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

Chapter 372 [Beihua Town's "Prison of Decay"]

For ordinary people, the police station is undoubtedly a place that can bring a sense of security.

Those police badges that gleam with the colors of justice, those resolute faces embodying righteousness...

Just looking at it from afar can bring an uplifting feeling.

However, in the eyes of those criminals, the tidy corridors were narrow and oppressive, and the gray walls were rough and lifeless.

More importantly, it's the lighting.

The bright white lights appeared exceptionally dazzling.

It was so glaring that it divided the interrogation room into distinct areas of light and shadow.

A spotlight-like, oppressive light converged from the ceiling onto the center of the interrogation room.

Focusing on the only thing in that somewhat empty room—

On that metal interrogation chair.

Strong chains welded to the tables and chairs secured them firmly to the floor, preventing criminals sitting on them from having any ill intentions.

In addition, the chair armrests and legs are also equipped with steel restraint rings.

Just like now, a figure dressed in a large black robe is being tightly bound to it.

……

Actually, this is a rather strange place.

Logically speaking, any suspect who is arrested should be wearing a conspicuous prison uniform.

But this person did not do that.

Moreover, his face was covered with a white skull mask.

Now he hangs his head low, hiding his face in the mask and the shadow created by his bowed head.

This continued until a "click" sound was heard.

The sound of the door lock opening was exceptionally clear in the silence.

The iron gate was pushed open, and the hinges made a series of creaking sounds.

Then, a policewoman walked in.

Her upright posture, steady steps, and neat short hair proved that she must frequently be on the front lines of crime fighting.

after all--

Considering the dangers of fighting criminals, having long hair is not a good habit.

……

Yongli Jiu did not bring any other documents with her.

She first gave Officer Sato, who was standing outside, a wink.

Seeing Sato Miwako's worried gaze, he gestured for her to give him some space.

Then, Yongli Jiu walked to the other side of the interrogation table, pulled out a chair, and sat down.

It seems they wanted to put some pressure on the criminals on the other side.

She leaned forward slightly, placed her hands clasped on the table, and spoke with an almost overwhelming sense of pressure:
"Zaid, how are you feeling now?"

……

The moment the officer spoke, the lights in the interrogation room flickered and emitted a faint electrical hum.

The light of justice shines through the mask at this moment.

The outline of the skull mask in front of him became somewhat blurred because of Zaid's swaying body.

It was as if... something was struggling beneath the mask.

The silence in the room lasted for quite some time.

But in the end, the figure called "Zaid" disappeared.

Or rather, one of the Hassans bearing the name "Hundred Faces" finally reacted.

He raised his head extremely slowly, as slowly as adjusting a microscope objective.

Yongli Jiu was able to sense a strange feeling from his sluggish movements.

The person in front of me seemed to be struggling to break free from the heavy burden pressing on my neck.

Finally, Zaid's gaze met that of Eiri Kyuin.

The metal shackles on his body made a slight grinding sound.

The overhead light shone directly into the deep eye sockets of the skull mask.

His dark pupils looked like two springs dug from the deepest part of the earth.

If the other "selves" of Hundred-Faced Hassan were to witness this scene, they would surely be horrified.

Who could believe that?
Who could have imagined it?!

Zaid... a Heroic Spirit of the Assassin class, was actually crying.

The luster in his eyes was undoubtedly from tears.

At that moment, two lines of tears silently streamed down her face beneath the mask, dripping from the edge of her chin.

What a terrible scene, or rather, what a praiseworthy one!

This is by no means a tactic that Assassins used to gain the sympathy of their enemies when they were in a weaker position.

The eyes visible through the skull mask no longer held the indifference, pretense, or hostility of the past.

only--

An extremely intense, overwhelming sense of regret and repentance.

Anyone who sees it for the first time will never doubt their judgment.

This person, or a heroic spirit.

—He has already repented.

He will definitely be a good person from now on.

……

It can only be said that the net of justice is vast and the law is merciless.

In the early stages of the CYZ Alliance's formation, when the universe was still unstable.

The research team has always been perplexed by the unusual phenomena surrounding the "case" triggered by Shinichi Kudo.

One of the main points of confusion lies in "after the case is closed".

Even Lin Sheng had to admit—

During the period when mass production of [APTX-4869] was not yet available and the methods of using [CYZ effect] were also very crude.

Not to mention the researchers who are still struggling with a "shattered worldview".

Even he himself often wondered if it was possible to reconcile with the other party.

After all, this ZC-01 had read articles from a certain foundation, and had even tried to write one before.

therefore--

If resistance is impossible, could Conan be "contained" like a protected object?

This was also the original intention behind the "calculation project" that led to the occurrence rate of the "Shinichi Kudo" case.

If the damage caused by Shinichi Kudo is limited to Japan.

Therefore, it wouldn't be too much of a problem to take him in at the expense of this country.

Of course, everyone knows the final calculation result.

That conclusion, which resulted in the destruction of human civilization, is one that the Alliance cannot compromise on.

However, what we're going to talk about now isn't the conclusion of this study, but rather the process involved.

The research team undoubtedly made significant discoveries about the effects of Shinichi Kudo's unusual behavior.

For example, the Institute of Consciousness Synchronization has used this to develop a large number of "consciousness interference" weapons.

They discovered that the Conan universe almost blindly "admires" detectives.

Every "Ke Xue case" always ends with the "real culprit being brought to justice".

Then the problem is coming.

It's like the ending of a fairy tale—"The prince and princess lived happily ever after."

But what comes after that?

For fictional narratives, the details after the ending are indeed unnecessary to elaborate on.

But when all of this actually happens, there must obviously be a logical follow-up.

Thus, the research team discovered that this follow-up was without exception.

It always—

repent.

……

Although this is certainly not a bad thing.

"But—this is by no means a normal phenomenon."

When the operations director of the Reality Analysis Department saw the case files that Shinichi Kudo had solved before he turned into a small person, he realized that there was something truly terrifying behind it.

“There was no resistance to trial, no appeal, and not even any attempt to mitigate the guilt.”

"All the criminals confessed quickly and thoroughly after being identified by [Shinichi Kudo]."

"Furthermore, all the criminals exhibited a kind of... almost procedural remorse."

The follow-up reports confirmed this as well.

Although the entire Metropolitan Police Department "subconsciously" ignored this point.

However, according to the independent investigation by the [Action Layer]—

"According to long-term observation, almost all of these people's bad habits and criminal tendencies disappeared after they were released from prison."

The disappearance of criminal tendencies could perhaps be attributed to a complete change of heart.

But it would be quite frightening if even some of the bad habits we had in the past, which weren't even criminal, disappeared.

All I can say is that the world of "Detective Conan" is like this.

Perhaps the dualistic view of "good and evil as one" is quite popular in some places.

Some people might even say things like "necessary evil" or "how can there be good without evil?"

But Shinichi Kudo said that this was pure nonsense!

Good is good, and evil is evil.

Still dare to talk back? Take this "Detective's Regret Punch"!
Although this has become a fixed template for almost every case in "Detective Conan"—

They meticulously planned, ruthlessly committed the crime, tried to deny it, presented irrefutable evidence, and finally knelt down to repent.

"Kneeling in repentance"—these four simple words, when applied to Shinichi Kudo, become part of his unusual effect.

All the criminals he investigated and convicted not only confessed, but also, after being punished, fundamentally transformed into truly "good people."

The personas of these "background characters" have been completely transformed.

Furthermore, this powerful "corrective" effect extends beyond individuals, subtly shaping the police atmosphere across the entire planet.

This also explains why almost every police officer in the Beika Town Metropolitan Police Department upholds a high degree of justice and conscience.

If it weren't for the extremely high frequency of "derivative cases" that follow.

This rule that all evil will be punished and all justice will prevail doesn't seem so bad. Just like Assassin right now.

……

In fact, this happened long before Kiritsugu Emiya was categorized as part of the "criminal camp".

Conan had already decided who the Alliance would send as an undercover agent.

Caster, namely Gilles de Rais, is one of them.

His "evil" traits were practically written all over his face.

Then there's Ryunosuke Uryu.

Conan had already reserved a spot for this ruthless criminal in the "prison."

Conan still considers himself an ordinary person, so he has no intention of giving Ryunosuke Uryu a happy ending.

Ultimately, the phrase "good ending" paired with the name "Ryunosuke Uryu" already seems incredibly ironic.

Although the principles of being a "detective" require him to give [Ryunosuke Uryu] a chance for redemption.

But Conan said—

Okay, forgiving you isn't out of the question.

You can be "released" as long as all the people you killed are resurrected and they genuinely forgive you.

This condition seems reasonable, doesn't it?

As for forgiving on behalf of others—such a disgusting act is something a righteous detective would never do.

Fortunately, it seems that Ryunosuke Uryu, who is in prison, has no complaints.

In fact, if it weren't for the desperate efforts of Beika Town Hospital,

While he was in Beika Town Prison, he committed suicide out of genuine remorse.

……

Yes, unlike Tokiomi Tohsaka, Weber, and Irisviel, who were "invited".

Perhaps when Conan created this world, the Black Organization was always part of Beika Town.

Alternatively, since the "camp" has been pre-determined to be the "criminal," then there should be some compensation in another aspect.

Emiya Kiritsugu, Assassin, Uryu Ryunosuke, and Caster arrived a few days earlier than Waver and the others.

Caster, who remembered the Alliance's instructions, "brought" Ryunosuke to the Beika Town Police Station as soon as he appeared.

To be honest, even Conan didn't expect this.

After all, the "minor" abnormality of "making prisoners repent"—

It made no sense compared to the chaos caused by Conan Edogawa at the time.

What's the point of getting a prisoner to repent?

The alliance's goal at the time was to prevent the "case" from happening again.

Moreover, genuine repentance is seen in those who, in the "Ko Xue cases," were tried by judges and served their sentences.

Judging from the time since [Shinichi Kudo] became [Conan Edogawa], this sentence will probably be permanent.

The alliance discovered only a handful of cases at the time.

This is mainly because, even during the era of Shinichi Kudo, most of the cases he solved involved criminals with relatively long prison sentences.

However, this was a useless ability that even Conan had previously overlooked.

In today's Type-Moon universe, its role has far exceeded his expectations.

Just like the information that Eiri Kuin reported to Conan about Uryu Ryunosuke's "transformation".

Conan then realized—

what? !

So this ability of mine can also affect the soul and spirit?!

To be honest, this is something that even gives Conan a bit of a headache.

In the story of "Historical Inertia," it was actually Kiritsugu Emiya who killed Ryunosuke Uryuu.

This universe that I created will have to be "returned" the moment the Holy Grail War ends!

If Ryunosuke Uryu had decided to kill himself at that moment, wouldn't he have become a laughingstock like the "hero" who killed Hitler?

……

Fortunately-

"I've already convinced him."

On the microphone, Yui Nagare spoke to Conan.

As the victim of Ryunosuke Uryu, Eri Kuin would certainly not "forgive" Ryunosuke.

“He will cooperate with our actions because of his desire for atonement.”

"Ugh--"

For the first time, Conan didn't answer the calm voice on the other end of the phone.

He just let out a long, weary sigh.

"Yongli, do you feel better now?"

The person on the other end of the phone paused for a moment.

Yongli Jiu's voice was completely devoid of any emotion.

"There's nothing to vent or not, Commander Kudo."

She paused, as if trying to convince herself, or perhaps explaining to Conan.

Ultimately, the real reason is [historical inertia], isn't it?

Conan tightened his grip on the phone.

Eri Kuin's words gave him an urge to destroy the universe in the next moment.

Let alone being a firsthand witness.

Even if they only know about the "historical inertia" and what happened to this child, no detective could possibly say the word "forgiveness".

Or rather, anyone who "has a sense of justice" would not allow themselves to utter the word "forgiveness."

Because "forgiveness" at this moment would be a desecration of "justice".

[Conan Edogawa] is very clear about the principles guiding his actions, although they are largely based on the law.

But most importantly -

Justice and righteousness.

Everyone undoubtedly has their own scale for judging such matters.

Can someone like Ryunosuke Uryuu be excused simply by saying "he deserved what he got"?
Therefore, even though reason tells Conan that Eri Kune is absolutely right.

Yes, ultimately, the reasons for this can indeed be found in the "roots" or the "universe" itself.

But the detective just couldn't accept it emotionally.

Otherwise, Conan wouldn't have imposed those restrictions on Ryunosuke's "release from prison".

Therefore, in the end, it was actually Eri Kuin, who was the "victim," who managed to persuade Conan to agree to let Ryunosuke act according to the previous plan.

Considering that according to the plan to obtain the Holy Grail, Ryunosuke Uryu will ultimately meet his destined end, just like in the historical inertia—

Ryunosuke Uryu, you've been given a second chance at life!
However, it is precisely because of Conan's resistance.

At the end of that phone call, even Nagato Kuin couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about her superior.

What kind of world could produce such an idea that is completely out of step with the rest of the world?
So she couldn't help but ask, "Commander Kudo, may I ask you a question?"

"what is the problem?"

Eri Kudo looked at the newly printed wanted notice for Emiya Kiritsugu from the Metropolitan Police Department's database.

Was Kiritsugu Emiya's selection to join the criminal camp truly due to the influence of historical inertia?

Conan was silent for a moment.

Finally, he slowly spoke: "Those innocent people he killed also need an explanation."

The detective then made his final decision.

"He also needs to obtain the victim's forgiveness."

"What about those magicians who were killed, who also committed murder?"

This time, it was Conan who sounded a little doubtful.

"Can they even be considered human?"

However, this angry remark immediately provoked a protest from the profession of detective.

Conan sighed as he watched the pointer go dark.

"Okay, okay, of course, they'll have a chance eventually—"

"If all the victims genuinely forgive their actions, they can be released from prison."

After hanging up the phone, Conan sighed inwardly.

I really don't get along with this "universe".

Conan felt a little worried at the thought of possibly having to deal with those who "commit crimes for survival" in the future.

He's just an ordinary person, so how should he judge these things?

Ugh--

It would be great if my personal persona could be updated to reflect the times.

Feeling a little tired, Conan rubbed his temples and finally made up his mind—

I can't take it anymore, I'm going to commit suicide!

I must commit suicide!

This damn universe, I really can't stand it anymore!
Thinking that he would later have to design criminal methods for Emiya Kiritsugu, Zaid, and Gilles de Rais, based on the "historical inertia," he realized that he was about to commit these crimes.

Conan wished he could shoot himself right then and there.

It's time to put our prepared personnel replacement plan into the formal charter.

Damn Lin Sheng, you're trying to secretly dump all the work on me, aren't you!
Don't even think about it!

……

Yes, after activating his Noble Phantasm, Conan had a vague sense that someone was trying to push the "jail mission" onto him.

The thought that Lin Sheng might be watching him make a fool of himself right now made Conan's teeth itch with hatred.

These unsolvable moral dilemmas troubled the detectives—

This kind of unscrupulous businessman who has no morals and exploits child labor should be dealt with!

As for how our famous detective discovered ZC-01's sly behavior...

This all started before the train carrying Irisviel arrived in Beika Town.

At that time, Conan saw a name on the staff list of the Beika Town Detective Academy that should never have appeared there—

"...Irisviel".

Conan read aloud a line of text from the bottom of the document.

"His profession is...a legal aid lawyer from the Einzbern Consultation Room?!"
-
P.S.: I, the author, will not write sloppy stories like forgiving others.

Ryunosuke-kun, rest assured and continue to warm your heart (ω)

(End of this chapter)