Chapter 9 (Vertical Comic)

Chapter 9 is the ninth chapter of the Bungo Stray Dogs (Vertical Comic).

Summary
After the bomb reaches to zero and nothing happens, Atsushi slowly opens his eyes to see Kunikida, Dazai, and the bomber standing calmly next to each other as they looked over Atsushi. Kunikida says how much of a fool he thinks Atsushi is but not to the extent of what Atsushi just did. Dazai laughs at how good of a suicide enthusiast Atsushi would make. Atsushi lets out a confused face and response and suddenly the hostage tackles the bomber into a hug. Still confused as to what is going on, Kunikida tells Atsushi he should blame Dazai or himself for asking Dazai to help him find a job. Dazai reveals that the entire situation was an entrance exam.

Suddenly, a man enters the room, Yukichi Fukuzawa, the president of the Armed Detective Agency. Kunikida bows to him. Fukuzawa recalls how Dazai informed him about a "promising" man and wanted to text his veracity. Dazai reveals that he have recommeded Atsushi but was apprehensive because of his reputation as a dangerous wild beast and having a debate on whether they should protect him, resulting to staging the entrance exam.

Kunikida asks what his decision is and he leaves it to Dazai to decide. Dazai tells Atsushi that he's passed the exam, welcoming him to the agency. Atsushi is still stunned, and the bomber and hostage introduce themselves as Jun'ichirō Tanizaki and his little sister Naomi as she hugs Tanizaki suggestively. Atsushi says that the agency is much too reckless for him, Dazai says it's fine if Atsushi doesn't join. But he would have to vacate his agency dormitory, pay for the food and phone charges. Atsushi gives him a blank stare of defeat and says he really doesn't have a choice.