Case Closed Episode 997: Intrigue at Smile Village

The serene beauty of Smile Village, with its traditional Japanese architecture nestled by a shimmering lake, provides a deceptive welcome. A black limousine carries Conan and the others through impressive gates, hinting at an exclusive, almost regal, experience. But the overly bright, synchronized smiles of Manager Waltz and Director Tango Hohoemi upon their arrival are not reassuring. They are unsettling, a performance rather than genuine warmth, immediately signaling that something is amiss beneath the polished surface.

Conan finds himself bewildered by a quartet of elderly ladies, Sakura, Botan, Sumire, and Azami, who greet him with theatrical enthusiasm, waving fans bearing the Detective Boys' names. Waltz and Tango explain that these women are ardent fans, a consequence of a chance meeting on a bus tour two weeks prior. This explanation feels forced, a little too convenient, and Conan's unease is palpable.

Separated from the others, Conan is led to a lavish, Baroque-style room by Sakura, who insists on singing him a lullaby. He endures her off-key singing, even feigning sleep, only for Sakura to fall asleep herself. His relief is short-lived when he encounters the grim-faced employee, Ondo Shibuzura, who sternly directs him to the lavatory.

Later, the other Detective Boys recount their equally strange experiences. Mitsuhiko was force-fed exotic fruits by Botan, who dreamed of peeling fruit for her grandchildren. Ayumi endured a bizarre ventriloquism act with diamond-studded dentures from Azami. Genta's ordeal was perhaps the most absurd, involving Sumire and her turbo-powered flight, leaving him distraught.

Gathered together, the Detective Boys observe Waltz and Tango, noting their perpetual, unsettling smiles. Conan’s instincts prickle; he senses something deeper than mere customer service. The children's innocent observations — 'They are always smiling' — are met with Conan's growing suspicion, a quiet shift from bewilderment to determination.

Hiding behind piggy banks, the Detective Boys listen as Waltz and Tango drop their smiling facade. They express annoyance with the elderly residents, fearing they might be lured away by other facilities. Tango reveals their true intent: they used the Detective Boys to keep the rich old ladies at Smile Village, a transactional manipulation disguised as hospitality. Conan confirms their grim realization: they have been used.

Waltz and Tango proudly unveil their audacious scheme: they intend to swindle the old ladies out of their fortunes to buy a luxury hotel in Dubai. Their avarice escalates as they envision a 'Smile Village Dubai' and even a 'Cosmic Smile Village,' complete with ancient Japanese imperial attire in space. They plan to make the old ladies sign exclusive contracts, ensuring no escape for their victims.

Their scheme laid bare, Waltz and Tango discover the Detective Boys eavesdropping and shriek in horror. Suddenly, Ondo Shibuzura appears, his grim demeanor now directed at the children. He captures the Detective Boys with surprising force, tossing them into storage boxes and locking them away. Conan's attempt to kick the door open is met with Ondo's unyielding grip.

As Waltz and Tango pressure the elderly women to sign their exclusive contracts, the tables dramatically turn. The old ladies, far from being duped, reveal they knew the villains' true intentions all along. Conan, having escaped, delivers a powerful kick, sending the conniving duo flying. The Detective Boys stand proud, having delivered justice.

The elderly women, now free from their tormentors, cheer for their 'idols,' the Detective Boys. Conan reveals Ondo's true nature: he was appalled by Waltz and Tango's plan, deliberately exposing them. A blushing Ondo is then celebrated by the children, his quiet disapproval a more potent force than the villains' loud ambition. The episode ends with the understanding that even a seemingly small act of integrity can bring down grand deceptions.