Chapter Text
It has been a week since Mori's death and still there was no trace of the murderer. Even Ranpo, the best detective, couldn't deduct anything. Which was fair, because in all seriousness he did see his 'father' have a huge breakdown and then vanishing from the face of the earth.
Fukuzawa, the only beacon of hope at this moment, vanished. Whole Yokohama was searching for him.
The only thing anyone found in the whole week was the reason Fukuzawa got through the barrier and that he and Rin were in fact married
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"Ranpo, how are you?" Kunikida asked, though he already knew the answer. Despite being aware of the likely response, he attempted to infuse his words with comfort and genuine concern. Ranpo remained silent, his gaze fixed on something distant, showing no acknowledgment of the person addressing him. He simply continued nibbling at the cookie clutched in his hand.
Despite his worry over Ranpo's abnormal behaviour, Kunikida couldn't help but feel a hint of relief that his friend was at least eating. The sight of Ranpo, usually lively and perceptive, now withdrawn and distant troubled him deeply.
During the President's disappearance, the Agency felt incredibly desolate. The usual bustling energy that filled its halls had vanished, replaced by an eerie stillness. The detectives were either out on search duty, tirelessly combing through leads and clues, or staying behind to keep the Agency running as smoothly as possible. However, even those present in the office couldn't escape the heavy atmosphere that hung in the air.
As each day passed, Ranpo's condition seemed to deteriorate further. The toll of the President's disappearance weighed heavily on him, leaving him visibly worn out and drained. Dark circles framed his usually bright eyes, and his face lost its usual spark of liveliness.
Sleep appeared to be a foreign concept to Ranpo during this trying time. He looked as if he had forgotten what it meant to rest. His once energetic and animated expressions had transformed into one of exhaustion and constant preoccupation. It was evident that he was grappling with a turbulent storm of emotions, and it was taking a toll on his physical and mental well-being.
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As another week passed, the efforts of the Agency yielded only minor successes in the search for the missing President. Despite the small victories, the mystery surrounding the President's disappearance remained largely unsolved, and the weight of uncertainty still hung heavy in the air.
During this time, something began to change within Ranpo. He seemed to be gradually recovering from his previous state of exhaustion and distress. The spark of determination returned to his eyes, and a newfound sense of purpose filled his actions.
As if to prove himself to the still missing President, Ranpo embarked on a relentless pursuit of the murderer responsible for the baffling disappearance. The case had consumed him, and he saw it as not just a professional challenge but a personal mission to find the truth.
Ranpo knew that the missing President had always placed great trust in his abilities as a detective. He had been a mentor, a guide, and a father figure to Ranpo. Now, with the President's absence, he felt a deep responsibility to honour that trust and carry on the work that they had done together.
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As the day had passed since Ranpo had immersed himself in the investigation, he found himself holding the truth in his hand. The pieces of the puzzle had come together, revealing the shocking identity of the murderer.
As the truth unfolded, Ranpo was faced with a revelation that shattered his world. Dazai, his dear friend and confidant, was the murderer responsible for the death of the President's husband and soulmate. The realization hit Ranpo like a tidal wave, leaving him feeling both devastated and betrayed.
As the weight of the newfound knowledge bore down on Ranpo, he grappled with a complex mix of emotions. While the betrayal by his good friend Dazai was deeply painful, he couldn't help but empathize with the reasons that had driven Dazai to commit such a heinous act.
Ranpo had come to learn of the mental and physical abuse that Dazai had endured at the hands of Mori, the leader of the Port Mafia. This revelation provided insight into the dark and tormented path that Dazai had walked for many years.
As Ranpo processed the situation further, he acknowledged that the murder had little to no relation to what was between the President and the Port Mafia Boss Mori. The crime seemed to stem from a deeply personal vendetta against Mori. It should not have impacted anyone else.
As much as it pained him, Ranpo knew that he had a duty to uphold justice and the law. The revelation that Dazai, one of his closest friends, was responsible for the murder weighed heavily on his heart, but he couldn't let personal feelings cloud his judgment.
Similarly, the missing President's disappearance demanded the truth to be revealed, regardless of the consequences. Ranpo understood that justice needed to be served for the victim and their loved ones, and that meant not excusing any wrongdoing, even if it involved someone he cared deeply for.
Ratting out Dazai to the police was not a decision Ranpo made lightly. It was a choice that brought conflicting emotions and difficult internal battles. He valued the friendship he had with Dazai, but he also knew that his actions had caused irreparable harm to others.
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On that solemn day, exactly one month after the tragic events that unfolded, the truth had finally come to light. Dazai, once a trusted friend and valued member of the Agency, was handed over to the police and incarcerated in Meursault, the prison for ability users.
But even now given this big victory there was still no sign of Fukuzawa whatsoever.
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'The Murderer finally caught' the newspaper's headline read. "I knew you could find him Ranpo. I hope you'll excuse my absence." a sigh of relief was added after those words