Ranpo Edogawa wields exceptional intelligence, solving complex cases instantly through deductive reasoning he calls "Super Deduction." Initially mistaking this for a supernatural gift, he later recognizes it as pure intellect, occasionally using black glasses as a psychological aid for focus. His skills enable him to reconstruct crime scenes and predict events with high accuracy, though the ability "Rats in the House of the Dead" once disrupted his process by altering evidence. Born to highly intelligent parents—a renowned detective known as "The Clairvoyant" and an equally gifted mother—Ranpo grew up sheltered in the countryside. After their deaths, he moved to Yokohama as a teenager, unprepared for urban life. This resulted in difficulties with routine tasks like navigating public transport or finding his way home, contrasting sharply with his deductive prowess. He held several short-lived jobs before meeting Yukichi Fukuzawa, including exposing corruption at a military post and resigning from a construction site due to frustration with corporate hierarchy. At age 14, after assisting Fukuzawa in solving a theater assassination case, Ranpo became the first member of the newly formed Armed Detective Agency. Fukuzawa provided the glasses and encouraged Ranpo to view his skills as an ability, helping him overcome feelings of alienation. This partnership cemented Ranpo's foundational role within the organization. Ranpo exhibits childlike behavior, often refusing mundane work, indulging in sweets, and teasing colleagues, yet shifts to intense seriousness during crises. His self-assuredness borders on arrogance, but he deeply values the Agency’s trust. Following failures to prevent a child’s death and Doppo Kunikida’s arrest, he vows to protect its members. This loyalty drives him to manipulate adversaries like Mushitaro Oguri into aiding the Agency against threats such as the Decay of the Angel. He influences former rivals, turning detective novelist Edgar Allan Poe into an ally after defeating him in a deduction battle. Similarly, initially skeptical police officer Minoura later collaborates with him and assists during the Agency’s frame-up by mobilizing part of Yokohama’s police force. During major conflicts like the Guild’s attack and the Decay of the Angel’s framing of the Agency, Ranpo orchestrates complex strategies. He wears disguises—including a gas mask and cloak—to evade military police and rescue detained colleagues. His contingency plans, such as threatening to expose Mushitaro’s friend’s legacy, ensure allies cooperate. Traumatic childhood experiences contribute to his refusal to fully embrace adulthood, manifesting in his immature demeanor despite his responsibilities. His appearance evolves: standard attire includes a brown cape, hat, striped tie, and white socks. Post-cannibalism, he adopts a sleeveless vest suit; during the Agency’s frame-up, he dons black overalls and a gas mask for rescue operations.