The Black Lizards were the Port Mafia's combat unit, directly under the command of the Boss himself.
After hearing from Asou Akiya that he had been promoted to Batallion Leader, Randou said nothing about it. Instead, he gently comforted his disappointed lover. He knew that his lover was not an infallible genius who could predict everything.
This time, he had simply made a mistake.
A mistake well within the bounds of ordinary human error.
"In my eyes, you're even more capable than Ranpo," Randou said. "So a small mistake like this doesn't matter. I don't mind it, and I don't want to see you feeling embarrassed or frustrated. When you come home to me, you're still the most amazing person in the family—the one who protects me, Ranpo, and Chuuya."
After being showered with such wholehearted praise, Asou Akiya felt his spirits surge with renewed determination.
"I'll definitely succeed next time!"
"I believe you."
Randou no longer needed passionate kisses to prove the depth of his love. Instead, he reached out to smooth the wrinkles from Asou Akiya's black overcoat and suit, then stepped back half a pace and smiled.
"My darling looks incredibly handsome."
Reluctance lingered in Asou Akiya's eyes, but the thought of their next reunion at home filled him with happiness.
"I'm heading back now. Randou, you don't have to come home too early tonight. You can go to the Black Lizards' gathering. Other than me and everyone at home, I'd like you to spend more time with your colleagues."
"If that's what you wish, Akiya... I'll give it a try."
Randou, who had always kept his fellow members at arm's length, nodded in agreement.
Randou had become something like a second Asou Akiya. Having lost his memories, the young Frenchman felt nothing but unfamiliarity and distance toward the people of this country. Only around those he knew and trusted did he reveal his true self.
Asou Akiya didn't want him to be so lonely. Even making a few friends to share a drink with from time to time would be enough.
After returning to the life of an overworked salaryman, the second person Asou Akiya went to see was Ozaki Kouyou.
Little Kouyou was safe and sound. After enduring the Boss's previous bout of lunacy, she had weathered his repeated attempts to make things difficult for her with remarkable composure. She no longer cared much about the Boss's malice. The more he tried to sever her bonds with others, the more determined she became not to let him succeed.
Ozaki Kouyou took a manuscript from her desk drawer and handed it to him.
"Akiya-san, I've written another draft of a novel. Would you take a look for me?"
"Of course. Kouyou-kun really is a gifted writer whose talent has gone unnoticed."
Asou Akiya felt genuinely encouraged.
At this stage, the only literary giant who wrote with such enthusiasm was Ozaki Kouyou!
"Thank you for discovering that talent, Akiya-san." Covering her lips with one hand, Ozaki Kouyou smiled, her laughter as clear and pleasant as tinkling bells. "Ever since I became interested in writing, I've found it much easier to quiet my mind. I don't feel bored anymore."
Asou Akiya sighed in heartfelt agreement.
"If only everyone else felt the same way."
Ozaki Kouyou asked curiously, "Has someone else in the organization started writing too?"
"No, not someone in the organization. It's a retired assassin about your age. He absolutely loves procrastinating. He only starts writing after he's run out of money."
I'm talking about you, Oda Sakunosuke!
Picking up Ozaki Kouyou's manuscript, Asou Akiya gave her a serious reminder.
"For the time being, stay away from the Boss's personal physician."
Although she had no idea why, Ozaki Kouyou simply smiled and nodded.
"All right."
Asou Akiya asked, "Aren't you going to ask me why?"
The fifteen-year-old girl, with her tangerine-colored hair, looked charming in her kimono. An ornamental hairpin adorned with fluffy pink pom-poms decorated her hair, making her strikingly resemble the long-haired Izumi Kyouka from the IF timeline.
Both had sunk deep into the darkness.
Both yearned for the light.
Yet in the end, both had chosen to remain.
"Akiya-san would never harm me."
"...Thank you."
Trust that pure made Asou Akiya want to treasure it forever.
Whenever he started believing he was merely a transmigrator armed with knowledge of the plot, someone who could manipulate events and people's hearts, reality would shatter those calculations time and time again. For the sake of those who trusted him, he would end up changing his plans instead.
Because he simply couldn't bear to taint that trust with selfish motives.
Perhaps it was a kind of emotional fastidiousness unique to him.
Asou Akiya returned to his office, made several phone calls to contact people within the organization, and only afterward did Executive Nishida finally arrive.
As usual, the man pushed open the door, walked in without the slightest courtesy, let out a disdainful snort, then turned around and left without any intention of lingering.
Coming in—According to the mission assignment procedure, check whether there are any new assignments.
Going out—Apparently there weren't any. Goodbye.
Asou Akiya rubbed his forehead.
"Nishida-kun, even a vacation couldn't improve your temper, huh?"
Outside the door, Nishida Shibashi, who had already walked some distance away, replied with undisguised contempt.
"I'd be happy only if I never had to see you again."
"..."
That's basically wishing I'd die!
After grumbling to himself, Asou Akiya picked up the day's newspaper.
"The headline says... Japan's Economic Prosperity... Yeah, right. As if Japan could achieve real prosperity without a long period of recovery and stability."
He tapped his desk thoughtfully.
"Is the economic bubble about to appear?"
It wasn't just him and Natsume-sensei who loved embellishing things and polishing their public image. The Japanese government was equally fond of glorifying itself, boasting so extravagantly that both investors and its own people were left dazzled. Under the government's relentless promotion, property prices kept soaring. Sooner or later, an illusory economic bubble was bound to form.
At a time like this...
Asou Akiya searched through his locked bookshelf until he found a novel he had written years ago.
"Alright. I'll mail this to Sensei."
Passing along the lessons that ought to be learned to Natsume Souseki was enough to fulfill his duty as a disciple.
Otherwise, he wouldn't deserve the title of "Analyst."
Another day of maintaining my carefully crafted persona.
After finishing the newspaper, turning on his computer, and casually reviewing a few reports, Asou Akiya remembered the two children he had been letting roam free for a while. It was time to show a little parental concern and give them some affection from afar.
[Chuuya, what would you like for dinner tonight? I'll pick it up on my way home from work.]
[Ranpo, I brought you some souvenirs—all snacks. Remember to come home early.]
The family messages had been sent.
...
At a private school in Yokohama.
In the special class that spent every day eagerly waiting for summer vacation in August, Nakahara Chuuya stole a glance at his phone.
Great, his two family members were finally home!
The very next second—
Something came flying straight at him. Chuuya instinctively leaned backward in a perfect tactical dodge, avoiding the piece of chalk hurtling toward his head.
The classroom erupted into applause from his classmates—the other members of the Sheep.
"Chuuya! You dodged Tsurumi-sensei's sure-hit chalk again! Awesome!"
"Hahaha! Tsurumi-sensei's got sharp eyes!"
Crack.
The Japanese language teacher snapped a second piece of chalk in half, dark frustration practically radiating off him.
"Chuuya-kun, I know you're excellent at sports and have incredible reflexes, but could you please stop checking your phone during class? The fact that I even allow you to bring it into the classroom is already me being lenient."
Nakahara Chuuya immediately wilted.
"I'm sorry, Sensei."
He just couldn't stop himself from reaching for his phone!
It was just like how Ranpo couldn't stop staying up late—or dragging him into video games in the middle of the night.
"My guardian's back home," Nakahara Chuuya said, unable to keep the excitement out of his voice. "Starting tomorrow, you won't have to buy breakfast or lunch for me anymore, Sensei. I'll eat before I come to school."
Teacher Tsurumi nodded.
"That's good to hear. Just remember to eat all three meals on time."
Encouraged by his teacher's concern, Nakahara Chuuya sat up properly and turned his attention back to the lesson.
However, beneath Teacher Tsurumi's warm smile lurked a hidden blade.
"Perfect. Now someone can help me review your exam results. Every class needs at least one student who remembers to bring back their test papers signed by their guardian."
Nakahara Chuuya stared at him in disbelief. "What? We have to get our guardians to sign them?!"
With a kindly smile, Teacher Tsurumi replied, "I learned that from teachers in China. I'm hoping it'll encourage students to work harder."
The classroom burst into laughter, and a few students even kicked their desks askew in amusement.
It couldn't be helped. Chuuya's grades fluctuated from one exam to the next. Overall, they were no longer as astonishingly outstanding as they had been on his entrance exam. Ever since joining the class, he'd spent his days playing alongside everyone else and had relaxed a little when it came to studying.
"Chuuya! Don't worry, you're still first in the class!"
"Yeah! It's just that you didn't get full marks in a few subjects."
"So this is what having a family is like? Hahaha, it really is different. Akiya-san cares so much about your studies—I bet he'll start assigning you extra homework."
"I knew something about Chuuya had changed! So that's why he's stopped freaking out over making up missed homework!"
That last remark struck with deadly accuracy.
It came from Shirase, the unrivaled master of stabbing his friends where it hurt, who was always slinging an arm around Nakahara Chuuya's shoulders.
Chuuya's face flushed bright red as he slapped his desk.
"Hey! Don't say it like that! I finish my homework on time every single day, and I even let you guys copy it! Do you people have no sense of gratitude?!"
Teacher Tsurumi raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
The entire classroom instantly fell silent.
With miserable expressions, everyone cursed inwardly.
[Chuuya, you idiot! You can't keep your mouth shut!]
Elsewhere, outside the school, Edogawa Ranpo—who was still searching for something despite having no request from the police—received the text message.
His expression twisted with inner conflict.
After a painful struggle, he reluctantly gave up the temptation of snacks.
Walking ahead to scout the way, Fukuzawa Yukichi looked back.
"Ranpo?"
Ranpo put away his phone. The boy's voice remained as bright and cheerful as ever.
"It's nothing. We're here."
Ahead of them—
To borrow a gaming term, the movable NPC "Natsume Souseki" had appeared on the map, glowing with the friendly, untargetable aura that signified he was waiting for them to turn in a class advancement quest.
Edogawa Ranpo indulged in that absurd thought for only a moment before puffing out his cheeks and following Fukuzawa over.
This old man was far too good at hiding!
Natsume Souseki feigned surprise.
"My, impressive. You actually managed to find me?"
Fukuzawa Yukichi let out a quiet sigh of relief.
"Natsume-sensei."
Edogawa Ranpo kept staring at Natsume Souseki with his beautiful green eyes. Over the past six months, he had already learned a great deal about the man from Asou Akiya.
Natsume Souseki spoke frankly.
"I already understand why you've come. You wish to establish a company and obtain a Skilled Business Permit, correct?"
Fukuzawa Yukichi answered without hesitation.
"Yes."
If, after meeting Edogawa Ranpo, Asou Akiya, Randou, and Nakahara Chuuya, he still couldn't see himself clearly, then he would truly be beyond redemption!
He already possessed an ability capable of saving others. How could he stop there and simply watch more gifted individuals and ordinary people alike fall into misfortune?
Natsume Souseki then turned to Edogawa Ranpo, who looked as though he wanted to say something but couldn't quite bring himself to speak.
"You're wondering why I appeared at the Theatrum Mundi and approached you as one of the victims, aren't you? It's because I knew your father. And I once owed the 'Clairvoyant' a favor."
Edogawa Ranpo bit his lip before replying awkwardly, "So that's how it was."
Natsume Souseki smiled. "Akiya already knows."
Ranpo muttered under his breath, "I know he knows. But he always tells me half of it and hides the other half. Adults are all like that—they shoulder everything themselves as long as it keeps the kids happy."
He wasn't angry about having been misled.
After all, Natsume Souseki had appeared only to guide him toward a better path.
His spirits immediately lifted again.
"Natsume-sensei, was my father a gifted ability user? Was his ability really called 'Clairvoyance'?"
Natsume Souseki: "..."
Ah, this kid has already gone completely off the rails. There's no saving him. I'll leave that headache to Akiya.
Ignoring Ranpo entirely, Natsume Souseki turned to the person he admired most, Fukuzawa Yukichi.
"Do you understand the value of a Skilled Business Permit? It isn't something that money can buy. Even if someone were to use it to engage in an illegal profession, the government would still be forced to recognize its legitimacy."
Fukuzawa Yukichi bowed deeply.
"I do. I know how absurd that sounds. When I first began searching for you, I did indeed harbor such thoughts. But as time passed, I came to understand the purpose of my life. It isn't to kill on the government's behalf, nor to fight on battlefields for lofty but hollow ideals. I should devote myself to something grounded in reality. I swear that for the rest of my life, I will uphold justice, punish evil, and protect the weak."
More important than fighting was protecting others.
And to protect them, he was willing to take up his bloodstained blade once more and stand against any enemy that threatened them.
"Hmph. A fine conviction."
Natsume Souseki offered his praise before walking up to Fukuzawa Yukichi. His gaze never left the man for even a moment.
He carried the trust of the government on his shoulders.
That was precisely why he had to see clearly the character of the person he was placing his faith in.
And now he had.
This was someone worth nurturing.
Someone worth placing his hopes in.
"This road won't be an easy one."
Those words marked the beginning of a new chapter in Fukuzawa Yukichi's life, leaving him holding his breath.
["This path won't be an easy one."]
The very words Asou Akiya had once spoken to him echoed through his mind.
A tremendous surge of emotion welled up inside Fukuzawa Yukichi.
What was a true confidant?
It's someone who understood your heart, never stood in your way, and did everything they could to help you move forward!
A gentleman would lay down his life for one who truly understands him!
The once-proud Lone Wolf clenched his fist tightly.
Deeply moved, he said, "When both you and Akiya-san saw my future and still chose to place your hopes in me, how could I possibly lack the resolve to keep walking this path?"
With a passion and idealism that belied his age, he poured his unwavering convictions into that dream.
"Then leave it to me!"
"Place even greater burdens on my shoulders!"
"And let me die on this path!"
The man's powerful voice rang through the half-enclosed room.
Edogawa Ranpo was deeply moved by his resolve, and even Natsume Souseki's eyes softened at the sight of such unwavering determination.
"Oh, honestly."
Wearing a troubled expression, Natsume Souseki sighed.
"That fellow beat me to it again."
Who was supposed to be the teacher here, exactly?
Forget it. He was older, so he was right!
Natsume Souseki said, "Fukuzawa, obtaining a Skilled Business Permit from me is actually quite simple. Become my disciple, complete my three trials, and I will give you all the guidance and support you need. I also know exactly where your shortcomings lie, so I'll allow Ranpo to assist you."
"Become your disciple?!" Fukuzawa Yukichi exclaimed, overjoyed.
Natsume Souseki spoke with vigorous confidence.
"I'll count the first trial as complete. It wasn't easy for you and Ranpo to track me down after all this time. As for the second trial—"
"Within one month, protect the unregistered Skilled Business Permit!"
If there was no competition… then he would create some!
Now there would be pressure from within, and pressure from without as well.
Akiya, it's time to show the bearing of an elder disciple!
The stage has been set for all of you!
...
Bungo Stray Dogs
"Diamonds can only be polished by other diamonds."
—Natsume Souseki.