Kindaichi had no idea that his childhood friend, Kentaro Izawa, whom he had known since he was less than 10 years old, had become yet another murderous puppet of "Hell's Puppet Master" Yoichi Takato, driven by hatred over the murder of his family.
The murderers who killed his parents and sister were none other than the four members of the Fire Sacrifice family standing before him.
Therefore, Kentaro, who is very familiar with Kindaichi's insight, would certainly not want his partner to come.
Unfortunately, it was Takato who orchestrated the murder plot for him, and his invitation to Kindaichi to investigate the death of the Fire God Seiryu was nothing more than a twisted sense of humor.
If Kentaro finds out that Kindaichi knows that Takato is backing him, Yoruichi Toyama is also worried that it will cause complications.
Whether Kentaro, eager for revenge, hurt Kindaichi, or Takato, believing the killing puppet was unqualified, hurt Kentaro, neither outcome was ideal.
Fortunately, Kindaichi was quick-witted in this regard. After being reminded, he swallowed the original topic and focused on examining the ancient building.
The interior of the villa, like its exterior, exudes a sense of antiquity while maintaining a comfortable feel.
Led by Secretary Kaisaki, they soon met the villa's owner, who was also the three children of the late Hijiki Seiryu.
The eldest son, Xiao, is also the current president of Huosi Enterprises; the second son, Jiuyao; and the daughter, Xingzi.
Besides these people, also present was Kaji Akatsuki's wife, Natsume, who was 30 years younger than him.
No one knows why this girl, who is exactly the same age as Kindaichi, married the older, unattractive, and terrible-looking man, Akatsuki, who has a terrible scar on one cheek.
"What a strange family!" Kindaichi and Miyuki couldn't help but whisper to Kentaro.
However, none of that mattered, Yoruichi thought to himself.
The most crucial person hasn't appeared yet.
Takato Yoichi, the mastermind behind this impending murder show.
This time, he will stand in a corner of the stage in a mysterious identity.
As for himself, it was probably because he used this identity to influence the Huo family and suggested that they invite him.
Time flew by and it was already after dinner.
As the sky outside the window grew completely dark, the faint sound of a car engine could be heard coming from the front gate of the villa.
"It should be... Master has arrived, right?" Huo Sixiao exchanged a glance with his secretary, Haiqi, and then said.
Yes, the "master" has arrived.
The Black Magician...The Puppet Master of Hell, Takato Yoichi.
Yoruichi Toyama, who is familiar with this plot, can be certain of this.
Meanwhile, Kaizaki also explained the situation to Kindaichi and Miyuki, who were probably unaware of the details.
"The tradition of the Fire Ritual Family is to hold a black magic festival on the day of the full moon each month."
"This is the secret to Huosi Enterprises' booming success in recent years!"
"Black...black magic?..." Kindaichi's expression, however, seemed to say, "If only you had any respect for science..." as he leaned against Miyuki, who was trembling slightly.
Under the grand welcome of the Huo family, the "Master" entered the villa and, together with everyone, arrived at the annex where the ceremony was to be held.
He was a tall, thin man in a black suit, with blond hair slicked back and a mask covering the upper half of his face.
It complements the somewhat mysterious atmosphere of the annex.
On the round table in the center of the ceremonial hall of the annex, there is also a magic circle symbolizing mysterious black magic.
The Fire Siblings, along with their young sister-in-law Natsume, were all dressed in neat black formal attire, looking quite serious, which somewhat mitigated the absurdity of the matter itself.
According to Hijiki Akatsuki's explanation, inviting Yoruichi Toyama, the "detective," to participate in the ceremony was actually the "master's" intention.
Yoruichi Toyama couldn't just tear off the "master's" mask and point out that he was the notorious wanted murderer in front of this group of superstitious people.
After all, the members of the Fire Sacrifice family also have lives on their hands, and who knows what might happen if they are provoked.
At this moment, the majority of people in this room are criminals or potential criminals, and Yoruichi Toyama is not very confident that she can control the situation until the real police arrive.
They had no choice but to keep acting.
Under the guidance of a master named Black Melon Demon Gate, Yoruichi Toyama, Kentaro Izawa, Kindaichi, and Miyuki all sat down beside the magic circle.
A group of people were chanting incantations under the dim light of a magic lamp.
Yoruichi Toyama suppressed the embarrassment that gave her goosebumps and looked back at the master who was clearly staring at her.
For some reason, the master's eyes—which should be Gao Yuanyao's eyes—appeared turquoise under the light.
He knows who he is.
He also knew that he knew who he was.
Therefore, this is a showdown with all the cards up their sleeves.
There will be no danger in the ceremony at hand...
Yoruichi Toyama silently recalled the plot.
Even after the ceremony ends, nothing will change until midnight.
As long as... we keep an eye on Kentaro Izawa...
After all, Gao Yuan himself wouldn't actually do it...
Where are the police... Uncle Kenchi and the others...?
...
The long and tedious black magic ritual finally came to an end.
If it weren't for the carpet, Yoruichi Toyama estimated that she would have dug a hole in the ground with her toes.
Turning around, I saw that Kindaichi and Miyuki beside me had the same awkward yet polite expressions.
"Now, everyone can go back to the main building."
The master said in a low voice.
"The rooms here must remain as they were, especially this magic lamp, which needs to be kept on all night to dispel the curse and bring good fortune."
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