Dazai's Mom, but a Pirate

I, Edward Selena, am a notorious pirate. After an unexpected transmigration, I became the matriarch of the Tsushima family in another world.

As a daughter of the free seas, Selena refused to accept a feudal marriage. So, during her first week in this world, she packed up her son and left the Tsushima household.

A certain six-year-old bandage enthusiast: "Where are we going, Mother?"

Selena pointed grandly. "Yokohama. It's close to the sea, so it's convenient to set sail."

*

Dazai knew his mother was already dead. Someone else was now inside her body.

Although that person had his mother's looks, voice, and identity, and smiled just like her, she truly was someone else.

"I'm Selena. What's your name, little one?"

Because his real mother would never pinch his cheek and squat down in such an undignified pose to ask his name.

"Little one, want some cake? I made it myself. You don't have to pay."

Because his real mother couldn't cook, let alone put on such a shrewd, money-minded act.

"I'm leaving this place. Do you want to come with me, Shuji?"

Because his real mother would never have the courage to leave the Tsushima household and take him along.

/

Although, although Selena wasn't a noble and elegant matriarch of the Tsushima family, she was strong and resolute, occasionally a little careless, and a wonderful cook. So Dazai decided to call her "Mother" for the time being.

But when he called her that, the woman ruffled his hair until he was wobbling from side to side.

"Why call me Mother? Sounds like a hassle. Just call me Mom, or Ma is fine too. That's what I call my old man."

/

Selena, or rather, Mom, was an incredibly easygoing woman.

She often forgot where she'd put her things, forgot what work she had that day, and even forgot the date of her inauguration as the head of the Port Mafia.

But sometimes she could be meticulous, remembering a great many things about Dazai.

"Surprise! Here's your birthday present for this year, Shuji!"

"It's been pretty cold lately. Remember to wear a few extra layers."

"Even though I'm working overtime, you still have to eat breakfast, Shuji. Don't make me come home and beat you up."

"..."

/

In the end, Dazai Osamu never told Selena that he loved her.

But Selena would say:

"I love you. And of course, I know you love me too."

Dazai never disagreed.

Reader Advisory:

1. There may be some out-of-character moments. This is my take on Dazai.

2. Daily life and plot have a 2:1 ratio, and food takes up a big part of the daily-life sections, since I originally wanted to write a food story.

3. Selena will have romantic relationships. Dazai will have multiple stepfathers, one relationship ending before the next begins.

4. At its heart, this is a story about raising a child.

Premise: Good things can heal anything