Stay away from Conan.

Chapter 2543 Gao Yuan, the only one still standing

As for Matsumoto Kiyonaga, or rather Ireland, Camus himself knew his fate. Within the organization, Camus's faction was essentially purged, and Rum personally gave the order and participated in the purge.

However, even so, Ireland was well aware that this so-called purge was actually a continuation of the conflict between Camus and Rum that had lasted for more than a decade, and it had only now ended in a complete victory for Rum. The so-called purge of Camus's faction did not actually eliminate everyone in Camus's faction. In fact, in addition to some members of Camus's faction, many core members of Camus's faction were transferred to other factions, or rather...

From the very beginning, this purge was a betrayal by certain individuals within Camus's faction.

Therefore, from Ireland's perspective, Gao Yuan's sudden display of swordsmanship in the Camus lineage, originating from Camus himself, has made his identity somewhat enigmatic.

Could it be that the guy I initially thought was just a slightly clever detective, who even revealed to me that Shinichi Kudo was still alive and seemed to be hinting at the relationship between Shinichi Kudo and Conan, is actually a deep-thinking person belonging to an organization?

As a traitor to Camus's faction, he actually knew that Shinichi Kudo was still alive, but for some reason he never revealed it.

And yet, he himself was actually being manipulated by him and the people behind him?

Thus, Ireland's mind was filled with complex thoughts, considering many possibilities. Especially after realizing that he might have been being presumptuous all along, he couldn't help but ask this question after much deliberation.

Upon hearing Matsumoto Kiyonaga's question, Gao Yuan immediately understood why he had asked it, or rather, that his tactical approach was precisely based on this consideration.

After all, the technique he used was the same one that "Louis" Hanada Emi had used back then.

Clearly, the move was so distinctive that Ireland obviously recognized it.

Therefore, having achieved his basic objective, Gao Yuan, having no intention of lying, responded while continuing his attack:

"I saw a client use it in a previous project, and I learned it on a whim!"

Therefore, it is clearly not a lie, but the details have not been explained clearly.

As things stand, it doesn't really matter whether Ireland believes what he says or not; let him guess for himself.

With Xiaolan's main attack in place, Gao Yuan continued to fight Ireland using the techniques he learned from Hanada Emi.

At this moment, after hearing Gao Yuan's explanation, Ireland, while facing the continued onslaught, simply couldn't believe what Gao Yuan had said—

After all, from learning that Shinichi Kudo was still alive, to believing that Shinichi Kudo was Conan, and now that things were almost under his control, he had only to have his plans disrupted again...

Thus, all these events combined make it impossible for Ireland to believe that Gao Yuan had no connection with the organization. However, Ireland is well aware that at this point, it is no longer important to understand the situation between Gao Yuan and the organization. With his actions having reached this stage, he has no way out.

Therefore, now that things have come to this, I have no choice but to go down this path to the end. Whoever stands in my way, I must overcome them.

With this thought in mind, Ireland became more resolute in his actions—after all, he knew that no matter the reason, his plan could not proceed without dealing with these people in front of him.

Therefore, facing the combined offensive of Gao Yuan and Xiao Lan, Ireland stood firm, his fists clenched even tighter as he met their attacks—

Against Xiaolan's karate, Ireland had the advantage of superior strength due to their size and physique. Xiaolan's attacks repeatedly avoided direct confrontation with Ireland, instead seeking out openings in Ireland's offensive. With Gao Yuan's cooperation, Ireland initially had more opportunities for Xiaolan to strike in order to deal with Gao Yuan's harassment. However, after several rounds, Xiaolan was unable to inflict significant damage on Ireland. Therefore, Xiaolan was doing her best, but could only barely hold her own against Ireland.

But at this moment, once Ireland was determined to defeat both of them, his actions completely changed. Facing Gao Yuan's swordsmanship using a baton, Ireland simply met it head-on—

Even though Gao Yuan's attack positions were very tricky, targeting Ireland's vital points, in the end...

A baton is just a baton!

Taking advantage of his size, Ireland seized an opportunity in the exchange of blows, anticipating Gao Yuan's sudden sword strike. He simply used his hand to block the blow, and then used the other hand to grab a piece of the baton in Gao Yuan's hand, temporarily giving up dealing with Xiao Lan's fist.

In this way, he forcefully restrained Gao Yuan's baton with the strength of his hands, and then endured the continuous punches from Xiao Lan that came towards his abdomen when he was caught off guard.

The pain in Ireland's wrist and abdomen, which was blocking the baton, made him grit his teeth and endure it for a moment. Stimulated by this great pain, Ireland's anger almost reached its peak. After what seemed like a moment when Xiao Lan had the upper hand, with the transmission of great force in Ireland's hand, he almost forcibly snatched the baton from Gao Yuan's grasp.

Thus, feeling the immense force emanating from the baton, almost pulling Gao Yuan's body along the other end of the baton, Ireland suddenly raised his elbow and slammed it down, lifted one leg and thrust his knee upwards. This attack from both his hands and feet converged in one direction, seemingly intended to smash away Gao Yuan's hand holding the baton, which he had been pulling towards. This caused Gao Yuan's expression to change, and he ultimately gave up trying to hold onto the baton, allowing Ireland to take it away.

Immediately after Gao Yuan released his grip and retreated, Ireland continued to close the attack on his two joints. Taking advantage of the momentum, Ireland stomped forward with his raised foot, then used his raised hand as a spearhead to head towards Xiao Lan in front of him—

The sudden change in attack caught Xiaolan off guard. She barely managed to raise her hand to protect herself, but as Ireland's powerful, furious charge slammed into her, the force of his attack sent her flying.

Just like Shinichi Kudo at the beginning, as her body was knocked back and her back slammed directly into the wall behind her, the resulting intense pain made Ran tremble all over, almost completely dissipating the force of the impact.

Thus, after a brief pause, the Irishman, baton in hand, turned his gaze, his face now radiating murderous intent, towards the only one still standing—

Gao Yuan… (End of Chapter)