The Page Transaction

Since returning yesterday, Dazai Osamu had been somewhat restless. He sat on his chair, unconsciously staring out the window under the heavy twilight, Li Nai's smile flashing in his mind again.

"The holder of the page will have the chance to see the person they originally couldn't see... is that so?"

Dazai muttered, his expression slightly dazed, not even noticing the person approaching from behind.

"Hey. Dazai."

Dazai was startled and turned around abruptly, only relaxing when he saw Kunikida in front of him.

"Oh, it's just Kunikida." Dazai yawned. "Is there something you need?"

"The President is looking for you. Regarding the news you brought back last time, the other side has reached a decision after discussion." Kunikida paused. "...Why do you seem a bit distracted?"

"Huh? I'm not. I'm not Kunikida-kun, and honestly, being extremely serious all the time during work hours is the real problem." Dazai complained in his usual playful tone. Then he leaped up, walking lightly toward the President's office, waving his hand casually. "I'll head over first. Kunikida-kun, keep working overtime~"

Everything seemed normal. Dazai was still as irresponsible as ever, but Kunikida didn't show his usual impatience. He watched Dazai's retreating back and frowned. "Dazai... why does something feel off?"

When Dazai reached the door of the President's office, his sharp hearing caught an argument inside.

"No! Anyone but Dazai can go!"

Dazai paused, his hand about to knock freezing in mid-air.

"Ranpo." The President's voice was quiet, but a hint of weariness could be heard upon closer listening. "This matter is of great importance and is not something the Detective Agency can decide alone. After discussing with the other two sides, it was decided to choose Dazai."

"Can't we change the person? Anyone else! If really needed, I can even—"

"Ranpo!" The President barked, cutting Ranpo off.

The room fell into a tense silence. Just as Dazai was wondering when to enter without seeming intentional, the President's calm voice rang out: "Is that Dazai outside? Come in."

Dazai blinked and pushed the door open. Edogawa Ranpo stood opposite Fukuzawa Yukichi, turning away with a stubborn expression, while Fukuzawa looked straight at Dazai.

"You must have heard some of it," Fukuzawa said. "Do you have any questions?"

Dazai replied vaguely, "Well, suddenly being told that, I also..."

"He heard everything," Ranpo suddenly blurted out from the side.

Fukuzawa Yukichi sighed. Dazai smiled. "As expected, I can't hide it from Ranpo-san."

"To avoid misunderstandings, let me explain clearly from start to finish." Fukuzawa pondered. "Dazai, regarding the news you brought back—that page, we indeed need its 'item information.'"

"I figured as much. But according to Li Nai, to get the information, we must bring the page before him." Dazai said slowly, "And certainly, during the process of bringing that sealed page to the shop, no one knows what will happen."

"—Therefore, 'who' carries the page is the most critical issue."

Fukuzawa nodded in agreement. "In the emergency discussion just now, both of the other factions agreed that you are the most suitable person."

Ranpo snorted coldly.

"But that is only the result of the discussion. Dazai, what is your wish?" Fukuzawa looked at Dazai, his gaze steady and sharp. "If you are unwilling, I will refuse the other side. The Detective Agency cannot force its members."

Dazai was taken aback, then smiled faintly. "But I really am the best choice, aren't I? The person needs to react fast enough to handle emergencies, have the strength to protect the page, and most importantly..." He walked over to Ranpo's side. "Experience. Enough experience when facing Li Nai."

"...There is one more point." Ranpo turned around, his emerald eyes cold and sharp. "Safety. This person must... have absolutely no intention of possessing or using the page."

Dazai raised an eyebrow. "Is Ranpo-san doubting me?"

"Enough," Fukuzawa interrupted. "Ranpo, trust Dazai."

"It's not that I don't trust him! I don't trust Li Nai!" Ranpo said anxiously. "Can't we change the person... anyone else!"

Dazai spoke up, "Change to whom? Atsushi, whose spirit is easily influenced? Kyouka, who is simple and full of obsessions? Or Dr. Yosano, with her precious healing ability?" He smiled faintly. "As for Kunikida, his ideals and plans are what sustain his life... in other words, he is a person who lives by a clear 'order.' Sending him is no different from gifting Li Nai a fragile toy. Or do you want to send the President?"

Ranpo's pupils contracted, and he blurted out, "I said I can—"

"Enough!" Fukuzawa Yukichi slammed the table and stood up.

"Why does even you not believe me!" Ranpo's voice carried a hint of grievance. "Does no one realize that the page was targeting Dazai from the very beginning?!"

Dazai's heart skipped a beat. But Fukuzawa only sighed wearily, "No matter how miraculous it is, it is only an item. And items do not have consciousness. Ranpo, your aftereffects are getting more severe."

Ranpo fell silent. A moment later, a look of disappointment mixed with disbelief appeared on his face.

Aftereffects. Dazai, of course, knew about this. Many called it the "chaos aftereffects." After that night of great chaos, many people started talking in their sleep, becoming paranoid. Ranpo's situation was more unique; it appeared after meeting Li Nai. Ranpo would often stare blankly into space or suspect that normal clients were involved in cults. Therefore, the agency members secretly thought Ranpo had developed "aftereffects" after meeting the creator of chaos, Li Nai.

Fukuzawa saying this now was a heavy blow to Ranpo. Fukuzawa also regretted it immediately after speaking, but didn't know what else to say.

"...I don't care anymore." Ranpo took a few steps back. "Do whatever you want."

Before leaving, Ranpo stopped beside Dazai and whispered, "Stay vigilant, Dazai. Don't actually step into the abyss." With that, he rushed out.

In the room, Fukuzawa Yukichi covered his face and sighed. After a moment, he calmed down and asked in a hoarse voice, "Dazai, are you willing? My promise still stands."

Dazai smiled faintly. "I am. Only those with desires want to possess the page. But a person who wants to die like me has no use for such a thing, President."

In addition to this mission, Fukuzawa also mentioned that tomorrow the Special Ability Department would send someone to escort an official to meet Li Nai to treat his aftereffects. Dazai confirmed the location of the page in the code suitcase, his hands fully wrapped in bandages to avoid triggering his ability upon contact.

At the entrance of the alley, a slender figure was approaching. That must be the official. Dazai pushed open the door and entered the shop, facing Li Nai's smiling eyes and a large cat lying on the counter.

"Welcome, Dazai," Li Nai smiled and said. "What brings you here today?"