Chapter 51
Amuro Tooru learned about Asuka Kazuya going to Yokohama the next day. The MPD conference hall was packed. Amuro Tooru, wearing a baseball cap, leaned against a corner, watching Kazami report on the organization’s pursuit.
“Wait, Officer Kazami, one more question.”
“Regarding the criminal codenamed Calvados, he killed Officer Matsumoto, then kidnapped the British researcher, why haven’t we taken action?”
The screen behind Kazami Yuya displayed the organization’s members. Behind Calvados’s name was the half-face from the video, carrying Dr. Shelley, a threatening smile on his lips despite the muted audio.
“The information clearly states,”
Perhaps due to Amuro Tooru’s constant pressure, Kazami Yuya remained calm, continuing his presentation.
“Officer Matsumoto confessed his plan in his will, Officer Nakagawa. Page 26 shows his sacrifice was necessary for the mission.”
“Even so, he should have reported in person.” Nakagawa frowned, finding a flaw. “As an undercover agent, he should have been under surveillance, but you let him go.”
“He’s with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, not our jurisdiction.”
Kazami Yuya paused, continuing calmly, “Officer Nakagawa, these questions are irrelevant, we’re discussing potential collaborations between domestic and foreign criminal groups.”
“It is relevant, Officer Kazami, how does Public Security ensure its sources’ accuracy?”
“…”
The pointless argument continued. Amuro Tooru checked his phone, seeing a few messages.
One from Scotch: Vermouth met with a Theos executive, content unknown, the Boss’s location still a mystery.
Amuro Tooru looked at the Special Abilities Division representative, tapping his fingers—a sign of frustration, considering Asuka Kazuya was still with the Port Mafia.
“Chief Amuro.”
The door opened slightly. Amuro Tooru’s subordinate bowed respectfully, whispering,
“Tanaka Airi caused a commotion, we’ve only found two unidentified individuals.”
“Any injuries?” Amuro Tooru asked.
“Officer Harada has minor injuries. As you predicted, the criminals were dealt with by another group.”
“…I see.” Amuro Tooru watched Kazami, saying softly, “Avoid conflict, explain that Public Security means no harm to ability users, try to leave some alive.”
Long isolated, even after accepting Asuka Kazuya’s offer, the escaped ability users lacked social skills.
They were ruthless against Theos, making cleanup difficult.
“Yes.”
Amuro Tooru watched a while longer, leaving before the representative got the call.
Being seen wasn’t good. Although discovery was inevitable, Amuro Tooru wouldn’t run.
He deleted Scotch’s message, avoiding cameras, entering the parking garage.
[So you’re a mafia member now?]
His phone vibrated, Asuka Kazuya replying quickly.
[Asuka Kazuya]: So touching.
Amuro Tooru: Touching what?
[Asuka Kazuya]: Most cops ran from Yokohama, only Amuro Tooru is diligently monitoring.
He’d accepted “Amuro Tooru.” Although he’d lectured Kazami for unprofessionalism, Asuka Kazuya wasn’t his subordinate.
Amuro Tooru sighed, typing,
Amuro Tooru: The Special Abilities Division hasn’t given up on you, be careful.
[Asuka Kazuya]: Not given up, just can’t openly act yet. They’ll send the military police after me?
[Oh?]
Amuro Tooru raised an eyebrow.
[You’re using your brain now?]
[Shut up.]
Asuka Kazuya sent a shrugging emoji.
[You too, I’ll be back for more food.]
Amuro Tooru chuckled, not replying.
The Special Abilities Division couldn’t openly break ties without causing unrest. And with Yokohama out of control, they were busy with the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
He’d thought Asuka Kazuya would compromise, not escalate things.
The constant anxiety had lessened. Every night, Amuro Tooru stared at the ceiling, waiting for his mind to quiet.
Then he’d see Morofushi Hiromitsu, also sleepless.
They’d exchange smiles in the corridor. As things settled, the fear of death and failure wasn’t as sharp.
Morofushi Hiromitsu said they couldn’t leave everything to Asuka Kazuya, or he’d get too smug.
Amuro Tooru agreed.
“Tomorrow’s flight.”
Glancing at his subordinate opening the passenger door, Amuro Tooru stepped on the gas.
“Until I finish things there…Kazami, I’m leaving Japan to you.”
Not receiving a reply, Asuka Kazuya figured Amuro Tooru was busy, giving up after a couple of minutes.
“Question,” he turned to Dazai Osamu. “Why is everyone on a mission, and you’re doing nothing?”
“Didn’t you provoke him?” Dazai Osamu glanced at him. “If you’re so eager, patrol for me.”
Asuka Kazuya: “Ulterior motives, what do you gain if my ability blows me up?”
The Dragon’s Head Conflict continued. Asuka Kazuya was staying with the Port Mafia.
Tachihara welcomed him warmly. The pianist, learning about the Boss’s office incident, invited him to his dorm despite some hostility.
Unlike the Black Organization, the Port Mafia executives lived in a well-furnished apartment complex. Only Dazai Osamu slept in a junkyard.
Asuka Kazuya didn’t understand, then heard a party upstairs that night.
He saw Nakahara Chuuya go upstairs, expressionless, hearing only Tachihara’s screams before silence returned.
“What did you say to Chuuya?”
“Not telling,” Dazai Osamu stood, replying curtly. “You can’t change anything anyway.”
Asuka Kazuya was thoughtful: “Is that so…”
“But I can guess, Chuuya’s been watching me more closely, even asking about the Special Abilities Division.”
Dazai Osamu wasn’t interested in asking, only saying he should find another place to slack off next time.
Asuka Kazuya: “?”
Asuka Kazuya: “Why?”
Dazai Osamu pointed at the door: “Like now, Chuuya will destroy my secret base.”
The basement training room was empty except for them. Asuka Kazuya lost interest in the equipment, Dazai Osamu was there to slack off.
Dazai Osamu looked at Nakahara Chuuya, who was breaking his lock.
“Are you a dog? You can smell Kazuya-kun everywhere.”
“Ha?” Hearing the familiar name, Nakahara Chuuya was momentarily enraged. “Don’t use others as excuses, bastard Dazai, why are you dumping all your work on me?”
Dazai Osamu, unapologetic, didn’t mention having his subordinates give his files to Nakahara Chuuya: “A chance for you to grow, no need for thanks.”
“…”
Nakahara Chuuya gritted his teeth: “Who’s thanking you?!”
Asuka Kazuya, observing, concluded, “Your relationship is strange.”
He then boasted that although they were all friends, he and Amuro Tooru wouldn’t fight.
Dazai Osamu raised an eyebrow, saying that was because he didn’t understand Amuro Tooru’s sarcasm, still counting money after being sold, the other party didn’t even bother anymore.
Asuka Kazuya blinked, realizing this belatedly.
“Chuuya, did you hear?” He turned, countering Dazai Osamu. “He didn’t deny being friends, so he still wants to be.”
Now Dazai Osamu was puzzled.
He stared at Asuka Kazuya, then, like Amuro Tooru, learned to give up.
Dazai Osamu sneered, snatching mission files from his subordinate and leaving like a ghost, muttering about idiots.
Nakahara Chuuya was speechless.
He might have been angry if it were anyone else, but it was Asuka Kazuya.
Nakahara Chuuya only said, “Dazai and I aren’t friends.”
“Go find the pianist and the others if you’re bored.”
“I’m here for business,” Asuka Kazuya corrected him. “And someone’s worried I might kidnap you, they don’t want me acting alone.”
Nakahara Chuuya saw Ozaki Kouyou approaching.
Their relationship was awkward, on opposing sides, not speaking much since the Boss’s office.
But Nakahara Chuuya still nodded, “Kouyou-nee.”
Ozaki Kouyou smiled back.
“Kazuya-kun,” she addressed the slowly rising Asuka Kazuya, “it’s good to be energetic, but disappearing suddenly is troublesome.”
Asuka Kazuya: “That wasn’t sudden.”
Asuka Kazuya: “I told Golden Demon, but she can’t talk.”
Freeloading wasn’t good. When the fog cleared, he’d help the Black Lizard collect bodies.
Ozaki Kouyou thought it was an excuse. He seemed determined to capture Shibusawa Tatsuhiko, which would be bad.
He didn’t seem like he’d use [Dragon’s Head Conflict] for good.
“Is that so?” Ozaki Kouyou chuckled, not exposing him. “I heard you took something from the lab. Chuuya, don’t eat anything randomly.”
Nakahara Chuuya was puzzled: “Food?”
“Something that causes unconsciousness.” Ozaki Kouyou walked past. “Kazuya-kun really went through a lot of trouble to make you sleep.”
Asuka Kazuya: “…”
Asuka Kazuya: “You know, and you’re making it sound like I poisoned him?”
“Not at all,” she said humbly. “I’m praising your resourcefulness.”
“Really?”
“You wouldn’t believe me anyway.”
They started bickering. Nakahara Chuuya watched them for a few seconds.
“Kazuya,” he frowned, interrupting, “Am I making you uneasy?”
“…What?”
“Sorry for dragging you into this.”
Mori-san, the Special Abilities Division, Shibusawa Tatsuhiko.
Nakahara Chuuya always thought that if he hadn’t let Asuka Kazuya trust Shirase, he wouldn’t have disappeared, been used, or targeted.
Unlike Asuka Kazuya, Nakahara Chuuya was self-reflective. He blamed himself, even more so for learning about his movements after Ozaki Kouyou.
The more he thought, the more he feared seeing him.
The thought of disappointment in Kazuya’s eyes brought a new recurring nightmare.
It would be understandable if Kazuya hated him.
He was too slow, watching him die in the future…
“…What are you doing?”
A familiar scent.
Nakahara Chuuya was stunned, turning to see Asuka Kazuya hugging him.
“I don’t know,” Asuka Kazuya said. “But Verlaine said this might make you happy.”
Nakahara Chuuya’s attention was diverted, repeating, “Verlaine?”
“Here.” Asuka Kazuya pointed at his temple. “He said you’ve grown up, but you still have a conscience, which makes it hard to be a qualified mafia member.”
“…Is that so?” Nakahara Chuuya prompted, “What else?”
“He also said…”
Asuka Kazuya started, then stopped, his expression unreadable.
Nakahara Chuuya patted his shoulder.
“It’s not good for your mental health, Rimbaud said Japanese are different from French, a little subtlety is needed.”
Nakahara Chuuya was expressionless, wanting to contact the Vongola Mist Guardian and meet those two nosy brothers.
What Japanese, French? What did they teach Kazuya behind his back?
