Ming Ke Theater Chapter 102

Kudo Yusaku and his wife exchanged glances for a moment, then he said, “No matter what you plan to do, you must consider those close to you. Sometimes, even a small mistake, if left unchecked, can snowball until it swallows everyone whole. Do you understand, Shinichi?”

Kudo Shinichi nodded. This incident had taught him a harsh lesson. If it weren’t for Akai Shuichi’s help, things might truly have spiraled out of control. The source of everything was himself.

If something truly happened, how heartbroken would Ran be? How could he face her?

Listening to his father, he probably guessed what happened later, which was why he was being lectured like this. The video later would definitely include that part. What would Ran think after watching it? And what about Uncle Mouri himself and Eri Kisaki? What would they think of him?

Kudo Shinichi was filled with apprehension, unable to focus on the video. His mind was consumed by these thoughts.

Haibara Ai subtly noticed his unease, thinking, “Serves him right. Who told him to always do such reckless, baseless things?”

[…

Conan got into James’s car. He never expected the old man he met earlier to be FBI, and even Jodie’s superior.

James greatly admired Conan, even considering having him join the FBI. However, the child was still young, so these were just jokes. Soon, he and Jodie discussed serious matters.

The reason the Organization targeted Domon Koki this time was likely to eliminate unfavorable elements in advance. Moreover, acting at this time would allow them to frame Todoshima Kiriko, the female yakuza boss who had previously sent assassins after him.

Conan continued to give directions. Jodie asked about Akai Shuichi, surprised that he wasn’t participating in such an important operation, which seemed illogical.

James said, “Ah, I’m looking for him too. You’ve already told him about the current situation, right?”

Jodie replied, “Yes, and I also told him about this kid planting a bug. Then he just said ‘Is that so?’ over the phone and couldn’t be reached afterward.”

James said, “It seems he’s had a tendency to close himself off ever since his lover passed away, though he wasn’t a very cheerful person before either.”

Conan shushed them, telling them to be quiet, because he heard new movements from Kir’s side.

Haibara Ai’s gaze darkened. What lover? He was clearly a scumbag who made her sister’s life even more difficult. Now that her sister was dead, he returned to the FBI, continued being an investigator, and even swaggered around on the front lines of tracking the Organization. What an arrogant man.

And Kudo Shinichi, also an arrogant man. Although she was very grateful to him, sometimes his actions truly made her want to scold him severely.

[…

The Black Organization gathered at a new location, swiftly executing their second plan. They intended to have Vermouth, disguised as Todoshima Kiriko, stage a motorcycle accident at a place code-named “Vienna B.” When he came out to check, snipers from a distance would take him down.

The three of them — Conan, and the others — hadn’t yet figured out what “Vienna B” was. They could only continue to eavesdrop on their plan. Unfortunately, no one revealed the location during their conversation.

They quickly dispersed to carry out their tasks. As the first part of the plan, Vermouth was the first to leave on her motorcycle. She had a bad premonition because she had seen that child and the FBI. Their previous plan’s failure was likely due to their interference, so it was highly probable they would intervene in this operation as well.

However, their adjustments to this operation were very quick. Would they have time to stop them? And that child, dear Silver Bullet, would he make it in time?

Kir frowned, “Vermouth, you always knew they were targeting this operation, so why didn’t you warn us? The operation failed, and I was caught. It seems you bear a great responsibility.”

Chianti was also very displeased, “Yeah, we failed two operations in a row, and Vermouth found out about the problem but didn’t report it. She cherishes that Silver Bullet so much, it’s unbearable.”

“Didn’t I say I had a bad premonition? You didn’t take it seriously,” Vermouth said indifferently.

“I will definitely report this to that person,” Kir said seriously.

“Go ahead.”

Seeing her unrestrained attitude, Kir frowned. Would the Organization’s Boss tolerate such an act of betrayal? Why? Or had she already been exposed and simply decided to throw caution to the wind?

Speaking of which, Gin knew about her little schemes, so why hadn’t he questioned her? Did he feel it was unnecessary to repeatedly emphasize past matters?

She then thought of her own situation and couldn’t help but smile bitterly. What she had just said was merely a test, because her undercover identity was very likely to be exposed. If she got out, her first priority should be to escape, not to complain.

[…

Conan solved the riddle. The “Vienna B” Gin mentioned referred to Torii Bridge. They had two hours until the operation, much more time than the first time. The three people in the car were very excited because they now had enough time to plan and try to catch them all in one go.

Bourbon saw this part and laughed, “Haha, Vermouth, you just said whether they’d make it in time, but in fact, two hours is enough for them to set a trap.”

Vermouth wasn’t angry, but smiled and said, “That’s quite a joke. I didn’t expect the problem to be with Kir. Otherwise, by the time they got that information, we should have already completed the mission and withdrawn.”

“It should be your problem that’s more serious, Vermouth. If you had warned us earlier, we could have changed the plan in time,” Kir retorted. She hadn’t been exposed yet, so it was better to maintain the status quo. As for what happened next, she would take it one step at a time.

Gin’s temper flared with their constant bickering. He roared, “All of you, shut up!”

A simple assassination mission, yet it was full of leaks. Even Gin couldn’t help but feel exhausted, and then a strong murderous intent arose within him.

[…

At Conan’s request, Professor Agasa invited Mouri and Ran to his house, using the excuse of asking them to play his latest developed deduction game.

Mouri and Ran were brought back, but neither of them was interested in games and quickly lost the mood to play. Kogoro Mouri casually pressed buttons on the game console. Ran Mouri noticed that Conan wasn’t there and asked why he wasn’t around.

“Um… we came back first because the rain was getting heavier and heavier.” After saying that, Professor Agasa secretly cursed, “Why did I just say that?”

Ran Mouri indeed said, “Then, let’s go back too. It would be too pitiful to let Conan wait for us on an empty stomach.”

Professor Agasa was still trying to mend the loophole in what he had just said when Haibara Ai spoke, “You can’t go back! Edogawa is fine, you don’t need to worry about him, so please don’t leave, I beg you!”

She couldn’t help but think of her sister. If Ran Mouri went back, would she also disappear like her sister and never be seen again?

Ran Mouri was startled by the seriousness in her tone, then said, “I understand. Since Ai-chan said so, I’ll listen to you.”