Exchange (Soukoku & Shin Soukoku)

17- The Omamori

"Do you say that all of this was a fucking plan?"

Mental note: When Chuuya see him, he'll kick Dazai in the balls.

Chuuya was furious, and his hand was clenched so tightly it looked like he could break his own fingers. Ranpo took a sip of his wine.

"Well, you know him," he said. "Don't think he did it because he doesn't care about you; it's quite the opposite. He does it for you."

"For me?" he asked, still angry. "Are you saying he let himself get caught so they could draw his blood and experiment with his ability, for me?"

"Well, if you put it that way, it doesn't sound convincing."

"You're not helping, Ranpo."

The green-eyed chuckled.

"You see, Dazai didn't tell me anything because he knew I would deduce it. Besides, as you know, it's not safe to tell anyone anything if Fyodor is meddling."

The redhead relaxed a bit and noticed the detective's displeased expression. He figured the detective must feel hurt in his pride; Dostoevsky had managed to confuse and deceive him, and everyone in the agency. Even from prison, he interfered in their lives with his damn plans for world domination.

"Well, not quite there, but it's understandable."

"I don't know where Dazai is," Edogawa stated, "but I know where he will be."

Chuuya raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, really?"

"Do you know about the Chemistry Gala?"

"No. What the hell is it?"

"It's an event for scientists who research abilities," Ranpo leaned in, indicating that it was highly confidential information. "Several nations participate in it. It's a gala where experiments, chemicals, and even weapons are exhibited and auctioned."

"Will Dazai be there?" Nakahara whispered.

"No, but those who kidnapped him will be there, and they will have those ability-altering poisons with them."

"Are those 'poisons' the substances Dazai asked me to investigate?"

"That's right. You see, their purpose is to give ordinary people the opportunity to experience special abilities. They have been conducting tests for a long time because, as you know, there are some abilities that cannot be transferred. But then they realized that instead of granting abilities, it would be more useful to nullify them for some individuals."

"No Longer Human... Dazai's ability..."

"Exactly."

Chuuya fell silent.

"Where and when will the gala take place?" he asked.

"In Tokyo. I'll send you the address via message; I already have your number," Ranpo said, raising his phone with a mischievous smile. "As for the date, it will be in a week, on the eighteenth. I think you can discuss it with your friend, the one with the lemons. He might be able to get you the invitations. And the rest... are details."

Chuuya flashed a radiant smile and stood up from his seat.

"Ranpo, you're incredible. I'll contribute half of my salary so you can buy your sweets, or whatever you want."

The dark-haired man smiled as well.

"It's a pleasure doing business."

Nakahara adjusted his hat and turned around.