Options system in my brain: Detective Conan

Sera Masumi's internal thoughts had undergone a transformative change due to a piece of news from Akikawa Kyousuke.

She lingered in the hallway for quite some time.

It took her a long while to calm the violent fluctuations in her emotions, caused by the realization that she had never truly gained Conan's trust.

Sera Masumi lowered her head again and looked at Akikawa Kyousuke's message displayed on her phone screen.

Unconsciously, another small, white tiger tooth slipped out from the corners of her slightly raised mouth, revealing a sly grin.

To ensure no one else could discover the clues left behind, Sera Masumi deleted the text message sent by Akikawa Kyousuke.

However, the curve at the corners of her mouth didn't disappear along with the text message.

"I should head back to Ran-Chan and Sonoko. The interview at Qiuchuan is probably about to start."

Less than an hour had passed since the exhibition officially began, and it would soon be time for visitors to enter.

Even if someone attempted to steal the Scarlet Shadow's Heart, this exhibition would undoubtedly continue.

Likewise, Akikawa Kyousuke, who had been invited to the Tokyo International Showcase as a guest, would definitely carry on completing his work as an artist.

The only pity was that Suzuki Sonoko wouldn't be able to see her beloved Phantom Thief Kid.

Of course, Sera Masumi didn't feel sorry that Suzuki Sonoko wouldn't get to meet her idol, Kaitou Kid.

Instead, she felt regret because there was a high probability that she wouldn't be able to defeat Kaitou Kid this time.

Just as Sera Masumi was about to return to the Tokyo International Showcase, she suddenly encountered Nakamori Ginzo of the Second Investigation Division from the Metropolitan Police Department.

"I've already explained everything here during the briefing."

"Thanks to Miss Sera's help, we're ready to head back to the Tokyo International Showcase."

"All right."

Just as Sera Masumi and Nakamori Ginzo were about to leave, the door to Tsukino Takashi's room suddenly opened with a crash.

A pale-faced Tsukino Takashi stumbled out, looking as though he were drunk.

"Huh? Mr. Tsukino, you should be resting properly," Nakamori Ginzo exclaimed in surprise, quickly stepping forward.

"No, I have to return to the venue.

This exhibition is extremely important. If I'm not there, rumors will likely spread."

Without giving Nakamori Ginzo or Sera Masumi a chance to dissuade him, Tsukino Takashi walked straight out.

Sera Masumi glanced back and noticed a half-full bottle of sodium bicarbonate solution still hanging on the IV stand.

Understanding Tsukino Takashi's anxious state, she chose to remain silent.

After the three of them left the hospital, Tsukino Takashi walked directly to a Toyota Alphard parked by the roadside.

The driver, noticing Tsukino Takashi approaching, quickly opened the door.

Once Tsukino Takashi got in, he waved briefly at Sera Masumi and Nakamori Ginzo.

Sera Masumi then got into the car with Nakamori Ginzo and another officer who had been monitoring Tsukino Takashi's condition at the hospital.

The car door closed slowly, and the vehicle began its journey toward the Tokyo International Showcase.

As soon as Tsukino Takashi sat down, he pulled out his phone and made a call.

Nakamori Ginzo, feeling bored, turned to Sera Masumi and started chatting quietly.

"Miss Sera, I heard you're still a high school student, is that right?"

"Yes," Sera Masumi nodded.

"It's truly surprising. Miss Sera doesn't carry the demeanor of a high school student at all.

Your knowledge as a detective is remarkable—you can spot details even professionals miss!"

Recalling the moment in the hospital when Sera Masumi had used professional terms to correct the doctor's mistakes, Nakamori Ginzo couldn't help but feel admiration.

"That's not true. I just know a little about many things, but I'm definitely no match for professionals when it comes to more in-depth matters," Sera said humbly.

"To be honest, my daughter is also in high school.

But she's much less mature than Miss Sera. Most of the time, she still acts like a child."

"But I'm sure the daughter of Officer Nakamori must be far more outstanding than the average person," Sera replied with a sincere smile.

"Well, that's true," Nakamori Ginzo said, laughing heartily at Sera Masumi's compliment about his daughter, Nakamori Aoko.

After nearly twenty minutes of driving, the car arrived at the Tokyo International Showcase.

By then, a large crowd had already gathered outside the Tokyo Big Sight.

Nakamori Ginzo, Sera Masumi, Tsukino Takashi, and the officer entered the exhibition hall through a special passage.

The group returned to the lounge where the exhibition guests were resting. Upon seeing Tsukino Takashi, everyone in the room looked visibly surprised.

"Mr. Tsukino, about the rehearsal yesterday…"

Host Nakamura Harina hesitated to ask.

"No, I wasn't there," Tsukino Takashi replied firmly.

"Mr. Tsukino, you seem to be in poor condition. Are you sure you can handle today's events?"

A concerned staff member asked from the side.

"No, today is the first day of the exhibition, and I must attend," Tsukino Takashi said resolutely.

"And the Scarlet Shadow's Heart…"

Seto Rin, a university student, appeared visibly worried.

"I will retrieve it," Tsukino Takashi declared emphatically.

However, his words didn't do much to reassure those present.

After all, everyone was well aware of Tsukino Takashi's situation and doubted that the gem could truly be recovered.

Moments later, the speakers in the room announced, "The venue is now open!"

Speakers installed throughout and outside the Tokyo Big Sight relayed the announcement, ensuring everyone could hear it.

Upon hearing this, Sera Masumi left the lounge and headed off to find Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko.

Conan quickly followed Sera Masumi.

About ten minutes later, Sera Masumi and Conan found Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko in the B-1 exhibition area.

As soon as Ran-Chan saw Conan standing next to Sera Masumi, she rushed over and asked, sounding hurt, "Conan-kun, why did you run off so early without waiting for me?"

"Uh… Sister Sera asked me to come with her. She wanted my help thinking of ways to catch Kaitou Kid," Conan said, quickly coming up with an excuse.

His actions only seemed plausible because Sera Masumi was by his side, ensuring Ran-Chan wouldn't doubt him.

However, Suzuki Sonoko didn't believe Conan's explanation at all.

She turned to Sera Masumi and asked, "Sera, is what this kid said true? Do you really need help from this little brat?"

"Oh, yes, I always rely on the boy," Sera Masumi said, flashing a friendly smile at Conan beside her.

　 　 (End of Chapter)