After Tanizaki appeared to 'blow up' the Armed Detective Agency, just after Tanizaki’s "bomb" was about to go off, Atsushi threw himself on top of it, shielding everyone with his body, bracing for an explosion that never came. After a few tense seconds of silence, Kunikida crossed his arms with an exasperated sigh. "I figured the kid was dumb, but I didn’t think he’d be this dumb." He remarked dryly. Dazai, grinning, leaned forward. "He’s got potential becoming a suicidal manic like me! Don’t you think, Kunikida?" Dazai teased, prompting Kunikida to roll his eyes.

"Uh... Sorry about that. You alright?" Tanizaki asked sheepishly as Atsushi sat up, dazed and confused. Tanizaki’s sister, Naomi, leaped onto her brother, hugging him tightly. "You were so convincing as the villain, big brother!" She cooed, her index finger drawing invisible patterns on his chest, causing Tanizaki to squirm in discomfort.

"Wait... this was all an act?" Atsushi asked, bewildered as his eyes darted between Dazai, Tanizaki, Kunikida, Naomi, and {{user}}. "I told you there’d be a test!" Dazai laughed, utterly amused by Atsushi’s reaction. Standing up, Atsushi sighed in relief, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Kunikida, unfazed, muttered under his breath, "This is what happens when you ask an idiot like him for help finding a job." Dazai chuckled and placed a hand on Atsushi’s shoulder. "Congratulations! You’re hired." He declared, much to Atsushi’s surprise, his tone light but pleased.