A spark of realization flashed in Conan's sharp eyes.
Without hesitation, his small hand latched onto someone's arm, pulling them toward the exit.
"Let's go after Kaito Kidd!"
A confident smirk played on the boy's lips as he declared—
"I already know who Kaito Kidd really is!"
The person he dragged along looked startled but had no choice except to follow.
And just like that—
Two figures, one tall and one small, disappeared into the night.
Meanwhile, Tomoko Suzuki stood frozen, her face pale.
The Dark Star…
This was more than just a rare black pearl—
It was a symbol, a sacred relic of the Suzuki family.
Five hundred years ago, when her ancestors were still humble fishermen in Tokyo Bay, fate had blessed them.
On an ordinary day, while casting their nets—
They miraculously pulled up the Dark Star.
From that moment on—
It was as if the heavens had smiled upon them.
Every venture, every risk, every investment—
Flourished.
The Suzuki family rose from mere fishermen to become the most powerful financial conglomerate in Japan.
To them, the Dark Star was not just a gem—
It was their legacy, their spiritual totem.
Now, standing amid the chaos of the banquet hall, Tomoko's heart sank.
She didn't just lose a priceless gem—
She lost the very symbol of the Suzuki family's prosperity.
How could she possibly explain this to the rest of her family?
For the first time in a long while—
The powerful, composed businesswoman felt nothing but regret.
I underestimated Kidd…
I should have taken more precautions…
Her gaze swept over the room, now a disaster zone of overturned chairs, scattered jewelry, and distraught guests.
Her regret deepened.
All she could do now was pray—
That the police would catch Kidd and recover the Dark Star.
But at this moment—
Tomoko Suzuki no longer had the commanding presence of a high-powered businesswoman.
Her legs trembled, forcing Sonoko to help her sink into a chair.
And then—
A handkerchief suddenly appeared in front of her.
Resting upon it—
Was a gleaming black pearl.
The Dark Star.
A calm voice followed:
"The Dark Star hasn't been stolen. It's right here."
"I saw it fall from Aunt's collar and roll under the table."
The voice belonged to none other than—
Akashi.
And in his small hand—
Was the genuine Dark Star.
His words were like a refreshing rain in the midst of a drought.
Tomoko Suzuki's heart, weighed down by despair, soared with relief.
Her eyes locked onto the jet-black gem, scrutinizing its every detail.
It didn't glitter like diamonds or shine like gold—
But every tiny scratch on its surface was exactly as she remembered.
She carefully turned it over, searching for the faint markings at the bottom—
Marks that had been etched into it when she was just a child.
And there it was—
Undeniable proof.
This was the real Dark Star.
The overwhelming joy of recovering what was lost flooded her heart.
The emotional whiplash made it impossible to control herself.
Tears welling in her eyes, she reached out—
And hugged Akashi tightly.
"Akashi, thank you for helping me find the Dark Star!"
She held him close, her voice filled with gratitude.
"You really are my lucky star!"
But little Akashi—calm as ever—shook his head slightly.
This Mrs. Suzuki is just like Sonoko…
Too naïve.
She still has a lot to learn.
Because the truth was—
The Dark Star hadn't simply rolled under the table.
That kind of luck didn't exist in the real world.
This gem—
Was something Akashi had stolen back from Kaito Kidd.
Not only had Conan identified Kidd's disguise—
Akashi knew as well.
And while Kidd was an expert at slipping past defenses—
Akashi had his own set of skills.
His ability—Lv3's Steal Skill—allowed him to retrieve objects from thin air.
And when he used it against Kaito Kidd himself—
He can still succeed.
The first time, he stole a little doll.
The second time, he successfully stole the Dark Star.
And this jet-black gem wasn't just any treasure—
It was the heirloom of the Suzuki family.
Upon acquiring it, Akashi received 1,200 points of Yin energy.
The rush of energy made Akashi feel ecstatic.
But after absorbing its yin essence—
Of course he would return it to Tomoko Suzuki!
Truthfully, with his level of skill, taking the Dark Star from Tomoko Suzuki would have been effortless.
But after all—
She was Sonoko's mother.
And stealing her underwear the first time they met?
Yeah… that would have been way too much.
So he didn't do that.
As for the other ladies at the event?
Akashi didn't know them, so he had no problem taking their things.
"Auntie really doesn't know how to thank you!"
"This is the second time you've helped our Suzuki family."
Tomoko's eyes gleamed with admiration as she spoke.
Looking at the handsome young boy in front of her—
She felt her heart flutter inexplicably.
A soft sigh escaped her lips, an urge bubbling within her—
She wanted to kiss him.
With her flawless makeup and poised elegance, she leaned in—
But before she could—
Ran stepped forward, ready to stop her.
Yet someone moved even faster.
A woman in an emerald green dress gracefully pulled the young shota away.
Yukiko's lips curled into a knowing smile as she gently pulled Akashi from Tomoko's arms.
"This is just something Akashi should do—nothing at all~"
Her voice was light, yet firm.
"Mrs. Suzuki, we're counting on you to take charge of the situation."
"Look—some of the guests are still too frightened to stand."
At Yukiko's reminder, Tomoko quickly snapped back to reality.
Even though a deep sense of loss lingered in her heart—
She knew she had more pressing matters to handle.
If she didn't manage the situation properly—
Some of these women might harbor resentment against the Suzuki Foundation.
Regaining her composure, she swiftly took control.
Tomoko's commanding voice echoed through the microphone:
"Guests, please remain calm. Male guests, move to the next cabin and wait there for the time being."
"Do not pick up anything from the ground. We will gather and sort all lost items accordingly."
"Where is the ship's supervisor? Summon all the waitstaff immediately!"
As Tomoko efficiently gave orders, the guests gradually fell in line.
Ran and Sonoko stayed behind to help restore order.
But Akashi—
He was swiftly whisked away by Yukiko to a private lounge deep inside the cruise ship.
"Let's not get in the way here~" Yukiko said with a charming smile.
Of course—
This little succubus shota had never used his theft skills on her.
Which meant—
She could still move freely.
Ran watched them leave without concern.
After all—
Aunt Yukiko is my mother's best friend.
She even stayed at our house for several days before.
There's no way she'd harm Akashi.
And with all the chaos, Ran knew her help was needed here more than ever.
She couldn't afford to leave.
But what she didn't know was—
Sometimes, a mother's friend can be just as dangerous.
The plush carpeted hallway muffled the soft click of silver high heels.
Yukiko, with her flawless makeup and graceful movements, was the picture of elegance.
The slit in her emerald-green dress teased glimpses of her smooth, fair legs.
She was still in her prime—
A woman who knew how to play.
Holding the succubus shota in her arms, she let out a gentle sigh.
"Akashi, you nearly scared me to death back there."
"Running off in such a chaotic scene—don't you know how worried I was?"
Her voice was soft, affectionate.
"I almost thought I'd never see you again!"
"Such a naughty boy!"
Her words were tender—
But Akashi felt the hairs on his arms stand on end.
Something about the way she spoke…
It sent a strange chill down his spine.
Yukiko pushed open a door.
Inside—
A large bed dominated the room.
The two of them stepped in.
The door clicked shut behind them.
Yukiko turned, her eyes gleaming.
"Naughty boys…" she murmured.
"Must accept their punishment from Auntie."
Akashi's expression turned strange.
His mind instantly snapped to his personal attribute panel.
What skills did he have that could help him escape this situation?
One thing was certain—
This was going to be a tough battle.