Chapter 11
A rescue went down towards the group while holding a Litter, or a rescue stretcher, beside him. With the assistance of Akutagawa, he was able to place the blood-drenched executive in the basket stretcher. To assure the patient's safety, he covered him with a cloth and tied him up with a safety strap. After performing all the safety measures with his swift action, the rescue gave his signal to bring him up back to the helicopter.
Yosano, who was also in the helicopter, helped the rescue to bring Chuuya safely inside. "Leave the rest to me, Dazai!" then she glanced towards Akutagawa, who was giving his scowling look for he do not trust anyone from the agency, except that man though.
"Don't worry, I am a doctor and I won't let my patient die in my presence. Believe me" As soon as she stated her words, the helicopter rose up and flew back where it came from. The group watched the helicopter leaving, until its appearance and the rumbling sound fades away.
It was only a brief moment though, when Atsushi unconsciously glanced at Dazai, he noticed that his senior was looking at his bloodied hand with his pensive look. Though his eyes were overcast with the shadow of his forelock, between those narrow spaces, he saw that his eyes had a glint of pain and guilt were recognized.
""""""
The military ferries arrived safely at the Osanbashi port. As soon as they arrived, the military soldiers lead the captured Despair gang members out of the ferry while they are still being tied by strong durable band with one another. Grunts of curses were heard as they walk and ride inside the prisoner transporting vehicle.
"Fukuzawa-dono" Mori greeted the Fukuzawa while walking towards his direction, his hands behind his back. "I guess I have no choice but to leave Chuuya-kun to your skilled doctor"
"Mori-sensei" Fukuzawa recognized his presence and turned his body towards the other. "I'm sorry about your subordinate's state. And yes, please leave your subordinate to us. We will definitely cure him" Fukuzawa reassured.
Higuchi, who was listening to their conversation tried to retort back but before she could do so, Mori raised his hand as a sign of silence then smiled while returning his hand back to the its previous position.
"Understood" he agreed. "But if he didn't come back safely to our headquarters, you know what will be the consequence, do you?" then gave his sly smile, mild yet strong bloodlust was felt from Mori's stare. Despite that intimacy, Fukuzawa didn't falter and nodded.
"Of course"
Mori smirked, contented with Fukuzawa's monotonous reply then changed his attention towards another group of Despair gang members who are just about to ride the van.
"So, these are the members of the trouble-maker group" he said while scrutinizing each man with his deep red eyes, still wearing his kind-looking smile. Whenever their eyes met with Mori's, they do not know why but a wave of chill runs down to their spine. They themselves can't believe that the person in front of them is the boss of Port Mafia, the most feared person in the biggest mafia in Yokohama. But it was different for the two executives of the gang.
"Ha! Do you guys think that this is the end of our plot?" Ibuki, a guy with a bulky structure who fought with Atsushi, exclaimed with a haughty laugh, bemusing the people nearby with his words. The rest of the gang members also begun to snicker as if they are plotting something, despite they are surrounded by the big three organization.
"W-what does he mean?" Atsushi, who just arrived in the port heard those words, prompt in complete dazed. Akutagawa was also wearing the same expression though his face turned into scowling one afterwards. The young mafia tried to approach Ibuki but was stopped by his former senior with a gesture.
"D-dazai-san?" he gave his query look but Dazai just smiled, an enigmatic one. Their attention returned to the crowd when another executive of the Despair gang spoke.
"You fool! Our cruise was just like an entertainment. The real show will happen soon! We have set 30 bombs in Yokohama and you guys have only 1 hour left to disarm all of them!" Yusei sneered with a disgusting chuckle.
"Even if you guys cooperate and work on disarming the bombs, you guys won't make it! You don't have any idea where we installed it!" Ibuki shouted as if he just declared another war with his enemy organization.
But unexpectedly and surprisingly, Fukuzawa and Mori just smirked, no sign of panic and fear were perceived from their faces. Confused by their enigmatic expression, Yusei immediately demanded for an answer. "W-why are you guys not panicking!? This is your area, Yokohama! We set 30 bombs and yet why can you stay so calm!?"
This was also the exact words that Atsushi thought. He then glanced towards his senior. His eyes widened in surprise for Dazai was also wearing a sly grin as if he expected that this scenario will happen.
Mori chuckled and opened his mouth to speak. "It's easy if you will try to analyze the situation logically. First of all, the Port Mafia is known to be the strongest and largest mafia organization in Yokohama. But why do you think so? It is because of our affiliated organization." He paused then begun trotting back and forth. "Our affiliated organization is stationed in their respective location and whenever there are foreign mafias trying to invade, we will immediately receive a report from the organization stationed in that certain area. But since we did not receive any reports from them. In other words, there is a betrayer among my affiliated organization"
"And here comes the great detective's awesome work!" Ranpo sudden butted in their conversation with a smug in his face.
"Y-you are-!" Yusei prompt, obviously confused with the situation.
"It seemed like you underestimated him. Ranpo is our elite detective in the agency, no, in this country. He immediately pointed out the hideout of the organization that helped you to enter Yokohama" Fukuzawa added while inserting his arms inside the sleeves of his green yukata.
"Well, nothing can beat the great detective, Ranpo-sama!" Ranpo declared as he pulled out his eyeglasses and placed it on his nose bridge, followed by his exalted laughter while placing his both hands on his hips.
The Despair Gang gasped in horror and went speechless, eyes quivering in incredibility which made them difficult to fix their confused thoughts.
"I-It can't b-be! This must be kind of mistake!" One of the gang members shouted, his voice seemed choked with his own fear and despair. "You guys are just bluffing! There's no way you guys can figure out-"
"'The Raven wasn't it?" When Mori mentioned that organization name, all the gang members did a sharp gasp and this time they totally froze in their spot. They felt as if someone has darted their heart to end their life. Looking at their doomed expression, the mafia boss to draw his dark sinister grin.
'"""""
FEW HOURS AGO…
It was the time after the detective agency had their meeting. Fukuzawa called Ranpo and Tanizaki in his office.
"What is it, President? I hope you will end this talk as soon as possible so that I can eat the latest edition candy I bought this morning~" Ranpo demanded as placed his both hands behind his head. Tanizaki who was standing beside him just released an awkward chuckle. It is only Ranpo who can take this kind of bossy attitude towards their President.
Fukuzawa nodded and begun to speak. "Don't worry. It won't take long." He said and took a sip of his tea prepared by his assistant. "I received a call from the boss of Port Mafia this morning." This first sentence instantly changed the atmosphere of the room; Tanizaki's eyes widened in astonishment while Ranpo's face stiffened and turned serious.
"According to the information I received from them, the Despair Gang were also targeting the men from Port Mafia. In order to stop their childish scheme, one of their executives, Koyo Ozaki personally move and captured those culprits. After interrogating them, they found out that one of the organizations from their affiliated association betrayed them." This short explanation piqued the duo's interest. Fukuzawa continued talking.
"But this wasn't the end. It seemed that the Despair Gang and 'that organization' planted around 30 bombs here in Yokohama. Unfortunately, the Despair Gang themselves also do not know where it is planted."
"Eh? W-what do you mean, President?" Tanizaki was obviously confused and surprised.
"It seemed like the Despair Gang was responsible to provide the bombs while their ally, or the betrayer of Port Mafia, was the one who hid the bombs around Yokohama"
"But Yokohama is so big and its almost too impossible to find all the bombs and deactivate them immediately!" he exclaimed as he placed his one hand on his head, letting some strands of his hair to protrude between his fingers. Fukuzawa also nodded in complete agreement.
"I guess you probably understand why I called you here, Ranpo?" the president glanced towards his first subordinate with his arms hidden inside his long green sleeves.
"Of course, it was too obvious" Ranpo said, though he seemed reluctant to accept the request.
"Probably they are requesting me to find out all the hidden location of the bombs, isn't it?"
"Exactly. In order to avoid big casualties, just like what happened during our war against the Guild, it is better to keep the current ceasefire we have with the Port Mafia and cooperate together to protect Yokohama" Fukuzawa explained. "It is a timed-bomb and our deadline to deactivate them is today's midnight. In return of their request, they promised that they will give their full support and cooperation to us until the whole deactivation of the 30 bombs"
Tanizaki recoiled back with the vague promise of the Port Mafia. They are the infamous mafia who tries to take the lives of the detective agency members! Do they think that the agency will accept their request whole-heartedly? But this is not his decision to make. It his senior, Ranpo. All he could do right now was to patiently wait for his senior's decision.
Ranpo contemplated about it for few seconds while pouting his cheeks then released a stressed sigh. "Fine!" he said as he abruptly placed his both arms down. "As long as we can finish this troublesome case! Let's go Tanizaki!" he exclaimed then headed towards the door, his coat fluttered simultaneously with his swift turn.
"Tanizaki-" Fukuzawa called, pulling out his subordinate from his confuse thoughts. "If something bad happens, protect Ranpo and retreat immediately. Understood?"
Receiving a simple yet a big responsibility from his President, Tanizaki replied with resolution simultaneously with a nod then gave his quick bow before he left to chase after Ranpo, who was already out of the room.
"W-Wait for me, Ranpo-san!"
"""""
Tanizaki was nervous. Ranpo accepted to find the 30 bombs hidden somewhere in Yokohama but that will mean they are currently heading towards a dangerous road. Few minutes after their departure, they receive text messages from an unknown number for a meet-up at the 'Breaktime café'. Based from the contents of the message, they immediately knew that it is from the Port Mafia albeit they do not know how they learn their cellphone numbers.
Tanizaki knew about this café. It has a retro aesthetics and quite popular especially to high school and college students. He and his sister usually visit that place after having their (his sister's) long shopping. He glanced Ranpo who was humming while walking beside him. He wondered why his senior is so calm though he seemed to be pondering over something.
"Tanizaki" the sudden remark of Ranpo flinched Tanizaki in surprise.
"Y-Yes, Ranpo -san?"
"Are we turning left or right?"
"Eh? Ah, umm, we will turn left then we'll arrive at the café within few minutes" the younger replied after he did a quick scanning of his surroundings. He was too rapt in his thoughts where it comes to the point he almost forgot where they are going.
'You have to concentrate, Tanizaki! You have to protect Ranpo-san at all cost!' Tanizaki said to himself. He knew and recognize his senior as the greatest detective, not only in Yokohama, but the entire country. However, he is just a normal human being without any special ability like his co-workers have. This thought gave another load of pressure to the younger.
As soon as they spotted the café, they entered the place. A bell chimed simultaneously when Ranpo opened the door. Whiff of coffee welcomed the two detectives, alluring them to enter. Relaxing yet jolly jazz were being played in the background, its volume was moderate enough not to disrupt the comfortable atmosphere.
"Welcome to Breaktime café. May I take your orders, sir?" a lady over the counter greeted them with a smile. Both detectives approached the counter while looking at the menu written on the board in different vintage font styles.
"Ranpo-san-" Tanizaki whispered as he lowered his head towards his senior. Ranpo tilted his head in query but then noticed that Tanizaki was looking at the further side of the café. He followed his gaze and saw a lady in pink kimono sipping her ordered tea alone. As if she noticed their presence, she returned her gaze and smiled.
"K-Koyo Ozaki, one of the executives of Port Mafia-" Tanizaki unconsciously stammered in nervousness. Cold sweat was felt and gulped to swallow his fear. Ranpo, just stared at her for a while then returned his attention towards the counter lady.
"I want a parfait please. A strawberry one."
"I-I will take Caramel Machiatto please" Tanizaki followed. After both of them ordered their dessert and drink, they walked towards the seat where the executive of Port Mafia is taking her morning tea. As soon as the detectives stopped in front of her, Koyo raised her head and smiled.
"Good morning, detectives. Who would have expected that this kind of day would come?" she said while placing her tea cup on the saucer. "Well, why don't you guys take your seat? I'm sure your president has informed you about this matter"
Ranpo just smirked with her offer then sat down on the vacant seat just before Koyo without showing any sign of reluctancy nor doubt while Tanizaki he sat down beside his senior as he heightened his alertness. He noticed that his hands were sweating a lot but tried to appear nonchalant
"Let's go straight to the point, shall we?" Ranpo started to talk with his usual confident attitude. "Your request was to find the location of the bombs wasn't it?" then received a nod from the lady.
Thought it was awkward, Tanizaki raised his hand for an inquiry. "Umm, what kind of organization Raven is?"
"Basically, they work as an urban geographer in our mafia world. They also own a tourist company here in Yokohama. The Despair Gang said that they entered from Kanto region, which is the region located at the eastern side of Yokohama" Koyo said and finished her tea. "And that is how our boss assumed that they are the betrayer. 'The Raven' is the only organization assigned in that area and they are also known for memorizing the whole map of Yokohama." And shrugged her shoulders and sighed. "Honestly, I was shock when they turned their fangs to us. How sad we loss an elite alliance"
"Hmm" Ranpo hummed understandably. His serious expression turned into a childish one when he saw the waitress came carrying a tray that has strawberry parfait and Caramel Machiatto on it. From Koyo's point of view, Ranpo seemed to be like a child who is so excited to eat his favorite food; his eyes sparkling with delight and whenever he will take a spoonful of ice cream, bright beam never failed to appear.
This made Koyo to smirk, arching her eyebrow and sighed. "I don't know if you are really a Great Detective or just a child who loves eating his dessert"
Ranpo returned a smile and declared. "Well, the Great Detective loves sweets~ Eating sweets and solving crimes are the same~ Anyway-" he said, changing the tone of his voice, he took his eyeglasses from his undercoat pocket. "Let me see-"
Koyo noticed the sudden change of atmosphere from Ranpo. The detective sitting in front of her stopped eating his parfait and seemed pondering over something, his emerald irises shifting from side to side as if he is reading and organizing the invisible information before his eyes.
"I got it." His sudden remark surprised the two. "Miss, perhaps do you carry a map of Yokohama?" Ranpo inquired with a grin.
"I don't have one, but I can let one of my men to buy from the nearby store" she said and took her phone and gave a command to her men. Few minutes have past, Ranpo finished eating his parfait and in a good timing, the man in black suit entered the café and head straight to Koyo then handed out a map.
"Is this fine with you, Mr. Great Detective?" she asked politely while handing out the map to him.
"Perfect" he said then ripped the plastic wrapper and spread the paper before their table after Tanizaki swiftly removed all the cups and parfait glass. "Question number one, what was the goal of the Despair Gang?" Ranpo inquired as if he started a quiz.
"To destroy Port Mafia and Detective Agency in order to spread their domain here in Yokohama, wasn't it?" Tanizaki guessed then Koyo added.
"But I think one of their true motivation is to give their revenge to Chuuya. I presume you have already heard about our past with the previous Despair Gang. Dazai was also in charge during that organization war so I think that is the reason why your agency was also targeted."
"Both of you are correct" Ranpo continued. "And here is the second question, do you think they will actually spread their domain here in Yokohama where their two detestable organization resides?"
"No" the other two answered in unison.
"Oh, I just remembered." Koyo remarked, remembering something important. "I received an information that during our investigation, Chuuya received another threat letter from the Despair gang that if he will not show up in the cruise, they will turn Yokohama into blaze. Come to think of it, I think they will not keep their promise"
Ranpo grinned then snapped his fingers when he thought that they finally reached the point he wanted them to understand. "Exactly. The only point that Port Mafia and Detective Agency agree is to protect Yokohama at all cost. We all love Yokohama and what we love is what they hate the most. In other words, they will target the places that symbolizes our beloved city"
"The tourist spots!" Tanizaki suddenly exclaimed when an answer popped out inside his head, receiving stunned glances from the customers around their seats. Koyo and his body guard also gasped with the answer after realizing the horrible plot of their enemy.
"That's right. According to my presumption, the Raven requested the Despair Gang to dispatch some of their members to roam around the area where the Port Mafia and Detective Agency usual visits and purposely attack us in order to avert our eyes from their real plot despite the risk that one of the members of the Despair Gang might blurt out that it was them who aid them entering Yokohama"
Tanizaki grimed while listening to the deduction of Ranpo while Koyo held her chin with her fingers, exposing her neat red manicured nails while staring at the map. "In other words, they were confident that that they will not be caught by us, huh" Koyo mumbled and frowned, obviously feeling indignant with their situation. Though it might be just his imagination, Tanizaki saw the bodyguard of Koyo, gulped in nervousness for he knew that 'the Raven' will receive a severe punishment and its worse when it will end up in the hands of their lady executive.
"Thank you very much, Mr. Great Detective. You helped us a lot and even saved Yokohama from turning into a blazing hell" Koyo thanked Ranpo and gave him her small bow. Ranpo just showed his usual confident smile while Tanizaki gaped with the scene he just witnessed, reflecting himself how amazing and horrifying man his senior is. Even the executive of Port Mafia bowed her head to show respect and gratefulness towards Ranpo.
"Well, the rest is up to you, miss. Our request from you ends here. Since, we already know the true motive of the Despair Gang, I am planning to request our President to ask the government to dispatch bomb disposal professionals to remove the planted bombs in the tourist spots. And I think that will be the faster way to deactivate all the bombs." Ranpo stated and stood up from his chair. "I hope your organization will not disturb our plan".
The lady before him smiled and cocked her head. "Reassure yourself, Mr. Great Detective. I have no intention to destroy your plans, since this is also a great advantage for us." Koyo replied while folding the map and handed out to her bodyguard. "By the way, may I ask for another request?"
Ranpo furrowed his eyebrows and rubbed behind his neck uncomfortably. "Please make sure that will be your last request" he said, bringing another smile to Koyo's face. "Where do you think 'the Ravens' are hiding?"
Ranpo revealed his emerald eyes again behind his eyeglasses and stared at her for a while before he turned his back against the executive. "They are observing from the tallest building here in Yokohama" then continued walking towards the ext. Tanizaki followed his steps afterwards and both of them left the café.
Koyo watched them leave and as soon as their appearance disappeared before her vision, she stood up from her seat then took the traditional Japanese umbrella where she placed it against the narrow wall between the sofas.
Sly grin was drawn on her face and took out her phone while heading towards the exit. She slid her thumb on the screen then pressed a certain contact. Soon after, someone picked her call.
"How was your chat with the Great Detective from the agency?" It was Mori's voice. As expected, he had already predicted that Koyo will be giving a call to him after their discussion with Ranpo.
"They gave us the exact location were the bombs are hidden and also the place where those 'dirty rats' are hiding" she replied. The way she speaks has already gave a gist of hint that she is plotting a mischievous scheme towards their betrayer.
Mori did a chuckled and commanded. "Magnificent, Koyo-kun. Then I will leave 'the Ravens' to you. I will handle the rest"
"Understood"
"""""
BACK TO PRESENT
"Since you targeted the entire Yokohama, the government will not just stay still either." Fukuzawa added. "And about an hour ago, I received a message that all the bombs are disposed. Not only that but there were few corpses found in the helipad too. Though the police are still investigating their identities, I think they belong to the men of 'the Ravens'." And gave a sharp glance towards Mori while the other just smiled.
The whole gang gasped, their eyes trembling in bewilderment. They couldn't absorb these unbelievable situations at once which made them to remain speechless and blank for few moments not until Mori begun to speak.
"Well, too bad for you guys, your plan didn't work out" Mori taunted as he stepped forward. His words finally burst the gang's temper so when they raised their head to retort, everyone did a sharp gasp then shut their mouth when they felt the strong bloodlust from Mori who was cocking his head to his side, giving his mad grin as his eyes were wide open. They felt as if their breathing stopped when their eyes met with Mori's, no glint of life was recognized from his eyes.
Just death.
"You guys should be thankful that you are officially arrested by the government." Mori uttered, but this time in a creepy manner, his voice was deep and serious, giving every gang member chill down to their spine. They immediately broke into their cold sweat, while some of them were trembling in fear "It seemed like your 'ally' wanted to watch this Yokohama turning into sea of flames from the tallest tower, but in the end, it turned out to be their grave." He then lifts the corner of his lips, creating a mischievous grin. "If I didn't form this temporary ceasefire with the detectives, I would have already cut your throats, dissected your bodies and sell your organs in the black market"
"Cut it out, Mori" Fukuzawa intervened, breaking the disturbing lines that mafioso was blurting.
"I was just teasing them a bit" Mori remarked, returning back to his cheerful attitude. All the gang members watched him leave to make it sure he is already afar then released loud sighs and gasped for air as if they just came out from a deep water. Though it was just a glimpse, they saw themselves being massacred by the boss of Port Mafia alone.
Atsushi, who was also listening to their conversation also froze when he saw the dark side of Mori. He discreetly released a relief sigh after the two top leaders left the area for other inspection. When he looked back, he spotted Dazai sitting at the edge of the bridge alone. He seemed to be contemplating something, so he decided to approach his senior.
"Dazai-san" Atsushi called as he trotted towards his senior, but Dazai didn't react. Atsushi cocked his head in wonder and decided to call him again. "Dazai-san"
This time, Dazai flinched and quickly raised his head and saw Atsushi smiling at him. "Oh, Atsushi-kun" he immediately wore his usual smile. "Thank you for your hard work" he praised. Atsushi smiled and also replied.
"Thank you for your hard work too, Dazai-san. If you didn't come, Chuuya-san might have died. Not only him, but all of us too" When Atsushi said that he was stunned to see Dazai's face gloomed and broke into melancholy smile.
"Dazai-san…?"
The senior sighed and leaned his body backwards by supporting himself with his arms placed behind him. "You know, it was my first time to see Chuuya in that state." His sudden remark intrigued the other. He then smirked again and cocked his head to his side, closing his eyes whether trying to relax or to organize his thoughts and feelings. "Honestly, it was beyond my expectation. It's been a long time since I panicked a bit" he admitted as he raised the hand that he used to grab Chuuya's bloody arm.
He then stood up and stretched his body. "Anyway, this troublesome mission finally ended~" he drawled, returning to his usual self. "I shall immediately go back to my dorm and have my long sweet sleep"
Atsushi watched his senior leaving, heading back to the rest of group. He wasn't sure but it was first time for Atsushi to hear Dazai expressing his feelings, his concerned expression and words of regret. Everything was genuine.
"""""
There were two man standing in the midst of velvet dimension as their backs were facing to each other. Both men have the same features, hairstyles and outfit. The only difference was the other man had swirls around his body which spreads to his arms, neck then to his face.
The man with swirls chuckled and raised his both arms to his sides. "I am surprise that you manage to stay alive, Chuuya. I think we made a new record for keeping the 'Corruption' state" he sneered then chuckled again.
Chuuya irked and clicked his tongue then inserted his hand in his pockets. "You are my ability. And I am you. There's no way I can't let you just kill me nor I am going to abandon you" the mafioso remarked as he fixed his hat on his head while turning towards the other.
The other man did the same. He then cocked his head, letting his orange locks to cover one of his eyes. "But I will not give up making you mad" then formed his grin in his face. Chuuya gave his dark glare and scowled.
"Then I won't give up controlling you either" then smirked.
Receiving that answer, the 'Corruption' form of Chuuya cackled. "Very well, I shall cooperate with you until the end, but don't forget that I will never miss my opportunity to dye you with darkness until you'll fall in despair"
Chuuya's eyes flickered and smirked. "You are very welcome to do that, but also remember that I will never lose to my darkness"
That very moment, the whole dimension began to crack into four directions. Through the thin gaps between those cracks, the strong wind broke out causing the velvet dimension to shatter into thousand shards of glasses.
"""""
Chuuya gasped awake, his breath was rapid as drops of sweat trickled down to his face. His vision was blurry at first then eventually it became clear and recognized that he was staring an unfamiliar ceiling high above him.
"Hey-" Chuuya jolted when he heard someone's voice beside him. Warily he turned his head to the side and was welcomed with the irked smile of a certain detective.
"D-Dazai?" he stuttered in puzzlement.
"Good morning, Chuuya. How sad you regained your consciousness already" his former partner sarcastically said, already started to cut the line of patience of the mafioso. "First of all, can you please remove your hand from my arm, please?"
"What-?" Chuuya didn't understood what Dazai meant but when he traced his hand, for a moment he grimed when he realized that he was grasping Dazai's arm. But when Chuuya scrutinized his former partner's hand carefully, he realized that Dazai was gripping a black permanent marker. The mafioso pursed his lips and gave his impassive look to Dazai, already guessing what he was trying to do.
"You've got some nerves to draw in my face, hmm, Dazai?" he growled while giving his dark look. Dazai, as usual, gave his sly smile and feigned clueless by cocking his head to the side.
"By the way, how long are you planning to grab my arm? It's going to break"
As soon as he said that, for a brief second of milliseconds, Chuuya thought of literally breaking his arm, but released his hands anyway. He then released a deep sigh of exasperation. Just looking at his former partner drains his energy so much.
"If you are here that means I am confined in your agency, am I right?" he inquired rather in a calm manner. Dazai nodded cheerfully as a sign that mafioso's guess is right, planting another seed of irritation to the executive.
"Relax, you are just being confined in our clinic. We won't hurt you. We are not that stupid besides we made a deal with Mori-san" Dazai tried to assure the other but Chuuya couldn't help but be dubious especially when he saw the detective beside him wearing his typical sly smile. The executive was 100% sure that Dazai might be hiding something from him but he also just couldn't escape from the agency for they had made a deal with his boss. Though he doubted whether this 'deal' that Dazai is talking about is true or not, it will be a bad move for him if he would just act carelessly and cause trouble. And most of all, it is Dazai who he is dealing with. Albeit he hated to admit it, he can't win against his dark cunning schemes.
Frustrated that he couldn't do anything, Chuuya clicked his tongue and whipped his head to his side, averting his gaze from the other. "What do you want?" he scowled. Dazai slid the stool chair beside him and sat on it, crossing his legs and tucking his hands in his coat pocket.
"I have two questions to ask" he said simultaneously raising his two fingers. "First of all, why did you go to the battlefield with 'that' condition?" his voice became serious "Moreover, your condition yesterday was worst. You knew that more than anybody else." when Dazai asked his first question, he saw for a brief moment that Chuuya's eyes widened before he placed his arm over his eyes.
The detective sighed and shrugged his shoulders. "Well, it's about you, I guess you wanted to end Setsu's life with your own hands because you felt guilty for not finishing him five years ago"
"Yes, that was one of my reasons. But it is also because I couldn't forgive myself for being weak against my own ability. That's all." Dazai blinked his eyes few times, startled by Chuuya unexpected genuine confession.
"It is all because of that nightmare, damn it" the mafioso finally said in exasperation. "If I didn't saw that nightmare then probably, I could have controlled my ability better". When he said that, Dazai's eyes sparkled as it piqued his attention while puckish grin formed in his face.
"Oh, I wonder what nightmare you saw?" he prompted.
Chuuya then lifted his arms, ignoring the question for he knew that the other will just ridicule him, and glanced at Dazai. "Just like you said, this time was the worst. The velvet swirls that usually comes out only during 'Corruption' even appeared against my will. Don't you know how much struggle I've gone through to suppress those swirls to spread throughout my body?" this remark instantly changed the expression of Dazai, doubling his bewilderment which was enough for him to unmasked his reaction.
Chuuya smirked, internally doing guts pose in his mind for surprising his former partner for it is only rare for Dazai to change his cool mien, and sighed. "Surprising isn't it? Honestly, I didn't anticipate that it will go worst and end up being drowned with my ability." Chuuya scoffed himself then stretched his right arm towards the ceiling. "It's great that it disappeared"
Dazai closed his eyes, sighed heavily as he massaged his temple, trying to absorb the information in his scribbled mind. "It was unlikely of you, but stressing me out like this never change." He snide and opened his eyes as he glanced his former partner in exasperation. "I should have let you die that time"
Chuuya just scoff off his remarked then averted his gaze in uncomfortable manner. "By the way… no one died when I went rampage, right?"
Dazai narrowed his eyes as he scrutinized Chuuya, recognizing the change of the tone of his voice as shadow formed in mafioso's face. He could sense a feeling of guilt that has been surging within him. Dazai did a reassuring smile and shook his head.
"For the second time, relax, no one died. Everyone is safe. Your men, my comrades and even the gang were safe. Except their leader though. You finished him off"
"I see" and did a sigh of relief as if the burden he had been carrying for a long time finally has been lifted up. He then did a small smile then returned his gaze back to the other. "Anyway, let's end this quickly so that I can be released. What is your second question?" Chuuya prompted, now eager to go back to Port Mafia headquarters to give his report to his boss.
"Let's go to the main point then" Dazai clapped his hand and returned his gaze to Chuuya. "Give me the whole list of the business markets and banks that the Despair Gang is operating" when he said that, Chuuya's eyes twitched and his gaze changed.
Dazai smirked and continued. "Just what I have thought. I knew you had another reason why you stayed albeit of your condition" then showed his smug face while receiving a piercing stare from the other.
"When I interrogated one of the committees of the gang, he said that they always bring the important documents and data with them for security. Based upon this information, I thought that they might be bringing those files in the cruise with them. There's no way Port Mafia will miss that opportunity to attain their documents and robbed their authority from them to expand your black-market businesses. You acted as a decoy so that your subordinates can retrieve it beforehand"
After hearing Dazai's speculation, Chuuya sighed in defeat and arched his eyebrow. "It's really disgusting that your assumption is always right" he sarcastically said while giving his impassive look to his former partner. "Why do you need the list anyway? The agency does not even need that list" he inquired.
"One of our clients, who is a government-related person, were deceived and one his bank accounts was heisted by the Despair Gang. I just thought that maybe one of his bank accounts might be listed on the list. If it does, then we can restore his business. Plus, he is one of the wealthiest men in Tokyo, the government also couldn't just stay still." Dazai said in a half-mockingly manner as he shrugged his shoulders.
"Ha! In the end, the government moves for the money after all. They are the biggest mafia in our country" Chuuya jeered and stretched his arms upward, cracking few joints of his body. "I will go with that deal then. I will contact boss about it though I doubt he already took his move".
"Don't worry, Mori-san do not have interest in taking over the money of the government, rather he enjoys manipulating them using the government itself" Dazai said, showing his wry expression after imagining the mischievous image of his former boss. Chuuya just chuckled, completely agreeing to what Dazai remarked.
Few moments later, they heard few knocks from the door and saw Yosano entering the clinic while carrying black clip file folder while tapping it on her shoulder.
"Oh, you're awake" she said, seeing Chuuya being conscious. "Good timing. I was actually bored and was finding something to entertain myself" she continued as she heaved a big black bag onto her desk. Albeit it was faint, Chuuya was certain that he heard metallic-like sound objects scrapping one another.
That very moment, Chuuya's face turned instantly pale when he remembered the story that Kajii had shared before, his experience when he had a battle against the doctor of armed detective agency inside the train, he and Kyouka terrorized. He could still remember how much goosebumps rose all over his body just listening to his experience. Just thinking that he might become the next victi-, her patient gives him a wave of tremble throughout his body.
"We need to give you one last treatment before we can release you, Chuuya Nakahara" Yosano explained as she opened the bag and started searching for the right blade to start her 'operation'.
"Dazai" Chuuya called out his former partner
"Yes?" the other replied rather in a cheerful manner.
"Get me out of here"
"No way. It is a contract between Port Mafia and the agency. I am not going to release you or else I can't get the list" his grin became darker and mischievous which made Chuuya to be more uncomfortable. Before he could say another word to retort him back, he flinched when he heard the sharp clacking sound of footsteps approaching to his direction.
"Dazai, please leave the room for a minute or two. I will finish his last operation" she said as she threw her thumb over her shoulder.
"Of course, Yosano-san" then he gave his one last deriding look and smirk before he skipped heading towards the exit.
"D-Dazai, wait up!" Chuuya stammered in uneasiness. He couldn't foresee his future but only the word 'Despair' appears before his eyes. Perturbation increases as the shadow of the nurse draws nearer to his body.
"Oh, one more thing" Dazai halted before he could close the door completely. "If you try to escape or even dare to use your ability against Yosano-sensei, it will mean that you are defying the order from Mori-san" he emphasized the last word 'order' knowing that one of Chuuya's weaknesses is that he cannot disobey his boss' orders.
Dazai then waved his hand before he could slowly close the door, giving his sadistic grin and gaze until the gap between the door and the doorframe disappeared.
The thud of the door echoed in Chuuya's ear, making him turn speechless. He wanted to run but he can't for his boss' order is absolute, plus he just realized that for somewhat reason, his ankles were tied with rubber belts. Presuming that this is also a part of Dazai's childish prank, he internally screamed in frustration knowing the fact that he was played under his former partner's hand again.
He was dragged away from his thoughts when the lights of the room suddenly turned off, leaving only the surgical operation light to lit above his body.
"W-what? What is happening?" Chuuya was totally in daze, turning his head from side to side as he tried to understand his current condition. He then flinched when Yosano approached him with her sadistic grin.
"I didn't expect that there will be a day that my patient will be one of the executives of Port Mafia" she remarked. "I shall give you a special service today, Mr. Nakahara Chuuya"
She grinned and started unbuttoning her shirt, being in her sleeveless outfit, and tossed her clothes behind then drew out the long horrifying blade from the black bag she carried with her a while ago. Chuuya did a sharp gasped and wrapped himself with the blanket that was covering his body.
"A-are you kidding me?" he stammered for fear has already dominated his mind and body. "I think you have the wrong idea of treating your patients properly!"
"My ability is healing but it won't function unless my patient is 'half-dead'" she then grinned and cocked her head. "Perhaps you understand what it means, do you?" she inquired rather in a dark sensual manner simultaneously lifting the blade high above her head. From Chuuya's point of view, all he could see was the shiny deadly blade and the demonic gaze of the doctor filled with sadistic bloodlust.
"Remember this Dazai!" the mafioso shouted at the top of his lungs. Behind the clinic door, Dazai was covering his face with his both hands, stifling his laughter as he was already crouching on the ground. Few distance away, Kunikida and Atsushi were standing, watching the laughing detective simultaneously hearing the shriek of the mafioso.
Kunikida placed his hand on his forehead as he sighed. "I can't do anything nor do not want to get involved in this situation"
Atsushi nodded in complete agreement, feeling sorry for the mafioso though they are enemies. "Good luck, Chuuya-san" he whispered, internally praying for his survival, both physical and mentally.