The day of Phantom Thief Kid's advance reconnaissance—the "walk-through" promised in his heist note—had finally arrived.
The area surrounding the massive museum commissioned by Jirokichi Suzuki was a roiling sea of people. Inspector Nakamori stood at the helm of a small army of officers, completely sealing off every traffic entrance. No one, no matter how inconspicuous, escaped their scrutiny.
"Keep those checkpoints tight! And remember," Inspector Nakamori barked, his eyes sharp as he glanced upward at the fleet of helicopters circling the museum, "give everyone's face a good, hard tug! Don't let a single mask slip by!"
He grumbled under his breath. That wealthy old man, Suzuki, didn't even bother waiting for the police to provide air support; he had deployed his own private fleet instead.
Since it was a Saturday, the crowd gathered around the museum was immense. Everyone wanted a front-row seat to the promised "magic show." For now, the spectators remained behind the white security lines, maintaining a restless but functional order.
"Inspector Nakamori is certainly fired up this time," Kogoro Mouri remarked, crossing his arms as he watched the inspector shout commands in the distance. He nodded in approval. "After losing so many times, his persistence is almost admirable."
"It's probably because the thief is being exceptionally arrogant this time around..." Tsuneo added, reaching into a paper bag to pull out a steaming hot chicken nugget.
The museum was nestled in a high-end commercial district. The surrounding office buildings ensured a constant flow of people, and more importantly for Tsuneo, the local street food was top-tier.
"According to the notice, today is supposed to be just a 'rehearsal,'" Conan noted, scanning the perimeter. The security was stifling. He found it difficult to imagine how the thief intended to make an appearance under such conditions.
"It really does feel like we're waiting for a magic performance to start..." Ran murmured, looking at the excited onlookers. It didn't feel like they were waiting for a criminal; it felt like they were waiting for a superstar.
"Ran!"
Sonoko's voice cut through the noise. A three-wheeled motorcycle roared down the cordoned-off road behind the white line. Two people and a dog, all sporting helmets, made their grand entrance.
"..."
The wealthy certainly had a flair for the dramatic, and Jirokichi Suzuki was in a league of his own.
"So, what's the word? Has the Phantom Thief shown his face yet?" Sonoko asked the moment the bike screeched to a halt. She yanked off her helmet, her eyes scanning for any sign of the enemy.
"Not yet," Ran replied, shaking her head.
Inspector Nakamori's lockdown was absolute. Even Conan had been subjected to a painful cheek-pinch before being allowed through the perimeter.
"Uncle, let me introduce you!" Sonoko said energetically, ushering everyone together.
"The famous 'Sleeping Kogoro' and his apprentice! I've heard much about you both!" Jirokichi Suzuki boomed with a wide grin.
Tsuneo stood by the motorcycle, casually munching on a chicken nugget while eyeing the dog sitting in the sidecar. The dog wore a miniature beret and goggles, looking remarkably dignified. It seemed interested in the scent of Tsuneo's fried chicken, but it remained perfectly still, disciplined and silent.
"His name is Lupin..." Conan explained, his expression one of weary resignation. He still couldn't get over the fact that the dog was named after a legendary thief.
"Hey! You're the one responsible for this circus, aren't you?" Inspector Nakamori marched over the moment he spotted Jirokichi, his voice rising in irritation. "Tell those helicopters of yours to clear out! They're hogging the airspace; the police choppers can't even get in!"
Jirokichi laughed heartily. "There's no need for police helicopters. Kid specifically stated in his note that he would arrive on foot."
This implied that the thief wouldn't be using his trademark hang glider to swoop down from the sky to snatch the jewel. Therefore, aerial defense was largely ceremonial.
"Then why on earth did you bring all these choppers?" Nakamori asked, looking utterly baffled. This old man was an enigma.
"Those helicopters are here to film my autobiographical documentary."
"Forget it. Just follow me!" Seeing that the group didn't quite grasp his vision, Jirokichi turned and led them toward a large vehicle parked nearby. A film crew was busy setting up cameras around it.
He threw open the rear doors, revealing the interior to the group.
"Incredible!"
"This is basically a mobile broadcasting van..." Kogoro muttered, staring at the wall of monitors. It looked like a professional TV station's control room, only three to five times larger.
"In addition to the aerial shots from the helicopters, we have a hundred cameras installed inside the museum. Everything is fed directly to these screens," Jirokichi explained, his hands tucked behind his back with an air of absolute confidence.
"And when is this 'autobiographical documentary' supposed to be released?" Tsuneo asked, his left hand idly scratching the dog's head while his right hand followed suit.
Conan shot a look at Lupin, who was currently receiving the same "head-patting treatment" Conan often endured from the adults.
"Well, if we catch that thief in white today, it'll be in theaters very soon," Jirokichi said with a smirk.
"Wait a minute! Why is the museum completely empty?" Inspector Nakamori quickly spotted something odd. He ordered a staff member to switch camera angles, but no matter the view, the vast halls of the museum were devoid of life.
"!" Kogoro leaned in, worried that something had already happened.
"I cleared everyone out on purpose," Jirokichi clarified. "That way, if he tries to disguise himself as a guard or a visitor to infiltrate the building, he'll stand out like a sore thumb!"
He pointed to a control panel. "Every entrance and exit in this museum can be locked down from right here. Even if the Phantom Thief manages to reach the roof where the 'Golden Goddess' statue is kept, we can trap him inside instantly."
"Of course, that's assuming the little thief actually shows up as promised!" Jirokichi burst into a boisterous laugh.
His plan was elegantly simple. The Golden Goddess statue, which held the "Blue Wonder" jewel, was surrounded by a literal no-man's-land. The moment a silhouette appeared, he would flip the switch and end the game.
"I think he's here!" Conan stepped forward, his eyes locked on a screen reflecting the full moon.
A shadow had appeared—a silhouette that looked unmistakably like a hang glider.
"It's Kid!"
"Where is this footage coming from?" Nakamori shouted, gesturing for the technician to zoom in. Once the glider was confirmed, he barked, "Location! Now!"
"It's coming from Helicopter Seven! It's currently hovering over the rear of the museum!" the staff member reported after a quick check.
"Right!"
Inspector Nakamori bolted out of the van, followed closely by Conan.
"Sir, what should we do? Should we activate the defense system?" someone asked Jirokichi. The intruder was closing in fast.
"There's nothing to fear. He said today was just for scouting; he won't make a move yet." Jirokichi shook his head, his eyes glued to the monitors. "Besides, he made a point in his letter to say he would arrive by walking."
He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper of anticipation. "Come then... let me see what you're truly capable of, 'Magician under the Moonlight'..."
Behind the tense group, the atmosphere was far more relaxed. Tsuneo and the dog were getting along famously, the boy still absentmindedly petting the animal as if they were just enjoying a quiet evening at home.
"Good boy, good boy..."
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