Accomplice__ Kudo Shinichi x Kaitou Kid, Kaito Kid x Kudo Shinichi

Part 13: The real imposter

"The last one was quite straightforward." Mouri Kogoro opened a can of beer while turning on the TV, biting into a seasoning packet and squeezing all the spicy miso sauce into the freshly boiled water. "Not too many pretentious words."

"But the police said that at first, Kaito Kid did send a riddle, but it was so difficult that he ended up sending the answer," Ran said, clasping her hands behind her back, humming a tune. Mouri Kogoro paused, "What the heck, is that guy getting more arrogant?" He looked up and inexplicably felt a twinge of fear at his daughter's unusual happiness.

"What... What happened, Ran? Why are you so happy?" He was afraid she might be planning another surprise anniversary dinner with her mother, AKA, Mouri's wife, but luckily, Ran's joy was for another reason.

"Do you remember Nakamori Aoko? Inspector Nakamori's only daughter. She's invited Sonoko and me to their house tomorrow. Dad, I'll pack lunch early tomorrow, so I won't be going with Shinichi."

Hirano Junji (younger brother) waited and waited, and past midnight, he sat back down in his armchair in despair. It seemed... his most trusted butler wouldn't be coming back. The sound of footsteps heralded his wife, dressed in a deep blue kimono, simply adorned and looking weary. "Your brother... he's insisting on seeing you. Can't wait any longer."

"How do you know it's my brother?" Hirano Junji's tone turned wary. His wife replied, "Your brother told me and gave me this."

In her palm was Kaito Kid's notice letter.

"Alright." Hirano Junji waved his hand and sighed. Forget it, all this family infighting, when facing an outsider's intrusion, they still had to unite. He understood that much.

"Kaito Kid will arrive in less than two days, Brother... why do you have the leisure to have tea with your little brother?" Even though he couldn't forgive his brother, sitting across from him, making tea for him, he couldn't help but gaze into the reflection of himself in the tea.

Hirano Junichi(older brother) chuckled, shaking his green cup. "When did I become a parricidal villain in your mind?"

Hirano Junji sipped his tea. "Saying these things now is pointless. The past... there's no evidence, pursuing it further is meaningless. Brother, since Father entrusted you with the real power, the scepter and gem are with you. It's your call. I don't want to interfere."

Junichi raised his cup, glanced at his brother's wife waiting respectfully outside the tatami room, her eyes meeting his, beautiful yet worn. Lowering her gaze, Junichi slowly lifted his cup in a toast to his brother...

"Brother, I especially owe you an apology..."

"What's the use of saying that now?!" Hirano Junji said angrily, pouring another pot of tea. This time, he poured for both of them. "If the Black Organization decides to silence us... at least Hirano Shusuke can continue the Hirano family's business and bloodline... we're already lambs to the slaughter. I just want to know... what am I to you? Am I your brother... or just a tool? Ridiculous... your lover stands at my door, has been my wife for fifteen years, yet she can't even remember her name... Brother, I'll ask you one question... in these fifteen years, have you never regretted it?"

Clenching his fists under his yukata, he maintained a smile. "No regrets."

"That's the whole story." Hirano Junji, exhausted, looked up, still maintaining his habit of fitness jogging despite being over fifty. His burly frame and coarse eyebrows, square features gave him a general-like appearance, but now he wore a bitter expression, repeatedly emphasizing his innocence. He recounted all the conversations, avoiding only the parts about the organization.