Amuro Is Not Bourbon

Even though they hadn't officially met for seven years, Qin Jiu (Gin) still desperately wanted to put a bullet through Bourbon's head at this moment.

He had wasted his time feeling regret for not stopping the Boss's decision, though his intervention likely would have been useless anyway. After seven years, Bourbon's mouth was still just as detestable.

Qin Jiu looked at Jiang Gu Ling (Furuya Rei), who was smiling radiantly, and turned away with an expressionless face, heading straight for the elevator ahead.

Jiang Gu Ling arched an eyebrow, indifferent to Qin Jiu's attitude, and followed behind with his hands clasped behind his back. For someone as sharp as Qin Jiu, having someone follow behind his back was extremely uncomfortable. He always had to be on guard against whether Bourbon would launch a sneak attack, especially since the relationship between him and Bourbon had never been good.

Qin Jiu stopped and turned his head to look at Bourbon.

"?" Jiang Gu Ling looked up at Qin Jiu with a face full of confusion.

Qin Jiu stepped aside and looked at the elevator right in front of them, signaling Bourbon to go first.

Jiang Gu Ling looked at the elevator and then at Qin Jiu, suddenly bursting into laughter. He crossed his arms over his chest as Zhu Fu Jing Guang (Morofushi Hiromitsu) and Vodka caught up from behind. The four people split into two sides, forming a confrontation.

"Are you two competing to see who can stand still the longest?" Along with the voice was the "click" of a lighter. Vermouth stood at the corner, looking toward them.

Jiang Gu Ling lowered his arms and smiled at Vermouth. "Sister, so you're in Japan?"

The last time he had seen Vermouth was during the plotline where Kudo Shinichi and Mori Ran went to New York. Perhaps because Bourbon was brought back from America, Karasuma Renya had completely excluded America from the list of destinations in "Bourbon's Study Abroad Plan." However, because Akai Shuichi's identity as a spy was exposed and he returned to America, problems arose on Vermouth's side. Furthermore, Jiang Gu Ling himself wanted to see how the plot would unfold. He wondered if his involvement would prevent Mori Ran and Kudo Shinichi from becoming Vermouth's "Angel"; if that happened, he would have to find a way to salvage it.

Fortunately, that night when Jiang Gu Ling received Vermouth's message and went to pick her up, although her facial expression didn't show it clearly, he could feel her joy. Her eyes lit up, as if radiating a halo. Afterward, Vermouth even asked him about Kudo Shinichi and Mori Ran, using the excuse of being curious about Kudo Yukiko's son and daughter-in-law.

Later, when Kudo Shinichi was forced to take the medicine by Qin Jiu, although Jiang Gu Ling not only knew beforehand but also witnessed the scene personally, the first person to notify Bourbon was Vermouth. It was just that Jiang Gu Ling's tone was a bit cold at the time, which seemed to make Vermouth unhappy, causing her favorability to drop by 1% immediately, though it rose back up the next morning. Looking at the situation, Mori Ran and Kudo Shinichi still held a firm place in "Godmother" Vermouth's heart.

Now, at the organization's base, the two met again after a year apart. Vermouth stepped closer and smiled at Jiang Gu Ling. "Long time no see, Lance."

Jiang Gu Ling was about to greet her when his brow suddenly furrowed. His nostrils twitched slightly as he asked suspiciously, "Sister, are you injured?"

Though not strong, he could smell a faint scent of fresh blood emanating from Vermouth. Vermouth froze, not expecting Jiang Gu Ling's nose to be so sharp.

Qin Jiu looked at the two of them and sneered. What a display of sibling affection.

Seeing Vermouth arrive, Qin Jiu no longer insisted on Bourbon going first. He directly led his subordinate into the elevator and pressed the close button before Vermouth and Bourbon could react. He didn't want to ride with these three.

Vodka, standing behind Qin Jiu, also thought his boss's action seemed a bit... childish? *Ptooey, ptooey, ptooey!* Vodka mentally slapped himself, quickly clearing the thought. He couldn't let his boss find out, or it would be over for him.

Jiang Gu Ling, Zhu Fu Jing Guang, and Vermouth didn't mind Qin Jiu leaving them behind. Jiang Gu Ling had intended to ask Vermouth about the injury, but seeing that she didn't want to talk about it, he tactfully shut his mouth and stared at the elevator with a blank gaze.

Interesting. Who could have injured Vermouth? Jiang Gu Ling mentally calculated the current timeline. Miyano Shiho had already become Haibara Ai. While in France, he had received news from the Public Security that Pisco—whom he had told them to watch closely—was dead. Jiang Gu Ling had early on realized that time in this world was a bit abnormal. In the original plot, it wasn't until over 100 volumes in that Pisco was dealt with by Qin Jiu, yet currently, only a month had passed since he witnessed Kudo Shinichi's shrinking.

His three police colleagues in Japan also frequently complained in the group chat that they were becoming busier, feeling like they had to run around every day to solve cases. However, after that event, was there anything that could have caused Vermouth's injury? It could also be an event completely absent from the original plot. After all, the plot revolved around Edogawa Conan's detective life, but the Black Organization's criminal plans continued every day. If he had to link it to the plot, it could only be...

Jiang Gu Ling pondered as the second elevator arrived. The three entered and went down to the third basement level. As soon as they stepped out, before they could see the situation clearly, Jiang Gu Ling heard Chianti's impatient voice.

"Qin Jiu! Why is this woman here!" Chianti had been maintaining her sniper rifle. Hearing the elevator, she thought Bourbon had returned and was a bit excited, but as soon as she looked up, she saw the woman she hated most. Chianti stomped her foot in anger.

Jiang Gu Ling understood; it was indeed that plot segment. Perhaps Shiho had been given quite a scare. Jiang Gu Ling rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought, completely ignoring Chianti calling him. If Bourbon appeared before Sherry now, the shrunken girl would surely be terrified out of her wits. Should he do it? It felt like it would be very interesting. Furthermore, Jiang Gu Ling could guarantee 100% that Haibara Ai would absolutely not tell Edogawa Conan that Amuro Tooru was Bourbon. Despite the lack of contact for a long time, his position in her heart was not low. Haibara Ai, though currently listless, surely still held onto the hope of destroying the organization and pulling Bourbon out of the mire.

The shrunken Miyano Shiho might know Bourbon's identity; because of her cautious nature, she wouldn't do anything dangerous, and this would also provide some psychological comfort to the fearful girl. However, because System 123 had told Jiang Gu Ling to ensure the plot didn't deviate, the fact that Miyano Akemi was still alive could not be told to Haibara Ai for the time being. Furthermore, although Miyano Akemi's surgery at the Public Security went smoothly, she still hadn't woken up. The doctors found no issues; she wasn't in a vegetative state either. Jiang Gu Ling felt this was definitely the intervention of the world's consciousness. Perhaps she wouldn't wake up until the organization was destroyed. Therefore, until then, everything should be kept secret except for the Public Security and the five of them.

"Bourbon! Bourbon!" Chianti was extremely impatient. Why was Bourbon not responding no matter how many times she called? Why did Bourbon come in here with Scotch and that Vermouth woman?!

Vermouth smiled at Chianti, and then, in front of the five people, she reached out and grabbed Jiang Gu Ling's arm. "Lance~"

"Hmm?" Feeling the touch on his arm, Jiang Gu Ling snapped out of it and turned to Vermouth. "Sister? What is it?"

"Our Chianti is calling you," Vermouth said softly, then turned to look at Chianti, who was staring in disbelief at Bourbon calling her "Sister."

Before Jiang Gu Ling could ask Chianti what was wrong, the hot-tempered girl rushed over. "Sister?" Chianti stood before Jiang Gu Ling, pointing at Vermouth and questioning, "On what basis does this person get to be Bourbon's sister!"

Vermouth brushed her hair and answered calmly on Jiang Gu Ling's behalf, "Because I *am* Bourbon's sister."

The relationship between her and Bourbon was so good that Chianti would surely die of anger. Chianti was indignant; she was also older than Bourbon, so why had Bourbon never called her "Sister"? Of course, Bourbon's status was higher than hers, so not using honorifics was normal; even she called Qin Jiu by his name rather than "Lord Gin" like the regular members. But... on what basis did Vermouth get to!

Chianti stomped her foot, glaring at Vermouth with hatred. She even wanted to put a bullet through Vermouth's head. Jiang Gu Ling quickly stopped Chianti, who was about to raise her sniper rifle.

"What are you doing?" Jiang Gu Ling asked with a look of utter confusion.

Chianti stared at Vermouth. Usually prone to outbursts, she now looked like she was about to explode. She turned and screamed at Jiang Gu Ling, "Do you know that she caused Calvados's death!"

"Hmm?" Jiang Gu Ling—who knew the full story—frowned and looked toward Zhu Fu Jing Guang behind him to shift the blame. Chianti also looked over; everyone was a sniper, so why hadn't Scotch told Bourbon about such a thing, letting him maintain a good relationship with Vermouth?

Scotch said expressionlessly, "I follow Bourbon."

"There must be some misunderstanding in this matter." Jiang Gu Ling naturally chose to believe Vermouth. Calvados wasn't a sniper close to him anyway; he had earned his title while Bourbon was studying abroad and hadn't even received any gifts from Bourbon.

"Hey!" Chianti was about to roar.

Qin Jiu, standing on the right side of the hall, said coldly, "Enough, Chianti. Be quiet."

Chianti looked toward Qin Jiu. Noticing his expression, she sullenly shut her mouth and sat down next to Korn. Looking at her posture as she hugged her gun, she seemed to still be very angry.

After the scene quieted down, lines of information appeared one by one on the large screen in front. Jiang Gu Ling observed; it seemed the organization's technology had taken another long step forward, and the method of assigning missions was much more high-end.

Domon Yasuteru. The profile of a councilman appeared on the screen. Jiang Gu Ling recognized him as a councilman with a very good reputation among the people, always a strong supporter of anti-crime measures. It seemed this man had affected the organization's activities and was being targeted. Jiang Gu Ling thought while reviewing Qin Jiu's plan to assassinate Domon Yasuteru in his mind, and simultaneously retrieved this plot segment from deep in his memory. The timing compared to the original plot was indeed off. Jiang Gu Ling sighed inwardly again, but still hadn't realized where the strange point lay.

"The plan is set for Monday, two weeks from now," Qin Jiu outlined the plan. "Vodka will be in charge of contacting Kir."

Jiang Gu Ling saw that this simple mission briefing was about to end, but there seemed to be no part for him and Hiro. So why had he been called here immediately upon his return?

"Wait," Jiang Gu Ling interrupted Qin Jiu. "What about me?" And Vermouth as well; she didn't seem to have been assigned a mission either.

"Sherry." Qin Jiu turned off the information on Domon Yasuteru, and a portrait of Miyano Shiho appeared on the screen. Qin Jiu looked at Bourbon, whose face was darkening, and sneered, "That's right, your beloved little sister."

Vermouth's expression turned slightly ugly where no one could see. Bourbon liked Sherry very much, while she hated her to the bone. Jiang Gu Ling stared at the face on the screen without saying a word.

"When Miyano Akemi died, didn't you say she hadn't necessarily betrayed us? Now Sherry has escaped too. Bourbon, this is the person you protected." Qin Jiu sneered. Having been mocked by Bourbon before, he finally caught an opportunity to mock him back.

Two years ago when Rye's identity was exposed, Bourbon had used Scotch's mouth to deliver sarcasms that Qin Jiu remembered to this day. Things like: *I told you not to recruit Rye.* Things like: *Wasn't it Qin Jiu who did the background check for Rye?* Things like: *Before recruiting Rye, didn't another member vetted by Qin Jiu have an incident?* Things like: *Qin Jiu, is this how you act as a member of the organization?*

Vodka still clearly remembered the situation that day; Boss Qin Jiu had almost pulled his gun. If the person across from him hadn't been Scotch relaying the message but Bourbon himself, the two would have surely had a massive brawl. Indeed, the Boss's decision to take Bourbon away was correct; otherwise, Vodka's little heart couldn't have handled a scene like that every other day. It was also after that time that Karasuma Renya had darkened his face and ordered Bourbon not to provoke Qin Jiu anymore, and not to let others provoke him on his behalf!

Jiang Gu Ling was expressionless. "Whether she betrayed us or not, we'll only know after we find Sherry."

"Escaping from the laboratory is betrayal." Qin Jiu looked directly into Jiang Gu Ling's eyes, not flinching.

"Then we must bring Sherry back so I can interrogate her myself," Jiang Gu Ling countered sharply.

The atmosphere between the two became tense again. Vermouth held a cigarette in her hand, exhaling a cloud of white smoke. The adult Bourbon seemed much more decisive than seven years ago; although his face hadn't changed much, he was now fully capable of confronting Qin Jiu head-on. It was truly admirable. Only, Bourbon's protection of Sherry made her feel extremely uncomfortable. For some reason, even though she knew clearly that Bourbon had been brainwashed by the Boss, Vermouth always had a thought: Could a Bourbon so full of justice, pride, and brilliance truly be imprisoned in a place like the Organization? Logic told Vermouth that Bourbon was a child loyal to the Boss, but emotion told her that Bourbon was a person who belonged entirely to himself. What she liked was the hero who had risked his life to save her all those years ago.

"You two..." Vermouth intervened in the tense atmosphere. "Have you forgotten that searching for Sherry's whereabouts is currently my mission? Even for Bourbon, if you arbitrarily interfere in my mission, I won't be happy."

Bourbon and Qin Jiu instantly fell silent.

"It's been so long and there are no results," Qin Jiu sneered.

"Is less than a month considered 'so long'?" Jiang Gu Ling didn't wait for Vermouth to speak before immediately snapping back. The battle between the three began another round.

Zhu Fu Jing Guang, standing behind Jiang Gu Ling, wondered why it felt like Zero actually quite liked the Organization? He was so full of energy as soon as he returned. Chianti slowed down her gun cleaning, feeling that Bourbon had too many "sisters" in the organization—why couldn't she be one too? Vodka was seriously thinking that since the meeting was ending, it must be time for lunch—should he have a chicken or fish bento? Or maybe he could ask the boss for a lavish meal.

"If Sherry is never found, Bourbon, will you take responsibility?" Qin Jiu didn't want to argue with Vermouth about whose mission it was and instead turned his aim toward Bourbon.

Jiang Gu Ling burst into laughter. "Didn't Sherry escape under Qin Jiu's watch? Furthermore, isn't Qin Jiu also Sherry's guardian?" In terms of responsibility, Qin Jiu's was the greatest.

"Enough!" Vermouth had a headache from their bickering. No wonder the Boss had to separate them. Previously, although Bourbon occasionally mocked Qin Jiu, it hadn't reached this level. Had the incident seven years ago truly caused such a rift between them?

"This matter was assigned to me by the Boss, so if there are any problems, please consult the Boss, alright?" Vermouth signaled a timeout, simultaneously using Karasuma Renya as a shield. As expected, the two who were refusing to yield just now immediately fell silent. Qin Jiu was quiet, then turned and led Vodka away.

"Lance~" Vermouth smiled at Jiang Gu Ling. "Can you take me back to the hotel?"

Bourbon, who had been cold just a moment ago, immediately broke into a smile. "Of course."

Zhu Fu Jing Guang—who had just watched a good play between Zero and Qin Jiu—silently drove the car. Vermouth sat in the back seat, looking at the scenery passing by the window, then stared at the back of the passenger seat, constantly looking for ways to probe Bourbon.

"What does Lance plan to do now that you're back?" Vermouth asked as if casually. "The Boss doesn't seem to have plans to assign you a mission for now."

"I have nothing to do for the time being, so I'll just play around for a few days," Jiang Gu Ling sat in the passenger seat, fiddling with his phone. "Ran and Sonoko know I'm back and said they want to throw a welcome party, and introduce me to some little friends while they're at it."

"Little... little friends?" The famous star, who had intended to probe Bourbon, stuttered as soon as she thought about who those "little friends" might include.