The banquet hall fell silent.
Then, countless eyes turned to Kurosawa Hoshino and the three girls beside him. Sonoko and Ran remained calm. Only Aoko, under the weight of so many stares, nervously clutched Kurosawa's clothes.
After about ten seconds of silence, Suzuki Tomoko's amplified voice came through the microphone.
"It seems Phantom Thief Kid is nothing special—losing to Tokyo's best high school detective. Let's give Kurosawa Hoshino a round of applause!"
Immediately, waves of applause echoed through the banquet hall.
Suzuki Tomoko continued, "Since Phantom Thief Kid has already jumped into the sea, let me add one more thing. The real Black Star has always been with me. After all, it's our family heirloom—of course I feel safer keeping it with my own people. I hope you understand."
What could the crowd say? They laughed, indicating it was perfectly normal.
The banquet continued. No one mentioned Phantom Thief Kid again.
However, a group of people surrounded Kurosawa—some introducing themselves, others handing out business cards, all trying to establish a connection.
Ten minutes passed before the crowd gradually dispersed, leaving only an elderly man with gray hair and glasses.
"Hello, Kurosawa-kun," the old man said calmly.
Sonoko looked at the old man, stroking her chin. "Grandpa, haven't I seen you somewhere before?"
"Miss Sonoko, hello. I'm Musashinosuke, the butler of the Nagato family."
"Oh, I remember now. The Nagato Group. I used to play at Uncle Nagato's house when I was little. Mr. Musashi, how is Uncle Nagato doing now?"
"The Nagato Group, huh." Kogorō Mouri suddenly appeared out of nowhere and said to Sonoko, "I've heard the Nagato Group is comparable to your family."
"Yes, it is." Sonoko nodded. Uncle Nagato was fine when he was alive, but I've heard his next generation isn't doing well. They probably won't be able to continue.
"Kurosawa-kun, actually, I have something I'd like to ask you to do." Musashinosuke said at this moment. "I wonder if you have time tomorrow?"
"What request?" Kogorō's eyes lit up. He volunteered, "Mr. Musashi, to be honest, my deductive skills aren't bad either. I'll let you in on a secret—this brat's deductive skills were all stolen from me."
Kurosawa and the others sighed helplessly.
"Dad," Ran stepped forward and pulled her father away, "don't talk nonsense! When has Hoshino ever learned deduction from you?"
"What do you know, child? This is the Nagato Group—their commission fee will definitely be very high." Kogorō whispered to his daughter.
Musashi smiled. "Mr. Mouri, I know your name. You're quite skilled in investigating extramarital affairs and finding missing persons. If possible, please come tomorrow as well."
Kogorō hadn't expected things to turn around. He laughed heartily. "Okay, okay! I promise I'll come tomorrow."
"Then, Kurosawa-kun, I wonder if you—" Musashi looked at Kurosawa with eager eyes, his attitude very sincere.
"Alright. I'll come with Uncle Mouri tomorrow." Kurosawa agreed.
Musashi was very happy. He left his address and quietly departed, not disturbing them any further.
"We've hit the jackpot! We've hit the jackpot!" Kogorō muttered to himself. He didn't know how much the Nagato Group would pay, but its status was no lower than the Suzuki Group. The money would definitely be substantial.
Ran explained to Aoko, "Aoko, my dad isn't usually like this. He's very reliable."
Aoko smiled. "Ran, it's okay. I think Uncle Mouri is great. No problem at all."
"Should I go tomorrow too?" Sonoko's expression was quite conflicted.
"Go where? Come here and introduce me to everyone." The sudden voice startled Sonoko. She knew her mother was coming without even turning her head.
This time, no matter how Sonoko acted cute or pitiful, Tomoko Suzuki showed no mercy. She grabbed her daughter's ear and led her off to meet the family's connections.
As one person left, another arrived.
Ayako Suzuki said softly, "Hoshino, thank you so much for tonight. You helped us drive away Kaito Kid."
"Sonoko and I are friends. No need to be so polite." Kurosawa smiled.
"But I'm still very grateful. If it weren't for you, I don't know what would have happened."
"It's nothing, Ayako-nee. No need to thank me so much. By the way, Sonoko said you've been listless ever since you came back from the villa last time. Are you feeling better now?"
"Yes." Suzuki Ayako nodded. "I'm fine now. It's just a little sad that my good friend from university ended up like that."
Time passed.
They arrived at Tokyo Port.
The group disembarked in an orderly fashion. The Suzuki family had already prepared a car to take Kurosawa and the others back.
"Aoko, bye-bye. See you sometime." Ran and Kurosawa waved goodbye.
"You too. Bye-bye." Aoko got into a police car parked nearby.
Just as Nakamori Ginzo was about to get in, Conan quietly approached and whispered, "Officer Nakamori, did you spot Kaito Kid at sea?"
"You little brat, still concerned about Phantom Thief Kid?"
"Did you find anything?" Conan pressed.
"No." Nakamori shook his head. "But I believe he won't die so easily. Alright, kid, I'm going."
"Okay." Conan nodded, turned, and ran toward the car where Kurosawa and the others were.
As soon as he got there—bang!—Kogorō's fist slammed solidly into Conan's head. Conan screamed, clutching his head and crouching on the ground, tears welling up from the pain.
"Ow—!"
"It's good that you feel pain!" Kogorō glared at him angrily. "I was about to leave, but when I realized you weren't here, I waited for you."
Conan shrank his neck, not daring to utter a word in rebuttal. He quickly moved to the back door of the car, gently opened it, and crawled in, sitting next to Kurosawa. He didn't dare glance to the side, afraid his small movements would attract the other's attention.
But Kurosawa didn't even look at him. His gaze was fixed on Ran beside him, who was currently rubbing her arms gently.
Kurosawa smiled, immediately took off his coat, and draped it over Ran's shoulders. "You should learn from Aoko—wear a light jacket."
Ran tightened the warm coat around her, blinked shyly, and nodded.