As a young boy, Heiji Hattori roams the lively streets of Osaka, clutching a rice ball his mother packed for him. In a quiet alley, he encounters a frail, dirty boy who timidly asks for food. The boy’s hollow eyes reveal his desperation, and Heiji, moved by compassion, hands over the rice ball without hesitation.

The boy accepts it with trembling hands, his voice breaking as he says, "Thank you... Thank you so much..." Before Heiji can ask his name or learn more, the boy disappears into the bustling crowd.

Years later, now a skilled and confident high school detective, Heiji investigates a case in the same area. Amidst the crowd, he spots a high schooler helping others in need. When their eyes meet, the man smiles and says, "It’s been a long time, hasn’t it? You gave me hope when I had none."

It’s the same boy from years ago, now grown and free, and their reunion sets the stage for a new chapter in both their lives. Heiji said hesitantly, "You are..."