miserable and lonely youth
When the letter comes, it is only somewhat a surprise.
Mikan had noticed the talent scout shadowing her for days. It had become something of a game between her and Osamu; who can spot the scout first? Oh, he's talented, sure . Most kids wouldn't be able to see him shadowing them. But Mikan isn't like most kids; she's a member of the Port Mafia. And so, picking out the scout had been easy.
Guessing why she was being followed was more complicated. It could have been an enemy organization; it could be the government, the police; they had no way of knowing just who wanted to observe her or the why . That whole week, Mikan made sure not to do anything illegal, only going to Mori's clinic and the hospital. A boring week, but one that paid off: Hope's Peak Academy had no clue she was Port Mafia.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have gotten a letter. Funny thing about Hope's Peak—the Kuzuryu family donated to it, and had for years. In exchange, Hope's Peak was friendly with the clan, despite it's criminal activity—even accepting the heir into the school to show its appreciation.
But because it was associated with Yakuza, it couldn't be associating with enemy organizations of that Yakuza… including the Port Mafia.
To be fair, the Kuzuryu clan was non-hostile towards the Port Mafia, but non-hostile didn't mean ally . It just meant that there was a silent pact to not get involved in each other's business — including Hope's Peak. This was especially true after the previous boss had declared war on them; though Mori was running the whole thing now, the Port Mafia, on a whole, was “on thin ice.”
“So then, is it wise if I accept this letter?”
Mikan blinks up at Dr. Mori with worried eyes. The doctor merely waved away her question, smiling winningly. “Why, my dear Mikan, don't you think the potential to make allies with the next Fuyuhiko clan leader is worth the risk of upsetting them? Hope's Peak sent you the offer; we did nothing to force it's hand. In such a case, it's Hope's Peak who has made the error.”
Osamu spins restlessly in Dr. Mori's other chair, round and round and round as the chair wheels squeak. A clear attempt to annoy him; judging by how his eyebrows keep twitching, it's working. “But does Mikan-chan reaaaally have to accept? It'd be boring without her!” Osamu complains.
Mori sighs, deep and heavy. “Osamu. You know the benefits to this.”
Osamu stops spinning, turning to scowl at Mori. “And I also know the risks .”
Mori disagreed. “The benefits outweigh the risks, Dazai.”
Mikan's eyes trailed between them. “I don't really w-want to be separated from Osamu…”
Mori waved it away, “You've been with us for over a year now, Mikan-chan, and I've noticed you're awfully dependent on Dazai. This will be a way to branch out.”
“...” Mikan didn't need to say she didn't want to ‘branch out’; Mori already knew that. “...Is this an order , Mori-san?”
His eyes sharpened, and he smiled. “Only if you make it be, my dear,” he returned. “And please—do keep the Dr., won't you?”
Mikan fought a scowl of her own. Even her subtle ways of expressing her disapproval were shot down. “Of course, Dr. Mori.”
“Thank you, my dear.”
He smiled at her, pleased, and she wished she could take her scalpel and stab at his smug, irritating face. His eyes, likely. They curve upwards with his joy of having the upper hand.
Osamu pouts. “Mori-senseeiii, you're going to make me go without my favorite dog! Chuuya is too busy with Piano Man and all his tagalongs to play, and I'll been sooo lonely without either of my puppies to play with!”
Mikan giggles, charmed; Mori sighs, exasperated.
“Osamu, why don't you ‘play’ with the Young Bloods too? If I'm not mistaken, isn't Chuuya's first year anniversary of being in the Mafia coming up? Why not celebrate with all of them?”
“Hmmm. Maybe!” Osamu spun once more in his chair. “I still don't like this, though. You're sending my poor puppy to the lion's den! Does she even know what she's getting into?”
Mori sent him a warning look, and Mikan spoke up, “What am I getting into, Osamu?”
“I was going to explain.” Mori frowned at her address towards him. “Mikan, dear, eyes back here.” He even snaps to try and get her wandering attention, and both Osamu and Mikan scowled at him. “I'm more than qualified to explain.”
“Then do so, idiot doctor!” Osamu snaps, annoyed, “Don't send her in knowing nothing; that's how people die on these missions, you know?”
Another smarmy smile, “Of course, Osamu.” He simpered.
“It's Dazai, to you.” He rolled his eyes, “Only cute girls like Mikan-chan can call me Osamu!”
“Of course, of course.” Mori chuckled. “Well, Dazai-san is right about there being dangers. Part of this job is to get information on Hope's Peak, as we know they have ties to the criminal underworld, but not the full extent. They are an unknown quantity, and one you will be trying to know. Your missions, essentially, would be to investigate Hope's Peak and make allies with your fellow students; connections that will benefit us. Any blackmail you can get on the Academy would be greatly appreciated, dear.”
Mikan nodded, eyes glancing back at Osamu. “Is that everything you were concerned about, Osamu?”
Mori's eyebrows twitched. Osamu smirks, aiming a smug look at him, before turning towards her. “Glad you asked, my beautiful nurse! Well… to be honest, he summarized the main parts. The thing that concerns me is… well, they've been getting involved with ability users, seemingly. It's making a stir in the criminal underground, to an extent — they're hiring a lot of scientists, you know. And we don't know why. That's never a good sign. That's what worries me; the fact that there's so many unknowns…” He sighs, tugging irritably at his hair. “I'd rather someone else be sent on this mission. You're too valuable to lose.”
“Evidently,” Mikan turns to stare dead-eyed at Mori, “Not to him.”
“Oh, come now, dear,” Mori smiles soothingly, “You are, of course, the gem of the Mafia. Where would we be without our little nurse? It is merely that I have faith in our dearest Mikan. Something that, it seems, you are lacking.”
Osamu scoffs. “ Of course Mikan can take whatever Hope's Peak has to offer; I'm just saying, why risk her if it's not necessary? Someone less qualified would be perfectly fine to send.”
“Ah, but see, they didn't get invited.”
“So what? The Reserve Course exists for a reason, you know!”
Mori's lips press. “Osamu, you seem rather attached to this toy of yours…”
Osamu bristled. “She was my first toy, so isn't that natural?” He deflected. “...But, fine , I get it. She's the best girl for the job… it'll just be so lonely without my puppy to cuddle in the night!” He gestured with his arms dramatically. “But, you know. For the Mafia or whatever.”
“Thank you, Osamu. Just remember: if you get in the way of Mikan's missions, or her yours, I can always take your toys away.” Mori smiled. “Now, Mikan, darling, why don't you pen your acceptance? I'm sure your time at Hope's Peak is sure to be eventful.”