Epilogue and Persecution [Bonus Chapter for 2k Views]
As the fireworks display drew to a close, after announcing the final fireworks supplier, the dazzling final fireworks exploded in the dark night sky to the melody of a popular song.
The continuous sounds illuminated the night sky, and Tsurumi Kawaru, who was sitting on a bench not far away waiting for Chuuya, let out a gasp of surprise.
He quickly took out his phone to record a short video, intending to show it to Mori Ougai, who worked in the office.
When Dazai Osamu saw his movement, he turned his head slightly, his gaze lingering on his phone for a few seconds before looking away. His lips pressed into a straight line, and a hint of malice appeared in Tobi's eyes, which were illuminated by the flickering fireworks.
He crossed his arms and leaned back against the bench, his lazy tone carrying a hint of seduction, speaking softly and unhurriedly: "Hey, Ryu, do you want to guess what Lantang wants to say when he comes to see you?"
"Chuuya only told the two of us about Arahata's affair. His sudden appearance today means he knows Chuuya's identity. And the fact that we made plans to watch the fireworks today should only be known to the three of us, right? Do you think Randou really met him by chance, or was someone else telling him?"
Tsurumi Nagare, who was busy recording a short video, paused, held up his phone, and turned to look at him. Amidst the exploding fireworks, his thoughts followed Dazai Osamu's words and continued to ponder.
He blinked, his pure and bright golden eyes wide open, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "Rando probably doesn't know Chuuya's identity."
After thinking for a moment, Tsurumi Kawakami said with some hesitation, "However, I only told Dr. Mori about our trip to the fireworks festival, but why did Dr. Mori tell Randou?"
Dazai Osamu narrowed his deep-set eyes, watching Tsurumi Nagare follow his words and ponder them, a smile immediately curving his lips.
He chuckled lightly, his expression nonchalant, and said casually, "Hmm, who knows what Mr. Mori is thinking. Maybe he's taken a fancy to the little dwarf, after all, that guy's abilities are quite terrifying."
Upon hearing this, Tsurumi Kawakami frowned slightly, losing interest in recording the short video. He put away his phone and turned to look at the two people standing under the tree not far from the streetlight.
Here, after Chuuya finished speaking, Randou, who was standing in front of him, changed his expression. The emotions in his eyes became more complicated, and he looked at Chuuya with a hint of unfathomable emotion.
The black-haired youth pursed his lips, his outward emotions subsiding and replaced by a resolute look. He stared intently at the ochre-haired, blue-eyed Nakahara Chuuya before him, his expression slightly dazed, before he seemed to have made a decision.
"I'll be returning to France later... Take care of yourself and live well," Randou said softly, looking at Nakahara Chuuya.
After leaving those words, the long-haired young man in the black coat turned and left without looking back.
Tsurumi Ryuji Randou, who had been watching the situation closely, turned to leave and quickly patted Dazai Osamu on the shoulder, saying, "Look, Randou's gone."
Dazai Osamu received a slap on the shoulder, grimaced, and dodged to the side. He turned his head and saw the departing figure and Nakahara Chuuya emerging from the shadows.
Tsurumi Kawakami knelt on one knee on the bench, his hand resting on the back, and waved to Nakahara Chuuya, saying, "Chuuya, what did Rando say to you?"
Chuuya Nakahara shook his head, his expression blank. His thoughts were still on what Rando had just said. He was suddenly aware of his own background and Rando's identity, which left him somewhat at a loss.
Especially the second half of Rando's last sentence, Nakahara Chuuya inexplicably felt a sense of sadness in it.
Tsurumi Kawaru approached him with a worried expression, looking at Chuuya's bewildered face, and asked in a concerned tone, "Chuuya, are you alright?"
Dazai Osamu also stood up and walked to the side, crossed his arms, and looked Nakahara Chuuya up and down with his sharp eyes.
Coming to his senses, Chuuya Nakahara looked up and met Tsurumi Kawaru's worried gaze. He paused for a second, then smiled and said, "I'm fine. Randou knows who I am. He's the one who... brought me out back then."
When the latter word was mentioned, Chuuya Nakahara subconsciously glossed over it.
Dazai Osamu keenly noticed his pause, narrowed his eyes, and did not miss the fleeting, evasive emotion that flashed in Nakahara Chuuya's eyes for a moment.
Tsurumi Kawa didn't notice that upon hearing Nakahara Chuuya's words, his worried expression faded, and then he was shocked by the second half of the sentence, his eyes widening in surprise: "Eh, Randou knows? But... but Dazai and I didn't tell anyone."
Chuuya Nakahara shook his head, his expression somewhat complicated, and said, "It was Randou who remembered; he had previously lost his memory."
As he spoke, he briefly told them about Lantang's identity and what had happened during the explosion.
Upon hearing his explanation, Tsurumi Kawakami subconsciously breathed a sigh of relief, then was shocked by Rando's amnesia. He stared blankly, then said with a look of sudden realization, "So that's how it is. So Rando isn't from Yokohama. No wonder he's so afraid of the cold."
Dazai Osamu, who was deep in thought while stroking his chin, came back to his senses and heard the last sentence. He immediately twitched his lips and said speechlessly, "Is that all you can think of? You've missed the point."
Tsurumi Kawakami scratched his head, tilting his head to look at him, puzzled: "Hey, it's because Randou is French and not used to Yokohama's weather that he wears a coat in the middle of summer. Is there anything wrong with that?"
Dazai Osamu: "Forget it, I shouldn't have any expectations of idiots."
After calming down, he turned his gaze to Chuuya Nakahara and asked in a deep voice, "Rando said he's going back to France and warned you to be careful."
Chuuya Nakahara, who was being watched, nodded, completely bewildered.
Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Dazai Osamu sneered and said, "It seems he's quite clever, seeing through the whole thing and understanding the true nature of the matter."
Thinking about Mori Ougai's recent subtle and overt suggestions to have him join the Port Mafia, Dazai Osamu's mood soured. With that thought, he turned to look at Tsurumi Nagare, whose mind was probably only on food, and a dark idea suddenly popped into his head.
Tsurumi Kawakami felt a chill run down his spine as he was stared at, and then looked warily at Dazai Osamu.
Noticing his gaze, Dazai Osamu looked away with some disappointment, pursing his lips and saying, "What, is this what animal instinct is?"
After a period of playful fighting, the fireworks in the night sky came to an end, leaving only wisps of white smoke to be dispersed by the night wind, and the departing crowds dispersed along the path they had come from.
After saying goodbye to Chuuya Nakahara, Tsurumi Kawakami and Osamu Dazai returned to the port of Mafia carrying the snacks they had bought.
In the elevator, Dazai Osamu saw Tsurumi Kawaru press the button for the top floor, so he handed him the snacks he was carrying, glanced at him with a hint of disdain, and said grumblingly, "You didn't listen to a word of what I said."
As the elevator reached the fifteenth floor and the doors opened, Dazai Osamu scoffed and walked into the corridor without looking back.
Tsurumi Kawaru, carrying food in both hands, watched Dazai Osamu leave with a somewhat helpless expression. A few seconds later, the elevator doors closed again and continued to ascend.
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The top leader's office.
Upon receiving news of Tsurumi Kawakami's arrival at the gate, Mori Ōgai instructed the guards to let him through. As the gate opened, Mori Ōgai, hearing the commotion, put down his pen, interlaced his white-gloved fingers, and a faint smile appeared on his lips.
A gaze, clearly scrutinizing, fell upon Tsurumi Kawakami as he entered. His dark red eyes seemed veiled, concealing any emotions that might leak out.
Mori Ougai noticed the snacks that Tsurumi Kawaru was carrying, which smelled delicious. His expression froze for a second, as if he hadn't expected Tsurumi Kawaru to actually bring snacks.
Tsurumi walked to his desk, placed the takoyaki, taiyaki, and oden he had brought back on the table, and then sat down in a chair: "Dr. Mori, these were all bought from the food court at the fireworks festival. Dazai and I both tried them, and they tasted pretty good."
As he spoke, he pushed the taiyaki forward to Mori Ouga and said with a recommending look, "Ah, the red bean filling inside this taiyaki is delicious."
Mori Ougai couldn't discern anything from his face, so he looked away and lowered his eyes to look at the taiyaki that had been pushed in front of him. His index finger touched the oil paper wrapping the taiyaki, which was still slightly warm, and the aroma of grains and red beans mixed together, which was very tempting.
Seeing the expectant look in Tsurumi Kawa's eyes, Mori Ougai paused, picked up a taiyaki and took a bite. The red bean filling inside was sweet and soft, which made him feel better without him even realizing it.
Seeing him eat the taiyaki, Tsurumi Kawaru felt a little relieved. He leaned forward, his arms gripping the table, his golden eyes shining even brighter under the light.
Tsurumi Kawaru stared intently at Mori Ougai, asking bluntly, "Did Dr. Mori tell Randou that we were at the fireworks festival?"
He was somewhat slow-witted due to congenital factors, and his personality meant he didn't know how to be flexible or tactful, so Tsurumi Kawaru decided to ask directly. Those roundabout ways were far too troublesome for him, and often, if he couldn't resolve them, it would lead to violence.
Mori Ōgai was taken aback by his blunt words. He swallowed the food in his mouth and put the half-eaten taiyaki back on the table. His thoughts raced, and surprisingly, he wasn't at all surprised that Tsurumi Kawakami would ask such a direct question.
He interlaced his fingers, rested his chin on his hand, and stared intently at the golden-eyed boy across the table with his dark red eyes: "Dazai told you."
Tsurumi Kawakami nodded, then realized that Mori Ougai hadn't refuted what he had just said.
The black-haired, golden-eyed boy immediately frowned, his face showing no anger or displeasure, but rather confusion and bewilderment.
Tsurumi Kawakami's expression was so easy to understand that Mori Ougai didn't even need to rack his brains to figure it out. And for someone so easy to understand, he didn't beat around the bush and chose to explain it directly to him.
Mori Ōgai mentally prepared his answer before replying succinctly: "What does Ryū think of Yokohama?"
Tsurumi Kawakami was puzzled, but after thinking for a while, he replied: "In Yokohama, there's Dazai, Chuuya, Dr. Mori, and some new friends..."
Mori Ougai paused, his gaze softening slightly as he looked at him, before smiling and saying, "But we can't deny that Yokohama has a complex web of power dynamics due to its concessions. There are many Mafia organizations of all sizes here, as well as the existence of the Rippachi district and slums."
"Yokohama is a completely different world during the day and at night."
As he spoke, Mori Ougai paused for a few seconds, a strange light shining in his eyes: "Have you heard of the Three-Tiered Plan?"
Tsurumi Kawakami shook his head.
Mori Ogai smiled and said, "We'll divide Yokohama into daytime, dusk, and nighttime, each managed by a different organization. During the day, it will be managed by the official Special Ability Division and the military police; at dusk, it will be managed by the Armed Detective Agency; and at night, it will be managed by our Port Mafia."
The idea of the Three Treasures was first heard by Mori Ōgai from his teacher, Natsume Soseki, when he first became his apprentice. At that time, it was only a rough outline. He felt that this idea was perfect for Yokohama and had been working towards it ever since.
Now that the Armed Detective Agency has been established and the Port Mafia is under his control, the Three-Dimensional Plan has been formed.
Tsurumi Kawakami only half understood what he was hearing, but when Mori Ougai mentioned the Armed Detective Agency, his eyes lit up and he remembered that his new good friend Ranpo was a detective in the Armed Detective Agency.
He thought for a moment, then returned to his original question: "So why did Dr. Mori tell Randou about Chuuya?"
After listening to Mori Ōgai's explanation, Tsurumi Kawakami finally realized that what Dazai Osamu had said before was true.
The black-haired youth sitting behind the dark red solid wood desk froze with a smile. He looked up and met Tsurumi Kawaru's serious gaze, and a sense of resentment suddenly arose in his heart.
This time, Mori Ougai remained silent for a long time before speaking: "The organizations in Leibo Street are all small-time operations, but the Sheep King is different. Chuuya-kun is very strong, and with him around, the Sheep is a tough nut to crack."
After saying that, he suddenly changed the subject and talked about his views on the other members of the Sheep Organization: "Putting aside Chuuya, the Sheep Organization is just a bunch of people with incomplete concepts of good and evil, who bully the weak and fear the strong."
When Mori Ougai mentioned the Sheep Organization, his tone was very calm and objective, clearly indicating that he had conducted thorough investigations beforehand.
But his words only confused Tsurumi Kawakami even more, leaving him with a mind like mush.
At that crucial moment, Tsurumi Kawakami suddenly remembered what Dazai Osamu had said earlier: 'Maybe she's taken a liking to the little dwarf; after all, that guy's abilities are terrifying.'
Tsurumi Kawakami suddenly realized and said, "So Dr. Mori really has taken a liking to Chuuya."
Mori Ougai just smiled without saying anything, but there was a hint of weariness in his smile.
The black-haired, golden-eyed boy nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "So why are you looking for Lantang?"
Mori Ougai's smile froze completely, his dark red eyes turning somber in that instant. He stared silently at Tsurumi Kawaru until the landline on the corner of the table suddenly rang, at which point the stagnant air began to circulate.
The black-haired leader said expressionlessly, "It's too late today, Liu should go back first."
This was the first time Mori Ōgai had refused without being subtle; his refusal was almost direct.
Tsurumi Kawaru withdrew his curious gaze with some disappointment. He left the comfortable leather chair and walked away from the leader's office, looking back every few steps.
Back on the fifteenth floor, Tsurumi Kawakami immediately began telling Dazai Osamu about the conversation that had taken place in the office as soon as he entered.
Upon hearing this, Osamu Dazai, who was sitting cross-legged on the sofa, burst into laughter, clutching his stomach and slapping the sofa armrest with one hand, tears streaming down his face.
He looked at Tsurumi Naru, who was squatting beside the sofa, staring at him with a blank expression, and his tone suddenly softened: "Nuru is really something. Although he can be annoying at times, he can also make people feel happy at other times."
Hearing his words, Tsurumi Kawakami also chuckled foolishly, laughing for a while before suddenly remembering: "Dazai, I think I've upset Dr. Mori."
Thinking of Mori Ōgai's expression before he left, he said with some worry.
Dazai Osamu was lounging on the sofa, playing a game on his phone. Hearing this, he casually replied, "It's alright. Mr. Mori is an adult after all; he won't be angry for long."
Tsurumi Kawakami exclaimed "Oh!" in realization, glanced at Dazai Osamu, and then got up and ran to take a bath.
The next few days passed peacefully, and Tsurumi Kawakami finally felt relieved. However, with half of the voucher's validity period already over, he dragged Dazai Osamu to find Chuuya to use the restaurant voucher.
So, what should we eat?
Under the blazing sun, Tsurumi Kawakami stood under a tree, racking his brains for ideas, but every suggestion he came up with was rejected by Dazai Osamu. Finally, his throat became dry, and Tsurumi Kawakami fanned himself with his hand, looking at him pitifully and asking.
Dazai Osamu stroked his chin thoughtfully for a few seconds, then clenched his fist in his palm and suggested, "Ah, let's go to that place, the Western restaurant in that famous Ferris wheel shopping mall. I heard their steak is very famous."
Upon hearing him mention steak, Tsurumi Kawakami, a carnivore, immediately brightened up and nodded in agreement.
Chuuya Nakahara was getting impatient with the heat, but when he heard Dazai's suggestion, a hint of hesitation flashed in his eyes: "Hey, can we use the free coupon there too?"
Tsurumi Kawakami subconsciously realized what was happening and took out a restaurant voucher from his wallet. Just as he was about to look at it, Dazai Osamu snatched it away.
Dazai Osamu took the free coupon, glanced at it, waved it, and said with a smile, "No problem at all."
Upon receiving an affirmative answer, Tsurumi Kawaru cheered and immediately beckoned the two of them to leave.
Watching Tsurumi Kawaru walk ahead, his whole body brimming with excitement, Nakahara Chuuya stared at Dazai Osamu with a suspicious look, somewhat disbelieving his words.
Dazai Osamu avoided Nakahara Chuuya's hand, stuffed the free coupon directly into his pocket, and looked at him resentfully, saying, "Chuuya, you don't even trust me?"
Seeing Dazai Osamu's expression, Nakahara Chuuya took a step back in disgust, glared at him with disdain, and quickened his pace to catch up with Tsurumi Kawa.
Upon arriving at the Western restaurant in the Ferris Wheel shopping mall, the cold air blowing in made Tsurumi Kawaki shiver comfortably. They were then led by a waiter to a private room with floor-to-ceiling windows.
As soon as he sat down, Tsurumi Kawaki drank a glass of ice water. The feeling of being alive made him sit comfortably in the chair.
Dazai Osamu took a sip of ice water, then handed over the menu, saying, "The steak here is delicious, but the portion size seems a bit small. I think we could order a few more."
Tsurumi Kawakami took the menu and was immediately drawn to the colorful pictures of the products printed on the inner pages. He nodded like a chicken pecking at rice, and then ordered one book in one go.
Seeing this, Dazai Osamu smiled and took a sip of ice water.
Chuuya Nakahara, who was standing to the side, always felt that Dazai was acting strangely, staring at him suspiciously and being somewhat absent-minded when ordering food. However, when the food arrived and there wasn't enough room on the table, nothing unexpected happened.
For a moment, Chuuya Nakahara felt that he was overthinking things. Although Osamu Dazai was sometimes unreliable, it was really wrong to doubt him for that reason.
Therefore, Chuuya Nakahara looked at Osamu Dazai with a hint of apology in his eyes.
Dazai Osamu, who was looking at him:
Tsurumi Kawakami was oblivious to this scene, completely absorbed in the delicious steak in front of him. The knife and cutlery beside him became mere decorations. He simply picked up a whole piece with his fork and began to eat it with a satisfied expression.
The portion of steak was as small as Dazai Osamu had said, so Tsurumi Kawakami ate very quickly, and the number of plates piling up beside him kept increasing.
Seeing that the steaks on the table had been finished, Dazai Osamu wiped his mouth and looked at Tsurumi Kawakami with a smile, asking, "Are you full, Ryu? You can order some more if you're still hungry."
Upon hearing this, a hint of hesitation flashed in Tsurumi Kawakami's eyes, but at Dazai Osamu's kind suggestion, he decided to order some more.
Seeing Tsurumi Kawaru happily select another book, Chuuya Nakahara leaned closer to Dazai Osamu's ear with some unease and whispered a warning: "I told you, you haven't been messing around, have you?"
Dazai Osamu said with a gentle smile, "What are you talking about, Nakaya? How could I possibly do anything reckless?"
Seeing the creepy smile on his face, Chuuya Nakahara became even more uneasy. He glanced around the private room warily and nudged Dazai Osamu with his elbow.
“I’m serious, Dazai,” he said with a solemn expression.
Dazai Osamu let out a soft cry of pain, rubbing his chest, and looked at Nakahara Chuuya with a guilty look until the latter was so weak that he apologized.
He then coughed lightly and said in a serious tone, "Put it down. I won't make you pay the bill."
Chuuya Nakahara said weakly, "Oh, that's good..."
Then he realized what was happening and stared at Dazai Osamu in disbelief, “You bastard—!!”
Dazai Osamu casually raised his hand, gesturing for him to lower his voice, and said innocently, "What are you afraid of? I already told you I won't let you be the sucker."
Chuuya Nakahara glanced guiltily at the door of the private room, glared at him through gritted teeth, and said fiercely, "So you know about suckers too. Why did you lie to me and Ryu, you bastard?"
They said the coupon could be used at this Western restaurant, and that if Tsurumi Kawakami hadn't had enough, he could order another book.
Dazai Osamu: "It's nothing, it's just that I saw how hard Mr. Mori works and doesn't even have time to come out, so I wanted to help him out."
Chuuya Nakahara choked, looking at him as if he were a devil, feeling deep sympathy and pity for Dr. Mori.
Dazai Osamu narrowed his eyes and said, "What's with that expression? I was clearly trying to be kind, and I deserve praise!"
Dazai Osamu: After all, I'm not some kind of devil. (jpg)
Chuuya Nakahara didn't want to argue with him here, so he took the initiative to end the topic and instead worried about whether that sucker would come.
If the other party doesn't come, and they don't have money to pay the bill, then they'll have to stay here and wash dishes.
Dazai Osamu waved his phone at him, grinning like a fox, and said mysteriously, "No way, Mori-san will definitely come."
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Bonus chapters for 2k views completed; bonus chapters for 3k views and the upcoming 100 views bonus chapters are in preparation...
And this world is almost over. I should be able to finish writing it by tomorrow. *Looks into the distance*
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