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

Part 33: One way to Freedom

[Akai-san!] The FBI agent at the console shouted, "We've caught the signal!"

"What?!" James rushed over, gripping the chair, "What did you say?"

"It seems to be near Mount Fuji. I'm extracting the target's coordinates right now."

Jodie leaned in as well, "Did he manage to escape?"

"No." Akai Shuichi shook his head, "The signal disappeared again. Knowing Gin's nature, it's likely that Kid isn't gambling on his ability to escape. He's betting on whether we can discover him in time and get there. Dispatch agents and the police immediately."

It was already the next morning by the time Haibara Ai called Kudo Shinichi, giving a brief explanation about the underground base near Mount Fuji.

"I've never been there, but I suggest you stay in the car first. Go in only after the situation stabilizes. I've heard that place is the most secure, the last line of defense."

No words were needed between them; they understood each other perfectly.

"I'll call you once it's all over," Kudo said as he was about to hang up.

"Wait---Kudo, you... you don't need to call. We'll wait for you to come back."

Surprisingly, Kudo Shinichi followed Haibara Ai's advice. He really stayed patient, remaining in Akai's car. Meanwhile, countless scenarios played in his mind, waiting for the sound of gunfire and explosions. Jodie's voice came through his earpiece: "Cool boy, all clear, you should go and get him."

As he looked at the boy on the ground, who appeared to be Sleeping Beauty, Gin's eyes flashed with a bloodthirsty and cruel smile. This teenager was cunning, pretending to escape to send a message. You think you'll be rescued that easily? Dream on.

—-----------------------------------------

Kudo Shinichi couldn't care less. He, along with Officer Takagi who was providing backup, rushed into the inner room. Kudo took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm.

What if no one was inside? What if all the remaining rooms were empty? What if he had already escaped? If he were the fugitive, now would be the best time to flee. Kid was someone who could endure pain and would have no trouble removing the tracker himself.

Any rational person with normal thinking would definitely try to escape. But Officer Takagi's voice over the radio only added to Kudo's uncertainty.

The organization had left a backdoor.

An entrance to freedom.

At that moment, Kudo Shinichi, who had always been at the forefront, suddenly lost the courage to open the door. He feared that if he didn't see that person behind the door, it would mean he'd lost him again.

The tenuous connection they once shared had gradually become a habit. If... he disappeared again, just like a month ago, or like Uncle Toichi did all those years ago without a word.

In the end, it was Officer Sato who, holding a gun, kicked open the iron door. The room was empty. The cuffs had been sawed off, the floor was stained with blood, and the suit jacket Kudo had draped over Kuroba's shoulders before he left was lying on the ground.

He was gone.

A pool of blood on the ground, not yet coagulated. Lying in the blood was the tracker, emitting a faint signal.

"Was he taken away or did he go with them?"

The low-ranking guard kneeling on the ground stammered for a long time before raising his eyes. Kudo seemed so tall from that angle, his expression unreadable.