The Guild Arc

The Guild Arc (編,) is the second story arc in Bungo Stray Dogs and is the second story arc in the Ability Wars Saga. It introduces a new group of antagonists, The Guild.

Synopsis
Led by Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, a foreign ability-based organization named the Guild attempts to take over Yokohama. With this new enemy rising, the old bones of contention are put aside and the distinction between foes and allies is blurred as the Agency has to ensure his survival.

Arrival of Guild in Yokohama
The agency learns who is responsible for the 7 billion bounty over Atsushi which is the Guild, a North American group of ability users. Suddenly, the Guild arrives with their helicopter parked on the road. Fitzgerald, who is accompanied by two other Guild members, meets with Yukichi Fukuzawa with the offer to buy the agency's skilled business permit. However, Fukuzawa firmly refuses the offer, stating that it can't be bought. After failing to make a deal, Fitzgerald and his members leave the agency office, Fitzgerald stating that he'll have a message printed tomorrow morning and tells Fukuzawa to take a good look it.

The next morning, a seven-story building has disappeared, along with Kenji Miyazawa too. Kunikida orders Tanizaki and Atsushi to look for him. In the middle of their search they, along with a group of civillians, are caught in a certain Guild member's ability. The Guild member reveals Kenji and Naomi trapped in a room. The Guild member introduces herself as Lucy, and declares a play with Anne, her ability to which many people escape from fear. A doctor remains with them, insisting that he is looking for a young girl. Tanizaki and Atsushi both face Anne, but the the former is caught in a blink.

With the dilemma of facing the enemy alone, Astushi tries to escape in panic, but is stopped by the doctor they were with in the room. Soon after, Atsushi is caught and is dragged into the dark room. Lucy then tries to get rid of the doctor but however, upon facing him, she feels fear and terror and tells Lucy that she has lost the fight. Lucy looks back only to find Atsushi trying to hold himself from being dragged. It is revealed that Tanizaki used his Light Snow to trick Lucy into thinking Atsushi had been trapped. Shortly after, Atsushi drags Lucy and threatens to cancel her ability, or else she would get dragged into the dark room. With no choice, Lucy is force to cancel her ability, making them go back to the real world.

After the battle, Atsushi tries to approach Lucy but the latter runs away. Meanwhile, the young girl named Elise approaches the doctor telling that she wants to make him cry in case she disappeared. Kyōka runs towards Atsushi during the situation. The doctor gives his farewell to Atsushi and tells him an advice. After the doctor leaves, Kyōka is frozed in the spot. Short after, the doctor and Elise arrive at the spot where Port Mafia members are currently gathered. It reveals a scene where a man was killed by the mafia which turns out to be a Guild assassin. The doctor is revealed to be Ōgai Mori, the leader of Port Mafia and declares that the agency and Guild should be crushed.

Kyōka and Atsushi are given a job to deliver an evidence to the judge at the Yokohama District Court. However, they were scolded after the job after Kyōka manage to stun the judge during her infiltration at the court. After the job, Kyōka's phone suddenly rings and a command has been heard telling that those who approached Kyōka should be punished - resulting for Demon Snow to stab Atsushi. The person who gave the command reveals to to be Kōyō Ozaki, a Port Mafia executive. Kōyō tries to bring back Kyōka to the mafia but Atsushi refuses telling that her powers are to be used for the agency. Shortly after, Kōyō attacks Atsushi with her ability.

Kōyō proceeds for Kyōka to go back to the mafia but the latter refuses. As a result, Kōyō threatens to take Atsushi's life. Kyōka is forced to go back due to Kōyō's threat. As they are going back, Kyōka tries to attack Kōyō and commands Demon Snow. Meanwhile, two other Guild members also arrive at Yokohama. Kōyō and Kyōka engages in a battle. During their battle, Kōyō reveals that Demon Snow murdered her parents causing Kyōka to lose the battle. Eventually, Port Mafia guards arrive at the scene. During the commotion, Kenji and Kunikida arrive to save Atsushi. Just as the two organizations will engage in a battle, the remaining Guild members makes their appearance leaving the agency and mafia heavily injured.

Declaration of Three-Way Battle
After the sudden Guild attack, Chūya updates Mori about the agency taking Kōyō to their custody which led to Mori's decision to kill the head of the agency so they could fully focus on resisting the Guild. Meanwhile, Fukuzawa is out for a walk and relays an order to Kunikida to gather the members at the Bankoudou Hall. He is then attacked by assassins but have defeated all of them. At S.S. Zelda, Fitzgerald is seen together with Steinbeck telling that Yokohama will be his.

Fukuzawa arrives at the Bankodou Hall stating that they should protect the agency from both the Guild and mafia and had Dazai explain their plan. Dazai explains their plan by dividing their force into groups of offensive and defense teams. Chūya relays an update to Mori about their attack with Fukuzawa which left him marks during his counter with the assassins. All the leaders of the organizations declares an three-way war between the organizations.

Attack on S.S. Zelda
Margaret Mitchell is seen attending to her duties in the S.S. Zelda with Nathaniel Hawthorne. A worker approaches them delivering a letter which contains Mori stating that he plans on eliminating the S.S. Zelda and the lives of both Mitchell and Hawthorne. Soon after, the ship workers fin a suspicious man, which reveals to be Motojirō Kajii. Hawthorne activates his ability and attacks Kajii. He eventually mocks Kajii's bombs stating that it takes no special skill to build it and throws one at Motojiro.

After the explosion, Kajii is seen left unharmed revealing that his lemon bombs can't hurt him. Soon after, many bombs are release from an aircraft causing Mitchell and Hawthorne to withdraw and escape from the luxury liner. During the escape, they encounter the Guild secretary to which his body contains bombs. However, Hawthorne is able to protect both him and Mitchell from the explosion. After regrouping with the other ship workers, they were attacked by Akutagawa.

Akutagawa and Hawthorn engage in a battle leaving Mitchell heavily injured after the battle.

Bankoudou Hall Negotiation Offer
Meanwhile the mafia has found out the agency's hideout and has sent Chūya for an attack. The agency sents out Yosano and and Kenji to face. Chūya gives an offer to Fukuzawa on the chance of targeting the Guild - giving him the location and time where they will be. After the proposal, Yosano and Kenji engaged in a battle with Chūya. Suspicious with the offer, Fukuzawa asks Chūya if the offer really ends with it, Fukuzawa silently orders Ranpo to use his ability to know the enemy's goal. Chūya reveals that they use the agency's clerks as baits for the Guild attack - making agency eventually clashing with the Guild.

Agency Clerks' Evacuation
At the guesthouse where Naomi and Haruno, the two immediately vacates the place after hearing about the Guild's arrival. However, they are caught during their escape on the road. Kunikida and Tanizaki arrive on time saving the two clerks from Steinbeck's ability. Kunikida faces Steinbeck eventually restraining him. However, Lovecraft uses his ability, restraining both Tanizaki and Kunikida.

Naomi and Haruno are on their way to catch the train for the escape when once more they are stopped by Steinbeck's vines. Meanwhile, Tanizaki uses illusion to attack the Guild causing a truck to not see themon the road and crashing to both Steinbeck and Lovecraft leaving Haruno and Naomi being able to catch the train for their escape. After the crash, the two are arrested by the police.

Release of Q
Atsushi and Dazai is seen waiting for the clerks' arrival at a train station when Dazai excuses himself claiming that his stomach has gone bad after eating dog food. Soon after, Dazai orders someone to reveal themselves which reveals to be Gin. Higuchi also shows herself to Dazai and relays a message from Mori if Dazai has any interest in returning to the mafia leadership.

Naomi and Haruno finally arrive at the station with Atsushi escorting them. Higuchi reveals that Mori has released Q from the cell, and informing Dazai about it is his for own safety. Naomi introduces a young child they meet at the train station. The child activates their ability causing Haruno to attack Atsushi. Atsuhi knocks out Haruno. Dazai then soon realizes that Q must have affected Atsushi thus him rushing back to train station. Eventually, Dazai snaps Atsushi out of it realizing that he is the one who is affected by the ability all along and been attacking Haruno and Naomi. Dazai nullifies the ability. Q then bids goodbye to Dazai to which the latter vows to "pluck" Q's heart next time. Dazai then tells that it's time to drag the government to the war.

Capture of Atsushi by the Guild
Meanwhile, the Guild plans their next operation at their headquarters. Atsushi visits the confined Kōyō and talks about Kyōka. Kōyō reveals that Dazai made deal with him tthat if they are able to find and rescue Kyōka, she will wait patiently and later on tells Atsushi to take care of her. Dazai meets up with Ango and reveals that the Guild is making their move. Ango responds that the Special Division for Unusual Powers have been keeping tabs on them as well - the Guild being a "secret society" and having diplomatic contacts. During their drive, Ango warns Dazai when a car crashed on them.

Atsushi is waiting for Dazai when Fitzgerald appears before him. Fitzgerald attacks Atushi rendering the latter being unable to move. Kyōka appears and saves Atsushi and runs away from Fitzgerald. During their escape, Atsushi tries to get help from the police teling that they've been attacked. Just as the police is about to report the incident, he received an urgent emergency about a 14 year old serial murderer in a kimono. Just then, Kyōka attacks the police officer causing to Atsushi to drag Kyōka and flee the scene. However, they are soon stopped by Fitzgerald who takes Atsushi with them at the Moby Dick. Kyōka is left at the scene and is arrested for multiple counts of murder.

The Incineration of Yokohama
Hawthorne is seen waking up and Mitchell is currently in a coma state due to the sustained injuries she received after their battle with Akutagawa. Fitzgerald soon demands for Louisa May's emergency plan.

Meanwhile, Q is captured by the Guild as a weapon for their emergency plan which utilizes Steinbeck's ability and Q's ability to invoke curse to the citizens of Yokohama. Fitzgerald soon reveals that they have captured Atsushi to serve as a guide in obtaining the book and in order to easily find it, they need to get rid most of Yokohama's citizens. Fitzgerald soon launches their plan and ripped the doll's head causing the curse to be activated.

Atsushi is locked in a room when Lucy appears before him. Atsushi tries to ask for her help in order to be able to save everyone. However, she expresses her anger to Atsushi telling that he'll maybe understand the suffering she felt. Atsushi emphatizes with her revealing also his traumatized childhood. Eventually, Lucy agrees to help Atsushi - freeing him from the Moby Dick.

Atsushi successfully delivers the doll to Dazai and is able to deactivate the curse. After Yokohama's been all cleared by the curse, Atsushi suggests to ally with the Port Mafia. He states that they are the strongest in all of Yokahama and there are no better group to ally other than them.

Alliance of Agency and Port Mafia
After Q's curse, Fukuzawa asks Dazai regarding an update with the secret meeting with Mori. Kunikida confused about the conversation asks Dazai why he is responsible for the organizating the meeting to which Dazai tells Kunikida that he is an ex-mafia, much to the latter's shock. Port Mafia had suffered casualties after the curse. Kōyō delivers a letter to Mori regarding the secret meeting with the agency.

Soon after the two leaders meet with Fukuzawa telling that the alliance was proposed by Atsushi. However, Fukuzwa refuses the idea and instead proposes an interim ceasefire between the two organizations. On the other side, Mori refuses to have a ceasefire as the mafia's honor and trust have been broken by the agency before. As a response, Fukuzawa proposes to settle their accounts at the place and attacks the Black Lizard. It was then revealed that an illusion of Fukuzawa is the one who appeared during the meeting. Fukuzawa gives his final notice to Mori to not interrupt the geancy as they will move to retrieve Q from the Guild.

Later on, Dazai is sent to retrieve Q when is he cornered by the Guild on the way. Suddenly, Chūya appears out of nowhere and attacks both Lovecraft and Steinbeck - which appears as Mori's plan to have a united anti-Guild front.

Dazai and Chūya soon successfully retrieves Q. However, on their way out, they were attacked by Lovecraft, eventually revealing that his ability is not ability after all as he cannot cancel it. Dazai and Chūya fail to inflict harm and damage to Lovecraft. Eventually, Lovecraft transforms into his full form.

The two then tries to figure out how will they deal with Lovecraft and Dazai suggests for Chūya to use his Corruption. Chūya unleashes his corruption and attacks Lovecraft at all directions. Meanwhile, Dazai threatens Steinbeck to reveal Lovecraft's weakness as its arms kept coming back even though Chūya cut them off. Steinbeck accidentally let slip that nothing can kill Lovecraft from the outside in that form. Dazai then triggers a bomb inside Lovecraft causing it to explode and eventually defeating it.

Moby Dick Infiltration
Ranpo is given an invitation by a Guild member to a game of deduction in exchange of giving them the Guid's weakness - a way to infiltrate the Moby Dick. The Guild member reveals to be Edgar Allan Poe, who has a grudge on Ranpo after being defeated by him six years ago. Ranpo accepts the challenge and both he and Yosano are transported into a novel.

Eventually, Ranpo solves the mystery behind the novel. After getting out of the novel, Ranpo reveals that he recalled their match six years ago as it is the first time a detective had given him chills and is able to get the intel for the Moby Dick.

Ranpo and Dazai hold a strategy meeting on defeating Guild. Meanwhile, other Guild members have evacuated from the Moby Dick. Dazai visits the hospitalized Ango after the car crash and asks for a favor to help Kyōka who is currently held in a dron aircraft.

Meanwhile, Tanizaki and Atsushi arrive at the library in order to use the Special Division's Night Crow to infiltrate the Moby Dick. Shortly after, Tanizaki is piloting the attack craft and uses his ability to hide the mechanism. Atsushi successfully infiltrates the Moby Dick and sees Herman. He reveals that most Guild members have been evacuated and tells Atsushi that the Guild's next strike to land will reduce all the organization's enemies to ashes. Hearing this, Dazai still tells Atsushi that they will not be changing their plan to seize control of the Moby Dick and keep it aloft. As Atsushi is on his way to the control terminal, Atsushi encounters Akutagawa.

Battle at Moby Dick
After encountering Akutagawa, Atsushi immediately tries to attack Akutagawa. Dazai hearing their battle conversation and telling that they have no time to deal with him orders Atsuhi to give the communicator to Akutagawa having Atsushi a chance to escape.

Soon after, Atsushi arrives to where the control terminal which is held by Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald activates his ability and attacks Atsushi. They are then interrupted by Akutagawa's appearance whose sole target is Atsushi. Meanwhile, Dazai tries to speak with Kyōka and tries to give her instructions to land the drone but Kyōka refuses.

In the middle of Akutagawa's continuous pursuit of Atsushi in order to kill him, Fitzgerald attacks Akutagawa. As the Moby Dick slowed down and enters its final descent on land, Akutagawa and Atushi flee away from the scene.

Dazai, on the other hand, continues to talk to Kyōka and tries to save her. Soon after, Fitzgerald, Atsushi and Akutagawa arrive at Moby Dick's top. With Akutagawa's continous attempt to be seen as strong by Dazai, Akutagawa asks Fitzgerald if defeating him will not make him a wekaling anymore to which Fitzgerald guarantees to it. As a result, Aktuagawa attacks Fitzgerald. Soon after, Atsushi joins the fight.

Fitzgerald unleashes his greatest power and fights Atsushi and Akutagawa, resulting to Fitzgerald's defeat and fall from the Moby Dick.

Crash of Moby Dick
After the defeat of Fitzgerald, Atsushi and Akutagawa get hold of the control terminal, however they fail to stop the descent as it is not accepting any input. The two then head to the pilot room and Herman reveals that someone from the outside have already override the controls. Suddenly, Kyōka contacts them from the airdone telling that theyre is a way to prevent the crash of Mody Dick to the land by smashing the drone against it. Atsushi learns that Kyōka cannot escape from the drone as she is chained. Kyōka orders them to escape on their own. As the crash is nearing, Atsushi refuses to go but Akutagawa forceefully drags him. Shortly after, the Moby Dick together with the drone crashes to the sea.

After landing, Dazai and Fukuzawa are seen waiting for them. It is revealed that Kyōka has survived the crash since Fukuzawa use his ability on her since she passed the entrance exam. Atsushi is relieve to see Kyōka alive. Meanwhile, Dazai gives praise to Akutagawa for getting stronger. Atsushi, Dazai, and Kyōka are soon joined by other agency members.

Aftermath
After the crash of the Moby Dick, the Guild members decide to take care of their future plans - Louisa May to look for Fitzgerald, Twain continuing his "Adventures of Mark Twain" and Steinbeck to lead the insurrection against Fitzgerald. On the other hand, Herman is approached by Ango in order to get information about the Guild since he is the Guild's leader two generations ago.

At the agency office, the agency members welcome Kyōka as an official member of the agency. During the celebration, Kunikida gives his praise to the two for the work well done. Atsushi also gives his apology to Haruno and Naomi for hurting them when he was affected by Q's curse. Chūya also celebrates with Kōyō and Mori after the war. Meanwhile, Hawthorne is seen to have been scouted by a man named Fyodor Dostoevsky.

Appearances
{| class="boxcharacters" style="width: 100%; margin-top: 1em; background-color: #161616; border: 1px solid #cf1020;" cellspacing="3" cellpadding="2" ! style="margin: 0; background-color: #af111c; font-size: 110%; font-weight: bold; text-align: center; color:white; padding:5px;" |Characters


 * }

Impact

 * The Guild is introduced.
 * After the war, the Guild was disbanded.
 * Kyōka becomes an official member of the agency.
 * Hawthorne has been scouted by Fyodor Dostoevsky.