Chapter 72
"So it's Dazai-kun,"
Takase Taisei's expression remained unchanged, as if he had known the black-haired boy in front of him for a long time. He readily agreed and said, "If I had known it was you, I should have reminded them not to play cards with you, haha."
"There is always fun in trying new things."
Dazai Osamu continued, echoing his words, "Even if only for a short while...right?"
Everyone present: ...What does this mean? This terrifying guy is saying that tonight is his first time playing Texas Hold'em??
These words drew such hatred that even Oda Sakunosuke couldn't help but glance at them sideways and quietly moved closer to Dazai Osamu.
Given the current awkward atmosphere, which is as if one has heard the phrase "I'm not targeting anyone in particular, I'm saying that everyone here is trash," it would seem perfectly normal for a bullet to suddenly be fired at Dazai from somewhere.
Neither Chuuya Nakahara nor Sakunosuke Oda had ever seen Osamu Dazai tonight.
His expression was indifferent and cold. He spoke in a low voice and slowly and deliberately, but no one could, or rather, dared to ignore even a single word he uttered.
With this highly aggressive demeanor, Dazai Osamu appears as a mafia leader who is naturally meant to walk in the shadows, ruthless and decisive, contemptuous and cruel to his enemies, and devoid of any empathy.
Even with an enemy who had been deliberately spared his life standing under his feet, Chuuya Nakahara couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Could it be that this bandaged bastard actually did something to the mafia before Oda Sakunosuke took him in...? This acting doesn't seem fake at all.
Although he specifically asked how to play a mafia member before setting off, the guy's answer was, "Chuuya playing himself is already perfect."
Just recalling the smiling face on his face when he said that...
"Aaaaaah!" The enemy, suppressed by Chuuya Nakahara's gravity, let out a dying scream, his head lolled to the side, and he promptly passed out.
Chuuya Nakahara: "…………"
He secretly reduced the gravity he had unconsciously amplified a little.
When the casino's manager, Daisuke Takase, spoke up, the crowd tactfully dispersed.
They already have enough to talk about to create a god-like figure, and they will be talking about it for the next few months.
The manager is responsible for maintaining order in the casino, including the old customer who was about to cause trouble but was instantly and violently suppressed by the orange-haired boy.
For Osamu Dazai, who had volunteered himself in this way, he was about to be invited into a private meeting room for a more intimate "chat".
Nakahara Chuuya and Oda Sakunosuke were also invited in—before entering, Oda Sakunosuke's pistol was temporarily left with one of Takase Taisei's subordinates.
Chuuya Nakahara didn't bring any swords or spears at all.
His [gravity] is the most terrifying weapon.
"To be honest, the Port Mafia is also an old rival of ours. We've fought each other quite a few times."
The heavy office door closed, and even if Takase Taisei was wary, he couldn't bring himself to immediately break off the mask or give orders to arrest the three people in front of him.
That's something only low-level thugs who can't grasp the bigger picture or understand the situation would do; it only makes them enemies and brings no benefit whatsoever.
Moreover, the Port Mafia has been completely destroyed. Even if two or three members of the organization manage to escape, they could no longer pose any threat to the Takase-kai.
As for the other party's claim of "defection," Takase Taisei, while skeptical, still believed it to some extent.
This is just like when an old employer disappears, the remaining employees find new jobs. The [Takase-kai] is one of the most powerful groups in the area, so it's normal for people to come and join them; it's just a matter of whether they're willing to take them in.
Even if the Port Mafia hadn't fallen, it wasn't uncommon for both sides to poach each other's people or secretly develop informants.
However, Takase Taisei did not bring up the topic of "seeking refuge" with Dazai Osamu again. Instead, he smiled and took out a bottle of expensive whiskey from the liquor cabinet, along with four glasses.
"But it's hard to say that I wouldn't have any impression of a young boy as smart as you."
“Oh, sorry, I’m still a minor,” Dazai Osamu said, without answering his question. “No drinking, please.”
In the probing between opposing sides, once you follow the other side's lead, you will often find yourself at a disadvantage without realizing it, and then become psychologically vulnerable.
Even if you come to join the Takase-kai under the pretext of seeking refuge, you must never be subservient.
Dazai Osamu blinked slowly. The emotion contained in those iris-shaped eyes was so indifferent as to be almost nonexistent that Takase Taisei could not discern any useful information from them.
Takase Taisei seemed to only just remember his age, letting out a sudden "Oh," before looking at Nakahara Chuuya, "This one isn't drinking either?"
Chuuya Nakahara crossed his arms and lazily responded.
"I don't drink this stuff."
Actually, during the time he was in the [Sheep] organization, he did go out drinking with Shirase Fuichiro and the others. They tried all kinds of drinks, good and bad, but his favorite was red wine.
If you insist on offering him a drink of the whiskey in the bottle that Takase Taisei is holding, he wouldn't mind.
However, no matter what... Oda Sakunosuke was still standing there.
Under Ye Yihe's long-term health-preserving influence and instructions to keep a close watch on them, Oda Sakunosuke had very high requirements for their diet, without any compromise!
Just like Dazai wouldn't dare eat ice cream in front of Oda Sakunosuke, he also wouldn't dare drink alcohol in front of Oda Sakunosuke...
Even Pushkin, who was older than Oda Sakunosuke, had to endure humiliation and swallow boiled food for so long; if he wanted to eat something flavorful, he had to wait for Ye Yihe's return and the special favor he received.
If you want to drink alcohol, you can only do so when you reach the legal drinking age.
Chuuya Nakahara watched with a heavy heart as Takase Taisei confirmed that Odasaku wasn't drinking either, then poured himself a small half-cup and took a satisfied sip.
“But speaking of impressions,” Takase Taisei continued, “I feel you’re more like someone else… well, there’s been a lot of talk about it lately.”
Osamu Dazai: "Oh?"
"I think you've heard of 'The House of the Dead'," said Takase Taisei. "A while ago, 'The Holy Heavenly Staff' was completely taken down by the cops, all thanks to that organization."
“I have indeed heard about it,” Dazai Osamu smiled. “After all, the Port Mafia also perished because of this organization.”
"What, the [Port Mafia] is one too... No wonder."
After placing the wine glasses on the coffee table, Takase Daisei waved his hand, inviting them to sit down as well.
"Of course, according to rumors, the person who led the way in exposing Master Takano's tricks and ruining his reputation was also a black-haired boy, but he was with two white-haired foreigners."
"Yokohama is a public concession, so it's not surprising that many unfamiliar foreign forces come here,"
Dazai Osamu crossed his fingers in front of him, his exposed wrists pale and slender, without any trace of bandages. "The so-called [black-haired boy] may not be me."
Takase Taisei remained silent for a moment upon hearing this.
Indeed, although the rumor wasn't described in great detail, it did clearly mention that one of the black-haired boy's eyes was bandaged, suggesting an injury.
Furthermore, there has been a leaked reference to Takano-sensei as "[Grey Cardinal]", but it is uncertain who he is referring to—most people speculate that it is the leader of the "Rats in the House of the Dead".
The boy in front of me was handsome and extremely intelligent. He clearly looked like a native, and there were no scars on his eyes.
Perhaps, linking the two together is just his delusion... but we should still keep testing the waters.
“Dazai-kun, a talent as outstanding as you is truly worth cherishing; you are worth more than thousands of ordinary people.”
Given Dazai Osamu's behavior at the casino, Takase Taisei was very polite to him.
Even in the inner world, geniuses with high IQs will still be highly respected.
"But I'm really curious, how did you escape? The brothers who went to scout back then said that even though they were used to seeing blood and gore during gang fights, nothing could compare to the shock and fear that scene brought them."
They died in a senseless, demonic internal conflict, completely unaware of who the mastermind was. By the time they realized what had happened, only the military and police had taken over the scene, along with the legacy left behind by the organization.
Want to know? I can tell you.
Dazai Osamu's iris-like eyes curved slightly, finally revealing a faint smile that seemed genuine, like a cold flame igniting in the snow.
"At that time, I was under house arrest elsewhere."
"Household annexation..." Takase Taisei's eyes showed surprise.
“That’s right, house arrest. Of course, that period wasn’t too difficult, otherwise you wouldn’t see me here…”
Dazai Osamu tilted his head slightly and spoke softly, with a hint of meaning, "It's just that it's normal for smart people to be feared, Mr. Takase—just like you."
Takase Daisei's eyelids twitched.
Oda Sakunosuke's heart skipped a beat.
Dazai openly and subtly accused him of forcefully knocking the person unconscious and taking them back, without giving the other party a chance to speak... cough.
Judging from the current outcome, he guessed... Dazai... probably preferred to stay, right?
"That's why I chose Mr. Takase,"
Dazai Osamu was unable to answer Oda Sakunosuke's unspoken speculation at this moment, but his actions clearly revealed it.
Just like now, Dazai Osamu, who had stirred up Takase Taisei's psychological trauma with just a few words, opened one hand to him, lowered his voice, and revealed an irresistible persuasion, like a crushed red fruit splattering juice.
All he did was to help Ye Yihe, and also to find peace of mind—if he could.
If we cannot find meaning in living through death, then what if we find it in living?
At least for now, he is still willing to continue searching until the day he tires of it comes.
"I believe you are a smart person, always have been."
In Takase Taisei's mind, the voice coming from the other side gradually became blurry and distorted, almost completely replaced by words echoing deep in his memory.
[As the second son, you're behaving too dangerously.]
Who would believe he has no ambition?
He was definitely not happy with his father's arrangements...
"Let me lend you a hand?"
In a daze, Takase Taisei stared blankly at the hand extended in front of him. After a moment, he looked up at Dazai Osamu.
No matter how well he tries to appear docile, it's useless; there will always be someone who wants to get rid of him, like pulling a thorn out of your fingertip.
Takase Taisei was reminded once again of the other person's experience—he couldn't let himself end up in that situation.
He finally reached out and grasped the other person's hand.
"Welcome to the Takase-kai."
Under Dazai Osamu's gaze, which seemed to be filled with a pleased smile, Takase Taisei spoke.
…………
"Mr. Dazai called to say that the target had been successfully achieved."
Ivan hung up the phone and reported the good news to Ye Yihe.
Ye Yihe, who was reading "An Introduction to Commonly Used Greek Vocabulary and Grammar," looked up and gave the result the highest praise in a concise and powerful manner.
"As expected of Dazai!"
They join new organizations without hesitation or delay.
They even targeted the opponent's core high-ranking officials, demonstrating their undeniable strategic prowess.
Fyodor could probably do the same thing, but he was completely uneasy about entrusting it to the other party.
The only thing Fyodor can confidently entrust to him now is the food he has prepared.
Let him eat it all, not a single bit left.
Fyodor never protested, complained, or shoveled food into his mouth in protest. He always ate with considerable restraint and manners, slowly finishing foods that he may have never tasted before.
In terms of being obedient and well-behaved, even three Dazai combined couldn't compare to Fyodor...
[The fifth word in the third line is missing μ; it should be συμφωνα.]
Fyodor's voice rang softly in his mind, offering to help him correct the errors in the Greek textbook.
"Ah, okay."
Ye Yihe made a correction note on the word that Fyodor had pointed out, as instructed.
He had previously considered reading the Bible, and he didn't forget it, so he specifically went to the bookstore to look for Greek-related textbooks when he went shopping.
However, this less common language was clearly not popular in Japan, so much so that he went to several stores but couldn't find it, until he tried his luck at a used bookstore and finally found it among a pile of dusty miscellaneous books.
Although Fyodor pointed out several errors before I had even turned two pages, something is better than nothing.
Anyway, Fyodor can see where the problem is, so it's not too late to fix it after he tells us.
Ye Yihe paid the bill with great optimism.
When Fyodor asked him why he suddenly wanted to learn Greek, he readily told him, "I want to understand your Bible that's always spoken in Greek."
"Although I could understand the sentences you spoke in Greek before, it was more like an innate skill than something I was born with."
Ye Yihe, without changing his expression, described the system's assistance in patching his language and hearing abilities as a passive skill of this body.
It's normal for personalities to not understand each other's languages, let alone Fyodor's pronunciation, which is as standard as a textbook listening comprehension exercise. He also inevitably has a slight accent when saying certain words because he is learning too many languages at the same time.
Just like when you learn English and then look at a French word for the first time, you will habitually try to pronounce the French word according to the English phonetic symbols—especially when the letters themselves look very similar.
Fyodor also knew that there could be situations where skills were not interchangeable between people with dual personalities, which was normal.
Rather, he could always feel his lower body trying to mimic his pronunciation and enunciation.
It's as if this newly born soul opened its eyes at some point, first stumbling and learning some rough skills, and then, now that its personalities are no longer dormant, consciously trying to move closer to its dominant personality.
Fyodor was intrigued by this discovery. Instead of bringing it up himself, he discreetly and quietly watched as his half of his body gradually transformed.
[In fact, the Bible has versions in many languages,] Fyodor chuckled softly, [it's not necessary to read the Greek version.]
"Isn't the Eastern Orthodox Church you believe in just a Bible written in Greek?"
Ye Yihe put the textbook he had painstakingly found into the shopping bag and carried it in his hand with satisfaction.
“Translations in other languages will always differ from the original. I still prefer to understand your Bible.” Ye Yihe blinked. “I remember seeing it on the bookshelf in the Palace of Consciousness.”
When he first started learning Japanese from Oda Saku, he used a Japanese version of the Bible. Although the meaning was similar, he still preferred to read the version that Fyodor had read.
[Ah, oh, that's really something.]
Fyodor's chuckle this time contained a hint of a sigh, but it wasn't the kind of regret or pity; rather, it was a more complex and harder-to-distinguish emotion mixed in, just as a thicket of thorns isn't entirely made up of thorns.
[Then please allow me to assist you.]
The slight smile that emanated from him was so obvious that Ye Yihe unconsciously tightened his grip on the shopping bag before finally agreeing.
There's no going back.
—So, the situation has now become that Ye Yihe is looking at the textbook while Fyodor is correcting him and teaching him basic vocabulary pronunciation and grammar.
It must be said that Fyodor not only excels at playing villains, but he is also adept at teaching, as if he has mastered every language as if it were his native tongue.
In contrast, Chuuya and Dazai are quite lazy... When asked if they wanted to go to school, their answer was always no.
Ye Yihe was once worried that Chuuya might be illiterate, but fortunately he later discovered that he could understand the subtitles in the game. It was later learned that when Chuuya first started living with Oda Sakunosuke, Oda Sakunosuke specially taught Chuuya to recognize characters and many basic knowledge.
It could be considered a semi-correspondence course, I suppose...
Dazai is different; if he wanted to, he could very likely teach his teacher instead.
Because Dazai, Chuuya, and Odasaku had recently gone undercover at the Takase-kai, only Ye Yihe and Ivan were left at home, which allowed Ye Yihe to openly sit in the living room, sometimes talking to himself and sometimes studying Greek.
As for Pushkin, he was still out running. Ivan, no longer personally keeping watch over him, made a clay doll to supervise him, which only infuriated Pushkin more—what orders had been given to this doll that it was stabbing his buttocks with rock spikes, even more cruel than its owner!
Gogol only returned at night; during the day, he would disappear without a trace. When asked, Gogol would only give him a mysterious "keep it a secret" gesture, accompanied by a playful wink.
"In addition, Commander Taneda sent an invitation, saying that there is something he might need your help with."
Ivan was always quite responsible when it came to matters concerning Ye Yihe. Ye Yihe, who wasn't used to old-fashioned things like mailboxes, would often forget to check them, but luckily Ivan remembered.
I just don't quite understand why Chief Taneda, who likes to wear traditional men's kimonos, always prefers to use letter paper to contact people, and even writes it with a brush.
Wouldn't it be more convenient to just make a phone call? And this content is so ambiguous...
Ye Yihe was a little confused, "How can I help him?"
“That wasn’t mentioned,” Ivan said with a graceful bow. “If you refuse, I will give him my feedback.”
“I have no problem going there,” Ye Yihe shook his head. “If you find out I can’t do it after listening to me, then it’s not too late to refuse.”
What if it's an opportunity to do good deeds and earn points? Wouldn't it be a shame to let it slip away?
This time, the invitation was sent to a government office building, not a coffee shop or restaurant.
As usual, Ye Yihe got out of the car with the mini Ivan doll and saw a young man in a suit wearing glasses standing by the door, clearly waiting for someone.
“Mr. Fyodor, I am Ango Sakaguchi.”
As Ye Yihe approached him, he took the initiative to introduce himself—only then did Ye Yihe notice a mole on his lip. “I am here to wait for you, following the instructions of Commander Farming.”
"Hello." Ye Yihe nodded.
The other person doesn't look very old... probably around the same age as Oda Sakunosuke?
"Commander Tanada is already waiting inside,"
Ango Sakaguchi adjusted his glasses, which had slipped down to the tip of his nose due to sweat, and gave Ye Yihe a brief introduction as he led the way.
"There is another one... You will understand the details after you meet him."
"good."
Ye Yihe followed him for a while, took the elevator to the upper floors—the access card was swiped by Sakaguchi Ango—and then walked deeper and deeper until there were fewer and fewer people in the corridor and even the noise from the rooms gradually decreased, before stopping at the door of a room at the very end.
"I won't go in now."
After knocking lightly twice on the door, Ango Sakaguchi pushed up his glasses again—this time because he was nervous.
Then he whispered, "The guy sitting inside, cough, the detective, has a rather eccentric temper. Just don't let his words affect you too much."
Ye Yihe: "...Oh."
A detective like Ranpo? Since he can sit in the office building of the Special Abilities Department, his identity must be quite extraordinary.
Since he was already here, Ye Yihe turned the doorknob and pushed it open—
The aroma of tobacco wafted over first. It wasn't pungent; in fact, it had a slightly sweet taste.
The person who came into view was the farming commander, whom Ye Yihe had met before.
In response to the greeting from Commander Taneda, Ye Yihe gave a brief reply before turning his gaze to another unfamiliar young man—this was probably the "Detective Mr." that Sakaguchi Ango had mentioned.
Her light blonde short hair was hidden under a short-brimmed hat similar to Ranpo's, and a coffee-colored short jacket was casually draped over her shoulders; underneath she wore a knitted vest and a white shirt, paired with maroon plaid wide-leg pants and turned-up leather boots, a very personal style of outfit.
Not to mention, between his thighs and forearms, he was holding a beautifully dressed female doll—about the length of a forearm, like a life-sized miniature figure, but with every joint movable.
The smell of tobacco was coming from the thin pipe he was holding in his other hand, and wisps of smoke were still swirling around his ears, dissipating lightly in front of his brown-tinted glasses as he turned his head.
"It's you, the hero who has pierced through the ceiling of the inner world one after another."
The pipe was tapped against the armrest of the chair, and sparks of tobacco ash fell down.
When he spoke, his low voice was tinged with languor, revealing a weariness that came from having his curiosity satisfied. "Truly remarkable. It's the first time I've ever seen those thugs so terrified."
Before his words had even faded, his gaze slid down from Ye Yihe's face until it settled on the miniature Ivan doll in the crook of his arm.
"Not bad, you have good taste."
He offered a rare and genuine compliment.
The officer's eyes widened when he heard the other person praise him for the first time.
"..." Looking at the miniature doll of a pretty young lady sitting on the other person's lap, Ye Yihe remained silent for a long time, "Thank you, you too."
He couldn't even explain that this was Ivan's special ability, not a specially customized doll like his own—otherwise, wouldn't that be tantamount to revealing his own trump card, and also clearly indicating his distrust of the Special Abilities Division?
“I am Ayatsuji Yukito, you probably haven’t heard of my name.”
Ayatsuji Yukito exhaled another wisp of sweet-smelling smoke, his attitude surprisingly becoming more friendly. It's hard to say whether it was because they shared "the same good taste."
"To be honest, I don't think bringing you here will be of any help, but since it's a matter that's coming to you, it's good to be mentally prepared in advance—that's my advice."
Ye Yihe's response was equally candid: "I don't know what the farming commander wanted me to help with."
"Let me explain the situation,"
Chief Taneda picked up a pile of reports and documents on the table. "In fact, I also invited Lord Ayatsuji to help. As a Special-Class Dangerous Ability User, he should theoretically always be under supervision in his own office, not here."
“This isn’t your office either,” Ayatsuji Yukito chuckled softly. “You brought me to such a secluded corner because you’re so worried about my powers activating? You should blame yourselves for having a murderer among your own ranks. Why don’t you start by committing seppuku to atone for your sins, Chief?”
This building is shared by the military, police, and the Special Abilities Division. Not only are there agents from the Special Abilities Division, but also a considerable number of investigators coming and going—and the fact that the person who should be investigating the murderer is himself the murderer is a common occurrence throughout history.
“Ahem… Stop joking, Lord Ayatsuji.” Commander Taneda cleared his throat somewhat awkwardly and said to Ye Yihe, “Let me first introduce his ability [Another] to you. It is a perfect match for his detective work, but the consequences it causes are extremely dangerous.”
When Yukito Ayatsuji accepts a murder case, his special ability will be automatically triggered.
Once he successfully deduces who the murderer is and finds sufficient evidence to convict him, his superpower will disregard cause and effect and ensure that the murderer dies "accidentally," without any means of interference.
On the other hand, his special abilities also prove the accuracy of his powerful reasoning skills.
"Normally, the government only has to entrust the case to an investigator when the investigator is unable to solve it."
The officer showed one of the pages to Ye Yihe, saying, "But this time the situation is special."
Ye Yihe picked up the paper—the information on it was pitifully scarce.
The profile picture is a generic silhouette, meaning the person's appearance is unknown.
The name, age, and gender were all left blank with question marks. Only the ability section contained one sentence: "[Suspected of inducing a state of mental madness in the target and driving them to kill.]"
The following describes several specific events, summarizing that a mastermind was discovered who only instigated others to commit murders while remaining hidden in the shadows; moreover, his motives were unclear, and the victims in the several murders were unrelated—including even police officers.
According to the confession of a recent killer before his death, his new target appears to be the leader of two illegal organizations that he recently eliminated.
"…………"
Ye Yihe silently finished reading the thin page, then silently looked at Ayatsuji Yukito.
He roughly knew what the other party was going to say, and he deeply felt that Yokohama was truly a place where hidden talents were lurking, and it was indeed a chaotic area that the law could hardly govern.
"That's it. You've made too much of a commotion, and some cunning, curious ghost with an unknown identity has set its sights on you."
Ayatsuji Yukito's voice remained nonchalant, as if he didn't care about the matter at all.
Ye Yihe was pondering a serious question: if he died a second time in Fyodor's body, would he truly die this time? Or would only Fyodor die?
"However, the good news is that they may also be investigating your identity."
Before Ye Yihe could reply, Ayatsuji Yukito shrugged and continued, tapping his long, thin pipe back and forth between himself and Ye Yihe a couple of times.
"And I have no choice but to accept this commission so that I, and you, can continue to live."
[oh? ]
Fyodor in his mind seemed to become interested as well, leaning slightly forward from his high chair.
This is truly delightful.
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