"However, he doesn't have that much power to get Superintendent General Whitehorse to take notice of an ordinary private detective."

When Hirata used the words "ordinary and unremarkable," his tone was full of sarcasm and bitterness.

Then he lowered the volume to the lowest possible level.

It's like having something stuck in your mind that you're afraid to tell anyone, but not being able to say it is really uncomfortable.

The tea tree manager immediately held his breath and remained motionless, dutifully playing the role of a confidant.

"I heard... Superintendent General Hakuba received several phone calls this morning..."

"It came from the Cabinet Minister's residence and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs..."

The tea tree manager shuddered, but his eyes widened in surprise.

Why is there a Ministry of Foreign Affairs? ...

"Haven't you heard?" Section Chief Hirata whispered knowingly, "about that diplomat scandal last time..."

The tea plantation manager remembered.

Years ago, political infighting resulted in the victor gaining both power and a beautiful woman, but it also led to a tragedy where the children of enemies fell in love, and the wife plotted to kill her husband.

The detective Toyama also appeared in that incident.

It's said that he was eventually picked up by a cabinet minister's car...

As if they had thought of the same thing, Section Chief Hirata and Manager Chaki trembled in unison.

...

Having not slept all night, Kaito Kuroba stared at the person entering the interrogation room, his tension outweighing his surprise.

This guy, he actually managed to...

"I'm telling you, everything I said last night was a lie. Do you believe me?"

To avoid further misunderstandings, Yoruichi Toyama got straight to the point.

He then sat down opposite Kaito Kuroba.

Of course I don't believe it!

This was Kaito Kuroba's first reaction.

However, I felt a little strange.

Why did he go to all this trouble...?

"I... Achoo!" Yoruichi Toyama couldn't help but sneeze as soon as she opened her mouth, her voice also carrying a heavy nasal tone.

"Let me explain first. Last night, I disguised myself as you and snatched the Dark Star. It was indeed part of my plan to force you to expose yourself."

"But I don't actually know about those things you mentioned that are 'hidden deeper'."

"Think about it: if I were really the person you imagine me to be, why would I be here to persuade you to confess to the police?"

Kaito Kuroba, who instinctively wanted to retort, was speechless for a moment.

If he is a member of "that organization"...

"You said you wanted to persuade me to confess to the police... about 'that organization'?"

Yoruichi Toyama, who had been staring into his eyes, smiled with satisfaction.

"You see, I didn't even know your secret was an 'organization'..."

"Then how did you..."

Even Kaito Kuroba, who always prides himself on his quick wit, is now completely confused.

"When I provoked you, I said 'my old friend,' right?"

Yoruichi Toyama knew that the moment had come to a crucial point, so she focused her attention and spoke clearly.

"I've wondered before, why would a young man like you, with no bad habits, no association with bad groups, a wealthy family, and no worries about food or clothing, pretend to be Kaito Kid and commit crimes everywhere?"

"Moreover, the gems you stole have never appeared on the market."

"Can't I have a collecting hobby?" Kaito Kuroba instinctively retorted this time.

But it's already the kind of excuses a criminal uses when facing a detective.

Yoruichi Toyama smiled again, suppressing a yawn.

Sleeping on that shabby little chair is so tiring!

And it seems like I've caught a cold...