Chapter 360: The Jet-Black Mysterious Train 2
While the group chatted amiably on the bustling platform, Haibara silently turned her head away. With a swift, practiced motion, she pulled her hood up over her hair, effectively shielding her face just a fraction of a second before Masumi Sera could glance in her direction.
Klee, standing right in front of her, caught the subtle movement. The little girl leaned in close, her bright eyes wide with worry. "Haibara? Is your cold still not better even after taking Dr. Baizhu's medicine? Are you feeling sick again? Why are you wearing a mask?"
Haibara shook her head, adjusting the white surgical mask over her nose. "No, the cold is mostly gone. It's just that my immune system is still recovering. I'm worried about passing it on to the rest of you—unlike a certain someone." She shot a sharp, disgruntled glare directly at the culprit responsible for her illness.
"Hehe..." Conan offered a sheepish, apologetic laugh, scratching the back of his head to avoid her piercing gaze.
"Eh?" Masumi blinked, looking around their immediate circle. She turned to Ran with a curious tilt of her head. "Did Mr. Mouri not come with you, Ran?"
"Ah? He was just right here..." Ran blinked in surprise, only just realizing her father had vanished from their side. She immediately stood on her tiptoes, scanning the crowded platform for any sign of him.
Heizou casually pointed a finger toward a man standing near the entrance of Car No. 8. The man was currently engaged in a deep conversation with a small crowd of passengers. "Is that him over there?"
"Ah! That's my dad." Ran thanked the young detective with a quick nod before stomping toward the group, Conan trailing nervously in her wake. Her posture practically radiated irritation, clearly intending to give Kogoro a piece of her mind.
Without a word of greeting, Ran reached out and plucked the lit cigarette right out of Kogoro's mouth. She extinguished it with practiced efficiency, then clamped her hand around his wrist, firmly dragging the bewildered detective back toward their group.
Heizou watched the scene unfold with keen interest. His gaze drifted past the struggling Kogoro to the group of people he had just been speaking with. Every single one of them was staring in unison at the detective's retreating back. A highly amused smile tugged at the corners of Heizou's mouth. "Wow, this scene really gives off strong Murder on the Orient Express vibes. My intuition is telling me that something very similar might actually happen on this train."
Meanwhile, the group preparing to board Car No. 8—who were destined to become the upcoming suspects and victims—stood in heavy silence. The lineup included Satoru Ando, an art appraiser carrying a heavily wrapped fake painting (Car 8, Room C); Taisaku Noto, a stern former Self-Defense Force officer (Car 8, Room A); Mari Izunami, a woman highly guarded about her privacy (Car 8, Room E); the elderly Natsue Hatamoto (Car 8, Room D); her maid, Hiruka Sumitomo (Car 8, Room D); and Etsuto Murohashi (Car 7, Room B), the unlucky man whose original room had been commandeered by Sonoko.
Upon learning that the famed 'Great Detective' Kogoro Mouri would be riding the Bell Tree Express with them, their expressions had collectively darkened. They watched Kogoro's retreating figure with solemn, calculating eyes, each lost in their own tense thoughts. Even Conan, who had only brushed past them for a few seconds, could feel the heavy, suffocating atmosphere radiating from the group.
A sharp whistle blew, and the train finally lurched into motion. By this time, all passengers had safely boarded.
Agasa led the energetic Detective Boys down to Car No. 6 to settle in. Meanwhile, Natsume and Heizou followed Sonoko, Ran, and Kogoro into Car No. 8, Room B—the very cabin that Etsuto Murohashi had originally booked.
Once inside the luxurious carriage, Sonoko immediately brought up the highly anticipated mystery-solving event. According to her dramatic explanation, the organizers would randomly select passengers to play the roles of 'victim'and'culprit'. The rest of the passengers would act as detectives, tasked with uncovering the truth before the train reached its final destination.
"Oh, right!" Sonoko held up a single finger, a mischievous grin spreading across her face. "This time is a little different from previous events. Uncle Jirokichi used Miss Ningguang's generous sponsorship to make some very special arrangements for the entire train. Everyone can look forward to it!"
Miles away, high above the clouds in the majestic Jade Chamber, Noah's Ark was silently monitoring the train's internal network. Glowing data streams reflected in the digital space as the AI tracked the train's progress through hidden instruments. Seeing that the timing was perfect, Noah's Ark executed the next phase of the plan, sending a precise text message to a specific target.
Back on the train, a certain passenger in Car No. 8 felt their phone vibrate. Pulling it out, they stared at the text message sent by the mysterious person who had approached them earlier. They sat in the quiet carriage, the screen's pale light illuminating their conflicted expression. After a long moment of heavy silence, their jaw set with grim determination. They made up their mind to follow the instructions. After all, they had absolutely nothing left to lose.
Not far away, lounging comfortably in Car No. 8, Room B, Natsume chimed into the conversation. Knowing a bit of the inside story, she offered a calm smile. "I've also heard Ningguang mention it briefly. She said Mr. Jirokichi wants to give Kaitou Kid a massive surprise."
"Ah... he really is obsessed with that phantom thief," Kogoro grumbled, crossing his arms and looking entirely unimpressed by the theatrics.
Heizou leaned against the window, watching the scenery blur past. "Kaitou Kid is definitely on this train. Maybe this time Mr. Suzuki really can catch him. Then Miss Suzuki will finally be able to see his true face."
Just as the words left his mouth, a sharp knock echoed against the carriage door.
Ran stood up and slid the door open, expecting a conductor. Instead, the narrow hallway was completely empty. Frowning in confusion, she glanced down and spotted a crisp white envelope resting on the carpeted floor.
She picked it up and read the contents aloud. The letter stated that the occupants of their carriage had been selected as 'accomplices'for the mystery event. They were instructed to head to Car No. 7, Room B, to swap places with the designated'victim'.
Although it felt a bit strange for the game to start so abruptly, Ran and Sonoko were immediately swept up in the excitement. Thrilled to participate, the two girls eagerly grabbed their things and hurried down the corridor toward Car No. 7.
Natsume followed at a leisurely pace behind the excited girls. As she walked, she casually lowered her gaze to check the time on her watch.
It seems the plan has already begun...
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