It was six in the evening when Kurosawa Hoshino and Mōri Ran arrived at the detective agency.
"Kazumi-senpai is really amazing. Even though she hasn't practiced much because of university entrance exams, her skills haven't declined at all..."
"..." Kurosawa Hoshino's eye twitched, a sense of awe mixed with fear washing over him as he recalled the scene in the gym that afternoon.
He couldn't help but wonder if Ran's future boyfriend would suffer domestic violence during arguments. The wind from their punches alone had stung his cheeks from several feet away, let alone taking a direct hit.
Feeling this was a dangerous line of thought, he quickly changed the subject.
"Ran, about that braised pork I mentioned before—how's your online tutorial research going?"
"I think I've got it down! I've watched a ton of tutorials, both domestic and international. I'll make it for you to try when I have time," Ran replied, her excitement about cooking evident.
"Great, I'll be waiting." Pleased with his successful topic shift, Hoshino followed her upstairs.
Seeing the lights off on the second floor but on the third, they headed straight up.
After changing shoes in the entryway, they entered to find Kogorō Mōri sprawled on the living room tatami, watching TV.
"Hmph~" Kogorō snorted in displeasure at their late return, turning his head away like a pouting child waiting to be placated.
"Dad, something happened at school today, that's why we're late," Ran explained with an apologetic smile.
"Whatever," Kogorō retorted sarcastically. "It's not like your old man is made of stone. Skipping one meal won't starve me."
"Don't be like that, I'll start dinner right away," Ran said, tying on her apron as she tried to smooth things over.
Hoshino also took off his school blazer. "I'll help."
Kogorō muttered under his breath, "Even if you help, kid, don't think you can skimp on the monthly rent."
"Dad!" Ran stamped her foot, her beautiful lavender eyes glaring at her father.
"Ahem~" Kogorō cleared his throat softly. "I'm just stating the facts upfront to avoid disputes later."
Hoshino and Ran exchanged a helpless glance and shrug, well-acquainted with his unreliability. They said nothing more and headed into the kitchen to get busy.
Yet, for some reason, they both had a nagging feeling they'd forgotten something, but couldn't pinpoint what.
Suddenly, as their hands brushed while washing vegetables at the sink, they froze simultaneously and exclaimed in unison,
"Huh? Where's Conan?"
They stared at each other, wide-eyed.
"Dad! Where's Conan?" Ran called out toward the living room.
"Conan?" Kogorō climbed off the tatami, ambled to the kitchen doorway, leaned against the wall with one hand, and stroked his chin with the other, thinking.
"I remember... I think... I think he came home after school. Oh right! Those other three kids heard there was a Kamen Rider stage play on the top floor of Marutan Department Store, so they all went together."
"But it's past six, why isn't he back yet?" Ran asked, worried.
Hoshino pulled his hands from the sink, wiped them on Ran's apron, and pondered. "Marutan Department Store? Kamen Rider stage play? I remember that one. I wonder if we'll make it in time."
"Don't panic, maybe they went to play at one of those kids' houses," Kogorō dismissed with a wave.
"I'll call and ask." Ran hurried toward the living room phone.
"Honestly..." Kogorō shook his head, then noticed Hoshino taking his phone from his pocket, also about to make a call. He immediately grumbled,
"Kid, who are you calling now?"
"Inspector Megure. Have him send someone to check Marutan Department Store. With four kids missing, it's safer to check."
"Hoshino, no offense, but unless it's confirmed they're missing, Inspector Megure might not bother."
Hoshino didn't respond—the call had already connected. He was racing against time to earn Origin Points and wasn't sure if he'd make it.
"Hello, Hoshino-kun, what is it?"
"Inspector Megure, this afternoon, Conan, Ayumi, and the others went to see a stage play at Marutan Department Store and haven't returned. I was wondering if you could send someone to check."
Kogorō had sidled over during the call, eager to hear if Megure would care about kids being late. He was sure there wasn't even enough time for an official missing persons report; Megure definitely wouldn't bother.
"Oh, Hoshino-kun, don't worry. I'll send someone right awa—no, I'll go myself."
"Inspector, an important meeting is about to start! You absolutely cannot leave!"
"Quiet! Listen to me—let's move."
"Ahem, Hoshino-kun, my apologies for the rudeness. I'm already on my way. Wait for my update."
Kogorō listened to the exchange, his eyes widening in astonishment as he stared at Hoshino.
Has Inspector Megure lost his mind? he screamed internally. Skipping an important meeting for this? Even if he wanted to help, he could've just sent a subordinate. Personally leading the team? It's like he's become this kid's loyal dog!
"Thank you, Inspector Megure." Hoshino hung up and looked at the dazed Kogorō. "Uncle Mōri, what's wrong? Is something off?"
"Uh..." Kogorō opened his mouth but no words came out, inwardly grumbling about Megure's blatant favor-currying.
"Dad! Hoshino! It's terrible! Ayumi and the others' families say they haven't come home either! Something must have happened!" Ran ran over, frantic.
Kogorō waved a hand dismissively. "Don't panic. That kid just called Inspector Megure. He's already taken people to Marutan Department Store to check. We just need to wait for news."
"Really?" Ran asked, relieved.
"Yes," Hoshino nodded with a smile.
Fifteen minutes later, Inspector Megure called.
There had been an incident. An SOS distress signal was found on a seventh-floor window of Marutan Department Store. He believed the children were likely in danger inside.
Hearing this, Kogorō's expression changed dramatically, and he immediately declared he would go to the scene.
Inspector Megure, of course, didn't refuse. Kogorō coming meant Hoshino would come too. He added that a patrol car was already on its way to pick them up and would arrive at their building shortly.