Snake-Catching Operation 1

Kogoro Mouri sprawled comfortably on the sofa, crossed his legs, and suddenly let his gaze fall on Conan, looking him up and down.

"Hey, kid," he gestured at Conan with the beer can in his hand, "Shinichi isn't around, and I just took on a new commission for next weekend. I'm short an errand boy, so you'll do."

"Huh? Me?" Conan froze, pointing at his own nose.

"That's right, you!" Kogoro Mouri said with an air of righteous confidence, even carrying a tone of I'm doing you a favor.

"After all, this Odd Jobs Shop is currently staying afloat entirely on the fame of yours truly, the great detective Kogoro Mouri!"

The corners of Conan's mouth twitched imperceptibly as he went on a frantic mental rant:

Just who gave you the nerve to say something like that?! Most of the rent for this Odd Jobs Shop is paid by Professor Agasa and me...

Yet, on the surface, he still put on an ultra-obedient smile, even carrying a hint of how honored I am, and nodded vigorously:

"Okay, Uncle Kogoro! Please take care of me!"

Deep within a hidden underground secret base, cold lights reflected off metal walls, and the air was thick with the distinct scent of disinfectant and classified documents.

Yuri was speaking in a low voice with a senior officer in a corridor.

"Officer, regarding Group Leader Makima..."

Before he could finish, the officer's expression changed drastically. He abruptly reached out and clamped a hand over Yuri's mouth with a force that made him stumble.

"Shh!"

The officer looked around vigilantly and, upon confirming no one was there, lowered his voice, the words squeezing out almost from between his teeth:

"I'll remind you one last time: never mention that name in the base. Do you want to end