Vermouth was stunned, not expecting Toru to ask this question.
She did not refuse to answer, nor did she beat around the bush. She stated directly, "I have some kinship with That Person."
Toru revealed a look of understanding.
It was indeed as he had thought. The relationship between Vermouth and That Person was familial.
Actually, the reason Toru asked this question was also because there had been some rumors online in the past, saying that Vermouth and That Person were lovers.
However, this matter had long been confirmed false by Toru, because Vermouth's first time was with him. No matter how good Vermouth's acting was, the awkwardness in that kind of matter absolutely could not be faked.
That he would ask about this now was not because Toru still had some lingering obsession, but simply because he wanted to know a confirmed answer.
Seeing Toru's thoughts, Vermouth held nothing back.
The submarine advanced through the Pacific Ocean.
The submarine captain came over to report, "Sir, we have entered the waters of Japan. If we continue to advance, we might be detected by nearby sonar."
"We are too close to Japan, already within the dangerous range."
Toru's tone was calm as he asked the captain, "How much reaction time do we have?"
"Reporting, sir, by the time the other party receives the signal and dispatches reconnaissance planes and ships to search, we will have about a half-hour window."
"Half an hour. Is that enough for you to bomb Pacific Buoy?"
The captain's forehead dripped with cold sweat. He really did not expect Toru to be so ruthless, actually bombing an International Criminal Police Organization facility.
This was a blatant terrorist attack. International Criminal Police would definitely put them on the highest-level wanted list.
Of course, as long as their identities were not exposed, the so-called wanted list would be meaningless.
The captain thought for a moment and said, "Half an hour is enough for us to conduct a full-scale strike on that building and leave enough time for evacuation."
Toru nodded and instructed, "Fire multiple torpedoes directly at that time. Pacific Buoy should have protective measures. One or two torpedoes might be blocked by them."
"Firing additional torpedoes afterward is likely to waste our time."
"So, give it your all from the start and blow them sky-high!"
The captain saluted. "Yes, sir!"
After the captain left, Toru said to Vermouth beside him, "After bombing Pacific Buoy, we will immediately return to Tokyo. Don't give Rum too much reaction time."
"If we wait for Rum to gather too many Organization members, he might leave some people to guard him. Even if you know the Organization's executives very well, there might be some fish that slipped through the net that you don't know about."
"So our time is tight. We absolutely cannot waste it. We must kill Rum with the fastest speed and time, thereby gaining control of the Organization."
Vermouth nodded gently. She understood the principle that speed was paramount in war and admired Toru's decisiveness and efficiency.
Toru stood in front of the submarine's radar equipment, lost in silent contemplation.
In the past, due to various reasons, he had always been quite patient, mainly because he was targeted by Spencer, which prevented him from doing many things.
Now that he had completely torn off the facade with Spencer, Toru no longer had to hesitate.
Although the plan to kill Rum this time felt a bit rushed, it did not matter. Life was never smooth sailing. No matter what happened next, Toru was confident he could handle it.
Once I take down the Black Organization, I will finally have the capital to sit at the table. After that, I will come find you for revenge, Spencer.
Toru thought to himself, his face cold. His tall and straight figure just standing there made the nearby soldiers feel fear in their hearts.
...
At Pacific Buoy, a murder had occurred, and everyone inside Pacific Buoy was in a panic.
Kuroda Hyoue, with a square face, a stern expression, and cold eyes, took over the case.
An International Criminal Police officer grumbled discontentedly, "This is our International Criminal Police facility. When a case occurs, shouldn't we be the ones to investigate?"
Kuroda Hyoue said coldly, "This sea area belongs to Japan's territorial waters. A murder occurring here means the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department should be the first party to inquire."
"Especially since the case occurred within your International Criminal Police Organization, everyone here is a suspect. If you investigate, I'm even more afraid that the real culprit will escape."
A group of International Criminal Police officers looked indignant. "You Japanese police officers are just like trash. The safety factor in Japan is so low now, and the tourism industry has suffered such a big blow, all because of you."
Kuroda Hyoue's expression turned cold, and he glared at the International Criminal Police officers who were speaking, his eyes even subtly showing killing intent.
However, soon, Kuroda Hyoue sighed dejectedly again and did not speak further.
Because these International Criminal Police officers were right. These Japanese police officers were synonymous with incompetence in the eyes of many. The major cases that had occurred in Japan in the past few months had proven this point.
But at this moment, Kuroda Hyoue absolutely would not give up the lead. He could not let the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department lose face in front of the International Criminal Police again.
Conan ignored the argument between Kuroda Hyoue and the International Criminal Police officers. He was looking at the surveillance footage in front of him, stroking his chin in thought.
Hmm? No, this surveillance footage is different from the scene. The footage has been modified!
I understand. So that's how it is. I already know who the culprit is.
But did the culprit use a disguise? Otherwise, how could he impersonate a woman?
Conan secretly looked at the culprit, whose evidence he had already found, thinking about how to expose and report him.
After searching for a while, Conan's gaze fell upon Kuroda Hyoue.
Among the people present, it seemed only this uncle was the most suitable target for anesthesia.
Kuroda Hyoue seemed to sense something and suddenly glanced toward Conan, causing Conan to quickly press the aiming needle on his watch.
No, I can't. This person's aura is too strong. I feel like even if I shot the anesthetic needle, he might dodge it, and then I would be exposed.
Conan wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. Just as he was looking for the next suitable person, a piercing alarm suddenly sounded throughout the entire Pacific Buoy system.
"What's going on?"
The person in charge of the buoy picked up the communicator and shouted loudly.
"Commander, Pacific Buoy's radar shows an unidentified underwater object in the southeast direction. According to the sonar feedback, that... that might be a submarine!"
"A submarine? Could it be a submarine from some country just passing by?"
The person in charge frowned suspiciously.
The person in charge of the radar suddenly screamed in horror, "Oh no, the enemy has launched torpedoes!"
"Torpedoes?!"
Hearing this, everyone present was stunned.
Even Pinga was stunned. This was not what they had agreed upon. Rum still wanted the full-age identification system. He would not launch torpedoes here!
Could it be that Gin disobeyed orders?
Thinking of this, Pinga was instead delighted.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)