The three of you are Cat's Eye, aren't you?
Hitomi,
Rui,
and Ai Kisugi.
I have here on my grounds
a man who was desperate to meet you
when I told him Cat's Eye was in my home.
He sure knew a lot about them,
that handsome detective.
Okay, here's the big reveal!
Detective Utsumi!
♪ Racing through the midnight streets ♪
♪ Jewels swaying close to my ears ♪
♪ A night bird vanishing ♪
♪ Slipped through the long nails and high-rise towers ♪
♪ Sorry, but I've been lying to you from the start ♪
♪ The truth is never what meets the eye ♪
♪ It's always hidden in secrets ♪
♪ Look at me now! ♪
♪ I'm tired of boring imitations ♪
- ♪ Oh, drive me crazy ♪ - ♪ Am I fake? Am I real? ♪
♪ Ephemeral blooms from liars Artificial flowers of "truth" ♪
♪ I'm obedient to vague temptations ♪
♪ But in the end, I'll take it all! ♪
♪ To the beat of your pulse, ready? ♪
♪ Magic, magic, magic ♪
♪ Dance to my signal ♪
♪ One day, all of it, get it! ♪
♪ Magic, magic, magic ♪
♪ A fantasy of secrets, tricks unseen ♪
♪ Un, deux, trois, jump in, baby! Dancing all night ♪
♪ Back and forth between illusion and reality ♪
♪ I'll bewilder you, it's a mystery ♪
♪ Ignite the searchlight that becomes my spotlight ♪
♪ But just staring at me won't tell you a thing ♪
♪ This is my love in labyrinth ♪
#12 The Promise of Sunset
What could be the matter, Detective Utsumi?
These are the members of Cat's Eye you were so desperate to meet.
The Cats are on the other side?
You look like deer in headlights.
Don't worry, there's a one-way mirror between us.
He can't see a thing besides his own reflection.
Were you serious about the Cats being here?
I can't see.
Kaibara, that's a cute trick,
but what are you trying to get out of all of this?
Oh?
You weren't speaking with such a deep voice a moment ago.
Is it perhaps because you're worried he'd be able to recognize you otherwise?
Answer the question.
I didn't show him to you just for fun.
Although his obsession with you is quite useful.
Can you just get to the point?
I can't help but notice that you've stolen
a considerable number of paintings under the Cranaff name.
His work is of interest to me as well.
I need every last one from you.
As an honorable businessman, I'll compensate you fairly.
There's only one reason
you'd go to such lengths to get those paintings.
If my suspicions are right,
you're a member of the Cranaff Syndicate.
Well, miss, you certainly are a capable sleuth
to know as much as you do.
Your suspicions are correct.
In fact, you are speaking to the one who sits atop the Cranaff Syndicate.
Well, I've heard quite a few rumors.
You've been exploiting beautiful works of art
to assist criminals in tax evasion and money laundering.
Oh, who knows.
But it is fun to imagine, eh?
At least tell us this.
Why label the paintings as Cranaff's.
I know Michael Heinz is the real artist.
Wow.
Color me surprised you know about Heinz.
I'm afraid I can't answer your question, though.
Fine.
Back to more pressing matters.
About the art you requested.
What would happen if we're unwilling to sell them?
Now I can answer that.
Forfeit the paintings or you forfeit his life.
That's just straight up ridiculous.
It's a well-known fact that cat burglars aren't big fans of detectives.
That's not a negotiation for them,
it's a freakin' birthday present.
Choose.
Which is it going to be?
If we must,
we'll take the deal.
Give us the detective in exchange for the paintings.
But why?
How about that?
You thought your interest in them was one-sided,
but you matter to them as well.
Looks like we have ourselves a deal.
But on the condition that Detective Utsumi is not told anything
that could give away our identities.
Sure. Cross my heart.
Now then,
in place of a written contract...
I wasn't expecting this treat.
To think I'd be given the honor of shaking hands with such a legend.
You made the mistake of thinking a woman can't be dangerous.
You should reflect on that.
After you wake up from the sleeping drug.
I can't believe that I had forgotten.
The most beautiful roses are adorned with the sharpest of thorns.
But me,
I never walk away empty-handed.
Huh?
I promise not to look at your faces.
Consider this my thank you.
I can't imagine the reason you did that.
But that doesn't change the fact that you saved my life,
plain and simple.
I know Kaibara's type,
and no matter what you chose, I'd be a goner.
The only place he'd ever let someone go with his secrets
is their own grave.
Yeah, you're right about that.
Listen,
I believe it's in all of our best interests
if we join forces and work together to escape.
I won't die in a sad place like this!
That's some impressive resolve.
You must have someone waiting for you back in Tokyo.
Yeah, I do.
Cutest girlfriend ever.
- Hey, what are you making me say? - Ooh.
Shh.
I'm sorry to interrupt
- such an important conversation. - Huh? Who's that?
- He's on our side, don't worry. - Get out of there soon.
That drug will only keep him asleep for about 15 minutes.
He's been listening in
- the entire time. - I have.
Sorry I couldn't do more to help you earlier.
- What are you doing? - Sorry, but we have to.
Have Kaibara's men noticed anything yet, or are they still unaware?
Hmm?
They don't seem to have noticed yet.
But how are we supposed to get out of here?
There's the ship.
Good call.
If we retrace our steps
from when we were brought here from the ship,
I think we should be able to get back to it
without being detected by anyone.
We're setting out for the sunken ship right away.
That's our rendezvous point.
Hold on a minute.
They still have my friend held hostage.
I'm not leaving here without him.
Do you know where he is?
He's in some kind of reception room that was in a separate building.
I don't think there's a way to get there without Kaibara's goons seeing us.
No. Wait.
Bro!
Why are you blindfolded in the ceiling, and do I want to know?
That would take too long to explain.
For now, we're teaming up with the Cats to get out of here.
- Whoa, what? - I'll explain everything
- when we're not about to die! - Okay!
I've had enough trauma today,
thank you!
Those pesky little Cats.
You've really done it,
I'm angry now, and you won't like me when I'm angry.
Cat's Eye has some really soft hands.
Our lives are on the line and that's where your mind goes?
But let's see here. Oh, my word, you're right, they're just like silk.
From here, we go downstairs.
Cat's Eye and the detectives are heading towards the sunken ship.
Once they're on board and think they're in the clear,
we'll blow everything up.
Are you certain, sir?
Even with the artwork still down there?
It's in a safe that can be recovered later.
- Yes, but, sir-- - No, shut up!
We can't allow them to leave here alive!
You sure took your sweet time, didn't ya?
I'm glad to see you all made it.
If you go straight down the corridor up ahead,
you'll run into the escape hatch.
No time to waste.
The band of intruders has made it to the ship.
They're heading for the escape hatch at the bow.
You don't deserve more than an unmarked, shallow grave in the dirt.
But enjoy this wonderful coffin.
Consider it a parting gift.
Deploy the big red button!
Self-destruct initiate!
Grab anything you can!
- No, Toshio! - Wait!
Detonation successful.
Looks like curiosity killed the Cats.
I would have liked to toy with you a little longer.
Grab on. Here.
Thanks.
The water level in here is rising really fast.
This way.
Okay.
Get in. Now.
You okay?
What's wrong? Are you hurt?
There's a fire in the mansion!
The explosion in the ship must have spread!
Dagnabbit!
Huh?
And, sir, I've detected a ship approaching the island.
Is it an ally of the Cats?
It's worse.
It's the Japan Coast Guard!
Wait. What?
We need to evacuate right now!
Cat's Eye!
Could you face the other way?
Ah, okay.
This will do for now.
It's better than nothing, right?
Thank you.
Oh, man.
I'm getting déjà vu.
Didn't we just do this?
I guess we did.
Uh...
Interesting.
I can't really see a whole lot with how dark it is,
but it doesn't seem like this place really took damage from that explosion.
It looks like some kind of bunker.
You can actually see in here?
It's part of the job.
Besides, don't you know that cats can see in the dark?
Variations on Light.
These are all... Dad's paintings.
Did you find something?
It seems they've been using this place to hide their art.
Huh? In a place like this?
This must be like winning the lottery for you thieves.
But I can tell the air is starting to get thin in here.
I can feel myself running out of oxygen.
I think we both might be out of luck here.
Don't talk like it's already over.
You know, my allies are the best of the best.
They'll come for us.
My bracelet got banged up, so I can't communicate by voice.
But it should send out a distress signal.
We can't just wait to be saved.
We gotta get air, and soon.
This is real bad.
There's hardly any oxygen left in the air here.
I don't think we're gonna get rescued.
'Cause let's be real, your allies are probably toast.
You've got to stop thinking like that.
It's going to be okay.
It has to be.
For the person that you love.
My love...
Speaking of her, it's strange.
I feel like you say the same thing she would.
Can I please see your face?
Just once?
So I have something to take with me.
Will you let me?
Never mind.
My phone's completely dead.
Dang, we might be the unluckiest people on the planet.
I know this is going to sound really weird, sorry.
Especially considering we might die soon.
But with you here, I feel so completely at ease.
I...
I think that maybe you...
The last of our luck seems to have run out.
It's going to the surface.
The entire room is! Right now.
So this is what it feels like to float to heaven.
Hold on for just a bit more!
Toshio! Stay with me! Please!
Toshio!
Hitomi!
Huh?
Asatani!
Wait, is this hell? What are you doing here?
You didn't even hit your head this time!
We're worried sick about you and you act like this?
Right! Kid, you requested time off and then didn't come back for days.
So when we couldn't get in touch with you, we came right to the rescue.
And we couldn't have done it without help from the Japan Coast Guard.
You're alive!
Takeuchi, you're here too?
I'm so glad you made it out okay, bro.
Hirano!
You made it outta there okay, man!
Yeah! Thanks to you.
We got an update that Kaibara,
the guy who put us through the wringer, is taking a dirt nap.
Hold on! He's what?
While you were gone, we found solid evidence
that the Toyo Foundation has been illegally trading works of art.
We were planning to go raid the mansion, but...
they set it ablaze, and the entire island was engulfed in flames.
You think that they didn't make it out?
They set it, though.
We haven't spotted any of their boats or aircraft departing from the island.
I don't believe they made it out.
Oh! Hold on a minute. What happened to the Cats?
I don't have a clue.
By the time I came to, we were already safe here on this ship.
Toshio!
I gotta go!
The last thing she said was my name.
Does that mean...
What's wrong? You're staring at the water all alone.
Just tired.
I haven't thanked you yet for saving us.
I know it was risky.
There's nothing in the world that would ever make us leave you behind.
- You got that right. - Huh?
You're all far too incantevole for me to leave behind.
But, Hitomi, what's that long face all about?
We managed to get our hands on the artwork stored in the sunken ship.
On top of that, and possibly more importantly,
I got my sapphire!
Magnifico, no?
Plus, despite all the chaos, we were able to get Toshio and Hirano
to the police boat, and they're both gonna be fine.
Yeah.
Well... that is true.
Toshio! Did you want to swing by Cat's Eye with me?
It's been a while.
Huh?
It took us forever and half, but we're done with admin now.
Let's get somethin' to eat.
Oh, the cafe, you're talking about the cafe.
Hey, guys, don't forget about me!
By the way,
I'm surprised you chose to spend all your leave like that.
On Runan Island.
Huh? My what now?
- Sorry, today's not good for me. - Hmm... An upright tea stalk!
What? But you have to go!
- Takeuchi here's gonna treat us! - Now that's lucky.
Stupid! It's gonna be a business expense!
- Hmm? - Or maybe not.
Check it out.
A bunch of art dealers and business people connected to Seguchi got arrested.
I don't think it's just a coincidence.
No way. I'd bet anything they're part of the Cranaff Syndicate.
Right, Hitomi?
- Hitomi? - Huh?
Uh, what did you say?
Did something happen between you and Toshio?
Why do you ask?
Since we got back, you keep staring into space.
I think he pieced it together.
Huh?
About us being the Cats?
Do you think so?
Well, right before Toshio passed out,
he called out to me with my real name.
That doesn't mean he recognized you necessarily.
- Hmm. - I haven't heard from him
since we've been back.
And he hasn't stopped by the cafe once.
I think...
it might be over for us.
Don't think like that.
It's way too soon to throw in the towel.
- Huh? - All you need
is some sisterly magic.
- Huh? - Oh, hey, Toshio.
Sorry to ask, but could you lend me a hand for a bit?
Uh... Yeah, of course.
I've got one to spare.
I'll give you the light ones.
Thanks, really.
You're a lifesaver.
Not at all. Happy to.
Hey, Toshio.
Haven't seen your mug here in a while. You been keeping busy?
Ah, good to see you, Ai.
You could say that.
Oh, yeah! Hey, can I give you your souvenir?
Huh? Souvenir?
- Yep, here you go. - Thanks.
You shouldn't have.
We had some issues with our pipes,
so we had to close the cafe for a week for repairs,
and we took a vacation.
A sisters trip to Izu.
So you were all in Izu?
Let me show you.
We hadn't had a break in forever,
so we made sure to pack in as much fun as possible.
We even went diving, and look, isn't the ocean gorgeous?
That sure sounds like fun.
I love this one.
We had the prettiest view from our hotel.
Oh, wow! Livin' the life.
Yeah, it was the best!
Three of them went on a trip together,
so that means Hitomi has an alibi.
Where is Hitomi?
We came back together originally,
but she went to Kamakura again by herself.
She said something about wanting to continue her date
with a certain someone and that she would go ahead and wait there.
She didn't tell me about it.
Perhaps not. But are you sure she didn't leave you a clue?
Let's see the sunset together at Inamuragasaki.
The saying goes that if you see a sunset on that beach as a couple,
you'll be happy together for the rest of your lives.
Should we go there after the museum?
For sure, we can cash in the rain check finally.
How about we catch the Inamuragasaki sunset on our next date?
Yeah, totally.
We can make a plan to go straight to the cape so we don't miss it.
You're right. I gotta go!
You're the best! Thank you!
Hitomi.
I can't believe that young woman is here again today.
Huh?
Hello.
It seems her boyfriend is traveling for business.
The poor thing has such a lonely look to her.
I've lost count how many times I've seen her out here in the last week.
That means...
it's not her.
She's not one of the Cats.
That's my girl.
Hitomi!
Huh? Is that...
Hitomi!
Toshio!
Do you think that performance did the trick?
You nailed it.
Thanks for having our back out there, Gramps.
How about a little cheese as a treat?
Nah. This was thanks for the sapphire.
Now then, my interest is piqued for what happens with those two.
I'm afraid what happens next is none of our business.
Sorry.
I know we promised to see the sunset together next time we met.
Looks like I'm a little late.
Mm-mm.
I'm the one who should be apologizing.
Huh?
Last time, I implied that I wanted you to quit being a detective...
I'm sorry.
Don't be.
The thing is
I really love Toshio the detective.
- Hmm? - In fact, I love every Toshio.
I love you...
and I want to spend forever with you.
I feel the same.
Let me stay by your side, Hitomi.
What's up with the fireworks?
Nagaishi wanted to be a part of their little love story too!
Too bad he kinda sucks at timing.
They were just about to get to the good part.
Fireworks?
Beautiful.
Mm-hmm.
It sure has been a while.
The reservation ends today, right?
Correct. It was preserved for 20 years.
Meaning, it will be released at midnight.
- No need to rush out. - Huh?
I just received word that they want to extend the reservation
- for another five years. - Huh?
It was an international call.
I have to say, it was nice to hear that familiar voice again.
Huh?
I was right.
Dad...
is alive.