We reached the border and this place seems safe, but we're still being followed. I stood up and got ready to get off the bus.
"Dear... what are you planning to do?"
"We're being tailed. This bus will be showered with bullets to make it look like a traffic accident. I'm the target because I gave the virus to the Prime Minister, which connects to their organization. They want to silence me for sniffing out their trail. When we get to the turn 40 meters ahead, I'll get off. You all need to floor it, don't stop or turn back. Leave me, I'll return with the JSDF later." All the passengers panicked, and I looked at them.
"Calm down, don't panic. If you panic, I'll panic. So please cooperate for now. Driver, get ready. Ascendant." A hologram of Ascendant appeared and spoke in a soft voice.
[Good Morning Sir, how can I help you today?]
Everyone was stunned and speechless to see that I had a supercomputer. Genta was right that I indeed have a supercomputer.
"Ascendant, Social Party, Masked, Tactical, Heart Stealer."
[Understood, changing attire.]
My clothes changed into an Assassin's Creed-style outfit with a modern touch that fit perfectly. Ascendant's fabrication manipulation was top-notch.
[Assassin Suit, a special set designed to store high-modified weapons. It can hold 3 weapons in each special pocket, with bullet storage in the belt. The fabric is soft, bulletproof, with 3 layers of 40mm caliber bulletproof material, and blast-resistant up to 40kg of explosive force. The suit also has eavesdropping prevention to block recordings, a receiver to disable tech within a 4-meter radius, and no fingerprints or evidence left behind. The suit can withstand stabs, slashes, block bullets and swords upon impact. Weapons prepared: Desert Eagle, HK G36K, Magnum SRM with tactical blend in with special ammunition that vanishes upon blood contact.]
A weapons box appeared, and I checked everything. I placed the weapons in my holsters, ready for action. The AWM vanished, forming a transparent symbol on my back.
[I will help you track the list of these stalkers. Happy hunting, Sir.]
"Stop." The bus stopped, and the driver immediately hit the gas as soon as I got off.
"UNCLE, STOP THE BUS!" The driver ignored the calls and sped off because I had given him strict instructions.
"When I get off, do not look back or stop to drop off any passengers. When you reach the border with a police station, report there." My order was absolute.
While I waited for them, several black cars arrived, and a shootout began. I danced around the battlefield, shooting everyone. I used the environment as cover and kept firing with my Desert Eagle for quick executions, my G36K for spraying, and my AWM for those chasing the bus or trying to escape.
The battle lasted 10 minutes, and I had executed them all.
[It seems they were sent by Rum.]
"I know. Now, create an interesting incident. Can you do that, Ascendant?"
[Creating a cover, destroying weapons, and making gunshot wounds on your body. My apologies, Sir.]
"I'm having fun, Ascendant."
[Yes, you are.]
Ascendant inflicted wounds on my body, making it look like I was overwhelmed. I coughed up blood, making it seem like I was near death.
Not long after, Tokyo police arrived with paramedics who saw me, noting my body covered in severe bullet wounds and heavy bleeding.
"OFFICER DOWN!" The paramedics rushed to me and took me to the hospital for intensive care. Eri and Ran were super emotional seeing me near death once again, but my metabolism kept my body healing. Once I woke up, I yawned normally.
"Uncle!" Conan and Ai looked at me as they guarded me. Surprisingly, Akemi and Akai were also there. Oh, crap.
"Did I get free healthcare from the Prime Minister?"
"Yes, the Prime Minister fully covered all your medical expenses."
"There goes my retirement money. So, what are you two doing here?" I saw my body covered in bandages and full of wounds. I'd deal with that later.
"Detective Mouri, do you know the Boss of the Black Organization?"
"That's right. What's the matter?"
"Can you apprehend him?"
"Do you want Japan to be destroyed?" I immediately silenced Akai, who looked at me in shock.
"What do you mean?"
"Has your cousin's girlfriend leaked my condition?" Akemi looked at Akai, and he nodded to me.
"I understand your agreement with the Boss, but can you work with the FBI?"
"Fool. You've been figured out. The entire FBI, CIA, MI6, and even Tokyo Police infiltrators are already listed as 'detected' and are being tailed. He's cunning and a master manipulator. You're just pawns on a chessboard, and he doesn't hesitate to kill executive members. I'm the Boss's greatest asset; the rest of you are useless and unprofitable pawns."
"You seem to know the Boss well."
"I know him because I was the first to choke his neck. You're here just negotiating, while I've already managed to threaten him. From my achievements alone, you can tell I don't need help from the FBI, CIA, MI6, or even the Japanese Secret Police. But if you insist on hearing from the Boss, fine." I took my phone and called his number.
"Good evening, Detective Mouri. I hear my men sent a group to ambush you, right?" The Boss's voice shocked Akai even more, realizing my closeness to him.
"Yes, they succeeded in seriously injuring me."
"That's not a big deal. I've checked your medical records. I've already done some 'cleaning' regarding your uniqueness, but I see you're with Silver Bullet, the twin little shits, and the Sherlock wannabe boy." They immediately went on alert, looking around for CCTV or anyone monitoring them.
"They came here to negotiate with me. They want you to surrender to the FBI."
"And then?"
"For the crimes you've committed." There was a pause, and then the Boss laughed loudly.
"Arrest me? For what? Without crime, law enforcement becomes useless. I am the group that gives the police, military, and intelligence agencies like the FBI a job. Even if I were caught, it wouldn't change the fact that crime would still occur, but not just from my group. You're the same, Kogoro. Without cases, you're useless. That's why I gave you a side job as one of the top military leaders when your detective work was slow. Be grateful you have a steady income and more support than anything the FBI, CIA, or MI6 can offer. Let me tell you something, Shuichi Akai, Silver Bullet." The Boss paused, and I handed my phone to Akai.
"Kogoro Mouri is my most valuable super soldier, one man as valuable as an entire world. Your cousin's girlfriend leaked the super soldier capability, but go ahead and spread it to the FBI, CIA, MI6. Your efforts will only make the Japanese government kick you out. Mouri is a Japanese citizen protected by the country itself. Though they don't know about the super soldier enhancement, they consider Detective Mouri a multi-talented individual. If you spread this and it reaches Russia, America, China, Korea, England, Germany, and other superpowers, they will legitimize any means to obtain him—his entire existence, his blood, his essence, his super soldier physiology. This will make Mouri's life miserable with constant kidnappings, exposure, and any other way to make Mouri go to their country. Mouri is my ticking bomb that will create World War 3 just by him alone. Let me tell you, Mouri could wipe out the entire population of Europe in three weeks, and even the military wouldn't be able to stop him. This incident will only make him stronger. The more problems you give him, the more you'll face when Mouri becomes a problem."
"Who are you truly ?"
"Me ? Figure it out, If Kogoro Mouri which consider pathetic useless drunkard skirt chasing detective able to find me and figure it out who i am why you can't that even before his super soldier enhancement and even early had that, so i respect his demand as he respect my privacy but for you my enemy except you Shiho as i treat you nothing but an worthless thing, find who i am without Mouri Help and I warn you Shiho, Vermouth on your tail. and for you Akai, Gin and Vodka already on their watchlist while for you Sherlock boy and my little cousin lover, Rum my second in command already put list on your head especially your boy friend head. and For you Kogoro Mouri, i already send apology for your group trauma upon my member action, i hope they retrieve it with pleasant"
"i appreciate the my previous nickname called put like that, but you Not send poison, bomb, or anything threatened ?"
"Mouri, friend. i am a criminal that have code of honor and ethic, i honor you as you honor me, i am ethical as my target not civilian who is my source of "circulation", i am targeting person who have power as my group purpose elimination, who don't have it ? why bother wasting time. i hope you like the gift i gave you as pardon and if any of these 4 member try to do something that threatening your family, is on me, i will bring their dead body right infront your detective agency doorstep"
"Sorry, my agency not mortuary, toss it in Tokyo Bay"
"As you wish, good night ladies and gentlemen"
My phone instantly broke, and I was annoyed.
"Night Baron virus, damn it. Now I have to buy another phone… and I forgot to install antivirus."
"Setting that aside, Detective Mouri, your super soldier abilities could greatly assist in our investigation, especially in taking down the Black Organization." I was silent, then I stood up from my bed despite my body being full of wounds. I looked at Ai, who was watching me with great concern.
"Akai, is that right?"
"Yes." I quickly pulled off a magic trick, drawing a gun and shooting Akai swiftly. My bullet pierced Akai's head, killing him instantly before anyone realized what had happened.
Then I killed Akemi swiftly, took out my phone, and recorded myself shooting their bodies multiple times. Luckily, my gun had a silencer.
"Ascendant, did you record that?"
[I recorded it, and the footage is saved on a disk you can send to The Boss.]
"Good. Let's test that drug." I took the drug and injected it into the two corpses. Their bodies immediately began a high-level regeneration, expelling the bullets. Their organs grew back, and their brains started functioning again, thanks to my use of onmyodo to prevent their souls from entering the afterlife.
They woke up, breathing heavily, looking at me and their bloody bodies. I smiled.
"I killed you and brought you back to life. I recorded myself shooting you brutally, and this video will serve as proof that you were declared deceased by the Black Organization. Learn makeup and disguise techniques from Yukiko Kudo. She can teach you how to transform and disguise yourself. Then contact the FBI agents you know to help you deal with them. Now, avoid their radar. As for you, Boy and Ai," I took some alcohol from my patient's shelf and mixed it with some fruits.
"Drink this." They hesitated, but I handed the drink to them. When Conan drank it, his body emitted smoke, and I covered him with a blanket.
"Uncle, I—" I shot Shinichi in the head, heart, lungs, and other vital areas, then injected the same drug. His body reacted as before, regenerating quickly. He came back to life but reverted to Conan.
"I suspected that. Note that, Ascendant."
[I recorded that and am ready to revise the theory.]
I saw Ai panicking.
"Uncle, I don't want to die."
"Then you'll be hunted for the rest of your life. Which do you choose? Live free without constant fear of exposure, or stay as you are, eventually to be exposed or killed by Vermouth, Rum, Gin, Vodka, or any other executive or spy? Cooperate or be my guest." Ai hesitated and nodded. She drank the booze, I threw a blanket over her, and she returned to her adult form. I shot her before she had a chance to react. Afterward, I injected the drug, completing the process.
[The elimination video of Shinichi Kudo, Shiho Miyano, Akemi Miyano, and Shuichi Akai has been recorded. Any other additions, sir?]
"That's it for now. Ran will return in 2 to 3 minutes and bombard me with questions. Clean the mess before she makes a mess of my head."
[Understood, erasing powder, blood trail, bullet trail, and other evidence from the crime scene.]
Magically, all evidence of the shooting vanished from the room, and I destroyed my gun.
"You're welcome." I looked at them and lay back on my bed, tossing an apple in the air. Ran arrived with Sonoko, the detective boys, some police officers, and Inspector Agasa.
Of course, they bombarded me with a million questions, enough to take a whole day to answer.
There were many questions I ignored, and some I had to answer, despite it taking a lot of time due to numerous Q&A sessions.
Okino stopped by with a hamper, looking surprised.
"Detective Mouri, are you awake?" I glanced at Ran.
"Ran kicked my head until I passed out." Ran hit my head again, not appreciating my joke, but it wasn't something to joke about.
"Miss Okino, do I look like a ghost?"
"With all those bandages, you look like a ghost or a newly resurrected corpse."
"Such a heartwarming statement, but I guess it's somewhat true. The wounds I sustained were severe. I didn't expect my assassin suit couldn't withstand the damage. It needs more adjustments. I also don't want to burden the Prime Minister with my hospital bills. Ascendant, have the herb?"
[All here, sir.]
Ascendant presented the herbs, and I started mixing them, drawing from my memory of First Aid Spray from Resident Evil and Arknights. Fortunately, Japan has these herbs, but their quality is poor. With some chemical and biological manipulation, the herbal mixture was ready. I added water, placed it in a spray can, and shook it quickly.
"Uncle." I put down the spray can and removed all my bandages and IV. The wounds from my surgeries and other injuries were still fresh and unhealed.
"What do you want to talk about, Conan?"
"Can you show me some sleight of hand?" I grabbed a glass, juggled it, and performed a sleight of hand to produce two plush balls from the glass. I did a quick and simple trick, filled the glass with water, and continued juggling and performing sleight of hand, making it look like I was doing magic. Then I skewered the two balls and twisted them into a fresh, warm dango.
I ate it and spat out the cloth balls, then quickly demonstrated a trick with a pen, spinning it like a propeller. Even though it was just a finger technique, my muscle refresh ability made it easy to perform without muscle cramps.
"Can you follow that? If your focus is on the object and my hand, think of the object as evidence and my hand as the suspect. Analogize it like that. Do you have any other questions?"
"Not now, Uncle."
"Alright, everyone, get out of my room. Visiting hours are over, and I don't want the nurse scolding me for exceeding the guest limit."
"Uncle will probably get out sooner." I looked at Conan, who was being quite nosy, sniffing around for anything mysterious.
"That's my plan. I'm bored here. There's no entertainment, even in a first-class treatment room. Okay, I'll satisfy your curiosity." I took the spray can and applied it to my body. All my wounds dried up, my cells regenerated quickly, my surgical scars disappeared, and even the burns and bullet wounds healed completely without a trace. Even my hair, which had been burned by a grenade, started to grow back.
"Ugh, this half-bald look is a problem." I grabbed a glass, opened the can, and poured the liquid, which foamed up. Then I burned it. The chemical smell was very fragrant, like a high-end brand perfume.
The liquid turned into a thick pomade. I evenly spread the pomade on my hair, making it fuller. It felt like the hair of the Commander from Nikke, but fresher, more nourished, softer, and very fragrant. My black hair shone like obsidian silk.
"Conan, put this in the cooler." Conan placed it in the cooler and then looked at me seriously.
"And then?"
"Wait 30 seconds." We waited, and then Conan took out the liquid, which had turned into a very soft jelly.
"Uncle." Conan handed me the jelly. I took it and went to the bathroom for a quick wash.
"Ran! Your dad is getting crazier! Is he really your dad?" Sonoko asked Ran seriously.
"He is my dad!"
"I don't believe it! He might be your foster father. The real Mouri might have run off and remarried, and his twin brother is now taking his place to cover for him. He might be making up stories to hide the fact that the real Mouri left with his new wife." Sonoko's theory sounded outlandish, but it made some sense. Ran was confused because Sonoko's words had some truth to them. Even Kogoro's colleagues acknowledged this wasn't the real Kogoro. But the Boss's words still echoed for those who knew.
I am Kogoro, but more advanced and better than the actual Kogoro. The biggest weakness of humans is their slow adaptation.
"No… don't confuse me, Sonoko."
"Trust me, Ran. He's not your father." I came out of the bathroom wearing a calm-colored short-sleeved shirt, slim-fit jeans, and minimal accessories. Most importantly, I looked very youthful, gorgeous, and charming like a newlywed husband. Combined with my demonic aura, I exuded an allure that was out of this world.
"The jelly is great as a soap. It could be commercialized. Let's go home. I'm bored here. I want to play pachinko and bet on horse racing again." Ran immediately kicked me, leaping towards me. I deflected her and gave her a light chop on the head.
"I am your father. I don't want you showing your underwear to me and everyone here. Have some shame." Ran blushed and sat down.
"DAD!" I shook my head.
We checked out of the hospital, even though the doctor really wanted to keep me for further observation. I refused due to my busy schedule, using some gaslighting and logical arguments until the doctor gave up. I smiled at my victory.
Stepping outside, I inhaled the air of this world, full of crime. I loved it.
[Sir, your car is in the parking lot.]
I immediately ran to the parking lot to get my car, a Nissan Elgrand with a luxurious interior and top-quality machinery, plus a few simple additions. I checked the dashboard, grabbed my vehicle permit, and headed to the lobby, knowing they were waiting for me.
"Where did your dad run off to again, Ran?" Sonoko asked, annoyed.
"You said he's not my dad," Ran retorted.
"I take back what I said before. Can I marry your dad?" Ran clenched her fists, ready to punch Sonoko, just as I pulled up in front of them and looked at them from the driver's seat on the left.
"Want a ride?" I asked, buckled up and following traffic rules.
"DAD, YOU'RE WASTING MONEY AGAIN!"
"I built this car myself... did you forget my position in the government?"
"Fine! Fine! I want to travel in your new car!"
"Where to?" My question left them speechless.
"Where do you want to go, Dad?"
"I don't know. This car doesn't need gas or oil changes because it uses a highly modified engine. If you want to travel, this car can run from Hokkaido to Kagoshima without stopping. It has a self-driving system, excellent navigation, and is bulletproof. It can even withstand a nuclear bomb or atomic explosion point-blank because of its thick plastic-steel layers. It's also amphibious, able to swim and float on water regardless of the load. It's a 3-in-1 vehicle: a minivan, an armored car, and a speedboat. Even better," I tapped the car body, and the car's color changed, looking elegant and stylish.
"It has a chameleon mechanism. This car can change its color with a touch and its chameleon system can disrupt tracking and radar, preventing weapons like missiles, RPGs, and landmines from targeting it. This is cutting-edge technology I plan to propose to the Prime Minister, and even the Emperor wants to buy this car. But I'm doing a test drive first before he buys it." Hearing that the Emperor of Japan wanted to buy my car was mind-blowing. This 3-in-1 car would shake the world, and I was now in the Emperor's social circle.
"So..."
"Yes, this is the Emperor of Japan's car that I'm testing before modifying it again for national use as an SUV and minivan. It's the king of minivans. The queen will be a luxury car like a Rolls-Royce, but he prefers this car, so I put that project on hold. Want to ride or not? If not, I'll take this car to his residence since he's been calling about it." Yoko Okino immediately sat in the front seat beside me, buckling her seatbelt without my permission.
"Let's go!" she said eagerly.
Seeing Yoko's excitement to get into the luxury car was understandable. The interior was exquisite and perfect, hand-made and well-crafted.
"Hurry up, my phone is also broken. If I don't deliver this car soon, he's going to be furious." The car, designed for 10 people, was now crowded with 12.
"Two of you need to get out!" I ordered.
"Why?" they asked.
"The car's crowded, max capacity is 10 people… unless you want to have kids on your laps. Just get in." I started the engine, which purred smoothly. The air conditioning was cool and fresh, and the ambiance was top-notch.
As we drove, the car's performance was impeccable, without any need for adjustments. We arrived at the Emperor's residence, where the Prime Minister and other ministers were waiting. We were greeted warmly at this prestigious place.
After showcasing the Emperor's car, he personally tested it and was thrilled. Payment was made in front of the entire cabinet and the Prime Minister. The Emperor then wanted to see my work on the virus mentioned in my proposal for Japan's security system. This system, developed with Ascendant, was designed to handle data recovery, especially against threats like the Night Baron.
The government officials were impressed with my innovations, especially how they could secure critical and classified data. This marked a significant step in my rise to international recognition.
The discussion then turned to military applications. The Emperor, Prime Minister, and cabinet were very interested in my Rider Suit. I explained that this battle suit was perfect for special forces, with a design focused on practicality, courage, and loyalty, suitable for both new recruits and field soldiers.
I also introduced rescue suits inspired by my own experiences with drowning, electric shocks, and explosions. These suits would help underwater workers, firefighters, and power plant employees, including a suit resistant to nuclear leaks for maintenance workers or human error.
Additionally, I presented a groundbreaking concept, the Mortal Engine. This system, inspired by the mobile cities in "Arknights," would automatically move a nuclear power plant away from populated areas in the event of an explosion or attack, ensuring a safe radius from nuclear radiation. The plant, mounted on wheels embedded in the ground, could withstand earthquakes and tectonic movements, preventing any impact on the nuclear facility above.
In case of a leak, a neutralizing system would prevent environmental contamination, using a method similar to volcanic activity to refresh the surroundings and diffuse the nuclear reaction safely.
The idea was radical but brilliant, even by the standards of top professors. I had already created blueprints, which the entire cabinet, the Prime Minister, and the Emperor reviewed and approved. This Mortal Engine project was to remain top secret, not to be disclosed to any foreign entity under any circumstances.
But that wasn't all. I had repurposed the Night Baron Virus into a system called Onryo. This new system would shut down any computer trying to access highly classified government data and activate a Vengeance System. Onryo would scan the neural wave patterns of anyone accessing these data files using infrared technology, invisible to the naked eye and undetectable by sensors. Once recorded, their movements would be tracked via satellite, making them traceable anywhere they went.
This advanced system was perfect for identifying people, even those who had undergone plastic surgery, disguise changes, or those who had avoided leaving fingerprints at a crime scene. The problem-solving aspect of this system made it highly efficient for practical applications since a human body can be altered, but invisible attributes like brain waves cannot.
The Prime Minister, cabinet members, and even the Emperor were amazed. While the system was excellent for tracking government projects, it also raised concerns about privacy and freedom rights. They agreed to use this system only for accessing projects with special authority.
After the presentation, we sat down for a meal together, like old colleagues. My team was in awe, admiring my genius and the innovations I had introduced. I have a special gift, and I'm going to use it like a character in a fanfic. Forget the rules ! I AM WANT FUN !
We headed home, escorted by the Cabinet's car and Minister's guards. It was a first-class service, and I felt a sense of satisfaction as I smiled, gazing out the window in front seat while other back seat, using SUV 10 Person seat despite there is kid on everyone lap.
"Dad ?"
"Yes, Ran ?"
"Are you really my father... ?" Eventually my fun ruined by this constant question, I noticed the driver was Tequila, and maybe this was the right time.
"I'm not your father... What Sonoko said is partially correct. When Gin and Vodka shot him in the heart, he was on the brink of death. He encountered me by chance as I passed by. He pleaded with me to take his place and protect you and his wife from the organization. I agreed, on the condition that I would take on his appearance. My real face is Arashi's, while Kogoro's is just a facade as part of the deal I made with your real father. He was content and breathed his last in that park. He asked me to dispose of his body so that you and Eri would never know the truth. I'm sorry, but the secret is out. I can't continue to play the role of your father. However, I've truly enjoyed taking care of you like my own daughter and loving Eri like my own wife, even though I had no right to. The duty passed on to me by Kogoro Mouri was not much, but it was honest work. So, whether you see me as your father or someone else, I will always see you as my own daughter, not just as Ran, Kogoro Mouri's daughter."
Ran remained silent and cried. The harsh truth of Sonoko's words hit her hard, and my serious tone left no room for doubt. The atmosphere in the car was tense, filled with an uneasy silence, and Ran's soft sobs only deepened the heartbreak.
We stopped at an intersection, and I unbuckled my seatbelt.
"Are you new here?" I asked the driver, trying to break the silence.
"Yes, sir. I apologize for overhearing your conversation."
"It's not a big deal. The real issue is, do you know..."
"Know what, Detective Mouri?"
"From Vermouth, Gin, Rum. Which one sent you?" He looked at me calmly, but didn't respond.
"I don't understand what you mean." With the speed of a bullet, I used a nerve strike to make him pass out at the wheel.
"What a waste of time. Ascendant, is the serum ready?"
[Ready, sir.]
A syringe appeared, and I injected it into the driver.
"Connect me to the FBI."
[Connected.]
"Shuichi Akai, I've got good news for you. This is Tequila, one of Gin's subordinates. I want you to take this guy to the FBI headquarters. Consider this my favor to your group. All of Japan's military and government are aware of your mission here, and as the Minister of Science and Technology, along with my three high-ranking military positions, we've erased this guy from the Japanese population records and even as a citizen. Do with him as you will. And remember, he's been injected with a truth serum that erases any concept or knowledge of lying from his memory, instincts, or existence. He's out cold and won't wake up until you get him to your headquarters. Just splash some water on him and interrogate him however you like. I don't care. I'll dump him on this street; my smart system has already pinpointed the location to your phone. The FBI owes me a big favor now. And with his disappearance from the group, they'll become even more ruthless, ready to eliminate you and your cousin's lover. Oh, right. I forgot, they won't know about you. I've erased their memories, data, and any trace of you from their records, including any deja vu effects. This includes your girlfriend, Miyano, and Shinichi, all wiped out without any history or trace of ever existing. Don't ask how I did it. Communication is closed. Good night, and I hope this man gives you a clue about who the Boss is so you can deliver justice. Even though I already know who he is. That's all."
[Message sent.]
"Thank you, Ascendant." I switched places with the driver, tossed the unconscious man out where Akai's location was marked, and drove off. I didn't bother looking back as I kicked him out and headed home.
[Any Plan after you telling the Truth Sir ?]
"If Kogoro Mouri is declared dead, Japan will initiate a blockade to trace the mastermind behind it. The Black Organization's movements will become more elusive due to the tightened measures by Japan's armed forces, who will be meticulously checking immigrant and emigration records. They will have to minimize their movements here to avoid suspicion. Taking advantage of this window, I will head to America, Russia, China, and England before the blockade begins, which will start three hours after Kogoro Mouri's death is announced. This is a chain reaction based on a misunderstanding... so delightful."
[I'm glad you're enjoying this, sir.]
"I am having a good time, Ascendant. Huginn and Muninn," I called, and the two birds appeared on my shoulders. I petted them gently.
"I will send you all home now. Tonight is the last night you will know me. I will return the real Kogoro Mouri. Our agreement ends here. Good night, Kogoro Mouri." With a blink, everyone was back at their respective homes. Meanwhile, I used the God Card to recreate the real Kogoro Mouri and transformed my appearance into Victor.
[Good acting, sir.]
"It was exhausting, but it couldn't be helped. They trust likability over usefulness, a weakness of this comic. But I have to rework some things. I'll temporarily remove Kogoro Mouri's involvement in government projects and transfer some of the assets I acquired under his name to myself." I adjusted the details using the God Card and then retreated into the shadows as Renya.
The next morning, Ran woke up feeling incredibly sad and devastated, still processing the revelation about her father being an imposter. When she walked out of her room, she saw Kogoro Mouri, with his mustache, smoking and reading the newspaper.
"Good morning, Ran. You look down," Kogoro said. Ran couldn't believe what she was seeing. She ran back to her room and called Eri about the previous day's events. Eri hurried to the agency and confirmed that this was indeed her real husband, Kogoro Mouri.
Kogoro was perplexed by everyone's reactions. He checked in with his colleagues and others, only to be told that he was now considered a "True Detective" by the Emperor and the cabinet. However, due to his big-headed nature, he often exaggerated his detective skills.
When given a case to solve, Kogoro was utterly stumped. Everyone expected him to solve it with detail and accuracy, but Kogoro was at a loss, eventually giving up because he truly had no idea what was happening.
"Is this really Detective Mouri?" This question caused chaos. The real Mouri's return, along with his usual antics, made some people relieved that the previous Mouri was an imposter. However, they were also disappointed because the imposter was more skilled and efficient at handling problems and cases, and he was more talented overall.
"Arashi... You mean Yoko Okino's duet partner?"
"That's right... Even Yoko Okino's agency can't trace or contact Arashi anymore."
"...We have a suspect, and it's Kogoro Mouri. Maybe there is some evidence we can use?"
"Uncle Kogoro, try saying these names: Ascendant, Huginn, Muninn."
"Ascendant? Huginn? Muninn?" Kogoro said, with terrible pronunciation.
"Ascendant? Huginn? Muninn?"
"Ascendant is a supercomputer created by Kogoro Mouri's imposter, and Huginn is a pitch-black raven, while Muninn is an owl as bright as a star. They are Arashi's pets. Come on, Uncle, use proper English and German." Conan's head was smacked by Mouri, who had no idea what he was talking about.
"I can't. I'm not fluent in foreign languages!"
"What does Arashi look like?"
"Uncle, try drawing. Your drawings are better." Kogoro produced the worst drawing ever, wasting their time.
"We're wasting time... This Kogoro Mouri is the real deal, but he's incompetent. Whereas Arashi, the imposter, was more efficient and skilled." Kogoro was deeply offended by this.
"What? Watch your mouth!"
"Apologies, Detective Mouri. Your golden era orchestrated by Arashi is over. I hope you can handle your crumbling popularity." It was a painful truth that couldn't be denied. The question, "Am I really Kogoro Mouri?" caused chaos.
The real Kogoro Mouri became increasingly stressed and quick-tempered because of what I had done. He started drinking and gambling more to cope with his stress. Conan had to help solve cases, but he found it exhausting because the real Kogoro was not calm, observant, or focused.
Ran was the most affected. She had previously enjoyed taking care of her failed father, but since I took over, I had been the one caring for and looking after her. Now, she had to go back to her old role, causing emotional whiplash. Eri also suffered, as the old habits of Kogoro, which had led to their separation, resurfaced. While I had not mimicked his womanizing habits and had instead focused on loving Eri and Ran as my family, the return of his old behavior played with Eri's feelings.
Who did she love? The imposter or the real deal?
Sonoko and Ran walked home with heavy hearts. Sonoko deeply regretted revealing the truth that had shattered Ran's family life.
Meanwhile, I roamed the world under the guise of Victor, solving various cases outside Conan's timeline. These cases were similar but increasingly complex due to my dual role as Kogoro Mouri.
During this journey, I successfully solved 21 cases in different countries, including the United States. These cases often involved violence and serious threats, indirectly honing my combat skills.
Initially, I needed to solve only 8 cases to achieve a specific goal, but I enjoyed the challenges and wanted to play longer. Each case provided its own satisfaction, drawing me deeper into my roles as Victor and Kogoro Mouri.
In America, I tackled a series of serial murders involving a former soldier with a strong military background. By combining Kogoro's detective skills and my combat abilities as Victor, I identified hidden patterns overlooked by local law enforcement. This success not only boosted my international reputation but also opened new networks useful for future investigations.
After solving the case in America, I moved on to Russia, where I faced a crime syndicate involved in human trafficking. Here, the intelligence and strategies I developed as Kogoro Mouri were invaluable. With advanced technology from Ascendant, I exposed the syndicate's network and collaborated with local authorities to dismantle their operations.
My journey in China delved into industrial espionage and corporate sabotage. Using tactics of disguise and infiltration, I uncovered a nefarious plan involving some of the country's largest corporations. This case underscored the importance of secrecy and strategy in investigations while highlighting the dangers of the world I was navigating.
In England, I handled a more classic case: a mysterious murder in an ancient manor. This case was reminiscent of Conan's adventures, often involving puzzles and mysteries. Through sharp analysis and precise deduction, I identified the murderer among a group of suspicious guests, revealing the hidden motive behind the crime.
Each case I solved not only enhanced my skills and reputation but also deepened my understanding of the complexity of crime worldwide. Although I missed my former life as Kogoro Mouri and the relationships I had built, this journey provided unique satisfaction and strengthened my resolve to continue pursuing fun.
Despite this, I couldn't ignore the impact I had on Ran and Eri. Thus, I watched over them from a distance, aiding them with the God Card. The real Kogoro Mouri was truly disappointing and less efficient, but so be it. I would continue to play this game.
While I was busy with my global endeavors, back home, Ran and Eri were struggling to adjust to the return of the real Kogoro Mouri. His incompetence and old habits resurfaced, creating more stress and disappointment in their lives. Ran, in particular, was heartbroken by the stark difference between the imposter, who had shown genuine care and competence, and her real father, who was falling back into his old ways.
Eri, too, was conflicted. The imposter had rekindled her feelings and shown her a side of Kogoro she had always hoped for, only to have the real Kogoro's return shatter those hopes once more. The emotional turmoil made her question her love and loyalty.
From afar, I used the God Card to subtly influence events, trying to make their lives easier without revealing my involvement. I couldn't completely undo the damage, but I could provide small comforts and aid where possible.
In the shadows, I continued to weave my web, balancing my roles and maintaining my vigilance. This game was far from over, and I was determined to finish it through, no matter the cost.