As the first light of dawn broke, sunlight streamed from the horizon into the messy bedroom.
Bathing in the pale golden morning light, Yuu Hoshimiya pried apart the delicate legs and snowy arms wrapped around his body, then rose to head toward the bathroom.
After watching that stimulating live broadcast last night, Yuu's sexual desire had soared to incredible heights, leading him to drill the Suzuki mother and daughters until they passed out cold for the first time in a long while.
Sonoko, being the most gluttonous of the three, would likely be unable to fulfill her shopping date with Ran today.
After showering, Yuu didn't linger and instead teleported directly back to his apartment.
Narumi Asai happened to be preparing breakfast and made an extra portion upon seeing him return.
After breakfast, the doorbell rang, and the five children of the Junior Detective League arrived as scheduled.
The little loli Ayumi poked her head in the door the moment she arrived, searching for Yuu Hoshimiya.
Upon seeing him sitting on the sofa, she lunged headfirst into his embrace.
Yukiko Kudo, who hadn't gone back upstairs last night and had stayed over instead, teased from the side: "Tsk tsk, I didn't expect you to be so popular with girls, Yuu-kun—not even the little ones are an exception."
Ai Haibara curled her lip.
The kind of "liking" she understood was very different from what Yukiko imagined.
However, just as Yukiko wouldn't do anything too bold in front of children, the precocious Ayumi also knew her limits and refrained from any truly transgressive behavior.
She simply used her age to her advantage, acting spoiled and coquettish toward Yuu.
The fake loli Ai was the only one who knew the truth, but she had no good way to stop it, so she could only reach out and pull Ayumi away.
Watching Ai's actions, Yuu found her quite adorable.
He reached out and stroked Ai's silky hair, smiling: "It's about time; we should get going."
The three boys cheered immediately, and Genta and Mitsuhiko dragged a listless Conan toward the stairs.
In truth, Conan and Ai didn't really want to come, but they couldn't withstand the energetic pestering of the other three.
Yuu didn't mind; Conan was, after all, the "son" Yukiko had raised for years, and for her sake, Yuu would include Conan in group activities.
Before long, the car started and headed toward the Touto Aquarium.
The Lexus had plenty of space, and with five children, they all fit easily.
Yukiko sat in the passenger seat holding Ai, Ran sat in the back holding Ayumi, and the other three squeezed in beside them, watching news reports on their phones.
Ran had tried calling Sonoko several times, but there was no answer.
After learning about the "situation" last night from Yuu, she decisively gave up waiting and went to the aquarium with the rest of the group.
The news was reporting the incident that had occurred on the overpass last night, and Conan was watching intently.
Thirty minutes later, the car pulled up at the Touto Aquarium entrance.
Since the Suzuki Financial Group had invested in this amusement park, Yuu didn't need to wait in line for tickets.
After a single phone call, he led everyone through the exclusive VIP entrance.
The inside was a scene of bustling excitement, with the newly built dual-wheel Ferris wheel drawing massive crowds.
Besides the aquarium itself, there were various rides, giant mascots, and stalls selling all kinds of delicious food.
The three boys' eyes lit up as soon as they entered, and they immediately began running around happily.
Yuu and the others followed behind at a leisurely pace.
Meanwhile, in a nearby cafe, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty dressed in a white shirt and a short skirt was sitting at a booth.
The woman was stunningly glamorous and captivating, causing the men nearby to steal glances at her constantly.
This person was Vermouth, and she was not wearing a disguise, revealing her true face. An Apple laptop sat on the table before her, and she was operating it continuously.
She had hacked into a nearby observation tower's telescope to search for the missing Curacao.
Gradually, the telescope moved toward the Touto Aquarium.
Suddenly, the words "Match Successful" appeared on the screen, and Vermouth finally smiled.
She immediately zoomed in on the image, and the screen showed Curacao sitting on a bench.
However, Vermouth's smile quickly froze.
Because on that same screen, she saw several familiar figures: Yuu Hoshimiya, Yukiko Kudo, Conan, and Ran Mouri.
Why are they there?
Vermouth's brow furrowed instantly; she had always harbored suspicions about Yuu Hoshimiya.
But because of Ran and Conan—especially Ran—she had never dug too deep, preferring to avoid him whenever possible.
But this time, she had no choice but to face him.
Curacao was extremely important, especially her brain, which stored not only the NOC list she had stolen from Public Security but also a vast amount of the Organization's top-secret data that could not be lost.
Curacao's brain was different from ordinary people; there was a very specific area within it.
If her nerves were stimulated in that special region, Curacao's entire personality would shift.
She could instantly suppress all emotion and enter a state of hyperthymesia, possessing a photographic memory for everything she saw.
It was similar to Yuu's Memory Palace, but rather than a passive trait, it was a restricted active skill.
Furthermore, in this state, Curacao could control her own body to unleash strength and speed that approached the limits of human potential.
The key to unlocking this state was those five color cards; the interplay of those five colors acting upon her transparent right eye provided the iris stimulation needed to trigger her transformation.
Only Curacao herself and Rum knew the information regarding those five color cards.
Rum had provided both the lock and the key, which was why Curacao had always been under his control.
Years ago, Curacao had inadvertently triggered that special area of her brain and memorized many of the Organization's secrets.
When the Organization discovered this, they had intended to purge her.
However, Rum learned of her extraordinary ability and took her in as his confidant, working with doctors to train her to open and close that state at will.
A Curacao who could switch states freely became a terrifying killing machine in Rum's hands, making her strength undeniably the highest among the Organization's codenamed executives.
Even if Gin, Bourbon, or Irish fought her fairly, none could defeat her.
Curacao was so vital that Rum kept few secrets from her.
Therefore, if she could not be recovered, the Organization would prefer a dead Curacao over one that remained missing.
But because of the crash last night, Curacao had developed amnesia, forgetting everything and sitting blankly on the bench in a daze.
Little Ayumi was the first to find her and quickly called Yuu and the others over.
As the group crowded around, she didn't react at all, merely tilting her head to look at everyone.
Curacao, sitting on the bench, wore a white shirt and tie with a black suit skirt. Even though she and her clothes were covered in dust, it was clear she was a great beauty.
Her red lips were full, carrying a hint of Angelina Jolie's charm.
However, her skin was as white as snow, like a Nordic girl, which, combined with her silver hair and her innocent, newborn-like expression, gave her a strangely holy aura.
Curacao's left eye was sky blue, while her right eye was dark.
In reality, her right eye was wearing a contact lens, and the eye beneath was the same color as her iris, making it appear transparent.
The children marveled at her mismatched eyes, while Conan circled her, observing and making deductions.
"There seems to be a scent of gasoline on you, Big Sister, and your clothes have burn marks. Your phone is smashed and has glass fragments on it that look like they're from a windshield."
"There's a ninety percent chance this was a car accident. I just saw a news report that a car fell into the river from the nearby overpass last night, so you're very likely the driver involved."
"Judging by your current reaction, you probably hit your head during the crash. How about we call the police to help find your family?"
At the words "call the police," Curacao's expression shifted: "No! No police!"
BAM!
A fist of justice descended from the heavens, landing on Conan's head and instantly swelling into a large bump.
"Conan, you're trying too hard. I'm right here; is it your turn to give orders?"
Since Kogoro Mouri wasn't here, Yuu Hoshimiya would reluctantly take over his duties.
With the other three kids around and being in public, Conan could only swallow his frustration.
Looking at the smiling Yuu, Conan clutched his head and muttered resentfully: "Brother Yuu, I was just mimicking your deduction style."
The brat then turned a piteous gaze toward Yukiko, as if to say: Mom, look! Brother Yuu is bullying me!
Between her "cheap" son and Yuu Hoshimiya, Yukiko didn't hesitate for a single second.
She turned her head away and adjusted her sunglasses, pretending not to see.
Curacao, watching Conan being disciplined, found it amusing and couldn't help but laugh.
At that moment, Yuu stepped forward, intending to cup Curacao's face in his hands.
Curacao leaned her head back, her eyes full of wariness.
Even with amnesia, she instinctively sensed the power of the man before her and didn't dare let him get close.
Ran shot Yuu an exasperated look.
Although she had long ago accepted his playboy nature, she still felt a bit disgruntled every time she saw him proactively hitting on a beauty.
"Brother Yuu, what are you doing?"
"Checking her injuries. Though I judge her condition to be temporary amnesia due to trauma, I still need to observe her closely. If it's total amnesia, that would be trouble; those cases don't recover."
Yuu gave Curacao a gentle smile: "Don't worry, I mean no harm. Let me take a look."
Seeing his smile, Curacao hesitated for a moment before dropping her guard and leaning her head forward.
Yuu placed his hands on her head, and as formless magic surged, he instantly perceived the state of her brain.
There was a blood clot inside; as long as the clot was removed, her memory would naturally return.
Incredibly, there was a part of Curacao's brain that was distinct from others, very unique. Yuu immediately concluded that this was the source of her strange abilities.
In public, and with Conan present, Yuu could only take advantage of moments when no one was looking to cast simple healing magic to treat her swollen external bruises.
Yuu only treated the superficial injuries; he naturally wouldn't help disperse the internal blood clot yet.
Curacao seemed to feel the magic; her eyes went wide as she stared at Yuu in total astonishment.
Once Yuu withdrew his hands, she touched her head in confusion. It didn't hurt at all anymore. Her eyes filled with gratitude toward Yuu.
Yuu asked: "Do you remember your name?"
Curacao shook her head.
"Do you know how you got here?"
She shook her head again.
"Do you remember anything? Anything at all. Just say whatever comes to mind."
Curacao hesitated for a moment, appearing to think hard, but in the end, she still couldn't say a word.
Yuu feigned a look of distress.
"This is difficult. If you don't want to involve the police, we can only try to see if anyone nearby recognizes you or help you regain your memory."
At these words, the three boys' eyes lit up.
Mitsuhiko couldn't help but say: "In that case, let's help her find them!"
Genta patted his chest: "After all, we are the Junior Detective League!"
Ayumi laughed: "Even though Brother Yuu is amazing, don't underestimate us!"
With that, the three kids grabbed Curacao's hands and ran toward the Ferris wheel.
Ran, Ai, and Conan quickly chased after them.
Yukiko, following behind, wrapped her arm around Yuu's and smiled: "I say, Yuu-boy, you wouldn't be having wicked thoughts just because that girl is pretty and has amnesia, would you?"
In fact, Ran and Ai were thinking the exact same thing.
It was only because there were so many people around that the two girls only glared at Yuu without saying anything.
Yukiko's casual remark hit the bullseye; that was exactly what Yuu was thinking.
But it shouldn't be called having "wicked thoughts." If a woman with physical stats far beyond the norm like Curacao could be brought under his banner, weakening the Black Organization in the process, it would be a massive win no matter how you looked at it.
Yuu put his arm around Yukiko's slender waist and said righteously: "What are you talking about? Am I really such a beast that I'd make a move on a girl with amnesia? I'd make a move even if she didn't have amnesia!"
Yukiko: "..."
Just as Yukiko was rolling her eyes in exasperation, a soft female voice came from behind them.
"Eh? Is that Consultant Hoshimiya?"
The two turned around to see Azusa Enomoto standing gracefully behind them.
"It really is you, Consultant! I saw you from a mile away."
"Azusa? Why are you here? Isn't the cafe open today?"
Azusa Enomoto spoke up: "Because Mr. Amuro has taken a week off, and Uncle Azusa said it was too much work for me to handle the whole shop alone. So he gave me the day off to get some rest."
"I happened to see the news that the Touto Aquarium had finished its renovation, so I came to check it out. I didn't expect to run into you! What a coincidence!"
Yuu chuckled, an interested glint flashing in his eyes.
"Then Azusa, come and join us. The more, the merrier."
Listening to their conversation, Yukiko was filled with confusion.
Azusa Enomoto lived right next door to Yuu, and they all ate dinner together every night. Azusa also knew they were coming here to play.
How could they have "run into each other" here, and why was her way of addressing Yuu so strange?
Hadn't she switched to calling him "Yuu-kun" a long time ago?
Yukiko's many questions were cut short by Yuu.
As they were holding each other, Yuu first gave her a physical reminder with his hands, and then simply communicated with Yukiko directly using mental magic.
Yukiko, now knowing the truth, reacted instantly. Utilizing her skills as an international award-winning actress, she began a perfect performance.
Azusa then turned her gaze toward Yukiko, her eyes lighting up.
"Wow! Are you that superstar, Yukiko Kudo? It really is you! I absolutely loved that 'Otome' role you played!"
Hearing it was one of her fans, Yukiko smiled warmly: "That was a TV show from a long time ago; I didn't expect you would have seen it."
Next, Azusa glanced at their intertwined arms and couldn't help but ask: "Are you two...?"
Yuu chuckled and leaned in to plant a kiss on Yukiko's cheek, introducing her: "This is my girlfriend."
Even though Yukiko knew it was an act, hearing Yuu introduce her to the outside world like that made her heart skip with joy.
Her already excellent acting became so flawless that not a single trace of performance could be seen.
"Wow!" Azusa covered her mouth. "This is huge news! If people found out, all of Japan would be shaken."
"That's why I'm only telling you, Azusa. You must keep my secret."
Azusa nodded: "Yes, Consultant Hoshimiya. Trust me, I definitely won't say a word."
"Let's go together then. We're heading for the Ferris wheel; the kids already went ahead."
The three boys from the Detective League said they were helping Curacao find people she knew, but given their childish nature, they ended up dragging her into a dart game they saw nearby.
The amnesiac Curacao was very innocent and found everything interesting.
However, her muscle memory remained; a simple dart game was nothing to her.
When Yuu and the other two walked over, they happened to see Curacao's final dart hit the bullseye.
Ten darts in total, every single one hit the center for a perfect score.
The staff at the shop pulled out dolphin charms as prizes, allowing them to pick three. The boys happily chose their favorite colors.
Seeing that Curacao didn't have one, Ayumi couldn't help but say: "What should we do? Big Sister doesn't have a dolphin, even though she's the one who won them."
Curacao waved her hands repeatedly: "You all just pick them; I don't need one."
Yuu, coming from behind, spoke with a light laugh: "I think I can take the challenge too."
The staff member naturally nodded: "Of course."
Yuu took the ten darts handed to him and stood before the target.
At that moment, "Azusa Enomoto" casually walked over to Curacao's side.
Seeing that Yuu wasn't paying attention to her, her lips parted slightly, and a tiny whisper emerged.
"Curacao, what are you doing staying here? The mission failed—get back immediately."
Yuu, with his back to the two of them, allowed a slight smirk to curl on his lips.
Vermouth truly underestimated him; she had quite the nerve, thinking he couldn't hear her.
In fact, the moment he first laid eyes on "Azusa Enomoto," Yuu had sensed something was wrong.
First of all, in the plot of The Pure Black Nightmare, Azusa Enomoto never appeared at the Touto Aquarium; only Vermouth did.
Of course, that wasn't the deciding factor—fate had already shifted, and Azusa's appearance wouldn't be strange.
But the real key was that the real Azusa Enomoto had already been claimed by him.
The Vermouth impersonating her didn't know this, and she had exposed herself the moment she opened her mouth.
Then, Yuu utilized the effects of the contract seal and used magic to probe her, confirming her identity beyond a doubt.
However, a sudden thought occurred to him. He decided not to expose Vermouth just yet, but rather to play along with her game.
His woman was not so easily impersonated; he couldn't let her get away without paying a price.