"Hmph. So you finally decided to come back."
In Yokohama, a calico cat had just reported corruption within the court system. Retrieving the phone it had hidden beneath the eaves, it lowered its head and read the text message its disciple had sent.
Standing in the shadows beyond the reach of the sunlight, it gazed over the city.
Without Asou Akiya there to advise the aging Boss and keep him in check through financial leverage, the Port Mafia had descended into chaos like a horse that had broken free of its reins.
The pests destroying the city were growing more numerous by the day...
Morning, night, twilight... How wonderful it would be if the three forces could cooperate to protect the city!
Its residents were exhausted, with the shadow of war hung over them, unemployment continued to climb, and even though Asou Akiya had prepared countless job opportunities in advance, it still wasn't enough. One bowl of water could never quench everyone's thirst. Even he had been unable to rein in the Port Mafia Boss after the man lost his mind.
A plan called the "Tripartite Framework" gradually took shape.
After a moment of contemplation, the calico cat decided to give its runaway disciple, who was off traveling, a surprise before he returned.
For example...
Why not take in two more disciples?
In this world of Bungo Stray Dogs, the shadow beneath the calico cat stretched longer and longer before taking human form. Standing there was an elderly man who had been quietly watching over everyone all along.
Edogawa Ranpo and Fukuzawa Yukichi walked down the familiar streets, the damp sea breeze brushing against them.
Edogawa Ranpo grumbled, "Ughh, I hate the sea breeze the most. It's so sticky, and everything smells salty..."
Fukuzawa Yukichi replied, "But that's part of this city's charm."
Ranpo glanced at him. The two of them now had an office of their own—a four-story red brick building purchased by his guardian. The law office and Café Uzumaki inside continued operating as usual, and they had no intention of interfering with the tenants' businesses.
As long as the rent was paid on time, that was all that mattered!
Now, the great Ranpo was a wealthy man with a building of his own in Yokohama!
"Fukuzawa-ossan, are we still going to keep looking for that person?"
"We are."
"All right! I've got a feeling we're closer than ever to finding him! Especially since Akiya still hasn't come back!"
"...Why would Akiya not returning make us more likely to succeed?"
"Because that person is Akiya's teacher."
Edogawa Ranpo's eyes sparkled with excitement, filled with pride for his guardian and his guardian's teacher. The only people he had ever admitted defeat to were his own parents, but after coming to Yokohama, he had met Asou Akiya, who had seen straight through his heart and given him a new home.
As for Natsume Souseki, the man's performance as the victim in the Theatrum Mundi Murder Case and his endless games of hide-and-seek, had left an unforgettable impression on him!
Natsume Souseki's acting had fooled even him!
And every single time, before Ranpo could catch him, Natsume Souseki had already slipped away!
Imitating Chuuya, Edogawa Ranpo chewed a piece of gum and blew a large pink bubble.
"I'm going to succeed before Akiya gets back!"
"Hmm, we'll work hard together." As Fukuzawa Yukichi followed him all over the city, he quietly reached over and straightened Ranpo's detective cap.
It was about to fall off, and it would be a shame if it got dusty.
Although he had never owned a cat, Akiya-dono had once compared Ranpo to a black cat, and the more Fukuzawa looked at him, the more fitting the comparison seemed. He found himself treating Ranpo with the same indulgence and affection one might show a black cat.
—This is the only "cat" I'll ever have.
Meanwhile, Mori Ougai, who was at his clinic, received an unexpected letter. His entire body stiffened in shock.
The signature at the bottom was unmistakable.
"It's Natsume-sensei!"
The underground doctor, who had been running his clandestine clinic for the past two years, hurriedly sent all of his patients away, waived their consultation fees, entrusted Yosano Akiko to Elise's care, and rushed out of the clinic.
This was not Mori Ougai's first meeting with Natsume Souseki. Back when he had been a military physician after graduating from the University of Tokyo, he had been fortunate enough to cross paths with the middle-aged man, whose connections spanned the military, the government, and the ability user community, and had received a few words of guidance from him. Those brief pointers alone had not been enough to change anything, but Mori himself had long struggled without a clear direction, and Akiko remained trapped in her current state. If Natsume Souseki had sought him out now, it could only mean he intended to show him a path forward.
He never doubted Natsume Souseki's abilities.
He had absolute faith in the man's character and strength, with the fervor of a devoted believer standing before the object of his worship.
That's right!
He was one of Natsume Souseki's admirers!
After winding through a maze of twisting passages and descending a dimly lit staircase, Mori Ougai finally arrived at an underground room, where Natsume Souseki was already waiting for him.
The man stood there with both hands resting on his cane, like a guidepost standing firm before those who had lost their way.
Mori Ougai straightened his appearance, composed himself, and respectfully said, "Natsume-sensei."
They both loved this country.
After the disastrous defeat on Tokoyami Island, Mori Ougai—the designated scapegoat—suddenly found himself no longer knowing how to love the Japanese government. Instead, that love had gradually shifted to the city of Yokohama.
Natsume Souseki said, "I understand your confusion. The reason I've come to find you now is because there's something that can only be entrusted to you. Do you have the confidence to see it through?"
Without a moment's hesitation, Mori Ougai bowed and replied, "As long as I'm of use!"
What a joke, who would ever turn down the chance to help Natsume Souseki?
Watching Mori's willingness to agree without bargaining or conditions, Natsume Souseki couldn't help but think of Asou Akiya who likes to pretend to be pitiful. Comparing the two only reaffirmed his conclusion.
His own disciple was a complete coward!
The moment the conversation turned to finding a path forward for Japan, Akiya shrank back faster than anyone else.
Every time, it was either three straight refusals or clinging to his leg in tears.
Was loving one's country supposed to look like this?
Thinking about the Japanese government's endless messes, Natsume Souseki sighed inwardly and cursed them for constantly dragging him down. Otherwise, he could have recruited a top-tier strategic analyst for the government.
Naturally, in front of Mori Ougai, he maintained the bearing of Japan's strongest gifted ability user. Slowly, he began explaining the Tripartite Framework, making Mori the very first person to hear the plan in its entirety.
Mori Ougai listened in awe.
Only Natsume-sensei could conceive of something this ambitious!
The admiring gaze pleased Natsume Souseki immensely. He gave a light cough before saying with unfathomable composure, "Ougai, participating in the Tripartite Framework will not be easy."
Mori answered firmly, "I can do it."
Seeing that Mori had taken the bait, Natsume Souseki finally smiled. He tapped his cane against the floor.
"Then become my disciple."
"...!"
Mori Ougai looked at Natsume Souseki with overwhelming joy.
Natsume Souseki gave him no chance to get something for nothing and said, "You should understand that you won't be the only one I choose. The Tripartite Framework requires multiple people from all three factions. Ideally, they should be fellow disciples who know one another inside and out, so there won't be so much suspicion between them. According to the tradition I've established, becoming my disciple requires passing three trials. We'll see whether you can become my second disciple."
Mori Ougai's heart raced.
Natsume-sensei has already taken on a disciple?
No way!
I have to become the second!
He bowed respectfully. "Ougai will give it everything he has. Please, Natsume-sensei, test me."
Natsume Souseki said, "Given your tendency to pursue the 'optimal solution,' you're suited to either the 'Day' or the 'Night' faction—that is, the Special Division for Unusual Powers or the Port Mafia. However, the Special Division won't accept you so easily. Therefore, I suggest you begin with the easier option: join the Port Mafia..."
His eyes were calm with the wisdom of age, though every now and then they revealed a hint of the slyness of the calico cat.
"The first requirement..."
"Help Asou Akiya rise to the top."
"Or take the position yourself."
...
I'll throw a catfish into your pond and let it stir the waters, fighting its way upstream.
Let's see if that can motivate you, Akiya.
Don't even think about turning into a salted fish!