The next morning. Second floor of the Mōri Detective Agency.
"Achoo!"
"Achoo!"
"Achoo!"
Conan sneezed three times in rapid succession, then sniffled hard, looking thoroughly miserable.
Kurosawa Hoshino frowned. "Conan, didn't you take your medicine?"
"I did." Conan's voice was nasally and defeated.
Kogorō Mōri wrinkled his nose. "Kid, you should wear a mask. Don't go spreading that to us."
"Okay." Conan nodded, got up, and headed out to the convenience store.
A cold...
Kurosawa Hoshino watched him go, deep in thought.
In the original anime, Conan didn't catch colds often. He only remembered two or three times—and something always happened each time.
The first was the most memorable: Hattori Heiji appeared and fed Conan a glass of baijiu. It briefly reverted him to his high school student form.
So today... could be the day Hattori Heiji shows up?
Kurosawa Hoshino clearly remembered Hattori's first appearance happened pretty early—seemingly before episode 70.
And thinking about that reminded him of the case right after Hattori's debut.
Conan had believed that drinking strong liquor could permanently return him to normal. So the next day, he'd accompanied the Teitan Elementary kids to the Beika Library as a final farewell.
That librarian had scared the hell out of kids everywhere. Left some serious psychological scars.
If Hattori really comes today, I'll need to hit the Beika Library when I get a chance. Can't waste those Origin Points.
He glanced at the system panel. Origin Points: 14. Six more to go.
"HOSHINO!!!"
Ran's voice slammed into his ears like a thunderclap. His heart nearly jumped out of his chest.
He looked at her standing there with a mop in one hand, hand on her hip, clearly annoyed.
"What's wrong?" His voice came out weak.
"What's wrong?" Ran brandished the mop. "I've called you like five times to move your feet so I can mop, and you just sit there ignoring me! Do I have to scream before you listen?"
"Ahem." Kurosawa Hoshino smiled sheepishly and lifted his feet. "I was just thinking about something."
"Seriously." Ran pouted but didn't push it. She got back to mopping.
Across the room, Kogorō watched the two kids and shook his head with amusement.
The door opened.
Conan walked back in and announced loudly, "Uncle, there's someone lurking outside, staring up at the second floor. I don't think he's a good person."
"Hmm?" Kogorō got up, went to the window, and glanced down. He only caught a glimpse of a figure heading for the stairs.
Kurosawa Hoshino's mind clicked. "Conan, what did he look like?"
Conan sneezed before answering. "Wearing a hat. Carrying a bag. Dark-skinned. High schooler—around Hoshino-nii's age."
Kurosawa Hoshino smiled. Hattori Heiji. No question.
His gaze shifted to the door. A shadow appeared behind the frosted glass. Then a knock.
"Probably that shady guy," Conan muttered.
"Kid, maybe he's here to hire us." Kogorō waved. "Ran, get the door."
"Okay." Ran crossed the room and opened it.
The figure matched Conan's description perfectly. Hat. Bag. Dark skin.
"Hello. Please come in."
"Sorry to intrude."
Hattori Heiji stepped inside, his eyes immediately scanning the room. They landed on Kurosawa Hoshino. A slow grin spread across his face.
"Excellent! I didn't get to see Kudo Shinichi, but meeting Kurosawa Hoshino makes this trip worthwhile."
Everyone except Kurosawa Hoshino looked surprised—Ran and the others included.
"You're not here to hire us?" Kogorō frowned.
"Uncle Mōri." Kurosawa Hoshino cut in. "This is Hattori Heiji from Osaka. High school detective. As famous as Kudo used to be. The media calls them 'Kudo of the East, Hattori of the West.'"
"What?!" Kogorō's eyebrows shot up.
Oh, it's this guy. Conan recalled seeing those newspaper comparisons.
"Heh." Hattori's grin widened. "Kurosawa, let's get one thing straight. From now on, it's 'Hattori of the West, Kudo of the East.' Don't get the order wrong."
"What's the difference?" Ran asked flatly. Conan nodded in agreement.
"Big difference. I'm first. Means I'm stronger."
Hmph. Conan's lips twitched at Hattori's confident smirk.
"But..." Hattori's tone shifted. He fixed his gaze on Kurosawa Hoshino. "That guy's been off the news lately. You've taken his place, Kurosawa. Your case-solving speed is impressive—gotta admit that. But it feels like you're walking a tightrope every time. Looks good, but one slip and you'll fall."
"Have I slipped?" Kurosawa Hoshino shot back.
Hattori's expression stiffened. He was sure Kurosawa would mess up eventually. But over a dozen cases solved without a single error? That was... awkward.
"Heh~ Achoo~" Conan tried to laugh but sneezed instead.
Hattori's eyes lit up—a perfect chance to break the tension. He dropped his bag on the table and unzipped it.
"Little guy, you've got a cold? Lucky you—I brought some special medicine. Works wonders."
"Really?" Conan perked up. If such a miracle cure existed, he'd take it. Colds were miserable.
Kurosawa Hoshino watched as Hattori grabbed a glass from the table, poured a generous amount of baijiu, and handed it to Conan. He said nothing—just glanced toward the door.
A middle-aged woman in a brown coat and sunglasses had appeared in the doorway. She was watching them.
Right on cue. The diplomat murder case was about to unfold.
"Heh." Kurosawa Hoshino chuckled softly. He looked at Conan, who was already swallowing the baijiu. Sorry, Conan. By the time you turn back into Kudo Shinichi, this case will already be solved. I'll take Ran out of here—won't interfere with your little reunion with Hattori.
He turned and called out, "Uncle Mōri. We have a guest."
Kogorō glanced at the door. The woman had removed her sunglasses and was staring at them with obvious displeasure. She looked... formidable.
"Ahaha, ma'am, terribly sorry! I didn't notice you standing there."