Starting With The Sefirah Castle In The Anime World

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

Shinichi let out a bitter laugh.

"The poison is highly suspicious."

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

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

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

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

"That organization 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 protection program entails."

"As long as you enter the program, the FBI will erase all traces of your past identity. Honestly, it's the safest option for you right 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 under the FBI's control."

"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 direction."

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

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

Caught in this predicament, Shinichi had finally realized something important: a detective must first ensure their 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 conflicted with reality, leaving him stuck between two difficult choices.

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

"If we leave you here, what can you even do? Entrust you to Dr. Agasa?"

"Do you plan to drag him into this mess as well?"

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

He had to make Shinichi face reality.

"You can't do anything on your own."

"And knowing your personality, the moment you come across a case, you'll rush in headfirst. Do you think you can handle that alone without involving anyone else?"

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

"I can'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 laugh bitterly.

"You know you can't avoid involving others, and yet 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 implicating others?"

"Yes."

Yusaku felt an immense headache coming 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 can to suppress my curiosity and avoid any suspicious behavior."

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

The conviction 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 no turning back.

"Yusaku…"

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

"Is there really no way we can give Shinichi a chance to handle this 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 consider the possibility.

After a long moment, he turned to Shinichi.

"Fine, Shinichi. If you don't want to join the witness protection program, I'll respect your decision."

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

"!"

Shinichi's eyes widened.

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

This condition was no less than a death sentence for his identity. Even if he found the antidote, he wouldn't be able to reclaim 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 asking me to kill off Kudo Shinichi's identity?"

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

Shinichi clenched his fists, understanding his father's reasoning.

He knew the organization was no trivial threat. His father's condition wasn't just a punishment, it was a necessary precaution.

"I agree."

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

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

"Alright, I'll contact some friends in the public security department to make the necessary arrangements."

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

"But remember, Shinichi, you've made your choice. There's no turning back now."

"I understand," Shinichi replied without hesitation.

He didn't regret his decision.

***

Bonus Chps for every 100 PS, and if we reach 10 reviews, I'll also drop 5 bonus Chps.