Although Nico wasn't a transmigrator like Kanzaki Ryoma, the fact that he could casually name Takatsuki Sen as the One-Eyed King was terrifying. Even the Washuu clan hadn't figured that out. If they had, Aogiri Tree's leader wouldn't have been publishing novels under that pseudonym for so many years.
The intelligence network of the Clowns was no joke. It made sense that Nimura Furuta eventually joined them.
Ryoma made no comment. He already knew everything Nico had whispered. There was nothing surprising.
But to Nico, Ryoma's silence was something else entirely. The calmer Ryoma appeared, the more he believed it was the quiet before a storm. He knew Ryoma admired Takatsuki Sen's works. Now that he had dropped the bomb about her true identity, he was dying to see how Ryoma would react. Whether he'd verify the claim, expose it, or take action—any outcome would be entertaining to watch.
"What did he just say to you?" Kirishima Touka asked, frowning in suspicion.
Nico didn't answer. He had only whispered to Ryoma, but he wasn't going to stop him from spreading it. The fun part was already done.
"Nothing important. But I can say this—he's not an enemy," Ryoma replied smoothly.
He chose not to mention anything about the One-Eyed King. Yoshimura was nearby, and it was clear he wouldn't want that information out. Even though Yoshimura wasn't the One-Eyed King, he was still the real One-Eyed Owl, and that was enough to make the CCG target him relentlessly.
Right now, Yoshimura wasn't in a state where he could take on the V organization. People tend to forget how strong he became in the later stages of the story. His kagune had evolved, and his size alone dwarfed what it was now. It had been three years since then. His current strength was still far from that level.
Once Takatsuki Sen's identity was revealed, Arima would be forced to act. He wouldn't be able to protect her anymore. Yoshimura would have to flee with Aogiri Tree, with no place left to hide.
"...Okay," Touka said at last, sensing that Ryoma wouldn't say more.
"Eh? Is that the new girl working here? Haven't seen her before," Nico chirped, eyes flicking toward Roma.
"Hi~ I'm Roma Hoito, nice to meet you," she said sweetly, giving a slight bow.
"Roma-san, you're cute, but not as beautiful as me!" Nico declared, placing a hand dramatically on his chest.
Roma just giggled. The two clearly knew each other and were putting on a show.
"Well then, I'll take my leave. See you soon, Ryoma~" Nico added with a playful wink.
Ryoma raised a hand and waved with deadpan expression.
Just then, Roma tripped.
"Aaah—!"
The plates and cups she had been holding crashed to the floor, shattered in a noisy clatter.
Touka blinked. "How did you even manage to fall on a flat surface?"
Roma rubbed her head and looked sheepish.
"She's new, be a bit forgiving," a waiter from anteiku chimed in from the side.
"Fine. Just be more careful next time," Touka sighed.
"Yes, ma'am. Will do!" Roma replied cheerfully, completely unaffected.
Ryoma stared at her for a second. He vaguely remembered from his memories of the manga that Roma had a tendency to drop things—either because she was ditzy or just for fun.
"Ryoma."
Rize's voice called him back. He returned to her side.
"What's up?"
"That weirdo said Aogiri Tree wants to capture me and Dr. Kanou alive. Something about us being key to their ultimate goal. So they're still not backing down?"
"Most likely. You're still a high-value target for them. But I'll protect you."
"I thought you'd say that," Rize replied with a smile. "But if they really come, don't blame me if I ditch you and run."
Ryoma chuckled. "Understood."
—
One month passed since the Aogiri Tree Suppression Operation. The CCG's celebration event arrived on schedule.
It wasn't a full promotion ceremony, though. Many of the investigators were still recovering, especially Shinohara Yukinori, who was still hospitalized. Promotions would come later.
This banquet was more relaxed—like a morale-boosting team event.
First, CCG Director Yoshitoki Washuu gave a speech, praising the investigators who'd participated. The name he highlighted first was, unsurprisingly, Kanzaki Ryoma.
He was followed by mentions of Shinohara, Kuroiwa Iwao, and others.
Rumors had already spread that Ryoma was the one who fought the One-Eyed Owl. His fame had skyrocketed in the organization.
As the banquet kicked into full swing, Ryoma found himself seated with Ui Koori, Suzuya Juuzou, and Amon Koutarou. Shinohara's absence was noticeable, but no one said it aloud.
"Eat up, Suzuya. Maybe you'll still grow a bit more," Ryoma said, piling more meat onto Juuzou's plate.
Juuzou blinked, then smiled faintly. His small frame hadn't changed in years, and his delicate features only made him look more like a girl as time passed.
Suddenly, Arima Kishou appeared at their table.
With him was Ihei Shio.
"Ryoma. Juuzou. Amon. Long time no see," Arima greeted calmly.
Today, he wore a sharp black suit, his silver hair neat, and his expression gentle.
Amon immediately stood at attention, stiff as a board.
"Arima—sir! Good evening!" he barked out, bowing deeply.
"I heard you all did excellent work this time," Arima said, smiling lightly.
"Especially you, Ryoma," added Ibuki shio, walking behind him and placing both hands on Ryoma's shoulders with a grin. "You really took on the Owl and lived. That's something."
***
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