Detective Conan: Shadow Legion Office

37: Chapter 37 Compromise! Lin Long’s AdviceThe morning mist had not yet dispersed, and a low-pressure atmosphere already permeated the reception room of the Lin Family Manor.

Butler Ochiai stepped out on tiptoe, leaving the space to the two men who were clashing once again.

Kudo Yusaku sat on the sofa, the dark circles under his eyes clearly visible, evidently having not slept all night.

His hair was somewhat messy, and his usual composure had been replaced by exhaustion and struggle; only his sharp eyes still retained a trace of unyielding light.

Lin Long leaned back on the opposite sofa, holding an unlit cigar between his fingertips, his red eyes watching him calmly, as if he had long anticipated his answer.

”It seems Mr. Kudo has thought it over?” Lin Long spoke first, breaking the silence.

Kudo Yusaku raised his head and stared straight at Lin Long. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke slowly, his voice raspy like sandpaper rubbing against wood:

”Yes. Our family has discussed it.”

His tone carried an indescribable heaviness, and every word seemed to be squeezed out from between his teeth.

”Please convey to the person who threatened our family,”

”that tomorrow, the news will report: ’After being missing for many days, the body of the famous detective Kudo Shinichi has been found, and his death has been confirmed.’”

After saying this, Kudo Yusaku seemed to have all his strength drained away, slumping dejectedly against the back of the sofa, a deep sense of helplessness flashing in his eyes.

He never imagined that such a day would come—that to protect his son, he would have to personally ”bury” his identity.

But he had no choice.

The other party held their weakness, held Shinichi’s secret, just like holding a sword of Damocles over their heads.

Never mind that he was just a mystery novelist; even if a god came down, in the face of such absolute information asymmetry and threats, they wouldn’t be able to stir up any waves.

Lin Long nodded, his face devoid of much expression, as if this were just a minor matter that was expected:

”A wise choice.”

He knew that Kudo Yusaku’s compromise was not cowardice, but forbearance to protect his family.

A man like this would inevitably retaliate once he found an opportunity.

But Lin Long didn’t care; he had enough confidence to ensure the other party would never have a chance to turn things around.

Besides, Kudo Yusaku had said to have him pass the message to the person who threatened them.

”Well, it’s not like I’m the one threatening you anyway,” Lin Long thought shamelessly to himself. The ones threatening you are the Ghosts and the Shadow Guards; why are you coming to me to find them?

Miyano Akemi walked in carrying tea. Seeing Kudo Yusaku’s haggard appearance, a flash of pity crossed her eyes, but she still followed Lin Long’s signal and placed a cup of hot tea in front of him, saying softly:

”Mr. Kudo, have some tea to warm yourself up.”

”Thank you.”

Kudo Yusaku thanked her in a low voice but did not touch the tea.

He took a deep breath, as if having made a certain decision, and looked up at Lin Long, his eyes becoming firm once again:

”Mr. Lin Long, I heard that your agency accepts all kinds of commissions, regardless of size, as long as the payment can be met?”

Lin Long raised an eyebrow: ”You could say that. As long as it doesn’t violate my principles and the payment is sufficient, there’s nothing I can’t take.”

”Then I want to commission your agency to help me investigate that ’Black Organization’.”

Kudo Yusaku said, enunciating every word, his gaze locked tightly on Lin Long, ”I want to know their background, their core members, their bases, and their objectives.”

He couldn’t just let it go.

Lin Long’s side was temporarily stabilized (although Lin Long would never admit it), and their family was safe for the time being, but as long as the organization that caused Conan Edogawa to shrink was not eliminated, they would never have peace.

He had to understand the enemy to find a chance to strike back, preferably finding an antidote.

A flash of surprise crossed Lin Long’s eyes, followed by a playful smile: ”Oh? Investigating the Black Organization? You certainly dare to think big.”

That was a transnational criminal organization that even the police were helpless against; they operated secretly and used ruthless methods. Investigating them was like asking a tiger for its skin.

”What? Is President Lin Long afraid to take it?” Kudo Yusaku countered, his tone carrying a hint of provocation.