6-year-old Mouri Ran's words tugged at her mother's heartstrings. 

When Eri Kisaki and Mouri Kogoro split up after a huge dispute, although Ran was loved by both sides, it appears that the split was really taking a toll on her daughter for a long 2 months. As much as she and Kogoro would bicker and spat about after splitting up, it wasn't to a toxic point unlike most divorced parents she would see in court, let alone, scare or traumatize a child.

Which is why both sides agreed not to divorce since they are both aware that kids at school won't take it kindly onto children from broken families. Back then during their era as children, any child from such parents normally was spared from being bullied, unless their parents are officially done with each other for good.

But Eri wasn't aware that the dynamics of the world had changed, and Ran was already feeling the effects of it. Nowadays the chances of divorce among separated parents have increased so drastically, that even Ran will not be spared by kids her age.

Eri had wanted to protect her daughter from the emotional turmoil that often accompanied divorce, but in doing so, she hadn't considered the impact it might have on Ran's own understanding of love and relationships. Especially her crush towards Shinichi. Ran is only 6-years-old after all.

"You're right, Ran; letting go of something that makes you happy can be incredibly painful, and that was something neither your father nor I had in mind before we split up. But sometimes letting go is the way to make oneself happy."

"How is it so!?" Ran continued to weep, "I am unhappy to see Shinichi smiling whenever he is with her. And whenever I spoke to him, he always gave me the cold look."

"Well, would you not be in his shoes? If you were falsely accused of something you didn't do? Then harassed by him when you decided to cut ties with him to find your own happiness with someone else?"

The young mother's words struck a chord with Ran, causing her to pause and think about her own actions and words.

"Ran-san, throughout the times your Tousan is out at work at those bars undercover as a private Tantei, even though he has annoyingly surrounded himself with hostesses, have you ever once seen me try to stop him?"

The lawyer's question gave Ran pause as she considered it. She knew that her father often spent long hours at work, and though she had been aware of his interactions with hostesses, which had fueled her own insecurities and fears, even though her mother saw him, she did nothing.

"We split up, Ran. And it's been hard on both of us back then, I ain't going to lie." Eri explained gently. "But we know better than to meddle in each other's lives. Why? Because at the end of the day, we don't possess each other as if we are belongings, Ran-san. Your Tousan and I may not be together anymore, but we still care for each other's well-being as your parents, Ran. Otherwise, if we were out busy doing the things you did to Shinichi, what would be left of us? Let alone, you? Would you be happy towards the end?"

Eri's words continued to sink in for Ran. 

"I...I didn't think of it that way," Ran admitted, her voice filled with remorse. "I just.....I felt like...Shinichi wasn't in his right mind-"

"No, he is very clear about who he is. It's because you and Sonoko weren't, you were both out simply wanting to find the blame instead of fully accepting your own faults, and Ranran had to be the unfortunate victim for both of your hostility!"

Ran couldn't argue this time, since she knew this was a losing battle and Ran had no one to blame but herself alone.

Slumping, tears fell out of her eyes as Ran revealed, "I....want to make amends with Shinichi."

"......but?"

"Ranran....I am scared of her..."

And Eri ain't surprised to hear that from her daughter.

Eri knew Ranran was a difficult 6-year-old child, well, only towards the kids she disliked. And Ranran didn't hide this from the lawyer when she made it known to her years ago in the U.K., and her perception towards her daughter had not wavered.

Ranran's unforgiving nature....she probably got that from her mother. The young lawyer pondered about this.

And to add to the complexity of this, Ranran also had half of "that man's" ruthless nature running in her veins. This means Ranran won't go easy on her daughter, no matter how remorseful Ran is.

The 6-year-old girl had proven herself to be strong-willed and uncompromising, and she had shown little tolerance for those who wronged her or her friends. Eri had seen glimpses of Ranran's determined nature during their time in the U.K., and she knew that her daughter would not easily forgive Ran's past actions. Had Eri not known Ranran's personality through Irene, it ain't surprising people easily misunderstood the little Tantei child as a tyrant.

It's a good thing they are living in the 21st century, cause if Ranran was ever born into a royal family, Eri shudder at the things Ranran is capable of. Especially after hearing about the cathedral incident.

"You had the bravery to remain in that association and gave Shinichi and Ranran a hard time, how is this any difficult?" Eri challenged her.

"That's...." Ran's knuckles curled on the table as she revealed, "Before, I underestimated her. And I was too blind to see what I did wrong. After learning all of this...even if I head there to apologize, she will still think I am a shameless leech. Also, Shinichi refuses to see me, he thinks I am some sort of a pest after all the things Sonoko and I did to Ranran, and I can't blame him. Cause I too wouldn't want to see myself if I were in their shoes."

"Ran, don't wallow in self-pity. Yes, you messed up big time, and it's not going to be a walk in the park to fix things. But you can't just throw in the towel and give up because it's tough. Life's tough, and sometimes we're our own worst enemies. You gotta face your mess head-on, even if it feels like you're trudging through a swamp of embarrassment."

Ran slumped even further, her face contorted with guilt. "But I ain't Ranran."

"Eh?"

"I ain't even close to half as brave as her, Despite everyone hating her when she first arrived here, she didn't wavered and persisted this long to where she is now. And she can live with things if anyone barely forgives her but for me....." Ran's self-doubt hung heavy in the air, like a thick fog of uncertainty. She seemed lost in a maze of her own making, unable to find a way out. "When I heard she went through all of that, it made me feel so.....pathetic. No wonder....even Shinichi looks down on me because of this."

"Ran, you don't have to be like Ranran." Eri leaned forward, her voice sternly replying, "I didn't give birth to Ranran, but I gave birth to you."

"Okaa-san...."

"As much as you brought misery over the past 2 months, I know at the core, you're still the good kind-hearted girl that I raised you to be." Ran's gaze remained downcast, her fingers tapping nervously on the table as Eri continued, "When I met your father for the first time in school around your age, I too used to think he was a troublemaker with no future."

"Eh!?" Ran exclaimed in shock.

"He was a delinquent, even up till high school. Easily fall for beautiful women, I think even now he is no different." Eri thought about it, "The last thing I didn't expect was for him to become a police detective thanks to me before he later quit and opened a Tantei Agency."  

Ran's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but interrupt, "Wait, Tousan was a delinquent? That's...unexpected."

"Yeah, he was like a teenage rebel without a cause. But sometimes, people change, Ran." Eri gave a wry smile, recalling the past. "I saw something in your father back then that others didn't, and I believe there's something in you too, something good."

"But I hurt people, Okaa-san. I think this is beyond solvable."

"You are right, especially for me and your father," Eri sighed, leaning back in her chair. "But it doesn't mean the hate between us can last forever. As long as one genuinely feels very remorseful over the things they do, no matter days, months or years, it's never too late to start making amends." Eri's voice softened as she continued, "You've got to take that first step, Ran. Reach out to Ranran and Shinichi, even if you're scared. They deserve to hear your apologies and see the change in you. And who knows, they might surprise you."

Ran nodded slowly, her thoughts churning. The weight of her past actions hung heavily on her shoulders, but Eri's words were like a lifeline, offering her a glimmer of hope.

"Don't ever try to force them to forgive you, because forgiveness can't be coerced or rushed," Eri advised, her expression earnest. "It's a process that takes time, and you've got to respect their feelings and boundaries."

As the two of them sat in the cafe, their conversation shifted to lighter topics, like their favourite movies and the latest fashion trends. The weight of their earlier discussion still hung in the air, but for now, they found comfort in each other's company and the hope for a better tomorrow.

.........................................................................

Back in the HQ in Tantei Association, Ranran had certain announcements to make to the 5 other members, still speculating over who was the likeliest to have stolen the eagle.

"What about Professor Hoga then?" Shinichi decides, "He is Professor Shibuya's only friend, right? He knew the place better than anyone," Then an idea lit up in him, "That is right, Sergeant Genzo mentioned that the man we saw that night who fled the scene after breaking into Professor Shibuya's place was one of The Snake's, perhaps Professor Hoga and The Snake had been in cahoots together into stealing the bird. Which is why when we arrived, only upstairs was targetted, because they knew the bird was placed upstairs."

"Plus, he may have been envying Professor Shibuya for a long while, I mean Professor Hoga is a lecturer at Teitan University while Professor Shibuya is a glorified rocket scientist in the United States." Emiko pointed out.

"I don't know....something felt off with this theory," Junko frowned, "Even if Professor Hoga had been jealous over his success....why a year ago, as soon as Professor Shibuya was disgraced, did he really need to go overboard as to steal the rocket plans from Professor Shibuya? He had nothing to his name anymore, If I were Professor Hoga, why not let him be after ruining his entire career? He didn't have to go as far as to still those plans?"

"Perhaps Professor Hoga is poor?" Emiko suggests, "I mean ain't those rocket plans worth billions or millions of yen?"

"He is a nuclear physics lecturer," Michio pointed out, "As much as the pay gap between him and Professor Shibuya who used to work as a rocket scientist in NASA back in the United States is big, I don't think stealing the plans for financial gain would be his motivation. It seems too risky for someone in his position."

"Maybe there's a personal grudge we're missing," Shinichi chimed in. "It could be something unrelated to money or career success. People do crazy things for all sorts of reasons."

"A grudge?" That perked up Ranran's mindset before realizing something as she jumped out of her seat and decided, "That is right! Grudge!"

"Grudge? What do you mean, Ranran?" Shinichi asked, intrigued by her sudden enthusiasm, so were the others.

Ranran paced back and forth in the room, her mind racing. "We were all so focused on the theft of the eagle by The Snake, and his interest towards the rocket plans, including the grudge between Professor Shibuya and Professor Hoga, plus a plausible grudge from Professor Shibuya towards his former workplace, NASA, that we forgot to check out one more additional grudge in between."

Ranran's sudden pacing and intense focus drew the attention of the others, who watched her with growing curiosity.

"Come on, Ranran, don't leave us hanging," Junko urged, leaning forward in her chair.

Ranran stopped pacing and turned to face them, her eyes gleaming with determination. "The missing piece of this puzzle is the grudge between The Snake and someone else entirely. Someone who has a deep, personal vendetta against Professor Shibuya."

"Who could that be?" Emiko wondered aloud.

Ranran took a deep breath before dropping the bombshell. "The Crows."

The room fell into stunned silence, as everyone processed the unexpected revelation.

Michio was the first to speak, his voice laced with scepticism. "The Crows!? The one we dealt with during our first major case, 'The Extinction Heist'?!"

"No way! The same group who kidnapped me!? The same day when you set out those dogs with Shinichi after me!?" Junko blurted out. 

"Yes, the same group who initially allied with The Snake to smuggle Fifi the white tiger," Ranran replied.

"Wait a minute," Shinichi interjected, "I thought all of them were arrested, were they not?"

"I don't think so," Takuma suddenly remembered, "Sergeant Genzo mentioned not even the metropolitan police department is aware of how many members are they."

"What would be the reason for them to go after The Snake? I get it that both sides back then planned to backstab each other when they decided to steal the tiger, which they failed thanks to us." Junko recalled.

"That's exactly the point!" Ranran exclaimed, her excitement growing. "The moment both sides got greedy and wanted to take it for themselves by betraying each other while attempting to smuggle out Fifi the tiger, which could've brought them millions in yens, it ended in chaos with the police capturing many of The Crows."

Connecting the dots, it suddenly dawned on Shinichi, "But it ain't like The Snake didn't suffer any losses either, Ranran. Some of The Snake's men also got arrested as well!"

"Exactly!" Junko continued with fervour. "Both groups lost members during that failed operation, and the two were both conning each other. How would stealing the rocket plans do them any favour?"

"Even if that is the case, how would they too know about the rocket plans being concealed in the eagle!?" Michio wondered.

"That would be a story for another time," Ranran muttered, her expression darkening before deciding what to do, "In the meantime, I need all of you to do certain tasks, Shinichi, can you announce to them the plans?"

Shinichi nodded in agreement as he shuffled his paper before gazing at one member after the other, "Michio and Junko, I need you to dig into Professor Hoga's background way back before he became a nuclear physics professor at Teitan University."

"Professor Shibuya's only friend?" Junko repeated while blinking. "Why do we need to anyway?"

"Exactly, we have already established the possible motive of him being jealous towards his senpai, Professor Shibuya." Michio pointed out.

"Ranran felt like there is more to it," Shinichi revealed, "Somehow, his disappearance....there must be more to it in connection to Professor Shibuya having gone missing."

"Alright, if you say so," Junko leaned forward, her interest piqued. "Michio and I will start looking into his background right away."

"In the meantime, Emiko," Shinichi turned to the eldest member, "About our first major case, 'The Extinction Heist', try to dig around and see how much losses both 'The Crows' and 'The Snake' had financially after we interfered with their attempts on smuggling Fifi the tiger. As well as their criminal activities in the recent months leading up to the present day. Of course, that would mean both of you asking possibly the former criminals who used to work for them. Maybe even....dropping by one prison after another to ask them."

"Understood, Shinichi," The artist replied, her voice determined. "Compared to getting my unreasonable parents to talk, that itself is nothing."

"As for Takuma....." The apprentice cast his eyes on the last remaining member, "I need you to make one announcement at our school."

Takuma nodded attentively, ready to carry out his assigned task. "Sure, Shinichi. What's the announcement?"

Shinichi leaned in and whispered the details of the announcement into Takuma's ear, ensuring no one else could overhear. Takuma's eyes widened as he processed the information. "Can you do it?"

"Not that I can't....." The athlete whispered back, but with much reluctance, he asked in hesitance, "But are you and Ranran going to be alright?"

Ranran cut in before she reassured Takuma with a determined look. "We'll be fine, Takuma. Just focus on the announcement, and make sure to report back to us immediately if anything unusual happens."

Takuma nodded, still feeling uneasy but trusting in his friends' abilities. "Alright, I'll do it. But please, both of you, be careful."

As soon as Takuma left the HQ, Michio and the rest of the members exchanged looks, wondering what they had said. Shinichi and Ranran had shared something that appeared to be of utmost importance, but they were left in the dark about the details. They knew that their leaders had a tendency to keep things under wraps when necessary, but this situation felt particularly cryptic.

.........................................................................

A week had passed since that day and soon, it was Monday.

And then finally, that announcement is broadcast across the school hallways.

The Monday morning buzz in the school hallways had a different kind of excitement as students chatted and hustled to their classrooms. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and many couldn't help but wonder what the mysterious announcement was all about.

Takuma, the appointed messenger, stood nervously near the front of the hallway, clutching a piece of paper with the announcement written on it. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. Today was the day he had to deliver the message that Shinichi and Ranran had entrusted to him.

With a trembling hand, he approached the nearest classroom door and knocked. The teacher inside looked up in surprise as the door creaked open, revealing Takuma's anxious face.

"Um, excuse me, Sensei," Takuma stammered, "I have an announcement to make on behalf of the Tantei Association."

The teacher nodded, intrigued by the unusual interruption. "Very well, go ahead."

Takuma cleared his throat and began to read the announcement aloud, his voice shaky at first but gaining confidence as he continued.

"Attention, fellow students. This is one of the fellow members of Tantei Association, to those who know who I am, we would like to inform you that we are currently investigating a matter of great importance. One so major....if any interference happens...we...may not be able to live another day anymore, and no, this isn't over-exaggeration."

Gasps and whispers rippled through the classroom as students and adults exchanged surprised glances. The tension in the air was palpable as Takuma pressed on.

"I....cannot share the details as a member, but what I can only say is to urge all of you to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or information you may come across to the cops immediately. At the same time, if you all can help it...."

Here it is, the one last move Takuma is too reluctant to share, but he has to.

".....do not under any circumstances, set foot at the HQ of the association today."

Takuma's announcement hung in the air like an ominous cloud, casting a shadow of unease over the students and teachers in the classroom. The sudden gravity of his words had everyone's full attention, and there was a collective sense of foreboding.

"Two of the members....are about to embark on...something...that they might not make it out alive. Which is why...we do not want anyone to set foot for the time being, for their safety sake till....it ends."

The teacher's expression tightened as they tried to make sense of the cryptic message. "Thank you, Takuma. That will be all for now."

Takuma nodded in response, his eyes reflecting the weight of the message he had just delivered. He quietly exited the classroom, leaving behind a sense of unease that lingered among the students and teacher.

As he moved on to deliver the message to the next classroom, he couldn't shake the feeling of uncertainty that clung to him. The gravity of the situation was immense, and he couldn't help but worry about what Shinichi and Ranran were getting themselves into. But he also knew that they had their reasons for taking such drastic measures.

With each announcement he made, Takuma could sense the growing tension and curiosity among the students. The cryptic warning about not visiting the Tantei Association's headquarters only added to the mystery. Whispers and speculations began to spread like wildfire, and it was clear that this message had struck a nerve with many.

Mainly, the rest of the members within the association who are hearing this for the very first time.

.........................................................................................

Hours earlier that fateful meeting last week, as soon as the members left, leaving Ranran and Shinichi alone in their main HQ, she revealed an earth-shattering bombshell that could break the case wide open.

"You....what!? You know where he hid the rocket plans?! The same one Professor Shibuya was rumoured to have made for NASA, but stole it!?" Shinichi exclaimed.

Ranran nodded solemnly, her expression grave.

Shinichi's curiosity and concern were evident as he leaned in closer. "Where?!"

"It is still in that stolen eagle Professor Shibuya hired us to locate it before he vanished the following day."

The apprentice's eyes widened in shock as he processed Ranran's revelation. "But....if that is the case....where is the said bird?" Shinichi asked, his voice filled with a mix of excitement and urgency.

"With The Snake."

"Nani!?" Shinichi's mind raced as he considered the implications of this discovery. "Wait, it can't be possible. If The Snake had it, then why did he send one of his men to break into Professor Shibuya's mansion the second time?"

"He had it, but it didn't know where the rocket plans are still concealed in that said eagle. That is why he did it the second time."

His mind was spinning as he tried to piece together this new information. A little sceptical, he pressed, "And you know this.....because?"

"I had a hunch, and we overlooked the 150 birds he had in his aviary the other day. That was the hint that got me thinking after all." Ranran replied with a sly grin.

"His 150 plus birds....!?" Shinichi grew confused, "The ones that Junko accidentally walked into that night?" Ranran nodded to him. "How is that a hint?" 

"You will know soon."

After a moment, Shinichi began to ask, "Will you be contacting Sergeant Genzo about this?"

"Of course," Ranran scoffed, "This involved nuclear rocket plans. If it was sold into the black market and fell into the wrong hands, Japan is finished."

Shinichi could sense the urgency in Ranran's voice as she spoke about contacting Sergeant Genzo. This was not a matter to be taken lightly, and the consequences of the rocket plans falling into the wrong hands were dire.

"But....since you said The Snake had those rocket plans since the stuffed eagle is with him...." Shinichi paced anxiously, "If what you said is true, we are screwed. I mean it's good if he has no idea he had those plans still in that eagle, but....if you tell Sergeant Genzo, it might tip The Snake off, right?"

Ranran didn't reply, but her looks said it all.

"Do you....have a plan, Ranran?" Shinichi was hesitant to ask, knowing that the plans she schemes using her cunning wit tend to be dangerous.

She nodded in silence, her azure blue eyes were hidden beneath her bangs.

Shinichi knew better than to push for details when Ranran adopted her secretive, silent stance. Even so, with 6 major cases under their belt, he knew that this next one was bound to be dangerous. "What does....this plan include?"

"A bait."

"I am sorry!?"

"A bait, and I will be The Snake's bait." Shinichi's eyes widened in alarm as he realized the gravity of Ranran's plan, before the founder revealed, "His entire purpose is to get access to those plans. If I tell him through Michio over where I know where it is, the first thing he will do is to send a group of men to kidnap me to get me to talk."

"Ranran-"

"When that happens, you and the rest of the members be under Sergeant Genzo's protection. I will have a hidden wire around me, you will all hear everything. The moment he reveals what he plans to do with those plans, trigger the arrest."

Shinichi's heart pounded as he tried to process Ranran's daring plan. It was a high-stakes gambit that put her directly in the line of danger, and he couldn't help but feel a surge of fear for her safety.

"But Ranran," he implored, his voice filled with worry, "What if-"

"Don't worry, it won't go wrong," Ranran reassured him determinedly, "I will not let those plans fall into his hands."

"That ain't the problem! I meant you! What is going to happen to you?! He will not spare even a 6-year-old girl like you!"

"It's the only way we can catch him. I won't go down without a fight, and I have confidence in all of you to ensure my safety."

"Alright, say even if I do let you go ahead, then what?" Shinichi challenged, "If the plans fell on The Snake's hands, the press may not go easy on you if they find out."

"But if you all joined in, it wouldn't do good on the rest of you either." Ranran refuted calmly.

Shinichi was torn. On one hand, he understood the necessity of Ranran's plan to lure The Snake out into the open, but on the other, he couldn't bear the thought of her being in harm's way. They had faced dangerous situations before, but this one felt different, more perilous.

Especially nuclear rocket plans itself is a very delicate matter, and any wrong move could have devastating consequences. Ranran's plan was a risky gambit, and Shinichi knew it. He clenched his fists, grappling with his emotions.

After hearing all of this, it was decided, "Fine, but I am coming with you." 

Ranran raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "You what?!"

"You heard me, and I won't take no for an answer," Shinichi nodded firmly. "Nuclear rocket plans are no joke. And you know better than anyone that Japan was the only country to have suffered the devastation of atomic bombings in its history. We can't afford to let those plans fall into the wrong hands. I'll be there to watch your back."

"Shinichi, do you know what else is at stake?"

"A-bombed city with radiation everywhere? Deformed faces?! Long-term illnesses!? War?! I might be 6 years old, but even I myself know better what will very likely go wrong!" 

The tension in the room had reached a boiling point as Shinichi and Ranran faced off, their conflicting emotions and fears clashing like a violent storm.

Ranran's azure eyes bore into Shinichi's, she hadn't expected him to offer himself as part of the dangerous plan. "Shinichi, do you know what you are talking about? This isn't a child's play! Are you willing to live with the possible backlash should this ever come up!? You won't even get to be a Tantei anymore if this happens."

"I can, just that I won't be working for the cops in the future. Nowadays one can just simply open a private Tantei agency, you don't need to work for the cops anymore as a qualification to do so."

"Really?"

"Yes, so in other words: I can keep my dream as a Tantei if anything goes out of proportion."

"Shinichi, you have no idea what you're getting yourself into," Ranran pleaded, her voice tinged with desperation. "This isn't like any of our previous cases. We're dealing with something on a whole different level here."

"I dealt with almost getting shot by a bullet, having a sociopath almost tricked me into giving up my dream as a Tantei to be married off, got dangled like a chicken at a cliff while being strangled by a serial killer, as well as running into a burning building to save you back then."

"Shinichi-"

"So don't go about lecturing me about danger, Ranran. If it were 2 months ago, I had no right. And if you're willing to risk your life to stop a potential nuclear war, whether it be on our country, or any of them for that matter, then I am too."

Deciding it would be utterly pointless to convince the 6-year-old apprentice not to come along with her, the calm calculative tantei child detective decided as she rolled her eyes at him.

"Fine," she sighed in exasperation. "But just to keep your heads up, things are going to be pretty stressful."

"Stressful? You think? Dealing with nuclear rocket plans and a dangerous criminal organization, what could possibly go wrong? It's not like we're going on a picnic." Shinichi scoffed.

Ranran smirked, "A picnic with The Snake and some radiation, maybe?"

.........................................................................................

With the files collected over what Ranran and Shinichi needed to know about this case, it was time to play their cards right.

As soon as they told Takuma about this, they had him announce it to the school speaker on a Monday, though he didn't reveal this involved nuclear physics plans being stolen by The Snake, the news itself was enough to send shockwaves through the student body. But the tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a chainsaw, not the typical Monday morning vibe, that's for sure.

Shinichi and Ranran's plan was like a high-stakes poker game with the world as the pot, and they were all in. But instead of chips, they were betting their lives, their futures, and the safety of their country. It was a gamble like no other, and they were ready to see it through to the end, no matter the cost.

The school hallways buzzed with whispered conversations as students tried to piece together the cryptic announcement. Speculations ran wild, ranging from alien invasions to secret government experiments. It was as if the entire school had become the setting of a thrilling spy novel, and nobody knew who to trust.

However, Michio and the rest of the Tantei Association members soon gathered at the school courtyard to discuss what had happened to confront Takuma.

"Ranran knew where the nuclear plans are hidden, so she is going to point it out to The Snake as a lure, then have him arrested, ain't she?" The observant Emiko thinks.

The reason Emiko was able to put it together was because of that conversation she overheard one day outside their main HQ.

.........................................................................................

"I can't believe I am becoming more absent-minded!"

On a Sunday morning, Emiko groaned as she wandered her way into Michio's mother's boutique shop she opened the vending machine door while walking down the hallway. Although she prided herself as unusually intelligent and talented for a 9-year-old when it came to artwork and collecting intel, she wasn't pleased that she would make a simple mistake like this one.

Leaving the sketchbook at their HQ happens to be one of them.

As she headed towards the door, she noted that the hallway was a little darker than usual, it wasn't until her head turned to the right that she learned why.

The curtains were drawn, and she could see it through the row of windows.

Normally when this happens, that means some shady stuff is taking place.

"Michio, you know what to do. Make 'that' phone call." Ranran's voice could be heard ordering him.

Michio nodded solemnly, his face reflecting the gravity of the situation. He understood the importance of the task he was about to undertake. He pulled out his phone, his fingers dancing across the screen as he dialled a number he never thought he would have to call.

As the call went through, Michio's expression grew more determined. He had a role to play in this dangerous game, and he was ready to fulfil it to the best of his abilities. He listened intently to the voice on the other end of the line, absorbing the instructions and guidelines that would be crucial to the success of their plan.

Meanwhile, Emiko stood in the shadows, her eyes wide with realization. She had stumbled upon a pivotal moment in their investigation, one that could change the course of their mission. Her mind raced, piecing together the fragments of information she had overheard.

"Set it to speaker mode, Michio." Shinichi's voice could be heard next.

Michio followed Shinichi's instruction, activating the speaker mode on his phone. The conversation became audible to everyone in the room, including Emiko, who was still concealed in the shadows. The tension in the air was palpable as they all listened intently, aware of the gravity of the situation. A little girl answered on the second ring.

"Ah, my dear Majima Michio. A pleasure for you to call me out of the blue like that."

Emiko recognizes that voice anywhere, it is Adeline, The Snake's daughter.

"Still sweet-talking boys I see?"Ranran answers.

"Oh, is that the infamous Kudo Ranran I hear?" Adeline purred. "I guess you had to wait until his silly girlfriend of his wasn't eavesdropping? What was her name again? J....Junk? As in English Junk?"

"Junko is her name."Shinichi corrected her.

"Ah, seems like Michio has company, huh? How are you doing after that Jaguar ride?" Adeline could be heard whistling over the smartphone. "You know, lately I have been pondering certain facts that didn't make sense."

"Like what?" Shinichi confronted.

"The aeroplane incident, when my father kidnapped three of your members. All of the 3 are girls, 6 to 9 years of age. Yet, one of them managed to hijack the aeroplane of my father's and flew back home to safety." 

"Just get straight to the point." Michio rolled his eyes.

"I was wondering...you are the son of a single mother who could barely afford to keep that boutique shop for the past 10 years at that time. To learn how to operate a plane, even for a child, would not only take years but also an expensive course to learn. Something your widowed mother can not afford till now. If you were the founder of the association and did in fact teach one of the members to fly, you must have been loaded. Or....."

"Or what?" Michio's voice dripped with curiosity.

Adeline chuckled, her tone sending shivers down Michio's spine. "Or, you are merely a fake leader of the association. The real one was the one who knew how to operate my Tousan's plane, had a privileged education, and was too cunning to plant a fake one at her disposal."

Emiko's heart raced as she listened to the exchange. Adeline's sharp mind and perceptive nature were evident, and she was dangerously close to uncovering a crucial piece of their plan. The weight of the moment hung heavy in the air, and Emiko knew that one wrong move could tip the scales against them.

"Interesting theory," Shinichi responded, his voice laced with a calculated calmness. "But theories are just that—speculation."

"The other day, when I took you away from everyone, Michio and the others told me the founder was you, Kudo Shinichi." Adeline continued over the smartphone, "But as much as you are in a position to afford it....you were not sent into a privileged school by your parents, since they are overly protective over you. Which led me to one more possible outcome. You too lied to cover up the identity of the leader of that precious association."

The room seemed to grow colder as Adeline's words hung in the air. Emiko's heart pounded in her chest, and she could feel the weight of the revelation pressing down on them all. Adeline was dangerously close to unravelling their carefully constructed plan, and they needed to tread carefully.

"You sure have a vivid imagination," Ranran's voice cut through the tension, her tone dripping with nonchalance.

"I guess so," Adeline's laughter echoed through the phone, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Emiko's spine. "So what is the reason for the call today?"

Seeing the boys grow a nervous sweat, Ranran calmly replied, "Considering you returned my beloved apprentice and that idiot girl in tip-top condition the other day, I will in return bestow you a gift in return."

Emiko's breath caught in her throat as she listened to Ranran's words. The tension in the room was suffocating, and every word felt like a loaded bullet in a high-stakes standoff.

"A gift you say?"Adeline's tone was immediately suspicious"Is this a trap?"

"That will be simply up to you to decide," Ranran replied, her voice steady.

"I don't understand," Adeline probed. "Who is this gift meant for?"

"Your father, The Snake."

"Oh, this is getting interesting. A gift for my dear father, you say? You must be feeling particularly generous today."

"Let's just say it's a gesture of goodwill," Shinichi observed Ranran as she played her trump card, "Too bad he won't find anything in that stuffed bird he has stolen."

There was a startled gasp at the other end of the line, the silence stretching taut with tension. Emiko could practically feel the wheels turning in Adeline's mind, calculating, weighing the risks. "What bird are you talking about? I don't know anything about it."

Ranran's red lips widened in a sly grin, she could tell the criminal's daughter lied.

"The eagle he stole from our missing client, Professor Shibuya." She paused and dropped her voice dramatically."Let him know that even with a bird, he is never going to find it."

"Find what?!"

"Enough to tell them to stop killing us, or no point trying, "Ranran replied.

When she cut the call, the two boys wondered if The Snake would take her bait.

Meanwhile, Emiko who heard everything remained silent before leaving the association, once more forgetting about her sketchbook.