Traveling back thirty years to Conan, intercepting Princess Eri

"Was I wearing a dark expression?"

Upon hearing this, Hattori Heizo scratched his dark cheek with his finger in confusion.

The others looked at his consistently dark skin and exchanged helpless glances.

Indeed, given Hattori Heizo's dark complexion, it would be extremely difficult to discern the change in his expression, such as his dark face.

Looking at Hattori Heizo's confused and sullen face, Yoshida Aoi couldn't help but chuckle.
"Although we can't tell from your skin color whether you have a dark complexion or not, you have been very serious the whole way, with your lips tightly pursed, not saying a word, and you are driving so fast."

"Anyone who sees this will think you're getting anxious and upset about something serious."

Hattori Heizo then realized what was happening. He touched his face and explained somewhat embarrassedly.

“I wasn’t frowning or angry; I was thinking about the attacker’s motives.”

“I know Lin Jun’s skills and wit, he will definitely be fine. I rushed over here to find out as soon as possible whether the police have gotten any valuable clues from the attacker.”

Everyone then realized that Hattori Heizo's "low mood" on the way was not due to excessive worry about Hayashi Hideichi's safety, but rather because he was immersed in thinking about the doubts in the case.

The group, relieved to have escaped unscathed, exchanged wry smiles, straightened their clothes, and headed towards the police headquarters building.

……

A moment later, Hattori Heizo and the others walked out of the Osaka Police Headquarters with disappointed expressions.

"These despicable police officers actually said it was a matter of great importance and couldn't be disclosed casually!"

Kawada Yuko kicked a pebble at the bottom of the steps hard, her face full of indignation.

"We genuinely wanted to help with the investigation, but they treated us like spectators. They're really looking down on us!"

The girl clenched her fists, puffed out her cheeks, and her usually smiling face was full of anger.

As an active member of the Kyoto University Mystery Club, this was the first time she had been rejected so directly, and she couldn't help feeling a little resentful.

"Alright, Yu Zi, don't be angry."

Hattori Heizo waved his hand dismissively, his dark face revealing little emotion.

"The police are just following the rules. After all, the Terracotta Warriors are a national treasure on loan from China, and if not handled properly, it could cause a diplomatic dispute. It's normal for them to be cautious. Besides, we are just students, so it's understandable that they don't disclose information."

"I didn't expect Lin Jun and the others to leave the Osaka Police Headquarters so quickly."

The commander of the Imperial Guard looked at Hattori Heizo, his tone tinged with admiration.

"Your previous guess was right. It seems that the Osaka Police Headquarters really doesn't intend to severely punish Lin Jun and the others. They even took their statements so quickly, which is obviously a deliberate move to let them go."

“Of course.” Hattori Heizo raised an eyebrow, his tone certain. “Lin-kun’s actions in protecting the Terracotta Warriors were essentially upholding Japan’s international reputation. The police are too grateful to possibly punish him severely.”

"Besides, the criminals attacked the cultural relics first, so Lin Jun and the others were acting in self-defense. Even if they were a bit heavy-handed, they still have a valid argument."

"By the way, where are we going now?" Maeda Yōjin looked around. "Should we go to the museum to continue investigating the Tokugawa family's katana case, or go back to attend the Osaka Castle festival?" "Of course we should go to the festival!" Kawada Haeko immediately interjected. "That katana has been missing for over ten years, what's a day or two more? The 400th anniversary celebration of Osaka Castle is a once-in-a-century event. If we miss it, we'll have to wait another hundred years to see it again!"

As she spoke, she tugged at Yoshida Aoi's arm and shook it.
"Xiao Kui, don't you think so?"

"A hundred years...can we even live that long?"

The Imperial Guard Commander couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"However, Yuko is right. The festival is indeed a rare occasion, so we can put the case of the samurai sword aside for now."

Maeda Yoto nodded as well. He had been looking forward to the ninja show at the festival for a long time, but he had been too embarrassed to say it before.

Just as Kawada Yuko, Konoe Daishi, and Maeda Yoto were enthusiastically discussing which area of ​​the festival they would visit next and which performances they would see, the observant Yoshida Aoi noticed a slightly quiet figure in the group.

She gently tugged at Ono Kayoko's arm, who had been unusually silent since the morning.
"Young Master Jia, what's wrong with you today? You've seemed listless since this morning, and you've become much quieter."

Although Ono Kayoko is naturally somewhat shy and introverted, and doesn't talk much in front of strangers,

However, they can usually relax and chat with their well-liked mystery club partners, and even occasionally smile and participate in the discussion.

But today, she seemed to be completely absorbed in her own world, with a faint trace of melancholy between her brows.

Ono Kayoko stiffened for a moment, then forced a smile: "N-nothing, I'm just a little tired."

Her voice was soft, her eyes darted around, and she didn't dare to look Yoshida Aoi in the eye.

"That's right, Prince Jia,"

After Yoshida Aoi's reminder, Kawada Haeko also noticed the unusual situation. She leaned closer and curiously examined her friend.

"Tired? Didn't you sleep well last night? By the way, where did you go this morning? When we came looking for you, you weren't in your hotel room."

"I...I was bored in my room this morning, so I went for a walk around the hotel." Ono Yoshiko lowered her head, her voice growing softer and softer.

"Why didn't you come to us if you were bored?" Kawada Yuko put her arm around Kayoko's shoulder. "Aoi and I were also quite bored this morning. We were thinking of coming to play cards with you! If we had known you were going out alone, we would have gone with you."

Yoshida Aoi nodded as well: "Yes, Kayoko, next time you go out alone, you should let us know so we won't worry."

"I'll definitely look for you next time..."

Halfway through her sentence, Ono Kayoko suddenly noticed Hattori Heizo looking at her with a questioning gaze, and a chill ran down her spine.
"What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"

"nothing."

Hattori Heizo shook his head, though he said it aloud, he was inwardly puzzled.

He recalled seeing Ono Kayoko return at the hotel entrance earlier.

Her hair was a little messy, her eyes were red as if she had been crying, and her dress was covered in dust and had several obvious wrinkles, making it look like she had been squeezed in a crowd for a long time.

The area around the hotel they stayed at last night was very quiet; there couldn't possibly be such a crowded place. How could Ono Kayoko have just wandered around the area? (End of Chapter)