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

Part 31: The real target

Inspector Nakamori took another step forward, staring at Kuroba. Who exactly was this person standing before him? The lean, upright figure radiated an aura that seemed to stretch infinitely, making him resemble the real Kid far more than the last time they met.

"Kaito... Kaitou Kid, how is your recovery going?" The familiar nickname slipped out, but Nakamori eventually realized the true significance of the name Kuroba Kaito. Kuroba, who had been silently counting the officers behind him, subtly nodded—satisfied that the agreement had been honored.

As Kuroba lifted his head, his demeanor shifted instantly to that of a bright, outgoing high school student, flashing a dazzling smile. Even Aoko, standing nearby, found herself momentarily dazed.

So, this is the real Kaito?

"I'm fine, thank you for your concern, Inspector Nakamori." Kuroba took another step forward, the seemingly harmless young man now exerting a subtle yet undeniable pressure. "Or should I say, soon-to-be Chef Inspector Nakamori? Congratulations."

"How... How did you know about my promotion, Kid?" Nakamori's eyes narrowed in suspicion, but Kuroba had anticipated this reaction.

"It's simple, really. It's all about the officers and subordinates behind you. The deduction wasn't hard to make."

"Of course, it wouldn't be difficult for someone as sharp as you, Kuroba Kaito." Nakamori's voice was laced with bitterness.

At that moment, a tiny crack appeared in Kuroba's otherwise flawless poker face—so small but even Nakamori, usually unobservant of such details, noticed it. Kuroba suddenly longed to return to the beginning, to a time without Kaitou Kid, without the Moonlight Magician, when he was just an ordinary honors student who occasionally dropped by the Nakamori household.

How wonderful that life could have been— ordinary and happiness for a normal person.

But becoming Kaitou Kid was his destiny, a choice he embraced with no regrets.

"You're the one behind all this, aren't you?" Nakamori's tone was no longer questioning but certain.

Kuroba's face showed blank confusion. In the past, this expression might have been enough to dispel Nakamori's suspicions, but given the current situation, the more innocent Kuroba appeared, the more it fueled Nakamori's doubts.

"I don't understand what you're talking about."

The verbal clash between Inspector Nakamori and Kaitou Kid quickly drew a crowd, blocking the hallway. Inspector Megure, seeing the situation deteriorating, hurried people along.

"What did you trade for this?"

"Alright, Nakamori, we have other matters to attend to," Megure interrupted.

Nakamori could barely contain his anger, a fury that had been building since Kuroba Kaito confessed his identity in the interrogation room, now reaching its peak.

"Kid, do you think...?"

"No, I never expected you to understand, let alone forgive me, Chef Inspector." For a brief moment, Nakamori thought he saw the Kaitou Kid from twenty years ago, brushing past him. That same cold elegance, like an angel fallen to earth.

"This is what you deserve, you earn this." Kuroba Kaito didn't stop as he walked through the crowd. And this outcome, this fate, was what Kid deserved—he never believed he needed redemption.

Turning to Kudo, he whispered, "You might want to inform Akai-san where he is. I suspect Hirano mentioned something in the interrogation room."

"What do you mean?"