One day in the latter half of the year, in Suribachi City.
Edogawa Ranpo suddenly had a whimsical idea and asked Chuuya, "Chuuya, will you work with me in the future?"
Nakahara Chuuya carried a stack of middle school textbooks into the room. "No."
Edogawa Ranpo immediately bared his teeth and claws in protest. "Why not?"
Nakahara Chuuya looked puzzled. "Your work isn't stable, and you don't even have a permanent place to stay. What would be the point of me following you and Mr. Fukuzawa? I'd rather follow Dad and join the Port Mafia."
Ranpo stammered, "Over here... it's a lot freer."
Chuuya replied, "Mr. Fukuzawa protecting you is more than enough. I'm already very free in Suribachi City."
He turned to look at the books he had prepared to show his companions, and a trace of complexity flashed through his eyes.
Akiya had told him before.
The lawful world, the underworld, and the gray zone—once he grew up, he would have to choose one side to stand on. Unless he was willing to permanently seal away his own power and never reveal the extent of his destructive capabilities, the organizations operating in the gray zone would be the least capable of protecting him among the three. In the end, he would have to choose either the government or the Mafia.
Although Dad always told him that he wasn't particularly smart, that he couldn't compare to Ranpo, and that Ranpo was simply exaggerating when he praised him, Nakahara Chuuya knew very well that he was not as intelligent as Dad. Since Dad had already seen through the overall situation, all Chuuya needed to do was seriously consider whether he was better suited for the government or for the Mafia.
Edogawa Ranpo's attempt to poach him failed miserably. Having lost the chance to recruit such a high-quality bodyguard, he ran off in heartbreak.
Chuuya was an idiot!
He didn't believe in the abilities of either him or Uncle Fukuzawa!
In a traditional Japanese courtyard, Edogawa Ranpo found the silver-haired man practicing swordsmanship. The moment the other man stopped, Ranpo rushed forward impatiently and declared:
"Uncle Fukuzawa! I failed to trick Chuuya into joining us!"
Fukuzawa Yukichi blinked. "?"
Edogawa Ranpo lamented miserably, "He said we're constantly on the move and that our work isn't stable."
Having gradually become accustomed to Ranpo's habit of launching into topics without any context, Fukuzawa Yukichi responded to the self-appointed older brother of Chuuya, "Chuuya-kun is still very young. There's no need for you to be in such a hurry. I can tell that he's a good child."
Ranpo immediately said, "He's going to join the Mafia!"
Fukuzawa frowned. "Is that so...?"
Ranpo nodded frantically. "With Akiya there, he'll definitely go! He'll be led astray by all those people in the Mafia and turn into some delinquent who smokes and drinks!"
Fukuzawa explained patiently, though with some difficulty, "Not every member of the Mafia is like that."
Ranpo raised his voice. "But Chuuya loves having fun!"
Fukuzawa replied, "With Mr. Akiya there, I believe Chuuya-kun will receive a proper upbringing."
Ranpo instantly became dejected.
Uncle Fukuzawa had put far too much faith in Akiya. Akiya would definitely spoil Chuuya rotten!
Without anyone really noticing, the partnership between Fukuzawa Yukichi and Edogawa Ranpo had become extremely famous within police circles. One provided overwhelming force, while the other handled deductive reasoning. After stumbling through a lengthy period of adjustment and cooperation, they had gradually adapted to each other's personalities and become a genuine detective duo in every sense of the word.
Fukuzawa Yukichi: No, the detective is only Ranpo. I'm merely the detective's bodyguard...
After being reminded by Ranpo, Fukuzawa Yukichi came to realize that the work he and Ranpo did was indeed somewhat unstable. The two of them alone could not possibly handle all the cases in Yokohama, much less those in the surrounding cities.
They needed a "base of operations."
Strictly speaking, they already had a famous name and a respected reputation. What they lacked now was simply the decision to establish a company.
Fukuzawa Yukichi found himself completely at a loss.
As the solitary "Silver Wolf," he had always worked alone and had never gained any experience dealing with superiors or subordinates. Even when it came to Ranpo, he regarded him as... both a partner and a cat he was raising.
Another weekend arrived. At Asou Akiya's villa, Fukuzawa Yukichi paid a visit, bringing a box of limited-edition pastries as a gift before taking a seat across from the master of the house.
Asou Akiya opened the box and looked at the pastries inside. "Thank you. Randou will like these."
Fukuzawa Yukichi nodded respectfully.
"You don't have to be so formal," Akiya said awkwardly, waving his hands repeatedly.
How many people in the world of Bungou Stray Dogs could actually receive this level of treatment from Fukuzawa Yukichi? Eighty percent of it was probably the result of Ranpo constantly singing his praises in Fukuzawa's ear every day.
Fukuzawa Yukichi said, "Akiya-san, I believe you already know the reason for my visit today."
Asou Akiya fell silent.
This was the side effect of having exaggerated his abilities too much.
Please, be reasonable, would you? If you don't explain the reason, who would know what you're thinking?
As though he could hear Randou's laughter drifting past from somewhere nearby, Akiya decided he needed to salvage some dignity. Putting on an inscrutable expression, he said in a deliberately profound tone, "Mm. Fukuzawa-san is a broad-minded man who understands the greater good and does not concern himself with trivial matters. The issues that would trouble someone like you can only be a handful of things..."
A trace of anticipation appeared in Fukuzawa Yukichi's expression.
"Do you think I'm suitable for it?"
Asou Akiya immediately wanted to flip the table.
I can't keep this act up anymore!
Edogawa Ranpo was leaning over the second-floor railing. Spotting the visitor downstairs, he waved enthusiastically.
"Uncle Fukuzawa! Why are you looking for Akiya instead of coming to see me?"
Fukuzawa Yukichi replied seriously, "This is a question that must be answered by someone with experience."
To put it simply, he trusted the analyst's judgment.
Ranpo said, "Akiya barely has any subordinates at all. Asking him is useless. The boss in our household is actually the—"
Before he could finish saying the words "part-time housekeeper," he was suddenly sealed inside the golden glow of Illuminations.
Randou's reaction had been swift enough to save the family's secret just in time.
Having his own house cat undermine him, Asou Akiya shot a glare at the now "silenced" Ranpo. Only now did he finally understand what it felt like when someone's elbow turned outward and they sided with outsiders instead of family.
No matter what, he still needed to preserve at least a little dignity in front of guests!
With that clue in hand, Asou Akiya finally grasped the purpose of Fukuzawa Yukichi's visit.
"You want to start a company, don't you?"
"Yes."
"You have no idea where to begin and lack confidence? You think you're not suited to managing subordinates?"
"Yes!"
"Ranpo is operating under the banner of an ability user. In the future, he's destined to attract other ability users to his side. You can't establish an ordinary company for normal people. On the other hand... Yokohama currently doesn't have a single legal ability-user company, and I doubt you're willing to engage in anything illegal."
"That's right. I need an 'Skilled Business Permit.'"
"That problem isn't difficult. The difficult part is whether you've prepared yourself mentally."
"..."
Having his thoughts exposed one after another, Fukuzawa Yukichi was no longer surprised by Akiya's claim that obtaining an Skilled Business Permit would not be difficult. If the Port Mafia's analyst said it could be done, then it could be done.
With a meaningful look, Asou Akiya said, "The road ahead won't be nearly as easy as you think."
Fukuzawa Yukichi's fingers tightened involuntarily. With the determination of someone burning his boats and committing himself fully, he declared, "I believe the time has come. If I fail to seize this opportunity, then I would be betraying both myself and Ranpo!"
Only when looking at Fukuzawa Yukichi did Asou Akiya truly realize just how innocent the man still was.
Fukuzawa could only vaguely see the difficult road stretching before him, while Akiya could see it with perfect clarity.
How many major and minor crises would the Armed Detective Agency encounter in the future?
Too many to count.
And yet Fukuzawa Yukichi would walk through every single one of them without regret, driven by unwavering conviction and a heart full of passion. He would protect his agency members and the people of Yokohama, living up to the reputation of the famous educator whose name he bore in the real world.
"Let us substitute tea for wine," Asou Akiya said, raising his teacup. "A toast to your determination and your resolve to protect the people."
Receiving the first person's recognition and approval, Fukuzawa Yukichi could not help but be visibly moved.
No longer asking whether he would succeed, Fukuzawa Yukichi straightened his sleeves, adjusted his posture into a proper seated position, and, with the etiquette expected of someone born into a prominent Japanese family, poured a cup of tea. After filling it, he raised the cup and lightly clinked it against Akiya's.
"What should I do?"
"For now, don't concern yourself with anything else. Go find a man who is nearing retirement."
Asou Akiya's soul trembled amid the currents of history. His fingertips remained steady, while the tea warmed his stomach.
At long last, he had dispelled the lingering resentment he felt over having arrived too early in the timeline after transmigrating.
He had come to an era when most of the major characters were still children. The events of the first season were unimaginably distant from him. Standing in the past and gazing toward the future, he savored the unfolding of history itself, watching it blossom little by little before his eyes.
"His name is Natsume Souseki."
Seeing the surprise on Fukuzawa Yukichi's face, the curve of Asou Akiya's lips widened.
You know Natsume Souseki.
Unfortunately, I got to him one step before you did, Junior Brother Fukuzawa.
When dealing with cats, one must be enthusiastic and proactive. When dealing with the legendary calico cat, however, one must—
Shower him with affection until he's pleased!
...
History began rolling forward once more.
While continuing his work alongside Edogawa Ranpo, Fukuzawa Yukichi began searching for Natsume Souseki.
The Port Mafia's boss had grown old and gravely ill. His condition had become an open secret that could no longer be concealed. The Port Mafia began searching far and wide for outstanding doctors, inviting them one after another to examine and treat their leader.
As disappointment accumulated day after day, the elderly Port Mafia boss's suspicious and paranoid nature resurfaced once again. Before long, he became notorious far and wide as a "tyrant."
Watching as the Boss's reputation in his twilight years steadily deteriorated, Asou Akiya could only continue earning money for him in silence. He used ever greater sums to hire ever better doctors, doing everything he could to ease the suffering brought on by the Port Mafia leader's illness.
Over time, Asou Akiya became the person the Port Mafia boss trusted most.
Was it because he could make money?
No. It was because he was willing to spend the money he earned on hiring ability-user doctors.
Under his efforts and encouragement, the Port Mafia established contact with many international organizations that they would never have dared to approach in the past, requesting that their healing-type ability users come and assist with the Boss's treatment.
However, only a handful of organizations responded. Most could not be bothered to pay attention to the leader of a small organization from a minor nation in the Far East.
"Is it because we're not strong enough?!"
The Port Mafia Boss seized Asou Akiya's hand. His fingers had become so thin that the bones protruded visibly beneath the skin. His nails dug into flesh like claws, as though he were a withered vine desperately trying to draw blood from a young man.
"Boss, it's because they are too powerful, and Japan simply has too few ability users."
Asou Akiya spoke the objective truth that no one else dared to voice.
His reward was an enraged roar from the Boss.
"Then earn me even more money—!"
"Analyst, I want to recover! I want to return to the peak of my youth!"
"Help me!"
"Throw money at them until they agree!!!"
On the bed, the old man's face twisted with a mixture of despair and hope. His eyes burned with fanatic obsession. The information was simply too tempting. Every name on the list of ability users seemed like a life-extending medicine capable of granting him a few more years to live.
Even the Port Mafia's Intelligence Department had no idea where Asou Akiya had obtained this information. Its accuracy was astonishing, and the abilities described within were almost unbelievable.
Among them was the British time-based ability user Wells, whose ability, "The Time Machine," was capable of manipulating time within a limited area.
There was also the former Soviet ability user Gorky, whose ability, "Childhood," was rumored to possess the possibility of restoring youth and reversing aging.
Asou Akiya bent at the waist and offered a respectful bow.
"Yes, Boss."
Lowering himself closer, he spoke into the old man's ear.
"The Deputy Director of Logistics embezzled public funds and used them to follow market investment trends. As of now, he has already earned more than one hundred million U.S. dollars in profit..."
The old man's mind was already overflowing with thoughts of money and ability-user doctors. A harsh wheezing growl escaped his throat.
"Kill him!"
"Boss, the crime doesn't warrant death. It would be better to make him hand over the money and allow him to make amends for his mistakes."
"The money— the money— get it back—"
"Yes."
"And who should take over as Deputy Director? May I recommend someone? He has helped me obtain quite a bit of intelligence regarding ability users. Mm, it's Mr. Hazama Kan'ichi* from the Intelligence Department..."
*{Note: If anyone forgets who that is, that's the guy who wants to take Ozaki away from Port Mafia.}
The guards hidden in the shadows lowered their heads and pretended not to hear the conversation between Asou Akiya and the Boss.
Just like that, the position of Deputy Director of the Port Mafia's Logistics Department changed hands.
After leaving the Boss's bedroom, Asou Akiya encountered Nishida Shibashi in the corridor on his way back to his office. Nishida's face was dark with displeasure, as though he were about to discipline him.
"Come with me."
The others looked at Asou Akiya with expressions that practically said "good luck, you're on your own." Judging by their reactions, he was probably about to have another unlucky day.
Akiya calmly followed him.
Inside the executive's office, Nishida Shibashi slammed the door shut behind them. The movement was so forceful that the black overcoat draped over his shoulders nearly slipped off.
Looking at Asou Akiya, who had almost gotten caught in the narrowing gap of the door, Nishida said, "As long as you succeed, next year you'll be given a quota for one direct subordinate. I hope you won't waste it on matters of personal affection."
Akiya blinked. "What do you mean by matters of personal affection?"
Nishida sneered.
"Your lover."
Without giving Akiya a chance to respond, Nishida continued rapidly, "Request Little Kouyou. She's one of the Port Mafia's hidden trump cards and has tremendous growth potential. Make her your direct subordinate. Then, when you become a sub-executive or a full executive in the future, you'll still be able to keep her under your authority."
After listening to the arrangement, Asou Akiya gained a deeper understanding of Executive Nishida Shibashi.
Every drop of blood in the man's body and every strand of thought in his mind were cold, ruthless, and steeped in darkness.
"As for the matter of a direct subordinate, let's set it aside for now," Asou Akiya said, brushing the topic away. "Let me think about it a little longer. I don't believe the human heart can withstand excessive scheming. It's better to let things take their natural course."
Nishida Shibashi looked at the person he was trying to mentor with undisguised disdain. He was so naïve that he made Randou seem ruthless by comparison.
"Making Randou your direct subordinate would be a waste. With Randou's strength, he could easily become an executive on his own and establish an independent faction within the Port Mafia."
"Huh? Since when did your opinion of Randou become so high?"
Asou Akiya immediately sensed that something was off and shot him a wary look.
What exactly are you planning?
Nishida Shibashi answered succinctly, "Because he's stronger than I am."
Akiya's expression turned cold.
"I order you to keep your distance from him in your daily interactions. Physical contact is strictly forbidden."
Nishida Shibashi: "..."
Damn it, do you think everyone is a damned homosexual like you?!
Nishida Shibashi glared at him for a while before suddenly asking with unexpected resignation, "Are you a government agent?"
Asou Akiya walked over to the man's changing room, poked his head inside, and replied, "No."
Nishida Shibashi let out a sigh of relief.
The very next second, he narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"What are you looking at?"
A bright smile spread across Asou Akiya's face.
"You have so many clothes stored in here. So many, so many."
He closed the changing-room door and walked back toward Nishida Shibashi.
Standing half a head taller than the other man, Akiya's approach caused Nishida's imposing aura to diminish involuntarily. An inexplicable chill crept up his spine, and he had to suppress the instinctive urge to attack.
"Nishida-kun, remember to give me a gift next year."
"???"
"For example, that black coat you've never worn would be quite nice."
"..."
What does shamelessness look like? This was exactly what it looked like.
Within the Port Mafia, there was an unwritten rule. Veterans who guided newcomers into the organization were expected to give them a personal belonging as a gift. Likewise, once someone became a candidate executive, the Port Mafia Boss or their superior had the right to present them with a gift.
Asou Akiya had already begun reserving his gift from Nishida Shibashi in advance.
The problem was that the relationship between the two of them was terrible.
Nishida Shibashi said coldly, "No. Go ask the Boss for one instead. He'll definitely satisfy your request—"
When he reached the word satisfy, a powerful malice appeared on his face, clearly intended to intimidate Akiya into backing down.
Yet not only did Asou Akiya refuse to retreat, he actually stepped half a pace closer.
"Don't have one?"
Nishida Shibashi felt a suffocating sense of psychological despair.
This was his own fault.
He had taught Asou Akiya that one needed to be tougher within the Port Mafia and couldn't afford to be overly soft-hearted.
And now this man had turned those lessons around and was using them against him.
After a lengthy silence, the matter of the gift was ultimately left unresolved. Nevertheless, Asou Akiya seemed as though he had received a satisfactory answer and left Nishida Shibashi's executive office in high spirits.
A moment later, the sound of objects being smashed erupted from inside the office.
The Logistics Department was once again forced to replace Executive Nishida's damaged furnishings, while simultaneously facing another round of internal restructuring.
The changes within the Port Mafia never ceased...
November 1st arrived.
Halloween.
In the blink of an eye, major shopping centers had been decorated with festive displays and seasonal merchandise. Asou Akiya and Randou were browsing through a shopping mall, selecting gifts for the children.
Out of the corner of his eye, Akiya noticed a married couple carrying their daughter in their arms.
"They look so happy."
"Hm?"
Following Akiya's line of sight, Randou looked over and saw an exceedingly traditional couple. The woman was the very image of the ideal Japanese Yamato Nadeshiko wife—gentle, graceful, and affectionate, her gaze filled with love whenever she looked at her husband. The man was refined and upright, carrying their daughter with one arm while exuding the air of a cultured and well-educated gentleman.
Their daughter held a pinwheel in her hand and happily blew on it, watching it spin. She was carefree and utterly content, the picture of happiness.
Randou asked, "Do you want a daughter, Akiya?"
Asou Akiya burst into laughter.
"No. I just think that happiness is something both simple and precious."
He leaned closer to Randou and lowered his voice as though sharing a secret.
"I know that couple. The husband is a government intelligence operative, and the wife is a master assassin. They have countless enemies, yet they still dare to appear in public like this."
Randou's heart skipped a beat.
An intelligence operative?
That title sounded a little too much like himself.
Akiya's fingertips brushed lightly across Randou's chest, catching the end of his scarf. The fabric was soft and fluffy beneath his touch.
"My dear, are you happy?"
"I... am very happy."
Randou caught the hand that was mischievously wandering across his chest. Warmth surged through his heart, and he immediately understood what Akiya meant.
Danger was merely an ornament that adorned those who loved one another.
When they returned home, the villa had already been decorated in a Halloween theme. Pumpkin lanterns and wizard-themed props could be seen everywhere. Edogawa Ranpo and Nakahara Chuuya were sitting amid piles of gift boxes, enthusiastically opening presents.
Asou Akiya sat on the sofa, watching them play. His gaze drifted to the long hair falling behind Randou's waist.
"Randou, your hair has grown out again."
"So fast."
Randou turned his head slightly. His ebony-like hair had grown until it nearly reached his hips.
As someone who doted on Randou endlessly, Asou Akiya would never pass up an opportunity to help him. After finding and reviewing some reference materials on hair cutting, he picked up a pair of scissors and carefully began trimming the ends of Randou's hair.
It was not particularly stylish, but at the very least the trim was even and tidy.
Randou brushed a strand of long hair behind his ear. The gesture was graceful and captivating. A quiet beauty lingered in his smile as he rested his head on Asou Akiya's lap and said, "My ears are itchy too."
Asou Akiya called out to the two children, "Ear pick!"
Nakahara Chuuya immediately went to find one.
Edogawa Ranpo made a face at him. He had no intention of becoming a convenient helper for his guardians' public displays of affection.
"Thanks." Asou Akiya kissed Chuuya on the cheek. "My kid is the most considerate!"
Nakahara Chuuya walked away stiffly, moving both hands and feet on the same side at once.
Afterward, amid the laughter echoing nearby, Asou Akiya cleaned Randou's ears. Once he was finished, he picked up a nail clipper and simply gave Randou a complete round of personal grooming.
Randou watched him bustle about with eyes full of tenderness. Lying on Akiya's lap, he gazed at the satisfied expression on the other's face, as though he had swallowed a great piece of honey. He thought to himself that he would never be able to forget an atmosphere as happy as this.
Randou raised his hands after the manicure. His nails were smooth and neatly rounded like polished shells. A nourishing treatment had been applied to them as well. It was not glossy or reflective, serving instead to prevent excessive dryness and broken nails. It was undoubtedly another imported product that Akiya had collected from overseas.
His villa, his luxury goods, and every gift he owned had all come from Asou Akiya.
That was right.
The villa itself was registered under Randou's name.
Randou had never cared much about money. To say that he spent money like water would not be an exaggeration. Every year, he spent at least millions, and sometimes even tens of millions, of yen. Yet the feeling of being deeply loved was something that made a person want to show off to the entire world.
Suddenly, Randou pushed Asou Akiya down onto the sofa and draped himself over him. Without the slightest restraint, he voiced the feelings in his heart.
Asou Akiya's eyes widened. The corners of his eyes trembled, and his lips quivered. His soul seemed to soar into paradise together with the beautiful words he heard. Within those dark-lake eyes was reflected the dazzling smile of the French beauty before him.
"When I recover my memories—"
"I'll take you back to France!"
"I'll let everyone in my homeland know that I love you!"
...
With every passing year, time continued to flow onward.
And with every passing year, I loved you more deeply than before.
What is it that you want?
Excitement?
Danger?
I'll give it to you.
I'll give you everything.
Just don't leave me.
...
"Illumination"
Seen enough. The vision was met with in every air.
Had enough. Sounds of cities, in the evening and in the sun and always.
Known enough. Life's halts.—O Sounds and Visions!
Departure in new affection and new noise.
— Jean Nicolas Arthur Rimbaud.
(Poem translation by Louise Varese-Revised Edition)