Detective Conan - Episode 1137

The Detective Boys - Conan, Ayumi, Mitsuhiko, Genta, and Haibara - notice that the taste of the ramen at their favorite restaurant, Ogataken, has changed. They decide to investigate the matter, visit the restaurant, and find it unusually empty. The cook, who turns his back to them, behaves strangely. Conan and Haibara suspect that the man is not the real owner, Masashi. They confront Masashi's son, Kosaku, who admits that the man is actually Masashi's brother, Kenji, impersonating him to keep the restaurant running. Masashi has disappeared after leaving a shaky handwritten note saying he went on a trip.

Suspicious clues like a hole in the wall with a dark stain lead the group to suspect a crime. From Banba Eiichi, the owner of a rival ramen shop who had previously spread negative rumors about Ogataken, they learn that he saw Masashi being forced into a car by two men. One of the men is identified as Kurosaki Tatsuya, Masashi's former apprentice, who was fired four years ago.

The Detective Boys believe that Kurosaki kidnapped Masashi out of bitterness and set out to find him. During the confrontation, Conan realizes that Kurosaki and his partners are actors specialized in playing villains, which is also evident from their sunscreen and props reminiscent of a film set. Conan concludes that Masashi is participating voluntarily. Masashi reveals himself and admits that he is suffering from tendonitis, which makes it impossible for him to cook. He hides his condition to avoid burdening Kosaku, as he doesn’t want his son to give up his own dreams to take over the restaurant.

Kosaku confesses that he has already decided to help with the family business and expresses his desire to learn his father's ramen recipe. Father and son reconcile, and the secret is revealed. Ogataken reopens, and the two work together to introduce new menus and carry on the restaurant's legacy.