Chapter Text
4 Years Ago
The mission was supposed to be easy, at least that was what Mori told them during the briefing.
It was supposed to be a quick get in grab and get out, not two eighteen year olds against a whole organization, one might I add who also had access to advanced tech and lots of guns.
To be honest when it was given to them Dazai quickly became suspicious of its importance, the assignment being below both his and Chuuya's pay grade and level of skill required for completion, nonetheless orders were orders and both went along with it. Even so the suicidal teen knew something was up with the orders Mori had given them, and had already figured out that there was something more than what the mafia boss was leading them to believe.
But before Dazai went to go question his mentor about it he wanted to come up with the answer himself, the eighteen year old believing that Mori wouldn't try to do anything too drastic without giving details to the pair without a sufficient reason. Dazai still held a certain amount of trust in the man after all.
This all brings us to now where Soukoku was currently located, an enemy headquarters of some organization Mori had failed to mention, while also having to steal something apparently very important that he also failed to mention.
"Shit," Chuuya all but yelled as he ran down the corridor, making a sharp turn to avoid the gunfire and rocket launchers headed straight for him. "These guys are actually trying to blow up their own hideout, crazy bastards."
Now the redhead wasn't usually one to run away from a fight, for the sake of his pride and reputation, but this one was making him ignore his own unspoken rule. This mission had been wild from the start as the opposing organization began a battle of firepower against Chuuya within a couple of minutes upon arrival. As a result testing both his stamina and willpower during it, basically a nonstop battle of the gravity user against a whole organization once again.
Now the short eighteen year old's power was nothing to scoff at, having no known effective method to subdue it except Dazai. So with that it only left the option of trying to exhaust the redhead to the point of passing out to defeat him. Hence the intense focus of attacks that he had been enduring for the past ten minutes.
But even then Chuuya contained something inside him that very few could measure up to, a god some people even say, something called Arahabaki. Letting him lose would ensure victory for the duo if that's what it came down to.
The gravity user then pressed the com on the side of his ear yelling, "Oi mackerel did you get the fucking package yet!?"
A second later the wall in front of Chuuya burst into rubble revealing a tall brown haired eighteen year old with a briefcase in his hand, bandages covering his body and a smile tattooed to his face.
Dazai then stepped over to meet the shorter replying, "My loyal dog can't you be patient for your dear master, figuring out the codes takes more brains then your little chibi mind contains."
A rocket then flew through the air and aimed straight at Dazai's head.
In a flash Chuuya immediately jumped in front of the taller and used his power to lift rocks from the broken wall and block the attack.
"Now that you got what we came here for shithead we can blow this joint!" The gravity user commented as he continued to guard his seemingly useless partner.
Chuuya has to admit that Dazai's ability wasn't really meant for long rage fighting, he was more of a close range and strategic fighter, so in situations like this he was essentially powerless. This basically made the redhead have to babysit the taller one till they could get to safety.
Much to the gravity user's dismay this happens on almost every mission, it was considered a part of the reason Soukoku was so strong, Chuuya having the firepower while Dazai possessed the brains of the team. To many people's surprise this combination worked amazingly well, and strikes fear into the hearts of their countless enemies.
Dazai gave an exasperated sigh and shrugged his shoulders.
"I thought the slug had more energy than this, is my guard dog getting tired?"
"Yeah you asshole it does get tiring saving your ass so much like this!" Chuuya bit out, simultaneously stopping all the projectiles from coming in three directions.
Just as Dazai was going to retort back a new voice then filled the redhead's ear saying, "Nakahara-san the helicopter is on base please proceed to the lunch pad."
Chuuya then swiftly grabbed Dazai by the back of his collar and practically started dragging him towards the exit sharply muttering, "Fucking finally..."
It took longer than it was supposed to for their ride to get there both teens thought simultaneously as they made their way closer, also sharing similar thoughts of how it was getting a little annoying how everything about this mission was not going how it was planned. But hey at least it was going to be over soon.
After a long three flights of stairs of having to protect Dazai and himself from being either shot or blown up, they made it to the helicopter pad and safely made it out of danger.
Or so they both thought.
Turns out the organization they had infiltrated also had a small platoon of helicopters of their own and decided that now was a good time to release them.
Just as a missile headed straight for the pair Chuuya quickly caught it and threw it back towards one of the opposing aircrafts, it being unable to dodge the incoming attack and blowing up into small pieces.
More missiles and gunfire then hailed around both sides of the aircraft as the sounds filled the air with no room left to hear much else.
This situation was getting quickly dire as both eighteen year old's were got chased by several other helicopters, knowing if this kept up for too long they as well were going to go down, knowing wasn't going to be pretty when they were on the ground.
With this in mind both members of Soukoku knew they had to come up with something soon or this was going to be a hell of a lot hard of a mission than they had originally planned. Time was ticking and they were racking their brains on how to get out of this predicament rather sooner than later, for both their sakes.
Unbeknownst to both eighteen year olds this was going to be the last mission they would be having as the infamous Soukoku in the Port Mafia, and unfortunately the last time they would see each other for the years to come.
During the time they were getting chased the redhead's thoughts were running a mile a minute, his mind trying to come up with the best course of action for them to take, yet time and time again only coming up with the same answer each time. The perfect singular answer that could solve the predicament they were in.
As it happed during this time Dazai was also deep in thought, but for a completely different reason.
If Mori had sent them on this mission to grab something inside a rival organization for the Port Mafia why would he not have foreseen an outcome like this to happen?
Both he and Dazai were impeccable at predicting several of their opponent's moves before they had even started.
The eighteen year old knew that the boss of the Port Mafia was just as cold and calculating as he was so why had he told them just the two of them would be enough for this assignment no doubly knowing that they probably wouldn't? Mori was a smart man, he would have already known what to expect the moment he got hold of the information so why did it turn out like this? Why are they so outnumbered against them?
After waiting a beat the answer soon become clear to Dazai why the boss of the Port Mafia had sent only the duo for this mission. It was all a setup.
Mori deliberately sent them there to fail.
Yet the reason why he did so was still a mystery to Dazai that could be quickly found out later when he got back, right now they needed to solve the problem at hand.
Brainstorming briskly came to an end with both Chuuya and Dazai ending up with the same conclusion for completing the assignment, given their current position.
Someone would have to be a decoy for the other to get to the extraction point with the case safely.
Yes they still had the option to use Chuuya's Corruption, but using it now was not in they're best interests. There was a town not far from the base they were at and drawing unwanted attention from there would only make things harder for the Port Mafia to operate freely in this area after they were done, knowing if people learned that the Port Mafia was there they would send unwanted opposition for them to deal with and it would be a hassle. But not just that assume they did use it and Chuuya defeated all his opponents and destroyed everything and everyone but Dazai, they still had to get to the extraction point that was located a good hour away.
Transportation was scarce here and the fastest way to get there was by helicopter, the sudden loss of it along with the fact that Chuuya would be bone tired not being able to use his ability complicated things if this was the outcome of using the power of a god for this assignment.
No the obvious choice at this moment was clearly to use the gravity user as bait to draw attention away from Dazai.
Though it still felt dangerous to send the redhead all alone with no backup and without the use of Arahabaki they didn't have a better plan, what was the worst thing that could happen? They didn't have the time to pick and choose their options carefully they had to do it now.
Knowing this was the best way for them to complete the mission Chuuya stood up, a wicked smile on his face as he stretched his arms above his head slowly.
"Stay here mackerel, "The gravity user said unusually calm, despite his conflicting thoughts racing in his head. "You're pretty useless in a fight like this."
Dazai just rolled his eyes, tired of the overuse of the fact he already knew and acknowledged various times.
"Yes yes we have established you are the muscle and I'm the brains of the two of us," The taller said boredly, smiling as he shot a jab right back. "Yet my loud little dog always needs my help for such simple tasks."
Chuuya's jaw tightened at the mention of being Dazai's dog but made no move towards the taller.
"Che, you know what I mean you waste of bandages! Just stay here while I drive the fuckers away, get to the extraction point!"
"I don't want to," The bandaged teen stated simply, internally knowing this was the best choice and yet not wanting to simply admit it.
In all honesty both cared about each other more than they like to admit yet at times like this it wasn't plainly obvious that they did like each other. More times than once one or the other played it all off as a joke or saying they needed the other to complete the mission. Even though things remained this way they still expressed their feeling for the other in their own way. Stubbornness being a huge one that both shared when it concerned the other.
The gravity user frowned at Dazai's response opting to say, "Idiot we both know it's the best option."
Drawing all the guns and firepower onto Chuuya would allow Dazai to rendezvous and complete the mission the most efficient way, and if it also kept him from getting hurt in the process so be it.
This was the best and only option they had at the moment, it was going to have to work.
That said it also meant that it would be the gravity user against hundreds of other people with guns and various weapons, alone without any hope of backup. This having happened before I might add, but at that time eventually Dazai arrived on the scene so he allowed himself to use Corruption for some of it.
Sill this was the best option available and both knew it, they just didn't like the risk it put on the other. Chuuya and Dazai never one to doubt the other's ability to make it out on top in these types of situations, but the chance of never seeing the other due to unforeseen circumstances always lingered in the back of both minds.
Suddenly a missile burst right above the helicopter almost clipping the rudder, making the aircraft shake from the force of the impact. At that moment Chuuya used his ability to keep his ground and stand tall, while Dazai on the other hand held on to a handle next to him to keep from falling.
The shorter then stepped closer to the edge, looking down at the crowds of utter chaos down on the ground solemnly prompting him to say, "This isn't up for debate mackerel..."
Chuuya's ability could easily stop all their weapon with no problem, and take down all in minutes, so why was this so hard for him to make this easy decision for him to go?
Maybe it was intuition, call it a feeling if you will, but for some reason the redhead couldn't help but know something had been up since this assignment began.
"Chibi-" Dazai tired as he frown heavily, realizing how serious the other was about jumping out and drawing them all away for lack of anything more elaborate.
"Shut up mackerel," The gravity user quickly said cutting him off, glancing back to see the taller's expression. "Stop complaining and get your ass out of here!"
Chuuya then stuffed his hands into his pockets with a light huff.
"This is nothing different than usual always having to save your stupid suicidal ass..."
The redhead then turned to look out the aircraft and behind them to see two enemy helicopters still following closely behind them.
"I'll meet you at the extraction point so don't you fucking dare leave me here like you always do shitty Dazai!"
With that Chuuya jumped out the open side of the aircraft, leaving his partner alone with the pilot in his wake.
Not even a minute passed by when the two enemy aircrafts that were just behind the Port Mafia helicopter went down in flames with trees impaling both as they fell.
...
When Dazai got to the extraction point he half expected to meet Chuuya there before him already done with destroying most of the men from the rival organization, before successfully escaping scot-free. But much to the bandaged eighteen year old's surprise Chuuya was nowhere to be found. Even after waiting their max of ten minutes there was no sign of the gravity user, even his earpiece not picking up a response.
It was like Chuuya vanished without a trace.
With no time left Dazai had to return back to headquarters without his partner, marking the last mission Soukoku completed in the Port Mafia.
A Few Hours Later
Dazai quietly entered Mori's office, the atmosphere becoming heavy as soon as the younger had entered, as a dark aura swirled around him.
The eighteen year old then made his way over to the darker haired man whom he still not having said a word to, Mori also keeping his expression unfazed while the younger did so.
Then coming to a halt in front of his desk the suicidal teen faced his superior head on as he decided to ask, "Dazai-kun what brings you here?"
Instead of answering Dazai whipped out a loaded gun and pointed it at his mentor's forehead with zero hesitation.
This scene occurred more times than the eighteen year old could count with hundreds of other rivals and enemy forces alike, stacking up countless kills without so much as blinking. His reputation preceded him as Mori's right hand, the cold and capable Demon Prodigy of the Port Mafia. The very same youth who reminded Mori of a younger version of himself in a way, at times it becoming almost uncanny how similar their personalities could be.
"Why did you send us there if you knew we would fail?" Dazai questioned calmly, putting aside his joking and airy demeanor for times questions needed to have answers.
Because let's be honest they both knew how the other thought and dragging this on longer than it needed was a waste of time.
Interactions like this one had been happening more and more frequently, and quite frankly it was irritating how every conversation was like a battle of intelligence and wit with each other. A result of this action sparking in Dazai as he had begun to think about different options he could take instead of staying here longer in hopes of finding a reason to live, the Port Mafia was a place that never had anything any hope or light to begin with.
Because lately the idea of doing something that didn't have the word mafia or death involved was starting to become more convincing each time Dazai thought about it.
Mori just continued to smile and leaned forward in his chair closer to the gun the eighteen year old held, humoring the younger.
"Why do we do anything in this world, for money, power, control?"
The older knew exactly what he did, Dazai already knew the moment he entered the room, but despite that fact he still wanted an answer straight from the mouth of the culprit. A man who he knew wouldn't ever answer such a question without good reason, or motivation of sort.
Dazai didn't answer as he cocked his gun ready to shoot the man right in front of him if he tried anything.
The older then looked directly into the younger's eyes saying, "For results."
Dazai already knew Mori was a cruel man with a kind facade in front of people, not many knew the real man who was cold and soulless. A man who people thought fair hearing he forgives the mistakes of his subordinates and is willing to overlook them for the effort they put in. When looking deeper into the man you saw what he really was inside, the Port Mafia's merciless boss.
But Mori also had the desire to mold his perfect second in command for the Port Mafia. Achieving that was something of great importance to him, risking a few lives wasn't going to be a problem as long as the outcome was what he wanted. This sad fact also applies to now when Dazai's partner is currently missing.
Silence then filled the space as time ticked slowly on, both males not daring to take their eyes off one another.
"Why hesitate, shoot me. Become the next boss." Mori taunted as he never once made a move to leave his chair or call for help.
Dazai knew that the older was calling his bluff, not believing that he was going to go through with it.
The eighteen year old knew his mentor still wanted his right hand to be by his side, still in a way trying to 'save' him from his feelings of wanting to die. That and the fact he put years of knowledge into Dazai the time they had been together carefully molding him, waiting till he could become everything that Mori had hoped. For a long time Dazai already knew this, he wasn't stupid, this desire had been evident to him for a long time.
It had been Mori from the very beginning setting it all up just to cover up a larger operation, one to get rid of Nakahara Chuuya.
To Mori the redhead had become an obstacle that had become a distraction to Dazai, just as his friend Oda. So for that they both had to be eliminated for Dazai to be who the Port Mafia needed him to become. Sacrificing a pawn and a bishop was well worth it if the outcome is in your favor. Losing Chuuya, a strong asset of the Port Mafia, will have been worth it for the future of the Port Mafia to become the organization Mori had envisioned.
Dazai saw it now, he finally pieced the whole thing together.
Mori knew they would be outnumbered for the mission and knew Chuuya would sacrifice himself for Dazai to escape and complete the assignment, the mafia boss anticipated this outcome just as the eighteen year old had thought. Mori and Dazai both knew that deep down the gravity user would always sacrifice whatever it took for those he valued or who had helped him in some way. Chuuya was just kind like that, unlike most people in the mafia he actually possessed a kind heart underneath his fiery personality.
The Port Mafia boss knew this and had used it against the teen counting on his selflessness and feelings for Dazai Chuuya would actively leave him for the completion of the mission with no second thought.
"Since you are that determined to get an answer I shall give you a hint," Mori stated as narrowed his eyes at the younger, not missing how Dazai gave the tiniest reaction to his words. "Say Mimic had heard a rumor of someone that possessed Arahabaki in our ranks and then perhaps learned the location he was going to be at? If they somehow managed to obtain him, the balance in Yokohama would be broken would it not?"
Mori gave a dark laugh as he saw Dazai finally realize his plan for using his partner as a pawn.
"You know what kind of pressure that would put on the Special Division for Unusual Powers to get it resolved," The mafia boss continued, saying it as if it was all fact. "They would be open to negotiating for almost anything for the dismemberment and ultimate extermination of Mimic within hours of the news."
Dazai gripped his gun tighter in his hand, disgusted by the antics of the man in front of him.
So the reason that this whole thing even happened was because Mori was still trying to gain a Skilled Business Permit to allow them to legally use their abilities without any repercussions from the government? The one at which Mori had been trying to get for around a month now for the Port Mafia?
To put it simply in the end it was a smart plan to unbalance the two opposing groups, forcing the government to stop the feud before too much damage was done in the area, but at the expense of sacrificing Chuuya for this plan Dazai couldn't get himself to agree with. No not with this, not when it involved one of the only things he cared about in the whole organization, the lives of the many out weight the one his ass.
Dazai squeezed the trigger of the gun, eyes cold and dark containing no light or even a speck of emotion as he did.
Bang!
The bullet had barely missed Mori's head and imbedded deep into his chair to the left side of him, the mafia boss not even filching at the shot that would have hit him if the eighteen year old had wished.
Dazai then dropped the gun with a blank expression on his face and walked out of the room leaving the Port Mafia's boss creepily smiling as he amusingly watched the younger's leave.
The bandaged teen wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of winning, he wasn't going to get the sweet release of death and the easy way out of the mess he orchestrated for so called betterment of the Port Mafia, if you could even call it that. Even if it made him absolutely hate himself for not taking revenge for his partner's disappearance just a few hours prior, what would killing Mori accomplish in the end?
The answer for that is nothing, his problems would still be there when all was said in done, Chuuya would still be missing and his biggest lead he would have killed.
The Port Mafia boss still held most the cards at this point so loathing his own decision this was still the best thing for Dazai to do at the moment, so in the end he let Mori live.
The eighteen year old would eventually come to find out that no news of Chuuya or what happened after he jumped out the helicopter would ever surface when he tried to find out. The answer to that question remaining uncertain even to him to uncover even months after the incident. Coming to later see that this too was Mori doing.
...
Later that very same night Oda died in Dazai's arms telling him to "be on the side that saves people", as his final words. This only solidifying the eighteen year old's resolve to leave his position and go somewhere else away from the mafia.
Having now watched his friend's death and partner's disappearance happen right before his eyes due to the leader of the Port Mafia. A man who thought of people as nothing more than pieces on a chess board, someone that the bandaged teen came to hate for the loss of two people that he had realized became important in his life Dazai was left with no relationships, friends, and ties keeping him there any longer, and so the next day he quit the Port Mafia.
The eighteen year old never looked back on the life he lived in the Port Mafia now there was nothing left worth staying for.
Present
A hooded figure walked down the streets of Yokohama glancing back every so often to check behind him, subconsciously grabbing at his side that was injured. The pain from his right side was excruciating but not unbearable as he made his way towards his goal only a few more blocks from here.
With a pained groan the hooded man continued turning yet another corner with a slight limp.
A few minutes later the man finally arrived at his destination and looked up at the building in front of him, his eyes straining to read the name Armed Detective Agency stated clearly in large lettering on the sign in front.
With a relieved tone he quietly muttered one word, "Dazai."