"Heh~ Given my current situation, Dad, do you really think running away would make me safe?"

  Shinichi let out a bitter ugh.

  "The poison is highly suspicious."

  "How a drug supposedly meant to kill someone shrink their body instead? I doubt it's even a poison iraditional sense."

  "I suspect its so-called poisonous effect is just an unintended side effect."

  "And ohe truth about this drug is exposed, and people find out that I'm a living spe for it, my fate will be sealed."

  Shinichi wasn't a fool. He often got so absorbed in solving cases that he fot about the people and circumstances around him, but his mind worked fast when it mattered.

  "That anization has been gathering money for years, likely funding research for this drug."

  "And with their behavior, I'm sure the world's intelligence agencies are already keeping an eye on them."

  "If those agencies find out about me, I'll lose my freedom. Isn't that what you're trying to say, Dad?"

  "…"

  Yusaku stayed silent for a moment before nodding.

  "That's exactly what I mean. That's what the witness prote program entails."

  "As long as you ehe program, the FBI will erase all traces of your past identity. Holy, it's the safest option for yht now."

  For an ordinary person, erasing their identity might take a lot of effort, but Shinichi's current circumstances made it easy to sever ties with his old life entirely.

  "Like you said, Dad, if I join the program, I'll lose my freedom."

  "And on top of that, my situation will be entirely uhe FBI's trol."

  "So, I refuse."

  Shinichi's voice was resolute, with no trace of hesitation.

  "If I join the program, sure, I might be safe, but everything else will head in the worst possible dire."

  "Even if the anization is taken down someday, I doubt they'd use the antidote to restore me. I'd probably remain their living spe indefinitely."

  He ughed at himself, the bitterness evident in his tone.

  Caught in this predit, Shinichi had finally realized something important: a detective must first eheir own safety before rushing into danger.

  His current situation was a result of his own curiosity and insatiable thirst for answers.

  "Dad, I don't want to end up like that."

  "…"

  Yusaku sighed heavily. How could he possibly want his son to face such a future?

  But his fatherly instincts flicted with reality, leaving him stuck between two difficult choices.

  "Shinichi, do you realize how irresponsible this decision is?"

  "If we leave you here, what you even do? Entrust you tasa?"

  "Do you pn t him into this mess as well?"

  Yusaku's tourned cold, his voice sharp as he addressed his son.

  He had to make Shinichi face reality.

  "You 't do anything on your own."

  "And knowing your personality, the moment you e across a case, you'll rush in headfirst. Do you think you hahat alohout involving anyone else?"

  Yusaku's words hit their mark. Shinichi fell silent for a moment, his expression flicted.

  "I 't do it."

  Yusaku was right. He couldn't achieve his goals without relying on others.

  "But that's why I need your help, Dad."

  His answer made Yusaku ugh bitterly.

  "You know you 't avoid involving others, a you still ask for my help?"

  "Why?"

  "Because I don't want to give up my freedom or my future. I want to track down those people myself."

  "So you're willing to stay here, even at the risk of implig others?"

  "Yes."

  Yusaku felt an immense headache ing on. His son was not only stubborn but also incredibly difficult to persuade.

  "Is this how you justify risking other people's lives for your own goals?"

  "No."

  Shinichi's eyes were steady, filled with determination.

  "I won't let anyone else get involved because of me."

  "I'll do everything I to suppress my curiosity and avoid any suspicious behavior."

  "At the same time, I'll proteyone who ends up being dragged into this because of me. I won't let that anization harm my friends or family."

  The vi in his voice was undeniable.

  Yusaku felt a mix of emotions, pride at his son's growth and frustration that it had to happen under such circumstances.

  A part of him wished Shinichi could simply leave this dangerous situation behind.

  But now, it seemed there was n back.

  "Yusaku…"

  He turo his wife, Yukiko, who had been tugging on his sleeve.

  "Is there really no way we give Shinichi a ce to hahis himself?"

  Yukiko's tone was soft, hesitant, but her words reflected her growing agreement with their son.

  Yusaku sighed, thinking it over. He couldn't help but sider the possibility.

  After a long moment, he turo Shinichi.

  "Fine, Shinichi. If you don't want to joiness prote program, I'll respect your decision."

  "But there's one dition: you must abandon your identity as Kudo Shinichi pletely."

  "!"

  Shinichi's eyes widened.

  "You 't use the name Kudo Shinichi until that anization is destroyed."

  This dition was han a death sentence for his identity. Even if he found the antidote, he wouldn't be able to recim his former life.

  It was a way to ensure his survival, but at the cost of erasing the person he used to be.

  "So you're askio kill off Kudo Shinichi's identity?"

  "That's right. It's the only way you stay here without being targeted."

  Shinichi ched his fists, uanding his father's reasoning.

  He khe anization was no trivial threat. His father's dition wasn't just a punishment, it was a necessary precaution.

  "I agree."

  "I'll let Kudo Shinichi 'die' and live under a pletely new identity."

  Yusaku sighed again, shaking his head slightly. He wasn't surprised by Shinichi's answer.

  "Alright, I'll tae friends in the public security department to make the necessary arras."

  "And we'll create a new identity for you."

  "But remember, Shinichi, you've made your choice. There's n baow."

  "I uand," Shinichi replied without hesitation.

  He didn't regret his decision.