Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Dr. Araide notes Gunma Prefecture as a location requiring vigilance due to Yamamura Misao's presence.
• A photo of Jiang Xia's new business card is shared in a fan group, alerting Organization Cadre Vodka.
• Inspector Yamamura begins investigating a murder case at a wooden inn in Gunma Prefecture, where a male actor has been killed.
• The investigation reveals that the actor was shot from across the valley, leading the team to search the forest on the other side.

Character Developments

• Vodka becomes aware of Jiang Xia's presence in Gunma Prefecture and decides to be cautious, suspecting that Jiang Xia might have discovered his hacking activities.
• Inspector Yamamura shows enthusiasm and bias towards Jiang Xia, allowing him to participate in the investigation.
• Conan observes plant fibers at the crime scene, hinting at potential evidence.

Significant Themes

• Vigilance and caution, as demonstrated by Vodka's reaction to Jiang Xia's presence.
• Investigation and deduction, shown through Inspector Yamamura's efforts to solve the case.
• Evidence collection, as Conan notices potential clues at the crime scene.

Character Interactions

• Dr. Araide and Yamamura Misao: Dr. Araide notes Yamamura's presence, indicating potential danger or vigilance required.
• Jiang Xia and Inspector Yamamura: Yamamura shows favoritism towards Jiang Xia, allowing him to participate in the investigation.
• Conan and Inspector Yamamura: Yamamura prevents Conan from disturbing the crime scene, showing his authoritative role.
• Various characters and the murder victim: The victim's death affects several people, including the TV drama's producer and screenwriter, who express their concerns and losses.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group, including Inspector Yamamura, Jiang Xia, Conan, and others, crosses a suspension bridge to reach an inn.
• Conan discovers a shotgun in the bushes near the inn, which is suspected to be the murder weapon.
• The group finds the gun covered in snow, suggesting it was placed there recently.

Character Developments

• Inspector Yamamura: Struggles with his pride and efficiency as he deals with unexpected helpers and evidence.
• Conan: Displays exceptional observation skills and deductive reasoning, though frustrated with Inspector Yamamura's lack of understanding.

Significant Themes

• The theme of luck vs. skill is explored through Conan's discovery of the gun.
• The danger of celebrities' lack of awareness about their own safety is highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Conan and Inspector Yamamura: Conan's frustration with Inspector Yamamura's lack of understanding is evident, while Inspector Yamamura is conflicted about Conan's helpfulness.
• Vermouth and Calvados: Vermouth notices Calvados' murderous intent towards Conan, leading to internal confusion and vigilance.
• Jiang Xia and Conan: Jiang Xia acknowledges Conan's exceptional ability in finding the gun.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Officer Yamamura suggests the culprit fled along the road, but Conan challenges this theory due to lack of footprints in the snow.
• A rope is found hanging from a tree, leading Officer Yamamura to propose a new theory about the culprit's escape route using a boat and the rope.
• Jiang Xia dismisses Officer Yamamura's theory, stating that the culprit would have been seen if they had fled from that position.
• Upon returning to the hotel, Officer Yamamura questions everyone about their whereabouts during the crime.

Character Developments

• Conan demonstrates his analytical skills and sharp observations, challenging Officer Yamamura's theories.
• Officer Yamamura shows his eagerness to solve the case and his tendency to jump to conclusions.
• Jiang Xia maintains a calm and collected demeanor, guiding the investigation process.

Significant Themes

• The importance of evidence and logical reasoning in solving cases.
• The theme of suspicion and guilt, as Officer Yamamura questions the producer and screenwriter.

Character Interactions

• Conan and Officer Yamamura have a back-and-forth exchange, with Conan challenging Yamamura's theories and Yamamura trying to impress Conan with his deductions.
• Jiang Xia interacts with Conan, showing affection and support towards the child.
• Officer Yamamura questions the producer and screenwriter, displaying his suspicion towards them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The screenwriter recalls a gunshot and the discovery of Sunaoka's body with a bullet hole in his window.
• The female agent, Miss Tanigawa, reveals she was the last to see Sunaoka alive and heard the gunshot but found his room locked.
• Officer Yamamura suspects Miss Tanigawa and the innkeeper, who provides an alibi but is also suspected due to a brief absence.
• The producer mentions the innkeeper's brief absence during the gunshot, and the innkeeper points suspicion towards Calvados, a guest.

Character Developments

• Officer Yamamura displays his detective skills and suspicion towards everyone.
• Miss Tanigawa shows composure under suspicion but grows angry at Yamamura's accusations.
• The innkeeper initially seems calm but grows defensive under suspicion.
• Calvados remains calm under suspicion but experiences internal turmoil.

Significant Themes

• Suspicion and trust: Characters suspect each other, and trust is fragile.
• Alibis and evidence: Characters provide alibis, but evidence can be misleading or inconclusive.
• Motivation: Characters' actions and potential motivations are scrutinized.

Character Interactions

• Officer Yamamura interacts with each suspect, questioning and suspecting them.
• Miss Tanigawa interacts with Yamamura, defending herself against accusations.
• The innkeeper interacts with Yamamura and the producer, providing alibis and pointing suspicion at Calvados.
• Calvados interacts with Yamamura, remaining calm under suspicion.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Calvados, a member of the Black Organization, is stopped by Officer Yamamura due to suspicious behavior.
• Calvados claims he's a fan of Jiang Xia to explain his actions, causing Vermouth (also a Black Organization member) to reassess her plans.
• Conan, disguised as a fake elementary school student, is also present and on guard against the Black Organization members.
• Officer Yamamura shares his encounter with a suspicious fan of Jiang Xia in a fan group, sparking concern and investigation among the members.

Character Developments

• Calvados shows adaptability and quick thinking in coming up with an excuse to explain his behavior.
• Vermouth reassesses her plans due to Calvados's unexpected actions and decides to use him to draw Uzo's attention away from her true intentions.
• Conan's determination to expose and stop the Black Organization grows stronger.

Significant Themes

• The theme of deception and manipulation is prominent, with characters using various excuses and plans to achieve their goals.
• The contrast between the Black Organization's sinister intentions and the fans' admiration for Jiang Xia is highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Calvados and Vermouth interact subtly, with Calvados unaware of Vermouth's true intentions and Vermouth using Calvados for her own purposes.
• Officer Yamamura interacts with Calvados, suspecting his behavior but unable to find evidence of wrongdoing.
• The fan group members interact through messages, expressing concern for Jiang Xia's safety and vowing to protect him from suspicious fans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vodka discovers Jiang Xia's true identity and becomes wary of her.
• Yamamura Misao describes the suspicious man in the group chat.
• Conan suspects Mr. Yamaguchi's true intentions and decides to solve the case first.
• Jiang Xia asks Calvados for his opinion on the case.

Character Developments

• Vodka becomes increasingly suspicious of Jiang Xia.
• Conan grows more alert and strategic in his thinking.
• Calvados experiences a brief moment of detective-like satisfaction.

Significant Themes

• Identity and deception (Vodka's discovery of Jiang Xia's true identity, Conan's disguise).
• Trust and suspicion (Vodka's wariness, Conan's suspicion of Mr. Yamaguchi, the police's suspicion of the group members).
• Manipulation and control (Conan's suspicion of Mr. Yamaguchi's true intentions, Calvados' manipulation of the group members).

Character Interactions

• Vodka and Jiang Xia: Vodka becomes wary of Jiang Xia due to her suspicious behavior.
• Conan and Jiang Xia: Conan decides to communicate more with Jiang Xia to avoid slipping up.
• Calvados and the group members: Calvados manipulates the group members' fear and suspicion to his advantage.
• Officer Yamamura and Calvados: Yamamura becomes increasingly suspicious of Calvados and the other group members.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The four suspects recount their activities on the day of the murder.
• Officer Yamamura deduces that the victim was killed after returning to his room following dinner.
• Conflicts between the victim and other characters are revealed.

Character Developments

• The producer and screenwriter express their grievances against the victim, but neither seems to have a strong motive for murder.
• The victim's agent becomes the prime suspect due to her motive, opportunity, and lack of alibi.

Significant Themes

• Trust and suspicion among colleagues and friends.
• The consequences of unresolved conflicts.
• The importance of alibis in murder investigations.

Character Interactions

• The producer and screenwriter support each other's alibis.
• The victim's agent is accused by Officer Yamamura based on her suspicious circumstances.
• Conan and Officer Yamamura work together to solve the case, with Yamamura making deductions and Conan providing insightful questions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Xia accuses the female manager of being the murderer, but she denies it, claiming she was on her balcony at the time of the crime.
• The producer hints that she could have fired the shot from Sunaoka's balcony and thrown the gun into the gorge afterward.
• The police confirm that the gun and rope found in the woods belong to a nearby Hunting Management Center, and the bullet matches the one found in the victim.
• Jiang Xia examines the bullet and notices its unusual shape, with a sharp tip and a hole at the rear.

Character Developments

• Calvados, a Sniper, is forced to answer Jiang Xia's questions about the bullet, feeling humiliated and annoyed.
• Jodie suspects Calvados might be a member of The Organization due to his knowledge of bullets and black attire.
• Jiang Xia shows off his deductive skills, analyzing the inconsistencies in the case and the unusual snow layer on the gun.

Significant Themes

• The theme of pride and humiliation is explored through Calvados's forced interaction with Jiang Xia.
• The theme of deduction and investigation is highlighted as Jiang Xia analyzes the case and finds inconsistencies.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Xia questions Calvados about the bullet, making him feel humiliated and annoyed.
• Jodie suspects Calvados of being a member of The Organization and plans to investigate him.
• Jiang Xia interacts with Inspector Yamamura and Conan, sharing his deductions about the case.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The murder weapon found initially was not the one used to kill the victim.
• The murderer staged the crime scene to make it appear as if the victim was shot from outside the window.
• The screenwriter, Mr. Sunaoka, is revealed to be the murderer.

Character Developments

• Officer Yamamura shows remorse for dismissing Conan's earlier concerns.
• Jiang Xia demonstrates his exceptional detective skills.
• The screenwriter, Mr. Sunaoka, is exposed as the murderer.

Significant Themes

• The power of observation and deduction in solving crimes.
• The deceptive nature of appearances and staged crime scenes.
• The use of technology (recording calls) to gather evidence.

Character Interactions

• Conan's resentment towards Officer Yamamura's earlier dismissal.
• Jiang Xia's interaction with the screenwriter, Mr. Sunaoka, leading to his exposure as the murderer.
• The screenwriter's reaction to Jiang Xia's revelation and his attempt to discredit the evidence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The victim's final words are identified as lines from a TV drama airing that night.
• The screenwriter's alibi for the time of the murder is questioned.
• Evidence of the murder weapon and blood is found in the screenwriter's room.
• The screenwriter initially tries to shift blame onto others but eventually confesses.

Character Developments

• The screenwriter's motive for murder is revealed to be his resentment towards the male lead for repeatedly changing and simplifying his scripts, threatening his creative integrity.
• Officer Yamamura shows initiative in searching the screenwriter's room for evidence.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between creators and their employers or collaborators.
• The consequences of resentment and frustration when one's creative work is not valued or respected.
• The importance of evidence and alibis in solving a crime.

Character Interactions

• The screenwriter's interaction with the male lead is revealed to be contentious, with the male lead frequently changing the screenwriter's scripts.
• The screenwriter interacts with Jiang Xia, initially trying to shift blame but eventually confessing to the crime.
• Officer Yamamura interacts with the Forensics Department officers, working together to search the screenwriter's room for evidence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Conan and Calvados watch as Vermouth obtains a recording of Uzo solving a case.
• Vodka declines Vermouth's offer to exchange the recording for a Uzo Coin, instead hacking into Yamamura Misao's phone to steal it.
• Calvados considers obtaining a gun from the Hunting Management Center but finds it locked due to the police investigation.
• Vermouth receives a mission and warns Calvados not to follow her, but he decides to go to Fuyudo Villa anyway.

Character Developments

• Vodka shows increased caution and technical skill, refusing Vermouth's offer and hacking into Misao's phone.
• Calvados becomes determined to obtain a gun and pursue Vermouth to Fuyudo Villa, despite her warning.
• Vermouth senses something amiss with Jiang Xia's behavior.

Significant Themes

• The Law of Conservation of Career and Love: Calvados believes this law is correct as he faces obstacles in both obtaining a gun and pursuing Vermouth.
• The changing nature of the Organization: Vermouth notes that the Organization is becoming more dangerous, with Vodka's increasing caution and technical skills.

Character Interactions

• Vodka and Vermouth engage in a brief exchange regarding the recording, with Vodka declining her offer.
• Calvados considers and then decides to follow Vermouth to Fuyudo Villa, despite her warning.
• Vermouth and Jiang Xia have a brief, teasing exchange in the corridor, with Vermouth sensing something unusual about Jiang Xia's behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Vermouth spends a restless night worrying about Jiang Xia's expression earlier.
• The next day, the group's car has a flat tire. Calvados, who was supposed to drive separately, joins their group to Fuyudo Villa.
• Suzuki Sonoko forgets her phone, causing a delay. Calvados uses this time to join their group.
• Calvados, now among them, expresses disdain for Valentine's Day, leading to a heated exchange with Suzuki Sonoko.

Character Developments

• Vermouth: Struggles with her feelings for Jiang Xia and worries about his safety.
• Calvados: Shows restraint in controlling his temper, indicating personal growth. Reveals his disdain for Valentine's Day, possibly hinting at a lack of romantic experience.

Significant Themes

• Love and Romance: The upcoming Valentine's Day celebration highlights the theme of love and romance, contrasting with Calvados's cynical view.
• Trust and Betrayal: The group's suspicion of Calvados, an outsider joining their trip, raises questions about trust and potential betrayal.

Character Interactions

• Vermouth and Jiang Xia: Their relationship remains ambiguous, with Vermouth's feelings for Jiang Xia growing more complex.
• Calvados and Suzuki Sonoko: Their argument over Valentine's Day reveals Calvados's cynical view on romance and Suzuki Sonoko's strong-willed personality.
• Calvados and the group: The group's suspicion of Calvados creates tension, with Conan notably questioning Calvados's motives for joining their trip.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group arrives smoothly at Fuyudo Villa without any incidents.
• They meet the villa's grandmother, who reveals that the villa's chocolate-making reputation is a misunderstanding and that the place is rumored to be haunted.
• A young man, a guest at the villa, shares stories about people who died in the snow, leaving behind ice-cold chocolate.

Character Developments

• Vermouth remains vigilant despite the smooth journey, anticipating that the challenges are yet to come.
• Mouri Ran is easily frightened by the ghost stories.
• Jiang Xia shows curiosity about the supernatural elements.
• Calvados ponders the significance of the "haunted" chocolate.

Significant Themes

• Fear of the unknown and the supernatural.
• The contrast between the peaceful journey and the anticipated challenges.
• The power of storytelling and its impact on listeners.

Character Interactions

• Vermouth tries to reassure Mouri Ran by asking for more details about the ghost stories.
• The young man at the villa enjoys frightening the guests with his stories.
• The grandmother warns the guests about the dangers of going outside during snowfall.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A group of tourists, including Jiang Xia, Mouri Ran, and Suzuki Sonoko, arrive at a mountain villa.
• A local mountaineer tells ghost stories about a Snow Woman causing deaths in the forest.
• A tourist, an outdoor journalist, leaves for the forest to find the legendary Japanese Wolf, despite warnings about the Snow Woman.
• A hunter also enters the forest, carrying a rifle to scare off wolves.
• The villa owner leaves, instructing the guests to help themselves to the room keys and kitchen.

Character Developments

• The tourist journalist is determined and enthusiastic about his work, even disregarding local superstitions.
• The hunter is experienced and responsible, carrying a rifle to protect himself and others from wolves.
• The villa owner, Mother-in-law Yuasa, is cautious and concerned about the guests' safety, warning them about the forest's dangers.

Significant Themes

• Superstition vs. Rationality: The mountaineer's ghost stories contrast with the journalist's scientific perspective.
• Obsession: Several characters are obsessed with finding the Japanese Wolf, disregarding potential dangers.
• Responsibility: The hunter and the villa owner show responsibility towards the guests and the environment.

Character Interactions

• The tourist journalist flirts with his girlfriend, disregarding the presence of others, including the Snow Woman legend.
• The villa owner, Mother-in-law Yuasa, interacts with the guests, providing them with information and instructions.
• The hunter and the villa owner have a brief interaction, with the hunter asking her to look after his friend.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Officer Sato arrives at Fuyudo Villa and is surprised by its lack of security.
• An old woman living in the villa goes to visit her husband's grave in the woods, accompanied by her dog, Saburo, which resembles a Japanese Wolf.
• Guests arrive at the villa, and one of them, Jiang Xia, accidentally enters a room occupied by Curacao, a secret agent.
• Curacao's plan to avoid Uzo and complete her mission discreetly is thwarted when Jiang Xia discovers her in the room.

Character Developments

• Officer Sato: Becomes more aware of the differences in management between the mountain villa and her previous post.
• Curacao: Struggles to maintain her cover and avoid Uzo, with her initial plans already foiled by Jiang Xia's intrusion.

Significant Themes

• Security and Safety: The villa's lack of security measures raises concerns, contrasting with the strict rules at Officer Sato's previous post.
• Legends and Superstitions: The old woman's belief in the mountain's legends and the potential influence of these tales on Uzo's writing.

Character Interactions

• Officer Sato and the old woman: Sato questions the old woman about her safety in the woods, revealing the old woman's familiarity with the mountain and her belief in its legends.
• Curacao and Jiang Xia: Jiang Xia accidentally discovers Curacao in her room, potentially compromising her mission and forcing her to adapt her plans.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group decides to stay indoors due to the cold weather and legends.
• Suzuki Sonoko suggests making chocolate, which is agreed upon.
• The Photographer invites Miss Shirai (Curacao) to join them, who initially hesitates but decides to go to avoid being alone in the villa.

Character Developments

• Curacao struggles with her decision to stay or run, revealing her strategic thinking and concern for her safety.
• Calvados realizes the implications of the Valentine's Day tradition and considers alternative plans to give chocolate to Dr. Araide.

Significant Themes

• Isolation vs. Community: Curacao's fear of being alone in the villa contrasts with the group's decision to stay together and engage in a communal activity.
• Tradition and Ritual: The Valentine's Day chocolate-making tradition is highlighted, influencing the characters' actions and expectations.

Character Interactions

• The Photographer acts as a catalyst, inviting Miss Shirai to join the group and facilitating the chocolate-making activity.
• Calvados and Dr. Araide's dynamic is explored as Calvados considers his approach to their relationship, given the Valentine's Day tradition.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Shirai (Curacao) arrives at Fuyudo Villa, surprising everyone as she had previously declined the invitation.
• She enters the kitchen where others are making Valentine's Day chocolate, drawing Suzuki Sonoko's suspicion.
• Suzuki Sonoko questions Shirai about her presence, leading to a tense exchange.
• Calvados watches the kitchen scene but is noticed by Vermouth, leading to an awkward interaction with Jiang Xia.
• Vermouth secretly plans to find a new 'chess piece' while Calvados is distracted by Jiang Xia.
• The female Photographer shares the tragic story of the villa's owner and another missing person.

Character Developments

• Suzuki Sonoko shows astuteness and suspicion towards Shirai's motives.
• Shirai (Curacao) is revealed to have a hidden agenda related to Jiang Xia.
• Calvados struggles with his feelings and frustration, leading to an uncomfortable interaction with Jiang Xia.
• Vermouth strategizes to find a new ally while Calvados is preoccupied.
• The female Photographer shows empathy and shares the villa's tragic history.

Significant Themes

• Suspicion and hidden motives (Shirai's presence, Calvados' true intentions)
• Manipulation and strategic planning (Vermouth's schemes)
• Empathy and understanding (female Photographer's story)

Character Interactions

• Suzuki Sonoko and Shirai: Tense exchange due to Suzuki Sonoko's suspicion of Shirai's motives.
• Calvados and Jiang Xia: Awkward interaction due to Calvados' unspoken feelings and Jiang Xia's misunderstanding.
• Vermouth and Calvados: Vermouth secretly plans to use Calvados' situation to her advantage.
• Female Photographer and others: The Photographer shares the villa's tragic history, evoking empathy from Suzuki Sonoko and others.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The group learns that the missing person from four years ago was the brother of the short-haired woman and boyfriend of the female Photographer.
• They decide to make chocolate together as a distraction from the heavy topic.
• A blizzard starts, and the field reporter, Futagaki, goes missing. The group sets out to search for him.

Character Developments

• Jodie and Suzuki Sonoko are initially hesitant to participate in making chocolate but eventually join in.
• The female Photographer and the short-haired woman reveal their connection to the missing person case.
• Officer Shiratori shows concern for Conan's safety by asking him to stay indoors.

Significant Themes

• The power of community and teamwork in overcoming personal loss and challenges.
• The struggle with Valentine's Day expectations and singlehood, as seen in the characters' reluctance to write names on their chocolates.

Character Interactions

• Jodie and Suzuki Sonoko bond over their shared hesitance and eventually participate in making chocolate together.
• The female Photographer and the short-haired woman support each other in their shared grief and annual search for closure.
• Officer Shiratori shows concern for Conan's safety, highlighting his protective nature.
• The group dynamics shift as they decide to search for Futagaki together, emphasizing their teamwork and camaraderie.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Conan attempts to sneak out of the house but is stopped by Jiang Xia.
• They set out to find the missing reporter, accompanied by Saburo, Conan's dog.
• A gunshot is heard in the distance.
• A hunter arrives, claiming to be searching for Japanese Wolves.
• The group finds the reporter's body in the woods, killed by a head wound.

Character Developments

• Conan demonstrates his determination and resourcefulness in finding the missing person.
• Jiang Xia shows concern for Conan's safety in the blizzard.
• The reporter is found dead, indicating a murder has occurred.

Significant Themes

• Survival in harsh conditions (blizzard, wilderness).
• The search for a missing person, leading to a discovery of death.
• The appearance of a new Ghost Fetus, hinting at supernatural elements.

Character Interactions

• Conan and Jiang Xia work together to find the missing reporter.
• The group of tourists and police interact with a hunter who arrives on the scene.
• The Mermaid Ghost on Jiang Xia's head reacts to the presence of the new Ghost Fetus.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jiang Xia encounters a Ghost Fetus in the snow but fails to capture it.
• Conan discovers a dead body (Reporter Yako) with a heart-shaped chocolate on its chest.
• A group searching for Futagaki hears a dog barking and finds Conan, Jiang Xia, and Saburo. They discover Futagaki's body.

Character Developments

• Jiang Xia shows respect for ghosts' personalities and uses his minions to try and capture the Ghost Fetus.
• Conan demonstrates his keen observational skills and deductive reasoning at the crime scene.
• Conan and Jiang Xia work together to find Futagaki's body.

Significant Themes

• The supernatural: Jiang Xia's belief in ghosts and Conan's skepticism.
• The power of observation and deduction: Conan's ability to notice crucial details at the crime scene.
• Teamwork: Conan and Jiang Xia working together to find Futagaki.

Character Interactions

• Jiang Xia and Conan work together to investigate the crime scene and find Futagaki.
• Mouri Ran scolds Conan for running off alone but is relieved to find him safe.
• The group searching for Futagaki works together, ultimately finding his body with Conan and Jiang Xia's help.