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Chapter 743: Time to Test Courage
Sato Miwako's face changed, and she turned her head to look at the Alley Entrance. "Then Officer Shiratori..."
"To prevent the Criminal from sensing that we've already discovered something and taking any dangerous actions, Officer Shiratori must stay at the Front of the Car, pretending nothing has happened to confuse the Criminal," Wataru Takagi explained to Sato Miwako and also informed Inspector Megure on the Phone Call about the seriousness of the Situation. "Additionally, Mr. Chi said he understands the Bomb Structure better than us and can check the Bomb's Situation first. While I ran off to attract the Criminal's Attention, he should have already entered the Car. Now the Criminal could Detonate Bomb at any Time, please notify the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team to Come Over as soon as possible!"
Haibara Ai's pupils constricted, and she Turn Head to look at the Alley Entrance.
Conan's face changed slightly.
In Other Words, Chi Feichei is very likely facing the Bomb right now?
"Idiot!" Inspector Megure on the Phone Call was also startled and Roared, "Takagi, you are a Police Officer, how can you let the Public take Risks! You are in a Safety Environment right now, but you let..."
"Inspector Megure, if the Criminal is paying Attention to the Vicinity of the Car and is ready to Detonate Bomb at any Time, even if the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team rushes over, they might not be able to Approach the Car, or they might not arrive in Time. In that case, someone who understands the Bomb Structure is needed to perform Remotely Guided Bomb Disposal. This is Mr. Chi's explanation, he insisted he wouldn't leave, and I agreed," Wataru Takagi interrupted in a deep Voice. "But now, please notify the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team to rush over as soon as possible!"
He recalled Chi Feichei's Words when discussing the Plan, looking at him seriously:
'Police Officer Takagi, your Pressure is no less than ours. You withdraw yourself and notify the Police, leaving me here. If something happens to us, you will no longer be able to serve as a Police Officer, and you might even face criticism, Accusations, and Public Opinion. But this is the best Method. Next, it's Time to Test your Courage and Ability to Endure.'
Chi Feichei rarely spoke at length, but at that Time, he clearly explained the Predicament he might face.
But those two had the Courage to face the Death God. If he didn't even have the Courage to face the Risk, that would be too cowardly.
"Don't act rashly!" Inspector Megure also Understood the seriousness of the Matters. "We'll be there soon!"
"Beep..."
The Phone Call hung up.
Wataru Takagi let out a long sigh of relief. Just as he was about to lean against the Wall Side, he suddenly saw Sato Miwako about to run out and quickly Reach Out to grab Sato Miwako. "Officer Sato, I Hope you remain Calm and Reason!"
It was the First Time Sato Miwako had seen Wataru Takagi so firm. She froze in her Original Place, then quickly Nodded. "I Understand..."
"Don't Worry, Since Brother Chi said he understands the Bomb Structure, he definitely has the Certainty to perform Bomb Defusal under guidance," Conan also Intentionally put on a relaxed Tone to Appease the three anxious Children and Haibara Ai, who was Lower Head and Silent like a Radar. He had to admit that Chi Feichei had considered almost every aspect. Now, this was Indeed the only Way, and it was also the best Method. "Moreover, the Bomb hasn't Exploded yet, which Indicates that Brother Chi's prediction was correct. The Criminal is likely waiting for Officer Shiratori to discover the Paper Strip. As Long As Officer Shiratori pretends not to discover the Paper Strip, and we don't startle the Criminal, the Criminal won't Detonate Bomb. We still have a lot of Time."
Genta, Mitsuhiko, and Ayumi gave up the Intention of running out and stayed quietly.
Suddenly, no one spoke In the Alley. In the silence, the Atmosphere was heavy and Repressed. As Time passed minute by minute, that heaviness seemed like a giant stone pressing on their Hearts, constantly increasing in Weight, making it hard to breathe.
Haibara Ai, who had been Silent looking at the Alley Entrance, suddenly whispered, "If the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team cannot Approach the Car rashly, and Brother Chi doesn't have Bomb Disposal Tools there, someone who won't arouse the Criminal's Vigilance should deliver the Tools, right?"
Conan's Corner of Mouth twitched slightly. He Looked at the three Children squatting together in frustration and lowered his Voice, "Yes, For Example, a Child carrying a Schoolbag who goes over to ask for help from Officer Shiratori standing at the Car Side."
That Fellow..."
Did he calculate how Wataru Takagi could lead them all away from the Crime Scene, calculate that they wouldn't dare to run back casually because they were worried about startling the Criminal, and even considered the Way Out in case Bomb Disposal Tools were needed..."
"So I'm not very worried. Brother Chi has a lot of Confidence, and I should have Confidence in him too." Haibara Ai leaned against the Wall Side, tilting her Head to look at the Alley Entrance. Her Gaze and Expression were as Calm as before, but her Inner Self was far from as Calm as the Appearance. She tried hard to suppress her Heartbeat, which was Accelerating.
She wondered if Brother Chi heard the Demon whispering in his ear.
Yes, Just Like three years ago, that was the whisper that Summoned Death..."
Conan saw Haibara Ai's Hand hanging by her side, her Fingers tightly clenched. He remained Silent, not exposing her.
Now they could only Comfort each other to keep their Inner Self from being occupied by impatience.
Although thinking about this at this Time was Weird, when he thought about Chi Feichei's Predicament, he felt that the Calm Big Shot was probably still the Same.
Facing the Bomb, not even blinking his Eyes, and Still Can maintain absolute Calmness..."
...
Streetside, In the Car.
Chi Feichei was Indeed Staring at the Electric Wire inside the Bomb without blinking. He used a Screwdriver to remove the Screws very lightly, used Iron Wire to fix the Tilt Switch that was easily triggered, and used Scissors to cut the wire. His Inner Self was completely Calm.
He didn't know if it was the Three-No Cheat affecting him, or if he had a Killer move, but he really couldn't feel nervous.
His Killer move was that small bottle of Chemicals.
Even if he couldn't perform Bomb Defusal, or if a Mistake occurred, he could pour that bottle of Things in Time. The strong Corrosiveness and Penetration could quickly contaminate the Explosives. With Luck, it would directly Destroy the Initiating Explosive, and the Bomb wouldn't Explode at all. With bad Luck, it could also Destroy most of the High Explosive, and he could jump out of the Car and lie down in Time, so he wouldn't be too badly Injured.
The reason he didn't use it was Because this highly corrosive, highly polluting, and difficult-to-handle Chemicals were Contraband. The Chemicals inside were also Things he had obtained from the Organization. Many of them were Contraband prohibited from circulation on the market. Unless it was absolutely necessary, it was best not to use them to avoid attracting Troublesome.
Of Course, if it really came to a Dangerous Time, saving his life was the most important Thing.
Moreover, with Hassashi reminding him with Heat Vision Detection, it was impossible for him to make a Mistake because he couldn't See the wire pressed Below.
He wouldn't throw away his life for performing Bomb Defusal on a single Bomb. If he didn't have enough Preparation and Confidence, he would absolutely not take this Risk.
Outside the Car, Ninzaburo Shiratori took out his Mobile Phone and Looked at it. Without Turn Head, he lowered his Voice and Said, "Mr. Chi, I received a Text Message from Inspector Megure. He asked if it's Convenient for us to take a Phone Call and explain the Present Situation?"
"How long has it been?" Chi Feichei Observed for A Bit, then lightly cut another wire.
"It's already almost ten minutes." Ninzaburo Shiratori listened to the Calm Tone from behind him and still felt very impressed. Standing next to a Bomb that could Explode at any Time, his Heartbeat had been Accelerating, but listening to Chi Feichei's Voice, he wasn't flustered at all.
Chi Feichei was Silent for one second. "Sorry, Since there's no Eavesdropping Device, we could have Called earlier. I Just Now forgot to tell you to Call Inspector Megure."
Ninzaburo Shiratori: "..."
For... forgot?
He... he needs to be Calm! Right, quickly Contact Inspector Megure!
In the Car, Chi Feichei continued to Look at the Structure and cut wires.
He was Just Now busy looking at the Bomb and really forgot to Say.
This Bomb was Indeed made with a high Level of Technology. To someone who doesn't understand, it looks like a pile of messy Things, but someone who understands can See the 'Art'.
However, its applicability is Weak.
He could make this kind of Bomb, perhaps not as skillfully as The Other Party, which would Expend more Time, and the Details couldn't be handled so exquisitely, but he wouldn't make it.
This Bomb has a Mercury Tilt Rod, a Tilt Switch, a Photosensitive Device, and Electronic Detonators. The various intricate structures are too flashy, Just Like a Bomb making Big Shot showing off Technology. Although there are more Ways to trigger it, the Meaning of a Bomb's existence is Explosion. This only increases the difficulty of the Bomb Defusal Work; its Outcome is no different Compared to a Bomb with a Portion of its structure Reduced.
Compared to that, he prefers something more rough and Direct. Gin, that Explosion Madman, is the Same.
If installed on a Car, an Electronic Ignition Device could be connected to the Electric Wire for the Car's ignition. As soon as the Car starts, it could Explode instantly or with a second's delay.
If you want to send a 'Bomb Package', you can use a Tilt Switch, utilizing a V-shaped Container filled with Mercury to ensure the person delivering the Things won't be blown up, but the person opening the Package will definitely open the box and ascend to heaven.
And more often, using an Electronic Detonator or a countdown Electronic Ignition Device, combining both Timer and manual Detonate Bomb Methods, is basically Sufficient.
Can a Mercury Tilt Rod and Complex structure prevent the Bomb from being easily defused?
Just be simple and rough, and don't give Others Time and Opportunity for Bomb Defusal, That's Enough?
"...Yes... there is Indeed a Bomb," Ninzaburo Shiratori Contacted Inspector Megure, Still facing away from the Car, and Said through the Car Door, "Mr. Chi, Inspector Megure has arrived in the Vicinity. Several Points on This Street have our People Set Up."
Chi Feichei: "Understood."
Ninzaburo Shiratori: "..."
Isn't that too Indifference?
It's Just Like saying 'What does it matter to me whether the Police come or not'..."
Nearby Alley Entrance, after Inspector Megure brought people and sped over, taking a detour, he hid at the Alley Entrance with Sato Miwako, Wataru Takagi, and two Police Officers, not showing their Heads casually.
Everyone held their breath, and as Time passed minute by minute, they listened to their Accelerating Heartbeat, but didn't dare to breathe heavily, as if even a little Movement from them would trigger an Explosion.
'Thump thump... thump thump...'
The Heartbeat in their ears never stopped.
The five Children of the Junior Detective League secretly hid behind the Wall, watching Inspector Megure who was Contacting the Other Party without blinking their Eyes.
"...The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team is also rushing over and is expected to arrive in five minutes," Inspector Megure Said to the Other Party on the Phone Call with a solemn Expression. "Younger Brother Shiratori, I will connect you to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team's Phone Call..."
The Phone Call was transferred.
"Hello? Officer Shiratori, please tell the Mr. next to the Bomb not to rush," a Member of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, who was rushing over in a Car, Said seriously. "First, please..."
Ninzaburo Shiratori leaned against the Car Door, relaying the Words from the Phone Call, "Please first Cooperate with them to understand the Bomb's Situation, See if you can See a Timer on the Outer Casing, and what the displayed Number is..."
"Click."
The Car Door was Suddenly Opened.
Ninzaburo Shiratori turned around in surprise, looking at Chi Feichei getting out of the Car. "Mr. Chi?!"
End of Chapter
Sato Miwako's face changed, and she turned her head to look at the Alley Entrance. "Then Officer Shiratori..."
"To prevent the Criminal from sensing that we've already discovered something and taking any dangerous actions, Officer Shiratori must stay at the Front of the Car, pretending nothing has happened to confuse the Criminal," Wataru Takagi explained to Sato Miwako and also informed Inspector Megure on the Phone Call about the seriousness of the Situation. "Additionally, Mr. Chi said he understands the Bomb Structure better than us and can check the Bomb's Situation first. While I ran off to attract the Criminal's Attention, he should have already entered the Car. Now the Criminal could Detonate Bomb at any Time, please notify the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team to Come Over as soon as possible!"
Haibara Ai's pupils constricted, and she Turn Head to look at the Alley Entrance.
Conan's face changed slightly.
In Other Words, Chi Feichei is very likely facing the Bomb right now?
"Idiot!" Inspector Megure on the Phone Call was also startled and Roared, "Takagi, you are a Police Officer, how can you let the Public take Risks! You are in a Safety Environment right now, but you let..."
"Inspector Megure, if the Criminal is paying Attention to the Vicinity of the Car and is ready to Detonate Bomb at any Time, even if the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team rushes over, they might not be able to Approach the Car, or they might not arrive in Time. In that case, someone who understands the Bomb Structure is needed to perform Remotely Guided Bomb Disposal. This is Mr. Chi's explanation, he insisted he wouldn't leave, and I agreed," Wataru Takagi interrupted in a deep Voice. "But now, please notify the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team to rush over as soon as possible!"
He recalled Chi Feichei's Words when discussing the Plan, looking at him seriously:
'Police Officer Takagi, your Pressure is no less than ours. You withdraw yourself and notify the Police, leaving me here. If something happens to us, you will no longer be able to serve as a Police Officer, and you might even face criticism, Accusations, and Public Opinion. But this is the best Method. Next, it's Time to Test your Courage and Ability to Endure.'
Chi Feichei rarely spoke at length, but at that Time, he clearly explained the Predicament he might face.
But those two had the Courage to face the Death God. If he didn't even have the Courage to face the Risk, that would be too cowardly.
"Don't act rashly!" Inspector Megure also Understood the seriousness of the Matters. "We'll be there soon!"
"Beep..."
The Phone Call hung up.
Wataru Takagi let out a long sigh of relief. Just as he was about to lean against the Wall Side, he suddenly saw Sato Miwako about to run out and quickly Reach Out to grab Sato Miwako. "Officer Sato, I Hope you remain Calm and Reason!"
It was the First Time Sato Miwako had seen Wataru Takagi so firm. She froze in her Original Place, then quickly Nodded. "I Understand..."
"Don't Worry, Since Brother Chi said he understands the Bomb Structure, he definitely has the Certainty to perform Bomb Defusal under guidance," Conan also Intentionally put on a relaxed Tone to Appease the three anxious Children and Haibara Ai, who was Lower Head and Silent like a Radar. He had to admit that Chi Feichei had considered almost every aspect. Now, this was Indeed the only Way, and it was also the best Method. "Moreover, the Bomb hasn't Exploded yet, which Indicates that Brother Chi's prediction was correct. The Criminal is likely waiting for Officer Shiratori to discover the Paper Strip. As Long As Officer Shiratori pretends not to discover the Paper Strip, and we don't startle the Criminal, the Criminal won't Detonate Bomb. We still have a lot of Time."
Genta, Mitsuhiko, and Ayumi gave up the Intention of running out and stayed quietly.
Suddenly, no one spoke In the Alley. In the silence, the Atmosphere was heavy and Repressed. As Time passed minute by minute, that heaviness seemed like a giant stone pressing on their Hearts, constantly increasing in Weight, making it hard to breathe.
Haibara Ai, who had been Silent looking at the Alley Entrance, suddenly whispered, "If the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team cannot Approach the Car rashly, and Brother Chi doesn't have Bomb Disposal Tools there, someone who won't arouse the Criminal's Vigilance should deliver the Tools, right?"
Conan's Corner of Mouth twitched slightly. He Looked at the three Children squatting together in frustration and lowered his Voice, "Yes, For Example, a Child carrying a Schoolbag who goes over to ask for help from Officer Shiratori standing at the Car Side."
That Fellow..."
Did he calculate how Wataru Takagi could lead them all away from the Crime Scene, calculate that they wouldn't dare to run back casually because they were worried about startling the Criminal, and even considered the Way Out in case Bomb Disposal Tools were needed..."
"So I'm not very worried. Brother Chi has a lot of Confidence, and I should have Confidence in him too." Haibara Ai leaned against the Wall Side, tilting her Head to look at the Alley Entrance. Her Gaze and Expression were as Calm as before, but her Inner Self was far from as Calm as the Appearance. She tried hard to suppress her Heartbeat, which was Accelerating.
She wondered if Brother Chi heard the Demon whispering in his ear.
Yes, Just Like three years ago, that was the whisper that Summoned Death..."
Conan saw Haibara Ai's Hand hanging by her side, her Fingers tightly clenched. He remained Silent, not exposing her.
Now they could only Comfort each other to keep their Inner Self from being occupied by impatience.
Although thinking about this at this Time was Weird, when he thought about Chi Feichei's Predicament, he felt that the Calm Big Shot was probably still the Same.
Facing the Bomb, not even blinking his Eyes, and Still Can maintain absolute Calmness..."
...
Streetside, In the Car.
Chi Feichei was Indeed Staring at the Electric Wire inside the Bomb without blinking. He used a Screwdriver to remove the Screws very lightly, used Iron Wire to fix the Tilt Switch that was easily triggered, and used Scissors to cut the wire. His Inner Self was completely Calm.
He didn't know if it was the Three-No Cheat affecting him, or if he had a Killer move, but he really couldn't feel nervous.
His Killer move was that small bottle of Chemicals.
Even if he couldn't perform Bomb Defusal, or if a Mistake occurred, he could pour that bottle of Things in Time. The strong Corrosiveness and Penetration could quickly contaminate the Explosives. With Luck, it would directly Destroy the Initiating Explosive, and the Bomb wouldn't Explode at all. With bad Luck, it could also Destroy most of the High Explosive, and he could jump out of the Car and lie down in Time, so he wouldn't be too badly Injured.
The reason he didn't use it was Because this highly corrosive, highly polluting, and difficult-to-handle Chemicals were Contraband. The Chemicals inside were also Things he had obtained from the Organization. Many of them were Contraband prohibited from circulation on the market. Unless it was absolutely necessary, it was best not to use them to avoid attracting Troublesome.
Of Course, if it really came to a Dangerous Time, saving his life was the most important Thing.
Moreover, with Hassashi reminding him with Heat Vision Detection, it was impossible for him to make a Mistake because he couldn't See the wire pressed Below.
He wouldn't throw away his life for performing Bomb Defusal on a single Bomb. If he didn't have enough Preparation and Confidence, he would absolutely not take this Risk.
Outside the Car, Ninzaburo Shiratori took out his Mobile Phone and Looked at it. Without Turn Head, he lowered his Voice and Said, "Mr. Chi, I received a Text Message from Inspector Megure. He asked if it's Convenient for us to take a Phone Call and explain the Present Situation?"
"How long has it been?" Chi Feichei Observed for A Bit, then lightly cut another wire.
"It's already almost ten minutes." Ninzaburo Shiratori listened to the Calm Tone from behind him and still felt very impressed. Standing next to a Bomb that could Explode at any Time, his Heartbeat had been Accelerating, but listening to Chi Feichei's Voice, he wasn't flustered at all.
Chi Feichei was Silent for one second. "Sorry, Since there's no Eavesdropping Device, we could have Called earlier. I Just Now forgot to tell you to Call Inspector Megure."
Ninzaburo Shiratori: "..."
For... forgot?
He... he needs to be Calm! Right, quickly Contact Inspector Megure!
In the Car, Chi Feichei continued to Look at the Structure and cut wires.
He was Just Now busy looking at the Bomb and really forgot to Say.
This Bomb was Indeed made with a high Level of Technology. To someone who doesn't understand, it looks like a pile of messy Things, but someone who understands can See the 'Art'.
However, its applicability is Weak.
He could make this kind of Bomb, perhaps not as skillfully as The Other Party, which would Expend more Time, and the Details couldn't be handled so exquisitely, but he wouldn't make it.
This Bomb has a Mercury Tilt Rod, a Tilt Switch, a Photosensitive Device, and Electronic Detonators. The various intricate structures are too flashy, Just Like a Bomb making Big Shot showing off Technology. Although there are more Ways to trigger it, the Meaning of a Bomb's existence is Explosion. This only increases the difficulty of the Bomb Defusal Work; its Outcome is no different Compared to a Bomb with a Portion of its structure Reduced.
Compared to that, he prefers something more rough and Direct. Gin, that Explosion Madman, is the Same.
If installed on a Car, an Electronic Ignition Device could be connected to the Electric Wire for the Car's ignition. As soon as the Car starts, it could Explode instantly or with a second's delay.
If you want to send a 'Bomb Package', you can use a Tilt Switch, utilizing a V-shaped Container filled with Mercury to ensure the person delivering the Things won't be blown up, but the person opening the Package will definitely open the box and ascend to heaven.
And more often, using an Electronic Detonator or a countdown Electronic Ignition Device, combining both Timer and manual Detonate Bomb Methods, is basically Sufficient.
Can a Mercury Tilt Rod and Complex structure prevent the Bomb from being easily defused?
Just be simple and rough, and don't give Others Time and Opportunity for Bomb Defusal, That's Enough?
"...Yes... there is Indeed a Bomb," Ninzaburo Shiratori Contacted Inspector Megure, Still facing away from the Car, and Said through the Car Door, "Mr. Chi, Inspector Megure has arrived in the Vicinity. Several Points on This Street have our People Set Up."
Chi Feichei: "Understood."
Ninzaburo Shiratori: "..."
Isn't that too Indifference?
It's Just Like saying 'What does it matter to me whether the Police come or not'..."
Nearby Alley Entrance, after Inspector Megure brought people and sped over, taking a detour, he hid at the Alley Entrance with Sato Miwako, Wataru Takagi, and two Police Officers, not showing their Heads casually.
Everyone held their breath, and as Time passed minute by minute, they listened to their Accelerating Heartbeat, but didn't dare to breathe heavily, as if even a little Movement from them would trigger an Explosion.
'Thump thump... thump thump...'
The Heartbeat in their ears never stopped.
The five Children of the Junior Detective League secretly hid behind the Wall, watching Inspector Megure who was Contacting the Other Party without blinking their Eyes.
"...The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team is also rushing over and is expected to arrive in five minutes," Inspector Megure Said to the Other Party on the Phone Call with a solemn Expression. "Younger Brother Shiratori, I will connect you to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team's Phone Call..."
The Phone Call was transferred.
"Hello? Officer Shiratori, please tell the Mr. next to the Bomb not to rush," a Member of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team, who was rushing over in a Car, Said seriously. "First, please..."
Ninzaburo Shiratori leaned against the Car Door, relaying the Words from the Phone Call, "Please first Cooperate with them to understand the Bomb's Situation, See if you can See a Timer on the Outer Casing, and what the displayed Number is..."
"Click."
The Car Door was Suddenly Opened.
Ninzaburo Shiratori turned around in surprise, looking at Chi Feichei getting out of the Car. "Mr. Chi?!"
End of Chapter
