The Darkest Star

Mingming frowned and looked around, but couldn't find anything wrong.

Although Suzuki Tomoko still wanted to say something to Hinata Gen, she didn't say anything more after seeing that the guests' emotions were obviously off. She also walked to the microphone and spoke into it:

"I apologize to all distinguished guests. This mistake is entirely due to the inadequate arrangements made by the Suzuki Foundation. To express our apologies, I will present each of you with appropriate gifts as compensation after the event. Please forgive us."

The guests expressed their understanding after hearing this, and the atmosphere quickly became lively again.

Seeing that no one seemed to care about what had just happened, Tomoko Suzuki breathed a sigh of relief and continued speaking into the microphone:

"Everyone has probably heard about the Phantom Thief Kid, who left a notice saying he'd steal our most important treasure today, so I came up with an idea."

After saying that, Tomoko Suzuki took out a small box and held it high.

"When I boarded the ship, I handed each of the guests present a small box that was exactly the same as the one I have here. Please open your boxes now."

"To be honest, this was a little challenge for that foolish thief to see if he could actually steal it in full view of everyone."

An impatient customer quickly opened the box in his hand, and when he saw what was inside, he immediately opened his mouth wide. It was a huge black pearl.

"This is!!!"

Seeing the guests' mouths agape in surprise, Tomoko Suzuki couldn't help but feel a little smug.

"Yes, this is my family heirloom, and also the Dark Star, Phantom Thief Kid's main target tonight!"

As soon as Tomoko Suzuki finished speaking, the guests all looked at the object closely, while Tomoko Suzuki continued speaking.

"Of course, there is only one genuine article. As for who I gave the genuine article to, only I know. The ones that others have are all imitations."

"Alright everyone, now please place this pearl in front of yourselves and let that petty thief, Phantom Thief Kid, see it. If he can really steal it, then let him try!"

At this point, Tomoko Suzuki's expression became even more haughty.

"Of course, there is a time limit. If Phantom Thief Kid still hasn't found it within these three hours of the ship sailing on the sea, then it means he's all talk and no action."

After saying that, he got downstairs.

Ran, sitting in the audience, looked at Tomoko Suzuki with admiration. After Tomoko left, she couldn't help but say to Sonoko:

"Sonoko, your mom is amazing."

Sonoko Suzuki did not respond to Ran, but instead looked around with a puzzled expression.

Xiaolan noticed her expression was off, so she turned around and asked:

"What's wrong, Sonoko?"

"I don't know why, but I can't find my sister anywhere. Could she still be at home?"

As she was talking, Sonoko Suzuki took out her phone from her bag and called her older sister, Ayako Suzuki.

"What? The ship has already set sail? How could that be?"

Sonoko Suzuki said somewhat angrily after hearing this:

"You have the nerve to ask me? What time do you think it is?"

Ayako Suzuki squinted and hurriedly explained:

"But the sheriff told us the ship was delayed by two hours. You can ask your dad if you don't believe me."

"Dad, you agree, right?"

Shiro Suzuki, who was sitting on the sofa reading the newspaper, looked up at his daughter with a puzzled expression.

At that moment, Sonoko Suzuki on the other end of the phone finally realized that something was wrong.

"What? Dad's home too? But he was giving a speech just now!"

Conan, who was standing nearby, was startled when he heard this. Could it be that...?

Then he looked towards the spot where Suzuki Shiro had just appeared, and when he couldn't see him, he pretended to be innocent and asked a customer next to him:

"Uncle, where is the association president who was here just now? Did you see him?"

He went to the restroom.

The guest pointed in the direction of the restroom, and Conan immediately ran over there. After opening the restroom door, he saw a set of clothes and a human skin mask.

Conan gripped the human skin mask and smiled confidently.

"So it was you, the chairman in disguise? Phantom Thief Kid."

Just then, the door to the next cubicle suddenly opened, and Conan saw Gen Hyuga walk out from inside.

"Brother~ What a coincidence to run into you again."

Looking at the obedient Conan in front of him, Hyuga Gen was speechless. How come he always ran into this guy no matter where he went?

The somewhat resigned Gen Hyuga gave Conan a rare smile, then walked past him and headed outside. He figured he couldn't avoid it, so be it.

I'm a demon, why would I be afraid of his constitution? The victim couldn't possibly be me.

"??? Why is he smiling at me? Could it be...?"

Looking at Hyuga Gen's smile, Conan couldn't help but have a guess in his mind. After obediently letting Hyuga Gen pass, he hung behind him.

Looking at Conan following him, Gen Hinata felt a headache coming on. What was this guy doing following him? Shouldn't he be out there outwitting and outmaneuvering Kaito Kid?

Wait a minute, I think I just smiled at Conan. Hyuga Gen suddenly realized something.

Could it be that my different attitude just now made them suspect that I am Kaito Kid?

After considering this possibility, Hyuga Gen, with his back to Conan, revealed a wicked smile. "Good kid, let's see if I don't mess with you."

Then, Hyuga Gen turned around and pretended to have just noticed Conan, and walked over to him, which was unusual for him.

After giving Conan a few hard pats on the head, Hyuga Gen squatted down and said kindly:

"What's wrong, little one? Have you gotten separated from your family? Do you want me to take you to find her?"

Seeing this, Conan became even more convinced that the person in front of him, Hyuga Gen, was actually Kaito Kid in disguise. Otherwise, why would he be so friendly to him and pretend not to know him?

That makes sense. Even if Kaito Kid has exceptional intelligence capabilities, he couldn't possibly find out the actual relationship between himself and Gen Hyuga. They simply don't have any relationship at all.

Conan, who was just worried about not having a chance to confirm that he was Kaito Kid, immediately nodded obediently and said:

"Okay, brother, I really don't know where my family went."

After hearing this, Gen Hinata just smiled and took Conan to look for Ran, but they couldn't find any trace of her after searching all over.

Somewhat puzzled, Conan led Gen Hinata to Kogoro Mouri, who was chatting with Tomoko Suzuki. He then shared his discovery, while occasionally observing Gen Hinata's changing expressions.

When Suzuki Sonoko saw Hinata Gen, she blushed at first, then suddenly remembered something, snorted and turned her head away, her mind wandering.

"This guy seems even more handsome than I've seen him in just a few days. No way, Sonoko Suzuki, you can't just look at his appearance and ignore his inner qualities. That guy is too awful."

"Is his acting really that good?"

Seeing that there wasn't a trace of panic on Hyuga Gen's face, Conan couldn't help but admire Kaito Kid for being able to act so naturally.

If Kaito Kid hadn't been unaware of his true relationship with Gen Hyuga, he might not have been able to find him so quickly.

Thinking about this, Conan couldn't help but feel a little annoyed. Was he really that disliked?

Compared to Gen Hyuga himself, it seems that the disguise of Kaito Kid is more pleasing to the eye.

Tomoko Suzuki and Sonoko Suzuki were visibly surprised after hearing Conan's words. Sonoko, no longer paying attention to Gen Hyuga's change, raised her voice several decibels and said:

"You mean Phantom Thief Kid 1412 has infiltrated our ship and is even impersonating my father?"