"There is, of course, a pattern."
Senichi picked up a slice of beef from the bubbling sukiyaki pot, then grabbed a few mushrooms and cabbage, and as he ate, he said, "But this pattern is simply a numerical one. Even if we know it, there's no clue..."
"Oh? What do you mean?" Hattori Heiji asked with interest.
"Although the victims all live within Tokyo, they are not in the same area."
Senichi, while savoring the tender beef on his tongue, squinted his eyes slightly. "The first case was in Rika Town 1-chome, the second in Toriya Town 2-chome, and the third in Aoku Town 3-chome...
Looking at the pattern, even if we know the next target is in the 4-chome of some town, there are too many 4-chomes in Tokyo. It's impossible to determine the specific target.
However, the Metropolitan Police Department has increased patrols in the 4-chomes of Tokyo, and the intensity of inspections will be increased in the near future..."
"But isn't this like finding a needle in a haystack..." Ayako sighed after hearing Senichi's words.
"There's no other way; we have so few clues." Senichi shook his head helplessly. "I just hope that the patrolling detectives have better luck..."
"I happen to know that the probability of arson in a certain 4-chome is higher..." Hattori Heiji's mouth curled into a faint smile. "Do you want to hear about it?"
"Huh?" Senichi was taken aback at his words, a hint of contemplation flashed in his eyes. Soon, he smiled and said, "Let me hear your clues, 'famous high school detective from Kansai.'"
"Before the ambulance arrived, when I was looking after Mr. Kusakawa, he briefly regained consciousness and asked me for a favor..."
Hattori Heiji's expression turned serious. "He said he had received a commission before, and originally, he planned to investigate it after resolving Misari Ito's case. However, now that he's injured, he had to ask me to go instead.
The client's home happens to be in the 4-chome of Cupho Town. The family there mentioned that there have been suspicious figures lurking around recently. Considering the pattern of the arsonist, doesn't it feel a bit suspicious?"
"Yes, it does seem suspicious." Senichi nodded. "If it's a coincidence, that's fine, but if it's not... it's very likely to be the culprit..."
Of course, he sounded uncertain, but in reality, Senichi was already about 80% sure that the next target of the arsonist was the 4-chome of Cupho Town mentioned by Hattori.
What? You say there's no basis?
The information came from the mouth of "Kansai's Grim Reaper" Hattori Heiji! Doesn't that count as a basis? Isn't this weighty enough, for heaven's sake!
Although Senichi's reasons seem unfounded and appear to be framing Hattori Heiji, in the face of Detective Conan World's law, it does make sense.
We need to look at the problem from Detective Conan World's perspective, think about it with Detective Conan World's mindset, and strictly adhere to Detective Conan World's law...
Ahem...
Let's not talk nonsense.
Although Senichi has just solved the case of Hattori and Kazuha's disappearance, it seems like he has already resolved the case. According to the usual "Detective Conan World's Law," Grim Reaper should basically enter the "Sage" mode.
But if Hattori and Conan meet, this normal law doesn't quite apply. It's normal to have a couple of exchanges and then enter Sage mode.
Moreover, look at Hattori and Kazuha planning to stay at the Mouri residence. They even received a commission from the previous case "trigger." This is clearly the prelude to a chain of tasks!
When they were preparing to stay earlier, Senichi only felt that there might be another triggering of a case, but after a bit of chatting now, Senichi has basically confirmed that the next case will definitely involve this arsonist!
And, it will happen in the next two days!
As for why, this is entirely based on the short vacation dates of Hattori and Kazuha. When they should go back to school, they should go back. How could they continue to stay in Tokyo to handle cases?
Students should behave like students, and it's not allowed to occupy school time for case-solving. This is also a kind of hidden "Detective Conan World's Law."
In addition to this, there is an even more convincing argument.
That is, from the cases mentioned by these people, none are just casual talk. They can either encounter them 100%, or they have intricate connections with the upcoming cases.
In any case, when they talk about this arson case, Senichi has basically sensed what case they will face next.
The unexpected joy is that he didn't expect Hattori Heiji to actually have a clue.
Now things are much simpler.
"How about it? We don't have anything else to do, so why don't I go with Uncle Mouri tomorrow to visit that family with this little ghost?"
Hattori Heiji, unaware of Senichi's thoughts, rubbed Conan's head and smiled, making a suggestion.
"My dad is fine," Ran smiled and said, "But Conan can't go..."
"Eh? Why?" Hattori asked in confusion.
"Because Conan's school has a field trip tomorrow."
Ran's words left Hattori stunned, then he exclaimed, "What!! A field trip!!?
With the clues about the serial arsonist, this little guy actually wants to happily go on a field trip hand in hand with everyone!?"
"What's the big deal!" Kazuha looked at the overly-reactive Hattori and said impatiently, "So what if Conan, a little kid, goes on a field trip? Why let him participate in some cases?"
"Uh..." Hattori only now realized, smiled brightly, and quickly shifted the topic to Senichi, saying, "What about you, Detective Senichi? Do you want to join us?"
"I have to accompany Ayako tomorrow. But later, I'll report the information you mentioned to the Arson department's Detective Yuminaga, and ask them to increase manpower in the 4-chome of Cupho Town."
Senichi smiled and said, "If I have time tomorrow, I'll investigate the situation myself."
"Oh? So are we going to investigate separately? Let's see whose reasoning is stronger!"
Hattori Heiji, spurred by Senichi's words, challenged with a competitive spirit. "You better hurry, or by the time you go, we might have already caught the culprit!"
"Well, it's best not to say such confident words." Senichi smiled meaningfully, not taking Hattori Heiji's words to heart.
Just kidding, during your investigations, how many times did the case only get solved after it happened? There were very few instances of preventing the crime before it occurred.
"Hmph, tomorrow I'll send the information I will find to your phone!"
Hattori Heiji seemed to catch the meaning behind Senichi's words. "At that time, don't use inconsistent clues as an excuse for losing!"
"Then, thanks in advance for your information." Senichi smiled, showing no signs of worry.
In this situation, waiting patiently was clearly the best choice. If you have a stable batch, what else was there to worry about?