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Chapter 84: The Alchemy of Spirits and the Laboratory of Fate
Although the apartment Mayuzumi Shiina currently rented was spacious enough for two, Mashiro Shiina was, at her core, a relentless creator. Without constant organization, her painting tools, oil-stained canvases, and finished manuscripts would quickly swallow every square inch of the living space.
It was Hikage Miyauchi who suggested the villa in Mihana Town. She pointed out that Renji Miyauchi lived in that massive house all by himself, and several unused wings could easily be converted into a professional studio for Mashiro. Though Mayuzumi hesitated at the propriety of the arrangement, seeing that Renji himself had no objections, she eventually gave her tacit approval.
Renji didn't mind. Mashiro already knew his secrets; there was no point in maintaining a facade. Besides, having a world-class artist under his roof provided an excellent cover for his own unusual activities.
While Hikage and Mayuzumi usually accompanied Mashiro to help her settle in, Renji had managed to bring Mashiro back alone this time for a specific purpose: to introduce her to Jerry.
When Jerry scurried out from a hidden crevice in the wall, the little mouse looked genuinely surprised to see a guest. Renji noted that Jerry's appearance was shifting even further toward his animated origins—his head was rounder, his expressions more anthropomorphic, and his movements possessed a fluid, physics-defying grace that defied reality.
Mashiro squatted down, her large, golden eyes fixed on the palm-sized mouse. "I am Mashiro Shiina," she said with her usual bluntness. "I am Renji's partner."
She extended a finger, wanting to shake Jerry's tiny hand. Jerry looked at Renji with a look of pure, unadulterated mockery. His squeaks seemed to say: "Oh, look at Mr. Secret Mastermind. I leave for a week and you've already been found out by a girl?"
Renji cleared his throat awkwardly. "She's an ally, Jerry. And she's the one who saw through me instantly."
Jerry puffed out his chest and enthusiastically shook Mashiro's finger. His gestures made it clear: if she ever needed help navigating Renji's nonsense, she could count on him.
"Renji," Mashiro asked, watching the mouse, "will the new era change how I draw?"
Renji thought of the "Killer Tennis" and supernatural cooking that would soon manifest as the world's spiritual energy peaked. "Maybe you'll draw manga that people can literally step into, Mashiro. Or perhaps they'll learn superpowers just by reading your panels."
He quickly waved his hand as her eyes lit up. "Don't take me too literally! But whatever happens, I'll be here to help you perfect the settings and plots. I'll bring you the best stories from my memories, and you'll become the most legendary artist of the era."
Mashiro nodded firmly and extended her pinky for a promise. Jerry, not wanting to be left out, extended a tiny toe to join the pact.
After sending Mashiro home—Mayuzumi had already called twice, worried about the two teenagers being alone—Renji returned to a house that felt significantly more crowded.
"Alright, Brother Jerry, back to work," Renji said, his tone turning serious. "The Black Organization is moving. Shiho Miyano is practically praying to me in her lab. It's time for 'Kage' to make a move."
He fed Jerry a piece of butter cake and handed him several notes he had dictated. "Deliver these to the Great Detective. It's time Conan earned his keep."
Mihana Town: The Mouri Detective Agency
Edogawa Conan was currently enduring a "death glare" from Ran Mouri. Ever since his identity had been exposed to her, his "cute kid" act was a liability. Every time he tried to act like a child to get out of trouble, he felt the weight of her karate-practiced gaze.
The sudden, familiar tapping at the window was a godsend. He rushed to open it, finding the legendary mouse waiting on the sill.
"Jerry! Where have you been? And where's Tom?" Conan whispered urgently.
Jerry gestured grandly, indicating he had been away on a very important "business trip." He then produced a note. Conan's eyes widened as he read the contents: Information on the inventor of the APTX4869.
The note explained that the inventor, Shiho Miyano, and her sister were under suspicion and in immediate danger. It asked a simple question: Do you want to save them and gain a brilliant chemist as an ally?
Conan didn't need to think. He had witnessed the "truth" of the world through Renji's guidance; he knew that Dr. Agasa's gadgets alone wouldn't be enough to take down the Organization. He needed an insider. Jerry handed him a second note with a name—Masami Hirota—and a bank location.
The Laboratory of Shadows
The next morning, Kaguya Shinomiya woke up feeling a surge of vitality. One month of Ripple Qigong had done more for her than a decade of expensive skincare. Her energy was boundless, her reflexes were sharp, and even her posture felt more regal.
She checked the chat group, only to find it in a state of absolute chaos. A new member had joined last night—someone connected to the transnational criminal organization the Mysterious Person had warned them about.
Kaguya had always been wary of the "Black Organization" and the drug that could return a person to their youth. She had avoided Mihana Town, knowing it was a "garbage dump" for spirits that even the underworld feared. But now, the threat was in their inner circle.
"Intercepting commissions, secret laboratories, and a mouse that runs errands..." Kaguya whispered, her eyes turning cold and calculating. "It seems the 'peaceful' high school life Renji-kun wanted is finally coming to an end."
She looked at her Diary. No new entries, but she could feel the tension building. The "Senior" group was preparing for a clash with the newcomers, and the shadows of the Black Organization were stretching toward the light.
"Renji Miyauchi," she murmured, a small smile playing on her lips. "I wonder how long you can keep your 'Pure Yang' secret while the world burns around you."