The Scarlet Bullet: A Kae Fan’s Perspective
The latest installment in the Detective Conan movie series, The Scarlet Bullet, premiered in Japan on April 14th. Set against the backdrop of the Tokyo Olympics, the film unravels a massive conspiracy involving the FBI and the Black Organization. Beyond the thrilling mystery and action, the movie also features emotionally charged scenes that have sparked intense debate among fans. The hashtag “柯哀亲了” (Kae Kissed) trended on Weibo, igniting passionate discussions between “Kae” (Conan x Ai) and “ShinRan” (Shinichi x Ran) shippers. As a devoted Kae fan, I couldn’t miss this movie. I eagerly watched the underwater artificial respiration scene between Conan and Ai Haibara first thing this morning and immediately shared my thoughts with my best friend.
An Underwater Revelation: Kae’s Moment
I was beyond thrilled! This is the moment I’ve been waiting for! Kae finally has a significant development, a moment of intimate contact, a mutual acknowledgment. I found this scene incredibly meaningful, emotional, and aesthetically pleasing.
Symbolism in the Depths
First, the scene takes place underwater, a location rich in symbolism. Water often represents the subconscious, emotions, and the soul. Conan and Ai meeting underwater symbolizes a meeting of their minds, their emotions, and their destinies.
Sacrifice and Care
Second, the scene occurs during a critical situation. Ai is shot near the heart by a crossbow, leaving her unconscious and breathless. Conan, without regard for his own safety, dives into the water to give her artificial respiration. This demonstrates Conan’s deep care and concern for Ai. He is willing to sacrifice everything, even his own life, for her.
A Romantic Undertone
Finally, the scene is set in a romantic atmosphere. The water is tinged with a soft red glow, surrounded by countless bubbles. Their bodies are pressed closely together, their lips connected. This is undeniably an intimate and tender moment, expressing a feeling that transcends friendship and camaraderie. It suggests an unspoken love from Conan towards Ai.
Kae vs. ShinRan: A Clash of Dynamics
I believe this scene perfectly aligns with the established relationship and development between Conan and Ai, blending logic and emotion. Their bond is built on mutual understanding, support, trust, and respect. There is no pretense, deception, concealment, or betrayal between them. They share no pressure, constraints, expectations, or responsibilities. Their relationship is characterized by sincerity, frankness, equality, and freedom. It’s a connection forged through shared experiences and goals, both living in the shadow of the Black Organization, both striving to uncover the truth and fight for justice. They share common enemies and common friends, common dangers and common hopes. Their relationship is also based on mutual attraction and influence. Both are geniuses, independent, stubborn, and solitary. They see reflections of themselves in each other, as well as their own shortcomings. They find role models and complements in each other, feeling admiration and longing.
In contrast, I feel this scene disrupts the established relationship and development between Shinichi and Ran, creating both shock and challenge. Shinichi and Ran’s relationship is rooted in childhood friendship and romantic love. They have known and loved each other since childhood, regarded as a national couple, and considered a match made in heaven. However, an insurmountable gap exists between them because Shinichi has become Conan, and Ran remains unaware. Their relationship is plagued by immense pretense and deception, immense concealment and betrayal. They face immense pressure and constraints, immense expectations and responsibilities. Their relationship lacks sincerity and frankness, equality and freedom. It is a relationship based on past memories and future aspirations, both immersed in cherished memories and anticipating a happy future. However, they have lost current connection and communication, current interaction and progress. There is too much distance and too many misunderstandings between them. Their relationship is based on mutual dependence and restraint. They are both weak, dependent, stubborn, and confused. They do not see reflections of themselves in each other, nor their own shortcomings. They do not find role models or complements in each other, nor do they feel admiration or longing.
A Kae Future?
I sincerely hope that Conan and Ai can ultimately be together and become true lovers. I believe this is the most logical, appropriate, and reasonable ending. I no longer have any expectations or hope for Shinichi and Ran; I believe it is a relationship destined to fail. I also no longer have any trust or respect for the author; I believe he is an author destined to betray. I can only place my hopes and dreams on Conan and Ai. I can only hope that my love and happiness lie with them. I can only pray that Conan and Ai can live happily ever after together!