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Why is she taken notice of? Because she's a character who, at the time of her debut, we all thought was going to only appear in that case (781–786/652–655)—even then, it was strange that such a character would just straight-up approach Shinichi/Conan and point out his act. The ones who realize his intellect are mainly the culprits, who are either arrested, or (in Seiji's case (62–67/11)) die, and even then, they don't march up to him, before the case is solved, and say that his childishness is an act, and that he's actually quite smart. Sumiko and the DBs are Shinichi's/Conan's teacher and classmates—of course they'd realize, with all this time they spent with him, how smart he is. Sakurako recognized his intelligence upon their initial meeting. I don't think she's Rum, but I do think she has the potential to be the Tomoaki Ariade of the Rum arc—not in the sense that she's a disguise for a BO member, but in the sense that she's an overlooked character who will play an important role in the arc. If she's nothing more than a housekeeper who happens to be Kazunobu's and Naeko's childhood friend, whose voice actress Gosho likes, then its a wasted opportunity. I see no point in her continued appearances if she doesn't have a role to play in this arc... or the rest of the series (who knows... maybe she's won't turn out to be connected to Rum, but, rather, to the BO boss). It's certainly possible, but I think she would've cracked a smile by now, or let slip something she shouldn't know (as she did in her last appearance (954–957)... in fact, even during the Vermouth arc, she was letting hints slip about her identity), or triggered Shiho's/Ai's BO sense. Yes, it wasn't triggered in the Cherry Blossom Pickpocket case (850–852/734), but she wasn't there for long, and Shiho/Ai wasn't her focus (she can't really be, again, I think, until the fake death in Mystery Train is uncovered by the BO)—there's no way, with this kind of sustained proximity, that Shiho/Ai would have no idea. What about her being an agent (NPA, PSB, FBI, CIA), Koji Haneda's sister or girlfriend (and the one he was really referring to, in his dying message), or being a long-absent character in disguise (Eisuke or Akemi)? (Yes, I know the second choice of the third option is absurd—the second somewhat less so, but still an extreme long shot—but I heard the idea floated around, so I put in in there as another option for her identity). I take it you think this because that Asaca being Rum is too obvious? So Rum hasn't yet appeared—so Rum isn't Taka'aki/Koumei or Heizo?... and why in the next ten chapters? If this arc turns out to be as long as the Kir arc (122 Files), then perhaps... assuming, of course, Rum hasn't yet been introduced.