Nakajima Misaki was stunned. Even Global Weekly had shown up?
"Have you verified his identity?"
"As long as he's really from Global Weekly, let him in."
After receiving Nakajima Misaki's instructions, the guard returned to Zhang Yang.
"Please show your credentials again. We need to verify them."
Zhang Yang smiled politely and handed over his press pass.
The guard walked into the security office and opened Global Weekly's official website. On the reporter directory page, he found the identity Zhang Yang had carefully prepared.
After carefully comparing the details and confirming the ID was valid, the guard nodded.
"Thank you for your cooperation. I'll escort you in."
He returned the credentials and led Zhang Yang forward.
The Island Nation's Imperial Palace wasn't bathed in golden splendor, nor was it extravagantly grand.
The only thing worth praising was the greenery—neatly maintained, understated, and clean.
On the way in, checkpoints and patrols were everywhere. Security guards and agents were stationed all around.
But Zhang Yang wasn't in a hurry to memorize their positions or routines.
With his Global Weekly reporter identity, he'd have plenty of time to explore inside the palace later.
As long as he didn't venture into highly restricted areas, there wouldn't be any issues.
Soon, Zhang Yang appeared in the livestream footage of the Island Nation's news agency. His professional reporter outfit quickly drew the audience's attention.
[What's going on? Another reporter?]
[What is the Imperial Palace trying to do—leave no escape route for themselves?]
[If Kaitō Kid actually steals something from the Imperial Palace, that's gonna be a real face-slap!]
[Judging from what happened in Britain, the more confident they are now, the harder the slap later!]
The guard led Zhang Yang to a small courtyard inside the palace, where Nakajima Misaki and the news agency's reporters were gathered.
After brief introductions, Zhang Yang explained the purpose of his visit.
"Officer Nakajima, Global Weekly is paying close attention to this incident. Would it be possible to ask you two questions?"
Nakajima Misaki readily agreed with a nod.
"Of course."
Global Weekly had massive influence—capable of even shifting global financial markets.
Any one of their reports would become international news.
If you're going to put on a show, it had to be done properly. Otherwise, wandering around right after entering would be too suspicious.
"To date, Kaitō Kid has already stolen two of the Twelve Bronze Zodiac heads from Island Nation embassies in Britain and the Eagle Nation. Now that he's sent a warning letter to the Imperial Palace, is his target still one of the Twelve Zodiac heads?"
Nakajima Misaki hadn't expected such a sharp question right off the bat.
He paused for a moment before answering slowly.
"I'm not certain about that. My task is simply to protect the Imperial Palace and capture Kaitō Kid."
The presence of any of the Twelve Zodiac heads inside the Imperial Palace was top secret—it absolutely couldn't be disclosed in the media.
But whether Nakajima confirmed it or not didn't matter. Zhang Yang was just going through the motions, making a formal visit.
"Officer Nakajima, I noticed that the palace grounds already have many guards and agents stationed. If Kaitō Kid really shows up, how confident are you in capturing him?"
This time, Nakajima Misaki gave a very firm response.
"We will absolutely catch him. The Imperial Palace is the sacred residence of His Majesty the Emperor. If Kaitō Kid dares to come, we will definitely take him down!"
Even Zhang Yang didn't believe that—and neither did the livestream audience.
[Hahaha, bragging isn't illegal—go ahead and blow that horn!]
[Oh my god! Isn't it a little early to talk big? You think you're gonna catch Kaitō Kid?]
[Sending a warning letter straight to the Imperial Palace is like throwing an ultimate right in their face. Doesn't hurt much, but damn, it's humiliating!]
[If they really catch Kaitō Kid, I'll do a handstand while having diarrhea. If there wasn't a chance, he wouldn't show up—but he's definitely not gonna let them catch him for free!]
[The only reason he talks this confidently is because he's never been steamrolled by Kaitō Kid. Harrison would never shoot his mouth off like this!]
Zhang Yang chuckled softly and continued asking questions.
"Mr. Nakajima, what gives you such confidence?"
"Harrison and Frank both failed to catch Kaitō Kid. What advantage do you have?"
Zhang Yang was genuinely curious about this one—it might actually help with his own plans.
He wasn't too concerned about the guards and agents in the Imperial Palace. But this was the Island Nation's Imperial Palace—surely they had something more up their sleeve?
Nakajima Misaki responded without hesitation.
"Mr. Ritter, those details involve operational security. I can't disclose that for now."
"But rest assured, tomorrow Global Weekly will be reporting on the successful capture of Kaitō Kid!"
Zhang Yang and Nakajima exchanged knowing smiles. Their interaction looked completely natural—no trace of suspicion.
[If they fail to catch Kaitō Kid, is Global Weekly still gonna run that story?]
[I can't believe Kaitō Kid's letter to the Imperial Palace actually drew Global Weekly over. They don't even cover anything that's not a world event!]
[Hahaha! The Imperial Palace of the Island Nation getting robbed would definitely count as big news!]
[No no! Global Weekly isn't here for the palace. They're here for Kaitō Kid! That guy's name is making headlines around the world!]
Nakajima Misaki was brimming with confidence—completely unaware that the Global Weekly reporter in front of him was the very Phantom Thief he was trying to catch.
After the brief interview, Zhang Yang was ready to start scouting out the palace.
There were a lot of guards and agents—some of them likely hidden.
He couldn't afford to be careless. Plus, he needed to find out exactly where the Twelve Bronze Zodiac heads were being kept.
That area definitely wouldn't be open to just anyone. So Zhang Yang still had a lot of work to do. Familiarizing himself with the layout was just step one.
"Officer Nakajima, I'll look forward to your good news."
"Our team at Global Weekly would like to prepare a special feature on your operation. Would it be okay if I documented some parts of it here in the palace?"
Nakajima Misaki nodded immediately.
"Of course."
"But there will be areas you're not allowed to enter. Our guards and agents will let you know—please understand."
Nakajima was also eager for this arrest operation. If they caught Kaitō Kid and got reported by Global Weekly, he'd become internationally known overnight.
Even the livestream chat could see through his little ambition.
[Oh god! You can tell Nakajima Misaki really wants to be featured by Global Weekly!]
[Come on, what man could resist that kind of spotlight?]
[If you want the spotlight, you'd better be capable. Otherwise, you'll end up like Itō Tōji—dropped by a single shot. Not just embarrassing, but permanently sidelined!]
[Hahaha! I bet Nakajima is gonna walk the same path as Itō Tōji!]
[Since Kaitō Kid's targeting the Imperial Palace, what's the Itō clan doing? Aren't they the top ninja family in the Island Nation?]
With Nakajima's approval, Zhang Yang left the courtyard and began scouting the palace grounds.
Not only were there a lot of guards and agents—they were all armed.
So Zhang Yang had to be extra cautious during this operation. He had to be absolutely sure of every move.