"Oh! I drew a lucky number!"
They were now at Namba Hōtei Shrine, one of Osaka's most renowned shrines, famous for its blessings in attracting wealth, warding off misfortune, and ensuring safe journeys.
As the group opened their fortune slips, Ran exclaimed with delight.
"Let me see! Let me see!"
Toyama Kazuha and Suzuki Sonoko leaned in to read over her shoulder.
"It says something wonderful will happen during your trip."
"We are traveling! So accurate!"
"Well, this shrine is known for its effectiveness," Kazuha nodded.
Their excitement was contagious. After all, girls their age often found joy in horoscopes and tarot readings—simple fortunes that offered mystery and hope.
Standing slightly apart, Hayashi Yoshiki examined his fortune.
"Important time is in chaos, Fortunately, you are still trustworthy in the eyes of others. Under the writings that brew death, Even though the red eyes that bring death remain closed, Your superiority remains unshakable. Enjoy this intermission. The black spiderweb has been woven. The crow has no intention of spreading its wings and escaping."
Yoshiki memorized it word-for-word before folding the slip neatly.
Just then, Hattori Heiji approached.
"So? What'd you get, little brother?"
"A 'small blessing.' Says if I act decisively, I might get good results."
He replied with a smile.
Heiji rubbed his chin in thought.
Thanks to Yoshiki's tact, Ran and the others didn't grow suspicious. Instead, they cheerfully debated how to spend the rest of the afternoon.
Heiji suggested going out for dinner, and everyone agreed.
Before leaving, Yoshiki stepped aside to make a phone call.
"Don't worry about it!"
Kuroba Kaito's irritated voice came through the line. In truth, he was currently installing explosives at a local power substation alongside his assistant, Terai Konosuke.
Though it was an extreme measure, Kaito was convinced of its utility. Hospitals had backup power. Operating rooms wouldn't be affected. He had planned for contingencies.
"Just to check... You're not seriously planting explosives at the power station, are you?"
Under Terai's confused gaze, Kaito started glancing around nervously.
"I was just wondering. Think about it—if all of Osaka Prefecture lost power, Nakamori would likely activate the backup generator to protect the Egg of Memory immediately. And even if hospitals aren't affected... the streets? No lights, no signals. Imagine the accidents. Emergency vehicles stuck in gridlock..."
"I-I didn't think it was that serious…"
Kaito's voice faltered. Guilt crept in.
"So you were going to blow up the substation?"
"Haha! No way! Of course not, you—!"
"Good. But that's not why I called."
"You remember that group codenamed Poison, right? I've received word that someone named Scorpion is targeting you."
"Wait—Scooping? You mean Scorpion?"
"Look it up yourself."
Before Kaito could ask more, Yoshiki hung up.
Frustrated, Kaito pocketed his phone. Across from him, Terai urged him to hurry—they only had four hours left until the planned 7:20 p.m. operation.
"We're not blowing up the station anymore, Grandpa Terai!"
"Eh? Then how will you pull it off tonight?"
He grinned, but unease lingered in his chest.
Not only do I need to outsmart police stationed all over Tsutenkaku... I also have to dodge a sniper whose location is unknown.
Just thinking about it is exhausting...
Meanwhile, Hayashi Yoshiki, Ran, and the rest of the group headed to a restaurant.
Since there were six people, they took two cars. Yoshiki ended up riding with Conan and Hattori Heiji.
"Yoshiki-niisan," Conan asked, "do you have a plan for catching Kaito Kid?"
"Really?" Heiji raised an eyebrow. "Conan told me that before you caught Kid on the Sally Beth, you were completely quiet—like the kind of guy who waits in silence, then makes a fortune."
Conan, who had been about to scold Heiji for nearly saying Kudō, gave a sheepish laugh when Yoshiki glanced at him.
"N-No, no! Heiji's just making stuff up!"
"You two have a great rapport."
Yoshiki smiled, then added, "I don't have a solid idea yet. But if you ask me, instead of staking out Tsutenkaku with the police, it'd be smarter to stay near the Egg of Memory itself."
"But Nakamori took it away and hid it. He's not telling anyone where," Heiji noted.
"Exactly. Kaito Kid doesn't know either. So instead of guessing when and where he'll strike, why not treat finding the egg as a whole new puzzle—and beat him to it?"
His suggestion made both Conan and Heiji pause.
Their eyes lit up with renewed interest.
Meanwhile, Yoshiki checked the time.
Still plenty of time until 7:20...
But something still lingered in the back of his mind—that strange fortune slip.
He hadn't forgotten it.
How did such an accurate—and ominous—fortune make its way into the shrine?
When I get the chance, I'll ask.