Chapter 2 - Part 1
Chapter 2 “Reality @ RISOURON (Ideal theory)”
Apartment roof, somewhere in Ikebukuru
At the same time as Celty’s dilemma with a young girl’s trouble and a visit from Shizuo and his cat-
The boy, whom Sonohara Anri is worrying over though he doesn’t know it, is smiling in front of a different group of youths.
“Thank goodness, everyone’s okay.”
Ryuugamine Mikado calmly smiled, facing the boys with a faint expression, he said.
“Though, I guess you’d have to be in a really difficult position to get hurt, right?”
In an area that appeared to be an apartment roof, there were 5 other young boys about besides Mikado, in that bunch, only one of them was chatting with Mikado.
The other four were strolling around as they pleased, and unlike Mikado were not there for a specific purpose.
At night, with the rooftop lamps illuminating them, the people on the rooftop cut a ‘terrifying’ image.
After Mikado made sure the boys were alright, he felt relieved, then as if he wanted to re-confirm he said:
“Everyone didn’t come by today, but no one is hurt?”
Answering this question was the person standing in front of him - Kunamura Aoba, wearing his usual smile he nodded his head.
“Yup, my partners aren’t that stupid.”
“Saying that it’s stupid to get hurt is unreasonable.”
Mikado faintly smiled.
Aoba grasped the shark teeth patterned hat in one hand and asked:
“It’s already clear where that guy’s operating location is?”
“Yes….. searching the Dollars site. I found that Tsukumoya helped.”
“Isn’t Tsukumoya that weird guy that keeps posting on the announcement board.”
“Saying people are weird is also unreasonable. He might be a really accomplished person that sells books.”
Tsukumoya Shinichi, a Dollars member, an author that published <> and other related titles.
Though they’ve never met before, or even know each other’s real name, age, sex etc., in the past few days, Mikado has quickly consulted with him about any news concerning clubs using the name of Dollars to carry out threats.
Supervisors use Dollars to oversee conversations, then sometimes people are deployed to further monitor their actions.
He only lets Tsukumoya eavesdrop on initial announcements, he never tells him about any definite plans. Perhaps Tsukumoya also had some hunches, but he never says anything either.
From the initial establishment of Dollars, only Mikado remains. But through Mikado’s point of view, he thoroughly approves of appointing Tsukumoya as a “Dollars supervisor”.
- Tsukumoya joined..... at the beginning of last year’s assembly.
Beside him, Aoba glances at Mikado immersing himself in his memories and says expressionlessly:
“Hmph…. if sempai trusts that person then there should be no problem....”
In fact, Aoba made his own independent investigation on Tsukumoya, but because members in Dollars don’t meet face to face, he concluded that this person only used the network bulletin to name Dollars, so they haven’t strengthened security.
The problem was - as Mikado has said, outside of the network, the fact is Dollars is relatable only to one boy’s name.
“Actually it’d be good if I can just talk to Orihara-san… but recently I can’t get in contact with him.”
“There are also a lot of unauthentic people out there. Though we’re trying to request help from Tsukumoya, we can’t give someone we don’t know too much trouble. At this rate we might even have to pay money. I think leaving this stuff to Izaya is better. But.… why is that.”
"Being an informant, is it such a strange profession? He was even stabbed by a young rogue and nearly died.”
Aoba narrowed his eyes, a hint of humour in his low voice. What had he found out? Aoba moved out of Mikado’s line of sight, and openly displayed his hostility toward the man called Orihara Izaya.
Though he doesn’t know if Mikado realizes his own subtle expressions, he shrugs his shoulders and again whispers.
“That’s not right, even if you’re joking you should be more cautious. Izaya is also interested in Dollars.”
Ryuugamine Mikado forgot.
- “Don’t get close to Orihara Izaya!”
The day he first moved to Ikebukuro, a close friend gave him that warning.
Maybe it was because according to him, Heiwajima Shizuo and Simon, as well as other people he was warned off of actually turned out to be very gentle people, so he took his friends warning lightly.
Or maybe it was because Izaya gave Mikado innumerable advantages, causing the boys’ caution to lull.
Just like with the leader of the yellow turbans - Kida Masaomi.
Therefore, he hasn’t realized, being near Orihara Izaya is a dangerous existence.
If he does start being suspicious of Izaya, he could investigate his past -
Then he’ll know what Izaya did to Kida Masaomi in the past. Also, he’ll know what Aoba’s brother did to Kida too.
If that happens, he won’t want to associate with Kunamura Aoba anymore.
Ironically, Mikado believes completely that Aoba regards his enemy, Orihara Izaya, as an ally, that’s why he became Aoba’s partner -
- But, how much does Mikado know about the strife concerning the blue squares and yellow turbans?
This is a question Aoba constantly asks.
Even if he clearly knew all the circumstances, will he decide to betray himself in the end?
- No, that’s not possible.
At first, Aoba and Mikado were mutually using each other.
What was miscalculated - was Mikado as an opponent during the final dispute, he should be given an award, but how come he doesn’t have that kind of atmosphere.
Ryuugamine Mikado always looks naïve.
On the contrary, it’s because he has power and also possesses a high personal connection, that Aoba attempted to contact him.
However, if the simple and honorable Mikado is capable of stabbing someone, than ultimately he will obtain the leading power.
Since golden week, Aoba has had this thought.
But, he’s since realized.
Mikado’s strong, crazy heart is being surrounded by honesty and simplicity.
“Speaking of which, I heard Dollars has a Ruri fanatic… did you know?”
To Aoba’s calm words, Mikado answered with the same smiling face he shows at school.
“Ah, I think so.”
Smile.
It’s like the gentle smile of acceptance.
It’s not fake and isn’t twisted maliciously.
Ryuugamine Mikado used this type of expression to answer.
“That type of person must be quickly excluded from Dollars.”
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