In the world of Detective Conan, however, he was bound to the Naruto System.

Chapter 278 Subaru Okiya Under Attack

Chapter 278 Subaru Okiya Under Attack

"Because Keita's mother passed away a year ago and he lacked maternal love, he has always had a good relationship with the kindergarten teacher and the ladies in the neighborhood, and they all love Keita very much."

It's clear that Endo dotes on Keita quite a bit, much better than some company presidents who are clearly rich but cheat people with counterfeit money. When Keita is mentioned, the corners of his mouth can't help but turn up slightly.

However, the pleasant memories did not last long. The thought that Keita was still in the hands of those damned kidnappers filled him with worry.

"So, the kidnapper who contacted you had at least one female accomplice, because the ladies and kindergarten teachers in the neighborhood are all very friendly, which is why Keita isn't afraid of strangers."

Then, Akutagawa Hiko said something that gave Endo a slight sense of relief: "In that case, if Keita angers the kidnappers before they get the money, the chances of him being killed are greatly reduced."

Akutagawa Hiko's expression was not without worry, because what he was about to say might have slightly provoked this father who was so protective of his son that he couldn't think long-term.

However, he still had to say that not calling the police when something like this happened, especially since he was a detective who worked closely with the police, would be a stain on his record.

It's just a matter of saying one more word; there's no need to find it troublesome.

"Mr. Endo, in principle, you should call the police when something like this happens—"

Before he could finish speaking, Endo slammed his fist on the table and stood up, his face contorted with anger and panic, a far cry from the honest man he had been moments before.

"No, we absolutely cannot do that!"

"If—if the police get involved, they might be able to catch the kidnappers, but—but Keita—there's no guarantee he'll come back safely!"

As he spoke, Endo's hand, which was gripping the table tightly, trembled slightly, as if he had thought of something. This was something that someone who didn't care about others could never fake, and even Akutagawa Hiko was moved by it.

"Mr. Akutagawa, I have placed all my hopes on you now!"

With that, Endo bowed deeply without hesitation: "Please—please make sure Keita returns safely, please do me this favor, I beg you!"

Seeing Endo's posture, which was practically about to give him a double prostration, Akutagawa Hiko quickly helped him up, saying, "Alright, alright, I'll help. Keita will definitely come back safely, definitely!"

That simple sentence gave Endo a great deal of confidence. If Akutagawa hadn't been supporting him, there was no doubt that he would have done a dogeza (a deep bowing gesture).

"After all, we initiated this contact, but we still need your cooperation—"

In the lobby, Akutagawa Hiko and Conan took turns giving Endo some pointers on how to talk to him, preparing to extract as much information as possible from the kidnappers.

Regardless of its usefulness, it is at least discreet enough not to arouse suspicion from the kidnappers.

Akutagawa Hiko paused his lesson, still wanting more, and explained to Endo with a questioning look in his eyes, "Because you're not good with words when you're with the kidnappers, and saying too much would easily expose you."

Seeing that Endo wished he could slap himself, Akutagawa Hiko said helplessly, "Those were just some tentative moves, the real breakthrough lies with Keita. You must try to get a chance to talk to Keita."

Kidnappers are unlikely to refuse such demands in order to reassure the hostage's family and get the money. After all, if they cannot confirm whether the hostage is still alive, they may face real gunfire.

What do you mean you're as ridiculous as your bunker?

Those capable of raising the ransom demanded by kidnappers can unleash a considerable amount of energy in a short period of time.

After finding his mentor, the bewildered Endo naturally prepared to do whatever he was told, fearing that any mistake would cause him and his son to be separated forever.

Akutagawa glanced at Conan, who instantly understood and tossed a newly developed ultra-miniature transmitter from the professor onto the box containing the money. Because it was only the size of a sesame seed, the third-rate kidnappers would have no chance of noticing it.

"Please contact us immediately after the kidnappers contact you. This is our agency's phone number."

Back at the office, the first thing Akutagawa saw was Okiya Subaru with red eyes, clutching a potted plant, and Tadokoro Toshiya with a serious expression.

"What are you doing here?"

Upon seeing Akutagawa Hiko return, both Okiya Subaru and Tadokoro Toshiya instantly found their pillar of support, and Okiya Subaru also relaxed a lot.

Seeing that his colleague hadn't recovered yet, Tadokoro Toshiya was about to explain for him when he was interrupted by Okiya Subaru. This young man, who had barely lived to be 27 and lived in constant fear, sniffed and spoke in a muffled voice.

"Boss, I've been attacked!"

Originally, this matter was nothing special. He knew that this world was unreasonable, and the reasons for killing people were incredibly varied. He had a certain ability to protect himself, especially after learning from Akutagawa Hiko.

Moreover, he still had some potted plants that he had just retrieved and could use twice more. As long as it wasn't a continuous barrage of heavy firepower, he was confident he could survive.

The problem was, after the bonsai was triggered, he sensed numerous prying eyes flashing by in the shadows, drawn by the shock of the sights.

In that instant, Subaru Okiya felt his hands and feet turn icy cold, as if he were trapped in a chilling, suffocating vortex of intrigue, and only this small detective agency could bring him warmth.

He has lived his whole life on thin ice, and now, just by relaxing a little, he almost became a victim of something. After returning to this safe haven, he naturally couldn't hold back.

Toshiya Tadokoro, who was writing a novel on his computer, was nearly scared to death by Subaru Okiya.

Akutagawa Hiko had some guesses about this.

He speculated that the unscrupulous FBI, after conducting an investigation, might have taken a liking to Subaru Okiya, a man with impeccable credentials, little close contact with others, an easy role to play, and a good position to gather intelligence as a detective apprentice, and wanted to replace him.

So they devised this plot, wanting to stage a hero rescuing a damsel in distress, and then using both coercion and enticement to make Subaru Okiya willingly give up his identity and head to the beacon of civilization they spoke of.

Perhaps fearing that Subaru Okiya might make connections, leading to conflicting emotions that could cause them to fail, the FBI had never even contacted Subaru Okiya before this scenario occurred, and had not sought to obtain his identity through peaceful means.

"You can stay at the office for now. As long as I'm here, no one can do anything to you."

Akutagawa Hiko narrowed his eyes, a glint of red light flashing within them.

Although he initially approached Subaru Okiya just to cause trouble for the FBI, he now considers him one of his own and naturally dislikes those guys even more.