Bungo Stray Dogs Vol 1 Chapter 3.01

Chapter 3

Translator: Kuririn

Editor: Janey

           12th

           I greeted daybreak in the Agency.

           Alone, I can’t sleep in the dead of night. Sitting across the solitary light.

           I think of a great many deaths, of a great many doubts.

           There is no difference between them and I, under the same sky and in a corner of the same vast land, never mind the people who holds each other’s hands across the infinite heaven.

           Oh God, please show me the way.

 

“We will now proceed with the company report.”

I said to the participants lined around the table.

This is the Agency’s meeting room that doubles as a reception room. Around the table, the clerks and detectives, there is a total of seven people attending. It is safe to say that almost all the main force of the Detective Agency are present. A meeting with a lineup of this kind is really rare.

I opened the documents and began to explain.

“For the current case, I would like to ask every one of you to check the documents at hand. To sum everything up, the Agency is the target of terrorism, and what’s more, we are currently under severe scandalous criticism.”

“Everyone here knows that the Agency is currently in a crappy situation. There is no need for vague talk about the bombing accident.”

               The one who spoke up is one of the participants: the company’s exclusive female doctor, Yosano-sensei.

               “I understand. This is the e-mail that the terrorist sent to us. To have a better understanding of the criminal’s profile, please read through it at least once.”

               I opened the files. The printed contents of the letter was written in courteous style as follows.

               Dear Sir,

               I hope this letter finds you well.

               I would like to offer my gratitude for the quick assistance in regards to the investigation of the building’s case these past few days. Although I know that it is too soon, I would like to make another request.

               A while ago, I have placed explosives somewhere in this city.

               To start with, I would like to request the quick discovery and removal of these bombs for the safety of the public.

               The time limit until the detonation of the bombs is tomorrow’s sunset; it is my dearest wish for this case to be solved until said time.

               Please know that these bombs that I took time to make can eliminate up to around a hundred lives. Just like in that case where the victims were in extreme pain until the very end.

               Just like the white light of the setting sun, a fire that cannot be put out. Rows of buildings will collapse thoroughly, burning people will run and panic, roads will melt, burning cars will fly and crash into buildings, as if it is a living hell. To prevent such a disastrous scene from happening, I would like to request the best efforts of everyone from the Armed Detective Agency.

               Although this is a useless addition, but just like the last request, I will be collecting pictures of the Agency in action (but they didn’t mention this??). In the case that the Agency fails to remove the explosives, please acknowledge without any ill feelings that I will publicize said photos just like I had in the last request.

         I pray for everyone’s health and well-being.

                                                                                      Sincerely,

                                                                                                   A Disciple of the Blue

 

               “What a disgusting letter,” Yosano-sensei spat.

               “Exactly. If we think back to the reality that there were security cameras installed in the abandoned hospital, there is no mistaking that this person who calls himself ‘A Disciple of the Blue’ is the same person who had spread the photos that defamed the Armed Detective Agency, and is also now the mastermind behind this time’s terrorism. ‘If the Agency fails to remove the bombs, then just like the last time, society’s faith in the Agency will be lowered even further.’ I believe we are threatened in such a manner.”

               “So the criminal’s aim is to see the Agency defamed,” the president said calmly.

               “I am afraid that is so.”

               The Agency has surpassed many fights. Even the army wouldn’t jump headfirst into violence.

               But, we are a commercialized business, and the client’s faith in us is what makes our products sell. What’s more, we can’t let ourselves be powerless because of this scandal. If the information that we were to fail in removing the bombs spread and the Ministry of Justice decides to intervene, our reputation will fall to the ground, and we will be driven into a corner.

               “So no one can figure out where the bomb is placed?”

               “‘A place where a hundred people will die if it detonated,’ the people at the office is trying to wash out the possible places that fit this condition. However, starting from train stations or buildings, there are numerous possibilities, it’s close to impossible to search every one of them for the bomb before the deadline.”

               “How about searching from the security cameras?”

               If I am not mistaken, just like the criminal said in that threat letter, to defame the Agency, they will need to record us failing to dismantle the bombs and be able to spread word about it. For that reason, they should be using the same hidden camera method as last time.

               However –

               “If the enemy is using battery-powered security cameras and/or listening bugs, it is possible for them to collect videos and voice recordings for a few days. If they’re as small as dice or fountain pens, then they can send the data wirelessly right before the devices are rendered useless by the explosion. And in addition to having the bombs hard to find, this will probably be difficult to do in real time. Just in case, we are currently asking distributors if there’s anyone who had bought cameras and bugs in large numbers, but –“

               There were no favourable replies to what I just said.

               “What about anyone who is applicable to be called the ‘Disciple of Blue’?”

               “We came up with nothing on that one too.”

               ‘A Disciple of the Blue’. The difference between this letter and the last one was the fact that the sender signed his name. I don’t know what he’s trying to say by doing that.

               The only thing we know about this criminal right now is that he is very knowledgeable about bombs and for some reason, has plans to cause the Agency to fall.

               “Right now, we are contacting cooperating organizations and have them list the people who have professional knowledge on explosives as well as having a grudge against the Agency for us.”

               “Are we still unable to get in touch with Ranpo-san?” Yosano-sensei asks.

               If I am not wrong, the President himself is contacting Ranpo-san but –

               “I got in contact with him this morning. It seems that the case in Kyushu is at its peak. He should be returning soon, but it will be hard to tell if he’ll make it in time before sundown,” the President answered while folding his arms.

               The Ranpo-san that Yosano-sensei was referring to is the Agency’s main detective and an ability user, Edogawa Ranpo-san. He has a terrific ability called ‘Super Deduction’ that lets him see through crime even to the extent of murder, assault and abduction. If Ranpo-san is around right now, we should be able to solve this case quickly, but unfortunately he’s on a business trip to Kyushu as requested by a government official. He is currently investigating a mysterious murder case where a dead person came back to life and killed his wife and friends. He won’t be coming back anytime soon.

               “We can’t interview the chauffeur we have in custody?” The President asked for a third time.

               “That driver is currently in midair flying around in a military cargo plane. It’s an isolation method to prevent him from being assassinated by the mafia. I am afraid it’ll be hard to meet up with him.”

               The objective is to put him somewhere the mafia can’t reach. But because of that, we can’t collect information from an important witness that is the taxi driver.

               “Have the military intelligence department contact him. Have him reply to our questions with a letter written from the military cargo plane.”

               “I will prepare the note immediately.”

               It’s hard to think of that taxi driver as ‘A Disciple of the Blue’. There’s no way he would purposefully send a letter to the detective agency telling us about the place where he locked his kidnapped victims up. In a way, the driver is also a victim of the notice the Blue Disciple had sent. But if that’s the case, then what’s the relationship between the Blue Disciple and the taxi driver?

               Whatever the case, there’s no other way than to expect a reply from him.

               “Everyone, listen up. The case this time is a cowardly attack at the Agency. There are two objectives. Finding the terrorist who calls himself ‘A Disciple of the Blue’, and removing the bombs. The bombs with the time limit take priority. If we fail to find the bombs and let people die, we don’t have the right to call ourselves detectives. Be aware that this fight puts your pride as a human being and not as an employee on the line. Investigation, start!”

               Accompanying the end of the President’s orders, everyone stood up and started to move at once.

000

 

               A very busy investigation where we don’t even have time for a breather had started. The deadline is today’s sunset. Somewhere in this city, we have to look for bombs we don’t even know the whereabouts of. There’s no time.

               In the middle of the investigation, it suddenly came to me and I picked up the telephone. I had instructed Rokuzo to do a search on the first e-mail. If he finds something, this investigation will move forward immensely.

               After a long ring tone, Rokuzo finally picked up his phone.

               “Hi…. This is Taguchi. I am currently… sigh…. I am currently not home… well then, ciao.”

               “Oi, stop messing around. This is extremely important.”

               “What the hell, it’s you, glasses? What time do you think this is? It’s only 9 in the morning, y’know?”

               “The only one still sleeping at 9 in the morning is you, you scum of society. Sleep early and wake up early then go out sometimes. This is bad for your health.”

               “Why are you being so haughty? You’re not my dad.”

               “That’s not it. I just –“

               I just cannot be your father.

               After saying that halfway, I swallowed my words.

               “Anyway, the situation had changed. We have to quickly figure out the sender of that letter. Is there any improvement on that front?”

               “About that. It’s harder than expected. Technically speaking, to prevent being tracked down, it was sent while being connected with many hubs. This isn’t some prank done by an amateur.”

               I can already feel that the other party wasn’t some amateur.

               “A second e-mail came from the same sender. Can you run a check on this one too and compare the results?”

               “The chance is high, but I don’t know until I do it. –It’s not like he didn’t use other methods too.”

               “What do you mean?”

               “I mean he concealed himself under another computer program using many layers of hubs. I can start tracking from there. It’ll take time but the certainty is high. However, I have to use some underhand methods.”

               “It doesn’t matter. This is more important than those trivial details. Do it.”

               “You sure? This is not like you, clean-freak glasses. I recorded our conversation just now. In exchange, hand over the documents from when I infiltrated the Agency. Or else, I’ll do something about this.”

               “I’ll hand it to you when that time comes. Do it quickly.”

                In the first place, I do not have the authorities to hand over those documents. I lied on purpose as an excuse to get him to do it, but it seems that Rokuzo didn’t realize to that extent.

               “Aren’t you big-hearted, glasses? Don’t forget to pay the request fee separately.”

               After he said that, he hung up.

               I briefly held the receiver for a short period of time and contemplated.

               I don’t have the time for my feelings to be hurt. First priority is the bombs. If we can’t locate the bombs until the deadline, it’ll become a huge disaster that will kill lots of people. Or so I say, but I have no lead at all.

               Damn it, where had Dazai disappeared to at a time like this?

 

After searching the shopping streets, I somehow managed to find Dazai.

               In an old coffee shop facing the streets, he’s chatting with a lady.

“Is this your first time coming to Yokohama? Shall I show you around?”

“I must apologize, because of me…. Is it really okay? It looks like the Agency is in a huge uproar over the bombs. Kunikida-sama also looked really busy with the investigation this morning when I contacted him.”

               “It’s because Kunikida-kun is a work monster. Did you know? If he makes an appointment around 12 in the afternoon, he would show up 10 seconds before. Isn’t he just like a train?”

               “I see… Is that how it is?”

               “Hey Dazai! Don’t slack off work! And don’t use me as a topic to pick up girls!”

               “And then, at the abandoned hospital, Kunikida-kun was so scared of ghosts he almost cried like a gi-“

               “Listen to me!”

               I landed a round kick on the back of Dazai’s head who was looking like he had lots of fun talking to Miss Sasaki.

               “Ouch! What the hell are you doing, Kunikida-kun? Eh? Kunikida-kun? You were around?”

               “It’s not ’You were around?’ You knew but intentionally carried on, right? Right in the middle of such a crucial time for the agency just what the hell were you doing on a date? What’s more the partner is the victim of a case.”

               “Jealous?”

               “I am not jealous!”

               I am absolutely not jealous in the least.

               “No way. This lady was almost killed by the criminal and received mental trauma, right? Protecting and taking care of her heart is also part of a detective’s important mission, no? Also, speaking from experience, only kindness and smiles and tolerance can treat a lady who just went through something horrible.”

               “That last line was nonsense, you idiot.”

               … At the very least, I should make a memo in my notebook later.

               “But can a person who walks around wearing such frivolous and thoughtless clothing like you have a chance?”

               With this level of beauty, she should at least have a boyfriend, right?

               “Because you think like that, Kunikida-kun is Kunikida-kun. If you would just listen, you would know that she has no relatives, nor does she have a person close enough to rely on. Even her only lover just broke up with her not too long ago.”

               –I did hear about her not having a person she can rely on, but not to this extent.

               “That’s why, Kunikida-kun, I can do it,” a grinning Dazai nudged my side.

               “Do what?”

               I have no idea what he’s talking about…… I made a face to show him that.

               “Listen up, Dazai. I came here to explain to you about what happened in the meeting that you skipped this morning. If you skip another meeting, I will take the quick and suitable measure to resuscitate you the next time you try to commit suicide.”

               “Oh dear… Kunikida-kun, you’re actually thinking of something so nasty…” Dazai made an unpleasant face.

               After being satisfied with his expression, I placed the documents at hand on the tabletop.

               “It’s the latest information. The transcript of when the police questioned the kidnapper, the taxi driver, has arrived. He confessed to locking the victims in the cage and placing that poisonous gas to prevent escape. But those were the only things he had done. He said he has no recollection of installing the hidden cameras that took the secret pictures. It’s hard to think that he would lie when he’s already in such a situation. In other words…”

               “There are at least two criminals. The one who does the kidnapping and the one who does the filming. The first is the taxi driver – so the latter is the ‘Blue Disciple’, right?”

               “I am afraid so.”

               “Excuse me…” Miss Sasaki said in a timid voice.

               “I am just wondering if it’s alright for me to listen in on such a conversation. It’s the Agency’s classified information regarding the investigation… it might be a violation to let someone like me who is not involved to know…”

               “Sasaki-san is a victim, so of course you are involved. There’s no need to worry. If that wasn’t the case the rule demon that is Kunikida-kun won’t start explaining in front of you.”

               “I am not really that strict with rules. Just a normal amount of strict.”

               “See? Just like this, he can be an easy-going senpai who can throw wonderful jokes at times. Well, and then? Are there any more clues about the criminal we’re going after?”

               “Just a normal amount…”

               “…. Sorry. I get it, just a normal amount. Please continue with the explanation.”

               Why am I getting apologized to?

               “I will continue then; it’s the result of checking said driver’s background. As far as I can gather from the given information, he had no interaction whatsoever with the underworld society and was just a regular taxi driver. He also doesn’t have any suspicious criminal acquaintances. It’s hard to think that such a person can simply kidnap people and hand them over to a buyer from an organ trafficking syndicate. Apparently there’s someone who told him that organs trafficking is a scheme that can get him rich quickly.”

               “And that’s the ‘Blue Disciple’? If that’s so, wouldn’t it be better to ask for his name from the driver?”

               “He said he can’t say it. If he does, he will definitely be killed next time – I really do want to make him spit it out with every fiber of my being, but unfortunately he’s currently being quarantined midair by the police. By the time the arrangement for another interview with the police is made, it will already be sunset.”

               Just what kind of person is the criminal this time around?

               Persuading the taxi driver to get into organs trafficking, then placing hidden cameras in the abandoned hospital, and on top of making bombs and placing them somewhere unknown, he threatened the Agency. Just what is his purpose?

               “Excuse me. If I may be so impertinent…” Miss Sasaki who had been quiet of this time said.

               “This ‘Blue Disciple’ that I’ve been hearing about from just now…. Isn’t it the same criminal from the ‘Blue Flag Terrorism’ case?”

               “That case, huh?”

               The Blue Flag Terrorism Case.

               The case where Rokuzo’s father died in the line of duty.

               When I saw the word ‘Blue’ I also doubted if it was the work of the same person for a moment.

               “But the mastermind who called himself the ‘Blue King’ had died by explosion. The dead can’t threaten the living. That is the truth of this world.”

               “Good point, Kunikida-kun. So ghosts are not scary after all, right?”

               “Don’t talk about ghosts for a second time.”

               “But… Even though the explosion was enormous, I heard that his remains were not found. Maybe he somehow managed to escape and is currently hiding somewhere…”

               I was also curious about that and asked the police about it. However, there were no answers.

               “According to the police’s forensic investigation, there was no doubt that the Blue King had died. Their forensic skills are trustworthy. If we put into account that their fellow policemen got caught up and died in the line of duty, I don’t think they would overlook anything or be wrong about it.”

               “But….”

               “As for me, I don’t know that much about the Blue King, but there might be a group of his followers that is seeking revenge on the Agency?”

                What an uneducated person. With no other choice, I started to explain.

               The Blue King was aiming for the attack and destruction of several government institutions and was the mastermind behind the ‘Blue Flag Terrorism’ case. He did so much damage after the attack was therefore said to be the worst terrorist nationwide.

               Before he raised the Blue Flag, he was only a superior bureaucrat.

               After he graduated as a valedictorian from the highest learning institution there is and went to study overseas, he does legislative and administrative work as a civil officer in the capital and becomes a young man who is motivated to aim for higher ranks. The situation wasn’t clear as to why he decided to purge the government.

               One day, a certain video was sent to a national broadcasting station. A young man who hid his face with an undyed blue flag was making a crime declaration. He called himself the ‘Blue King’ and lamented over the imperfect world; he also claimed that only imperfections can cover other imperfections.

               “No matter how much we aspire, our neighbours still fall sick, our fathers and mothers still die,  bad people are still judged as bad based on only one side.

               If that’s so, then let’s desire for an ideal world.

               Not by God’s hands, but by the bloodied hands of our imperfect selves.”

               At the same time he made those declarations, institutions belonging to the country were attacked in three different ways. Committing arson against buildings related to the police force, colliding high speeding cars, and bombing the police headquarters. After conducting a follow-up investigation on the victims of the attack, it was made clear that they were: a murderer who killed eight people but got off scot-free due to lack of evidence, a member of the parliament who was rumoured to use the budget to aid developing countries for his personal gains, and a small group of policemen who assaulted a young legislator and hid behind the name of the law. All of them died by the attacks.

               He convicted criminals who couldn’t be judged by the law by committing crimes against them.

               Everyone was taken aback by the assaults.  Attacking multiple highly secured government institutes despite the strict defense at the same time, no one thought that was possible.    

               After that the Blue King repeated his crimes, condemning criminals, many times.

               The police and the government who had lost their dignity ordered the discovery and capture of the Blue King nationwide. They even made a request to the Agency.

               What happened after was exactly like I had talked about before. The discovery of the secret base, the infiltration and the suicide bombing. It was settled a top a mountain of corpses.

               “However, if it is the doings of the Blue King, it is unclear why he would relentlessly try to defame the Detective Agency this much.”

               “Isn’t the one he has a grudge on is you, Kunikida-kun?”

               The Blue King? Has a grudge on me?

               Well, it is true that I was the one who received the information regarding the pursuit of the Blue King. I was the one who contacted the police and made the investigation team move out. But – No way.

               The nation’s worst terrorist in all of history – His ghost.

               Ever since the Blue King died up until now, he couldn’t clear his resentment, so he decided to take revenge on me and the Agency–

               “At any rate, until we know the true form of the criminal, we have to be cautious. We don’t know when we might be attacked. Sasaki-san has to take shelter at somewhere safe too.”

               “Do you mean the Agency’s office? However there’s no one at night. Where –“

               I abruptly realized what Dazai is up to.

               “Don’t tell me you are planning to use her protection as an excuse and bring the lady to your own house. I won’t forgive you, you bastard, lewdly spending days and nights together, it’s a suspicious and unhealthy relationship. Are you some kind of beast, you bastard? How outrageous, I would sympathize with her more –“

               “Wait a minute, Kunikida-kun. There’s nothing between Sasaki-san and I.”

               “Huh?”

               “I am saying. The first night she stayed over, I was sleeping in the room next door; I didn’t lay even a finger on her afterwards. Making advances on a person on the day they were almost killed is rude, right? There’s also the consequences coming from a violent senpai.”

               I see…. Is that so? Then I guess I am just jumping to conclusions.

               “Well, I knew Kunikida-kun was going to misunderstand, but it was interesting so I didn’t stop it.”

               This guy……

               But in the case that such a pure and serious person like me can make such honest mistakes, “Just because she’s staying over for a night you’re already having such suspicions, Kunikida-kun is really perverted.” With that one sentence, I couldn’t explain myself or retaliate, there’s no other way than keeping it all in. If only he didn’t say that.

               ….. But of course I would be suspicious. This is Dazai we are talking about.

               If only Dazai wasn’t such an idiot who would seduce any woman he sees. The sense of distance with a victim of a case is hard to judge.

                “Don’t say such confusing things. If nothing happened then that’s good. Starting from now distance yourself properly from victims and have an appropriate relationship with them. That’s what you call being professional.”

               “…..Understood.”

               Dazai firmly nodded and faced Miss Sasaki.

               “By the way, Sasaki-san, do you have an ideal type?”

               “What did you mean when you said you ‘understood’!?”

               He’s contradicting himself. He just likes women in general.

               “T-type…? Well I think the idea of types is ridiculous and it makes me ashamed… But I feel like men who can throw their ideals away and just jump into things are… wonderful.”

               So she said.

               “Aaaahh, this is impossible, that is totally not Kunikida-kun, isn’t this hopeless. Tch, I’ll let you two talk in private, I am going to count the number of fingers I have on both hands.”

               “Hey Dazai! Don’t break away from the conversation all by yourself!”

               “Just what are you doing? I’ve forgotten which number I have counted up to!”

               “Stop sulking! Just get back on your seat!”

               If it was just the two of us at such a time, I wouldn’t know what to say!

               “Well that’s…. It’s because I am just a normal woman, even if I am next to a person who is striving for ideals, I cannot be of any use and even if I want to support his ideals until my heart breaks, in the end we would just tire ourselves out…. At worst, he would pick his ideals over me and I would be abandoned. That’s why I refrain from dating an idealist.”

               Miss Sasaki who smiled fleetingly. Such a….

               “It’s so easy to understand Kunikida-kun’s expressions.”

               “I-I am not thinking of anything! Don’t look over here, Dazai!”

               “Ouch!”

               I forcibly turn his neck until he faces another way.”

               “You told me to come here, then you told me to look away, how puzzling! Let’s return to the original topic.”

               What was it again?

               “Ah, it was regarding Miss Sasaki’s safety. Well, it’s not like the police won’t work together with us, but…..”

               “Excuse me… I am really happy that you two are going as far as letting me stay over, but as I guessed, it was a bother…. I’ll be staying somewhere else starting tonight, I’ll find a hotel or something, so please do not worry.”

               “No way. We cannot say for sure that staying at a hotel will be safe, it’s also a bad sign after such a case. We also don’t know when Dazai will turn into a perverted beast. Come to my place.”

               “Eh?”

               “Eh?”

               “It’s not like I have anything to be guilty about!”

               “No matter how you think about it, that was really suspicious! How shameless.”

               “That’s not it! I was thinking about it innocently!”

               “Hahaha, it’s a lie. Sasaki-san, I can assure you that Kunikida-kun’s house will be really safe. What’s more, it’s okay, Kunikida-kun doesn’t have such desires… that’s not it, it’s because he treats ideals highly. Do you want to see his notebook? Kunikida-kun’s ideal woman is amazing.”

               Dazai handed my notebook to Miss Sasaki. I instantly checked my pockets. My notebook is gone.

               “Dazai! When did you take it!?”

               “Look, it’s this page.” Dazai opened the notebook and pointed with his finger.

               “Oh, is it really okay? Such a thing…”

               “But you’re interested, right?”

               “Eh… well, truth be told, I am a little curious.”

               Miss Sasaki giggled and look at the words on the notebook.

               She pales by the moment.

               “Eh, what does this mean…? I see… But this is…”

               My image of an ideal woman.

               Eight pages, fifteen chapters. It’s a long composition with fifty-eight entries.

               “Eh… Ah, in other words…. Hmmmmm, ah…..”

               I remembered Dazai’s words.

               “It is better if you don’t show that page to women. It’s a turn off.”

               Miss Sasaki finished reading and when she raised her head up again, the smile that was there before disappeared.

               The only thing that was there was a statue-like, life-absorbing cold smile.

               “Kunikida-sama.”

               “Yes….”

               “Such a person does not exist.”

 

               Someone, please bring me sake.

 

Chapter end