The establishment of the Time Travelers Alliance began in the first year of Conan

Chapter 273 Conan :) — The offensive to destroy humanity's enemy, the Black Organization, begins.

Conan's unwillingness for time to continue flowing was indeed unexpected by the League.

"Or rather, the new timeline is now pretending to be flowing downwards."

This might sound a little unbelievable.

Although the timeline in [Detective Conan Universe-001] is already bizarre enough, after all, it can flow downwards, pause—and even potentially reverse.

Faced with the latest information from the Alliance, Dr. Agasa, who believed that everyone was trapped on the same day, frowned, somewhat puzzled.

"But what does it mean for the timeline to pretend to flow?"

"It's that Soviet joke." The projection that appeared in front of him answered his question in this way.

Stalin, Khrushchev, and Brezhnev were traveling by train when the train suddenly stalled.

Stalin stuck his head out of the window and roared, "Shoot the train driver!" But the train still didn't start.

Then Khrushchev said, "Rehabilitate the train driver!", but the train still didn't move.

Brezhnev said, "Comrades, why don't we draw the curtains, sit in our seats, and sway our bodies to make it look like the train is still moving?"

— [Conan Edogawa] is deceiving himself.

Bai Zichen explained to him how all of this happened.

He projected a timeline structure of the present into the air.

"We are now in a new timeline, and in the absence of interference from two timelines, the timeline will theoretically only continue to move forward."

"And as far as I know, the case related to the fourth pointer has already been arranged, right?"

Professor Agasa nodded: "Vermouth and the others have already rehearsed at the East Tower, only Conan is missing."

"So here's the problem, Professor Agasa. This is actually a very dangerous sign. Conan Edogawa's subconscious is resisting the arrival of the next case."

"We can be pretty sure that he has a vague sense of the connection between the case, the pointer, and himself."

Bai Zichen paused for a moment, then continued to explain:
"He just couldn't find concrete evidence. But he also knew very well that as long as the timeline continued to move forward, the fourth pointer case would proceed according to the Alliance's plan."

"If it's a dual timeline structure, this isn't actually a big deal. We can try to use the 'historical inertia' to forcefully drag him into the event."

"But the truth is, we can't do that anymore."

The coffin lid of the dual timeline has been closed.

The alliance also doesn't have any extra [loops], and no more "case generators" based on [loops].

"The new timeline has caused two different types of time that should have been separate to merge together, so we can't skip this period of time that originally belonged to the [real timeline]."

"Everyone in the world is actually playing along with Him; everyone is 'pretending' that today has not passed."

Bai Zichen projected a video.

The protagonist in the video is an elderly man who is very old.

He looked sick, very tired and old, so he dragged his weary body to the hospital, and finally, at the end of the day, he dragged his tired body home after finishing his treatment.

Then, the instant he lay down on that wooden plank bed, a somewhat shriveled corpse quietly spent a cold night.

As the sun rose on this "new day," he dragged his weary body to the hospital.

"This is the 10,000th 'resurrection' phenomenon we have observed."

"Besides death from illness and old age, other causes include traffic accidents, natural disasters, and others. The RSI values ​​of these individuals are all below 75 during their activity."

"This means they have actually become the dead of the movement, but because they 'think' today is not over, they keep repeating the situation before they died."

Professor Agasa looked at the three photographs displayed in front of him—

Every night, the old man's corpse would become more shriveled and attract more mosquitoes.

He realized just how serious the situation was, and his expression immediately turned serious.

"Is real time still moving forward? That's impossible!"

Bai Zichen pointed out a misunderstanding by Professor Agasa, which is also the most critical point right now.

"The timeline reversal is over! Doctor! The timeline is now on the right track!"

"The road to the end has begun!"

Bai Zichen's projection was pacing anxiously in the underground laboratory.

“Even the dead are just a minor issue; we are using the RSI anomalies of other individuals to re-anchor their deaths.”

"But Professor, it's different with living people. The longer Conan drags it out, the harder it is for the logic of the two parts to match up."

The Alliance's operations team was incredibly busy during Conan's week of "hesitation"—now they had to get to work on the [story timeline].

"We don't have the ability to directly 'rationalize' all life in the universe like the [story timeline] does."

Bai Zichen briefly explained what the alliance had been busy with these past few days.

"Emergency Plan 113 has been activated, and large-scale memory editing measures will be carried out once every night on a global scale."

"The Department of Historical Disguise and Infiltration, the Bureau of Time Investigation, the Department of Time Sequence, and the Department of Reality Intervention are all very busy every day."

"The Time Investigation Bureau, the Time Sequence Department, and the Conan Psychological Research Institute are responsible for planning the skipped timelines, while the Historical Disguise Department is responsible for 'making up stories' for key government departments, especially GSSRA."

"Needless to say, the Reality Intervention Department has to be awakened. We have to get a group of hibernating members to fix all the loopholes in reality."

"The ethics committee is in an uproar too—"

"The executive level is already considering whether the [Circular Computer] should first incorporate personnel from some countries into the 'Consciousness Simulation Device'."

"If the situation continues to worsen, we may need to use temporary mental acceleration and virtual world simulations to avoid the two time points from not matching up."

"There's also the issue of newborns. The number of deaths will continue to rise, but the number of living people won't."

"And the Earth and even the universe itself, because [Edogawa Conan] feels that he is gaining something every day, and obviously we cannot brainwash him."

"If we skip a week, the changes are not yet obvious."

"Changes in star charts can be faked, and climate change on Earth can be temporarily addressed using climate generators."

"But the longer it drags on, the more details we will have to fill in, and if we continue, it may even involve galaxy-scale interference modifications."

Bai Zichen looked at Professor Agasa: "But if it really comes down to modifications on the scale of galaxies or even the universe, the Alliance will have no choice but to use the CYZ effect."

The entire executive team was in complete agreement on this matter.

The alliance's CYZ redundancy is not meant for such trivial matters!

"Ai has tried it several times already."

"In most cases, Conan will directly invite her to join the investigation of the mysteries in the 'Moon Shadow Island Case'."

"Fortunately, she would proactively blur the relevant memories before starting school, which prevented the leak from happening."

Dr. Agasa stated that they have already tried many methods.

"The Metropolitan Police Department has also invited Kogoro, but Conan has refused to go to the Metropolitan Police Department in several attempts."

“We have also tried some other methods, such as trying to induce a case.”

That won't work at all.

Now, it's Conan Edogawa who's resisting the occurrence of the "case".

It's because [Conan Edogawa] doesn't want to be disturbed by other factors.

The Alliance has covered up everything that happened on Moonshadow Island too well.

There are almost no loopholes.

Even the loopholes were intentionally designed to arouse Conan's suspicion about the "Moonlight Murder Case".

As for a "detective," just as Ai Haibara mentioned, Conan is completely entangled.

Nothing captivated Conan Edogawa more than a "mystery" that, despite being meticulously designed by the Alliance, seemed impossible to uncover the truth, yet always offered a glimmer of hope.

Moreover, the answer to this riddle is related to the whole truth, and to the pointer.

Professor Agasa looked at the projection in front of him.

"Unless we try to reveal even a sliver of the truth about the Fourth Pointer case and Moonshadow Island—"

Bai Zichen's expression turned serious.

"Dr. Agasa, the Alliance has made it clear that there will be no further interference in the 'Moonlight Case'."

"Furthermore, as the creator of that ring, I think you are well aware of what would happen if [Conan Edogawa] had doubts about the third pointer itself."

Involving himself in Conan's "mindset shift" is dangerous enough—just look at the current situation to understand; this is still just a suspicion that He can't get the evidence.

He left Professor Agasa no room for rebuttal.

"Any attempt to reveal the truth to Conan Edogawa, directly or indirectly, will be absolutely forbidden."

As an executive consultant, Bai Zichen also participated in the data analysis of the "■■ Tower Case".

Even the faintest hint of information gleaned from that exceptionally vague document is terrifying enough.

The alliance no longer has a second ZC-01 to handle the potential crisis.

No one can afford such consequences.

……

Therefore, the alliance had to try other approaches.

"From this perspective, the 'Red Team' path is no longer viable, and we also cannot risk completely losing the Ai Haibara and Kogoro Mouri storyline."

If the soft one doesn't work, then use the hard one.

“We need to force Karasuma Renya out; he has what we need.”

Ota Akikawa's gaze swept over all the councilors in the audience, and he projected the proposal from Ms. Miyano.

"Now, let's begin voting on the 'Plan to Eliminate the Black Organization'."

The plan was approved unanimously.

Without the help of the [story timeline], the Alliance could destroy it as easily as crushing an ant.

……

This plan, in a sense, stemmed from Ms. Miyano's obsession with seeing Shiho again.

However, to understand its key points, we must first distinguish between two concepts.

Historical inertia and historical process are not the same thing.

Some researchers in the Narrative Department who insist that this universe is a detective novel or a comic book refer to the former as "plot" and the latter as "personal storyline".

Just like how Akemi Miyano can still appear in certain historical contexts even after her death is confirmed by Conan Edogawa—

The league has tried this before.

In the Moon Shadow Island case, she was indeed able to appear at the time points two years and twelve years ago.

However, she herself has no influence over the timeline.

She can pluck a blade of grass from Moonshadow Island, and scoop up a handful of sand from the beach.

You could even hide in the crowd and catch a glimpse of Shiho Miyano after she's shrunk...

“But she can’t interfere with the ‘case’; if she has that tendency or action, she risks breaking down.”

When faced with Ms. Miyano's request to meet with Shiho again, the CYZ Effect Research Institute and the Time Research Department came to a very straightforward conclusion.

"As magical timeline entities infused with the CYZ effect, your timeline was indeed able to advance its own [historical process] after it separated from the Conan universe."

"It can even interact with the timelines of other things to a certain extent."

"But if you try to intervene in the timeline after 'Akami Miyano's' death, the universe itself will deny this fact."

—The story of Akemi Miyano has come to an end.

She can appear in someone's memories, she can appear in the past.

However, for the new timeline, the "possibility" of her guiding history in other directions has completely disappeared.

"But wasn't Asai Narumi resurrected?"

Ms. Miyano felt as if the universe was targeting her alone. "First of all, Asai Narumi never died."

The researcher explained, "Historical inertia doesn't necessarily happen; it's just used to describe the direction history should have taken, not the actual historical events."

"Just like the Moonlight Case you mentioned, Asai Narumi never actually died throughout the entire case."

He paused, then pointed out one point that Ms. Miyano had confused: "You've confused the 'original plot' with what actually happened."

"Furthermore, you've misunderstood the concept of 'historical process.' The term 'historical process' was invented because of the magical timeline."

"It was proposed because of its presentation, which is different from the Conan universe timeline."

"Although I hate to admit it, the truth is that even without the existence of this technology, the course of history for everyone is driven by Conan Edogawa himself."

However, when this point was mentioned, the researcher from the Department of Current Affairs suddenly recalled the research on "character design" from the Department of Narrative Studies.

He hesitated for a moment, then added, "Uh, it's usually driven by [Conan Edogawa] himself."

"In short, there is still a lot of debate on this issue."

"But what is certain is that the lives lost in front of Conan have a historical impact that goes beyond just whether or not the course of history can continue."

"The CYZ effect and alliances acted as a barrier."

"To interact with the real world, theoretically, the individual needs to directly confront [Conan Edogawa] and the negation of the universe."

"Or like in 'The Moonlight Case,' Conan himself has doubts about the results he deduced, and there is a series of alliances being prepared in the process."

If you continue reasoning based on the theory that "death" cannot be "resurrection", then...

Alternatively, if we apply this theory in reverse, it would be the case of "Yusaku Kudo's death".

Yes, Ms. Miyano discovered the potential connection between Conan Edogawa's "madness" and the death of Yusaku Kudo.

She even keenly sensed that the universe was still hiding Yusaku Kudo's death from Conan.

This fact both filled her with despair and joy.

Of course, for the league, it means—

They finally remembered that the universe isn't necessarily on Conan Edogawa's side.

……

This issue first started in countries outside of Japan.

In London, England, dozens of raiding squads from the Reality Intervention Department simultaneously launched a heavy attack on the Black Organization.

In the basement of a bar, in a secluded back alley, or in an abandoned warehouse...

As the task force members equipped with TDD activated their acceleration modules, they moved like ghosts through the night and shadows.

As the squad commander, Deteg whispered the order over the communication channel:
"We have captured target-related reaction data and potential developments, and uploaded them to your mobile terminals. 【Panoramic Monitoring】 will help us cut off the monitoring."

"We have 30 seconds to bring all twelve people out."

To be honest, using TDD to deal with lower-level members of the Black Organization is indeed a bit like bullying a "child".

Optical cloaking makes it impossible for the target to "discover" any of the alliance members.

Moreover, this can be considered an advantage of the world remaining on this day under certain circumstances—therefore, their course of action is fixed when [Conan Edogawa] repeats this day.

The sounds of wind and footsteps produced by acceleration mode are swallowed up by the silencing field, and the radar module marks every target directly in the field of view. To prevent accidents, the ammunition used is tranquilizer darts provided by Dr. Agasa...

Thirty seconds later, looking at the members who were fast asleep in the carriage, Detegger turned on the communication module.

"Target one, suppression complete, delivery has been dispatched."

But the final result was—

The alliance handled the "execution" of these individuals smoothly.

In fact, due to the use of the CYZ effect, these organization members did indeed disappear permanently at the start of the "new day".

And the operation quickly expanded.

It became even simpler after the clever use of "gin" was discovered.

"Damn traitor..."

Faced with the pleading member in front of him, Gin pulled down the hood of his trench coat, revealing a cold glint in his eyes.

As a plume of smoke rose from the muzzle of a gun, the Black Organization suffered another permanent loss.

—After being implanted with the idea that "the other side is a traitor," Gin's "persona" became surprisingly effective.

Clearly, it doesn't matter whether it was the universe's response or not.

Or perhaps it was because someone's sphere of influence had almost completely disappeared "within a day," and they finally couldn't sit still any longer.

……

"Vermouth, we need to talk..."

Watching the phone, which hadn't rung since the third pointer case ended, vibrate.

Vermouth exchanged a glance with Gin and the others in front of her, a smile appearing in their eyes.

The "spies" sent by the Red Team into the organization were all transferred away by GSSRA under the pretext of this incident.

Most of the members who were still able to operate had either defected or been executed by Gin.

Thanks to Hamster-kun's overtime work, no one could escape the League's eyes.

Although it keeps complaining that this "day" of overtime is really too long, this redundant [Cycle Computer] is indeed having a remarkable effect by personally using those "lens groups".

Of course, the most important thing is that we think the same way as the alliance.

Karasuma Renya could no longer sit still.

They allowed the alliance to continue its encirclement and suppression.

Both the Science Frontier and GSSRA could announce to the world "a few days later" that they had dismantled a group called the "Black Organization".

Then, Heiji Hattori personally received the fourth pointer "captured" by GSSRA "today".

And then--

They forcefully shoved the final result into Conan Edogawa's mouth.

Karasuma Renya could not accept that he had ended up with such a ridiculous and laughable result.

more importantly--

"Believe me, I cannot die, do you understand?"

At the same time, Karasuma Renya's voice rang out on the Alliance's Third Central Research Platform.

Now he both regrets and rejoices at Kudo Yusaku's death.

"As the [story timeline], I know better than any of you how bad the current state of the universe is."

"Just like you still haven't found me, you've even unlocked those futuristic devices, using those advanced satellites to scan the Earth many times over..."

The voice on the other end of the phone paused for a moment, then spoke to the alliance with a slightly strained yet proud tone.

"But the universe's greatest support for me is that it has allowed me to remain 'in seclusion'."

"As long as we can convince Conan Edogawa of the Black Organization's destruction, the fourth pointer..."

Vermouth followed the message from the Alliance and spoke with Karasuma Renya, but he interrupted her halfway through her sentence.

"Then why don't you do that? Why are you forcing me to talk to you?"

"Stop beating around the bush. The truth is, you simply can't do it."

Karasuma Renya even gave a sinister, hoarse laugh, "Unless you let Gin, Vodka, Vermouth..."

Karasuma Renya then recited their names one by one.

"Unless your corpses or news of your arrest reach Shinichi Kudo's eyes, you will still be members of the organization."

“And—” he paused, “you can’t be sure what will happen if the organization really is destroyed, can you?”

"Yes, the plot, or what you call 'historical inertia'."

Karasuma Renya's voice carried a hint of sarcasm.

“GIN, you’ve eliminated almost all of the organization’s lower-level and non-official personnel, so why don’t you try shooting Vodka?”

"You don't really think you've become a 'good person,' do you?"

He drew out the word "good person," loudly mocking Gin's naive idea.

"Do you think you're that girl, able to choose sides?"

"Hehe, impossible."

His words did not receive an immediate response.

After a moment of silence, Vermouth suddenly spoke: "What is the fourth pointer?"

Karasuma Renya's voice revealed a hint of surprise.

"Wouldn't you know once you wipe out the organization?"

"After all, don't you all know that the keyword for the fourth pointer is 'The Darkest Nightmare'?"

"As long as you're on the East Tower, give him any gemstone hand that can be set in a watch, and he'll—"

Vermouth interrupted his performance: "We want you to have no chance to back out."

“You must hand over Rum, Ireland…” she read out a long list of names, “You must hand over all the other people who are hiding.”

We can guarantee—

"Guarantee that I gain control over the [story timeline]?"

“Let’s talk about something more practical, Karasuma Renya. You’re at a disadvantage right now.”

"Of course...of course! I will give you whatever you want, everything."

The biggest mistake the universe made was choosing—well, actually, it only had one choice: Karasuma Renya.

Karasuma Renya sold out the fourth pointer and everyone else in the Black Organization without hesitation.

One of the two people who went the furthest down the path of "breaking the established rules" actually doesn't care about "universe", "timeline" or anything like that.

According to Karasuma Renya, with the conclusion of the Third Pointer case, the alliance has actually "won".

Then why should he stay on the sinking ship of the "Detective Conan Universe" until the very end?

"I only want one thing."

He stated his conditions: "I want the 'Seven Chapters of Conan's True Lord Sutra,' I know that it's in your hands."

Hitomi Shigenobu, who was far away in the core layer, frowned.

Then, the next second, the "Management Manual" in my hand turned red, indicating an emergency.

This time, it was Karasuma Renya who was anxiously waiting.

As the silence on the other end of the phone grew increasingly unbearable, just as he was about to suggest that he only wanted a few chapters—

"We can agree to your conditions."

"However, in addition to fully cooperating with the Alliance's actions in the Fourth Pointer Case, you must also hand over the last three real 'cyanide' samples."

"Deal!" Karasuma Renya immediately agreed.

And so, Karasuma Renya revealed his final "comeback tactic".

……

The new day begins at 00:00:00.

In the [Execution Layer] lobby, Ota Akikawa announced the start of the final assault on the fourth pointer.

Operation Pointer codename: Fearless Courage.

In any case, Conan Edogawa can no longer back down today.

(End of this chapter)