EPISODE CONTEXT

This episode kicks off 'The Design of Poison and Illusion' arc, arriving on the heels of the 'Conan vs. Heiji: The Detective Deduction Battle Between the East and the West' storyline, which means the Heiji and Conan partnership carries fresh momentum into this new case. As the first installment of a multi-part mystery, it establishes the core puzzle and suspects while deepening the involvement of Heiji and Kazuha. Subsequent episodes in this arc will build on the groundwork laid here, making this a critical entry point for the unfolding investigation.