Sayuri skipped along between Dazai and Chuuya, ignoring the quick verbal jabs they continuously threw at each other.

"Hey, you maybe wanna tell me what's goin' on, asshole?" Chuuya spat as Dazai leapt up onto some brick pillars that stood between gate railings.

"Sorry. Would you mind not talking to me right now? I'm busy breathing," the brunette snarked.

"I'm gonna rip your head off, you suicidal maniac," Chuuya grumbled. "Now how 'bout you answer my question and tell me what we're doing!"

Chuuya threw a quick round house at Dazai who was easily able to dodge.

"Osa, be nice to him," Sayuri reminded. "We're going to investigate and interview people who were closest to the explosion."

"Explosion?" Chuuya asked, looking at the girl who was actually being sort of friendly to him.

Dazai's cheeks puffed up as he looked at Sayu. "A week ago, there was an explosion nearby. Similar to the one we experienced yesterday in our battle. The previous boss wasn't sighted at this incident, but looking at the similarities, the cause is likely the same."

"We're going to speak with a survivor from that explosion," Sayuri continued, standing beside Chuuya.

"Survivor implies that there were casualties," Chuuya replied.

"Yes. Members of the Port Mafia," Dazai remarked, looking at the ginger from over his shoulder. "Not that you care."

Chuuya huffed, still wondering how he got himself into this whole situation.

"The survivor were meeting with is gifted. Actually you've already met this person," Dazai continued before an explosion caught all their attention.

The mansion they had been headed towards was engulfed in flames, dark clouds filling the sky around the building.

"Oh, my," Dazai mumbled as his lips pulled into a frown. "It looks like the culprit's already gotten to them."

"Then quit gab'n and move your ass," Chuuya spoke quickly before taking off towards the burning estate.

Sayu looked at Dazai with a shrug before they both took off after the spritely boy.

Once they were stood I'm the front courtyard of the estate, they could see more of the extent of the damage.

"Don't think were gonna score an interview here," Chuuya quipped which made Sayu laugh.

The sound of a gun cocking behind them caught Sayuri's attention and her smile fell to a grin. Dazai glanced to the side, loving the look of malice that flooded Sayu's eyes.

"Put your arms up and slowly turn around," a voice sounded, presumably from the gun wielder.

Chuuya just kept his hands shoved deep in his pockets as he turned his head. "Check this out. We didn't even have to go hunting for our dinner. I didn't feel like doing an interview anyway. I'd rather just skip all the boring, chatty crap and deal with the one who's directely responsible. Stay back. I'm gonna enjoy this."

Sayuri's face fell as she slumped. "Aww... I wanted to have some fun..."

Dazai sighed, shaking his head. "Children."

"I don't know why they called in backup for a few kids," the gunman mocked. "Is the Port Mafia that short staffed? Or is this Rando guy not included on the most popular list?"

"Rando?" Chuuya questioned.

"That would be the name of the survivor we came here to interview. He's the one who restrained you with that special ability of his," Dazai explained.

"Oh, that guy," Chuuya replied with a nod before turning to the gunman. "Hey, ya old fart! Whaddya say we save us both some time? First, you shoot. Then I'll retaliate by blowing your ass all the way over to the the next town."

"Oo! That sounds fun!" Sayu encouraged as Chuuya slowly stalked towards the gunman without fear.

"After that, I'll beat the living shit out of the rest of your men, and then we can all call it a day," Chuuya finished with a grin.

"Or you could simply trick him into giving you some information," Dazai spoke while walking past the man, slyly removing the radio from his pocket as he passed. "Let me guess. You're with the GSS tactical team, aren't you?"

The man whipped out a pistol, aiming it at Dazai after deciding that he would be the more dangerous target compared to Sayuri who now stood in front of him.

"The infamous Gerhardt Security Services," Sayuri spoke with a cheeky smile.

"You used to be a foreign-funded private security firm. But then you had your subsidies cut off," Chuuya remarked. "Now you're a full-blown illegal operation."

"That's right," the guy confirmed. "And don't think I'll go easy on ya just 'cause you're kids."

Chuuya chuckled as he pressed his forehead to the muzzle of the gun that was pointed at him. His ability spread, manipulating the gravity of the man in front of him. "Show us what you got, old fart."

The man grunted as the pistol that he had pointed at Dazai became too heavy. His rifle then began to weigh more and more. His feet broke into the brick-layed ground underneath him as he tried to keep his grip on his gun.

"You... you're Chuuya Nakahara of the Sheep gang," the man realized after witnessing his special ability. "So it was true that you fell into the hands of the Port Mafia."

Chuuya grit his teeth as he stomped the man's head into the ground with force. "That oughtta teach ya, you annoying prick!"

"You are so amazing. Well done," Dazai praised sarcastically as he clicked through the lines on the radio.

"Says the guy who was standing there doing nothing," Chuuya grumbled with a glare.

"I'll have you know I was collecting information from the communicator I swiped off our new friend," Dazai replied, holding up the radio by its antenna. "Just so you know, he wasn't lying. It looks like he does have some back up coming. As well as agents already inside the building."

"Oh, yeah?"

"You only end up creating more work for yourself when you act so impulsively," Dazai chastised.

They were all brought to the attention of the sound of multiple men running towards them, cocking their gujs at the three teenagers.

"Captain!" One of the men shouted after seeing the man on the ground.

"Care to join your superior on the ground?" Chuuya taunted as he stepped forward.

"Fire! That shrimp is Chuuya Nakahara, the gravity manipulator!"

That made Chuuya's grin turn to a scowl as the GSS members all began to fire.

As they fired, Dazai looked to Sayuri. "The men inside. Make sure they don't get to Rando."

"You got it, Osa," Sayu replied. She stepped onto a shadow and melted away.

Her body immersed in darkness until she reentered the light.

She ran into the mansion with the sounds of battle booming behind her. She was a little upset about not being able to watch Chuuya fight. She had heard impressive things and their previous fight had been significantly cut short. However, she was excited to stretch her legs. She had been itching for a fight.

She grabbed her pistol from her leg holster and ran through the building. She saw a few men running across a hall and she backed herself behind a pillar before letting out a whistle.

The men stopped and looked for the source of the whistle.

Sayu melted into the shadows and came out on the other side of them.

"Hi, boys," Sayu purred, grabbing the men's attention.

The second they turned she shot twice, direct head shots. She relished the looks on their faces before they fell to the ground, blood spilling from their heads.

She turned and continued through the building, finding a giant room with a chair surrounded by books in front of a elegantly decorated fireplace.

"You must be here to kill me."

Sayuri recognized that voice and she lowered her gun, though didn't remove her finger from the trigger.

"Nah. I'm not gonna kill you," Sayu said calmly as she walked over to Rando.

Rando turned to look at her and he sighed. "Oh. Oda, it's you. Is Dazai not with you?"

Everyone in the mafia knew that where there was one, the other typically followed.

"He's not too far behind me. He sent me ahead to make sure you weren't dead," Sayu replied, finally slipping her pistol back into its holster.

"That's a nice thought," Rando replied, tossing a book into the fire that burned before him. "If only it warmed my heart."

Sayu looked through the gaping hole in the roof that was left from the explosion and fire.

"It's so cold. The wind is coming through and it makes it three times as cold," Rando complained and Sayuri turned to see Osamu and Chuuya walking towards them.

"It must've been rough, huh, Rando?" Dazai spoke as he stopped beside Sayu.

"It was barbaric. Why did they target me?" Rando whined as he shivered.

"I think it's easy to guess why we were attacked," Dazai replied. "The rumor is spreading. If an explosion of black flames happened to kill a Mori supporter like you, people would take the anger of the former boss more seriously. On the way here, Chuuya flattened a GSS soldier who was carrying these instructions for how to fake the perfect black explosion."

"What's a black explosion?" Rando asked with curiosity.

"Apparently it's what they're calling this type of blackish flame," Dazai explained as he whipped out a slip of paper. "It's the result of a reaction caused by a sodium lamp. Whatever the case may be, it's nothing more than a cheap trick."

Rando just turned back to his fire, tossing in another book which made the flames rise.

"So let me see if I understand. The GSS soldiers pretending to be Arahabaki attacked this guy in order to get the Port Mafia to then turn on itself," Chuuya remarked as he looked at Dazai for confirmation.

"The current GSS president is a cold-hearted man," Rando spoke up again. "Rumor has it he has close ties to the Guild, a North American secret organization."

"Can you describe what happened with Arahabaki? What you saw in Suribachi City?" Dazai pushed them forward in the interview. "It's the only lead we have right now on the previous boss and his resurrection."

"Ah, yes. I remember it as clear as day," Rando replied with a barren tone. "How could I ever forget? I was the only one who survived. Every single one of my subordinates burned to ash. They were all engulfed by those black flames. There's no doubt it was that God of fire."

"This is very interesting," Dazai spoke with a grin. "Please, tell us more."

"The terrible blast occurred close to the center of Suribachi City. I was with fellow agents of the Port Mafia and we were on our way to battle young members of the Sheep. It was right there, completely out of the blue, we were blown away by a black explosion. A sudden massive heat wave. The only thing I could do was try to protect myself with my ability."

As Rando recounted his memory of the horrific events, Sayuri pulled a little shadow into her hand and played with it.

"Black flames. Crumbling earth. It was hell itself. And in the middle of the inferno, there it was. If had no resemblance to the former boss. None! It was unrecognizable. It wasn't even human. It was a beast. A beast of black flames. It was horrendous. Even it's eyes were like the flames of purgatory. Everything in sight was shimmering in the extreme heat. Except the Yokohama sea. Just the sea, in the distance, basking gently in the moonlight. That is my most vivid memory."

This line caught everyone's attention. The sea.

"At that moment, I heard the voice of the beast. It was a voice utterly devoid of emotion. It absolutely terrified me. I apologize. You two wanted to hear the former boss was not resurrected by Arahabaki, and that is was all a hoax orchestrated by a gifted enemy, didn't you?"

"Not at all," Dazai replied with his grin only growing. "It was certainly an interesting story. It's thanks to you the mystery is finally solved."

Chuuya's face contorted into a look of confusion and doubt. "Huh?"

Sayuri stood over Dazai's shoulder as he and Chuuya battled in a virtual game.

"Tell me who's behind it!" Chuuya shouted as he smacked the buttons on his side of the console.

"No way!" Dazai argued, calmly fighting back.

Sayuri sat down on the stool beside Dazai, resting her elbow on the console she was sitting at. She placed her chin in her hand, knowing that Dazai was going to win this game. She had never been able to beat him and she was pretty good.

"You don't get it, do you?!" Chuuya claimed, his playing getting progressively more aggressive.

There was no way he was gonna lose this after Dazai made a bet that the lower would have to follow the winner's orders like a dog.

"Oh, I do. Unlike a certain grade-school kid I happen to know!"

"Come on, come on! You're. Never gonna win if you're always on the defensive!" Chuuya cried.

"Aww. Too bad for you," Dazai replied calmly before hitting his power move, electrocution Chuuya's avatar which drained his health.

"Hang on a second!" Chuuya whined before he died in the game.

Sayuri giggled as the console announced the KO.

"Don't forget our little bet. Remember, we said whoever loses has to obey the winner's orders, just like a dog obeys it's master," Dazai spoke with a grin.

Chuuya groaned in defeat, dropping his head onto the console.

"Now, what ingenious thing could I have you do?" Dazai teased.

"I thought for sure I was gonna win!" Chuuya cried out as he shot up from his seat.

"Osa is the master of this game. You lost before you even started," Sayu said, grinning up at the ginger.

"The strength of your ability is actually your downfall," Dazai remarked with a bored expression. "In fact, it's so strong you never learned to be cunning or think strategically, whether it's video games or riddles."

"Riddles?! What the hell?! I've never even done a riddle before- let alone solved one!"

"Alright, why don't we have a little contest to see who can identify the black flame culprit first? If you win, then we can call it a day and we'll break off the bet we already made. But if I win, then I get to be your master, giving you doggie commands for life!"

"Fine! You got yourself a deal, buddy!" Chuuya shouted as he stood over the console dramatically. "I can't believe you don't think I'm cunning or strategic! What makes you even think that I would ever show you what I have up my sleeve?!"

"I have noticed that you keep your hand in your pockets whenever you attack an opponent. Does that have something to do with what you have up your sleeve?" Dazai pointed out which made Chuuya back down a bit.

"How I fight is none of your damn business," Chuuya grumbled as he turned his back to the two mafia members.

"I understand. So you're being lazy on purpose then?" Dazai teased with a grimace. "Hey, why is it that you want to find the God of fire, Arahabaki, in the first place? Why are you so interested?"

"I dunno? Why are you so hellbent on dying young?" Chuuya shot back as he turned to look at Dazai before he gasped, dropping to the floor quickly. He tugged his hood over his head tightly.

"What's wrong?" Dazai questioned as he peered over the game system.

"Just shut up for a second, okay?" Chuuya mumbled.

Dazai and Sayuri looked at each other in confusion before looking at the door to see what had freaked the ginger out so much.

They saw two kids around their age walk into the arcade and it hit them.

"Oh, I see," Sayuri said as she saw the blue bracelets that adorned both of the wrists of the newcomers.

"Look who it is. They're wearing those blue bracelets. They must be Sheep members, right? Is there a problem I don't know about?" Dazai spoke as he watched the two strangers.

"Does this seem like a good time for them to see me?" Chuuya whispered harshly.

Dazai shrugged and Sayuri saw the grin pop up on his face.

"Hey, Chuuya Nakahara! C'mon! Let's hurry and get to work! Boss' orders, ya know!"

Chuuya grit his teeth as he glared daggers at Dazai. "What are you?! A mental case?! Shut up, damnit!"

The two kids had already heard it though, running over to see Chuuya.

"Chuuya, there you are! We've been looking for ya," the gray haired boy claimed as he looked at the ginger.

"Oh, hey guys. I'm glad you're safe," Chuuya said as he pushed his hood off his head.

"Listen, Akira and Shougo were abducted by the Port Mafia," the boy continued which made Sayuri's smile grow a bit. "I say we pay them back right now. Let's attack their base and make those scrubs suffer. Just like we always do."

"Don't worry about them. We're actually dealing with it right now," Chuuya replied calmly.

"You're dealing with it?"

"Yup! We're dealing with it!" Dazai piped up as Sayu waved with her cheeky smile. "We got it all handled at the moment, but why don't you guys tell us what you know about Arahabaki? Got anything new?"

"Who the hell are those two?" The boy asked Chuuya with a lopsided grimace.

"Think they want to join us?" The pink haired girl finally spoke.

"That's one way to describe it," Chuuya grumbled. "I'm sorry, but would you guys mind just answering the question that he asked? Please."

"Sure, I guess," the boy replied slowly. "Well, based on the information we gathered just in the past week, rumors are off the charts about people seeing the former boss or witnessing the black flame."

"So what's the oldest rumor that can actually be confirmed?" Sayuri questioned as her eyes scanned the two Sheep members.

"Probably the one from eight years ago. When that giant explosion at the end of the conflict created Suribachi City. Haven't heard about Arahabaki causing any damage prior to that."

"Yeah, I thought that might be the case," Dazai replied.

"Really? These weirdos think their joining the Sheep?" The pink haired girl mocked with a grimace.

"The important thing is when are we gonna come up with a plan to get our guys back. They were abducted from the factory road past the river," the gray haired boy got them back on track.

"Hold on! You went past the river?" Chuuya shot up with a harsh look. "You went there to steal booze again, didn't you?! You know how close that is to the Port Mafia's base! It's right in the middle of the conflict, you fool! Don't you realize that's like asking to be abducted?!"

"Please stop yelling at us," the girl whined as she cowered behind her colleague.

"But don't we need to uphold our defense policy anyway? Think of it as a teachable moment," the gray haired boy replied shakily. "Lay your hands on the Sheep and we hit back a hundred times harder, right? Isn't that what you always say, Chuuya? Look, if someone has the ability to make things right, then it's their duty to step. I'm begging you to own that responsibility now and use your power!"

"Awesome!" Dazai interrupted as he grinned. "You two fellas are really quite interesting. It's clear that he's the strongest one of your little group by far. Yet he acts like a sheep in the eyes of wolves. It turns out it's not so easy leading an organization. It's a lot harder to pull off than one could imagine."

"Careful now," Chuuya warned as a dangerous glint passed through his eyes.

"Well, I'm sorry to say you can't take him with you! He's still got orders from the Port Mafia he needs to carry out," Sayuri announced cheerfully.

"Hey!"

"What're you talking about? That's impossible! Aren't I right, Chuuya?" The girl looked at her ginger friend expectantly.

"You're with the Port Mafia?" The gray haired boy whipped out a switch blade and pointed it at Dazai.

"Oh, my, I'm scared. You got me," Dazai cried dramatically as he held up his uncasted hand. "We'll do anything you ask, just don't kill us! Oh, I know. I can ask Mori to release the hostages as long as you spare me from any harm."

Dazai reached in his pocket and grabbed his phone, dialing Mori quickly.

"Hey, wait! Who the hell gave you permission to contact him, damnit?! Are you listening to me?! Hey!"

"Hi, Mori? Yeah. We're making good progress on the work you ordered. We're almost done. Actually, I wanted to ask you a favor. Is it possible you could release the Sheep hostages? Yup, that's right. Immediately. Unharmed. Sure. Bye."

After Dazai hung up, Sayu stood front the stool she was sitting on. The phone of the Sheep boy dinged.

"The guards are contacting me," he said in surprise.

"Seriously? They've been released?" The girl muttered.

"Just what are you playing at?"

Dazai stood up with a bored expression. "Are we done here? Let's go we've got some work to finish up."

"Work? Chuuya doesn't do work for anybody in the Port Mafia," pinkie pie said as she pranced over to hold onto Chuuya's arm.

"Yeah. And you have no more hostages," the other boy continued.

"C'mon, Chuuya, let's go," the girl said, trying to tug Chuuya away but he wouldn't budge. "Chuuya?"

"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid yiu guys will have to go without me."

"What are you talking about?!" The gray haired boy's eyes narrowed at the finger.

"Arahabaki comes first. I made a bet that I would find out who's behind it, and I'm not gonna lose that bet to him," Chuuya replied calmly.

"Are you kidding?! We're depending on you to teach our enemy a lesson!"

"Lay off him already," Sayuri spoke with a grimace. She had come to almost enjoy Chuuya being around and she didn't appreciate these two berating him for making his own choices. "He is perfectly capable of deciding for himself how he wishes to use his own power."

"Yeah. Even a five year old kid would be able to figure that much out," Dazai insulted. "This discussion's over."

Dazai turned with Sayu to leave the arcade so they could continue working.

"So are all the rumors about you actually true then? Have you really abandoned the Sheep to become a member of the Port Mafia?"

Chuuya grimaced at his friend. "It has nothing to do with the Port Mafia. This is my own problem."

Chuuya turned to follow Sayu and Dazai out of the arcade while his friends shouted at him from behind.

He clenched his eyes shut as he walked, feeling like he was letting his team down, but this was important to him.

"Don't worry, Chuuya. We'll be your friends," Sayuri said as she linked her arm with Chuuya's only for Dazai to scoff. "Well, I'll be your friend."

"Thanks, Oda," Chuuya mumbled.

"Call me Sayuri," she replied with a smile.

Eventually Chuuya went off, leaving Dazai and Sayuri so he could try and win the bet.

"So where are we off to?" Sayu questioned.

"The store. We have a new member of the Port Mafia to welcome."