But in the End

The Beginning of it All

"You mean to tell me that was the entrance exam?!" I exclaimed, staring at everyone in front of me.

"Yes, you see, we needed to test your strength in a real life situation." Mr. Fukuzawa explained. "Based on what Kunikida and Dazai explained concerning the mission in their reports, it's safe to say that you passed."

"Then that means..." I trailed off in disbelief, still trying to process everything.

"Congratulations on passing your exam. Welcome to the Armed Detective Agency." Mr. Fukuzawa gave me a small smile.

After receiving congratulations from the others, they threw a welcome party for me. I took the time to get to know the others, seeing as they will be my allies from here on out.

Knowing Yosano has connections with Yumi, she told me stories of the two when they grew up of how rambunctious the woman was, causing me to agree wholeheartedly. Yosano was a nice and confident woman, causing me to admire the way she carry's herself.

Kenji, was a sweet boy that no one couldn't help but to adore. He gave off a younger brother vibe, always curious and amazed by so many things. I came to learn that his ability is similar to mine, as he had superhuman strength.

The Tanizaki siblings... were interesting alright. The way Naomi acts with Jun'ichirō had me wondering if they really were related. Aside from their unusual behavior, they were super nice and I know Naomi and I will get along great from her bubbly personality.

Kunikida is a one of a kind. He seems to follow his 'ideal' very seriously, which apparently maps out the course of his life. He sticks to his ideals and is very strict at times, much like a sensei. He is like the mother of the Agency, always lecturing people and keeping them in line.

Ranpo, who I had the pleasure of meeting halfway through the welcome party, is very intellectual. He seemed to be able to figure things out about me without me having to say anything. He told me that it was due to his ability, 'Ultra Deduction', but the others admitted that he doesn't have an ability but that he is that good of a detective... why everyone admired him.

Then, there's Dazai. He was an interesting man to say the least. He is so rambunctious and outgoing, always finding ways to irritate Kunikida out of fun. But, I noticed there were times where he was completely serious, and the act completely goes away in serious situations. Many of the others warned me of his 'extracurricular activities' involving his fascination with suicide. I thought they were joking at first...

If only I knew what I was getting myself into from this day forward.

———

"Damn it... where is that idiot!" Kunikida fumed, marching down the sidewalk. "We're in the middle of a mission and he pulls this stunt."

I let out a sigh, shrugging my shoulders. "You should've seen this coming. I mean, he's been doing this for a while, even I've gotten used to it."

"I just don't get what goes through that head of his." He gritted his teeth.

"Let's just find him, so we can complete the mission." I told the blonde man, attempting to calm him down. "Come on, the river bank's this way."

As we made our way to the river bank, I couldn't help but to think about what Kunikida said. I mean, I'm sure all of us at the Agency has wondered what goes through Dazai's head from time to time. He's so fascinated with suicide, yet miraculously, he always survives his attempts. Hell, that might as well be an ability on its own.