The Senior Dazai Looked Up To

Yuki Shuma, holder of the ability "Free Space."

Within its boundaries, he has absolute dominion. He can freely rewrite and construct any matter in the space, without having any tangible effect on reality.

Even if he's dismembered, skinned alive, disemboweled, or beheaded, once he leaves the space, he'll be completely unharmed and full of energy, ready to eat five bowls of rice.

From jumping off buildings and swallowing pills to neck-stretching exercises, he's tried all kinds of ways to kill himself in the space. He's gained countless insights into suicide, compiled them into a book, and even had it published.

The book sold pretty well, but after trying every way to die, he ran out of ways and inspiration. At a restaurant, he complained to one of his fans about his creative block.

Fan: Hmm, that does sound really frustrating. How about trying a lovers' suicide?

A lovers' suicide? Great idea. I haven't tried that yet.

So he went to great lengths to set the scene for a lovers' suicide, choosing a river of such exquisite, mournful beauty that anyone who saw it would want to jump in.

Yuki Shuma was satisfied. Everything was ready; all he needed was someone to jump into the river with him.

He thought of the fan who had given him the idea.

*

The mysterious author of the legendary Complete Suicide Manual.

To have tried so many methods of suicide in one short life, he must be a senior who is both devoted to suicide and exceptionally good at putting plans into action.

A guiding light for suicidal endeavors, an expert in the field.

Dazai: If I really want to achieve the long-dreamed-of perfect suicide, I should learn from a senior in the field.

Yuki Shuma: But I haven't succeeded even once, have I?

*

Yuki Shuma: Poisonous mushrooms have different textures, too. The flesh of a death cap is thick and meaty, while the liberty cap can be a little bitter. Choose according to your personal preference.

Dazai: I see~

Yuki Shuma: Jumping into the water with your shoes on is as unpleasant as drinking milk tea without a straw.

Dazai: Sometimes I have that problem too.

Yuki Shuma: Even if you can't die in a meaningful way, you should at least avoid causing trouble for others.

Dazai: Exactly! Shuma-kun and I think exactly alike.

Yuki Shuma: For example, jumping off a building disrupts traffic. It's the worst way to go.

Dazai: Hmm...

Theme: Bloom brilliantly in the face of adversity