A Second Chance

Chapter 8

Atsushi's P.O.V

'The Black Lizard...'

'The Armed Detective Agency was attacked by the Port Mafia's military squad, the Black Lizard.'

'But, Kunikida-san, Yosano-san, and Kenki-kun, crushed the entire team with ease. The same goes to Akira-san too.'

'Such is the might of the Armed Detective Agency.... And the strength of the one and only friend I made since I came here.'

*TING TING*

The sound of glass coming into contact with each other caught my attention as I picked up a few files on the floor. I glance around to meet a specific someone sitting on the table behind me as he called out to people. Feeling more curious, I turned my body to face him fully.

"Hey, hey, Harunocchi. Can you take the marble out of this bottle?" The man with short black hair, dressed in a short brown coat and wearing a brown hat, spoke out as he handed the bottle to one of our co-worker.

'If I remember... his name is Edogawa Ranpo-san... and the co-worker is Kirako Haruno-san.'

"Sure, right away." She took the bottle from Ranpo without any hesitation, not questioning why she has to do it.

"A.. marble..?" I sweat-dropped.

After getting out the marble by breaking the bottle, Haruno held out the marble for Ranpo, the sky blue marble shining under the light. "Is this what you wanted, Ranpo-san?" She asked.

Receiving the marble, Ranpo spoke again. "Yes... Marbles are nice, aren't they?"

"Yes, marbles are nice." Haruno agreed with him without any second thoughts.

"Um, isn't Ranpo-san going to help?" I slid over to Kunikida stealthily and asked him, wondering why Ranpo isn't doing anything to help.

"Kunikida-kun." Ranpo suddenly called him, causing me to stiffened in surprise and drop all the files in my hands as I try with all my might to catch them back.

"I have to head off to a job soon." Ranpo said as he jumped off the table and landed on the floor lightly, catching my attention.

"Oh, to assist with a murder case?" Kunikida confirmed with him. "Indeed, the police in this city can't capture even a single criminal without my help.", was the reply form Ranpo.

I narrowed my eyes at him, not sure if he really was as great as he should be, or he was saying he is.

With a smirk on his face, Ranpo continued on his sentence. "Still... My Ultra-Deduction is the best ability in this agency... or even the entire nation. I guess it is no small wonder that everyone depends on it."

"We are indebted to you, Ranpo-san" Kunikida said.

"Good, as long as you are aware. Ah, that is right. Though you call yourselves a detective agency, you lot don't have the deductive powers of a single monkey. The only reason they can call themselves a detective agency and function as one is my ability, Ultra-Deduction."

Not believing his words, I continue to stare at him in disbelief as I sent him a questioning look.

"Ultra-Deduction is so amazing~ An ability that lets you see right to the heart of the case in an instant." Haruno praised Ranpo. Next, Kunikida complimented Ranpo even more. "You are a role model for the Agency... No, for all gifted people."

"Of course..." Ranpo pointed out, which made me look at him again, intrigued at the fact that everyone looks up to him highly.

"Brat." Kunikida suddenly called out for me."H-Hai?" I spoke out as I turned to face Kunikida. "Never mind the clean-up here. Go with Ranpo-san. The place is close by the train. Akira too. I want both of you to go with him to his job."