Chapter 229: A Familiar Scene

The afternoon of March 25th.

Tsukino Takashi, the new head of the Tsukino Foundation, held a press conference.

"Kaitou Kid thought he had predicted our actions in advance and caught us off guard."

"But in reality, when the Tsukino Foundation decided to host this exhibition, we had already anticipated that our exhibits might become Kaitou Kid's target."

"This time, we spent a fortune equipping the Tokyo International Exhibition Hall with the most advanced anti-theft and security equipment beforehand."

"Specifically, the Flying Shadow Heart is absolutely secure."

"If Kaitou Kid thinks he can steal our collection from the Tsukino Consortium, he's welcome to try."

Tsukino Takashi spoke in a clear and powerful voice.

"Uh, Mr. Tsukino, isn't it a bit dangerous to say this publicly? Kaitou Kid will definitely hear about it!"

A young reporter voiced his concern.

Snort.

Tsukino Takashi let out a cold laugh.

"Kaitou Kid has already issued a public notice. This clearly means he doesn't take the Tsukino Foundation seriously."

"If he's so confident, why should we hide? Wouldn't that just prove we're afraid?"

"Daring to make such a statement shows our confidence that the gem will never be stolen!"

Tsukino Takashi declared loudly in front of countless reporters' microphones and cameras.

---

Meanwhile.

At the Metropolitan Police Headquarters in Chiyoda Ward, the place was also swarmed by reporters.

Nakamori Ginzo, an officer from the Second Investigation Division of the Metropolitan Police Department, had just appeared and was immediately surrounded by journalists.

The reporters eagerly sought his opinion on the incident.

Nakamori Ginzo stated firmly that this time, Kaitou Kid would definitely be captured, and he would not allow the thief to succeed.

---

Elsewhere.

At the Mouri Detective Agency, Conan, Mouri Ran, and Suzuki Sonoko were watching Tsukino Takashi's and Nakamori Ginzo's live interviews on TV.

"Why do I feel like this scene seems so familiar?"

"Uncle Jirokichi has said pretty much the same thing many times before."

Suzuki Sonoko stared at the TV and couldn't help but complain.

Mouri Ran and Conan felt slightly embarrassed upon hearing her words.

They knew very well that Suzuki Jirokichi, Sonoko's uncle, viewed Kaitou Kid as a thorn in his side.

To attract Kaitou Kid's attention, he had sought out large gems from all over the world.

Unfortunately, up until now, Suzuki Jirokichi had never won a duel against Kaitou Kid.

---

However, after complaining, Suzuki Sonoko suddenly turned to look at Mouri Ran.

"Ran! Ran!"

"How about we go to Tokyo Big Sight together on Sunday?"

"Since Lord Kid issued a notice, he'll definitely appear there!"

How could Mouri Ran not understand what Suzuki Sonoko was thinking?

Just by seeing Sonoko's excited expression, Ran knew she must have once again become infatuated with Kaitou Kid.

"Isn't this a bad idea?"

"There will definitely be a lot of police officers and security guards on-site. If something happens, it could cause a stampede!"

Ran hesitated after hearing this.

At that moment, an innocent voice spoke up beside her:

"Big sister Ran! I want to go to the exhibition too!"

"I've always been interested in Showa-era exhibits!"

"Since Conan-kun said so."

After hearing Conan's words, Ran's heart wavered.

After a moment, she slowly nodded.

"Yes!"

When Suzuki Sonoko saw Ran nodding, she let out a joyful cheer.

Conan turned to look at the TV screen, his eyes narrowing slightly behind his round glasses.

'In the past, Kaitou Kid's notice targets were always items revealed long before.

But this time, Kaitou Kid issued his notice right after the ruby was unveiled.'

'The Tsukino Foundation kept the displayed gems a secret, so it's unlikely the information was leaked by an insider.'

'Could it be that Kaitou Kid infiltrated the exhibition staff or the guest list and confirmed his target in advance?'

The more Conan thought about it, the more likely this scenario seemed.

---

He searched online for relevant information about the exhibition and found that before last night's press conference, everyone only knew that the exhibition would showcase precious gems.

But no one knew what kind of gem it would be.

Everyone knows Kaitou Kid loves to steal gems.

However, based on Suzuki Jirokichi's behavior, Conan inferred that Kaitou Kid wasn't interested in just any gem.

For Kaitou Kid to send a notice about the Tsukino Foundation's gems before the announcement, he must have already known the showcased gem this time was the Scarlet Shadow Heart.

And since the notice was sent directly to Tsukino Takashi, Kaitou Kid must be someone who could move in and out of the Tokyo International Exhibition Center without raising suspicion.

For example, the secretary at the press conference.

Or perhaps a staff member at Tokyo Big Sight.

Conan had essentially narrowed down Kaitou Kid's disguise.

But this time, the exhibition wasn't organized by the Suzuki Foundation.

Therefore, he couldn't move as freely as before or provide clues to the Metropolitan Police Department as easily.

---

At that moment, Hattori Heiji was not in Tokyo, so Conan naturally thought of Sera Masumi.

'Speaking of which, will Sera get excited again when she sees Kaitou Kid?'

Conan couldn't help but grumble internally.

He realized his detective friends seemed to have a deep-seated rivalry with Kaitou Kid.

Conan then turned to look at Suzuki Sonoko.

"Sister Sonoko, can you call Sera and invite her to join us?"

"Hey, I've noticed that you seem to enjoy hanging out with Sera lately."

Suzuki Sonoko teased.

She pulled out her phone, dialed Sera Masumi's number, and put it on speaker.

After a while, Sera picked up.

"Sera! I have a question for you."

"Wait a moment, Sonoko, let me guess."

Sera Masumi's voice came through, interrupting Sonoko.

"Did you see Kaitou Kid on TV, and then that kid convinced you to call me?"

"Wow, Sera, you're amazing! How did you know?!"

Sonoko exclaimed in surprise.

She hadn't expected Sera to figure out their situation without hearing a word.

Mouri Ran was equally amazed.

On the other hand, Conan looked somewhat awkward.

It went without saying that Sera Masumi probably saw herself as a convenient tool for solving cases.

Then, they heard Sera Masumi speak again through the phone:

"I'll go."

"I happen to be very interested in this exhibition too."

(End of Chapter)