Territory of Light (Bungou Stray Dogs X OC)

Episode 42: A Stray Dog's Hunt

After having to meet the Armed Detective Agency, Dazai took an early leave and went around the town with Yuko.

They stopped by at the Yokohama's Art Museum, where the two of them waited for the person whom Dazai's supposed to meet. 

"Are you sure I should be here? I prefer giving people their privacy, Dazai." Yuko said as she examined the painting in front of her. 

Dazai was sitting at one of the couch, gazing at Yuko's back.

Having to see her stand beside an incomprehensible artwork, it made the boring painting looked like a masterpiece for him.

He smiled to himself. 

"Stay, Yuko. Besides, there's something we need to discuss afterward. It's better if you know." 

Yuko turned around and glanced at Dazai curiously. Then, her eyes followed the person who just arrived to join them, taking a seat at the couch next to Dazai's. 

"Good evening, Hirotsu-san." Yuko greeted with a small bow to pay her respects. 

"Good evening, as well, young lady." The Port Mafia's Hirotsu Ryurou greeted back. 

Yuko stood still beside the painting, watching Dazai and the mafioso have a small talk. She kept quiet as she listened to their discussion. 

"Why did you go through all that trouble to bring Akutagawa-kun together with the tiger boy?" Hirotsu asked.

"I wanted to be sure. For the real disaster that's about to come...he's already on the move."

Dazai raised his head to meet Yuko's eyes. The veteran mafioso was also aware on who Dazai was pertaining to.

The Demon Fyodor...

"We won't be able to avoid going to war with that demon I've fought in the past."

"Akutagawa-kun is formidable by himself, but his abilities are most valuable in a supporting role. In complementing a forward attacker such as Atsushi-kun, with his speed and toughness, he could be a powerful ally..."

"We'll need to be more powerful than before in order to fight with that demon. Something more powerful than the Double Black...that's those two." Dazai said calmly. 

With Dazai already preparing way beforehand for Fyodor Dostoevsky's plans, it bothered Yuko. 

Not out of fear, though, but because she couldn't still grasp how serious the situation was. Especially on the matter with Fyodor.

She felt nothing.

Not even a shed of nervousness, and it bothered her. 

Sensing the grim atmosphere that's slowly developing between the two youngsters together with him, Hirotsu diverted their subject.

"Dazai-kun, why do you value Yokohama so dearly?" He spoke.

Yuko looked outside, holding both of her arms.

She gazed at the night sky behind the museum's glasses, and contemplated the reason why she felt no fear.

No...she already knew the answer.

"My friend said to me..." Dazai replied.

Yuko's eyes found his, as they both stare each other. With Dazai answering, Yuko listened to his response.

"You might as well side with the people who save others. That's at least a little more beautiful." Dazai smiled at her.

Ten'i muhou...