[Conan] Black And Silver: The Bond Of Rivals Chapter 21

Interwoven Undercurrents: A Signal from the Father

The door was gently closed, and the sound of Masumi’s light footsteps completely vanished at the end of the hallway. Silence returned to the room. The warm yellow light softly enveloped the space, gently wrapping around the subtle tension between the two men, which had faded from its previous tightness into a wordless understanding.

Shuichi Akai remained standing by the door, his fingertips curling slightly as his mind replayed Masumi’s knowing and playful gaze. He had originally thought his family’s discovery would bring interrogation and opposition, but he had not expected his sister, the first to stumble upon everything, to give her tacit approval in such a lighthearted manner.

Gin walked slowly to his side, his gaze falling on Akai’s slightly dazed profile. The coldness in his eyes had long since dissipated, leaving only a gentle calm. He did not tease or press for answers; he simply stayed there quietly, handing all the initiative to Shuichi Akai.

She won’t say anything reckless, Shuichi Akai spoke slowly, his voice light as if confirming it to himself. Even though Masumi can be impulsive, she knows what is important.

I know, Gin replied flatly, his tone natural. She sees it clearly, and so do you. In this relationship, neither of us is a burden to the other.

Shuichi Akai turned to look at him, his eyes a complex mix of emotions. The chasm of their positions, the opposition of their identities, and the entanglements of the past seemed to become less insurmountable under the successive acceptance of his family. He had once thought he would have to bury these feelings deep for the rest of his life, never expecting they would one day be laid out in the sunlight so easily.

Just as the atmosphere began to soften, the private communicator Shuichi Akai had placed on the corner of the table suddenly vibrated.

It was not the FBI channel, nor was it Jodie or Conan. It was a string of completely unfamiliar yet vaguely recognizable encrypted numbers.

His heart tightened instantly, a premonition striking him almost immediately.

Gin also noticed his reaction. His eyes darkened as he whispered a reminder, It is him.

Without needing to say it aloud, both of them knew exactly who was behind this signal.

Shuichi Akai took a deep breath and pressed the answer button. He did not speak, simply waiting in silence.

A very faint sound of breathing came from the other end—deep, steady, and carrying a raspiness seasoned by time. It was a voice etched into the depths of his memory, one he was hearing again after many years.

Shuichi.

Those two simple syllables caused Shuichi Akai’s fingertips to tense instantly, his heart pounding uncontrollably.

It was Tsutomu Akai.

His father was truly alive.

I saw everything that happened tonight, Tsutomu Akai’s voice was calm and steady, devoid of unnecessary pleasantries, carrying only the composure of someone who had weathered many storms. I will handle things on Mary’s side. I will keep an eye on Shukichi and Masumi. We won’t cause trouble for you, nor will we let anyone disturb you.

Shuichi Akai’s Adam’s apple bobbed. It took a long time before he could speak in a hoarse voice, Why haven’t you shown yourself?

Rum is still in the shadows, and the Organization’s foundations have not been cleared. I cannot reveal myself, Tsutomu Akai responded flatly, his tone certain. But since I have seen this for myself, I will no longer let you shoulder this alone.

There was a pause on the other end before the voice spoke again, carrying a trace of subtle solemnity.

I trust that man. You do not need to worry about the family.

When a member of the Akai family sets their mind on someone, they see it through to the end.

Protect yourself, and protect the person you care about.

With those words, the call ended without further farewells, leaving only the silent hum of static.

Shuichi Akai held the communicator, not moving for a long time.

His father had already seen them with his own eyes and secretly accepted them. This call was not just a statement of position; it was a foundation, a show of support, a way to stabilize the rear.

Gin reached out gently and took hold of his cool fingertips, the warmth of his palm steady and powerful.

I told you, I would face your family.

It seems they are more reasonable than we imagined.

Shuichi Akai turned to look at him. The long-standing struggle and detachment in his eyes finally melted away, replaced by a softness that was almost like relief. He did not pull his hand away; instead, he squeezed back gently, giving his most sincere response with that small gesture.

The light softly enveloped their joined hands. Outside the window, the night was deep, but inside the room, warmth was beginning to grow.

The undercurrents of the Akai family had quietly settled. All the unresolved matters of the heart finally found a stable place to rest.