The screen glowed with cold, hard data.
Shiho Miyano's face was taut as she swiftly cross-referenced figures.
An inexplicable urgency gnawed at her.
The Organization's atmosphere had grown increasingly strange lately…
Gin had been piling on pressure, demanding faster progress on her research, even bypassing her objections as the lead scientist to conduct human experiments with the drug.
Then there was her sister, Akemi Miyano, whose messages had dwindled…
Thoughts of her only family stirred a restless unease in Shiho.
Was the Organization watching Akemi?
Just weeks ago, Shiho had met Akemi after more than two months apart. The sisters had talked at length—mostly about Akemi's daily life, the kind of stories Shiho cherished. But she'd sensed Akemi was hiding something.
And then there was that man, Hayato Masaki…
He'd appeared in Akemi's anecdotes—a passing mention of meeting a "celebrity" and getting his autograph. Curious, Shiho had looked him up online.
Bestselling mystery novelist and renowned detective…
Back then, she'd thought him merely a public figure. But seeing him today in the research institute, with Gin treating him as no ordinary member, his status in the Organization was clearly significant.
Anger and unease surged within her.
What was the Organization planning with Akemi?
Meanwhile, elsewhere…
Gin held the detailed evaluation report.
"No abnormalities beyond 'time orientation disorder'? Perfectly healthy, even?"
Clutching the document, Gin's expression was icy.
His gaze bore into Yumi Iwaki, a chilling edge that sent shivers down the spine.
"You're certain there's no mistake in your findings?"
"Y-Yes, sir. Both the psychological test responses and Mr. Masaki's behavior during our session indicate a very healthy mental state," Yumi replied, her body tense but her tone earnest. "The only confirmed issue is his time orientation disorder."
"Antisocial tendencies?"
"Antisocial…?" Yumi seemed stunned by the question. "Mr. Masaki's mindset is remarkably positive. He's what most would call a genuinely good person—"
At that, Gin nearly scoffed aloud.
A good person?
What kind of "good person" orchestrates elaborate accidental deaths, dragging two unrelated people into the grave for the sake of spectacle?
Could Cointreau deceive even a trained psychologist?
Gin's eyes darkened.
He realized something troubling: if Cointreau was masquerading as a mentally sound, upbeat individual… just how severe was his true condition?
"An isolated case of time orientation disorder is unusual, though," Yumi added, sounding puzzled. "It's typically a symptom of another underlying issue… but no matter how thoroughly I tested, I can confirm Mr. Masaki is entirely normal."
Her words only solidified Gin's suspicion.
Cointreau was faking his normalcy.
"Lord Gin?" Yumi ventured.
"Get out," he snapped.
Yumi looked as if she'd been granted a reprieve and hurried away.
Moments later, Hayato Masaki appeared.
His face bore the same warm, approachable smile—exactly as the psych report described.
"Well? The doctor says I'm in great shape," he said lightly.
"Hmph. Just keep yourself under control," Gin replied curtly.
With no leads to pursue, Gin had no interest in dwelling on the matter. He lit a cigarette, fixing his gaze on Hayato. "Remember: no moves against Organization members without permission."
"Only here will you get more chances to use your… talents, Cointreau."
"…"
What was this guy even rambling about?
Hayato couldn't follow, but he kept his smile steady.
Gin didn't assign him anything further.
Before leaving the institute, Hayato caught sight of Shiho Miyano again, engrossed at her computer, unaware of him.
…He'd have to pull her into his orbit now.
After all, she'd seen his face.
The last thing Hayato wanted was for Shiho to shrink into Ai Haibara and expose his identity as Cointreau the very next day.
He was also undeniably curious about APTX-4869, the drug woven through the Organization's schemes.
In the story, only a rare few survived it by shrinking; most died from its toxicity.
But paired with the Death Note, Hayato wondered if he could ensure everyone who took it shrank without succumbing to the poison.
And for someone nearing the end of their natural lifespan—would swallowing APTX-4869 extend their remaining years in the eyes of a shinigami?
"Back to your apartment?" Vodka asked.
"No, take me to my agency. I left my car there yesterday."
"Got it."
Vodka nodded.
As the car moved, Hayato's personal phone rang. Checking it, he was surprised to see Sonoko Suzuki's name. Since they'd exchanged numbers, she'd never once bothered him.
"Hello, Sonoko-chan?"
"Masaki-bro!" came her lively voice. "Ran told me your detective agency's up and running, right?"
"That's right."
"Our family's looking for a detective's help, so I recommended you to my parents. Are you free to take it on?"
"Sure, I don't have much lined up. What's the case about?"
"You've heard of that Phantom Thief 1412, who's been making waves again, right?"
"Yeah, I know of him."
"So, the Beika Museum's holding a jewelry exhibit, showcasing rare gems from around the world. My dad's planning to display our family heirloom, the 'Dark Star,' said to bring good luck…"
"Only the Suzuki family would have something like that," Hayato said with a chuckle. "Let me guess—Phantom Thief 1412's got his sights on your Dark Star?"
"Exactly! I know you've got this, Masaki-bro. But my dad's leaning toward hiring Ran's dad… Anyway, can you swing by later to discuss it?"
"Sure, just give me a time, and I'll be there."
They chatted a bit more before Sonoko reluctantly ended the call.
Speaking of Phantom Thief Kid, it'd been a while since Hayato last contacted Koizumi Akako.
***
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