feathers smooth, and its eyes sharp as it let out a hoarse caw.
"Don't be naughty, Ravena."
The old man gave a light cough, and the crow immediately lowered its head obediently. The Boss did not turn around; his face remained hidden.
...As expected of the most cautious man in the Conan universe. Even over a remote video call, he keeps his back turned? This makes conversation pretty inconvenient.
And can you actually see me? What do you mean 'long time no see'?
But in this moment, Gojo felt a sense of reality. He was truly joining the "Winery," and as a codenamed member. This meant he had no choice but to step into the dark underworld.
If the Gojo-sensei of the Jujutsu world—who protected the civilians of Shibuya—belonged to the Lawful Good camp, then this Satoru Gojo born into the Winery was the Chaotic Neutral version. The goal of all his actions, besides staying in character, was to reach the target values required by the Space-Time Administration.
In Detective Conan, pure "Black" characters have intense villainous charm, but their popularity rarely beats the "Red" characters who walk the edge of darkness—case in point, the "Chosen Corporate Slave," Rei Furuya (Amuro Tooru).
To gain enough Impression Points, he had to take the route of being popular with both the Black and Red sides. Being in the Winery, he would certainly do bad things, but he would "slack off" during battles with the Red side, making the audience think he "looks bad but has a tragic secret." Then, he would make a shocking exit during the final showdown, becoming the audience's "White Moonlight."
That way, obtaining Popularity Points would be as easy as breathing. He would find a way to dismantle the Organization... but not right now.
"Ah, long time no see, Boss."