Dazai
I'm not exactly sure what I'm going to do. I don't really have a plan laid out, but I do have a gist of what's going to happen.
First of all, I'm going to need Tanizaki-kun. Check. I've just called the boy and he's willing to come over as soon as his work was done. He didn't sound too happy, but hey, at least he's getting a free drink from me right?
Though … I don't really have the expenses now to pay for his train ticket.
Well that aside, the second thing I need to do would be to finish my delicious dinner and head off to meet him. So I thanked the chef for his hearty bowl of ramen and left.
It was around 9pm when I met the awkwardly lanky teenager at the station. I waved at him enthusiastically as he made his way through the crowd to me.
"Tanizaki-kun!" I threw him a drink I had grabbed from a vending machine on the way here. The boy, caught off-guard, fumbled to catch the can. He clutched it to his chest and hurried closer.
"Dazai-san!"
"Careful," I said, waving a finger at him. "That's a premium strawberry coffee drink sold only by the best ramen places here in Kawasaki."
Tanizaki-kun peered at the small can in his hand. "Oh – oh it must have been expensive!"
"It was," I agreed as I started walking to the exit, Tanizaki tailing behind me.
"Thank you, Dazai-san."
The both of us made it out to the busy streets. Tanizaki was curiously looking around. "Umm … so why are we here again?"
Kawasaki's nightlife had just begun. The city was a dazzling array of lights and tall buildings, just like Yokohama. As it was also a port city, there were many structural similarities and it wasn't very hard to navigate around. What was different, however, were the people, or rather, the types of people here. That was what I was interested in.
"I need you to help me find the existence of a certain organisation," I said lightly as we crossed the road.
Tanizaki frowned. "Sorry?"
"Blood Raid," I explained. "That's the name of the largest and most influential criminal organisation here. That is, until they were crushed by the Port Mafia."
"The Port Mafia?"
"That's what happens when you try to expand your clout into our territory. Lesson to be learned: Know your place."
Soon, the both of us found ourselves away from the city lights and curious eyes. Turning down narrow streets and dark alleyways, we were approaching the underbelly of Kawasaki.
Tanizaki inched himself closer to me. "So then, what are we doing here again?"
"We want to find out if they still exist, simple as that."
"Blood Raid?" His voice had dropped to a hushed whisper. "Why are we doing this – and how?"
I chuckled, startling the poor boy a little. "It's part of the mission Kunikida-kun pushed to me and to answer your second question … let's just say that I'm somewhat of a celebrity in these parts."
Tanizaki's eyes filled with dread. I could almost see him debating internally whether to ask any more questions on the matter. Well, he might get an idea if he pays attention to what's happening next. I stopped abruptly at the back of a building that had a metal ladder leading to the roof. Coaxingly, I urged the youngster to climb to the top as I followed after him.
Tonight was rather windy and chilly, but other than that, its darkness made it perfect. There was no moon tonight.
"Now, Tanizaki-kun," I started, beckoning him to the edge of the building and crouching down. "I need you to create a hologram of me."
The other boy crouched down beside me. "Where?"
"There," I pointed below at an alleyway. "We should be able to see from up here. So I need you to just make fake-me start walking."
"Our destination?"
"No where in particular. Just as long as 'I'm' moving."
Tanizaki-kun still looked unsure but nodded anyway as I gave him my best hundred-watt smile. "O – okay."
Tanizaki activated his ability and a few seconds of freshly falling snow later, a wispy figure below us materialised into focus to become … well, me.
Fake-me started to walk forwards and Tanizaki and I followed. As fake-me travelled through dark alleyways and twisting street corners, the two of us followed from the building tops. As Tanizaki was silent for the most part, I started to hum a little tune to keep us from dying from boredom.
Though, I didn't get to finish humming the chorus as fake-me stopped walking abruptly; a man in front of "me" was holding "me" at gunpoint.
Tanizaki gasped softly and crouched down, concentrating hard on "my" shocked expression.
"Don't move," the man said gruffly from below. From the top of a building amidst howling winds, I could barely hear him. Though, I could read his lips and at the moment, they don't look very happy.
Fake-me stayed still, "my" shocked expression had settled into a mask. I gave Tanizaki-kun a thumbs-up.
"You've got some guts to come strolling into here alone," the man continued, edging closer. "You doing this like some walk in the park, huh?"
"Araki, what've you got there?" Another voice, deep and rumbling. Another man had come into view from behind the first guy. I crouched low behind Tanizaki, straining my ears.
"Some punk just wandered into our territory like it was nothing," the first guy – Araki snarled.
"Hey! What are you doing here? Can you talk?" The second man yelled at fake-me.
I looked at Tanizaki. "Can he talk?"
He shook his head in response. "I only make visual illusions. I can't produce sound."
"OI! Are you mute?" The second guy stepped forward, striding towards fake-me. Stepping into the moonlight, I noticed he had an aluminum prosthetic left arm.
Then, a shocked expression registered on his face and he stumbled a few steps back. "What – why are you here?"
A small smirk pulled at the sides of my lips.
"What's wrong, Hamada-san?" Araki stared in confusion.
"I know you - you're …" Hamada started to look around wildly. I pressed Tanizaki-kun and myself, flat to the concrete. "Where's your partner?!"
"Huh? You know this guy?" Araki grabbed his shoulder.
"You're new so you wouldn't know but this bastard and his partner almost eliminated us two years ago!" Hamada pointed an accusatory metal finger at fake-me.
Araki frowned. "He's Port Mafia?"
"Yes!" Hamada grabbed the gun from Araki and almost shoved it into fake-me's face. Fake-me raised two bandaged hands in surrender. "Where's the other guy?"
"Wait, Hamada!" Araki cried suddenly. "Didn't we just get intel that the duo that attacked the Raiders in the past were disbanded?"
Hamada glanced at Araki in surprise. "We did?"
"Yeah!" Araki nodded. His face contorting into one of deep concentration. "What was his name …? That Na – Nakara, Nakama guy right? His partner left. Nakamara works alone in the Port Mafia now."
I raised an eyebrow and felt Tanizaki-kun shift uncomfortably.
"Shhh … Tanizaki-kun, not another word," I whispered.
"I didn't say any -"
"Hush now!"
"I …" Hamada looked torn. "No one told me."
Araki was nodding furiously now. "I'm sure of it! Our intel described Nakaraha too! Kind of short … red hair?"
"I remember the red hair!" Hamada cried out in anger. "If I ever do see him again, I will tear him apart – limb by limb."
I scoffed to myself. You can try. I tried to recall whether it was me or that chibi who took off some guy's arm that day … it was a long time ago.
Hamada glared at fake-me. "Well, why are you so quiet?"
Fake-me lifted up his shoulders as a shrug. I laughed quietly. "Tanizaki-kun, you're so hilarious!"
The younger boy shot me a withering look.
"Not going to talk huh?" Hamada continued. "Well that's too bad. If you at least had something to say, we could have use you for information. But since you aren't even part of the Mafia anymore …"
Five other men came up from behind fake-me, all brandishing pistols.
"You're of no use to us," Hamada finished. And then, all the guns fired at once.
The illusion dissipated and fake-me de-materialised into freshly falling snow and then nothingness. The men below us started shouting in confusion and alarm.
I flopped over onto my back, staring at the night sky. There were no stars to look at tonight.
Tanizaki continued to lay low beside me. "What was that all about?" He whispered.
I sighed, closing my eyes. "You know Chuuya right?" Saying the name already left a foul taste in my mouth, but I suppose I owe the poor boy an explanation.
"Nakahara-san?"
"Yes, him," I confirmed. "Well, he and I destroyed Kawasaki's only criminal organisation – Blood Raid two years ago."
Tanizaki-kun waited but only silence followed. "Wait, that's it?"
I nodded. "That's it."
"That can't be it!" Tanizaki prodded in confusion. "You mean to say you dragged me all the way out here just to confirm their continued existence?"
I looked at him now, with wide eyes of surprise. "Is that bad?"
"Well, no …" Tanizaki struggled to phrase himself. "It's not bad, it's just … I expected –" The boy trailed off, unsure. I waited patiently, turning my head back to the dark sky.
"So what are you going to do now?" He asked finally.
I shrugged. "Go home, take a shower and sleep, I guess."
I listened to the redhead sigh beside me. I can understand his exasperation – I was being aloof and distant for a reason after all. But then again, I had already explained to him fully why he was here and who we just encountered. That's enough, right? Why should I say any more?
Truth to be told, I am slightly troubled by something. And maybe, just maybe, it's not something I'd like to think about right now, much less talk about it. I feel no need to burden myself with any more unnecessary stress, so I closed my eyes to the night sky and kept mum.
"Let's go back, then," I hear Tanizaki say softly.
The two of us headed back to the rickety ladder two or three buildings down, and walked back to the train station in silence.
We took the train together. Tanizaki chose to sit on an empty seat at the end while I stood beside him, leaning against the glass. We still haven't spoken a word. I suppose, if I had cared more, I'd be trying to make conversation – but sadly, I don't.
"Hey, Dazai-san," Tanizaki cleared his throat.
I braced myself for some complaint or hint of his annoyance at my behaviour today.
"How do you think the Raiders obtained that information about Nakahara-san and you … leaving the Mafia?"
To my surprise, Tanizaki had asked the very question I was troubled about! I peered at the ginger, slumped in his seat, propping up his body with his elbows on his knees.
Not bad, youngster. I was impressed. President really knows how to pick quality members for his organisation.
I hummed, thinking of a response. "To be frank, I don't know. But I really should find out."
Tanizaki sounds a little frustrated now. "How can you be so carefree about this? A criminal organisation just came back to life and has obtained information about you and the Port Mafia!"
I turned back to smile at him, meeting his hazel eyes. "Relax, Tanizaki-kun. I already have an idea. It's just a hunch really, but since when have my hunches ever been wrong?"
Unable to retort, the youngster closed his mouth and leaned back into his seat with another sigh.
I was pleased to find that the rest of the train ride was rather peaceful, a contrast to the turbulent thoughts in my mind.
Chuuya
I swear I don't have a problem. I don't have a habit of finishing all my stockpiled alcohol within a week. It's just that, things have been so busy and stressful these days. There was absolutely no need for Ane-san to raid my entire kitchen.
Yet she's here, standing tall with a face of disapproval as her underlings extracted another empty wine bottle from my cupboards.
"Don't sulk, Chuuya," she rapped her knuckles on the kitchen counter, startling me.
I huffed, caught off-guard and crossed my arms behind her. "This is completely unnecessary!"
Ane-san whirled around, her extravagant kimono making an angry swish on my spotless floor. "Unnecessary? You come in late for work in a drunken stupor and that's not a cause for concern?"
The anger in her flashing eyes were barely disguised. I suppressed a shiver – I need to stand up for myself. I'm not a child anymore!
"Ane-san. I was doing fine –"
"If your definition of 'fine' is coming in reeking of alcohol and mailing the paperwork to the wrong department," she took in a deep breath here, "then I'm really disappointed in you."
"It's not my fault there're so many reports to finish …" I murmured under my breath.
Ane-san clicked her tongue at me. "You know Mori-san really wants to tie this business deal. All operations must run smoothly."
"He's working us all to death! The Port Mafia must have what, tripled their total assets by now? I doubt this new weapons company needs this much money …"
"Mori-san knows what he's doing. It would be a huge benefit to all of us if everyone had free state-of-the-art weaponry."
"The amount he's investing could bankrupt the whole Mafia –"
Ane-san narrowed her eyes. "He knows what he's doing. I assure you."
I snapped my mouth shut and looked the other way. Fine then. End the debate your way. I'll keep all opinions to myself from now on.
Finally, Ane-san's underlings had finished collecting all my bottles of alcohol, bundled together in a few large trash bags. She waved them away to dispose of them.
"14 bottles, in a week. Are you trying to kill yourself, Chuuya?" Ane-san rounded on me.
I didn't answer, nor look at her, but I already knew she was executing a perfect one-eyebrow raise with her arched right brow.
"You've been drinking more ever since those incidents occurred, are you aware? If you're looking to join that suicidal traitor in death –"
"I'm not." I glared at her in disbelief. How could she even think that?
Ane-san sighed, but her eyes were still hard. "Chuuya, your work has been subpar lately. You're not doing very well and you space out too much. Boss has noticed too."
Feeling slightly attacked, I folded my arms tighter. "I'll do better. I promise. I'm just not used to being overworked like this."
A moment of silence passed us before one of Ane-san's subordinates came to report that my alcohol had all been disposed. She nodded to him and walked up to me, placing a well-manicured hand on my shoulder.
"Chuuya, be honest with yourself."
She headed to the door, only looking back once to call out, "I've already instructed Kanoko-kun to take on the rest of your work. You are to remain at home to collect yourself, today."
Then, Ane-san was gone. The only trace of her was the lingering scent of her fragrant perfume in my kitchen.
I sighed heavily, a mixture of frustration and confusion bubbling in my chest. I have a feeling Ane-san thinks my increased intake of alcohol was due to being forced to relive twice, working with a certain rotten traitor for those two nights but that's absolutely not the case.
I don't think I could ever tell her, or anyone for that matter about my nightmares. Usually they're not that big of a deal but they had been becoming more personal of late. They often touched on memories I never want to experience again, memories of back then - back when we were still Double Black …
My phone rang all of a sudden, causing me to jump. Feeling embarrassed for no reason, I reached into my pocket and fumbled with my phone, almost dropping it once. I barely even registered the caller ID.
"Y – yes. Hello?"
"Nakahara-san," came Okamoto Kanoko's voice from the other end. I faintly recall Ane-san telling me she had assigned all my work to her today when she left.
I cleared my throat, hoping that I sounded more awake than my drunken babbling this evening when I had just reported for work. "How can I help?"
"The financial transactions to Orkland Private Limited. Where should I mail them to?"
I paused. Orkland Pte Ltd was the name of the weapons manufacturing company Boss was collaborating with. I remember him giving me an address to mail out certain sensitive documents to.
"Hang on," I instructed, digging my pockets for a certain note. Finally, I managed to fish out a slightly crumpled piece of folded paper. Unfolding it, I read the address and name of building where they were running the business.
"Goldwire Factory?" Okamoto repeated.
"Yes, you should address them as such."
"Not Orkland Pte Ltd?"
"No," I explained, "Goldwire Factory is the building in which they are currently operating in, under that name."
Illegal weapons manufacturing is after all, something one would want to hide from the government.
"Okay, got it," she replied. "Nakahara-san, I'll be hanging up now."
I tucked the note back into my pocket and nodded. Then, I realised again, that one cannot see me if they're on a call. "Uhh … okay."
Then, feeling a little sorry for her, I quickly called out. "Wait!"
I should thank her for taking on all of my work. I do feel a little guilty …
"Yes, Nakahara-san?"
I scratched my nose awkwardly. "Well … umm. Thank you, Okamoto …"
"For?"
"Handling my work for the day," I said quickly. Then I added, "I know you're very competent so take this as an opportunity to climb higher in the ranks."
A small laugh came from the other end of the line, unexpectedly. "Thanks, Nakahara-san. I hope I can continue to work with you, so please continue taking care of me."
Unsure of how to respond, I stammered. "O – Okay …"
"Take care," she said finally before hanging up.
I stared at my cellphone for a few seconds before realising I was weirdly spacing out again and proceeded to my couch, letting myself sink into the cushions.
Part of me felt bad since this was the earliest I had been sent home ever (it was only 10pm!) and another part of me just felt … conflicted. On one hand, I really wished I was still at the office doing the paperwork and on the other hand, I was glad I wasn't there for I would never have been able to receive this phone call.
Something about what Okamoto-kun said about wanting to work with me made me strangely happy …
At the same time, it was worrying – because deep down inside, I knew the reason and I didn't want to face it.
Mentally, I kicked myself for missing being in a partnership with someone. I don't need anyone. I'm fine by myself and no one can tell me otherwise! I've worked so hard to reach where I am now – surely I must have proven my individual strength!
I've become a Mafia Executive on my own, sitting in that traitor's chair … it definitely proves my worth to the Mafia. I have no need to rely on anyone else anymore, even if such an enticing offer presented itself.
Feeling drowsy, I laid back, resting my head on the arm of my couch. I feel the hard, twisted pit in my stomach slowly uncoil as I drifted off to sleep.
A/N: Wow. Dazai does some work for once.
