Hey everyone, hope you're all doing well out there. This is chapter 3, and it will be somewhat of an exposition chapter. You will also get a little bit of an insight into the villains as well, so this is where more MHA and BSD characters will be introduced. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
Fair warning - There might be a mild spoiler for the light novel Storm Bringer (and maybe 15 too). I reference both of them, which would no doubt be a big part of this since Bungo Stray Dogs is a series involved. And because Dazai is here, there are mentions of suicidal behaviour.
Don't own anything except for my original character, Kaneko.
Chapter 3 - What We Do
~Downtown Yokohama~
No matter what time of day it is, Yokohama is always busy and bustling. In every corner, people of every age and status live their lives doing what needs to be done. Everyone has his or her job to do - from the panhandlers on the street to the businessmen and women walking to and from their destination while talking on their cell phones. Not one soul acknowledges the other, unless it's a friendly hello here or a wave there.
Located in the centre of downtown, stood a tall high-rise building. It towered above everything else, with the sun's rays kissing the windows creating a glare so intense, it might as well be a second sun. People in black suits and sunglasses exit and enter in professional fashion, entering black cars with tinted windows and entering the building itself. A normal person would pay no mind to this building; to him or her, it's just a standard office building that is said to be owned by a very wealthy surgeon. However, what they don't know is the business itself deals with...questionable antics.
Among those who entered, a scarred man with black hair was escorted by two men in suits. A slightly tattered black overcoat covers a white shirt and black pants, up to a pair of black boots. What appeared to be armoured plating surrounded the cuffs of the overcoat's sleeves. There was some kind of cold sneer the young man made, and his blue eyes held little life. He was here for an important meeting, as he followed the guards through well-furnished hallways that were lined with the most modern decor. His eyes darted left and right as he examined the place from the inside. This is supposed to be the so-called Mafia that we are working so closely with? He thought to himself with a bored attitude, What a fucking joke.
His eyes moved towards one of the guards that stood beside him. He appeared to be holding some kind of dossier file folder in his hands. Something to give to the boss, he presumed. Not like he really cared or anything. He just wanted to get this over with.
They stopped in front of an office located on the fourth floor. The doorframe seemed to be slightly fancier than the others, and the scarred man assumed that this was the boss, or at least one of them. He knew that there was a main boss, but several executives that stood under him. The main boss himself - the supposed surgeon - was at the facility, the grunt warned him prior to entering the building, so they were seeing the second in command. The visitor sighed. Of all the times when he had to show up, the guy he was most interested in was away.
The grunt with the dossier folder knocked on the door, and an angry-sounding voice gruffly answered, "Yeah...enter."
The three of them entered the office, and the visitor could only grimace at the black painted walls lined with the finest furniture. A stereo was in one corner, beside a coat rack. On the opposite wall, next to the desk, was a wine cabinet, with crystal-cut decanters and wine glasses. The desk itself was occupied, by a short man wearing a black fedora hat lined with red silk. Wavy locks of fiery red hair curled passed his ears and up to his shoulders. There were even wisps of red hair that partially covered his steely, blue eyes. He wore a clean white blouse underneath a gray vest, with two thin leather straps criss-crossing at the chest. Black gloves covered his hands, one of which was swirling a wine glass half-filled with deep red wine. He glared at the newcomers with a fiery sense of distrust.
"Chuuya Nakahara, sir," the grunt with the dossier bowed.
"You have 5 minutes," Chuuya coldly ordered. "Get straight to the point. Who is he?"
"This is Dabi," the grunt replied as he stepped to the side to give the newcomer some space. "He was sent here in regards to the alliance of the project."
Chuuya rolled his eyes as he set his wine glass down. "I know what he's here for. You don't have to let me know." He looked at the young man in front of him. He wasn't that much younger than he was, maybe a couple years, but he can tell that this young man didn't want to be here either. "You must be wanting to speak to Mori-san," He guessed. "Sorry to disappoint you, as this project is more important to him, but I'm certain that we will have some kind of understanding of the matter." He waved his hand towards the man with the dossier, hoping to see its contents. The subordinate immediately handed him the stationary folder, and Chuuya opened it.
"Oh, don't worry, I'm actually here to see you, and we will have some kind of understanding," Dabi agreed but it sounded more like a malicious threat than a friendly agreement. "Especially where a certain Dazai Osamu is involved."
Chuuya froze at the name. Realizing the man's reaction, the grunts immediately left the room, not wanting to be in the line of fire. Dabi smirked at the reaction. "I see, so you know him. I just happened to speak to him over the phone. Apparently he's working for the police and-"
CRACK!
Chuuya punched the desk, leaving a giant crack that damaged the wooden surface. "Dazai...is working for the police?"
"Oh you didn't know?" Dabi questioned, amused at the executive's reaction. "I guess no one must have told you, given how you were always travelling."
Chuuya started to shake, which made Dabi grin even wider. However, what he thought was shakes of rage, actually turned out to be shakes of laughter...much to his disappointment. Chuuya threw his head back and laughed almost maniacally, and that in turn disturbed the visitor. An icy glare fixated on the man as Dabi waited for the laughter to cease. He would like to know what the joke was, or if this man was truly as broken as people said. Then again, he had heard that the executive was more composed and Dazai was the broken one, but that was several years ago. Maybe it's the other way around now that things were different.
"Are you done?" Dabi asked impatiently. He wanted to get to the point of this meeting already so he can leave and do more important things.
Chuuya's laughter died down as he adjusted his hat and took a sip of his wine. "Dazai joining the police… after all this time, I thought that he finally succumbed to the suicide he always wanted, what he had craved. But I had never in my entire life thought that he would do something as farcical as this! This is just too rich…" He stood up, picking up the glass by the stem with a vice grip. "AND UTTERLY RIDICULOUS!" He snapped as he threw the glass at the wall with just enough velocity to make it explode.
Dabi's lips curled. "What's the matter? Did your employer lie to you? How many years has it been since Dazai left the mafia? Reports have also said that you two hated each other anyway...so get over it."
"Trust me, we do," Chuuya glared at Dabi. "But you will NEVER understand that our relationship goes far deeper than that."
Dabi rubbed the back of his head. "You're right about that. I never worked with a goddamn person in my life, and I've gotten along pretty well up until this point. Speaking of which, can we get to the point of this meeting? No offense but this is a waste of my time."
"You're not wrong," Chuuya crossed his arms as he leaned against the wall. "I believe that we have dragged things out long enough. I had received a text from Mori-san before you arrived, saying...and I quote… 'Because of this alliance, there needs to be some kind of understanding and cooperation.' " He rolled his eyes as he poured another glass of wine. "Trust me," he stopped and looked at Dabi, "Pardon me, I forgot to offer you a glass."
Dabi waved him off, "I don't drink. Also wine makes me puke...again, no offense."
Chuuya just shrugged his guest's rude statement and continued to pour into the glass. "As I was saying, having a partner bothers me, and while Dazai was my last partner, the thought of having another one pisses me off."
"I know the feeling," Dabi agreed.
Chuuya took a long sip from the glass and placed the cork on the wine bottle. He swirled the wine in the glass while he looked down on the floor. "On the other hand, someone needs to keep those kids at bay...and while I hate it, I can understand why Mori-san would appoint me as their leader."
"Us as co-leaders," Dabi corrected. "And I could guess. As far as I'm concerned," his gaze darkened as he looked at Chuuya. "This experiment was made to create more people like you...Prototype A2518, and as much as I hate it, you need someone to watch your back."
"If Mori-san wills it," Chuuya set his glass down, "then who am I to refuse?" He held out his hand. "Don't let me down...partner."
Dabi stood up and firmly took the shorter man's hand in a tight squeeze. "Don't stand in my way and we have an agreement." Chuuya smirked in agreement as the two shook on it, finalizing their deal.
~Yokohama Police Department~
This was awkward, truly awkward. Keigo sat in awkward silence next to the detective he cannot stand - Dazai Osamu - and they stared at the Chief of Police herself.
The three boys - Akaashi, Bokuto and Kenma - sat behind them while minding their own business. Even though Kenma was playing one of his mobile games, he was bored and he did not want to be here. Akaashi's injuries were looked at by the station physician - Akiko Yosano - but all that he had were bruises and scrapes. However, the less said about that appointment the better. He didn't want to think about it, though he could not deny that Yosano was the best physician the station had at their disposal. She was just...very unhinged. Bokuto was restless. He didn't want to go home, but much like his friends, he didn't want to stay here either. However, he knew he didn't have a choice in the matter. If he were to go anywhere else, he would be caught again and this time they may succeed. He lowered his head in fear and nervousness. Wherever Kuroo was, he was taken to what may be a very scary place and the dual-haired captain didn't want to think what may have happened. The only thing he can do right now is put his safety in the police department's hands.
As they sat in complete silence, with nothing but Kaneko's typing and the clock ticking to fill the void, Keigo wondered what they would talk about. He looked towards Dazai, who had a solemn stare as if he were contemplating something. He couldn't have been further from the truth. Dazai's thoughts were geared towards the cell phone that he discovered in the police officer's pocket. The voice was clearly someone he may have known - Dabi - but that wasn't what he was worried about. There may be other police officers under the mafia's payroll, Dazai was certain of this, especially since he knew of their firm hold on the underground market. But to think they would expand this much…. It may have something to do with the project the mafia had funded. The detective narrowed his eyes - that project that should not have been reopened. If there was anyone who would bring it to a close, it would be Dazai himself, but he knew that he could not do it alone. That was why he needed a partner. Kaneko had her reasons to stop the mafia and the facility behind this project, and they needed a third person. That person, Dazai presumed, would be none other than Keigo himself. He had a hunch that Keigo would be the perfect candidate to complete their group. The kids would also be useful too...if they were trained enough but they will cross that bridge when they get there. All they needed was the main three.
Sensing the awkward silence, Kaneko had finalized the report and saved the draft. She rolled her seat back and stood up, facing the blonde man wearing glasses. "Keigo Nakami," she greeted, "It's an honour to meet you finally."
Slightly stunned by the sudden change in mood, Keigo politely stood up and shook the chief's hand. "Likewise, Chief Kaneko," he replied.
"Can I offer you anything?" She asked. "I apologize for not asking sooner."
Keigo smiled and shook his head. "No need to apologize as I understand that you have plenty of work to do. As for what I would like, I could use a coffee please...black."
"Dazai?" Kaneko looked at the brunette. "A coffee and a green tea please."
Dazai was already out of his seat and walking towards the coffee machine as though he had known that something like this would happen. "At once, my queen~"
As Dazai was preparing the drinks, Kaneko looked at the boys. "Anything for you three?"
"N-no ma'am," Bokuto stuttered.
"No thanks," Akaashi responded.
"I'm good," Kenma stated before going back to his game.
Kaneko nodded and looked at Keigo. "You must have a lot of questions."
"You got that right," Keigo affirmed. "Several of which are geared towards your detective, but let's get the important things out of the way first - like the reason why those boys were abducted." Bokuto sulked at the sentence and lowered his head as though he were a dog about to be in trouble. This earned a shoulder rub from Akaashi to comfort the boy. "I'm curious to see what you have learned so far," The teacher said, "and why you are so interested in recruiting me to your investigation. Don't think that this will make up my mind right away as I am trying to steer clear from that kind of work."
"I understand why you want that peace of mind, Keigo," Kaneko said as she sat back down at her desk, "We all do, but with a very dangerous experiment being done right now, I want to recruit the best. Looking at your file," she brought it up on her computer, "It appears that you have quite the colourful resume - affluent in several martial arts training, military training, and experience in government affairs."
Keigo cut in, "Pardon the interruption. But that could be anyone who would certainly appreciate this job more than I. I still want to know...why me?"
Kaneko looked at the blonde, "Don't you think it's strange that shortly after you train these kids, they get captured right away?" Bokuto furrowed his eyebrows as he listened in. "Tell me Keigo, who sent you to do this?"
Keigo froze. Even though he tried to distance himself from the government, he had been assigned to teach these kids. So why would there be some kind of coincidence? He was assigned to do this special teaching from the college he was working for, and then shortly after he had finished these several months of training per school, these kids got captured. It was a strange coincidence, and he thought that this was merely self-defense training in case danger happens. Could there be a secret motivation that not even he knows about?
Kaneko studied the man's nervous stare with interest and sighed as she leaned back. "Take your time, but please understand that I am not interrogating you on the matter as if you are a suspect for a crime. I'm just trying to understand the connection - if there is any."
Keigo shook his head, "No, no, I understand what you're trying to do. I was sent by the University of Tokyo to do this. They told me that it was for self-defense. I had no idea that these kids would be targeted right afterwards."
Dazai walked back with the Kaneko and Hawks' drinks in hand and set them down in front of the two. He walked back to grab his own coffee, "And you are absolutely correct. However, I will tell you this. This experiment was funded by the Mafia to build their own army of superhumans. The Mafia, in turn, also funds the major government, political, academic, and police organizations. So it would seem that you had been tipped by someone on the Mafia payroll."
Keigo clicked his tongue. So he was used as a pawn in this? Now he seemed to understand why Kaneko and Dazai wanted to hire him.
"I'm not expecting an answer right away, but ask yourself this," Kaneko pressed, "Would you want to redeem yourself as a teacher? Or go back to your military ways and fight back against the ones who are using you?"
"Well SURELY I want to redeem myself!" Keigo snapped. He sighed and calmed down a little bit. "I want to know more about this project. Why was it funded? Who are you fighting? What the fuck is going on?"
"In a word, liberation," Dazai answered, "There's more to our world than one could possibly understand." He looks at the boys on the other side of the room. "Pull up a chair, boys, this has to do with you too."
Without another word, Bokuto and Akaashi dragged their chairs closer but Kenma stayed where he was. "I will stay where I am," he explained, "Just continue talking, I'll listen anyway."
Nodding in understanding, Dazai looked at the rest. "This is a very complicated explanation, so I will be as clear as I can. Our world is not as it should be. In fact, it's far from normal. No one knew how people got them, but somehow, after the previous war, people suddenly started to have abilities. But why? What could have caused them? These abilities weren't strong yet, but then scientists decided to combine them into what we would call a Singularity. Since the Singularity was a success, these scientists continued to study the nature of these rare abilities, to see if they can create more. However, the research was stolen by the Mafia...and the prototype became a member of the mafia too." Dazai tensed a little, and Kaneko could tell that something about this explanation was bringing up something in the detective's past.
"P-Prototype?!" Bokuto stammered, while shocked. "A-are you saying there are superpowered people here too?"
Dazai nodded. "Kaneko and I happen to be two of them."
Keigo went silent. He had heard about the Ability Phenomenon during the war. He had served briefly after all, but his memory of the war itself was hazy….far too hazy. Something didn't seem to add up.
"What are your abilities?!" Bokuto stood up, knocking down his chair immediately. It was Kenma's turn to look at the group.
"My ability is what's known as The Ascension," Kaneko answered as an aura emulating fire appeared around her. "I can enhance my strength and speed while doing close-combat attacks."
"And my ability is called No Longer Human," Dazai added as he placed a hand on Kaneko's shoulder, stopping the ability completely with a slight purple glow. "I can nullify and cancel out any abilities with a single touch." He removed his hand.
"So cool!" Bokuto exclaimed, starry eyed.
"So abilities do exist," Kenma said, "Does this mean that Kuroo and the others will have them?"
"It's a possibility," Kaneko answered. "As you heard before, the research for these abilities were seized by the Mafia, who then funded what we would know as the Heaven Project. This project would turn their subjects into super soldiers that they would sell for a high price."
"In other words," Dazai clarified, "we are brought back to liberation. Because people with these abilities are few and far between, creating more of them with the stolen research would serve to be financially beneficial. Selling them to the government to be used as weapons would bring an end to wars quickly. However, there's one flaw to all of this - Singularities are too strong for a person to handle and there have been many corpses that have risen because they were trying to recreate what they did for the prototype. This was a project that should never have been opened because they were tampering with human lives. While bonding to just one ability is simple enough, bonding to more can create disastrous effects. It's too much power for a single person."
"So that is why they are targeting the captains because of their athletic build," Akaashi guessed.
"Bingo," Dazai confirmed.
"Kuroo...Daichi...everyone…." Bokuto trailed off.
"Is there a way to fight them?" Kenma asked.
"Yeah, me," Dazai answered. "Or anyone else with an ability. Aside from that, there's no way you can face them. Though if you know how to fight and can use a weapon, it may be enough to defend yourselves."
"Then I will fight!" Bokuto exclaimed as he stood up. Suddenly Keigo's hand clasped his wrist. "Sensei?"
"Sit down," Keigo barked with an intense and cold glare that made the boys' blood run cold in their veins. "I won't allow you to fight them as you are."
"But," Bokuto protested.
"You're not ready as you are now," Keigo explained, "They are also after you and wanting to fight back is like running into their trap. So do what I say, and sit down."
Bokuto looked down. He knew deep down that his teacher was correct and he had good intentions, but all he wanted was to save his friend. He clenched his teeth as he tried to fight back his emotions. He wanted to speak his mind, but nothing came out. It just wasn't right to sit around and do nothing while something horrible was happening to Kuroo and the other captains. He wanted to have abilities...or something that would help him fight them easier. Dazai did say that all he needed was to learn how to fight better and use weapons right?
As if reading the young man's mind, Dazai looked at the Fukurodani captain. "I would listen to your teacher. Even if you learned how to use a weapon and fight better, it's still much too dangerous. Also you were the one hiding under that bed while your friend fought hard for you. So I suggest you choose life, lad."
Kaneko shot Dazai a look. She knew how he was when they met, someone who lost the will to live. However, she knew that there was something that he was fighting for as well, and not just the fact that the project going on right now may have had something to do with him. Someone or something influenced him to protect others, and begging others to stay alive was no surprise to someone like Dazai. If only he followed his own words… However, what he said hit her in places she never thought it would be possible, but it did bring up something she had said.
"Don't be a fool! Choose life! Then when you live out your purpose, you will find what's most precious to you."
Dazai had started to work at the station since then, and it prompted him to flirt with her. However, Kaneko was not interested in starting a relationship right now. All she was interested in was taking back what was taken from her.
"What if we did learn to fight, just the grunts?" Akaashi suggested. "We will try not to get in your way and the top guys will be left to you."
Keigo just sighed. "Nice thought, but I would prefer it if the three of you boys stayed safe. I did not say that you wouldn't train, but you need to be careful."
"I agree," Dazai said as he grabbed some keys from a shelf, "which is why the force has arranged a safe house for you three. Your parents have been contacted and are set to move in with you as well. This is temporary...until the fight is over. You should have everything you need there."
Akaashi nodded as he took the keys. "Where is the house anyway?"
"The address should be on the label keychain," Dazai answered, pointing to a silver dog tag with the address engraved.
This prompted Keigo to stand up. "Then I will take them myself," He suggested.
Kaneko nodded. "I entrust the boys in your hands, Keigo. After all, they are your responsibility, aren't they? I will send an escort with you, and you don't need to worry about finding it as it's very close to here."
"Don't worry, I believe you," Keigo nodded as he got the boys to stand up and walk with him out of the room, leaving Kaneko and Dazai alone.
Dazai smiled at them leaving and then looked at the framed picture on Kaneko's desk, which Kaneko was staring at with a hopeful and longing expression. "Every time I'm here, you're so transfixed on that photo," he observed.
"It's my true goal," Kaneko explained, "Something that I must complete at all costs."
Dazai paused for a moment, and then he spoke slowly, "May I...see it?" As Kaneko shot Dazai a glare, he explained further, "Since we are partners in this fight, I want to help as much as possible...the same way that you had helped me see the light." Kaneko hesitated but Dazai spoke again, his gaze on the photo softening. "I want...to help you, Kaneko," he said.
"Why?" Kaneko pressed.
"Because I know that photo is the reason for your suffering," Dazai answered as he locked eyes with her. "You're no longer alone in this, Kaneko-chan."
Hearing that suffix made Kaneko clench her teeth. She was not a child, but she knew that Dazai meant well. All he wanted to do was help her, and even though she was his superior it was like the detective saw right through her. She hated it; she hated being so vulnerable. However, it could not be helped. She sighed and gave in. Perhaps it's only fair that she should let the man help her, especially since this was one of the reasons why she was fighting. Closing her fingers on the framed photo, she narrowed her eyes. "I will only show you once," she said, "After this, do not request the same thing again."
"I have a photographic memory," Dazai assured her, "I won't ask to see the same thing twice."
"Right," Kaneko handed the photo towards him. "You can see it for only a minute." Dazai nodded as he took the photo. However, as he looked, his hands shook as he almost dropped it. He could not believe what he was seeing. It was almost as if his past had caught up with him.
The one in that photo was…
~Under the Yokohama Bridge, that evening~
Blades of shadow danced in the night, unleashing large splashes of blood in a display of carnage and terror. The disgusting sounds of flesh tearing unleashed screams of terror and death. The only one not screaming was the one initiating this slaughter - a young man no older than the age of 16. Gray-tipped, long back hair hung around his face and swayed as he carried out his slaughter. Blood stained his black tattered clothes and painted his face, but he didn't care about the mess. All he cared about was his mission as his cold grey eyes glared at the thugs he was ripping apart. One survivor shook as he took out his gun, but the boy sliced his arm off in two places before he could do anything.
Ignoring the thug's screams, the boy cocked his head, his eyes growing more sadistic. "Dogs like you should know their place," he threatened, "Perhaps this should teach you to do business on mafia territory."
The thug wouldn't give up. He continued to rush at the boy. "You little brat!" However, he was cleaved in half, spraying more blood along the bridge's walls. The boy watched as the dismembered man fell to the ground, and retracted his shadows back into his clothes.
"Having fun?" A voice asked behind him.
The boy turned towards the intruder and glared at Chuuya, who was standing on the underside of the bridge. "Chuuya-san," he greeted at the upside down executive.
"You seem surprised that I decided to visit you in person," Chuuya jumped from the underside and landed on the ground, restoring his point of gravity back to normal. The boy said nothing as he bowed slightly to his superior. Chuuya looked around at the carnage around him. "More intruders, I see," He tapped them all and they were all flung into the river by way of anti-gravity.
"Surely you didn't come here to clean up the mess," the boy said.
"Of course not," Chuuya said as he looked at the boy. "I came to talk to you and I will only make it brief." He looked around, making sure that they weren't being followed by the authorities, before he locked eyes on the boy once more. "It is concerning Project Heaven. Reports have shown that the police are assembling a resistance force to shut down the project. I have already established my partnership with the fire-user Dabi, but we need a third man."
"Let me guess, I am your third man," The boy guessed, his expression not changing.
"You are the best assassin the mafia has ever trained," Chuuya continued his explanation. "And I know what you want more than anything. Besides, I'm sure the chief of police would love to see you again...her long-lost son." The boy said nothing, he just kept his steely gaze on his superior as he talked.
"I know it's been many years," Chuuya finished, "But would you...like to see your mother again, Ryuunosuke Akutagawa?"
The teams have been set! And yes, Akutagawa is Kaneko's son, and he's been made younger. This would also mean that Dazai is a bit older than he is in the actual series, same with Keigo. I will explain all of this later in the series. Now that everything is set up, the real story can finally take off. I think in the next chapter I can show the newly modified Haikyu captains as we haven't seen them in a while. That said, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I apologize if it seems a bit convoluted. See you again next time!