"Kaito 1412?"
Mouri Ran wiped the rainwater stuck on her bangs and repeated, tilting her head: "Such a strange name. What is that?"
"Eh, you actually don't know? Your dad is already a famous detective — this is a very famous phantom thief, with lots of fans." Suzuki Sonoko excitedly bounced a little, "He's been active since more than ten years ago, a well-known great thief. Probably a handsome middle-aged man, right?"
"Why should I know that? I'm not interested in detective work." Mouri Ran sighed, "Why are there so many fake 'phantom thieves' making a fuss these days..."
"Ah, little Ran, you mean that 'Phantom Thief of Hearts'?" Suzuki Sonoko's excited expression didn't fade, and she eagerly continued talking, "Is he targeting your dad? Like some 'fated showdown between thief and detective.' I saw in the news that three of your dad's clients, after receiving the advance notice letters, suddenly confessed or publicly apologized for their wrongdoings."
Mentioning this, Mouri Ran sighed again.
She gathered her long hair over her shoulders, avoiding the umbrella's tip from dripping rain, and walked through the bookstore street with Suzuki Sonoko: "Although this isn't bad, it's right for wrongdoers to come out and repent. But I really hope they would pick another target to stake out. My dad has been complaining these days that his business is affected; clients are afraid to come to him, worried about being targeted by strange people."
"Why would those with a clear conscience be afraid of threats that make you 'confess'?"
Suzuki Sonoko waved her hand, finally remembering why she brought up the phantom thief in the first place, saying, "He doesn't have any commission now, so I want to ask your dad to protect my family's jewels. Your dad is so good, he must be able to reveal the true identity of Kaito 1412, right?"
"By the way, that so-called 'Phantom Thief of Hearts' is really mysterious. No one has seen him appear yet; I wonder what kind of person he is..." Sonoko's eyes suddenly brightened as she waved and shouted forward, "Kazawa! Kazawa! What a coincidence!"
Kazawa, just walking out of the subway exit, was looking down and pressing his phone, still wearing Teitan High School's uniform. Hearing the call, he looked up a little confused.
"Wow—" Sonoko's heart skipped a beat seeing his handsome face through the rain haze, forgetting what she was saying halfway, she quickly ran over to Kazawa, "Did you forget your umbrella? Let's share one."
Kazawa was about to say his umbrella was in his bag: "..."
"Okay then, thanks." He awkwardly accepted Sonoko's umbrella, who happily got close and took half the space under it. The gloomy sky seemed to brighten up.
"Sonoko..." Mouri Ran couldn't stop her friend who was running like a fangirl, so she walked over, "Kazawa, what a coincidence, are you also here shopping in Shibuya?"
"Hmm... I'm going to the underground mall to buy a drink." Kazawa's eyes drifted away, "Don't tell Amuro-san I snuck out to eat sweets again."
Actually, Kazawa was out to support his family and do some justice work.
Since the little "drama" with Amuro Tooru, Kazawa lost some of his freedom to go out every day. If he's out too long, Amuro would pull him back with an "It's really dangerous outside, I'm worried about you" tone.
Kazawa had to shorten his activity time as the "Phantom Thief of Hearts" and try to be efficient.
For example, gathering four or five small targets from Impression Space in one go, then using one after-school time to rush through the subway like a relay.
Poor guy, he has no cat car to ride, and has to run as fast as he can to make extra money for the family.
Ah, strict family rules really hinder the cause of justice!
"Amuro-san seems to be stricter with you lately." Mouri Ran laughed at Kazawa's appearance. Just as she wanted to tease him more, she suddenly saw a familiar face out of the corner of her eye while crossing the street.
"!" She quickly turned, instinctively wanting to chase after.
"Ran!" Suzuki Sonoko grabbed her arm, "What are you doing? The light is red, be careful!"
"Shinichi! I saw Shinichi over there!" Mouri Ran's voice trembled as she tried to get a clear look at the figure walking away among the cars.
Sonoko looked confused at the opposite street, but Kazawa's brow furrowed under the umbrella.
Feels like... a famous scene?
————
"Kaito 1412?" Amuro Tooru put down the coffee pot, ignoring Kazawa's pitiful look, and poured the remaining iced coffee into his own cup, "He really is a famous criminal. Has he acted again?"
"He sent an advance notice letter to the chairman of the Suzuki Group — that's my classmate Sonoko's dad — saying he wanted the world's largest black pearl, the 'Black Star,' and left a code." Kazawa picked up the half-finished coffee, telling Amuro what Sonoko had told them in the afternoon, "Sonoko ran to find upstairs Mouri-san to ask him to help protect the pearl."
"This guy is also called Kaito Kid, a thief specializing in stealing famous art and jewelry. Up till now, he hasn't been caught or even had his real face exposed. Rumor says he disguises himself with disguises. He's a really tricky guy." Amuro Tooru sat opposite Kazawa, watching him warily, "You're not planning to get involved in the Suzuki Group's matter, are you?"
"I'm just curious..." Kazawa obediently smiled.
"Behave yourself." Amuro flicked his forehead, "He's a thief the media loves to chase. Because he's always high-profile and mysterious, rarely fails, reporters love such eye-catching topics. The scene will definitely be surrounded by cops and reporters, you won't see anything if you go."
Kazawa's handler Kazami was busy preparing escape routes, investigating the case, handling chores Amuro assigned, and putting out fires everywhere. One person felt like he should be split into eight parts to work.
If Kazawa showed up on live TV because of Kaito Kid, Kazami Yuuya would probably pass out from stress.
"Alright, I won't go." Kazawa sighed regretfully, "I'll help Mouri-san guess the riddle; that should be fine."
Of course he wouldn't go. Following police and Mouri Kogoro would only get him nowhere near Kaito Kid.
His current task was to glance at the riddle, check if it's the one he remembers, then directly rush to Kid's refresh spots and stake out.
About the worry of live news...
No problem, even if he appeared on the media, Kazami Yuuya can be one hundred percent at ease!
Kazawa's mind quickly counted the benefits as he smiled innocently at Amuro Tooru.