Hattori Shizuka dialed Kanjuro's number with trembling hands. The ringtone sounded only once before being picked up, as if the person on the other end had been waiting for a long time.
"Kanjuro!" She lowered her voice, her tone urgent and panicked, as she poured out everything she had heard in the study—especially Hattori Heizo's "personally look into" attitude, Conan's "eliminate" proposal, and their preliminary plan to lure Kanjuro to the Hattori house and set up police forces for an ambush.
She expected to hear Kanjuro's anger, or cold killing intent, or even blame for her poor handling of things.
However, what came from the other end of the phone was a low, clearly amused~ chuckle.
"Heh... interesting." There was no hint of tension in Kanjuro's voice; instead, he sounded like he had heard long-awaited good news. "Wanting to lure me to the Hattori house and set up a dragnet? Very good—, just as I intended."
His reaction left Hattori Shizuka stunned, momentarily unsure how to respond.
Kanjuro seemed to imagine her bewildered expression. With a playful tone, he continued, "Shizuka, you did very well. So, what exactly do they plan to do next? Time? Location? The specific deployment of personnel? Tell me as much as you know."
Hattori Shizuka composed herself and tried to recall the details she had heard: "The specific time hasn't been set yet, but it should be in the next few days. The location is the house. Heizo will invite you under the guise of 'understanding the situation' or 'mediating the conflict.' He will pre-deploy plainclothes officers he trusts most, skilled in sniping and assault, around the Mansion and in hidden positions inside... They... they really want to catch you, or... or..." She didn't dare say the word.
"Or, kill me on the spot." Kanjuro finished for her, his tone as calm as if he were discussing someone else's life or death.
He paused, his voice suddenly becoming unusually soft, even with a hint of eerie "tenderness," and threw out a question enough to make any normal person's skin crawl:
"Shizuka, if... one day I am invited... and the result is that everyone in the Hattori family, besides you... including Heiji, including Heizo, even all the servants... will die. How would you view me?"
This question was like the cruelest torture, instantly piercing through all of Shizuka's ethical and emotional defenses.
On this end of the phone, Shizuka held her cell phone, her face pale and her body trembling slightly. However, in her chaotic thoughts, the first idea that popped up was not fear or sadness over the possible slaughter of her family, but a twisted, flattered-like flutter.
(He... he specifically said he wouldn't kill me...)
(In such a cruel plan, he excluded only me...)
(This means... it means in his heart, I am special! He cares about me!)
This realization wrapped around her heart like poisonous vines, instantly strangling those weak struggles regarding family and morality. She even automatically found a "rational" explanation for Kanjuro's potential atrocities—it was Heizo and Heiji who wanted to harm Kanjuro first! They forced him! Kanjuro was only acting in self-preservation, only to... clear the obstacles, so he could be with her!
As for those innocent servants? Before her frantic love for Kanjuro, those lives were as light as feathers.
She took a deep breath, as if making a certain decision. Although her voice still carried a hint of trembling, she answered exceptionally clearly, her tone even carrying a morbid determination and... devotion:
"I... I won't blame you."
"If that is something you must do... if that can keep you safe... and let us... be together..."
"I... I only hope that you won't get hurt."
"They... they were the ones who wanted to hurt you first... you're just... just protecting yourself..."
Her logic was twisted, but it reflected her completely fallen heart with absolute truth. In her eyes, Kanjuro's "not killing" her was the greatest gift and proof of love, while the fates of others were merely necessary sacrifices on the road to "happiness" for her and Kanjuro.
On the other end of the phone, Kanjuro was silent for a very brief moment, and then, a deeper chuckle came through, seemingly carrying a sense of satisfaction.
"I understand." His voice returned to its usual calm and control, "Shizuka, you truly... have never let me down."
"Keep an eye on their movements. If there are any new arrangements, tell me at any time."
"As for the rest... you don't need to worry. Everything will proceed according to its proper trajectory."
The call ended.
Shizuka slowly put down her phone and leaned against the wall as if exhausted. Her forehead was covered in fine cold sweat, but the corners of her mouth curled into a strange and twisted smile uncontrollably.
(He needs me... he cares about me...)
(That's enough...)
She closed her eyes, forcibly dispersing the bloody figures of Heiji Hattori and Hattori Heizo that might emerge in her mind.
For that twisted love, she had already personally put on invisible shackles, willingly becoming the demon's accomplice and pushing her family into the abyss of eternal damnation. Meanwhile, in the darkness, Kanjuro was contentedly sketching the blueprint for the bloody feast that was about to take place at the Hattori family home. A few days later, an invitation that appeared peaceful but was actually filled with hidden sharp edges was sent to Kanjuro's phone through Heiji Hattori's hand. The message's general meaning was to invite Kanjuro to Osaka for a "visit" and hope to "talk privately" with him, emphasizing matters concerning Kazuha and hoping he would come alone.
This clumsy excuse practically had the words "Hongmen Banquet" written all over it. Anyone with even a slight bit of wariness would probably hesitate or refuse directly.
However, as Kanjuro looked at the phone screen, the corner of his mouth curled into a knowing, cold arc. He had already seen through all the plans of Heiji Hattori and his father through the most secret channel of Shizuka—the so-called "talk" was a lie; setting up a dragnet and waiting for an opportunity to "clear" him was the truth.
Without the slightest hesitation, he tapped his finger and replied with a brief: "Okay."
After replying to the message, he even took the initiative to call Kazuha in a good mood.
"Moshi moshi? Brother Kanjuro?" On the other end of the phone, Kazuha's voice carried surprise, obviously not expecting Kanjuro to contact her proactively. Since her father passed away, she had become more dependent on Kanjuro, as if he were the only light in her life.
"Kazuha," Kanjuro's voice came through the airwaves, as gentle as ever, with a reassuring magic, "Heiji invited me to Osaka, saying he wanted to talk to me about your matters. I agreed."
"Heiji? He's looking for you?" Kazuha's tone immediately became somewhat tense and resistant, "Is he trying to cause trouble for you again? Brother Kanjuro, don't go!"
"It's fine," Kanjuro chuckled and reassured her, "Some things need to be said openly. Besides..." He paused, his tone carrying a hint of imperceptible guidance, "He said he hoped I would go alone, but I thought about it and still hope you can come pick me up. With you by my side, I'll feel more at ease."
These words instantly hit the softest part of Kazuha's heart. Brother Kanjuro needed her! He saw her as his support and solace! This feeling of being needed diluted her worries about Heiji's possible difficulties, and even gave rise to a sense of mission to face "external pressure" together with Kanjuro.
"Okay! Of course I'll pick you up!" Kazuha agreed without hesitation, her voice firm, "Brother Kanjuro, don't worry. With me there, I definitely won't let Heiji bully you!"
Thus, the first unexpected variable appeared in the plan.
When Heiji learned from his informants that Kanjuro was not coming alone, but was being picked up by Kazuha personally, his pent-up anger was instantly ignited, almost exploding.
"That idiot Kazuha!!" He growled at Conan at the secret command point, his fists clenched and cracking, "What kind of potion did that guy give her?! Does she know that this time we're going to...!" The rest of his words were left unsaid, but the killing intent in his eyes explained everything.
Conan's expression was equally solemn. He pushed his glasses and analyzed calmly: "This might be Kanjuro's test, or... he's doing it on purpose. He wants to use Kazuha as a protective talisman, betting that we won't dare to act while she's present."
"Damn it!" Heiji scratched his scalp irritably, "Then what do we do now? Do we have to cancel the operation?"
"No," Conan shook his head, his eyes sharp, "The arrow is on the string and must be fired. The plan proceeds as scheduled, but we need to be more cautious. Ensure we act after Kazuha is separated from him, or when we can completely control the situation without hurting Kazuha. The people arranged by Inspector General Hattori must be foolproof."
Their conversation was full of tension and killing intent. But at the Osaka station, it was a different scene.
Kazuha had dressed up carefully, wearing a simple but elegant dress that enhanced her complexion, and was waiting early at the exit. When she saw Kanjuro walking out with the crowd, still looking composed and extraordinarily handsome, a bright and dependent smile immediately bloomed on her face, and she quickly went to meet him.
"Brother Kanjuro!" She naturally took his arm, like a pair of close lovers, "The trip must have been tiring, right?"
Kanjuro smiled and let her hold his arm, his gaze gentle as it swept over her slightly haggard face that glowed because of him: "It wasn't tiring. Seeing you makes me feel no longer tired."
His words made Kazuha's cheeks flush slightly, and her heart felt sweet. All the gloom caused by her father's death and her break with Heiji seemed to have been dispelled quite a bit. She didn't notice at all that the man she was holding was about to step into a carefully prepared death trap for him, and she, unknowingly, had become a pawn in his hand to disturb the opponent's mind.
Kanjuro sat in Kazuha's car, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the street scenes receding rapidly outside the window, but deep in his eyes was a cold sneer.
(Heiji Hattori... Shinichi Kudo... and that Lord Chief Superintendent...)
(Do you think you've set up a dragnet?)
(Little do you know, this might... be the most magnificent hunting ground built for me.)
He closed his eyes slightly, feeling the restless dark power within his body. A meeting that was calm on the surface but hidden with endless killing intent was about to begin at the ancient Hattori Mansion. And he, the target of the hunt, was calmly keeping the appointment with the mindset of a hunter. The ancient Hattori Mansion appeared exceptionally solemn and quiet under the afternoon sun. However, this silence was just an illusion. When Kazuha's car slowly stopped in front of the gate, indistinct gazes were quietly cast from the thickets deep in the courtyard and the windows of the buildings opposite, and an invisible sense of tension permeated the air.
... 0 Requesting Flowers 0 --- Kanjuro got out of the car calmly, as if he were completely unaware of the hidden dangers around him. He didn't even let go of Kazuha's hand; instead, he interlaced his fingers with hers, in an extremely intimate posture, like a truly passionate couple, walking calmly toward that vermilion gate that seemed as if it would swallow everything.
At the door, Heiji Hattori had already been waiting there. His face was livid, his lips tightly pursed, and his eyes scraped over Kanjuro like knives, especially when he saw their tightly interlaced hands, the veins on his forehead were faintly throbbing. He tried hard to squeeze out a "welcome" expression, but it appeared exceptionally stiff and twisted.
"Heiji," Kazuha saw his appearance, her brows slightly furrowed, and she subconsciously leaned closer to Kanjuro, her tone carrying a hint of distant politeness, "We're here."
Kanjuro, however, turned a blind eye to Heiji Hattori's almost flaming gaze, the corners of his mouth still wearing that gentle and distant smile as he nodded slightly: "Sorry for the intrusion, Hattori-kun."
Just then, a figure as steady as a mountain appeared deep in the entrance hall. Hattori Heizo walked out, wearing a traditional Kimono, his face resolute and his eyes as sharp as an eagle's, casting his gaze on Kanjuro for the first time. That gaze carried scrutiny, inquiry, and a deep-seated pressure.
Kanjuro calmly met his gaze without flinching, and even the arc of his mouth didn't change. Their gazes met briefly in the air, and a silent contest had already begun.
Heiji took this opportunity to quietly approach his father and asked with anxiety in a very low voice: "Dad, Kazuha she... she's also here, will it..."
...
Hattori Heizo's gaze remained locked on Kanjuro. He responded in a low, calm voice, his tone cold and resolute: "It doesn't matter. It might not be a bad thing for her to witness this man's true colors with her own eyes and give up on him completely. Proceed according to plan; just ensure everything goes perfectly."
In his words, he already treated the shock Kazuha might receive as a necessary "price."
The group entered the Mansion, each with their own hidden agendas. The traditional Japanese-style living room was already prepared, with exquisite tea sets and sake placed on low tables. The atmosphere seemed harmonious, but in reality, it was thick with murderous intent.
Kanjuro and Kazuha took their seats in the guest area. He still hadn't let go of Kazuha's hand; instead, he gave it a gentle squeeze under the table and offered her a reassuring look. Feeling his "dependence" and "trust," Kazuha became even more determined. She squeezed his hand back, completely immersed in this false warmth.
As the hostess, Hattori Shizuka knelt to the side, personally pouring tea for everyone. Her movements were as elegant as ever, but her lowered eyelashes trembled slightly. The spout of the teapot even wobbled imperceptibly as she poured, betraying the turmoil in her heart. She didn't dare look up at Kanjuro, much less at her (step)son and husband, suppressing all her fear and struggle beneath a facade of perfect etiquette.
"Mr. Kanjuro, please have some tea." She gently pushed a cup of freshly brewed tea toward Kanjuro, her voice struggling to remain steady.
"Thank you, Madam Shizuka." Kanjuro took the teacup, his fingertips seemingly brushing against hers by accident, sending a faint electric current through her. He lowered his head to lightly sniff the tea's aroma, his posture extremely elegant, as if he were truly just a guest there for a tasting.
Sitting in the main seat, Hattori Heizo said in a deep voice, "Mr. Kanjuro, I've invited you here today primarily to understand your relationship with Kazuha, as well as with girls like Ran and Sonoko. After all, as an elder, it's only natural to be concerned when such a... unique member of the opposite sex appears around them."
He got straight to the point, yet his words left some room, as if he were conducting a routine inquiry.
Kanjuro took a sip of tea and looked up. His smile remained unchanged, but his eyes were unsettlingly deep. "Inspector General Hattori, you've gone to a lot of trouble. My relationships with those girls are all consensual and based on sincere feelings. Especially Kazuha," he said, turning his head to look at the "happy" Kazuha beside him, his tone becoming even more "tender." "We met when we needed each other most, supported one another, and our feelings are naturally profound."
He spoke frankly, even with a hint of boasting, making no effort to hide his "intimacy" with Kazuha. He lightly brushed off Hattori Heizo's "concern."
Heiji Hattori, listening from the side, was seething with rage and nearly slammed the table, but he was stopped by a sharp look from his father.
The tea aroma curled in the air, and the sake was clear.
In the living room, the four sat across from each other, talking and laughing as if it were an ordinary family gathering.
Hattori Shizuka submissively added tea and poured water.
Kazuha leaned close to Kanjuro, a satisfied flush on her face.
Hattori Heizo maintained a steady expression, his words probing.
Kanjuro responded calmly, chatting and laughing freely.
However, beneath this facade of extreme "calm" and "harmony" were countless gun barrels hidden in the shadows, the suppressed murderous intent in the eyes of the Hattori father and son, the fear and betrayal in Hattori Shizuka's heart, and Kanjuro's cold heart that saw through everything as if watching a farce.
A storm was quietly brewing within this hypocritical tranquility. It only awaited a signal to completely tear this seemingly beautiful scene to shreds.
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