After everyone boarded the ship, the Ghost Ship set sail, heading toward the Pacific Ocean. At the same time, Captain Ghost appeared publicly and announced the upcoming activity. According to him, there was a mortal among these guests, and their task was to find this human... Of course, for that, everyone needed to form teams, but...
"You all strive hard, I’m going to rest here for a while."
Compared to the excitement of Kogoro Mouri and Sonoko Suzuki, who were thrilled to be noticed by staff and potentially star in a movie during this event, Fang Zheng felt quite bored. He just sat in front of the bar, drinking a non-alcoholic cocktail, waving his hand idly.
Kogoro Mouri didn’t bother with him and went off with Sonoko to find other teammates.
At this moment, Pumpkinhead Conan finally approached Fang Zheng.
"What’s your take?"
"Are you referring to the murder notice?"
Fang Zheng lazily yawned.
"Don’t ask me, I don’t know, and I can’t see anything, just like how I can’t understand what you’re thinking now."
"Indeed..."
Conan was at a loss for words upon hearing Fang Zheng’s answer. He had hoped Fang Zheng could use his skills to identify the perpetrator among the group and stop them ahead of time. However, it seemed unlikely now. Thinking it over, it was understandable; everyone here was heavily made-up, making themselves look like ghosts, some even wearing bandages and werewolf masks. If Fang Zheng could see through all that, he’d practically have X-ray vision.
"Besides, I’m just here to look around; I’ll be heading back soon."
Fang Zheng put down his glass.
"So I’m telling you in advance."
"Where are you heading to..."
Conan broke into a cold sweat upon hearing Fang Zheng’s answer.
"The ship is now far into the Pacific Ocean, you know."
"The Pacific Ocean isn’t enclosed, right? Can’t I just swim back?"
Fang Zheng rolled his eyes, looking at Conan.
"Anyway, I’m letting you know first; whether or not there’s someone dead, I’m leaving soon. So if anyone suspects me as the murderer, I’d appreciate your help with Uncle Maori."
"Hey, hey, what you’re saying sounds like someone will die..."
Conan was quite annoyed.
"With you two both here, I think the likelihood of no deaths is very small, and if the person who sent the invitation doesn’t act, that’s the real problem. Anyway, the task of finding the true culprit is left to you."
"........"
There hasn’t even been a murder yet, and you’ve already assigned me the task of catching the killer—what’s the deal?
"If you have something to attend to, why join such events?"
Conan was speechless, while Fang Zheng shrugged.
"Mainly, I’m not sure if anything requires my attention yet. If not, I’ll stay; if there is, then I’ll have to leave."
"Alright, you’re rich, so you do as you please."
Conan thought about it and let it go. After all, his childhood friend, Sonoko Suzuki, is a young lady, although Sonoko isn’t much of a typical young lady, but her money is indisputable. Conan had witnessed it multiple times. Fang Zheng was equally wealthy, so even if he called for a private helicopter or yacht to follow—Conan wouldn’t be surprised at all.
Only Fang Zheng’s firm belief that his presence would result in someone’s death still irritated Conan... Fang Zheng actually specifically wanted Conan to provide an alibi; if Conan didn’t know him, he might have suspected Fang Zheng to be the killer.
Otherwise, who demands someone to provide an alibi before a murder even happens?
Meanwhile, Belmod, disguised as Doctor Shinchutsu, immediately prepared to take action upon learning that Fang Zheng was out at sea.
Nevertheless, the two sisters were really leisurely. Belmod had been tailing them since earlier and saw Akemi and Little Ai visit a mall, watch a movie, and have dinner. Now, they were strolling along the shopping street...
Leisurely and carefree, apparently unaware that they’re facing imminent danger.
Gazing at their backs, a hint of killing intent flashed in Belmod’s eyes.
"It’s roughly time, Sister."
Little Ai glanced at her personal terminal and softly spoke to Akemi, who nodded, her expression growing serious.
"Well, let’s start our operation."
Then, the two finished their drinks and stood up, leaving the shopping street. Akemi took Little Ai back to the car, and they swiftly departed. At the same time, Belmod pressed on the accelerator, following suit.
Belmod had already mapped out her plan; first, creating the appearance of a car crash, then taking advantage of the chaos to act. However, the location wasn’t easy to choose because the Skynet System nearly covers the entire Tokyo Metropolis, so Belmod needed to find a spot without surveillance cameras; otherwise, the police might summon her for tea the next morning.
The thought gave Belmod a headache. Before, Tokyo Metropolis was so wonderful, with the shadows beneath its prosperity and beauty being so enchanting. Everything that happened within remained hidden. Now, it’s difficult to strike in broad daylight, and finding a place without cameras is even harder.
Belmod had secretly investigated, discovering that even the park’s hidden corners possessed cameras disguised as bird nests—completely 360-degree coverage with no blind spots. How insane is this?
It used to be so convenient to tail someone and kill them in the park, then sink their body at the bottom of the lake, neat and clean. Now, with cameras everywhere, it’s increasingly difficult for Belmod to carry out her tasks.
"Sigh..."
Thinking of this, Belmod sighed. Though their organization has high-ranking officials and has instructed them to oppose Skynet System installations actively, Skynet is incredibly effective. Now, apart from Beika Town and Beika Town, crime rates have dropped significantly across Tokyo Metropolis. Belmod even heard from people at the Metropolitan Police Department that the Osaka Police Department seemed interested in this system too...
If this trend continues, the organization might eventually have to eliminate Fang Zheng.
Otherwise, once Skynet System becomes widespread in All-Japan, how can they continue happily blowing up bridges, cars, buildings, killing, arson, and robbery?
While these thoughts were in Belmod’s mind, up ahead, Akemi had driven to a crossroads. The traffic signal flickered twice, turning yellow—however, at that moment, instead of stopping, Akemi hit the accelerator, and her car darted past the white line, making a right turn directly onto the nearby highway!
Have they been discovered?!
Seeing this, Belmod was shocked, hurriedly flooring the gas pedal and speeding through the red light in pursuit.
Truth be told, she never considered the possibility of being discovered—Belmod is a top-notch elite in the Black Organization, while Akemi Miyano sisters, one being a low-level external member, and the other a research scientist mostly hidden from the outside world, likely knew little about reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance, making it nearly impossible for them to detect her presence.
But now, their reaction was clearly problematic, although...
Still too green.
Seeing the car speeding ahead, a cold smile appeared on Belmod’s lips. If it were her, even when sensing someone was tailing, she’d silently lure the person to her trap before acting. Currently, this pair clearly panicked upon discovering they were being followed, evidently hoping to shake Belmod off—they must be joking; she’s not so easily shaken.
Under Belmod’s relentless pursuit, Akemi Miyano appeared truly panicked, driving like a headless chicken, randomly darting around. In reality, Belmod was controlling the situation, intentionally forcing them toward a sparsely populated suburb, which would make it easier to act once they got out of Skynet’s surveillance range.
"Great job, Sister!"
Through the rear-view mirror, seeing Belmod in hot pursuit, Little Ai cheered.
"You did well; Belmod hasn’t suspected anything!"
"No, this is......."
Upon hearing her sister’s compliment, a cold sweat appeared on Akemi Miyano’s face.
"It’s not acting, it’s just that I really can’t shake off her pursuit... After all, I’m not very good at this......."
"..............."
Oh well, as long as it turns out all right, all is well, it’s all the same.
In any case, I should contact Fang Zheng.
Glancing at Akemi, who was gripping the steering wheel with a nervous, sweaty face, Little Ai decided to spare her sister’s dignity.
"I’m leaving."
Fang Zheng closed his phone and glanced at the nearby Pumpkinhead Conan.
"I’ll leave this to you."
"How do you plan to leave?"
Hearing Fang Zheng’s words, Conan asked curiously, and Fang Zheng just chuckled.
"The Pacific Ocean isn’t covered, can’t I just swim back?"
After saying this, Fang Zheng turned and left the bar.
"Hey, wait up!"
The more Fang Zheng said this, the more curious Conan became. He quickly moved his short legs to follow, but Fang Zheng was evidently much faster. Conan only saw Fang Zheng navigating through the crowd a few times, and then he reached the cabin door, pushed it open, and exited. Conan rushed after him, pushing the door open just before it closed, stepping onto the deck.
However......
Where’s the person?
Conan looked left, then right, gazing at the deserted deck, his face puzzled.
What’s going on?
Could it be that Fang Zheng also learned magecraft from Phantom Thief Kid?
I just don’t believe it!
At this moment, Conan was determined, having deduced that there were no yachts or helicopters nearby from the current situation. Unless Fang Zheng could fly like Phantom Thief Kid, it would be impossible for him to leave this ship.
And they were now in the Pacific Ocean. Even Phantom Thief Kid’s gliders couldn’t fly to land from here. So there was only one truth: Fang Zheng was still on this ship!
In the name of a Detective, I will definitely find you!
As Conan returned to the cabin, he didn’t notice that at the same time, a great shadow flashed across the sky, quickly vanishing into the distant night...
"Clang!!"
A speeding car crashed through the dilapidated chain-link gate, charging straight in, then collided with a pile of timber not far ahead.
"Get out of the car quickly!"
Akemi hurriedly grabbed Little Ai, and the two of them rushed out of the car. However, they hadn’t taken many steps when gunshots were heard in the distance, with clods of earth splattering around their feet. Akemi immediately pulled Little Ai behind a pile of timber.
"Alright, the game of hide and seek should end now."
At this moment, Belmod also stepped out of the car, wearing a confident smile.
"The scenery here is beautiful, quite fitting for the graveyard of you two sisters."
".........."
Akemi took a deep breath, reaching into her coat and pulling out a handgun. Although she was a member of the Black Organization, Akemi Miyano wasn’t very skilled in these matters; otherwise, she wouldn’t just be an external member. If Akemi Miyano had any aptitude for this, the organization wouldn’t abandon her so easily.
Unfortunately, Akemi really isn’t capable......
"You don’t really think you can escape, do you?"
Belmod glanced around. This seemed like an abandoned timber yard, with timber stacks everywhere. Searching one by one would indeed take time, perhaps that’s what they were counting on. However... did they really think Belmod came unprepared?
"It seems you’ve forgotten how powerful the organization is."
Belmod sneered.
"Then, let me help you remember... Come out, Calvados!"
"Rumble-----!!"
With Belmod’s command, the sisters soon heard a roaring sound from afar. The next moment, a helicopter suddenly appeared in the sky, with a blinding spotlight shining directly down from it, enveloping the two sisters.
Seeing this, even Akemi turned pale.
"Understand now? You have no chance to escape."
Belmod held a handgun as she slowly approached the timber pile where the two were hiding.
"If you move, the heavy machine gun on that helicopter will instantly turn you into minced meat. If you don’t want to die so miserably, surrender, and I can still guarantee you’ll have an intact body......"
As she spoke, Belmod got closer, while Akemi and Little Ai were extremely tense, holding each other’s hands tightly. For them, they were trapped in a hopeless situation, with only one hope left...
"Boom!!!"
Just as Belmod was about to approach, there was suddenly a loud crash, and Belmod looked up in surprise to see the helicopter spinning out of control as if hit by something, then crash-landing, exploding into a huge fireball.
"What’s going on?"
Realizing something was wrong, Belmod hurriedly retreated.
Could this be a trap?!
At the same time, the wind howled.
Suddenly, the wind mixed with sand blew directly at them, and a massive black shadow passed across the night sky, its enormity even blocking out the silvery moon.
In the next moment, the shadow landed heavily.
"Boom----!!"
As the shadow descended, the ground trembled, and Akemi, Little Ai, and Belmod couldn’t help but look up in the direction of the shadow.
They were all wide-eyed in shock.

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