“How many officers down? Seven?" 

That was more than half of the task force’s front line! Nakamori-keibu was in rare form that night; Hakuba couldn’t remember the last time that they had been this whipped this quickly. But then again, the Kaitous had continued to improve their performance while the officers continued to use the same tactics again and again. 

"Do you realize what the definition of insanity is, Keibu?" 

Hakuba laughed at the string of obscenities that came over the other end of the phone, both amused and horrified at how unprofessional his superior was. Of course, by then, he had become accustomed to it. Nakamori-keibu wasn’t a bad man; he was actually quite sweet if you could get past the stubbornness, but he was a creature of habits. Habits that always led to his defeat. 

Why couldn’t anyone see that but him? Well, and Edogawa Conan, of course, but that was almost like saying that water was wet. Fortunately, the little detective wasn’t present for this particular heist. That meant that Hakuba would finally have the chance he wanted to corner the one, true Kaitou Kid – while Kaitou Kage kept the others busy. 

"I’ll check the maintenance tunnels – send your men to the- ah, Keibu?! Keibu!" 

He’d hung up! Rolling his eyes, Hakuba jogged down the metal stairway and down through the maintenance door, using his temporary card key to gain access. Kid was in disguise, he knew, and this was the best route to escape while Kage made off with the heist in hand. Logically, it was the only route, considering Nakamori’s scheduled tactics. 

Skirting through cables and janitorial equipment, Hakuba made his way as quietly as he could through the tunnel, turning a sharp corner to work his way back behind the museum displays. If he guessed right, Kid would be waiting right about… there. 

The blond smirked, tilting his head as he came to a stop. "I believe that I’ve just cornered myself a phantom thief, Kaitou-san… Any last words before I make the arrest~?"