Difference between revisions of "Volume 33"

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==== File 329 - Sato's Odds ====
 
==== File 329 - Sato's Odds ====
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[[File:CH329_TakagiShock.png|thumb|left|100px|Takagi learns about Sato's omiai.]]
 
[[Miwako Sato|Sato]] confirms her deal with [[Ninzaburo Shiratori|Shiratori]], agreeing to set the time limit with the setting of the sun. Her boldness surprises her spies in the room next door, as [[Ran Mouri|Ran]] and [[Sonoko Suzuki|Sonoko]] question her end game. Internally Sato hopes for [[Yumi Miyamoto|Yumi]]'s dispatch, likely [[Wataru Takagi|Takagi]], to rescue her from the [[Wikipedia: Miai|omiai]].<br>
 
[[Miwako Sato|Sato]] confirms her deal with [[Ninzaburo Shiratori|Shiratori]], agreeing to set the time limit with the setting of the sun. Her boldness surprises her spies in the room next door, as [[Ran Mouri|Ran]] and [[Sonoko Suzuki|Sonoko]] question her end game. Internally Sato hopes for [[Yumi Miyamoto|Yumi]]'s dispatch, likely [[Wataru Takagi|Takagi]], to rescue her from the [[Wikipedia: Miai|omiai]].<br>
 
Meanwhile, Takagi and [[Kazunobu Chiba|Chiba]] discuss the conflicting witness reports about the thief's characteristics. They decide to interrogate their three suspects. Kamieda is a tutor, Zama is a [[Wikipedia: Freeter|freeter]]/band member, and Koshimizu is an office worker. Takagi notices Koshimizu wearing two wristwatches, which she explains is because she is tracking her boyfriend's [[Wikipedia: Time Zone|time zone]]. He also asks Zama about his band, which he answers is a [[Wikipedia: Visual kei|visual kei]] group.<br>
 
Meanwhile, Takagi and [[Kazunobu Chiba|Chiba]] discuss the conflicting witness reports about the thief's characteristics. They decide to interrogate their three suspects. Kamieda is a tutor, Zama is a [[Wikipedia: Freeter|freeter]]/band member, and Koshimizu is an office worker. Takagi notices Koshimizu wearing two wristwatches, which she explains is because she is tracking her boyfriend's [[Wikipedia: Time Zone|time zone]]. He also asks Zama about his band, which he answers is a [[Wikipedia: Visual kei|visual kei]] group.<br>
−
Back at the omiai, Shiratori receives word from [[Juzo Megure|Megure]] about Takagi's quandary and relays the news to Sato. She attempts to call the sergeant, but is stopped by Shiratori, who says making contact is unfair. He adds that Takagi cannot abandon his duties as a police officer, as such an act, coupled with his previous failure to prevent an interrogee's murder, will undoubtedly amount to a discharge.<ref name="Police_Escort_Murder_Case"> Police Escort Murder Case (Manga: [[Volume_30#Police_Escort_Murder_Case|Volume 30: 296-298]])</ref> Therefore, Sato has no choice but to hope her "savior" will solve the case before time runs out. Hearing their exchange, [[Conan Edogawa|Conan]] decides to act.<br>
+
Back at the omiai, Shiratori receives word from [[Juzo Megure|Megure]] about Takagi's quandary and relays the news to Sato. She attempts to call the sergeant, but is stopped by Shiratori, who says making contact is unfair. He adds that Takagi cannot abandon his duties as a police officer, as such an act, coupled with his previous failure to prevent an interrogee's murder, will undoubtedly amount to a discharge.<ref name="Police_Escort_Murder_Case"> Police Escort Murder Case (Manga: [[Volume_30#Police_Escort_Murder_Case|Volume 30: 296-298]])</ref> Therefore, Sato has no choice but to hope her "savior" will solve the case before time runs out. Hearing their exchange, [[Conan Edogawa|Conan]] decides to act.<br>[[File:CH329_RanAkai.png|thumb|right|200px|Ran somehow recognizes Akai.]]
 
As the three suspects grow increasingly restless about their detainment, Takagi surprisingly receives a phone call from [[Shinichi Kudo]], who informs him about Sato's omiai. Takagi stares aghast at the expository message, unable to properly comprehend his predicament. Once the sergeant regains his composure, he shares the case details with Shinichi, who begins by instructing him to revisit the third witness: the cafe owner. Takagi complies and enters the establishment, taking the man outdoors. The owner's glasses begin to shade, transforming into sunglasses and revealing themselves to be transition lenses. Shinchi explains that such a lens will naturally warp one's color perceptions. He then directs the sergeant to inspect where the second witness, the school girl, saw the suspect. If the road was crowded during the time of the robbery, one would logically stray from the main path and run on the curb to circumvent obstacles. Therefore, the girl likely saw the culprit running on a raised platform, which would make them appear ten additional centimeters taller than their true height. The "puzzle" slowly begins to fit together.
 
As the three suspects grow increasingly restless about their detainment, Takagi surprisingly receives a phone call from [[Shinichi Kudo]], who informs him about Sato's omiai. Takagi stares aghast at the expository message, unable to properly comprehend his predicament. Once the sergeant regains his composure, he shares the case details with Shinichi, who begins by instructing him to revisit the third witness: the cafe owner. Takagi complies and enters the establishment, taking the man outdoors. The owner's glasses begin to shade, transforming into sunglasses and revealing themselves to be transition lenses. Shinchi explains that such a lens will naturally warp one's color perceptions. He then directs the sergeant to inspect where the second witness, the school girl, saw the suspect. If the road was crowded during the time of the robbery, one would logically stray from the main path and run on the curb to circumvent obstacles. Therefore, the girl likely saw the culprit running on a raised platform, which would make them appear ten additional centimeters taller than their true height. The "puzzle" slowly begins to fit together.
−
[[Tomoaki Araide]] notices Conan's absence. Ran believes he is still using the bathroom and goes to check on him. As she walks through the venue's corridors, she happens to see [[Shuichi Akai|Akai]] exit the men's bathroom. His face catches her attention as one that she had seen somewhere before. She shrugs the feeling off and calls for Conan, who panics and is forced to leave Takagi to solve the case on his own.<br>
+
[[Tomoaki Araide|Araide]] notices Conan's absence. Ran believes he is still using the bathroom and goes to check on him. As she walks through the venue's corridors, she happens to see [[Shuichi Akai|Akai]] exit the men's bathroom. His face catches her attention as one that she had seen somewhere before. She shrugs the feeling off and calls for Conan, who panics and is forced to leave Takagi to solve the case on his own.<br>
−
Dusk nears, and an orange hue begins to tint the world. With about forty minutes left, Shiratori turns to Sato, saying that if he wins, he would like a kiss as a sign of commitment.  
+
Dusk nears, and an orange hue begins to tint the world. With about forty minutes left, Shiratori turns to Sato, saying that if he wins, he would like a kiss as a sign of commitment.
  
 
==== File 330 - Sato's Feelings ====
 
==== File 330 - Sato's Feelings ====
−
 
+
Takagi returns to his vehicle and informs Chiba about his failure to make meaningful progress on the case. He sighs, saying they have plenty of time, mentioning that it is still currently 15:00. However, the suspects are quick to correct the sergeant about the time, raising their wrists to check their watches. Takagi shoots his arm into the back row and grasps the culprit's arm.  
−
Ran and co are shocked to hear about the kiss, and Sato says yes to it, since a promise is a promise. Though, she's secretly overanxious and wonders what the heck Takagi is doing, given night will fall very soon. The latter, after phoning Conan, and probably questioning the old man again, comes back to the police car in a state of deep dejection, saying he's still not solved the case. He says though they still have some time to think about it, since it's only 3:30 PM. The three suspects immediately cast a glance at their watches and tell Takagi he's utterly wrong, his watch is at least one hour slow: it's actually 4:30 PM.
 
−
 
 
 
<spoiler>
 
<spoiler>
−
Takagi suddenly grabs '''Yasuo Kamieda''''s arm, saying he's the robber. He perfectly fits the three descriptions actually : the bartender saw a 1.70 meters tall person, the high school student saw a man's body wearing a green sweater, and the old man actually mistook him for a woman with a blue sweater. Indeed, elderly people often confuse blue with green (especially if it's turquoise or so, just like Kamieda's sweater). Moreover, Kamieda is used to wearing and glancing at his watch like women do, with the dial under the wrist, and looking at it by turning his wrist upside down. He does this because, as a teacher, he needs to know what time it is during lessons without his students' notice, given there are no clocks neither watches during class at all, and he needs to wear it that way, in order to quickly glance at it while holding and reading a book. Takagi then explains the curb and dark glasses things, and declares Kamieda under arrest.
+
[[File:CH330_Wristwatch.png|thumb|right|200px|Kamieda wears his wristwatch palm-side to keep track of time during lessons.]]
−
 
+
Takagi's locks '''Yasuo Kamieda''' in an iron grip. <br>
−
Shiratori notices Sato's tenseness, and he comforts her saying they actually won't tie the knot right now, rather, Shiratori is ready to wait for Miwako's feelings to get clearer as far as he or Takagi is concerned. He then says he'll always be on her side, and she starts to feel seduced by him. Right at that moment, Takagi calls, saying he's closed the case at last, and is coming as soon as possible. He asks Sato why she agreed to such a bet relying only on him, why he is so important to her. Sato replies she knew Takagi would be the only one to come, if it was to save her. Takagi tries to ask her if she loves him too, but is interrupted by Zama leaving the car, and Kamieda violently shoving Koshimizu out of it, and escaping once again. Chiba runs after him, and shouts at Takagi to stir himself and run too. Takagi is still phoning Miwako and thinks to hismelf it will be too late now if he starts chasing the robber. But Miwako asks him which one is the most important : she or the robber ?, and, saying so, she orders Takagi to go and catch him, which he does. She hangs up and Shiratori says now it's indeed too late if Takagi does it, but she answers it's her fate, her punishment for having involved Takagi in such a story. She says she'll hold to her oath and prepares for the kiss.
+
Takagi lists the witnesses and their claims.
−
 
+
* Old man: Female; Blue shirt.
−
Takagi eventually catches Kamieda, and the latter starts weeping, saying he needed money for that girl he had been stalking in the street, a kind of compensation (it's unsure if it's a legal compensation or just a gift to her). Takagi comments on Kamieda having forced him to run too much and too far away now to hope for the best. Chiba turns up and congratulates Tkagi for getting him, and the latter says he didn't get her at all, the one who means a lot to him. As they are about to kiss, Shiratori secretly comments on Miwako's face showing tears and sadness, which actually means she's not ready at all... Yet, he embraces her, saying now he'll take care of her and nobody will ever part them. Sonoko can't wait for the kiss, and stops Ran from going there and stepping in. Conan thinks of something and asks Araide to come out of the room with him for a second. Chiba tells Takagi he is a man, and a policeman besides, and accordingly he must never give up, to the last second, and rush to rescue Miwako, while he'll deal with the rest of the case himself. After the embrace, Miwako feels better and agrees to kiss Shiratori, though she can't explain how and why Takagi took so much importance in her life and heart, and she thinks to herself she's a moron and it's really time she leaves police for good, and she wishes Takagi good bye.
+
* School girl: 180cm; Green shirt.
−
 
+
* Cafe owner: 170cm; Black shirt.
−
Conan asks Araide to come closer, and suddenly he steals his glasses and messes his hair up to have him look like Takagi, and then hides the glasses up the door of Sato's and Shiratori's room. Araide goes and fetch them, and Conan uses his voice-changing bowtie to impersonate Takagi. Therefore, Miwako and Shiratori are about to kiss when they hear Takagi in front of the door, asking Inspector Sato to come as soon as possible since there's a urgent case to deal with, and they need her quickly. Sato and Shirtaori see "Takagi's" shadow behind the shogi, doing the military salute, and Miwako rushes out of the room, only to find Araide, recovering his glasses, and Conan. The latter is at a loss for words when questioned by Miwako, but Araide gives him a hand, telling Miwako Takagi has just left in a hurry and is probably in front of the restaurant by now. She runs there too, and Araide smiles and kindly winks at Conan. Ran is overjoyed, while Sonoko finds it too bad. Mrs. Sato and Kamoi meet Miwako in the corridor, and wonder what's going on.
+
[[File:CH330_SatoDemand.png|thumb|left|105px|Sato orders Takagi to prioritize justice over love.]]
−
 
+
Takagi explains that the cafe owner saw the victim's shirt as black because he wore sunglasses, and that the school girl believed the culprit was around ten centimeters taller than their true height because she spotted them while they ran atop the street curb. Therefore, by eliminating those two claims as faulty, the description distills down to a 170cm tall individual wearing a green shirt, which perfectly aligns with Kamieda's physical appearance. Additionally, Takagi had heard the old man claim the culprit wore an "aoi" shirt and assumed he meant blue. However, because previous generations in Japan often used the word "aoi" to refer to both the colors green and blue, the old man was likely instead referring to the color green. Lastly, the old man likely believed the culprit was female because he saw them wear their wristwatch facing palm-side, a popular feminine style. Takagi then points to Kamieda wearing his watch palm-side—a sartorial choice tutors often make to allow themselves to refer to their watch while reading from a book. With all pieces of valid information pointing to him, Kamieda has no choice but to admit guilt.<br>
−
Meanwhile, Takagi is out of breath, and notes with despair that it's too late now, it's full dark. However, Sato calls him from behind, and asks him to get into her car since they have a urgent case to go and deal with... Conan says to himself he really wanted to help those two shy and hesitant lovebirds, since they remind him exactly of he and Ran. He says he's sorry for Shiratori, and the latter is being solaced by Kamoi and Sonoko.
+
With the case solved and thief apprehended, Takagi calls Sato and informs her of the news. He asks her why she made such a wild gamble on him specifically, a question which deeply confounds her. Before she can respond, Kamieda jostles his way past Koshimizu and makes his escape. After a brief moment of hesitation, and five minutes until sundown, Sato asks, "who is more important? Me or your job?" She then barks at Takagi, ordering him to pursue the thief. As her supposed "hero" rushes to complete his business, Sato expresses her resignation to Shiratori, calling the situation the result of fate. <br>
 +
A few minutes later, Takagi manages to apprehend Kamieda, who regrettably reveals he had stolen the money to pay off a clingy ex girlfriend.
 
</spoiler>
 
</spoiler>
 +
[[File:CH330_TakagiRegret.png|thumb|left|125px|Takagi's romantic regret.]]
 +
Takagi solemnly sits on a grassy ridge with the apprehended culprit beside him. Chiba catches up to him and commends him for his work. Yet, Takagi remains pensive, stating he had "failed to catch the one he should have." Chiba, however, states his dismay in his colleague's resignation, and gives a fiery speech which inspires Takagi to sprint to the omiai.<br>[[File:CH330_ConanAsTakagi.png|thumb|right|250px|Conan uses Araide's profile and his bowtie to create the illusion of Takagi's presence.]]
 +
Shiratori notices Sato's gloomy expression and pulls her close to comfort her. Their four spies express varying emotions, ranging from vicarious bliss to deep concern. Conan stands in blank silence before calling Araide to the side. The boy quickly swipes his glasses and places the pair by the entrance to the omiai room. As the two officers lean in for a kiss, Sato begins to realize the true depth of her love for Takagi, and feels immense remorse. Suddenly, the two hear a familiar voice, Takagi's voice. Sato and Shiratori turn to the sliding door and see a masculine profile visible between the frames, along with a report about a nearby crime. Sato bursts open the door but only sees Conan, with his [[Voice-Changing Bowtie|bowtie]], and a confused Araide. She asks about Takagi's whereabouts, to which Araide answers that he has already left the venue. As Sato runs to join her true love outside, Araide gives Conan a sly wink. <br>
 +
Meanwhile, the real Takagi arrives fatigued at the venue entrance and laments his failure. He then hears Sato's voice yelling at him to board her car, reminding him about the "nearby crime." Conan gleefully watches the two drive off, remarking that the couple's clumsy nature reminded him about his relationship with Ran, which impelled him to push the odds in their favor.
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
  
 
==== People ====
 
==== People ====
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{{EndBox}}
 
{{EndBox}}
  
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==== ''Major events'' ====
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==== Major Events ====
−
* Takagi is determined to not let Shiratori marry Sato! Also, Yumi has a plan that involves Takagi running in to save Sato just in time.
+
* Major romantic development between Takagi and Sato.
−
* Sato and Takagi's feelings for each other are heavily explored. Everyone knows about their feelings for each other, except Sato and Takagi themselves!
+
** Sato accidentally finds herself in an omiai with Shiratori.  
−
* With a little help from Chiba, Conan, and Dr. Araide, Takagi is able to stop the almost kiss! And we get to know why Conan (Shinichi) is helping Takagi with his love! Ran sees Shuichi Akai in the resturant, and she thinks she have seen Akai before.
+
*** Takagi rescues her from her unwanted marriage.  
−
* Before she is about to kiss Shiratori, Sato finally admits to herself her strong feelings for Takagi, mentioning how much she'll miss him. Takagi stops the kiss in time!
+
** Sato realizes that she is in love with Takagi.
 +
* Akai continues his search for his target at the omiai venue.  
 +
** Ran passes by Akai and inexplicably recognizes him.
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
  
 
=== Valentine Chocolate Case ===
 
=== Valentine Chocolate Case ===
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==== File 331 - Bloody Valentine 1 ====
 
==== File 331 - Bloody Valentine 1 ====
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+
[[File:CH311_ConanvsCapitalism.png|thumb|right|100px|Conan sees through the facade of capitalism.]]
−
Conan comments on the fact he hates Valentine's Day, saying this is nothing but a marketing operation to have the chocolate industry thrive, but none seems to notice it at all. The DBs rather think it's ace to be offered delicious chocolates, and they think Conan says the opposite since he's usually not offered anything - the latter secretly answers they're not far from truth, since he's not given anything as Shinichi, but as Conan, and it's only Yaiba chocolate for kids... Ai sticks her oar in, saying Japanese people wrongly believe Valentine's has to do with love and chocolates, while actually Saint Valentine was a Christian martyr who was tortured and killed during the Ancient Roman Period. The DBs suddenly lose their happiness, though Ayumi says her mom told her chocolate is both sweet and bitter, in order to give maidens courage to confess her love and make that moment unforgettable. She adds though her dad forbade her to buy chocolates - and Conan says indeed she's far too young for love things. Ai asks Conan what the "girl at the detective agency" will do as for her, and Conan says he was told he, Ran and Kogoro were going tomorrow at a chalet in Suito Mt., but he wasn't told anything about chocolates at all. Ai hopes they'll be all right then, since Valentine's Day also has to do with Bloody Valentine, or Valentine's Day Massacre, on February 14th 1929, in America, Chicago, during which the Capone family machine-gunned seven members of the Moran family as part of mafia business, in front of their garage. Conan is also reminded when James Black told him he was from Chicago, "Al Capone's city".
+
[[Conan Edogawa|Conan]] voices on his distaste for [[Wikipedia: Valentine's Day|Valentine's Day]], diminishing it as a corporate ploy to increase chocolate sales. Conan's opinion, coupled with [[Ai Haibara|Haibara]]'s explanation about the holiday's [[Wikipedia: Saint Valentine|gruesome origin]], shatters [[Genta Kojima|Genta]] and [[Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya|Mitsuhiko]]'s rose-tinted impression of the festivities. Still, [[Ayumi Yoshida|Ayumi]] interjects and expresses her enduring positivity for the chocolate-based event. Curious, Haibara asks Conan what the "[[Ran Mouri|girl at the detective agency]]" plans to do. Conan denies any knowledge, adding that their plans are occupied by a visit to a [[Wikipedia: Chalet|chalet]] on Mount Suito. Haibara wishes them safety, mentioning [[Wikipedia: Al Capone|Al Capone]]'s [[Wikipedia: Valentine's Day Massacre|Valentine's Day massacre]], which reminds Conan about [[James Black]]'s bizarre description of [[Wikipedia: Chicago|Chicago]].<ref name="Kidnapped_Tourist_Case"> Kidnapped Tourist Case (Manga: [[Volume_32#Kidnapped_Tourist_Case|Volume 32: 325-327]])</ref><br>
−
 
+
The next day, Conan joins [[Ran Mouri|Ran]], [[Sonoko Suzuki|Sonoko]], and [[Kogoro Mouri|Kogoro]] in the drive to the chalet. Sonoko reveals that Suito Chalet's chocolate-making experience is renowned for its ability to enable romantic success, leading Ran to assume she will bake a batch for [[Makoto Kyogoku|Makoto]]. Instead, Sonoko appears downcast, explaining that Makoto has not been returning her calls lately. She also mentions her aborted plan to "make a hand-woven sweater for an ambiguous recipient" to elicit feelings of jealousy in Makoto, saying she had actually employed the gimmick this time using Valentines chocolate instead.<ref name="Girl_Clubbing_Case"> Girl Clubbing Case (Manga: [[Volume_28#Girl_Clubbing_Case|Volume 28-29: 284-286]])</ref> She wishes she had made clear intentions and lets Ran comfort her. Sonoko then turns to her friend and calls her strong, citing her ability to remain cheerful without [[Shinichi Kudo|Shinichi]]. Ran laughs the notion off, replying that she is used to it.<br>[[File:CH311_SonokoChocolate.png|thumb|left|100px|Sonoko completes her chocolate.]]
−
The day after, Conan and co are driving with Sonoko to the said chalet where actually they'll bake chocolates. Sonoko says Suito Chalet's chocolates are reputedly enabling pairs to be formed. She adds she wants to bake one for Makoto, but she starts feeling depressed, explaining that after her missed attempts with the jumper and cup, she phoned Makoto to tell him she'll go and bake chocolates for her lover, but since then she hasn't been able to phone Makoto anymore, given she always comes upon the answering machine. She thinks it's a very bad sign, and she hasn't gotten any news from him since then. She wishes she had told him clearly about her attempts earlier on, but Ran comforts her saying he will be very happy when receiving the chocolates. Sonoko says Ran is a strong girl : while she is worried sick just because of Makoto's not having answered her for a week, Ran hasn't gotten any news from Shinichi for several months, and isn't making so much fuss about it. Ran replies she's used to it, and doesn't know what difference his absence or presence makes anymore. Conan thinks seriously about it.
+
Once there, they meet the chalet's owner, Chiyoko Yuasa, who mentions her declining business as the result of a spreading ghost story. She warns Ran about venturing into the blizzard, implying the existence of the supernatural. A guest, Yoshitaka Nigaki, explains the authorities occasionally find strewn chocolate around the corpses they discover on the winter mountain. After amply scaring Ran and Sonoko, he announces his departure into the forest to his friends, Mika Konagawa and Ako Amari. As the man sets off, Conan asks his friends about his profession. They explain he is a journalist who is searching the mountains to take photograph evidence of the [[Wikipedia: Japanese wolf|Japanese Wolf]]'s enduring existence, adding that he claims to have seen the supposedly extinct canine five years ago. The group is then passed by a rifle-wielding, Yuzo Sakami, a hunter who wishes to capture the animal. He asks Yuasa to accommodate his incoming friends, a task the owner delegates to Kogoro, stating she must visit her late husband's grave. She calls her [[Wikipedia: Shikoku Dog|shikoku dog]], Saburo, and walks into the forest. Kogoro speculates Nigaki mistook a roaming Saburo for a wolf, but the two women deny the notion, explaining that Saburo was in his pen during his late-night expedition. Amari then suggests they start preparing the chocolate baking process. <br>
−
 
+
In the kitchen, Konagawa and Amari lead the workshop. The former tells Ran that Yuasa's husband had perished in an avalanche about three Valentine's Days ago. He was buried alongside Amari's brother, whose body is yet to be found. Amari says she has volunteered annually at chalet ever since, hoping he is somehow still alive. Sonoko manages to complete a beautiful chocolate piece dedicated to Makoto. Ran gives a melancholic smile which Conan observes from afar. The group notices the worsening weather, and Amari and Konagawa rush into the forest to call Nigaki back.<br>[[File:CH311_ConanFindsNigaki.png|thumb|right|125px|Conan finds Nigaki's body in the snow.]][[File:CH332_MysteryMan.png|thumb|right|201px|A mysterious man dressed like Akai lurks in the blizzard.]]
−
Once there, they meet Chiyoko Yuasa, the lodge's owner, who tells her the chalet became famous after a pair was formed 10 years ago after baking and eating chocolates there. Her husband was the previous owner, he died 4 years ago. After this, a ghost story spread up and the number of visitors dropped dramatically : whenever the snowstorm rises, people who are outside may receive a strange gift from the mountain ghost. Yoshitaka Nigaki, one of the lodge's guests, says these are chocolates, that were found near the corpses of victims of avalanche or freezing. People say this is the work of a woman who got lost in the snowstorm and died while on her way to the chalet, and who would leave chocolates near corpses afterwards, since she couldn't bake any. Or it might be Yuki-Onna, the infamous "snow woman", etc. Though, the police say this is only due to wild animals searching the corpses' belongings, attracted by the smell of chocolate. Nigaki then says he'll go in the forest for now, and one of his friends, Mika Konagawa, a camerawoman, tells him to be careful there, just in case, and Nigaki replies he won't be seduced by Yuki-Onna since his heart is already owned by his girlfriend Ako Amari, who is also his assistant. The two girls tell Conan Nigaki is a reporter and he went there to shoot and take pictures of the place in order to find some clues as far as his 5-year-long investigation is concerned : he wants to know whether the Japanese wolf, whose breed was wiped out around a century ago, still exists, since people including Nigaki saw one some time ago.
+
Sometime later, the two return frightened, saying Nigaki is nowhere to be found. Kogoro, Ran, and Yuasa join a second search, while Conan disobeys Ran and creates his own search party with Saburo. With the chalet now empty, an unknown fatigued individual enters through the kitchen door and approaches the completed chocolates.<br>
−
 
+
The searching group suddenly hears a gunshot, and are joined by another hunter named Hajime Itakura, who joins their search. Meanwhile, Conan manages to locate Nigaki. He steps closer and finds him deceased via bludgeoning, along with Amari's chocolate laid on his lap.
−
Then comes a hunter, Yuzo Sakami, who came to the lodge with a rifle in order to scare the wolf and attract it into a trap, and then capture it. Sakami leaves as well towards the forest, asking Yuasa to greet his friends who will come soon. Though, Yuasa delegates this task to Kogoro, saying she'll go in the forest too to commune with herself at her late husband's tomb. She's not afraid since she knows the mountain inside out, and will go with her pet Japanese dog Saburo. The girls tell Kogoro it's impossible Saburo could be the wolf Nigaki or some others saw some time ago, since Nigaki saw it at night, and Saburo is usually locked in his doghouse at that time. Amari treats the girls to the kitchen in order to prepare chocolates. They say they are responsible now for the chocolate workshop, as a sign of gratefulness given Yuasa kindly invites them every year to the lodge, though she still has to check their work right after. Konagawa tells Ran Yuasa's husband died in an avalanche about 3-4 years ago, on Valentine's Day, he had been stuck under the snow for a week now when Saburo found his corpse. Yet, the other victim's body was never found, it was Amari's brother. She's been coming to the lodge since then, hoping in her heart he were still alive, and also to pay tribute to the late owner. Konagawa forbides Conan and Kogoro to come in the kitchen, fearing they might get injured just like Nigaki did. When looking at Sonoko's beautiful chocolate dedicated to Makoto, Ran feels sad and stops herself from writing Shinichi's name on hers, and Conan observes her from far.
 
−
 
 
−
They take a snap of all chocolates afterwards, and notice the snowstorm is about to rise. Amari and Konagawa are worried about Nigaki and rush to the forest to tell him to come back, and meet Yuasa on their way. They come back frightened, saying they found absolutely none, and Kogoro says everyone will go back there, except Conan - who disobeys of course, and goes there on his own with Saburo. After he leaves, an unknown breathless figure enters the kitchen and comes closer to the table with the chocolates. The searching group suddenly hears a gunshot, and another hunter named Hajime Itakura comes along, hoping someone didn't get it before him. He starts looking for Nigaki with the others. Meanwhile, Conan has found Nigaki thanks to Saburo, but the photographer is dead, he was bludgeoned, and Conan finds Amari's chocolate on him.
 
  
 
==== File 332 - Bloody Valentine 2 ====
 
==== File 332 - Bloody Valentine 2 ====
−
 
+
The main group follows the sound of Saburo's barking and unites with Conan, who regrettably shows them Nigaki's corpse. Kogoro holds back Nigaki's horrified friends and examines the body, finding a large bloodied tree branch which likely served as the weapon. Kogoro notes the confounding effects the snow can have on the investigation. Conan notices Nigaki's missing right contact lens through his worn goggles and hints that it was likely lost when he was bludgeoned—meaning the culprit deliberately placed his goggles over his eyes to make the murder appear like it was committed during daylight. He then shows the group Amari's chocolate, confirming that the corpse was visited recently. The group is suddenly joined by Sakami, who says they are temporarily disconnected from the police since a crucial tunnel was hit with a small avalanche. Left with no choice, the group decides to return to the chalet. <br>
−
The searching group worries about the snowstorm growing stronger, and Itakura is scared, and suggest they should rather all go back home and wait for the blizzard to end. They suddenly hear a dog's barking and notice a flash light. Everyone rush there, believing this is probably Saburo with Conan. They indeed find him and he gets severely scolded by Ran, apologising and explaining given Saburo had found Yuasa's husband's corpse some time ago, he could as well find Nigaki's, especially since the latter was now a regular of the lodge, and then Saburo knows his smell. He eventually shows them Nigaki's corpse and Kogoro finds a big bloodied tree branch next to him, which means he was murdered. Kogoro reveals he is the famous Detetcive Mouri, and says it's impossible to figure out the time of the death due to the freezing cold, and the snow covered any footprints. Though, there might be blood marks on the murderer's clothes, and Nigaki was probably killed at around noon or later on. The blood on his face seems to have been cut by something on its way down, as if someone had tried to wipe his face. He can at least say the murder happened at noon, because very later on it would actually be complicated since Nigaki has his sunglasses put on, which means if it had occurred when the night was falling, then he would probably have taken them off, in order to find his way through the dark snowstorm. Yet, Conan says it's maybe not the case, given his left eye's contact lens seems to have moved a little, and the other is nowhere to be found. Which means either he was bashed without his glasses, then he must have been murdered at twilight or night, or he fell on the ground after a first blow, and his glasses fell as well, along with the lenses. Apparently, the killer could have put Nigaki's glasses on again after his death in order to have the others believe he had been killed during daytime.
+
Kogoro calls the police via the landline and confirms Sakami's story, while Ran confirms the absence of Amari's chocolate from the kitchen table. Kogoro searches through Nigaki's video camera, but only finds one used film roll. Konagawa offers to [[Wikipedia: Photographic processing|develop]] the film for him using the bathroom as a darkroom; Ran joins her. When asked if there is any additional footage, Amari points to the several rolls Nigaki used to record scenes last night. Conan asks if they can see the contents, and Amari agrees to display the recordings on the chalet television, despite Sakami and Itakura's qualms.<br>
−
 
+
As the tapes display moments of standard banter between friends, the display begins to glitch. Kogoro to angrily shakes the screen and accidentally topples a [[Wikipedia: Daruma|daruma doll]] which rolls off the side. Saburo catches the daruma, while Yuasa says her antiquated television is a treasured artifact her late husband bought with his first wife, Reiko, who had died due to illness twelve years ago. With the conclusion Nigaki's tapes, Kogoro comments on the lack of meaningful information.<br>[[File:CH332_FinalPhoto.png|thumb|left|200px|Nigaki's final photo is tainted with his blood.]]
−
Conan then shows Amari's chocolate he has found on Nigaki, though she can't be the killer : why would she have left her own chocolate ? What's more, they all left at the same time, and the chocolates were still on the table, and none left the searching group and came back. Probably the true murderer did it to put the blame on Amari. They decide to head back towards the chalet, and suddenly Sakami turns up, saying police won't come at all, or at least not before a day, since at around 8 PM he saw the tunnel of the only road which leads to the lodge completely blocked by a snowslide, and the police are trying to clear it, though it will take hours. Sakami says he came here after hearing a dog's barking, and he recognises his hunting friend Itakura. Konagawa can't believe they'll have to spend the night at the lodge while Nigaki's murderer is probably here aamong them. Itakura secretly tells something to Sakami. The hunters then tell the others they'll head back home, leaving the women here the choice to become or not cute frozen Yuki-Onnas... Once there, Kogoro calls the police and they confirm Sakami's story. Ran also confirms Amari's chocolate is missing. Kogoro can't find any clue in Nigaki's camera since the only tape is blank, and they can't know the content of the photographic film for now. Konagawa says though she's skilled at developing pictures, and she actually brought her development set with her as Nigaki had asked her to. She says she'll use the bathroom as a darkroom, and Ran will assist her. Itakura and Sakami ask Kogoro if he's found any other tapes or films in Nigaki's bag, and Kogoro says the whole equipment was still under packaging then he didn't really check.
+
Ran and Konagawa then return with a photograph depicting Nigaki's final moments: an extreme low-angle shot of a tree at noon with three large blurred marks in frame. Konagawa explains that Nigaki's blood likely tainted the lens, creating the large marks. Conan internally remarks on the strangeness of the photograph. Kogoro's suspicions are directed at Yuasa, Sakami, and Itakura, who are the only three individuals without an alibi. The hunters object, stating they would not have the time to both kill Nigaki and steal Amari's chocolate. Yuasa on the other hand, floats the idea of an external threat still lurking in the blizzard. In response, Itakura mentions seeing an unsettling large man wearing a beanie on his way to the chalet. His description cannot help but conjure images of [[Shuichi Akai|Akai]] in Conan's mind. Meanwhile, in the storm, a man perfectly fitting Itakura's description boldly observes the chalet from afar.  
−
 
 
−
Sakami says then Nigaki was killed before shooting even the slightest thing, and Kogoro says maybe he preferred taking pictures, which Amari says isn't right, since he actually prefers shooting, and he even filmed a lot yresterday. Conan asks Amari to show them that filming. She goes and find the tape, while Itakura tells Conan it's probably not a good idea to watch a deceased person's film. Kogoro suspects Nigaki might have filmed something embarrassing for both hunters, but they completely deny it. They all watch it on Yuasa's TV, and suddenly the image gets blurred and Kogoro angrily shakes the TV, which causes the Daruma doll over it to collapse, yet it doesn't break thanks to Saburo which catches it with his fangs. Yuasa says her "antique" TV is actually a treasured present her late husband bought with his first wife Reiko some time ago. Reiko died of illness 12 years ago. Yuasa then retrieves the doll from Saburo and takes him to the doghouse for the night. Sakami and Itakura tell Kogoro Yuasa's husband felt depressed after the death of Reiko, but some day he met Yuasa at his chalet and they got along very well, to the point of getting married. Yuasa then started to bake chocolates, and the latter became very famous. Then maybe, Yuasa and her husband are that couple who enabled that rumor of Suito Chalet to spread up. But then the husband died too, and they comment on the fact it's not easy for Yuasa to live alone now. Conan aks the hunters if they are regulars too since they know these stories very well, and they answer it was just once, a long time ago. At last, they finish watching the 4 tapes of Nigaki's yesterday's filming. Kogoro is suprised that none of the hunters are on the filming, and they reply they actually arrived the day after, which is today, on the morning for Sakami, and on the evening for Itakura.
 
−
 
 
−
As Kogoro says watching this was useless, Konagawa and Ran turn up, saying they know the time of the death : they've got a bloodied picture which was then taken in the course of Nigaki's death, in broad daylight. The picture is the last one of the film, and none of the others were bloodied. The blood was on Nigaki's camera's lens, which means the camera fell down when Nigaki was bashed, and automatically took a photograph. The girls also checked the other films and tested the lens, then it's really bloodied. This means Nigaki was really murdered around noon, though, Conan says there's definitely something wrong with that picture. Kogoro says Yuasa, Sakami and Itakura are the only ones without an alibi at that time. The hunters reply it's impossible because who would have brought the chocolate then ? Whereas Sakami was actually near the tunnel when the chocolate was allegedly placed on Nigaki, same thing for Itakura, who wasn't at the chalet yet. None would be dumb enough to kill someone, go back to the chalet, take the chocolate, and bring it there, especially given it takes far too much time. Yuasa believes there must indeed be a ghost or something prowling around, responsible for the murder.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Itakura says actually, before meeting the searching group, he spotted from far a strange and very tall man wearing a black knit cap. He thought it was a bear at first, but quickly found out it wasn't before firing. Conan wonders if this is not Shuichi Akai. Meanwhile, in the storm, facing the lodge, a breathless person, wearing a black knit cap, has just arrived...'''
 
  
 
==== File 333 - Bloody Valentine 3 ====
 
==== File 333 - Bloody Valentine 3 ====
 +
Ran asks Itakura for clarification about the mysterious man's appearance, saying she might be acquainted with him—a statement which astounds Conan. Konagawa trembly suggests he is Natsuya, Amari's missing brother. She manically heads for the outdoors to look for him in the storm, but Amari holds her back and shouts that her boyfriend, Natsuya, is dead, restoring clarity in the crestfallen woman. The hunters then reiterate their innocence and blame the murder on the prowling man in the beanie. Seeing the group's dissatisfaction with their answer, Sakami accuses Amari, stating that she could have baked a second identical piece of chocolate. By placing one piece on Nigaki's lap and discarding the original left on the kitchen table, she could create a false alibi. Konagawa disagrees, reminding them that Nigaki was killed hours before they went searching for him. She also compares the chocolate found at the crime with a photograph of Amari's original chocolate, proving they are identical. The hunters acknowledge their flawed logic and return to their respective rooms to sleep.<br>
 +
Conan asks if all the developed photographs were truly taken between today and yesterday, as the film roll could have been swapped. The group decides to compare the footage and finds that, indeed, the subjects' clothes are exactly the same between the videos and the photos, suggesting both were taken on the same day. Given that the last photograph had the bloodied frame, Nigaki's time of death at noon is largely confirmed. Ran also confirms that Konagawa did not tamper with the equipment in the darkroom. She does, however, mention there were two completely black photographs taken prior to the last photo. Although Konagawa assumes it was Nigaki's error, Conan remains dubious of the photo's credibility. He then notices the television display footage of Nigaki throwing a toy ball to Saburo; the dog unexpectedly shows disinterest in playing. Conan asks Yuasa about the reason for Saburo's name, and she replies that it is because he was her husband's third dog, following Taro and Jiro, who have both since passed. Per Conan's request, Amari and Konagawa head for Yuasa's late husband's room (currently a guest room assigned to Nigaki) to retrieve a photo album containing pictures of Jiro. As Yuasa informs Conan about Saburo's strange eating habits during snow storms, the group hears a piercing scream cut through the chalet.<br>[[File:CH333_Ran'sChocolate.png|thumb|left|200px|Conan is saddened that Ran cannot bring herself to address her chocolate to Shinichi.]]
 +
Kogoro and company join Konagawa and Amari at Nigaki's room where they find Sakami and Itakura rummaging through his belongings. The hunters explain that they were looking for clues, but acknowledge their mistake and agree to be frisked for stolen items. Conan notices a sweater stained with a line of blood disrupted in the middle. Konagawa says Nigaki wore the sweater yesterday when he accidentally cut himself while cutting chocolate. Yuasa then shows Conan a picture of Jiro and Saburo, two identical dogs whom even their owner struggles the tell apart.<br>
 +
Conan silently enters Saburo's room and drops his favorite ball in front of his pen. The dog Saburo eagerly tries to reach his toy, an action which allows Conan to complete the puzzle; he has solved the trick. He then enters the kitchen, still needing definitive evidence. He notices the various completed chocolates lined on the table and manages to identify Ran's. Seeing the unadorned labeling, Conan cannot help but empathize with her conflicting emotions, and gives a gloomy expression. A strong gust of wintery wind blows into the room as something enters the chalet from the freezing outdoors, making Conan smile. Kogoro then also enters the room and is surprised by the sudden appearance. Conan capitalizes on Kogoro's state of confusion and [[Stun-Gun Wristwatch|tranquilizes]] him. The chalet guests react in shock as Conan informs them that "Kogoro" has solved the case, directing them to the kitchen.
  
−
'''While Conan thinks about Shuichi Akai, Ran asks Itakura how that man looked like, since she may know him, something which astounds Conan.''' Itakura replies he was a tall and bulky person, then most probably a man, wearing only a long winter coat, a scarf, a black knit, and ski goggles. Konagawa thinks it must be Natsuya, Amari's brother, he's alive after all, and she rushes towards the door to go and look for him, despite the storm, since he's waiting for them. Amari holds her back and shouts that her boyfriend Natsuya is dead and gone by now, it's been four years, she'll never find him alive. Konagawa bursts into tears, and Amari explains she had prepared a chocolate with stripes for her brother, since he loves it, and intended to put it over his grave. Yuasa says there are many graves in the forest, among which three tombstones : her husband's, Reiko's and Natsuya's. As for the others, they're just makeshift wooden graves that were done hastily, since none went to claim the corpses of those victims of avalanches. It's a pity because wild animals constantly wreck them, and they always have to put it back. She tells Conan no animal though wrecked the tombstones because Yuasa goes there every day with Saburo, something her husband would also do. The hunters say the killer is probably that man with the black knit cap. Furthermore, only the culprit could have placed the chocolate there, and none of them, not even Conan, put it there, and could have anyay, since there's a 20-minute walk between the corpse's location and the chalet. They all left while the chocolates were still on the table, and Itakura had just met them when they started the search, then that can't be him, same thing for Sakami who was near the tunnel at 8 PM when they left. Since none went back to the lodge before finding the corpse, then the killer is, in all likelihood, that person prowling in the forest.
 
−
 
−
Sakami couldn't have heard the news on the radio since the police told Kogoro they were broadcasting the info just as he called them. The hunters rather accuse Amari : she could have wanted to make it as if someone was trying to put the blame on her, while actually she could well have baked beforehand another similar chocolate she would have placed on Nigaki after killing him, without using the one in the kitchen she could have discarded later on. Indeed, Amari went first to look for Nigaki with Konagawa, and they split for a moment, then it's perfectly possible she could have killed Nigaki at that instant and left the chocolate there, and then joined Konagawa to go back home. She could have done that to turn suspicions away from her, since it seems impossible otherwise, that she did only one chocolate. Konagawa declares it's false since it wasn't snowing on Nigaki's last picture, while it was when they went to search for him. She shows him the picture of all chocolates, and compares it with the chocolate found on Nigaki : it's perfectly impossible someone could succeed in doing two absolutely similar chocolates. Though, Kogoro notices the chocolate found on Nigaki has traces of having been crushed or melted or so. The hunters acknowledge they're wrong and go to their respective rooms to sleep for a while. Conan asks if all the pictures developed were really taken between yesterday and today, because the film roll could well have been switched with another one, since the roll they developed was full, and the real one could have not. Konagawa suggests they compare all pictures and videos shot between yesterday and today.
 
−
 
−
Kogoro does it and notes indeed the clothes of Yuasa and co are exactly the same on the videos as they are on the pictures, and both were taken during the night. Then, given the last picture is the bloodied one, he was indeed killed today at around noon. None took his camera between yesterday and his death, he was the only one to take the picture, though it was completely accidental. Ran confirms Konagawa didn't add any blood marks while in the darkroom. She used gloves not to leave her fingerprints, and it's easy to check if she changed anything on the roll by looking at the negatives. The only odd things are these two pictures that were taken just before the bloodied one : these pictures are completely dark, one can't see anything on it. Konagawa says it's probably a mistake from Nigaki. Nevertheless, Conan is certain the photo is a faked one, but he can't figure out why a chocolate was left on Nigaki while there was already a trick with the photograph ? He can't explain neither one nor the other, and can't believe the killer is the man with the cap. He suddenly watches the video and sees that, yesterday, Nigaki threw Saburo's favourite ball near the dog, but the latter didn't move an inch, and Nigaki commented it was rather unusual, given last year he would instantly leap on it, and play with it. Conan asks Yuasa why is her dog named Saburo, and she replies because he's the third one of the same breed she and her husband have owned : the first one was Taro - her husband's first name too, and the second one Jiro, but they both died long ago - Jiro died of illness just like Reiko, not long after the latter. On Conan's request, Yuasa decides to go to Nigaki's room, actually her late husband's room, to get a photo album so as to show how the dogs look like, but Amari and Konagawa say they'll do it in her stead.
 
−
 
−
Conan asks Yuasa if she saw any change in Saburo's behaviour recently, like going out alone or so, and she answers the only moments during which he goes out are when Yuasa takes him to the forest's graveyard. She adds Saburo is far from being stupid since he runs by himself to her husband's grave when they are within sight of the graveyard, and waits there in a very calm and peaceful manner. According to her, Saburo usually eats a lot, but during snowstorm days, when he can't go out, he doesn't even look at his food, and then when the weather is set fairer, he eats with much appetite and leaves nothing at all. Suddenly, Amari and Konagawa yell, and everyone rush to Nigaki's room, only to find the hunters were caught red-handed searching Nigaki's belongings. They say they wanted to check if any clue hadn't been left aside, and they are ready to be searched by Kogoro to prove they didn't steal anything. Conan notices Nigaki's sweater, that he wore yesterday when shooting, has a blood mark wiped in the middle, around the stomach. Konagawa explains Nigaki had injured his finger yesterday while cutting chocolate, as the knife had skidded. He panicked a bit and spilt blood on his sweater, and he didn't want Yuasa to help him with the first-aid kit. Amari didn't understand why he refused to be treated, and left, crying, towards Nigaki's room, since he was getting angrier. Konagawa tried to calm him down, and it was nothing after all, and afterwards everything went back to normal. Later on, Amari, despite her own sadness, went down to solace Nigaki who was ashamed of his behaviour towards everyone. Yuasa then shows Conan a picture of Jiro and Saburo, but she can't say for sure which one is which. They each wear around their necks a medal awarded by the department for having helped to rescue several victims of avalanches.
 
−
 
−
Conan then goes to see Saburo in his doghouse and drops his favourite ball in front of him, causing him to try and catch it. All of a sudden, Conan finds the solution to the case. The only things left now are evidence that the culprit took the chocolate with him, and evidence against the murderer, since he/she doesn't have any blood marks on him/her. He then goes in the kitchen and sadly remarks Ran's chocolate is very simple, and probably for Shinichi, but his name isn't featured and he perfectly knows why. Suddenly, the kitchen's back door opens and the storm's coldness gets inside the room and something/somebody comes in, making Conan smile. Kogoro pops in and asks what Conan is doing, and wonders what "it"'s doing here, before being once again put to sleep by Conan, collapsing violently on the floor. Mouri/Conan then asks everyone to gather into the kitchen, since he's found out the truth. First, Kogoro says there's no need to know the mysterious man's identity, since Nigaki's killer is one of them. He explains the key to the mystery - and especially the chocolate mystery - is "that one", and they all stand amazed when turning their eyes on "it".
 
  
 
==== File 334 - Bloody Valentine 4 ====
 
==== File 334 - Bloody Valentine 4 ====
−
 
 
<spoiler>
 
<spoiler>
−
They watch as '''Ran carries Saburo in her arms, Saburo is actually the one who brought Amari's chocolate to Nigaki.''' The hunters say it's impossible since the only time Saburo left the lodge after being with Yuasa was with Conan, and the latter would have seen it if Saburo had taken the chocolate, and anyway it was already on Nigaki when he and Saburo found him. Kogoro explains indeed Conan was with "that" Saburo, ad he goes on explaining '''there are actually 2 Saburo : one is Jiro, that Yuasa pretended was dead, and the other one is the Saburo they know.''' Taro, Yuasa's husband, had trained Saburo and Jiro to go and guard the tombstones day and night in turns. One would be at home with Taro and Yuasa, and the other would be at the graveyard to prevent wild animals from wrecking the stone graves, and then when Taro or Yuasa would go every day to the graveyard with one dog, the latter would rush there and actually go and hide in the forest, and the one Yuasa would find at the grave would be the other one she would then take with her back home after visiting, and the other one would then come back to the grave after they'd leave, and so on. At first Yuasa didn't know her husband had done it to protect the graves, but she realised it after noticing her dog's strange beahviour. She kept it secret as well in order to have the tombs protected daily and constantly, and this has been going on for 12 years at least. Taro, and then Yuasa, had trained the dogs to eat only once a day, which accounts for their greedy appetite at meal time, since they would have to get used to staying at the graveyard for a whole day and night without moving nor eating anything. The dogs wouldn't eat anything during snowstorms as they had been trained as well to do it only when the weather would be set fairer, when they would at last be able to go to the graveyard and play their roles. Also, one of the dogs, either Jiro or Saburo, loves to catch and play with objects, which explains why Nigaki found Saburo's behaviour unusual every now and then. Jiro was Saburo's lookalike, none ever found it out.
+
[[File:CH334_DoubleDogs.png|thumb|left|115px|Saburo and Jiro were both alive, one of whom had delivered Amari's chocolate to Nigaki's corpse.]]
−
 
+
With the guests assembled in the kitchen, Kogoro directs their attention to Saburo, pointing to him as the key to solving the mystery. <br>
−
Sonoko then shows up with the Saburo/Jiro which was in the doghouse, to prove Kogoro's declarations are true. At first, Taro didn't say anything not to hurt Yuasa who could think he was doing it only to protect Reiko's grave. Though, Yuasa had never discovered how exactly both dogs could do it, then she assures Kogoro she didn't know for the chocolate, which Kogoro says it's true. Five years ago, Nigaki didn't see a Japanese wolf but rather Saburo or Jiro, hiding in the forest, waiting for Yuasa and the other dog to leave the graveyard before going back to the graves. Saburo and Jiro are rescue dogs that were trained to find victims of avalanches, and if they did, they would bring chocolates to them, in order to enable them to survive thanks to the high sugar content in chocolate, since the victims were in a state of hypothermia. This happens only when the chalet bakes chocolates at Valentine's Day's time, and it accounts for the chocolates that were found near avalanche victims in the past. Saburo/Jiro found Nigaki dead while on its way to the graveyard, and decided to rush to the lodge's kitchen, grab a chocolate - a random chocolate - and take it to Nigaki's. This also accounts for the crushed-melted marks on the chocolate : this means the chocolate had been in the mouth of the dog, given the fang marks and melted parts due to the warm temperature of the mouth. Though, Nigaki didn't react at all and Saburo licked his bloodied face to wake him up, explaining the weird mark, and eventually left to go to the grave. Since the dog did actually bring the chocolate, that means anyone could have murdered Nigaki, but not at noon, because actually the picture isn't a fake one, but was used in another way in order to have them believing he was indeed killed at noon. Kogoro adds if this picture was the last one, and that it got taken automatically when the camera fell down, then the murderer should have heard the automatic rewinding sound of the device, as usual, and therefore check or remove the roll from the camera, fearing he/she might have been photographed.
+
'''The Method:'''<br>
−
 
+
The hunters mock the notion that Saburo delivered Amari's chocolate to Nigaki as he was beside Conan the entire time. Kogoro acknowledges the implausibility, and explains that there is a "second Saburo:" Jiro. Yuasa's late husband had instructed his dog to guard his first wife's tombstone, a task only possible if there are two dogs. Therefore, one dog would guard the tombstone while the other rests in the chalet, taking turns each day. The reason the dogs did not eat their food during snow storms is because they were trained to expect food once every other day. If a snow storm hampered the dog's ability to leave the chalet to switch positions, they would refuse a second consecutive meal. Jiro's survival was likely kept a secret so as to not place an additional burden on Yuasa. Kogoro realized the existence of a second dog after seeing Saburo's blatant discrepancy in personality. One dog would pounce on round objects like balls and darumas, while the other remained indifferent. Konagawa then realizes that Nigaki must have confused either Saburo or Jiro for a Japanese Wolf. <br>
−
This means, this picture had been taken beforehand, even before Nigaki met the murderer, and it was taken by Nigaki himself. He didn't notice the blood marks since they are dark, and he might have confused them with tree leaves, and moreover he was wearing his ski goggles. Nigaki had taken it at noon, and was ignorant of blood marks having been on the lens since the day before. Besides, the lens is dark, and the blood marks went probably missing afterwards due to the snowstorm. Nigaki had injured his finger the day before, and he had spilt blood on his camera's lens because it was hanging around his neck, on his sweater, accounting for the wiped mark on it. Though, the murderer knew actually Nigaki would take his last picture : he/she had discreetly taken two dark photographs in order to leave Nigaki no other chocie but to take the last picture, and he was unaware of it, since he's a camera enthusiast and has many rolls and tapes with him constantly. The culprit knew the picture would "prove" Nigaki had been killed at noon, while actually he had been killed very later on, when night was falling, as he was supposed to meet the murderer as part of an appointment. There, the culprit killed him and put on Nigaki's goggles back on his face to give credit to the "noon" theory. That person is revealed to be '''Ako Amari'''. Amari insisted on going and searching for Nigaki as soon as the wind rose, since there was a possibility Nigaki could have come back home earlier due to the weather and night falling quickly. Amari also took two dark pictures because it would be rather suspicious to find or to take two or three bloodied pictures then. After the murder, she retrieved the tapes on which she was and checked the other ones as well as the pictures. But actually, she was the one who had, earlier on, put some new and still packaged filming and photo material in Nigaki's bag in order to prevent him from checking the roll with the bloodied picture when it was over - since he hadn't some with him in his bag, but Amari put some then - and also so as not to atract the others' attention if they had found incriminating tapes or rolls having to do with Amari.
+
Itakura asks why a dog would place chocolate beside a dying man. Kogoro explains that the dogs were trained to give high caloric foods like chocolate to those found immobile in the mountains. With the chocolate's presence explained, all alibis are now void. Konagawa mentions the final photograph in an attempt to absolve herself and Amari, but Kogoro calls out several peculiarities. He states that the final photograph was not taken by accident after Nigaki's bludgeoning, but was rather a random photograph the man took during the day. The blood marks were the result of Nigaki's accident in the kitchen the day before. His sweater had a line of blood disrupted in the middle, the object that shielded the middle segment was likely his camera, which he dangled from his neck. The culprit knew a blood-tainted photograph would "prove" Nigaki was killed at noon, and was thus someone who could instruct him to take a photo at that time frame. With Nigaki's time of death now readjusted to the evening, Kogoro points to '''Ako Amari''' as Nigaki's murderer. <br>
−
 
+
The detective explains that Amari snapped two black photos to limit the number of photos remaining on the film roll to one. In doing so, it would ensure there could only be one blood-stained photograph, as any more would diminish the trick's effectiveness of creating a photo "taken shortly before death." Amari also replaced Nigaki's film rolls with unused rolls to further sell the intended effect. Additionally, for the trick to succeed, all spare film rolls would need to be removed from Nigaki's bag to leave only the blood-tainted roll accessible to the investigators. Lastly, Kogoro absolves Konagawa by saying that only Amari had the opportunity to remove the spare film rolls, when she was tasked with caring for Nigaki's injury last night. As evidence for Amari's guilt, Jiro had delivered a bag stuffed with used film rolls, the rolls Amari had jettisoned in an attempt to destroy a video depicting her murderously approaching Nigaki. <br>[[File:CH334_MakotoKick.png|thumb|right|125px|The mysterious man in the beanie saves the day.]]
−
Kogoro says after Nigaki got injured, Amari looked for some plasters or so, and she glanced at something rather unusual in his bag, which prompted her to steal those tapes and rolls, and replace them by new ones. Actually, she stole the things and then pretended to cry and run towards Nigaki's room in order to fetch new material, and then when she came back to solace Nigaki, she put the new ones into his bag unnoticed, just like when she stole them. Kogoro says Saburo/Jiro gave him irrefutable evidence of her murder : actually, her blood marks vanished due to the coldness and wetness of the snowstorm, but when she stole the other rolls and tapes Nigaki had used before being killed, and that she added them to the ones she had stolen beforehand, she put everything into her bag, and left it in the forest, waiting for the case to end, and retrieve it later on. But Saburo/Jiro saw her and thought she had dropped it, and rushed there to give it back to her. Inside the bag, there are all the incriminating tapes, especially one on which Conan saw Amari being filmed by Nigaki as she was arriving to the meeting place, before killing him. He also found a four-year-old tape which probably has to do with the avalanche causing the death of natsuya and Taro. Amari confesses to being the killer, saying that the four-year-old tape features Taro trying to rescue an injured Natsuya before being seized by the rest of the avalanche, a scene Nigaki shot from the faraway forest with absolutely no shame nor regret for not having rushed and given them a hand. Nigaki did this to get rid of Amari's brother who disliked her dating Nigaki. Amari spotted the tape while searching for plasters or so in Nigaki's bag to help him, and the tape was featuring the date of her brother's and Taro's deaths. She watched it discreetly on his camera he had removed, believing that Nigaki intended to make a surprise for her with it, having to do maybe with the wolf or so, but actually it was the evidence of his complicity. This is why she cried and left the kitchen too. Amari didn't expect Saburo/Jiro would bring her chocolate to Nigaki, maybe it had saw her or had guessed she was the culprit, and that she loved him anyways.
+
'''The Motive:'''<br>
−
 
+
Amari confesses to being the killer, saying that she had seen a four-year-old video depicting Yuasa's husband attempting to rescue an injured Natsuya shortly before an avalanche claimed their lives. Nigaki had filmed the video, having refused to aid in Natsuya's rescue as the brother was against his relationship with his sister. Yuasa asks how she was able to determine that Nigaki was the videographer. Amari answers that the video captured his voice taunting her brother's death along with two booming sounds and the roaring of the avalanche. <br>
−
Yuasa says she acted stupidly given she's not even sure he was the one filming, but Amari denies it saying she heard him say something like "bye bye Natsuya, and thanks for your sister", after two gunshots were heard and the avalanche triggered. Conan suddenly figures out something when listening to her, but it's too late : Sakami fires in the air, and Itakura takes aim at them, saying indeed they were the ones who had accidentally triggered the avalanche after shooting at what they thought was a wolf but actually was Natsuya, dressed in black - something Sakami also did prior to finding Nigaki's corpse, when he saw the dog or the man with the black knit cap. Nigaki didn't rush to rescue Natusya and Jiro because he wanted to film the surroundings, to find who were the hunters who had triggered the avalanche. He actually did find them after a long investigation, and started to blackmail them in exchange for big sums of money, since they had fled the scene after the avalanche, and didn't go to the police afterwards. Nigaki knew where Natusya's body was thanks to the tape, and he knew Natsuya had been accidentally injured by the hunters, and that the police could then easily find Natsuya's body later on, with a few lead shots on it. The hunters had come today as Nigaki had told them to, in order to give the money. They say though Amari paid great service to them, and actually she killed her boyfriend for nothing. Even though Amari wouldn't have, they would have trapped Nigaki by triggering another avalanche and killing him, and then stealing the tape. They order everyone to gather around Kogoro, wondering how they will kill them all. Conan can't do anything given his shoes are at the entrance, and he used his last sleeping projectile. As Sonoko wishes someone would save them for her to be able to give Makoto her chocolate, she is ordered by Itakura to grab a knife and stab Ran, or else she'll be shot down instantly. Suddenly, someone knocks at the service door, and Itakura goes to check what it is. He instantly gets violently kicked inside the room, and passes out. The man with the black knit cap comes in, and Sonoko tells him not to come closer or he'll get killed, though the man says he's skilled at focusing on the rifle's cannon, trigger and direction so as to avoid the bullet just in time. Sakami fires and he indeed avoids the bullet which only breaks his goggles away into pieces, '''revealing the fishy man to be Makoto'''. Ran takes advantage of Sakami's distraction to quickly slip behind him, while, as he notices her presence, he turns to her, and Makoto runs towards him. Sakami is eventually violently kicked twice in the face, and passes out too.
+
<br>[[File:CH334_DoubleKick.png|thumb|left|235px|Makoto and Ran incapacitate Sakami.]]
−
 
+
Conan ponders the "two booming sounds" Amari had mentioned, and has a realization. Suddenly, Sakami fires his rifle into the ceiling, capturing the group's attention. '''Yuzo Sakami''' and '''Hajime Itakura''' reveal they had shot Natsuya, giving him his injury, because they mistook him for a wolf. The two then used their rifles to cause an avalanche to silence him. Nigaki had brought the video evidence of their crime to the chalet as a means of blackmailing the two hunters, demanding money for his continued silence. The hunters thank Amari for killing her boyfriend, and then direct the group to line up beside Kogoro.<br>
−
Makoto explains he came here to see what Sonoko's lover looks like, and what makes him better than himself. Since Sonoko would offer "that man" a hand-made sweater, cup and now chocolate, while Makoto didn't receive any of these, he wants now to see that guy right now and challenge him. Sonoko answers Makoto is that person, and she shows him the chocolate she baked for him. Ran explains Sonoko sent him the cup but he thought it was a vase, and actaully she gave up knitting a sweater as she's unskilled to do it, and also gave up buying one since she wanted a true handmade present for her boyfriend, just like the chocolate. Makoto understands his mistake and feels embarrassed, and as he's about to leave, Sonoko offers him the chocolate, and Conan comments on Sonoko's plans being unexpectedly successful at the end of the day. Makoto says he bought her a nice sweater with animal patterns on it, and they both blush, and Ran secretely comments on how happy she is for her friend. The police arrived eventually and everyone could go back home afterwards.
+
Itakura begins his cruel witness execution by ordering Sonoko to stab Ran, terrifying the girl. A knocking sound then disrupts the confrontation, and Itakura goes to investigate the kitchen door. Upon exiting the chalet, he is violently struck with a devastating kick that sends him flying into the room. The mysterious man in the beanie stands at the doorway, revealing himself to be Kyogoku Makoto, much to Sonoko's surprise. He effortlessly dodges Sakami's shot and assists Ran in delivering a powerful double kick to the hunter's head, instantly incapacitating him.
−
 
 
−
Later, on Valentine's Day, Ran tells Sonoko she didn't write anything on her chocolate in order to have more time to think about what she would write later on, once at home. Sonoko eventually leaves Ran to go with Makoto at the airport - they may be travelling together. Once alone, Ran comments to herself that she's actually unable to write anything on it, since in order to move the loved one's heart, a chocolate has to be given on Valentine's Day to the person face-to-face, but that person isn't here, as usual, then it's impossible to give and even less to write. She goes back home very sad, and decides to give her chocolate to "sleeping Kogoro". But when looking at it, she remembers Sonoko telling her how strong she is, and she starts weeping, thinking that actually it's false, she's no strong person, if only she were, but she's just nothing but an idiot. Conan observes her from behind the door, and thinks about something. Later on, Ran wakes up, realising she's been sleeping on the agency's sofa for a very long time, and she wonders who could have blanketed her with her own coat. She notices "Detective Kid" sent her a mail with a picture attached : "I've taken a snap of your asleep face", and she sees indeed her sleeping face on the sofa, while she is covered by the coat, near her phone.
 
−
 
 
−
Suddenly, her phone rings and she picks up, only to hear that "Detective Kid"/Shinichi is speaking to her. She rushes to open the window and check where he is, and Shinichi explains he had actually come to the agency but didn't dare to wake her up, since she was sleeping so well, with dribble on her lips. Though, Shinichi was so hungry and didn't want to wait for her to wake up, and he eventually ate the "peach-like" chocolate on the table, such a delicious chocolate that he asks Ran where she could have bought it - and the latter comments that this is a secret she'll never disclose, a store only her knows. She feels happy again and, in the snow, tells Shinichi that "Detective Kid" is rather cheesy, something Conan expected actually.
 
 
</spoiler>
 
</spoiler>
 +
[[File:CH334_MakotoChocolate.png|thumb|left|100px|Sonoko ensnares Makoto's heart.]]
 +
With the case solved and culprits apprehended, a flustered Sonoko asks why Makoto is at the chalet. He explains that he is here to see if the man Sonoko has been teasing him with is indeed worthy of receiving her affection. Believing his romantic rival has received her handmade sweater, teacup, and now chocolate, he demands he step forward. However, his macho demeanor collapses upon seeing his name written on Sonoko's chocolate. Ran also explains that Sonoko had abandoned her sweater project and that he is her teacup's recipient, having mistaken it for a flower pot.<ref name="Girl_Clubbing_Case"> Girl Clubbing Case (Manga: [[Volume_28#Girl_Clubbing_Case|Volume 28-29: 284-286]])</ref><ref name="Pottery_Class_Case"> Pottery Class Case (Manga: [[Volume_30#Pottery_Class_Case|Volume 30-31: 305-307]])</ref> Embarrassed, Makoto heads for the exit, but is stopped by Sonoko. Meanwhile, Conan watches in utter shock as the girl's absurd romantic machinations result in a total success.<br>[[File:CH334_RanPhoto.png|thumb|right|115px|Ran receives Shinichi's teasing message.]]
 +
A few days later on Valentine's Day, Ran tells Sonoko that she did not address her chocolate to anyone. Sonoko eventually rushes off to see Makoto off at the airport, leaving Ran to internally comment that "she is not as strong as Sonoko thinks she is." Upon returning to the [[Mouri Detective Agency|detective agency]], her tears begin to pour, lamenting her worsening loneliness and helplessness. Conan silently observes her from behind the door.<br>
 +
Later on, as snow begins to descend onto the city streets, Ran wakes up from a long nap she took on the agency sofa. She finds herself covered by a coat and wonders who had blanketed her. Noticing the time, she panics and checks her phone, discovering an unopened message with a photo attachment. To her surprise, the photo is of her sleeping, captioned with a message from "Detective Kid." Suddenly, her phone rings. She picks up, only to hear Shinichi, the "Detective Kid," speaking to her. She rushes to open the window and demands he shows himself. Shinichi explains that he came to the agency but did not dare to wake her after seeing her sleeping so soundly. He also says he was hungry and had eaten her "peach-like" chocolate left on the table, much to Ran's shock. He generously compliments the sweet, asking where she had purchased it. Ran, delighted, comments that its origins will forever remain a secret, a store only she knows. She looks out the window with a satisfied expression and continues her conversation with Shinichi, comically commenting that "Detective Kid" is a rather cheesy title, much to Conan's chagrin.
  
 
==== People ====
 
==== People ====
Line 172: Line 169:
 
{{People|Chiyoko Yuasa|Chiyoko Yuasa manga.jpg|
 
{{People|Chiyoko Yuasa|Chiyoko Yuasa manga.jpg|
 
* 61 years old
 
* 61 years old
−
* Lodge owner}}
+
* Chalet owner}}
 
{{People|Yoshitaka Nigaki|Yoshitaka Nigaki manga.jpg|
 
{{People|Yoshitaka Nigaki|Yoshitaka Nigaki manga.jpg|
 
* Victim (beaten)
 
* Victim (beaten)
 
* 28 years old
 
* 28 years old
−
* Lodge guest}}
+
* Chalet guest
 +
* Journalist}}
 
{{People|Mika Konakawa|Mika Konakawa manga.jpg|
 
{{People|Mika Konakawa|Mika Konakawa manga.jpg|
 
* 26 years old
 
* 26 years old
−
* Lodge guest}}
+
* Chalet guest
 +
* Camerawoman}}
 
{{People|Ako Amari|Ako Amari manga.jpg|
 
{{People|Ako Amari|Ako Amari manga.jpg|
 
* 25 years old
 
* 25 years old
−
* Lodge guest}}
+
* Chalet guest
 +
* Nigaki's girlfriend}}
 
{{People|Yuzo Sakami|Yuzo Sakami manga.jpg|
 
{{People|Yuzo Sakami|Yuzo Sakami manga.jpg|
 
* 42 years old
 
* 42 years old
−
* Lodge guest}}
+
* Chalet guest
 +
* Hunter}}
 
{{People|Saburo|Saburo Dog manga.jpg|
 
{{People|Saburo|Saburo Dog manga.jpg|
−
* Chiyoko's pet dog}}
+
* Chiyoko's pet dog
 +
* Shikoku Dog}}
 
{{People|Hajime Itakura|Hajime Itakura manga.jpg|
 
{{People|Hajime Itakura|Hajime Itakura manga.jpg|
 
* 37 years old
 
* 37 years old
−
* Lodge guest}}
+
* Chalet guest
 +
* Hunter}}
 
{{EndBox}}
 
{{EndBox}}
  
−
==== ''Major events'' ====
+
==== Major Events ====
−
* Sonoko and Ran are making chocolates! Sonoko's is for Makoto, but Ran's chocolate is still un-named. However, we all know who she will make it for.
+
* Major romantic development between Sonoko and Makoto.
−
* Makoto saves everyone! He gets incredibly embarrassed when he finally learns just who Sonoko has made the chocolate for. Ran is heartbroken, as it is Valentine's Day, and Shinichi is not there for her, again. However, Conan knows just what to do to help alleviate her tears.
+
** Sonoko's long-planned romantic ploy to elicit an emotional response from Makoto proves to be a resounding success.  
 +
** Makoto disproves his perceived aloofness and receives Sonoko's Valentine's Day chocolate.
 +
* Romantic development between Ran and Shinichi.
 +
** Shinichi alleviates Ran's loneliness with a mischievous, yet endearing act followed by a long phone call.
 +
* Conan learns that Ran may be familiar with Akai.
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
  
 
=== Missing Watch Case ===
 
=== Missing Watch Case ===
Line 201: Line 210:
  
 
==== File 335 - Memento of a Wife ====
 
==== File 335 - Memento of a Wife ====
−
 
+
The [[Detective Boys]] are invited to the [[Mouri Detective Agency]], where they marvel at [[Ran Mouri|Ran]]'s detailed chocolate replicas of each of their faces. As the children shower Ran with praise and gratitude, [[Conan Edogawa|Conan]] questions how she had the time to bake these pieces, citing their absence from the [[Wikipedia: Chalet|chalet]] kitchen table. She answers that they served as her test batch, which she stored in the refrigerator.<ref name="Valentine_Chocolate_Case"> Valentine Chocolate Case (Manga: [[Volume_33#Valentine_Chocolate_Case|Volume 33: 331-334]])</ref> The cheerful banter is interrupted by [[Kogoro Mouri|Kogoro]], who complains that their commotion is disrupting his work. [[Genta Kojima|Genta]] and [[Mitsuhiko Tsuburaya|Mitsuhiko]] question if the Detective is truly engaging in meaningful labor. Their skepticism is vindicated when [[Ayumi Yoshida|Ayumi]] unplugs his [[Wikipedia: Transistor radio|pocket radio]], loudly playing a horse racing broadcast. Kogoro's embarrassment is luckily cut short when a client rings the doorbell.<br>[[File:CH335_RoomTour.png|thumb|left|100px|The Detective Boys explore Morita's digital collection.]]
−
At Suito Mt., Ran had also baked chocolates looking like each DB's face, along with Agasa, and she gives them to the kids and professor, who say it's delicious. She goes to fetch drinks for them, and Ai, seeing her whistling in happiness, comments on Ran probably trying to conceal her sadness behind a joyful poker face, given how both half-sad and half-happy the chocolates are, which Conan acknowledges. Ai says the hand does what the heart commands to do. She thinks how similar to herself her own chocolate is, on the verge of melting into tears. Conan comments ironically that, sometimes, Ai speaks like a girl at last. Kogoro asks the kids to be quieter since he's trying to get concentrated on his work. Agasa apologises but the DBs ask Kogoro if he is really working, since they were told he usually sleeps a lot. Kogoro replies he's actually listening to a very important client's tape. Ayumi unplugs the earphones and everyone hear the horseracing results. Kogoro tries to take it over, as a client named Hideo Morita rings at the door and comes in, asking Kogoro to find his watch. Kogoro proves he's a very busy and popular detective by accepting the client's request, even if it's not so important - but at least showing he actually never sleeps. Morita says he desperately needs to find his late wife's watch, an old item he had offered to her a long time ago, because his wife haunts his nights constantly asking him what time it is. Morita says he or his wife lost it at home, since neither him nor his wife are very tidy people, and if Kogoro found it, they could be at peace at last. The latter suddenly yells at him saying he doesn't have time to lose with such bullshit, he's not going to search in his stead something he lost in his own flat, even if Morita isn't so good at finding things. He tells him he is the famous Sleeping Kogoro, and Morita understands he made a mistake, he actually entered the agency without knowing who he was. The DBs whisper that Kogoro chooses his clients according to whether he likes their face and if their wallet is big enough, adding there are no "bullshit cases", and he just doesn't want to work at all. Kogoro eventually agrees to find the watch, but Morita leaves, apologising once again. Conan's curiosity is aroused, and he and the DBs go after Morita. The latter watches at the agency in worry, where Kogoro's name is featured in big size, and sighs when glancing at his watch. Suddenly, he meets the DBs who agree to help him find the watch, and free of charge besides.
+
The client, Hideo Morita, asks for the Detective's help in finding a lost wristwatch that belonged to his late wife, saying that his dreams are haunted by scenes of her "questioning the time." He believes if he can locate her missing wristwatch, her spirit will pass on into the afterlife. Hearing the man's seemingly trivial request, Kogoro goes ballistic, deeming it not worth his time. As Morita leaves in disappointment, he is approached by the Detective Boys, who offer their services free of charge.<br>
−
 
+
The group arrives at Morita's apartment, where [[Hiroshi Agasa|Agasa]] notices the wilting flowers displayed in a vase near the entrance. Morita explains that he has properly maintained them ever since his wife died in a traffic accident three weeks ago, but acknowledges their natural decline. Meanwhile, the children are awestruck at the sight of Morita's audio room, fitted with audio speakers, television monitors, DVDs, and pamphlets. Suddenly, another apartment resident, Eiko Idetsuki, rings the doorbell and demands Morita pay his debt. The man hands her ¥5,000,000 (~$50,000), a quarter of what he owes her, and says he intends to settle the rest by selling his apartment. He also shows her a DVD copy of ''[[Play It Again|Sakura Sanjuurou]]'' that he managed to acquire, which greatly excites her. She immediately moves to the audio room to watch the movie, removing the Detective Boys in the process. Morita shows an infuriated expression as Idetsuki closes the door behind her.<br>[[File:CH335_IdetsukiCrash.png|thumb|right|230px|Conan and Morita find the entrance vase shattered on Idetsuki's head.]]
−
He welcomes them at home and Ayumi marvels at the beautiful flowers in a big vase. Morita says these are withered, since his late wife did have a green thumb, but not him, and these were bought recently - his wife died three weeks ago. Morita is scared when the DBs enter his amazing home cinema room, with several state-of-the-art hifi devices, huge plasma TV and speakers, many disc players with their respective controls, and so on. Also, Morita loves cinema and has tons of books and magazines on the floor, probably accounting for his or his wife constantly losing their belongings. Suddenly, someone rings at his door and it frightens him. He goes to open the door and comes upon his wealthy friend and building resident Eiko Idetsuki. She asks him if the money's ready, and Morita gives her 5 million yens, saying the 15 remaining millions will come as soon as his flat is sold. She says she is sorry for more or less kicking him out of his home, and Morita says it's perfectly fine, apologising for her waiting so long for him to pay her back the loan. He offers her, as a compensation, to watch "Sakura Sanjuro", a rare movie she loves and has been searching for for so long, in his home cinema right now. Morita asks the children to stop searching and free the room for Idetsuki, and they'll come back later. Morita prepares the cassette, VCR and armchair for her friend, asking her to hand the movie back to the video club they know as soon as she's done with it, which she agrees to do. He wishes her to enjoy the movie, and Idetsuki laughs about it being just like the interest he owes to her. Once she closes the door, Morita looks daggers at her and Conan notices it. He then treats Agasa and co to the other rooms to keep searching for the watch. The movie's volume is too high and this annoys the children, though the movie sounds ace. Ai tells them to keep searching quickly since night will fall very soon. Ayumi says however they've searched every single room of the apartment and found nothing, and Genta says he's too hungry to continue searching. Morita suggests they eat some of his amazing club sandwiches he's excellent at preparing, since he owns a bar not far away from Tokyo, and has all the ingredients at home to make some. He turns down Agasa's offer to help him, and some time after they one and all relish.
+
The Detective Boys continue their fruitless search into the dusk hours, motivating Morita to prepare sandwiches as a gesture of gratitude, which rejuvenates the children, especially Genta. He then tasks Conan and Ayumi with delivering tea and sandwiches to Idetsuki. The two quietly enter the audio room and offer the tense woman food. She orders them to hush, clearly rapt in the film. Per her instructions, they leave the food at the rear table and return to the kitchen.<br>
−
 
+
Conan then notices Morita's laundry situation and deduces that even someone who perpetually wears their wristwatch would still remove it when they bathe. He then rushes to the filled laundry machine and empties its contents. Ayumi notices a solid object hit the floor and finds the working wristwatch, much to Conan's surprise. As Morita expresses his deep appreciation, Conan's suspicions rise—Morita likely lied about losing the watch. Suddenly, the sound of a violent crash punctuates the moment. Conan hears the front door slam shut while rushing to the audio room. Upon entering, he finds Idetsuki dead, bludgeoned with a now shattered vase.
−
Morita gives some tea and sandwiches to Conan and Ayumi for them to bring to Idetsuki. Conan secretly glances at Morita, and also at Idetsuki when coming in the home cinema. The latter orders them to hush since she's watching an important passage, and she tells them to put the food on the table. Once out, they meet Morita who asks them if she's enjoyed it, and when Ayumi tells him Idetsuki's decided to eat them later, Morita replies there's no wonder since she loves movies just as well. Conan spots a peculiar plastic bag with something inside, and Morita says it's dirty laundry to be brought to the laundromat very soon. Though, Conan says he saw a washing machine in the bathroom, and Morita says it's a brand new model he doesn't know how to use, only his late wife did. Morita tells Conan her wife loved that watch and constantly wore it, except the day of her accident, because she had lost it. But Conan said she would most probably take it off to have a bath or shower, and, saying so, he takes them to the bathroom and searches the washing machine, throwing the wife's clothes away here and there. A garment falls down on the floor, and Ayumi finds the watch, saying it's still working. Conan can't believe it's true, as Morita confirms it to be his wife's. She probably took it off and put it on the machine before having a shower/bath, and it fell into it at the end. Though, Conan thinks he's probably lying, it's way too easy, and the watch isn't the wife's. Suddenly, they hear a violent sound of something heavy crushing on the floor, and of someone running in the corridor. Conan thinks about something, and runs towards the home cinema, as he hears someone leaving the flat and slamming the door. He notes with fear that the vase is missing, and when entering the home cinema, they all find Idetuski was killed by someone who's smashed the loud vase over her head.
 
  
 
==== File 336 - Clean Scent ====
 
==== File 336 - Clean Scent ====
−
 
+
Inspector [[Juzo Megure|Megure]] and [[Wataru Takagi|Takagi]] arrive at the crime scene and identify Morita's entrance vase as the murder weapon. They immediately suspect Morita himself for the crime, and retrace his steps. With the Detective Boys' help, the police determine that Morita was capable of slipping away from the kitchen while he made sandwiches. Given there is a hallway that directly connects the kitchen to the audio room, Morita could have easily bludgeoned Idetsuki, masking the sound of her death with the blaring movie audio, and then played sound recordings of the vase's shattering remotely from next to the laundry machine. However, Conan disproves the theory, recalling that Idetsuki was still alive when him and Ayumi visited the audio room to deliver sandwiches. [[Kazunobu Chiba|Chiba]] then arrives and reports on Idetsuki's relationships with her neighboring tenants. He explains that she often loaned large sums of money and charged high interest rates, meaning she was likely an unpopular character. Additionally, a sizable portion of the apartment's tenants were aware of her location, as they were used to hearing her blast the audio of the films she watched in Morita's audio room. With the possibility of an external culprit, Megure orders a comprehensive investigation of all who were indebted to Idetsuki.<br>[[File:CH336_StolenKogoroFiles.png|thumb|left|250px|Takagi reveals that someone had stolen the police files pertaining to cases Kogoro was involved in solving.]][[File:CH337_ConanSolemn.png|thumb|left|140px|Conan expresses his resolve to put Ran's safety above all else.]]
−
The police arrive and investigate the case. Takagi says the weapon of the crime is Morita's vase, which was filled with water, and still had the flowers in it, accounting for its heavy weight. The killer probably came in Morita's apartment, grasped the vase, entered the home cinema room and smashed it over Idetsuki's head, as the film was over - since the cassette was rewound - and she was retrieving the video cassette from the player, using the remote control. Morita explains why her friend had come to visit him and what she did before dying. In turn, Agasa and co go on explaining what brings them here, and Megure and Takagi wish Mouri were here since they know something very important related to him. Agasa and the DBs say Morita was in the bathroom with Conan and Ayumi when Idetsuki was murdered, probably by someone from the outside, since they heard someone running away and slamming the entrance door, therefore Morita can't be the culprit. Though, the only time when he was alone was while he was preparing sandwiches in the kitchen, away from Agasa and co's sight. He shows them where the kitchen is, far away from the cinema room. Yet, there is a blind spot which prevents anyone in the lounge to see if anyone leaves the kitchen to go to the cinema room. Therefore, Megure thinks Morita had prepared sound recordings - sounds of broken vase, running in the corridor, door slamming, etc. - beforehand and used a timer or so to set them going after he could have left the kitchen quick as a flash and gone to the cinema room, and killed Idetsuki there, and then come back. He could well have prepared sandwiches beforehand too. None could have heard anything since the movie's volume had been turned very high. Yet, Conan says it's impossible, since himself had come to bring sandwiches and tea to Idetsuki with Ayumi after he had made them, and she was still alive. And then, Morita didn't leave Conan and co until they found the corpse.
+
Agasa approaches Conan and comments on the case, but the boy quickly surmises that Morita is the murderer. He explains that manual wristwatches like Morita's need to be rewound roughly every fifty hours to remain accurate. Nevertheless, Morita's watch remained perfectly in-synch upon its discovery three weeks after its supposed disappearance. Therefore, Morita likely deliberately hid to wristwatch as a means of attracting an external witness who can confirm his alibi.<br>
−
 
+
While pondering the case details, Conan notices Takagi ask Morita if he noticed any suspicious individuals loitering around the Mouri Detective Agency. Curious, Conan asks the sergeant for clarification. Takagi kneels down to the boy and quietly reveals that [[Vermouth|someone]] is secretly investigating Kogoro. He says that all of the files regarding cases involving Kogoro were stolen from the [[Wikipedia: Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department|police headquarters]], but were recently mailed back anonymously without any alteration. Alarmed, Conan asks when they were stolen, to which Takagi answers: on the day of the bus hijacking.<ref name="Bus_Hijacking_Case"> Bus Hijacking Case (Manga: [[Volume_29#Bus_Hijacking_Case|Volume 29: 287-289]])</ref> The police are currently investigating the matter, looking for anyone who may harbor feelings of animosity towards the Detective. As Takagi takes his leave, Conan worries that the target is not Kogoro, but rather himself. Agasa leans in and asks what he was told, but Conan demurs. Haibara, able to broadly infer the nature of the news, internally comments on the negative externalities of the pursuit of justice. Conan's righteousness, while commendable, may very well bring about his ruin.<br>[[File:CH336_VHSCalibration.png|thumb|right|190px|Conan tinkers with the VHS players.]]
−
Chiba turns up and says he finished questioning the building's residents, who one and all told him Idetsuki would agree to loan enormous amounts of money to them, and if they didn't pay her off on time, she wouldn't hesitate to come in their flats and foreclose a valuable by way of interests, which means she wasn't a very loved person. Moreover, they all know she was at Morita's due to the movie's high volume which could be heard everywhere in the building, and they know she loved movies and would often come at Morita's to watch one. Then it's perfectly possible one of them could have planned a murder knowing she was alone in the cinema room. Megure orders Chiba and some other agents to do a list of all the people to whom Idetsuki had loaned money, especially those who had taken on a big debt to her. Agasa tells Conan he won't have to step in that case this time since the killer probably came from the outside, however Conan says it's entirely false, Morita is the killer. The watch they've found in the machine isn't his wife's : if she'd really lost it there, then since she died three weeks ago, and given it's an old-swing watch, it shouldn't be working anymore, or at least it shouldn't give the exact time anymore. This because a watch especially works with human movement, and this type of watch has a 50-hour or so maximum self-working capacity, and it starts running slow afterwards, since it needs its holder's motion. The watch is probably Morita's or another one he bought and tossed inside the machine today. Morita used that watch story because he expected Mouri or someone else to come with him at home in order to build his alibi for the murder, and have the witness swear Morita wasn't the killer. Yet, Conan says it's impossible Morita could do it since he wasn't in the cinema room when the murder took place, and when he was in the kitchen preparing sandwiches, Conan would keep an eye on him every two or three minutes, and he didn't leave the place. And after the body was found, his behaviour didn't turn abnormal. How did he do it then ?
+
Genta then notices a strange smell in the kitchen and tracks its source to then microwave, but finds it empty. Conan opens a nearby trash can and finds a bouquet of dry flowers disposed inside. Inspired by Genta's mention of a "sandwich," Conan inspects the kitchen cupboard before running to the audio room. Using Takagi as a means of vertical transport, he reaches above the television and pulls back a shelf curtain revealing several stacks of VHS players. Conan spots a timer on one of the devices and switches it on, calibrating another device to its left, which displays a cassette symbol. Having collected the necessary pieces of evidence, Conan deduces Morita's remote murder trick.  
−
 
 
−
Takagi asks Morita if he met any suspicious person around Mouri's agency, and he says he didn't. Conan asks Takagi why he asked him that, and Takagi, making sure none is eavesdropping their conversation, tells Conan '''someone is secretly interested in Kogoro Mouri. They don't know yet if they should tell Mouri about it and protect him. Actually, all the reports and files of the cases Mouri has solved in Tokyo and its department, and that were stored at the Prefectural Police, were stolen recently. Hopefully, the police always duplicate the reports and files, and keep them into their well-protected archives, then there won't be any incidence on the trials. The most surprising thing is that all the files and reports were sent back to them yesterday evening by post, but the sender's name or place wasn't mentioned. As Takagi tells Conan the theft occurred the same day the hijacking bus case (vol. 29) took place, Conan thinks about Shuichi Akai once more. The police have a few leads as far as who among Mouri's "victims" or enemies are concerned and could do it, yet these are only suppositions and they're reaching stalemate as for now.''' Though, Takagi says this might be some bad joke after all, and anyway if Conan spots someone fishy around, he should come or call the police at once. '''Conan inwardly comments that Kogoro may not be the one actually targeted, but probably Conan himself, or someone he knows.''' Conan tells Agasa that what Takagi told him isn't so important, and Ai hints at the fact he's still trying to conceal something from them. Conan says Ai did the same and still does, and actually he has good reasons to do it. Ai inwardly thinks that, constantly trying to fight for justice and truth at all cost without thinking twice about the consequences it could bring about, Conan/Shinichi actually and eventually takes upon himself a whole lot of pressure without people noticing it at all. She finds very attractive the way he always endangers himself for others, though she thinks Shinichi still doesn't get it that this "clean scent" will, at the end of the day, trap Ran and all the people around them, including himself, into a treacherous solitude.
 
−
 
 
−
The DBs cut their thoughts saying it smells like something is burning, coming from the microwave or oven, but they find nothing inside it. Conan deduces something and searches the garbage can, only to find dried up and withered flowers, probably discarded by Morita. Then, Conan thinks that there should be "that thing" around here, something very visible, and he goes looking for it. Genta says he's still hungry and eats the remaining sandwiches, Ayumi calling him a foodie. Conan looks at them and thinks about something, and searches the cupboard, eventually finding the object. He then rushes to the cinema room, asking Takagi's help to find his paper plane he lost between the curtains over the plasma TV. Takagi inwardly comments how childish Conan is after all. Takagi pulls the top curtains open and finds nothing, except several hifi devices Morita stores there, since they are old now and he doesn't use them anymore. Conan spots a timer on one of the devices, and switches it on, starting up another device to its left, on whose screen he notices a "cassette symbol", and eventually deduces how Morita killed Idetsuki without being here.
 
  
 
==== File 337 - Life of a Flower... ====
 
==== File 337 - Life of a Flower... ====
−
 
+
Conan calls the Mouri Detective Agency but receives no answer. His fears are momentarily interrupted when Agasa reports that the police are interested in his deduction and have agreed to cooperate with his experiment. Conan then directs Ayumi, Mitsuhiko, and Genta to take their positions. Haibara, having noticed Conan's trepidations, reminds him about the dangers of revealing his true identity Ran, although not without sympathizing with his emotions from receiving chocolate. Conan solemnly reassures her that he accepted her present in a platonic manner, much to Agasa and Haibara's surprise. He adds that if he were to advance their relationship, it would only deepen their mutual loneliness. Not wanting to "see her tears anymore," he vows to keep her away from the [[Black Organization|danger]], even at the cost of his emotional wellbeing. Haibara gives a respectful smile, internally commenting on their respective "pain."<br>
−
Conan calls the agency but none picks up the phone, which worries Conan, since neither Ran nor Kogoro told him they would be out tonight. Agasa comes up to Conan saying Megure and co agreed to do as he told them, and they added this was a brilliant idea. As for the DBs, they are sent by Conan to do as he told them too. Conan still worries, gazing at his phone, and Ai gets it this has to do with Ran. She tells Conan to continue keeping it silent as far as his true identity and the Black Organization are concerned. She understands though that, just like most boys when they are offered chocolates by their loved ones, Conan feels over the moon about Ran. But Conan denies it, saying he actually didn't answer anything to Ran's present, which astounds Ai. He explains though he accepted the chocolates, deep down, this increased so much his desire to see her again. He says that boy who forces her to wait and suffer, and who's unable to recover his initial appearance, actually wants to see again and even more his dear love, though this sounds rather stupid. He doesn't want to see her cry anymore, and to do so, he'll go up to the point of accepting Shinichi's fading away from her heart forever, if this is needed. Then he already had the intention to do what Ai suggests him to, and knew it way beforehand. He comments on the fact his situation is so childish and ridiculous. Agasa tries to comfort him saying for the moment they're helpless, but it's only temporary. Ai inwardly thinks it's hard not only for him but for everyone actually. The DBs tell Megure many items belonging to Morita have been stolen, very strange items, and this is probably the murderer's work. They tell everyone to follow them to the kitchen, and, running past Conan, they wink at him with a knowing smile, which means this is part of their plan.
+
The Detective Boys report to Megure about a missing item in Morita's apartment, arguing that the culprit's motive was theft, not murder. Megure and Morita accompany the children to the kitchen where they are shown a bowl without its base. Takagi then arrives and escorts Morita back to the audio room for a brief crime scene interrogation. Upon entering, Morita reacts in shock at the sight of the activated VHS player above the television. He raises concern about a stack of VHS tapes placed in front of his players. The forensic officers assure him that their placement is temporary. Megure then orders a recreation of the events leading Idetsuki's murder, casting Takagi as the culprit and Agasa as Idetsuki. Morita frantically asks to play Idetsuki, stating that his familiarity with the room makes him better suited for the role; Megure accepts. <br>
−
 
+
The actors proceed with the simulation, as Morita crouches to remove the tape from the player. Conan interjects, asking why he chose not to use the "eject" button on his VHS remote. Before the man can explain, Conan presses the button, causing the player to fiercely eject its contents and startling Morita. He quickly covers his head with his hands, expecting an impact. After a few moments, he opens his eyes, free of harm.  
 
<spoiler>
 
<spoiler>
−
Megure asks the DBs which objects were stolen, and they reply someone actually stole the bottoms of two big terracotta bowls. Morita says they were like that when he bought them, he probably wanted to use them for another purpose. Takagi comes up saying all the preparations are over, they just need to follow him into the cinema room. Megure tells Morita they're about to do a kind of reconstitution of the events. '''Morita enters the room and gets suddenly panic-stricken when noticing all the VCRs over the TV are turned on.''' Megure asks him if everything's okay, and he answers he's just surprised to find so many cassettes in piles on the shelf over the TV. The forensics apologise saying they're actually analysing them, and they put them there to get more space. Megure then proceeds to the reconstitution, and Morita is shocked to hear they'll use the VCRs, because Idetsuki was retrieving a cassette from the VCR when she died. Agasa is told to play the victim, while Takagi will play the murderer. Though, Morita suggests he'll play the victim instead, since he and Idetsuki knew perfectly the home cinema room, and then he can play the role in a more realistic way. Megure agrees and inserts the cassette into the bottom VCR's slot. As the film is over, the victim should rewind the cassette - while the murderer supposedly sneaks behind him/her - and eject it, and Megure tells Morita to do it. Morita gets up of the armchair and kneels on the floor to press the eject button. Conan suddenly shows up just in front of him, asking why he doesn't use the eject button which is also on the remote control. Conan does it, and the cassette is ejected, but Morita, awe-stricken, looks up, shouts in fear, and protects his head.
+
[[File:CH337_VHSContraption.png|200px|thumb|right|The shelves player collides with the flower vase, causing it to fall onto Idetsuki.]]
−
 
+
'''The Method:'''<br>
−
Since nothing happens at all, and they're all staring at him, Agasa/Conan reveals the cassettes over the TV won't fall down since he modified the code of the controls and VCRs on the top. He goes on explaining Morita had actually turned on and set both the bottom VCR and the top one which is just over the TV to the exact same frequency, therefore, the remote control Idetuski had in hand, and that Morita had given her, would work for both VCRs. Morita had also inserted a cassette into the top VCR, and did the same for the bottom one - but in front of Idetsuki. He then placed another cassette just in front of the top VCR's eject slot, and on this cassette he balanced a heavy vase, the exact same as the one in the corridor near the entrance, and which was also filled with water and flowers. He then half pulled the curtain rightward to conceal it. Morita lured Idetsuki into coming into the cinema room with the "Sakura Sanjuro" movie, asking her to hand it back to the video club later on, which accounts for why she rewound the movie after watching it. Morita inserted the cassette himself, and gave her the remote control, and later on, when Idetsuki would be done with the movie, she would get up, press the eject button on the control, come up to the bottom VCR and kneel on the floor to retrieve the cassette, and would eventually die due to being violently smashed over the head by the vase. This because the top VCR would also react to the control and eject its cassette too, and the latter would then push the other cassette forward and cause the vase to topple and fall down. Only Morita could prepare it, as he knew Idetuski's habits, and could then set the perfect timing. Agasa proves his declarations by pressing the eject button on another control he had set, causing the top VCR to eject its cassette, and the latter bumps into the pile of cassettes, and causes all of them to fall down on the floor.
+
Agasa, voiced by Conan, explains that Morita had linked the remote to both the active VHS player and the shelved VHS player. By placing a tape inside of the shelved player, the eject button will dispense the tape into an unstable flower vase, causing it to fall to the ground below. Morita timed the contraption to align with Idetsuki reaching into the active player to remove her tape after pressing the eject button. In addition, because the shelved player automatically recedes its contents upon colliding with an obstruction, it would then replay its recordings—playing the sounds of someone fleeing and slamming the front door shut. The Detective Boys then explain that the original entrance vase was a fake vase made by joining two bowls (one without its base) together at their rims. While making the sandwiches, Morita dismantled the false vase by stacking the two bowls and placing them in the cupboard, and microwaving the flowers before disposing them in their dried state.<br>
−
 
+
'''The Motive:'''<br>
−
Conan had found out there was a casssette inside the top VCR due to the symbol on the screen, and the timer on the right. Afterwards, since the top VCR's cassette, in both cases, would bump into something, then it couldn't be ejected and would accordingly be "gulped back" into the VCR, and would of course set off again. And if the content of this cassette were actually the recorded sounds Conan and co heard after the crashing vase sound, then it's clear why the sounds were so realistic : the top VCR would play them after the cassette was forced to go back into it, it would play these sounds of someone running and slamming a door, sounds that could be heard anywhere in the flat since Idetsuki had turned the speakers' volume so loud - and Morita knew it perfectly. If the cassette's protective tab had been removed beforehand, then it's possible indeed. Morita had put Idetsuki's cassette into the bottom VCR so as she would have to kneel on the floor to recover it, and then it would increase the fall distance between her head and the shelf, which accordingly has more chances to kill her if the distance is very large. Furthermore, Morita had left the timer on the shelf in order to make the police believe he often uses one in order to set specific movies or music pieces going whenever he wants it, and to justify the turned on VCRs over the TV. Megure concludes saying they also got the vase trick : there were two vases actually, and the one in the entrance was a fake one made out of the two bowls found in the kitchen : when clipping them together, they would make up a vase, and Morita then just needed to put flowers inside. And actually, the flowers were withered because there couldn't be any water in the fake vase. The true one was used for the murder. Conan discovered it when thinking about how sandwiches were stacked bits of food, and Morita probably did the same for the vase. Conan adds Morita discreetly and quickly left the kitchen (one minute or so) to recover it in the entrance, and unclip it, and then pile up the bowls in the cupboard, and also scorching flowers in the microwave or oven, in order to have a reason to discard them if the police ever found them. Indeed, it would have been strange if the police had found two similar vases in the flat.
+
Defeated, Morita explains that Idetsuki had recommended his wife to take an immense loan and invest in several stocks. Eventually, her luck began to sour and her debts soared, leading her to commit suicide via walking into oncoming traffic. He adds that she left him her wristwatch along with her suicide note, not wanting to damage it.
−
 
 
−
Ayumi says it's unkind to kill such beautiful flowers, that his wife had bought him. Morita explains these flowers aren't his wife's but Idetsuki's, she had bought them for Morita when she came to his wife's burial. The Moritas were so destitute that they couldn't even buy flowers anymore, and Morita even had to use some of Idetsuki's flowers for the murder. Idetsuki didn't even have the decency to buy sober flowers as it usually suits burials. His wife had committed suicide with her car because she was trapped into debts : Idetsuki had convinced her, while Morita was away, to invest massively in certain stock market deals, and it resulted in Morita's wife being then compelled to run into debts, so much that she ended up losing the taste for life and decided to kill herself in a car accident, after owning up to her debt problems to her husband. These problems were also theirs, since she also invested their common account's money in it, and Morita had to sell everything he had afterwards to pay Idetsuki off, and wasn't even sure it would be enough. Morita's wife only left a note with her wristwatch to her husband. This explains why Morita doesn't care a fig about these flowers. As Takagi takes Morita away, Ayumi still says it's so sad these flowers who had dressed up to the nines for him were forced to wither, since they only blossom for a short period of time. Ai inwardly comments that this is so true, especially as she sees Conan leaving the flat in a hurry, making a connection between he and Ran : flowers are weak and don't live long, they stand rain and wind to beautify themselves and love the sun more than anything else, but when the storm arises, this beauty is completely useless when it comes to sheltering oneself. Ai hopes Shinichi understands that.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Conan rushes to the agency, calling it, but finding none on the other end of the line. He wonders what the heck is going on, and when coming in, he finds the place empty, the TV is on, the dinner is half cooked, as if Ran or Kogoro had been all of a sudden interrupted in their activities.''' '''Conan fearfully wonders if all this has to do with the one secretly interested in the Mouris, and if this one is Shuichi Akai. Suddenly, someone mask Conan's eyes from behind with their hands, and play "guess who ?".'''
 
−
 
 
−
It's actually Ran, who had been in a hurry to the supermarket to buy premium meat, alcohol and a bunch of other products to prepare an excellent dinner, since Kogoro hit the jackpot on the horses, and is wandering around the neighbourhood to tell everyone about it. As Ran says she'll cook a dinner worthy of the greatest chefs, Conan remembers her saying at Suito Mt. that she might know the "man wearing a black knit cap", and he starts asking her about it, but, looking at her angelic face, he stops, asking instead if she could add onion with the meat. Ran says Conan is a true connoisseur, and the later thinks it's impossible such a nice girl could have ever met such a bleak guy.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Meanwhile, in a back alley just in front of the agency, Shuichi Akai lights a cigarette, and stares at the place with a dark interest.'''
 
 
</spoiler>
 
</spoiler>
 +
[[File:CH337_AkaiSpy.png|thumb|right|250px|Akai ominously spies on the Mouri Detective Agency.]]
 +
With the case solved, Conan quietly takes his leave. Haibara silently watches him rush for the Detective Agency while internally reflecting on his reckless quest for justice using a metaphor of a flower.<br>
 +
Conan's jog gradually accelerates into a sprint as he frantically dials the agency but gets no response. He ascends the stairs and bursts into the main room, finding it eerily empty with the television still playing. He then checks on the third floor, finding it in a similar state. His worries crescendo as the image of [[Shuichi Akai|Akai]] pops into his mind. Suddenly, his eyes are covered by a cheerful Ran, who explains that Kogoro had managed bet on a winning horse, bringing in massive winnings. He is out bragging about his victory while Ran rushed off to the supermarket to purchase a more expensive cut of steak for their dinner. Relieved, Conan hesitates to ask an important question. He remembers Ran expressing familiarity with a man in a beanie at the Suito chalet, and wonders if she knows Akai.<ref name="Valentine_Chocolate_Case"> Valentine Chocolate Case (Manga: [[Volume_33#Valentine_Chocolate_Case|Volume 33: 331-334]])</ref> However, he aborts the question before asking, concluding she would obviously not.<br>
 +
Meanwhile, Akai ominously smokes a cigarette, observing the Detective Agency from across the street.
  
 
==== People ====
 
==== People ====
Line 246: Line 246:
 
* Victim (beaten)
 
* Victim (beaten)
 
* 46 years old
 
* 46 years old
−
* Apartment's owner}}
+
* Apartment resident}}
 
{{People|Mrs. Morita|Mrs. Morita manga.jpg|
 
{{People|Mrs. Morita|Mrs. Morita manga.jpg|
 
* Deceased
 
* Deceased
−
* Hideo Morita's wife}}
+
* Hideo Morita's late wife}}
 
{{EndBox}}
 
{{EndBox}}
  
−
==== ''Major events'' ====
+
==== Major Events ====
−
* Takagi tells Conan that someone stole the records of Kogoro's solved cases. Conan fears that the Organization is suspicious of Kogoro's newfound powers of deduction.
+
* Someone had stolen police files that documented cases Kogoro solved from the police headquarters, suggesting Kogoro is being investigated.  
−
* Ran sees Shuichi Akai, and believes that she may have seen him before!
+
** Akai is seen spying on the Mouri Detective Agency.
 +
* Romantic development between Shinichi and Ran.
 +
<br>
 +
<br>
  
 
=== Escalator Message Case ===
 
=== Escalator Message Case ===
Line 260: Line 263:
  
 
==== File 338 - The Meaning of X ====
 
==== File 338 - The Meaning of X ====
 +
[[File:CH338_MeaningOfX.png|thumb|right|150px|Jodie asks an inattentive Ran the meaning of "X."]]
 +
[[Ran Mouri|Ran]] deeply ponders about the identity of the [[Shuichi Akai|man in the beanie]], strangely feeling the same unease she felt when [[Shinichi Kudo|Shinichi]] left her at [[Tropical Land]].<ref name="Roller_Coaster_Murder_Case"> Roller Coaster Murder Case (Manga: [[Volume_1#Roller_Coaster_Murder_Case|Volume 1: 1]])</ref> Her fixation pulls her focus away from her English class, prompting [[Jodie Starling|Jodie]] to call on her, asking what the "X" on the blackboard means. Her answers rudimentary answer is jeered by her classmates, and Jodie assigns the question as homework for Ran.<br>
 +
On the walk back home, Ran tells [[Conan Edogawa|Conan]] about X, wondering if he has any ideas as for what it could mean. The boy's mind scrolls through dozens of various meanings of X, but fails to pinpoint a plausible candidate, especially after Ran adds that it is a feminine mark. He does, however, recall his [[Yukiko Kudo|mother]] signing her letters with "xxx" shortly before her signature. As Ran and [[Sonoko Suzuki|Sonoko]] comment on Jodie's improvement as a teacher, they are suddenly interrupted by Jodie herself, who asks if Ran has solved her assignment yet. Sonoko floats the idea of directing the question to [[Shinichi Kudo|Shinichi]], sending Conan into a mental frenzy. When asked why she approached them, Jodie says she has an important question for the two girls.<br>
 +
The four head for a department store cafe where Jodie asks if either Ran or Sonoko have experienced sexual assault. Despite Sonoko's faith in Ran's self-defense skills, Jodie ominously stresses the danger posed by an ardent stalker. Conan listens in deep thought.<br>[[File:CH338_ChujoStabbed.png|thumb|left|175px|Chujo leaves "OX∆" as his dying message.]]
 +
The group is then startled by a company executive named Norihisa Kisugi, who yells worrying information into his phone. On the other end of the line, the executive's private investigator, Katsunori Chujo, attempts to leverage a higher pay from his client by saying that his target has offered to pay him more money for his silence. Kisugi breaks under the pressure and quadruples his payment, satisfying Chujo. The Private Investigator ends his call and faces a [[The Criminal|silhouette]] standing in front of him. Chujo He then gives them his commiserations before walking off to expose the silhouette's identity to Kisugi. However, as Chujo prepares to board an escalator, the silhouette charges at him and thrusts a blade into his stomach. The aggressor then purloins several documents their victim's packet just as a blackout strikes the department building. <br>
 +
The lights are soon restored, relieving a frightened Sonoko who is still mentally recovering from her previous incident involving a blackout. <ref name="Girl_Clubbing_Case"> Girl Clubbing Case (Manga: [[Volume_28#Girl_Clubbing_Case|Volume 28-29: 284-286]])</ref> A piercing scream then echoes through the halls, prompting Conan to investigate a large crowd gathering before an escalator. Fighting through the hordes of bystanders, he eventually finds Chujo dead on the steps while hugging a package with the symbols "OX∆" written in blood.<br>[[File:CH338_58Suspects.png|thumb|right|200px|Kisugi shows a list of fifty-eight suspects  who may be guilty of committing the embezzlement.]]
 +
Sometime later, Inspector [[Juzo Megure|Megure]] and [[Wataru Takagi|Takagi]] arrive at the store and open their investigation. While Megure tries his best to tolerate Jodie's antics, a forensic officer interrupts, having recovered the victim's phone. He dials the last registered caller, causing a ringing noise to emanate from the surrounding crowd of bystanders, exposing Kisugi.<br>
 +
The police proceed to interrogate the man, who shares that he recently discovered that someone was quietly embezzling company funds. He then hired Chujo to identify the embezzler, planning on meeting the private investigator in the first floor cafe to discuss his findings. Believing the embezzler to likely be the culprit, Megure asks if Kisugi has any leads on their identity. The executive shows a list of fifty-eight employees, fifty-eight suspects.
  
−
During an English class, rather than listening, Ran thinks about the mysterious man with a knit cap (i.e. Shuichi Akai) and ponders where she could have met him. She also wonders why every time she thinks about that man, the feeling that arose when Shinichi left her at Tropical Land to not come back - the feeling that something is about to be destroyed - is engendered. Her thoughts are interrupted by Jodie, who asks her if she is following the lesson; since the answer is affirmative, Jodie asks Ran about the meaning of the cross on the blackboard. Ran answers hesitantly that it is simply the capital letter X, which causes her classmates to burst into laughter. Jodie, on the other hand, asks Ran to think about it as "homework" and tells her that it is something that cute ladies should know.
+
==== File 339 - OX∆⟏!? ====
−
 
+
[[File:CH339_FBI.png|thumb|left|130px|"FBI..."]]
−
On the way home, Ran discusses the symbol with Sonoko (who did pay attention in class) and Conan. Conan comes up with a number of ideas ranging from the unknown "x" encountered in algebra to X-rays while Sonoko comments that Conan, being a child, will not know this. As Ran tells Conan that it is something important for women, Conan recalls that Yukiko often sends him letters ending with "To my little Shinichi - XXX - Yukiko".
+
Takagi reports that according to witness accounts, Chujo was stabbed at the base of the ascending escalator. His body was subsequently carried to the top by the moving conveyer steps. The investigators brainstorm what the dying message could mean, with Ran innocently suggesting that the X in the message may be related to the X showcased in Jodie's class. Jodie, Sonoko, and surprisingly Takagi humorously dismiss the idea. Conan then points out a vertical line on the left edge of the packet, suggesting "OX∆" is an incomplete dying message. Believing that the blackout hampered Chujo's writing, Conan hints at using [[Wikipedia: Lumiol|luminol]] fluid on the escalator steps to see if any additional symbols were accidentally written off of the packet's surface. Before Takagi can leave to order his suggested forensic analysis, Conan stops him and asks what X means. The sergeant laughs, declining to share the answer.<br>
−
 
+
[[Kazunobu Chiba|Chiba]] then arrives with discarded clothes and gloves likely worn by the culprit. He also reports that after surveying the fifty-eight suspects, only twenty-seven of them had verifiable alibis, leaving thirty-one individuals who were capable of committing the murder. Takagi then returns with results of the luminol test, stating they found the symbol "⟏" on one of the escalator steps. Conan notices the shape being strangely larger than the previous three symbols. Sonoko then surmises that the symbols are meant to be combined to form the culprit's name in kanji. While a promising line of thought at first, the girls' discussion quickly derails, leading Megure to ask they leave the case to the police.<br>
−
Jodie suddenly appears behind them and asks Ran about her “homework”; Ran admits that she still does not know what the cross means. Sonoko suggests that Ran should write an e-mail to Shinichi to ask him and put at the end "If you find the answer, I will give you my precious X". Conan, apparently bothered by Sonoko's words, starts thinking hard again, but gets nowhere. Jodie suggests that the four go to a café because she has something important to ask; the others agree.
+
Takagi is dispatched to aid Chiba in his suspect examination and waits for the store elevator to arrive. Suddenly, a silhouette springs forth and pulls him to a secluded corner, motioning for him to hush. The silhouette is revealed to be Ran, who fervently asks the meaning of X.<br>
−
 
+
Meanwhile, at the escalator base, Jodie calls Conan an "[[Wikipedia: Ostrich|ostrich]]," asking if he has deduced the meanings of the symbols. The boy answers in the negative, prompting the woman to mention that vital federal institutions in the [[Wikipedia: United States|United States]] are often referred to by mundane vernacular, rather than a complex descriptor of their role in government. She lists the [[Wikipedia: The Pentagon|Pentagon]], the [[Wikipedia: White House|White House]], the [[Wikipedia: Oval Office|Oval Office ]], and lastly, the "bureau," the [[Wikipedia: Federal Bureau of Investigation|FBI]]. Conan asks why she called him an ostrich. She answers that after observing the boy being caught by forensic officers for tampering with the crime scene, she was reminded by the ostrich—a clumsy animal, who is convinced of its own safety after only hiding its head, leaving its body exposed. The Teacher's statement triggers a realization in Conan who rushes to the escalator and swipes the packet. "Cool Kid" has solved the case.  
−
After being served drinks, Jodie asks whether Ran and Sonoko have recently been stalked or harassed, and explains that she asks because it has happened to several female students of Teitan High School on public transport. The girls say that this has not happened to them, and that because of Ran's martial abilities they do not have to worry. Jodie still advises them to be cautious, and says in a stern tone that such a person would prowl around where they live and wait patiently for them to lower their guard. The girls repeat their previous answer, and Jodie restores her casual and joyful tone to say that if they ever notice someone suspicious tailing them, they should call her, as Japanese people do not take stalkers seriously, but she thinks that such people should be taught a lesson. Conan notices the change in Jodie's tone and turns serious.
+
<br>
−
 
+
<br>
−
At the table next to theirs sits a company executive called Norihisa Kisugi. He startles them as he shouts in his call to Katsunori Chujo, a detective; he is in the mall where the café is located. In their conversation, Chujo says that the "problematic person" has offered to give him two times of what Kisugi and he agreed on in exchange for Chujo not revealing his findings to Kisugi. Hearing this, Kisugi says in panic that he is willing to pay four times of the previously agreed amount as long as Chujo reveals the name of the problematic person and hands the evidence to him. Chujo accepts, starts walking towards the escalator that leads to the café and tells the problematic person that he is done and that there is plenty of incriminating evidence in the envelope that he is holding.
 
−
 
 
−
Upon hearing this, the problematic man approaches Chujo, stabs him and tries to steal the documents inside the envelope. A blackout immediately ensues, and when the light comes back on Chujo is found dead on the next floor, sitting on the uppermost stairs of the escalator. He manages to hold onto his envelope, and a few symbols (a circle, a cross and a triangle in that order; they are of roughly the same size) that were previously not there are on it. A large crowd gathers around the lifeless body, and Conan and company are attracted to the murdering scene. They call the police after seeing the body.
 
−
 
 
−
Megure, Takagi and Chiba arrive at the mall to investigate. They deduce, despite not knowing what the three symbols mean, that they represent a dying message. Jodie deliberately makes a rather silly comment; she says that the symbols can be found on a games console. The police find that the last call that Chujo made before death was to Kisugi, and they sit down at a table in the café to discuss Kisugi's relationship with the deceased.
 
−
 
 
−
Kusugi explains that he is an executive of the company located on floors 8 to 11 of the mall, and that one of its employees embezzled a large amount of money last month. He has been ordered to find the embezzler, and as a result he turned to Chujo (more precisely, the detective agency that Chujo headed). Chujo found the person behind the embezzlement and they arranged a meeting in the café so that Chujo could give his findings to Kisugi. However, Chujo was late (probably because the problematic person was talking to him), leading to the phone call. The police deduce from these pieces of information that the embezzler was the problematic person, that he killed Chujo to not get exposed, and that he took advantage of the accidental blackout to escape to his office in the company. Megure asks whether Kisugi has any idea of who the embezzler is, and the latter hands him a list of the 58 employees that Chujo was suspecting a week ago (the list was the mid-term report of Chujo's investigation). Megure is slightly overwhelmed by the number of suspects and comments that it will take a very long time to thoroughly investigate all of them.
 
−
 
 
−
==== File 339 - OX△□!? ====
 
−
 
 
−
Takagi reports that Chujo's fingerprints have been found on the symbols written by blood, thereby confirming that the envelope does contain a dying message. Conan and the police thus start thinking about things relevant to the symbols, and Ran innocently suggests that the cross in the dying message might have the same meaning as Jodie's cross. Jodie and Sonoko dismiss this idea and laugh out loud, and Takagi joins the conversation (as he also knows what the cross means in that case). Megure overhears their laughter and orders Takagi to explain, but Takagi insists that that interpretation is completely irrelevant to the case. Conan points out that since there is a vertical line on the left edge of the envelope (i.e. on the left of the circle symbol), there must be more to the dying message. He suggests that it might be found on a step of the escalator, as Chujo likely wrote the dying message during the blackout (meaning that he could not see where he was writing; even if he knew that he was writing in the wrong place, since he knew that his death was likely imminent, he probably did not try to rectify it) and while he was being transported by the escalator to the current floor. By using the luminol reaction, it is revealed that the fourth symbol is a square which is slightly bigger than the other three symbols.
 
−
 
 
−
Meanwhile, by collecting the alibis of the employees on the list, Chiba is able to reduce the number of suspects to 31 (i.e. there are 27 employees with a verifiable and reliable alibi). Sonoko grabs this renewed suspect list from Megure and Jodie, Ran and she point out that some kanjis on the list can be formed by combining two or more symbols and others represent an object that can be drawn as one of the symbols. For example, the first kanji of the suspect Suzuki Tsubasa (the native form of this name is 鈴木翼) is "鈴", which means "bell" and thus can be simplified to a circle. Since Sonoko and this person share the same surname, she impatiently tells Ran that he cannot possibly be the culprit. Megure, feeling that their conversation has gone astray, gets the list back and orders the girls, Jodie and Conan to leave the case to the police.
 
−
 
 
−
Now that Ran can no longer contribute to the case, she approaches Takagi (who left the crime scene to help Chiba, who had returned to the company to conduct further investigations) to ask about the meaning of the cross. Takagi tells her what it means, and says that he knows it because Yumi Miyamoto often sends him messages with multiple crosses at the end as a joke. On the contrary, when Conan asked him the same question a moment ago, Takagi just pat Conan on the head and told him that he is too young for such matters; this response rendered Conan visibly annoyed.
 
−
 
 
−
Back at the crime scene, Jodie, who seems to have figured out the meaning of the dying message, gives hints to Conan. She mentions that in the U.S. federal government, one of the most important agencies is the FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation), and tells him about a saying that goes "you can hide the head (of an ostrich), but not the tail". This saying inspires Conan and allows him to instantly figure out who the embezzler is from the list of 31. As confidence emerges on Conan's face, Jodie, who is gazing at him, smiles.
 
  
 
==== People ====
 
==== People ====

Latest revision as of 03:07, 29 August 2025

Chronology
‹ Volume 32 List of Chapters • List of Cases Volume 34 ›
Volume 33

Volume 33.jpg

Information
Release date: July 18, 2001
Chapters: 329-339
ISBN: ISBN 4-09-126163-9
Publisher: Shogakukan
English release date: January 9, 2010
English ISBN: ISBN 1-4215-2884-3
English Publisher: Viz Media
Featured Detective & Keyhole
Detective 33.jpg
Philo Vance 		Keyhole 33.jpg
Kazunobu Chiba
Aoyama's death & Conan side images
Aoyama 33.jpg
ConanSide 33.jpg

Volume 33 was released on July 18, 2001 in Japan.

Cast

Gadgets

Chapters

Sato's Omiai Case

Anime Episode 253-254: Metropolitan Police Detective Love Story 4

File 329 - Sato's Odds

Takagi learns about Sato's omiai.

Sato confirms her deal with Shiratori, agreeing to set the time limit with the setting of the sun. Her boldness surprises her spies in the room next door, as Ran and Sonoko question her end game. Internally Sato hopes for Yumi's dispatch, likely Takagi, to rescue her from the omiai.
Meanwhile, Takagi and Chiba discuss the conflicting witness reports about the thief's characteristics. They decide to interrogate their three suspects. Kamieda is a tutor, Zama is a freeter/band member, and Koshimizu is an office worker. Takagi notices Koshimizu wearing two wristwatches, which she explains is because she is tracking her boyfriend's time zone. He also asks Zama about his band, which he answers is a visual kei group.

Back at the omiai, Shiratori receives word from Megure about Takagi's quandary and relays the news to Sato. She attempts to call the sergeant, but is stopped by Shiratori, who says making contact is unfair. He adds that Takagi cannot abandon his duties as a police officer, as such an act, coupled with his previous failure to prevent an interrogee's murder, will undoubtedly amount to a discharge.[1] Therefore, Sato has no choice but to hope her "savior" will solve the case before time runs out. Hearing their exchange, Conan decides to act.

Ran somehow recognizes Akai.

As the three suspects grow increasingly restless about their detainment, Takagi surprisingly receives a phone call from Shinichi Kudo, who informs him about Sato's omiai. Takagi stares aghast at the expository message, unable to properly comprehend his predicament. Once the sergeant regains his composure, he shares the case details with Shinichi, who begins by instructing him to revisit the third witness: the cafe owner. Takagi complies and enters the establishment, taking the man outdoors. The owner's glasses begin to shade, transforming into sunglasses and revealing themselves to be transition lenses. Shinchi explains that such a lens will naturally warp one's color perceptions. He then directs the sergeant to inspect where the second witness, the school girl, saw the suspect. If the road was crowded during the time of the robbery, one would logically stray from the main path and run on the curb to circumvent obstacles. Therefore, the girl likely saw the culprit running on a raised platform, which would make them appear ten additional centimeters taller than their true height. The "puzzle" slowly begins to fit together. Araide notices Conan's absence. Ran believes he is still using the bathroom and goes to check on him. As she walks through the venue's corridors, she happens to see Akai exit the men's bathroom. His face catches her attention as one that she had seen somewhere before. She shrugs the feeling off and calls for Conan, who panics and is forced to leave Takagi to solve the case on his own.
Dusk nears, and an orange hue begins to tint the world. With about forty minutes left, Shiratori turns to Sato, saying that if he wins, he would like a kiss as a sign of commitment.

File 330 - Sato's Feelings

Takagi returns to his vehicle and informs Chiba about his failure to make meaningful progress on the case. He sighs, saying they have plenty of time, mentioning that it is still currently 15:00. However, the suspects are quick to correct the sergeant about the time, raising their wrists to check their watches. Takagi shoots his arm into the back row and grasps the culprit's arm.

Takagi's romantic regret.

Takagi solemnly sits on a grassy ridge with the apprehended culprit beside him. Chiba catches up to him and commends him for his work. Yet, Takagi remains pensive, stating he had "failed to catch the one he should have." Chiba, however, states his dismay in his colleague's resignation, and gives a fiery speech which inspires Takagi to sprint to the omiai.

Conan uses Araide's profile and his bowtie to create the illusion of Takagi's presence.

Shiratori notices Sato's gloomy expression and pulls her close to comfort her. Their four spies express varying emotions, ranging from vicarious bliss to deep concern. Conan stands in blank silence before calling Araide to the side. The boy quickly swipes his glasses and places the pair by the entrance to the omiai room. As the two officers lean in for a kiss, Sato begins to realize the true depth of her love for Takagi, and feels immense remorse. Suddenly, the two hear a familiar voice, Takagi's voice. Sato and Shiratori turn to the sliding door and see a masculine profile visible between the frames, along with a report about a nearby crime. Sato bursts open the door but only sees Conan, with his bowtie, and a confused Araide. She asks about Takagi's whereabouts, to which Araide answers that he has already left the venue. As Sato runs to join her true love outside, Araide gives Conan a sly wink.
Meanwhile, the real Takagi arrives fatigued at the venue entrance and laments his failure. He then hears Sato's voice yelling at him to board her car, reminding him about the "nearby crime." Conan gleefully watches the two drive off, remarking that the couple's clumsy nature reminded him about his relationship with Ran, which impelled him to push the odds in their favor.


People

  • Mrs. Sato
    Mrs Sato manga.jpg
    • Miwako Sato's mother
  • Isokichi Kamoi
    Isokichi Kamoi manga.jpg
    • Ninzaburo Shiratori's butler
  • Hiroshi Zama
    Hiroshi Zama manga.jpg
    • 21 years old
    • Unemployed
  • Eiko Koshimizu
    Eiko Koshimizu manga.jpg
    • 28 years old
    • Office worker
  • Yasuo Kamieda
    Yasuo Kamieda manga.jpg
    • 32 years old
    • School coach
  • Old man
    328-330 Old man manga.jpg
    • Retiree
  • Girl
    328-330 Shopping girl manga.jpg
    • Shopping girl
  • Mamehara
    Mamehara manga.jpg
    • Café owner

    • Major Events

    • Major romantic development between Takagi and Sato.
      • Sato accidentally finds herself in an omiai with Shiratori.
        • Takagi rescues her from her unwanted marriage.
      • Sato realizes that she is in love with Takagi.
    • Akai continues his search for his target at the omiai venue.
      • Ran passes by Akai and inexplicably recognizes him.



    Valentine Chocolate Case

    Anime Episode 266-268: The Truth Behind Valentine's

    File 331 - Bloody Valentine 1

    Conan sees through the facade of capitalism.

    Conan voices on his distaste for Valentine's Day, diminishing it as a corporate ploy to increase chocolate sales. Conan's opinion, coupled with Haibara's explanation about the holiday's gruesome origin, shatters Genta and Mitsuhiko's rose-tinted impression of the festivities. Still, Ayumi interjects and expresses her enduring positivity for the chocolate-based event. Curious, Haibara asks Conan what the "girl at the detective agency" plans to do. Conan denies any knowledge, adding that their plans are occupied by a visit to a chalet on Mount Suito. Haibara wishes them safety, mentioning Al Capone's Valentine's Day massacre, which reminds Conan about James Black's bizarre description of Chicago.[2]

    The next day, Conan joins Ran, Sonoko, and Kogoro in the drive to the chalet. Sonoko reveals that Suito Chalet's chocolate-making experience is renowned for its ability to enable romantic success, leading Ran to assume she will bake a batch for Makoto. Instead, Sonoko appears downcast, explaining that Makoto has not been returning her calls lately. She also mentions her aborted plan to "make a hand-woven sweater for an ambiguous recipient" to elicit feelings of jealousy in Makoto, saying she had actually employed the gimmick this time using Valentines chocolate instead.[3] She wishes she had made clear intentions and lets Ran comfort her. Sonoko then turns to her friend and calls her strong, citing her ability to remain cheerful without Shinichi. Ran laughs the notion off, replying that she is used to it.

    Sonoko completes her chocolate.

    Once there, they meet the chalet's owner, Chiyoko Yuasa, who mentions her declining business as the result of a spreading ghost story. She warns Ran about venturing into the blizzard, implying the existence of the supernatural. A guest, Yoshitaka Nigaki, explains the authorities occasionally find strewn chocolate around the corpses they discover on the winter mountain. After amply scaring Ran and Sonoko, he announces his departure into the forest to his friends, Mika Konagawa and Ako Amari. As the man sets off, Conan asks his friends about his profession. They explain he is a journalist who is searching the mountains to take photograph evidence of the Japanese Wolf's enduring existence, adding that he claims to have seen the supposedly extinct canine five years ago. The group is then passed by a rifle-wielding, Yuzo Sakami, a hunter who wishes to capture the animal. He asks Yuasa to accommodate his incoming friends, a task the owner delegates to Kogoro, stating she must visit her late husband's grave. She calls her shikoku dog, Saburo, and walks into the forest. Kogoro speculates Nigaki mistook a roaming Saburo for a wolf, but the two women deny the notion, explaining that Saburo was in his pen during his late-night expedition. Amari then suggests they start preparing the chocolate baking process.

    In the kitchen, Konagawa and Amari lead the workshop. The former tells Ran that Yuasa's husband had perished in an avalanche about three Valentine's Days ago. He was buried alongside Amari's brother, whose body is yet to be found. Amari says she has volunteered annually at chalet ever since, hoping he is somehow still alive. Sonoko manages to complete a beautiful chocolate piece dedicated to Makoto. Ran gives a melancholic smile which Conan observes from afar. The group notices the worsening weather, and Amari and Konagawa rush into the forest to call Nigaki back.

    Conan finds Nigaki's body in the snow.
    A mysterious man dressed like Akai lurks in the blizzard.

    Sometime later, the two return frightened, saying Nigaki is nowhere to be found. Kogoro, Ran, and Yuasa join a second search, while Conan disobeys Ran and creates his own search party with Saburo. With the chalet now empty, an unknown fatigued individual enters through the kitchen door and approaches the completed chocolates.
    The searching group suddenly hears a gunshot, and are joined by another hunter named Hajime Itakura, who joins their search. Meanwhile, Conan manages to locate Nigaki. He steps closer and finds him deceased via bludgeoning, along with Amari's chocolate laid on his lap.

    File 332 - Bloody Valentine 2

    The main group follows the sound of Saburo's barking and unites with Conan, who regrettably shows them Nigaki's corpse. Kogoro holds back Nigaki's horrified friends and examines the body, finding a large bloodied tree branch which likely served as the weapon. Kogoro notes the confounding effects the snow can have on the investigation. Conan notices Nigaki's missing right contact lens through his worn goggles and hints that it was likely lost when he was bludgeoned—meaning the culprit deliberately placed his goggles over his eyes to make the murder appear like it was committed during daylight. He then shows the group Amari's chocolate, confirming that the corpse was visited recently. The group is suddenly joined by Sakami, who says they are temporarily disconnected from the police since a crucial tunnel was hit with a small avalanche. Left with no choice, the group decides to return to the chalet.
    Kogoro calls the police via the landline and confirms Sakami's story, while Ran confirms the absence of Amari's chocolate from the kitchen table. Kogoro searches through Nigaki's video camera, but only finds one used film roll. Konagawa offers to develop the film for him using the bathroom as a darkroom; Ran joins her. When asked if there is any additional footage, Amari points to the several rolls Nigaki used to record scenes last night. Conan asks if they can see the contents, and Amari agrees to display the recordings on the chalet television, despite Sakami and Itakura's qualms.

    As the tapes display moments of standard banter between friends, the display begins to glitch. Kogoro to angrily shakes the screen and accidentally topples a daruma doll which rolls off the side. Saburo catches the daruma, while Yuasa says her antiquated television is a treasured artifact her late husband bought with his first wife, Reiko, who had died due to illness twelve years ago. With the conclusion Nigaki's tapes, Kogoro comments on the lack of meaningful information.

    Nigaki's final photo is tainted with his blood.

    Ran and Konagawa then return with a photograph depicting Nigaki's final moments: an extreme low-angle shot of a tree at noon with three large blurred marks in frame. Konagawa explains that Nigaki's blood likely tainted the lens, creating the large marks. Conan internally remarks on the strangeness of the photograph. Kogoro's suspicions are directed at Yuasa, Sakami, and Itakura, who are the only three individuals without an alibi. The hunters object, stating they would not have the time to both kill Nigaki and steal Amari's chocolate. Yuasa on the other hand, floats the idea of an external threat still lurking in the blizzard. In response, Itakura mentions seeing an unsettling large man wearing a beanie on his way to the chalet. His description cannot help but conjure images of Akai in Conan's mind. Meanwhile, in the storm, a man perfectly fitting Itakura's description boldly observes the chalet from afar.

    File 333 - Bloody Valentine 3

    Ran asks Itakura for clarification about the mysterious man's appearance, saying she might be acquainted with him—a statement which astounds Conan. Konagawa trembly suggests he is Natsuya, Amari's missing brother. She manically heads for the outdoors to look for him in the storm, but Amari holds her back and shouts that her boyfriend, Natsuya, is dead, restoring clarity in the crestfallen woman. The hunters then reiterate their innocence and blame the murder on the prowling man in the beanie. Seeing the group's dissatisfaction with their answer, Sakami accuses Amari, stating that she could have baked a second identical piece of chocolate. By placing one piece on Nigaki's lap and discarding the original left on the kitchen table, she could create a false alibi. Konagawa disagrees, reminding them that Nigaki was killed hours before they went searching for him. She also compares the chocolate found at the crime with a photograph of Amari's original chocolate, proving they are identical. The hunters acknowledge their flawed logic and return to their respective rooms to sleep.

    Conan asks if all the developed photographs were truly taken between today and yesterday, as the film roll could have been swapped. The group decides to compare the footage and finds that, indeed, the subjects' clothes are exactly the same between the videos and the photos, suggesting both were taken on the same day. Given that the last photograph had the bloodied frame, Nigaki's time of death at noon is largely confirmed. Ran also confirms that Konagawa did not tamper with the equipment in the darkroom. She does, however, mention there were two completely black photographs taken prior to the last photo. Although Konagawa assumes it was Nigaki's error, Conan remains dubious of the photo's credibility. He then notices the television display footage of Nigaki throwing a toy ball to Saburo; the dog unexpectedly shows disinterest in playing. Conan asks Yuasa about the reason for Saburo's name, and she replies that it is because he was her husband's third dog, following Taro and Jiro, who have both since passed. Per Conan's request, Amari and Konagawa head for Yuasa's late husband's room (currently a guest room assigned to Nigaki) to retrieve a photo album containing pictures of Jiro. As Yuasa informs Conan about Saburo's strange eating habits during snow storms, the group hears a piercing scream cut through the chalet.

    Conan is saddened that Ran cannot bring herself to address her chocolate to Shinichi.

    Kogoro and company join Konagawa and Amari at Nigaki's room where they find Sakami and Itakura rummaging through his belongings. The hunters explain that they were looking for clues, but acknowledge their mistake and agree to be frisked for stolen items. Conan notices a sweater stained with a line of blood disrupted in the middle. Konagawa says Nigaki wore the sweater yesterday when he accidentally cut himself while cutting chocolate. Yuasa then shows Conan a picture of Jiro and Saburo, two identical dogs whom even their owner struggles the tell apart.
    Conan silently enters Saburo's room and drops his favorite ball in front of his pen. The dog Saburo eagerly tries to reach his toy, an action which allows Conan to complete the puzzle; he has solved the trick. He then enters the kitchen, still needing definitive evidence. He notices the various completed chocolates lined on the table and manages to identify Ran's. Seeing the unadorned labeling, Conan cannot help but empathize with her conflicting emotions, and gives a gloomy expression. A strong gust of wintery wind blows into the room as something enters the chalet from the freezing outdoors, making Conan smile. Kogoro then also enters the room and is surprised by the sudden appearance. Conan capitalizes on Kogoro's state of confusion and tranquilizes him. The chalet guests react in shock as Conan informs them that "Kogoro" has solved the case, directing them to the kitchen.


    File 334 - Bloody Valentine 4

    Sonoko ensnares Makoto's heart.

    With the case solved and culprits apprehended, a flustered Sonoko asks why Makoto is at the chalet. He explains that he is here to see if the man Sonoko has been teasing him with is indeed worthy of receiving her affection. Believing his romantic rival has received her handmade sweater, teacup, and now chocolate, he demands he step forward. However, his macho demeanor collapses upon seeing his name written on Sonoko's chocolate. Ran also explains that Sonoko had abandoned her sweater project and that he is her teacup's recipient, having mistaken it for a flower pot.[3][4] Embarrassed, Makoto heads for the exit, but is stopped by Sonoko. Meanwhile, Conan watches in utter shock as the girl's absurd romantic machinations result in a total success.

    Ran receives Shinichi's teasing message.

    A few days later on Valentine's Day, Ran tells Sonoko that she did not address her chocolate to anyone. Sonoko eventually rushes off to see Makoto off at the airport, leaving Ran to internally comment that "she is not as strong as Sonoko thinks she is." Upon returning to the detective agency, her tears begin to pour, lamenting her worsening loneliness and helplessness. Conan silently observes her from behind the door.
    Later on, as snow begins to descend onto the city streets, Ran wakes up from a long nap she took on the agency sofa. She finds herself covered by a coat and wonders who had blanketed her. Noticing the time, she panics and checks her phone, discovering an unopened message with a photo attachment. To her surprise, the photo is of her sleeping, captioned with a message from "Detective Kid." Suddenly, her phone rings. She picks up, only to hear Shinichi, the "Detective Kid," speaking to her. She rushes to open the window and demands he shows himself. Shinichi explains that he came to the agency but did not dare to wake her after seeing her sleeping so soundly. He also says he was hungry and had eaten her "peach-like" chocolate left on the table, much to Ran's shock. He generously compliments the sweet, asking where she had purchased it. Ran, delighted, comments that its origins will forever remain a secret, a store only she knows. She looks out the window with a satisfied expression and continues her conversation with Shinichi, comically commenting that "Detective Kid" is a rather cheesy title, much to Conan's chagrin.

    People

  • Chiyoko Yuasa
    Chiyoko Yuasa manga.jpg
    • 61 years old
    • Chalet owner
  • Yoshitaka Nigaki
    Yoshitaka Nigaki manga.jpg
    • Victim (beaten)
    • 28 years old
    • Chalet guest
    • Journalist
  • Mika Konakawa
    Mika Konakawa manga.jpg
    • 26 years old
    • Chalet guest
    • Camerawoman
  • Ako Amari
    Ako Amari manga.jpg
    • 25 years old
    • Chalet guest
    • Nigaki's girlfriend
  • Yuzo Sakami
    Yuzo Sakami manga.jpg
    • 42 years old
    • Chalet guest
    • Hunter
  • Saburo
    Saburo Dog manga.jpg
    • Chiyoko's pet dog
    • Shikoku Dog
  • Hajime Itakura
    Hajime Itakura manga.jpg
    • 37 years old
    • Chalet guest
    • Hunter

    • Major Events

    • Major romantic development between Sonoko and Makoto.
      • Sonoko's long-planned romantic ploy to elicit an emotional response from Makoto proves to be a resounding success.
      • Makoto disproves his perceived aloofness and receives Sonoko's Valentine's Day chocolate.
    • Romantic development between Ran and Shinichi.
      • Shinichi alleviates Ran's loneliness with a mischievous, yet endearing act followed by a long phone call.
    • Conan learns that Ran may be familiar with Akai.



    Missing Watch Case

    Anime Episode 269-270: The Forgotten Memento from the Crime

    File 335 - Memento of a Wife

    The Detective Boys are invited to the Mouri Detective Agency, where they marvel at Ran's detailed chocolate replicas of each of their faces. As the children shower Ran with praise and gratitude, Conan questions how she had the time to bake these pieces, citing their absence from the chalet kitchen table. She answers that they served as her test batch, which she stored in the refrigerator.[5] The cheerful banter is interrupted by Kogoro, who complains that their commotion is disrupting his work. Genta and Mitsuhiko question if the Detective is truly engaging in meaningful labor. Their skepticism is vindicated when Ayumi unplugs his pocket radio, loudly playing a horse racing broadcast. Kogoro's embarrassment is luckily cut short when a client rings the doorbell.

    The Detective Boys explore Morita's digital collection.

    The client, Hideo Morita, asks for the Detective's help in finding a lost wristwatch that belonged to his late wife, saying that his dreams are haunted by scenes of her "questioning the time." He believes if he can locate her missing wristwatch, her spirit will pass on into the afterlife. Hearing the man's seemingly trivial request, Kogoro goes ballistic, deeming it not worth his time. As Morita leaves in disappointment, he is approached by the Detective Boys, who offer their services free of charge.

    The group arrives at Morita's apartment, where Agasa notices the wilting flowers displayed in a vase near the entrance. Morita explains that he has properly maintained them ever since his wife died in a traffic accident three weeks ago, but acknowledges their natural decline. Meanwhile, the children are awestruck at the sight of Morita's audio room, fitted with audio speakers, television monitors, DVDs, and pamphlets. Suddenly, another apartment resident, Eiko Idetsuki, rings the doorbell and demands Morita pay his debt. The man hands her ¥5,000,000 (~$50,000), a quarter of what he owes her, and says he intends to settle the rest by selling his apartment. He also shows her a DVD copy of Sakura Sanjuurou that he managed to acquire, which greatly excites her. She immediately moves to the audio room to watch the movie, removing the Detective Boys in the process. Morita shows an infuriated expression as Idetsuki closes the door behind her.

    Conan and Morita find the entrance vase shattered on Idetsuki's head.

    The Detective Boys continue their fruitless search into the dusk hours, motivating Morita to prepare sandwiches as a gesture of gratitude, which rejuvenates the children, especially Genta. He then tasks Conan and Ayumi with delivering tea and sandwiches to Idetsuki. The two quietly enter the audio room and offer the tense woman food. She orders them to hush, clearly rapt in the film. Per her instructions, they leave the food at the rear table and return to the kitchen.
    Conan then notices Morita's laundry situation and deduces that even someone who perpetually wears their wristwatch would still remove it when they bathe. He then rushes to the filled laundry machine and empties its contents. Ayumi notices a solid object hit the floor and finds the working wristwatch, much to Conan's surprise. As Morita expresses his deep appreciation, Conan's suspicions rise—Morita likely lied about losing the watch. Suddenly, the sound of a violent crash punctuates the moment. Conan hears the front door slam shut while rushing to the audio room. Upon entering, he finds Idetsuki dead, bludgeoned with a now shattered vase.

    File 336 - Clean Scent

    Inspector Megure and Takagi arrive at the crime scene and identify Morita's entrance vase as the murder weapon. They immediately suspect Morita himself for the crime, and retrace his steps. With the Detective Boys' help, the police determine that Morita was capable of slipping away from the kitchen while he made sandwiches. Given there is a hallway that directly connects the kitchen to the audio room, Morita could have easily bludgeoned Idetsuki, masking the sound of her death with the blaring movie audio, and then played sound recordings of the vase's shattering remotely from next to the laundry machine. However, Conan disproves the theory, recalling that Idetsuki was still alive when him and Ayumi visited the audio room to deliver sandwiches. Chiba then arrives and reports on Idetsuki's relationships with her neighboring tenants. He explains that she often loaned large sums of money and charged high interest rates, meaning she was likely an unpopular character. Additionally, a sizable portion of the apartment's tenants were aware of her location, as they were used to hearing her blast the audio of the films she watched in Morita's audio room. With the possibility of an external culprit, Megure orders a comprehensive investigation of all who were indebted to Idetsuki.

    Takagi reveals that someone had stolen the police files pertaining to cases Kogoro was involved in solving.
    Conan expresses his resolve to put Ran's safety above all else.

    Agasa approaches Conan and comments on the case, but the boy quickly surmises that Morita is the murderer. He explains that manual wristwatches like Morita's need to be rewound roughly every fifty hours to remain accurate. Nevertheless, Morita's watch remained perfectly in-synch upon its discovery three weeks after its supposed disappearance. Therefore, Morita likely deliberately hid to wristwatch as a means of attracting an external witness who can confirm his alibi.

    While pondering the case details, Conan notices Takagi ask Morita if he noticed any suspicious individuals loitering around the Mouri Detective Agency. Curious, Conan asks the sergeant for clarification. Takagi kneels down to the boy and quietly reveals that someone is secretly investigating Kogoro. He says that all of the files regarding cases involving Kogoro were stolen from the police headquarters, but were recently mailed back anonymously without any alteration. Alarmed, Conan asks when they were stolen, to which Takagi answers: on the day of the bus hijacking.[6] The police are currently investigating the matter, looking for anyone who may harbor feelings of animosity towards the Detective. As Takagi takes his leave, Conan worries that the target is not Kogoro, but rather himself. Agasa leans in and asks what he was told, but Conan demurs. Haibara, able to broadly infer the nature of the news, internally comments on the negative externalities of the pursuit of justice. Conan's righteousness, while commendable, may very well bring about his ruin.

    Conan tinkers with the VHS players.

    Genta then notices a strange smell in the kitchen and tracks its source to then microwave, but finds it empty. Conan opens a nearby trash can and finds a bouquet of dry flowers disposed inside. Inspired by Genta's mention of a "sandwich," Conan inspects the kitchen cupboard before running to the audio room. Using Takagi as a means of vertical transport, he reaches above the television and pulls back a shelf curtain revealing several stacks of VHS players. Conan spots a timer on one of the devices and switches it on, calibrating another device to its left, which displays a cassette symbol. Having collected the necessary pieces of evidence, Conan deduces Morita's remote murder trick.

    File 337 - Life of a Flower...

    Conan calls the Mouri Detective Agency but receives no answer. His fears are momentarily interrupted when Agasa reports that the police are interested in his deduction and have agreed to cooperate with his experiment. Conan then directs Ayumi, Mitsuhiko, and Genta to take their positions. Haibara, having noticed Conan's trepidations, reminds him about the dangers of revealing his true identity Ran, although not without sympathizing with his emotions from receiving chocolate. Conan solemnly reassures her that he accepted her present in a platonic manner, much to Agasa and Haibara's surprise. He adds that if he were to advance their relationship, it would only deepen their mutual loneliness. Not wanting to "see her tears anymore," he vows to keep her away from the danger, even at the cost of his emotional wellbeing. Haibara gives a respectful smile, internally commenting on their respective "pain."
    The Detective Boys report to Megure about a missing item in Morita's apartment, arguing that the culprit's motive was theft, not murder. Megure and Morita accompany the children to the kitchen where they are shown a bowl without its base. Takagi then arrives and escorts Morita back to the audio room for a brief crime scene interrogation. Upon entering, Morita reacts in shock at the sight of the activated VHS player above the television. He raises concern about a stack of VHS tapes placed in front of his players. The forensic officers assure him that their placement is temporary. Megure then orders a recreation of the events leading Idetsuki's murder, casting Takagi as the culprit and Agasa as Idetsuki. Morita frantically asks to play Idetsuki, stating that his familiarity with the room makes him better suited for the role; Megure accepts.
    The actors proceed with the simulation, as Morita crouches to remove the tape from the player. Conan interjects, asking why he chose not to use the "eject" button on his VHS remote. Before the man can explain, Conan presses the button, causing the player to fiercely eject its contents and startling Morita. He quickly covers his head with his hands, expecting an impact. After a few moments, he opens his eyes, free of harm.

    Akai ominously spies on the Mouri Detective Agency.

    With the case solved, Conan quietly takes his leave. Haibara silently watches him rush for the Detective Agency while internally reflecting on his reckless quest for justice using a metaphor of a flower.
    Conan's jog gradually accelerates into a sprint as he frantically dials the agency but gets no response. He ascends the stairs and bursts into the main room, finding it eerily empty with the television still playing. He then checks on the third floor, finding it in a similar state. His worries crescendo as the image of Akai pops into his mind. Suddenly, his eyes are covered by a cheerful Ran, who explains that Kogoro had managed bet on a winning horse, bringing in massive winnings. He is out bragging about his victory while Ran rushed off to the supermarket to purchase a more expensive cut of steak for their dinner. Relieved, Conan hesitates to ask an important question. He remembers Ran expressing familiarity with a man in a beanie at the Suito chalet, and wonders if she knows Akai.[5] However, he aborts the question before asking, concluding she would obviously not.
    Meanwhile, Akai ominously smokes a cigarette, observing the Detective Agency from across the street.

    People

  • Hideo Morita
    Hideo Morita manga.jpg
    • 49 years old
    • Mouri Detective Agency client
  • Eiko Idetsuki
    Eiko Idetsuki manga.jpg
    • Victim (beaten)
    • 46 years old
    • Apartment resident
  • Mrs. Morita
    Mrs. Morita manga.jpg
    • Deceased
    • Hideo Morita's late wife

    • Major Events

    • Someone had stolen police files that documented cases Kogoro solved from the police headquarters, suggesting Kogoro is being investigated.
      • Akai is seen spying on the Mouri Detective Agency.
    • Romantic development between Shinichi and Ran.



    Escalator Message Case

    Anime Episode 271-272: The Secret Rushed Omission

    File 338 - The Meaning of X

    Jodie asks an inattentive Ran the meaning of "X."

    Ran deeply ponders about the identity of the man in the beanie, strangely feeling the same unease she felt when Shinichi left her at Tropical Land.[7] Her fixation pulls her focus away from her English class, prompting Jodie to call on her, asking what the "X" on the blackboard means. Her answers rudimentary answer is jeered by her classmates, and Jodie assigns the question as homework for Ran.
    On the walk back home, Ran tells Conan about X, wondering if he has any ideas as for what it could mean. The boy's mind scrolls through dozens of various meanings of X, but fails to pinpoint a plausible candidate, especially after Ran adds that it is a feminine mark. He does, however, recall his mother signing her letters with "xxx" shortly before her signature. As Ran and Sonoko comment on Jodie's improvement as a teacher, they are suddenly interrupted by Jodie herself, who asks if Ran has solved her assignment yet. Sonoko floats the idea of directing the question to Shinichi, sending Conan into a mental frenzy. When asked why she approached them, Jodie says she has an important question for the two girls.

    The four head for a department store cafe where Jodie asks if either Ran or Sonoko have experienced sexual assault. Despite Sonoko's faith in Ran's self-defense skills, Jodie ominously stresses the danger posed by an ardent stalker. Conan listens in deep thought.

    Chujo leaves "OX∆" as his dying message.

    The group is then startled by a company executive named Norihisa Kisugi, who yells worrying information into his phone. On the other end of the line, the executive's private investigator, Katsunori Chujo, attempts to leverage a higher pay from his client by saying that his target has offered to pay him more money for his silence. Kisugi breaks under the pressure and quadruples his payment, satisfying Chujo. The Private Investigator ends his call and faces a silhouette standing in front of him. Chujo He then gives them his commiserations before walking off to expose the silhouette's identity to Kisugi. However, as Chujo prepares to board an escalator, the silhouette charges at him and thrusts a blade into his stomach. The aggressor then purloins several documents their victim's packet just as a blackout strikes the department building.

    The lights are soon restored, relieving a frightened Sonoko who is still mentally recovering from her previous incident involving a blackout. [3] A piercing scream then echoes through the halls, prompting Conan to investigate a large crowd gathering before an escalator. Fighting through the hordes of bystanders, he eventually finds Chujo dead on the steps while hugging a package with the symbols "OX∆" written in blood.

    Kisugi shows a list of fifty-eight suspects who may be guilty of committing the embezzlement.

    Sometime later, Inspector Megure and Takagi arrive at the store and open their investigation. While Megure tries his best to tolerate Jodie's antics, a forensic officer interrupts, having recovered the victim's phone. He dials the last registered caller, causing a ringing noise to emanate from the surrounding crowd of bystanders, exposing Kisugi.
    The police proceed to interrogate the man, who shares that he recently discovered that someone was quietly embezzling company funds. He then hired Chujo to identify the embezzler, planning on meeting the private investigator in the first floor cafe to discuss his findings. Believing the embezzler to likely be the culprit, Megure asks if Kisugi has any leads on their identity. The executive shows a list of fifty-eight employees, fifty-eight suspects.

    File 339 - OX∆⟏!?

    "FBI..."

    Takagi reports that according to witness accounts, Chujo was stabbed at the base of the ascending escalator. His body was subsequently carried to the top by the moving conveyer steps. The investigators brainstorm what the dying message could mean, with Ran innocently suggesting that the X in the message may be related to the X showcased in Jodie's class. Jodie, Sonoko, and surprisingly Takagi humorously dismiss the idea. Conan then points out a vertical line on the left edge of the packet, suggesting "OX∆" is an incomplete dying message. Believing that the blackout hampered Chujo's writing, Conan hints at using luminol fluid on the escalator steps to see if any additional symbols were accidentally written off of the packet's surface. Before Takagi can leave to order his suggested forensic analysis, Conan stops him and asks what X means. The sergeant laughs, declining to share the answer.
    Chiba then arrives with discarded clothes and gloves likely worn by the culprit. He also reports that after surveying the fifty-eight suspects, only twenty-seven of them had verifiable alibis, leaving thirty-one individuals who were capable of committing the murder. Takagi then returns with results of the luminol test, stating they found the symbol "⟏" on one of the escalator steps. Conan notices the shape being strangely larger than the previous three symbols. Sonoko then surmises that the symbols are meant to be combined to form the culprit's name in kanji. While a promising line of thought at first, the girls' discussion quickly derails, leading Megure to ask they leave the case to the police.
    Takagi is dispatched to aid Chiba in his suspect examination and waits for the store elevator to arrive. Suddenly, a silhouette springs forth and pulls him to a secluded corner, motioning for him to hush. The silhouette is revealed to be Ran, who fervently asks the meaning of X.
    Meanwhile, at the escalator base, Jodie calls Conan an "ostrich," asking if he has deduced the meanings of the symbols. The boy answers in the negative, prompting the woman to mention that vital federal institutions in the United States are often referred to by mundane vernacular, rather than a complex descriptor of their role in government. She lists the Pentagon, the White House, the Oval Office , and lastly, the "bureau," the FBI. Conan asks why she called him an ostrich. She answers that after observing the boy being caught by forensic officers for tampering with the crime scene, she was reminded by the ostrich—a clumsy animal, who is convinced of its own safety after only hiding its head, leaving its body exposed. The Teacher's statement triggers a realization in Conan who rushes to the escalator and swipes the packet. "Cool Kid" has solved the case.

    People

  • Norihisa Kisugi
    Norihisa Kisugi manga.jpg
    • 50 years old
    • Administrative manager of a Trading Company
  • Katsunori Chujo
    Katsunori Chujo manga.jpg
    • Victim (stabbed)
    • 43 years old
    • Detective

    • Cover in other countries

    • China
    • China (2020 reissue)
    • Finland
    • France
    • Germany
    • Hong Kong
    • Indonesia
    • Indonesia (reprint)
    • Italy
    • Italy (La Gazzetta dello Sport)
    • Italy (New Edition)
    • Korea
    • Malaysia (Chinese)
    • Malaysia (Malay)
    • Rep. of China (Taiwan)
    • Singapore (English)
    • Spain (Spanish, Volumen 2)
    • Sweden
    • Thailand
    • United States
    • Vietnam
    • Vietnam (New Edition)

    References

    1. ^ Police Escort Murder Case (Manga: Volume 30: 296-298)
    2. ^ Kidnapped Tourist Case (Manga: Volume 32: 325-327)
    3. ^ a b c Girl Clubbing Case (Manga: Volume 28-29: 284-286)
    4. ^ Pottery Class Case (Manga: Volume 30-31: 305-307)
    5. ^ a b Valentine Chocolate Case (Manga: Volume 33: 331-334)
    6. ^ Bus Hijacking Case (Manga: Volume 29: 287-289)
    7. ^ Roller Coaster Murder Case (Manga: Volume 1: 1)

    See also

    v • d • e
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