New partner

Part 1

Four years after Dazai left the Port Mafia and joined the Armed Detective Agency, Chuuya Nakahara, the Port Mafia executive, was left partnerless due to Dazai's departure, driven by his late friend's dying wish.

On a particularly windy day, Chuuya briskly exited his car, navigating through the lower-ranked members who greeted him. Ignoring the random greetings, he headed straight to his office, where piles of paperwork awaited. Sighing at the workload, he noticed Akutagawa not on a mission but rather engaged in training. After a moment of contemplation, Chuuya ordered someone to fetch Akutagawa to his office.

As Akutagawa knocked on the door, Chuuya welcomed him in, offering a small task. "Good morning, Akutagawa. I have a small task for you if you're not busy." The short exchange of pleasantries revealed Akutagawa's perpetually cold expression. He agreed to assist with the paperwork, and as they worked, they engaged in casual conversation.

Amid their collaboration, Chuuya received an urgent call to visit the boss's office. Excusing himself, he put on his hat, glanced at Akutagawa, and said, "Aku, I'll be back in a few. The boss is calling for me. Finish this and leave. I'll treat you to dinner tonight, alright?" Akutagawa nodded, and Chuuya headed to Mori's office.

Knocking on the door, Chuuya entered and bowed, addressing Mori with, "You called for me, boss. What's the problem?" Surprisingly, Mori, known for his cold expression, spoke cheerfully, "Oh, Chuuya-kun, I have news for you. Take a seat." Perplexed, Chuuya sat down, inquiring, "What's the news?" The boss grinned, "I think it's time you get a new partner. It's been four years since Dazai-kun left. Don't you think it's about time?" Though reluctant, Chuuya agreed, realizing he had to move on, and a new partner would soon join him.

                  ••• one week later •••

In the bustling Port Mafia training room, Chuuya engaged in his routine combat training with Tachihara. The familiar kicks and blows echoed through the space as they sparred. Chuuya's kick landed squarely on Tachihara's chest, sending him flying backward. Quick to recover, Tachihara got back on his feet, ready for more.

As the training continued, an unexpected interruption came in the form of a call. Chuuya, irritated by the intrusion, instructed Tachihara to take a break and get washed up. Left alone, Chuuya answered the call, his annoyance evident as he snapped, "What the hell do you want, shitty Dazai?" The mention of his ex-partner caught him off guard, and his irritation only grew.

In his typically cheerful tone, Dazai responded, "Aw, chibiko, don't be so rude. I called for a good reason. I want to meet up and talk about something important." Chuuya sighed, dismissing Dazai's proposal, "Dazai, screw off. I don't have time for your nonsense," and he hung up.

Leaving the training room, Chuuya made his way to the showers, still annoyed by the unexpected call. As the water washed away the remnants of the training session, his mind couldn't help but wander to thoughts of Dazai. "Ew, no," he scolded himself mentally. "I shouldn't be thinking about that stupid mackerel. It's probably not important anyway. I've got work to do," Chuuya mused, determined to focus on his responsibilities and push thoughts of Dazai aside.

                                
Post-shower, Chuuya emerged in a fresh ensemble – a snug black tank top paired with dark green cargo pants and sturdy black combat boots. His washed hair exuded an air of rejuvenation. Striding confidently, Chuuya made his way to the Port Mafia living room.

In the bustling space, Akutagawa and Gin were engrossed in conversation, their voices weaving through the air. On the other side, Tachihara immersed himself in a video game on the cutting-edge PS5. Seizing an opportunity, Chuuya settled onto the sofa next to Tachihara and casually remarked, "Yo, pass that controller. I'll kick your ass."

Tachihara, sporting a playful grin, responded, "Sure, let's play. But don't get all worked up when you lose." Chuuya shot him a dismissive glance, retorting, "Shut it. I won't lose to you."

As the virtual battle unfolded on the screen, the room echoed with friendly banter and the rhythmic clattering of controller buttons. Despite Chuuya's initial confidence, the game took an unexpected turn, resulting in his defeat. Frustration bubbling within him, he couldn't contain it, and with a swift motion, he broke the controller and stormed out of the room.

The Port Mafia living room was left with a mixture of laughter and the lingering echoes of a playful challenge. Chuuya, with a mix of annoyance and determination, retreated to his office, leaving behind the aftermath of a spirited gaming clash.

Walking to his office, still annoyed by Tachihara's victory in the game, Chuuya's mind was elsewhere. Unaware of his surroundings, he collided with a tall man, possessing black curly hair and striking light green eyes. For a moment, Chuuya found himself captivated by the man's attractiveness, shaking his head to dispel the distracting thoughts.

Regaining composure, Chuuya apologized, "Uh, I guess I bumped into you. Sorry." As he started to walk away, the man stopped him, saying, "Wait a minute. Are you Chuuya Nakahara?" Chuuya turned back, slightly irritated, "Yeah, I am. What's it to you?" The man, introducing himself as Kai, chuckled and revealed, "Chill out. I'm your new partner. I'm sure the boss told you about me."

Chuuya blinked in surprise, realizing the mysterious partner he'd been assigned was standing right in front of him. Kai continued, "Well, I was looking for you. Maybe we can talk and get to know each other if you have the time." Chuuya sighed, nodding reluctantly, "Fine. Meet me here at 7 PM sharp, and we'll go to a restaurant or something. Don't be late."

With that, Chuuya walked away to his office, feeling a bit perplexed by the unexpected encounter. He couldn't help but wonder about the dynamics with his new partner and what the meeting in a few hours would unravel in their collaboration within the Port Mafia.