To conduct the singing misfortune [Dazai and Reader]

Our Future

The cat I usually see around the neighbourhood that Osamu calls 'Sensei' sits in front of the establishment. It's late, so most people are off work and hang around bars like this for nights out, and Osamu had specifically picked out this destination for a particular patron, "Chief Taneda".

Naturally, I walk alongside him with my hand attached to his sleeve into the warm atmosphere as it encompasses the chills that previously sent goosebumps along my arms.

Osamu picks up a sake bottle from who I assume is the Chief's table, swinging its curved top between two fingers and speaking his way, "I didn't think a heavyweight in the Ministry of Internal Affairs would be drinking alone in a cheap bar like this. How lonesome, Chief Taneda."

The new attire he adorns must be some contrast, earning shock as the Chief blinks, both of us sitting across from him. I'm silent as I sink into Osamu's side with my 3DS in hand as a distraction, half attempting to obscure myself from the unknown person as I'd picked up the habit of hiding in my theoretical shell after the past two weeks of interacting with no one but Osamu.

"You are..." The bottle of sake was tilted to pour as he interrupted the line of thought and any potential threat his reputation may impose, "Now, now, now..."

"I had heard rumours that you'd gone underground for a while and with an unknown child no less." I smiled, feeling a hand go from his pocket to my head as I played with the 3DS I'd dug up from my old room.

Chief Taneda sips from the cup, making casual conversation if it weren't for the subject matter, and I consider how fast such a rumour had spread. I suppose when it comes to Dazai Osamu, there's no shortage of words under his heavy reputation.

"I'm looking for a new job," Osamu smiles, an eyebrow raised, "Do you know of any good positions?"

"Do you wish to join the Gifted Special Operations Division? If so," The sake bottle is brought from where it sits near Osamu, pouring the drink into the cup for himself as my brother cuts off the Chief. "I regretfully decline the offer. I don't do too well in a workplace with regulations. And you can imagine the carnage of bringing a child." I sulk, disregarding the comment as I pour a watering can over pixeled tulips.

"Then what are you looking for?"

"Somewhere I can help people." I'm brought back to some of Sakunosuke's last words but neglect the memory to avoid getting sidetracked by unwelcome distress. "I have a lot of questions for you, but... Your history is too sordid. You'll have to go underground for at least two years to get a blank slate. But I suppose I may have a lead..." The Chief grins, playful almost, as I notice the cat from outside has made its way inside.

"Let's hear it, then." It yawns, scratching its head, as the Chief leans forward, a fan covering his mouth, "There is an armed organisation of gifted individuals. They take on cases in a legal grey zone and are untouchable by civil workers. The company President is a man of integrity. You may find him in alignment with what you wish."

Osamu leans forth, hands in pockets as they have been and dragging me forward with him. "Can I do work that saves people?"

And the story resumes four years later.