Bound by Obsession

Part 44

The Deal with Fukuzawa

At the Armed Detective Agency's headquarters, Fukuzawa Yukichi sat in his office, going over reports from their recent missions. The tension in the air was palpable as the agency continued to keep a close eye on Dazai, though no one wanted to openly admit that they were losing faith in his recovery.

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. "Enter," Fukuzawa called, looking up from his paperwork.

Kunikida stepped in, his expression unreadable. "Sir, we have a visitor. He claims he's here to speak with you directly."

Fukuzawa raised an eyebrow. "Who is it?"

Kunikida hesitated for a moment. "It's Fyodor."

Fukuzawa's eyes narrowed. Fyodor's reputation preceded him, and there was no doubt that this was no casual visit. Still, the leader of the ADA kept his composure. "Bring him in."

Moments later, Fyodor Dostoevsky entered the room, his presence cold and calculating, as always. There was an unsettling calm in his movements, the way he smiled just slightly as he took his seat opposite Fukuzawa.

"Fukuzawa Yukichi," Fyodor began, his voice smooth and composed, "I've come to offer you a deal."

Fukuzawa leaned back in his chair, his expression hard. "I don't make deals with criminals like you."

Fyodor's smile widened, but his eyes remained sharp. "Ah, but this is no ordinary deal. This is about your precious subordinate—Dazai."

Fukuzawa's gaze darkened, but he said nothing, waiting for Fyodor to continue.

"I've noticed how troubled Dazai has been since his return," Fyodor said, his tone almost mocking. "You've no doubt seen it too. He's not free of my influence, no matter how much progress he pretends to make. That's why I'm here. You see, I'm willing to offer you protection—protection from me."

Kunikida, who had been standing by the door, tensed. "What are you talking about?"

Fyodor's eyes flicked to him, amusement dancing in them. "I'm saying that if you allow me certain... privileges, I will ensure that Dazai's mind remains intact. I won't break him—if, that is, you give me what I want."

Fukuzawa's jaw tightened. "And what is it that you want?"

Fyodor's smile returned. "It's simple. Access to certain resources within your jurisdiction. Information that only the Armed Detective Agency possesses. You continue to operate as you do, and I keep Dazai from falling apart."

There was a long silence as Fukuzawa considered the proposition. He knew Fyodor's words were laced with deception, but he also knew that the criminal wasn't lying about Dazai. The subtle changes in Dazai's behavior, the vacant stares, the quiet obedience—it was all connected to Fyodor.

Kunikida, unable to stay silent any longer, stepped forward. "We can't trust him, sir. This is a trap."

Fukuzawa remained quiet for a moment longer before speaking. "Why come here and offer this now? You could have taken Dazai back if you wanted. What's your real goal, Fyodor?"

Fyodor's eyes glinted with a dark, almost amused light. "Ah, Fukuzawa, you always see through the surface. My real goal? Dazai and I have an understanding. He belongs with me, and no matter how much you try to protect him, he'll eventually come back. But... I'm willing to be patient. If you agree to my terms, I won't rush things. You'll have more time with your precious subordinate."

The room fell into an uneasy silence.

Fukuzawa finally spoke, his voice low. "I won't betray my organization."

Fyodor's smile didn't falter. "Betrayal is such a strong word. Think of it as... a partnership." He stood, smoothing the front of his coat. "I'll give you time to think it over. But don't take too long—Dazai's mind is fragile, and he won't last forever."

With that, Fyodor turned and walked toward the door, but before leaving, he glanced back over his shoulder. "I'll be in touch."

As the door closed behind him, Kunikida clenched his fists. "We can't let him win, sir. We have to find another way."

Fukuzawa stared at the empty doorway, his expression unreadable. "I know. But we must tread carefully. Fyodor won't make this easy."