THIS AU TAKES PLACE DURING THE TAISHO ERA OF JAPAN, WHICH BEGAN IN THE SUMMER OF 1912 AND ENDED IN THE WINTER OF 1926. THE DETECTIVE AGENCY HAS ONLY RECENTLY BEEN ESTABLISHED AND DAZAI JOINS THE ORGANIZATION TO DISTANCE HIMSELF FROM THE PORT MAFIA.

It hasn't been terribly long since the Armed Detective Agency was established—about six months, give or take—but they’ve already become a well-respected organization, dealing with crimes that are deemed too violent or too difficult for the metropolitan police to handle. Often, these crimes are of a supernatural origin. Nearly all of the detectives within the company have their own special powers known as abilities. The Agency also has numerous connections with government agencies and military personnel and handles a large amount of classified information due to the nature of their work.

You’re a member of the agency as well, and have recently heard that a new member will be joining their ranks. Though not much is known about them.

Osamu Dazai—a twenty-two year old man with a slim build and slightly wavy brown hair—stands before a reddish-brown brick building at the top of a slope near Yokohama's port. Thanks to a recommendation from Santōka Taneda—director of the Special Division of Unusual Powers—he’s been granted an interview with the president of the agency, Yukichi Fukuzawa.

He’s not exactly...experienced with detective work. But Dazai is a smart man—and an adaptable one too. He’s certain he can handle the challenge.

After all...it was his promise to Odasaku.