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

Part 32: Play catch

Kuroba opened his eyes again, feeling the cold pillar against his back. He tried to break free but found his arms completely unresponsive. His hands were cuffed behind the pillar, numb and no feelings.

Gritting his teeth, he closed his eyes, trying to focus all his energy on his arm muscles, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't feel anything.

"If I were you, I wouldn't struggle." That voice was all too familiar, and Kuroba reluctantly gave up.

"I'm not like those incompetent cops." Tequila sauntered in, his tone dripping with mockery. "Just one dose of anesthetic—doesn't harm anyone, but it sure makes sure you can't pull any tricks."

He crouched down, his gaze a mixture of ridicule and curiosity as he looked at Kuroba kneeling on the floor. Despite Gin's ruthless nature, every mission entrusted to him was flawlessly completed, and Kuroba hadn't suffered even the slightest injury. Even his white shirt and black suit pants were spotless.

"What did you bring me here for?" Kuroba asked.

"To catch up, of course. It's been nearly two weeks since our last meeting. They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but I disagree. If someone starts acting cold after some time apart, just meet up more often."

"I think you're insane. I can't answer any of your questions." Kuroba Kaito coldly interrupted the veiled threat.

"How could that be? You think bringing you along is a risk. But in truth, you have no idea of the value you hold in the eyes of the police, do you?"

"The police would never agree to any of your demands just for a criminal," Kuroba retorted, turning his head away. Tequila raised an eyebrow.

"Don't lose hope yet. I bet your detective would dig up the entire city to find you. Tsk tsk... where's that witty and sharp-tongued boy I saw last time? You've really toned it down now."

"This is your territory; I have to be more obedient," Kuroba said self-mockingly. Tequila's smile deepened as he pulled out a tablet, displaying a series of coded messages.

"Then be an obedient hostage. Kid, decode this cipher."

—-------------------------------

"Kudo Shinichi, calm down!" Hattori Heiji shouted. "What are you going to do now? Where will you even begin to look for him?"

"No... the high-ups don't just have this tracker. There has to be a way, there has to be a way to find him!"

"Kudo Shinichi!!!" Hattori grabbed Kudo's shoulders forcefully, forcing him to calm down. "It's too late! We don't even know where they've taken him, only that it's somewhere completely off the grid. How do you plan on finding him?"

"Are you telling me to give up?" Kudo, panting, regained his composure and quietly asked, "Knowing what they'll do to him in a place like that... how do you expect me to stay calm?!"

"Kudo! Think about it. If the organization really wanted to eliminate this threat, why would they go through all the trouble of taking him? The fact that they're making a big deal out of this shows there's an insider in our ranks. So why didn't they just kill him on the spot? Why take him away? Honestly, I think the fact that they took him to the organization means he's safe for now. Kudo! Where are you going?"

Kudo, like a man possessed, hurriedly packed his things, shoving documents into his bag and rushing to the elevator.

"Where else? I'm going to Haibara's place. Let me know if the police find any new leads."

What?!

Just as he entered Dr. Agasa's house, he was met with the sight of Haibara Ai, mature beyond her years, arms crossed and feet propped up on the desk. She glared at Kudo Shinichi with a chilling intensity.