Chapter 108: The Elizabeth

In the blink of an eye, it was April 19th.

On this day, the Suzuki Financial Group's 60th anniversary maritime banquet proceeded as scheduled, unaffected by Kaitou Kid's warning letter.

Though it seemed like eight days had passed, in reality, only one day had actually gone by.

Interestingly enough, there hadn't been any murder cases reported in the Beika newspapers recently.

Could it be that Kaitou Kid's presence had a preventative effect?

Early in the morning, Fujino dressed in a formal long-sleeve suit, tied his necktie, slung a long travel bag over his shoulder, and rode his motorcycle to Yokota.

This time, the Suzuki Financial Group's Elizabeth was departing from Yokota. The plan for the maritime party was to set sail from Yokota Port, travel for three hours, and then arrive at Tokyo Port.

To be honest, Fujino found it a bit puzzling. The Suzuki family lived in Tokyo, so why bother with a huge ship departing from Yokota and taking a roundabout route back to Tokyo?

Perhaps this was just one of the idle whims of the wealthy.

Near Yokota Port, Fujino found a secluded spot, stored his motorcycle in his system space, and then leisurely walked towards Yokota Port.

The streets were crowded with people, including many prominent figures from various fields and many onlookers and journalists.

Initially, Fujino couldn't understand the fuss.

It was just the Suzuki Financial Group's 60th anniversary celebration, after all. Was it really worth such attention?

That is, until he saw the Elizabeth.

The Elizabeth was a giant cruise ship, larger than an ordinary warship, like a fortress on the sea. It was comparable to an aircraft carrier.

Fujino felt that this ship seemed even larger than the Titanic.

"The Suzuki family is wealthier than I imagined…"

By the port, Fujino gazed at the Elizabeth on the water and couldn't help but sigh.

He wondered if this large ship might one day hit an iceberg and inspire a tragic love story.

"Excuse me, are you Detective Fujino?"

At that moment, a man's voice came from behind.

Fujino turned around and saw a man in a gray suit standing behind him.

Fujino nodded, "Yes, I am Fujino."

"Hello, I am Nishino Makoto, the secretary to Chairman Suzuki."

Nishino Makoto introduced himself and explained his purpose, "Due to the large number of guests today, the chairman and his wife are busy with the preparations for the party, so I was sent to escort you onto the ship."

"In that case, please lead the way."

Following Nishino Makoto's guidance, Fujino smoothly made his way into the interior of the Elizabeth.

Inside the spacious banquet hall, five hundred notable figures from all over Japan had already gathered.

A white banner on the stage read: "Suzuki Financial Group 60th Anniversary Maritime Banquet."

Upon entering the hall, Fujino immediately spotted the Mouri family among the crowd.

It wasn't because he was particularly concerned about them; it was just that Ran's appearance was too distinctive.

"Ran, Mouri-san."

Fujino approached and greeted them.

After exchanging greetings, Ran noticed the long travel bag on Fujino's back and asked curiously, "Fujino-senpai, what do you have in the bag?"

"It's a wooden sword."

Fujino put the travel bag down and drew out the wooden sword, "I'm planning to use this to deal with Kaitou Kid tonight."

"You know kendo too, Fujino-senpai?"

Sonoko, who was nearby, was surprised.

"I know a bit."

Fujino nodded, "I've been learning kendo from Master Suwa at the Konoha Martial Arts Dojo."

After some small talk, Suzuki Shirou, the host of the banquet, took the stage to speak:

"Our Suzuki Financial Group has been in existence for sixty years. I want to thank everyone for your support and encouragement. Please forget about that thief and enjoy this elegant and grand banquet!"

Watching Suzuki Shirou speak on stage, Fujino raised an eyebrow.

If he remembered correctly, this Suzuki Shirou was actually Kaitou Kid in disguise.

Telling people to forget about the thief was a bit too obvious…

"But before the banquet begins, I want to share an idea I had."

At this point, Suzuki Tomoko, wearing a deep purple dress and gray stockings, approached the stage. Despite being in her forties, she looked much younger and wore the Black Star necklace.

After reaching Suzuki Shirou's side, she held up a small box and showed it to the crowd, "Before boarding, each of you should have received a small box like this, right?"

"Now, please open your boxes."

"The Black Star?!"

Everyone opened their boxes and found identical Black Star pearls inside.

Suzuki Tomoko continued, "This is my challenge to the thief! Everyone now has a Black Star, but most of them are fake. Only one is real, and only I know which one it is."

"Please pin the Black Star to your chest. If the thief can figure out which one is real among so many, then let him try."

That was Suzuki Tomoko's plan.

Fujino found it rather amusing.

Without needing any deduction, common sense would suggest that the real Black Star would be with Suzuki Tomoko.

Firstly, the Black Star was a family heirloom of the Suzuki family.

It was unlikely that such a significant pearl would be entrusted to anyone else.

So, without thinking too much, Fujino concluded that the Black Star on Suzuki Tomoko's chest was the real one.

Clearing his thoughts, Fujino scanned the surroundings.

In an instant, he spotted Suzuki Shirou, in a black suit, trying to leave the banquet hall.

This was actually Kuroba Kaito in disguise.

Without hesitation, Fujino followed, carrying his travel bag.

Following "Suzuki Shirou," Fujino arrived at the restroom.

Watching "Suzuki Shirou" enter a stall, Fujino smirked.

It was time to get revenge for that flashbang.

Fujino switched his enhanced vision glasses to blue light blocking mode and took out a frozen fish from his space.

This was the same fish he had used previously.

He had taken it from the fridge before leaving and hadn't had a chance to eat it…

Kaitou Kid, prepare to be hit by the frozen fish again!

Fujino then knocked on the stall door.

(Chapter ends)