Chapter Seven: Is Renya Karasuma in Tottori Prefecture?

"Seriously, Ai, how could you make such a reckless and terrible joke?"

Sitting on the sofa, facing the imposing oversight of the man in black, Haibara Ai finally revealed the truth behind her prank. As expected, she received a reprimand from Dr. Agasa, her legal guardian in name.

It was far too dangerous. Others might not know, but how could Dr. Agasa be unaware of the maximum power output of Conan's specialized sneakers? If Conan had unleashed a kick upon hearing Haibara declare herself a member of the Black Organization, given her current physical condition, she would undoubtedly have ended up in intensive care, unable to leave her bed for months—if she survived at all.

"Doctor, I understand... but this isn't the time for that," Haibara said, sounding somewhat reluctant. She turned her gaze toward the man in black, who claimed to be the one who eliminates members of the Black Organization.

"So, tell me, Mr. 'Urban Legend,' why are you making an enemy of the Organization? I recall you’ve already dealt with several of their peripheral members, landing yourself on their blacklist... yet no one has been able to uncover your identity, origin, or motives. It’s as if you simply materialized out of thin air." She paused, then added, "As a poor, weak, and helpless defector from the Black Organization, may I ask the reason?"

*Poor, weak, and helpless? Where? I don't see it at all!*

Conan, still sulking to the side, shot her a fierce glare. However, when Haibara turned her head, he quickly looked away to hide his true feelings. Despite Haibara’s questionable self-perception, her logic was sound. Conan, too, was desperate to know the true origin of this "Urban Legend." After all, an ordinary person wouldn't just decide to go on a crusade against a criminal syndicate like the Black Organization.

Conan remembered clearly that his parents, Yusaku and Yukiko Kudo, had warned him upon their return to Tokyo that the Organization was a vast, terrifying syndicate spanning many nations. Even though his father promised to have his contacts at Interpol investigate, there had been no word back, implying that even international law enforcement struggled against them.

Why, then, would a local urban legend of Beika Town choose to fight such a monstrous entity? Was he a victim of the Organization, seeking revenge for a ruined family? Had he trained for decades to purge them? Or was he some kind of cyborg, escaped from their laboratories, who had regained his free will and donned the mantle of a masked hero?

"I believe I have already stated the reason: the Black Organization is a pestilence upon Beika Town." Nara Hikaru cut through Conan’s wild, escalating theories with a calm tone. "They are targets for me, just like anyone else who dares to commit crimes in Beika, only they are far more dangerous. So, rather than let these vermin continue to flaunt themselves before me, I would prefer to see them reach the point where they can witness their own brains splattered on the ground."

"If you must insist on getting to the bottom of it, if you truly need a reason, then I will tell you this: I do it because I want to."

Because he wanted to, he went after the Black Organization? This answer was beyond anything the three of them could have imagined. But without giving them time to process it, Nara Hikaru pressed on.

"I have already spent too much time here. Sherry, how many identities and strongholds of the Black Organization in Tokyo are you aware of? If you don't remember or don't know, then you only need to answer one question."

"The Organization has a veteran member, codenamed Pisco. His mission involves interacting with high-ranking government officials. He met you and Akemi Miyano when you were children and is capable of identifying you on sight. What is his real name?"

Haibara was stunned. She couldn't fathom what Nara Hikaru was after. He could uncover her codename, her assignments, and even her personal connections, yet he couldn't find Pisco’s real name? It seemed preposterous—he was practically asking for the man's driver's license number!

She didn't know if this was a trap to test her, but for the sake of her own safety, Haibara decided to sell Pisco out. If Pisco knew her true identity, he would certainly either eliminate her or hand her over to the Boss as a special specimen who had ingested APTX 4869. Furthermore, she could use the outcome of this encounter to determine if the man in black was truly what he claimed to be—not a member of the Organization, but its executioner.

"...Pisco’s real name is Kenzo Masuyama."

She said it without hesitation. The revelation left Dr. Agasa and Conan in shock.

"Kenzo Masuyama? That’s a titan of the financial world! Isn't he the chairman of an automotive group?" Dr. Agasa exclaimed. "Ai, are you certain this Kenzo Masuyama is the same Pisco, the veteran of that criminal organization?"

Haibara turned her head away, unwilling to repeat herself. Nara Hikaru, having no prior impression of the name, simply nodded. He decided he would verify it himself.

Whether or not he was a "big shot" didn't matter. What mattered was that Pisco had chosen a path that led to his own demise. The most equitable thing in this world is that everyone has only one life. And, as it happened, Nara Hikaru had two pistols on him.

The man in black stood up. Having finished his questions, he prepared to leave. Haibara breathed a silent sigh of relief. However, just as he reached the door of the laboratory, he stopped. The man in dark glasses turned back to look at Haibara and asked calmly, "I recall you seem to know the whereabouts of Renya Karasuma."

"I want to confirm this now so I don't waste a trip later..."

Haibara’s body trembled instinctively. She looked up at him in disbelief; she hadn't realized the extent of his intelligence. He even knew that she was aware of where "that person" might be residing!

"I won't tell you anything. If you go to investigate that place, everyone involved will be—"

"Is he in Tottori Prefecture?" Nara Hikaru asked quietly, cutting her off.

Although Haibara was too shocked to speak, the expression on her face had already betrayed the truth. Nara Hikaru gave a slight nod, left a final word, and closed the door behind him.

"I see. Thank you for the information, Ms. Sherry."

*...I didn't provide any information!* Haibara wanted to scream.