Akashi naturally didn't refuse the emerald ring—especially hearing the notification from his ears.
[Ding! Absorbable Yin energy detected. Absorb?]
[Absorb!]
As expected, this emerald ring was an antique treasure—and treasures contained Yin energy.
The moment he accepted it, a stream of Yin energy flowed into his body, making him feel incredibly refreshed.
[Ding! Absorption successful. Congratulations, host! Yin energy +200!]
Two hundred points!
That was equivalent to more than two hours of sleeping next to Eri just to accumulate the same amount.
The efficiency was incredible!
However, something else happened at that moment—
Because Tomoko Suzuki was still holding Akashi's small hand, the Yin energy circulated between them.
A subtle warmth spread through her body, filling her with an unexpected sense of joy and satisfaction.
Her light green eyes softened as she gazed at Akashi.
She had no intention of letting go of his hand.
Instead, she gently squeezed it and spoke with warmth:
"Akashi, you're such a good child. I feel like we get along so well!"
"Next time, you should come visit Auntie's house—I'll make sure to treat you well!"
If it weren't for Sonoko's timely interruption, Tomoko would have happily held onto his hand all day.
"Mom, the master of ceremonies is calling you."
Only then did Tomoko reluctantly release Akashi's hand.
Finally freed, Akashi breathed a sigh of relief.
This lady is way too enthusiastic!
As soon as his fingers unclenched slightly, something incredible happened—
Two identical emerald rings appeared in his palm.
He had just activated his Treasure Phantom Lv1 skill!
The emerald ring had been replicated perfectly—down to its exact texture and weight.
The best part?
Copying this ring only consumed 10% of its Yin energy—a mere 20 points!
Quite a bargain!
However, the cost of each additional copy would multiply by ten.
First copy: 20 pointsSecond copy: 200 pointsThird copy: 2,000 pointsFourth copy: 20,000 points...
After a certain point, it wasn't worth it anymore.
Spending two or even twenty attribute points' worth of Yin energy just to duplicate an extra ring?
Totally uneconomical.
If he ever needed a copy, one or two would be enough just for fun.
However, a new thought suddenly struck Akashi.
His gaze swept across the luxurious cruise ship, taking in the women present.
Eldest daughters of noble families.
Wealthy socialites.
Ladies adorned with priceless accessories.
Among them, there had to be plenty of antique treasures loaded with Yin energy!
And tonight…
Kaito Kidd had sent a teaser notice.
Which meant—everyone's attention would be on him.
Akashi smirked.
He had Lv3 Steal now—
At a range of 15 meters, he had a 20% success rate of stealing anything he wanted!
Why not take advantage of the chaos and go all out?
Let Kaito Kidd take the blame for the theft—
While he secretly reaped the rewards of absorbing Yin energy!
Akashi's eyes burned with excitement.
This could work!
Now, all he needed was the perfect moment.
Recalling the plot from the original timeline, he quickly pinpointed the best opportunity.
A small, knowing smile crept onto his lips.
For now, he would simply wait and watch.
Meanwhile, on the high platform, Tomoko Suzuki stood in the spotlight, a microphone in hand—
The event was just beginning.
Tomoko Suzuki stepped forward and addressed the crowd with a confident smile.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! Thank you for joining us tonight to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Suzuki Foundation."
She paused for a moment before continuing, her tone carrying a touch of amusement.
"I'm sure you've all heard by now—Kaito Kidd has set his sights on stealing my family's heirloom, the Black Star!"
A murmur rippled through the guests.
"But don't worry, because I've come up with a little plan to deal with him."
Her lips curved into a knowing smile.
"Now, please open the small box given to you when you boarded the ship."
At her cue, the guests eagerly opened their boxes—inside were dark pearls and gemstones, shimmering under the banquet hall's golden lights.
"Yes, these are replicas of the Black Star—imitations of my family's treasured heirloom."
"The real Black Star, however, has already been entrusted to the person most suited to protect it."
A flicker of intrigue crossed the guests' faces.
"So, as a favor to me," Tomoko Suzuki continued, "please wear these replicas for the duration of the evening."
She smirked.
"If Kaito Kidd truly wants to steal the Black Star, he'll have only three hours to find the real one among all these fakes."
"And with your help, that task just became impossible."
Laughter erupted among the guests.
"Haha, how clever!"
"Sounds like a fun little game!"
Tomoko chuckled. "Exactly! Now, please enjoy the rest of tonight's celebration!"
The banquet hall burst into applause as Tomoko Suzuki stepped off the stage.
Meanwhile, in the center of the grand hall, a renowned singer began to perform, setting the mood for the extravagant evening.
Ran watched Tomoko Suzuki in awe.
What a bold move!
Those Black Star replicas—
Even though they were imitations, they were still incredibly valuable!
Each piece was crafted from real black pearls, all perfectly round and luminous.
The only real difference?
The original Black Star had a 500-year history, while these replicas were made from modern-day pearls.
But even so, they would make perfect gifts!
While Ran admired Tomoko's ingenuity, Sonoko was acting strangely.
She kept scanning the crowd, as if looking for someone.
"Strange…" Sonoko muttered. "Where is my sister?"
Frowning, she quickly pulled out her phone and called Suzuki Ayako.
The call connected within seconds.
"Sonoko?" Ayako's voice sounded puzzled.
"Sis! Where are you? Why aren't you on the ship?"
Ayako's response sent chills down Sonoko's spine.
"What? The cruise has already started?"
"But… just now, the police called and said the departure had been postponed by two hours!"
"Father and I are still at home!"
Sonoko's eyes widened in shock.
What?!
She immediately turned to Conan, who had been listening in—and in that instant, the young detective's expression changed drastically.
Just moments ago, he had seen Suzuki Shiro on board.
But if the real Suzuki Shiro was still at home…
That could only mean one thing—
Kaito Kidd had already infiltrated the ship, disguised as Suzuki Shiro!
Conan sprang into action, dashing toward the nearest maid.
"Where did Mr. Suzuki go?" he asked urgently.
Sonoko, realizing what was happening, rushed to Ginzo Nakamori and relayed the shocking discovery.
Ginzo's face darkened.
"All units, listen up!" he barked into his radio.
"Kaito Kidd is on board—spread out and find Suzuki Shiro immediately!"
Within minutes, plainclothes officers scoured the ship.
It wasn't long before someone found a discarded disguise—a mask and clothing identical to Suzuki Shiro's—left abandoned in a restroom.
Kidd had already changed appearances.
Now, he was hiding somewhere among the hundreds of guests.
But while the police and Conan scrambled to catch Kaito Kidd, Akashi remained unbothered.
His gaze was locked onto one person—
Tomoko Suzuki.
Or more precisely—
The real Black Star hanging around her neck.
He could feel it.
The authentic Black Star was infused with Yin energy—and he wanted it!
The question was how to get it.
But before he could think further—
Two small hands suddenly slipped under his arms.
Before he could react—
He was lifted off the ground!
"Akashi! You're here too?"
It wasn't Ran who had picked him up—
It was a stunning woman in an emerald-green evening gown.
Yukiko.
Her makeup was flawless, her wavy hair elegantly styled, and with a radiant smile that made her look every bit the superstar she was.
Akashi froze.
This woman…!
Before, he had seen her together with Vermouth.
And if Yukiko was on board…
Could that mean Vermouth wasn't far away either?!
A subtle sense of alarm flickered in his heart.
Still held in Yukiko's arms, he instinctively scanned the room.
But with so many people gathered in the banquet hall, it was impossible to spot anyone suspicious.
For now, all he could do was stay on guard.
Because something told him—
Tonight was about to get a lot more interesting.