But in the End

Turn of Events

Two days. It's been two days of hiding and there's been no word from Kyouka or Atsushi. I worried that they had been caught by the Hunting Dogs or worse... were killed.

"Enjoying yourself." Glancing towards the stairs to the bullet we find ourselves in, stood Mori, an amused smirk on his face. "I hope you've been comfortable in this Port Mafia hideout. It ought to conceal you from the Hunting Dogs for at least a week or two."

"Mori, sir." Yosano stood up. "Do you happen to know whether Kunikida survived the explosion?"

"Unfortunately, the only thing I was able to find was where Dazai had disappeared too." Mori replied.

I widened my eyes at the news. "You did?"

Mori turned his gaze towards me, letting out a hum. "Indeed. Dazai had already been arrested by the Hunting Dogs prior to the hostage situation. The military transferred him to the Military of Justice, then to public security... his subsequent whereabouts are unknown."

"Before the hostage situation?" I asked more so in confirmation than in confusion. I thought back to the last time I saw him.

...

"Kunikida called. Said there have been a string of murders lately and we will be meeting about it in a couple hours after he gathers some intel from the police station." I then turned to face him once more. "So I'm going to head back to my place for a few. I think I should be fine."

"Can you let Kunikida know I won't be at the meeting?" Dazai asked, stuffing his hands into his coat pockets.

I furrowed my eyebrows, confused. "Why won't you be going? Did something happen?" I asked.

Dazai shook his head, coming to stand in front of me. "No. Just something I need to take care of."

...

I brought a hand up to my lips, remembering how he was acting that day. Did he know that he was going to be caught? I shook my head, smirking to myself. Of course he did. Question is, why did he let himself be caught.

I'm not sure about the others, but I've learned through personal experience that Dazai let himself be caught by Kyouka back when she was with the Port Mafia in order to gain intel about the Guild and Atsushi's bounty at the time.

"So what exactly is he after?" I mumbled to myself.

Hearing a chuckle, I glanced back at Mori, realizing he heard me. "You're very sharp."

I narrowed my eyes, wondering if he knew something. I decided to not pry, knowing I wouldn't get a straight answer, he is the leader of the Agency's rival organization. "Don't know what you mean." I shrugged, closing my eyes.

Said man just closed his eyes, smirking with a hum before looking back over to everyone. "In any case, this looks like the end of the Arm Detective Agency. Such a shame, I enjoyed the challenge of having an opponent."

Yosano grit her teeth, marching up to him and grabbing a hold of his tie. "Don't give me that bullshit! I know you can help prove our innocence, you just don't want to until we've heard your terms."

"Correct." Mori told her calmly. "The agreement with President Fukuzawa was that we would only help the Agency in exchange for transferring one of its own members to the Port Mafia."

"Transfer a member of the Agency?! You think you're being funny?" Yosano pushing him back as she let go of his tie. "You just want me back in the Mafia, isn't that what's really behind all this?!"

I widened my eyes at the revelation. "And if that's the case, what of it?" Mori adjusting his clothes, as if it weren't a big deal. "President Fukuzawa understood that when he made the agreement with me."

"The President would never agree to that in a million years." Yosano argued.

"The President agreed, but his condition was that it wouldn't be you specifically because you wouldn't tolerate being my assistant again. So you're wrong." Mori looked at her, tilting his head with that damn smirk of his. "See? Fukuzawa said he would be willing to give you up."

Hearing footsteps, I glanced over to see someone walking in. As the man came to a stop and bowed, I realized it was the older man from the Black Lizard's, Ryūrō Hirotsu. "Boss. Pardon me from the interruption but something came up." He held out a walkie. "This radio was at the entrance."

"Hey, how are you doing there old sport? I don't have time, so I'll make it quick. I sent the lycanthrope your way."

It was Francis from the guild. "Lycanthrope?" Jun'ichirō asked in confusion. "It's Atsushi!"

Relief flooded through us, realizing he made it out. "He's still alive." Kenji gasped out.

"And the reason for his appearance?" Mori spun around in question.

"A transaction. You use the healing ability for me, in exchange I will provide information leading to the Agency's restoration. Let's meet in twenty minutes. At Kōban Street."

"Information leading to the Agency's restoration!" Kenji exclaimed in excitement.

Jun'ichirō looked at him. "Now we have some hope."

"It is odd, though." Mori spoke up. "How did Francis discover the location of this Port Mafia hideout?"

"I suppose he must've used his Eyes of God or whatever." Jun'ichirō guessed.

"That's the thing. If he was able to discover this hideout, he might as well done business with the military police instead of us." Mori placed a hand on his chin. "It would've been more profitable to do the formidable Hunting Dogs a favor as opposed to the weakened Detective Agency. The Francis- who I know- will always side with the stronger, more aggressive group. This transaction might be some kind of a trap."

That is troubling. I frowned at the thought. It is a smart move to go with the side that gives you the upper hand. That said... who's to say that isn't exactly what Francis is doing. We know first hand how he will do anything by any means as long as it benefits him.

He could be setting us up as we speak.

———
Published: 07/14/2024