Chapter 81

is the eighty-first chapter of the SPY x FAMILY manga, written and illustrated by Tatsuya Endo. It was released on May 29, 2023.
== Summary ==
Going after the mole who stole their secret files, WISE agents chase after their thief. However, the mole is too skilled and takes down his pursuers with ease. The mole is identified as Winston Wheeler, from WISE's intelligence communication division, and revealed to be a deep cover operative from Ostania's intelligence apparatus, having passed the West's secrets to the East and is likely responsible for the recent spy purge. As the WISE Agent informs this to Loid and Fiona, Loid reveals that he once worked with Winston on a mission before coming to Ostania and can vouch for his talent. Winston is believed to have already crossed to Ostanian territory, but is rumored to be meeting up with the SSS at a hotel in Shellbury, in northwest Ostania. Fiona asks how solid that intel is, to which the WISE Agent tells her that they also have their own moles in Eastern Bureaus.
Loid deduces that this may have been why Yuri ran off while shadowing him earlier and assumes that the SSS has already deployed many of their agents. Due to the risk of this operation, Fiona proposes cutting off all active operations in Ostania, including Operation Strix. Loid rebukes this, saying they will never get close to Donovan Desmond as they are now, and they are to follow Handler's orders to recover the files. Fiona apologizes as the agents enter SSS territory.
Yuri and his division arrive at Shellbury's train station, dressed incognito. One of the agents wonders why they are disguised in their home country, to which another speculates that the current administration does not want to do anything to risk their relationship with Westalis, in particular, the theft of their secret files. Regardless, the SSS Lieutenant tells them not to draw attention to themselves and adds that this would be the most opportune moment to catch Twilight if he shows.
In a lone alleyway, the agents prepare their disguises for the mission. The WISE Agent gives out code names for the agents, telling "Red 1," Loid, to stall the SSS and keep them from making contact with Winston. In a motel, Winston cleans up his appearance, shaving off his beard and receiving a call with orders. The WISE Agent, Fiona, and other agents go in disguise and patrol the street near Shellbury Hotel, where they are spotted from the roof by Winston. He descends to the streets and finds Yuri looking out for WISE agents.
Winston appears next to Yuri, asking if the young man is a new recruit. Yuri is surprised to have encountered Winston and that Winston knows he is SSS. After Yuri confirms that he is speaking with the real Winston by checking his appearance and dress, he nods to his Captain. Winston tells Yuri that the hotel has "a serious rat problem" and changes the meeting location, ordering to meet at a park in thirty minutes. Back at Shellbury Hotel, Fiona and the WISE Agent wait for Winston to arrive but realize he is not coming, and the WISE Agent worries they will lose him. Meanwhile, Winston arrives at the park, where SSS agents welcome him.
== Characters ==
== Trivia ==
* It is revealed that the mole in WISE was a certain Winston Wheeler.
== References ==
== Navigation ==
Category:Chapters
Category:Mole Hunt Arc
Category:Volume 12 Chapters