Summer had settled over the city like a suffocating blanket, the kind of oppressive heat that drove everyone indoors and filled the air with constant complaints. The downtown district, normally bustling with activity, had become a place most people avoided like the plague.

Two young men moved through the sweltering streets, their heated argument cutting through the heavy air. They walked with purpose, as if following some invisible map. Even surrounded by the garish neon signs and flashy advertisements designed to grab attention, neither spared them so much as a glance.

―

The gentle-looking man with stark white hair paused to summarize their ongoing debate. There was something in his posture—wary yet oddly comfortable—as he turned to address his dark-haired companion.

Absolutely no attacking right off the bat. Look, if they're actually trying to kill one of us, that's different... but otherwise, we approach this friendly. With your personality especially, you'll torpedo this mission before it even starts if you go in swinging.

He watched the black-haired man with the resigned familiarity of someone who'd been through this dance too many times. Armed Detective Agency and Port Mafia—two organizations bound together by circumstance and a shared mentor, unable to fully break away from each other no matter how much they might want to.

Their mission was straightforward enough: locate an ability user somewhere near Yokohama and bring them back. They'd make contact first, then determine whether Port Mafia or the Armed Detective Agency would be the better fit.

The black-haired man absorbed his companion's words with a brief, dismissive glance before fixing his gaze straight ahead.

You have no authority to give me orders. Were it not for Dazai-san's involvement, I would not be associating with you at all.

He fell silent again, continuing his measured stride forward. The downtown area lived up to its reputation, packed with bodies and noise. His displeasure was written across his features as he frowned deeply.

Is there not an alternate route?

Atsushi let out a hollow laugh, the sound sharp with exasperation.

Nope! And we're practically there anyway.

Though naturally gentle, something about dealing with Akutagawa always brought out his sharper edges. He shot the other man a pointed glare.

Just watch where you're walking.

A few more steps carried them beyond the crowded commercial district, and suddenly they found themselves in an eerily quiet space. Atsushi's eyes swept the area, taking in their surroundings.

...We're here.

His voice carried a note of subdued anticipation as he announced their arrival to Akutagawa.