Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Akai Shuichi (Shuichi Akai) plans to use Vermouth's (Jiang Xia) request to get close to Vodka (Vodka), a member of the Black Organization, to gather information.
• Conan Edogawa (Conan Edogawa) and his classmates, including Mouri Ran (Mouri Ran), are taken to the hospital by Vodka after Ran faints at a restaurant.
• Conan tries to plant listening devices and locators, but decides against it. He also attempts to find Vodka's fingerprints and hair, but fails due to Vodka's caution.

Character Developments

• Shuichi Akai strategizes to use Vermouth's request to his advantage.
• Conan struggles with his desire to gather information from Vodka versus the risk of leaving evidence.
• Vodka demonstrates his caution by wearing gloves and a hat, ensuring he leaves no traces.

Significant Themes

• The Black Organization's caution and meticulousness in leaving no traces.
• Conan's struggle between gathering information and maintaining his cover.
• Shuichi Akai's strategic thinking and use of opportunities.

Character Interactions

• Shuichi Akai and Vermouth discuss their plans.
• Conan and Vodka have an uncomfortable car ride together, with Conan trying to gather evidence discreetly.
• Jiang Xia (Vermouth) reassures Conan about Vodka's driving skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Conan notices Vodka's suspicious behavior and killing intent.
• Jiang Xia reflects on his strategic choices and sends ghosts to work.
• Mouri Ran awakens in the hospital, and Vodka disappears.
• Mouri Ran remembers meeting Sharon Vineyard in New York a year ago.

Character Developments

• Conan shows increased observational skills and caution around Vodka.
• Mouri Ran recalls a past memory, revealing her connection to Sharon Vineyard.
• Suzuki Sonoko shows her detective skills and enthusiasm for solving cases.

Significant Themes

• The theme of disguise and deception, both in Vodka's actions and Mouri Ran's memories.
• The importance of choices and strategic thinking, as seen through Jiang Xia's reflections.

Character Interactions

• Conan and Vodka: Conan is wary of Vodka's behavior, while Vodka is annoyed by Conan's praise.
• Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko: They reminisce about the past and share memories.
• Jiang Xia and Mouri Ran: Jiang Xia cares for Mouri Ran and ensures her safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko discuss Sharon Vineyard's exceptional disguise skills.
• Mouri Ran shares her encounter with Sharon Vineyard in New York, where the actress expressed her life's misfortunes and lack of divine blessings.
• Mouri Ran recounts a play she attended with Sharon Vineyard, where the male lead was found dead on stage, and one of the actresses was later arrested due to a love triangle involving the male lead.
• Mouri Ran describes a near-encounter with a serial killer in New York, where she froze in fear despite her usual bravado.

Character Developments

• Mouri Ran: Shows vulnerability and fear in the face of danger, contrasting her usual confident demeanor.
• Suzuki Sonoko: Demonstrates curiosity and excitement when discussing celebrities and mysteries.

Significant Themes

• The absence of divine intervention or blessings in Sharon Vineyard's life.
• The consequences of infidelity, as seen in the play's love triangle and the serial killer's actions.

Character Interactions

• Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko: Share stories and discuss their experiences, with Suzuki Sonoko showing interest in celebrities and mysteries.
• Mouri Ran and the Serial Killer: A tense encounter where Mouri Ran freezes in fear, highlighting her vulnerability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mouri Ran recounts her encounter with a serial killer in New York a year ago.
• She finds blood droplets leading to a middle-aged man with long white hair, who is injured and staggering.
• Shinichi yells for Mouri Ran to run, revealing the man as the serial killer.
• The killer falls down the stairs but is saved by Mouri Ran and Shinichi.
• The next day, the killer is found dead, supposedly by suicide.
• Conan reveals that the scene was cleaned up, suggesting murder, not suicide.

Character Developments

• Mouri Ran: Shows bravery and concern for Shinichi's safety, but is also affected by the traumatic events.
• Shinichi: Demonstrates quick thinking and courage in a dangerous situation.
• Conan: Shows maturity and insight beyond his years, understanding the implications of the cleaned-up crime scene.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of violence and the impact of traumatic events on individuals.
• The blurred line between justice and law, as seen in the possible undercover status of the FBI agent.

Character Interactions

• Mouri Ran and Shinichi: They work together to save the serial killer, showing a level of trust and understanding.
• Conan and his classmates: They discuss the case, with Conan providing insightful observations, while Suzuki Sonoko expresses shock and disbelief.
• Mouri Ran and Jiang Xia: Jiang Xia encourages Mouri Ran to rest and not dwell on the past, showing concern for her well-being.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vodka, aware of Conan following him, stuffs him into a cleaning cart.
• Vodka, cautious, checks his car and drives away, then returns to ensure he's not followed.
• Akai Shuichi, surprised by Vodka's caution, follows him.
• Vodka suspects Akai Shuichi was in the restaurant and is now following him.
• Vodka sees a car that might have a flat tire, hoping it's Akai Shuichi.

Character Developments

• Vodka shows increased caution and paranoia, suggesting he's aware of potential threats.
• Akai Shuichi reassesses Vodka, finding him more cautious and worthy of attention.
• Conan's persistence in following Vodka is evident.

Significant Themes

• Paranoia and caution, reflecting the high-stakes game these characters play.
• The cat-and-mouse dynamic between Vodka and Akai Shuichi.
• The theme of 'car accident' as a potential tool for Uzo/Conan to target Akai Shuichi.

Character Interactions

• Vodka and Conan: Vodka shows annoyance and disregard for Conan, while Conan persists in following him.
• Vodka and Akai Shuichi: They are both aware of each other but haven't directly interacted yet. Vodka suspects Akai is following him, while Akai follows Vodka, trying to understand his behavior.
• Implied interaction between Uzo/Conan and Akai Shuichi: Uzo might be using car accidents as a theme to target Akai Shuichi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vodka, a detective, hears a radio report about a traffic accident caused by Uzo (Akai Shuichi) and initially feels grateful towards him.
• Akai Shuichi, after causing a minor accident, offers to drive President Hotta, the victim, home to compensate for the damage.
• Akai Shuichi is invited to a birthday banquet at President Hotta's house.
• Mouri Kogoro is called to the hospital by Jiang Xia to drive them, thinking he's on a case but actually looking for a cat.

Character Developments

• Vodka: Initially praises Uzo but quickly realizes his true nature and becomes wary.
• Akai Shuichi: Shows maturity and restraint in handling the accident, and accepts an invitation to a banquet.
• Mouri Kogoro: Complains about a client who asked him to find a cat, showing his usual disgruntled demeanor.

Significant Themes

• Deception and manipulation: Uzo's actions are seen as calculated to gain favor.
• Gratitude and suspicion: Vodka's initial gratitude towards Uzo turns into suspicion.
• Unfulfilled expectations: Mouri Kogoro expects a serious case but ends up looking for a cat.

Character Interactions

• Vodka and Uzo: Vodka's internal monologue reveals his changing feelings towards Uzo.
• Akai Shuichi and President Hotta: Akai Shuichi drives President Hotta home and is invited to his birthday banquet.
• Mouri Kogoro and Jiang Xia: Mouri Kogoro complains about his current job to Jiang Xia.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Mouri Kogoro picks up a mysterious woman on the road, who claims to be going to the same mountaintop villa where a banquet is being held.
• At the banquet, President Hotta celebrates his 58th birthday with his family and Akai Shuichi. A bottle of Petrus 1979 Red Wine is served, but suspicion arises when Hotta Ryoji suggests that his brother, Hotta Koichi, drink first to test for poison.

Character Developments

• Mouri Kogoro is shown to be easily swayed by attractive women, forgetting his loyalty to his daughter, Ran.
• Hotta Ryoji displays his cunning and suspicion, suggesting that his brother drink the wine first to check for poison.

Significant Themes

• Suspicion and paranoia, as seen in Akai Shuichi's wariness about the wine and Hotta Ryoji's suggestion.
• The tension between family members, hinted at by the strained interactions between the Hottas.

Character Interactions

• Mouri Kogoro interacts with the mysterious woman, showing his susceptibility to her charms.
• The Hottas interact with each other, with underlying tension and suspicion, particularly between Hotta Koichi and Hotta Ryoji.
• Akai Shuichi feels out of place at the banquet, witnessing the family dynamics and trying to navigate the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Hotta family's birthday banquet turns chaotic due to sibling rivalry and old grudges.
• Hotta Fumiko returns home with guests, causing further tension.
• President Hotta kicks out his daughter and guests.
• Conan spots a suspicious man (Akai Shuichi) and stays behind to investigate.

Character Developments

• Hotta Koichi and Ryoji's animosity towards each other escalates.
• Hotta Fumiko's return stirs up old family issues.
• Akai Shuichi uses his real name after years of using aliases.

Significant Themes

• Family dynamics and dysfunctionality.
• The consequences of old grudges and unresolved issues.
• The tension between appearances and reality.

Character Interactions

• Hotta family members argue and clash, revealing long-standing resentments.
• Conan interacts with Akai Shuichi, trying to gather information discreetly.
• Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko recognize Akai Shuichi as the man they encountered in New York.
• Mouri Kogoro questions the butler about Hotta Fumiko's past.

Key Plot Points and Events

• President Hotta is assassinated by a bomb hidden in a liquor box (Rye from 1989) during his birthday celebration.
• The explosion occurs in his bedroom while he's alone, and his family and guests rush to the scene.
• The police cannot be contacted due to a cut telephone line and poor signal.

Character Developments

• Akai Shuichi: Suspicious due to his connection with the victim and his aggressive behavior at the crime scene.
• Hotta Fumiko: Accused by her brother of being the murderer due to her strained relationship with their father.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: The family's lack of trust in each other is evident in their accusations and defensive behavior.
• Power and Control: President Hotta's power and influence are highlighted, as well as the power dynamics within his family.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Xia and Akai Shuichi: Tension between them, with Jiang Xia trying to maintain control of the situation and Akai Shuichi asserting his authority.
• Hotta Family: Accusations and infighting among family members, highlighting their strained relationships.
• Conan and Akai Shuichi: Conan is suspicious of Akai Shuichi and keeps a close eye on him, while also examining the crime scene.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The Hotta Family's eldest daughter-in-law, Fumiko, expresses her hatred for her father-in-law, suggesting she could have killed him.
• Conan deduces that the bomb was hidden in a bottle of 'Rye' whisky given to the victim by his second son, Ryoji.
• Hotta Ryoji's room is found empty, with a luggage bag containing a dagger.
• All cars in the parking lot have flat tires, possibly sabotaged by Ryoji to trap everyone.

Character Developments

• Akai Shuichi: Shows a reaction to the word 'Rye', suggesting a connection to his undercover identity.
• Hotta Fumiko: Reveals her hatred for her father-in-law, hinting at a possible motive for the murder.
• Conan Edogawa: Demonstrates his deductive skills by connecting the 'Rye' whisky to the murder.

Significant Themes

• Hatred and Motive: Fumiko's hatred for her father-in-law raises questions about her involvement in the murder.
• Deduction and Evidence: Conan uses his deductive skills and evidence (the 'Rye' whisky bottle) to narrow down the suspects.

Character Interactions

• Conan and Akai Shuichi: Conan suspects Akai's involvement due to his reaction to 'Rye', while Akai observes Conan's deductive skills.
• Hotta Family Members: Tension and suspicion arise among family members due to Fumiko's revelation and the discovery of Ryoji's dagger.
• Mouri Kogoro and Conan: Mouri feels overshadowed by Conan's detective skills, while Conan relies on Mouri's adult authority for support.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group is stranded at the villa due to a landslide blocking the road and no working cars.
• Hotta Ryoji, the youngest son, is suspected of murdering his father but has disappeared.
• Conan notices suspicious details and suspects the true culprit might be among them.
• A necklace belonging to Hotta Fumiko, the eldest daughter-in-law, is found near the villa entrance.
• Hotta Fumiko reveals that her fiancé was murdered by her father-in-law five years ago, leading her to run away from home.

Character Developments

• Mouri Kogoro shows his conservative approach to handling the situation, prioritizing everyone's safety.
• Hotta Fumiko displays strong emotions and resentment towards her father-in-law for causing her fiancé's death.
• Conan demonstrates his observational skills and suspicion towards the true culprit being among them.

Significant Themes

• Suspicion and trust among the group.
• The impact of past events on present actions (Hotta Fumiko's fiancé's murder driving her to run away from home).
• The struggle between guilt and fear (Hotta Ryoji's possible actions and motivations).

Character Interactions

• Mouri Kogoro and Akai Shuichi have differing opinions on how to handle the situation.
• Hotta Fumiko interacts with Jiang Xia, Suzuki Sonoko, and Conan, revealing her past and emotions.
• Conan, Suzuki Sonoko, and Jiang Xia work together to find Hotta Fumiko's necklace and return it to her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Conan suspects Akai Shuichi and rushes off to find him.
• Jiang Xia reassures Ran that Conan's suspicion is normal for a detective.
• Conan fails to find Akai and decides to solve the murder case first.
• Conan discovers the butler's past as a car designer and his plan to use an old car to kill Fumiko.
• Jiang Xia and Conan decide to make the butler confess.

Character Developments

• Conan shows his detective skills by suspecting Akai and later deducing the butler's plan.
• Jiang Xia demonstrates his observant nature and understanding of the situation, knowing the butler is the killer but choosing to let Conan handle it.

Significant Themes

• The importance of suspicion and observation in detective work (Conan, Jiang Xia).
• The consequences of past actions (the butler's resignation from car design).

Character Interactions

• Conan and Jiang Xia work together to deduce the butler's plan and decide to make him confess.
• Conan interacts with the butler, learning about his past and his plan to kill Fumiko.
• Jiang Xia reassures Ran about Conan's behavior, showing understanding and support for his classmate's detective skills.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The butler suspects Conan heard his tampering with the car and becomes determined to act.
• Akai Shuichi appears, evasive about his night activities, and decides to leave soon.
• The butler fixes his car and plans to use it to take the next target away.
• Conan deduces the butler's motive and method of the first murder using fertilizer and sulfur.
• The butler reveals his plan to take the next target away in his repaired car.

Character Developments

• The butler's suspicion and resolve grow as he becomes more desperate.
• Akai Shuichi shows his FBI agent demeanor, avoiding questions and planning his next move.
• Conan demonstrates his deductive skills, piecing together the butler's motive and method.
• The butler reveals his true colors, showing no remorse for his planned actions.

Significant Themes

• Revenge: The butler's actions are driven by a desire to avenge his master's fiancé.
• Deception: Characters hide their true intentions and actions, such as the butler and Akai Shuichi.
• Trust: The butler's betrayal of his employer's trust is a significant factor in the story.

Character Interactions

• The butler and Conan: The butler becomes increasingly wary of Conan, while Conan deduces the butler's involvement in the crime.
• Akai Shuichi and the group: Akai Shuichi distances himself from the group, not wanting to involve them in his pursuit of the culprit.
• The butler and the targets: The butler plans to take the next target away in his repaired car, showing his determination to carry out his revenge.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The butler reveals he orchestrated the events to avenge his son, Kentaro, who died after being rejected by Hotta Fumiko and having his hands ruined by her father, President Hotta.
• The butler admits to tampering with the car Hotta Fumiko was to drive, intending to kill her as part of his revenge plan.
• Hotta Fumiko appears alive, revealing she couldn't find the car in the garage, throwing the group into confusion.

Character Developments

• The butler's backstory is revealed, showing his dedication to avenging his son and the lengths he's gone to in his plan.
• Hotta Fumiko's devotion to Kentaro's memory is hinted at, challenging the butler's perception of her.

Significant Themes

• Revenge and its consequences.
• The destructive power of misunderstandings and misinformation.
• The importance of communication and understanding in relationships.

Character Interactions

• The butler's revelation causes distress and shock among the group.
• Mouri Ran's empathy for Hotta Fumiko leads her to defend the latter against the butler's accusations.
• Hotta Fumiko's reappearance creates confusion and disbelief among the characters.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group at the villa realizes that someone else was driving the car that tried to run them over.
• They suspect Akai Shuichi, who is missing, and Hotta Ryoji, who is tied up.
• The butler confesses that he installed a trap in the car's steering wheel to cause an accident, killing his son years ago.
• Akai Shuichi, driving the car, removes the trap but is unaware of a time bomb planted in the seat.
• The car explodes, and Akai Shuichi is presumed dead.
• The police arrive, and the butler confesses to the murder.
• The media covers the case extensively, expressing concern for the innocent passerby who died in the explosion.

Character Developments

• Akai Shuichi: He removes the trap in the car but falls victim to the time bomb, leading to his presumed death.
• Butler: He confesses to his crimes, showing remorse for his son's death and his role in the murder.
• Hotta Ryoji: He is found tied up in the basement, having been taken captive by the butler.

Significant Themes

• Trust and Betrayal: The butler's trust in his son led to his murder, while his betrayal of the Hotta family resulted in further tragedy.
• Consequences of Actions: The butler's actions to avenge his son led to multiple deaths and destruction.
• Innocence and Sacrifice: An innocent passerby, Akai Shuichi, becomes a victim of the butler's scheme.

Character Interactions

• Akai Shuichi and the Butler: Their indirect confrontation ends with Akai Shuichi's presumed death.
• The Group at the Villa: They work together to solve the mystery and uncover the butler's crimes.
• The Police and the Media: They arrive at the scene to investigate and report on the case, respectively.

Key Plot Points and Events

• News of a car crash between Kanagawa and Tokyo spreads, involving a man suspected to be Akai Shuichi.
• Vodka, safe in Tokyo, searches for news of the crash and discovers that 'Rye' has exploded, leading him to believe Akai Shuichi is involved.
• James watches footage of the crash site and realizes Akai Shuichi is alive.
• Conan returns home and asks Haibara Ai about the Codename 'Rye', revealing that he might have encountered Akai Shuichi.

Character Developments

• Vodka: Realizes the danger of Akai Shuichi and hopes to avoid him in the future. Reports the incident to Brother Gin, emphasizing his role.
• James: Grieved by the news of Akai Shuichi's supposed death, is relieved to find him alive. Seeks details about the incident.
• Conan: Returns home after the case, anxious to find Haibara Ai. Realizes he might have encountered Akai Shuichi and seeks information about 'Rye'.
• Haibara Ai: Angry and evasive when asked about 'Rye'. Reveals she knows about 'Rye' but claims it has nothing to do with her.

Significant Themes

• The danger and unpredictability of Akai Shuichi's actions.
• The consequences of past actions and involvement with The Organization.
• The search for information and truth.

Character Interactions

• Vodka and Brother Gin: Vodka reports the incident to Brother Gin, hoping to return to his side soon.
• James and Akai Shuichi: James is relieved to find Akai Shuichi alive and seeks details about the incident.
• Conan and Haibara Ai: Conan asks Haibara Ai about 'Rye', revealing he might have encountered Akai Shuichi. Haibara Ai is evasive but later contacts Jiang Xia for information.
• Conan and Professor Agasa: They discuss the possibility of finding the Antidote to turn Conan back into an adult.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Haibara Ai receives an email from an unknown sender with the codename 'Rye'.
• Conan suspects a connection between 'Rye' and Gin, worrying about Jiang Xia's safety.
• Conan encounters three clients at Jiang Xia's detective agency, seeking help to find a missing game software engineer.

Character Developments

• Haibara Ai shows concern for Jiang Xia's safety but decides not to email him about 'Rye'.
• Conan becomes more anxious about Jiang Xia's involvement with Akai Shuichi and the organization.
• Jiang Xia finishes his exam early and returns to the agency, handling the clients' case.

Significant Themes

• Trust and worry in relationships (Haibara Ai and Jiang Xia, Conan and Jiang Xia).
• The consequences of procrastination (the missing game software engineer).

Character Interactions

• Haibara Ai and Conan have a tense interaction, with Conan trying to read Haibara Ai's reactions to the email.
• Conan attempts to help Jiang Xia by trying to steal his clients but ends up helping them directly.
• Jiang Xia interacts with the three clients, listening to their story and agreeing to take on their case.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A programmer, Itakura Suguru, has gone missing, leaving behind a video claiming he's taking a vacation due to exhaustion from working on multiple software projects simultaneously.
• Three companies—Go Game Development, International Chess Software, and Shogi Software—have commissioned Suguru and are now seeking his whereabouts.

Character Developments

• Conan Edogawa, the protagonist, is initially uninterested in the case but decides to help Jiang Xia, his friend and detective.
• Jiang Xia, the detective, remains calm and collected throughout the meeting, gathering information and managing the clients' expectations.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: Suguru's clients express betrayal and anger at his deception, highlighting the theme of trust in professional relationships.
• Work-life balance: Suguru's decision to take a vacation raises questions about work-life balance and the consequences of overworking.

Character Interactions

• Conan and Jiang Xia: Conan decides to help Jiang Xia solve the case, showing their friendship and Conan's willingness to assist in investigations.
• Suguru's clients: The three clients argue over who should be informed first when Suguru is found, demonstrating their competitive nature and eagerness to resolve the situation.
• Conan and Suguru: Conan recognizes Suguru from his past work in CG, hinting at a potential connection between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Conan suspects a connection between Itakura Suguru's disappearance and the Black Organization.
• The Mushroom-haired Client reveals a black-clad man with a Kansai accent threatened Itakura Suguru before his disappearance.
• Jiang Xia discovers clues in a video that Itakura Suguru might be staying at high-end hotels.
• The group calls various hotels, and the Mediterranean Client learns about a kidnapping incident at the Starlight City Hotel, where Itakura Suguru might have stayed.

Character Developments

• Conan becomes more determined to find Itakura Suguru after learning about the Black Organization's possible involvement.
• Jiang Xia demonstrates his investigative skills and resourcefulness.
• The Mediterranean Client shows resilience and commitment to finding Itakura Suguru.

Significant Themes

• The pursuit of exceptional skills despite questionable character (Itakura Suguru).
• The consequences of past actions (Itakura Suguru's disappearance and the Black Organization's involvement).
• The importance of perseverance and thorough investigation (Jiang Xia and the Clients).

Character Interactions

• Conan and Jiang Xia work together to gather information about Itakura Suguru.
• The Clients (Mushroom-haired Man, Stylish Young Man, and Mediterranean) collaborate with Jiang Xia to find Itakura Suguru.
• Conan connects potential dots between Itakura Suguru, Amuro Tooru, and a previously blown-up man.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group discovers Itakura Suguru's location at the Beika Hotel.
• They arrive at the hotel, and Conan learns that the three Clients are temporarily working together due to Itakura's deceit.
• Upon entering the hotel, they find a 'Do Not Disturb' sign on Itakura's room. After ringing the bell, there's no response.
• Conan notices a hotel employee helping another client and approaches him to ask for assistance in opening Itakura's room, claiming his uncle might be in danger.

Character Developments

• Conan Edogawa/Shinichi Kudo: Becomes increasingly worried about the potential danger of confronting Itakura, given his possible ties to the Black Organization. He decides to proceed cautiously and optimistically.
• Jiang Xia: Remains patient and composed amidst the Clients' bickering, focusing on the task at hand.
• The Clients (Mediterranean, Stylish Young Man, Mushroom-haired Man): Reveal their true intentions – they hope to convince Itakura to complete the software they commissioned, rather than just retrieving their deposits. They secretly compete with each other.

Significant Themes

• Trust and deception: The Clients' trust in Itakura is betrayed, leading to their temporary alliance. Itakura's deceit forces them to work together to find him.
• Greed and ambition: The Clients' desire for the software they commissioned drives them to overlook Itakura's deceit and prioritize getting the software over their deposits.
• Caution and preparedness: Conan's worry about the potential danger highlights the importance of being prepared and cautious when dealing with unknown situations.

Character Interactions

• Conan and Jiang Xia: Conan admires Jiang Xia's patience amidst the Clients' bickering. They work together to find Itakura, with Conan providing insightful observations and Jiang Xia taking the lead in the investigation.
• The Clients: They bicker and compete with each other, revealing their true intentions and priorities. Despite their temporary alliance, they remain rivals in the business world.
• Conan and the Hotel Employee: Conan approaches the hotel employee, using his innocent appearance and a fabricated story to gain assistance in opening Itakura's room.