"Correction—it wasn't defeating. I only repelled him."
Kanzaki Ryoma's voice was clear, serious.
"Close enough, hehe~"
Shio Ihei giggled, pointing at a cut of grilled meat on Ryoma's plate. "That one looks delicious. May I have a taste, Mr. Ryoma?"
"Sure."
Ryoma picked up the piece with his chopsticks and calmly offered it to him.
"Mmm~! It really is delicious."
Shio smiled with satisfaction, his expression light and playful.
As this interaction played out, Amon Koutarou watched from across the table, his eyes wide in disbelief. This seemingly young girl—wait, boy? was wearing the White Wing and Silver Wisteria badges.
Those were honors granted to investigators who had successfully defeated S-rated ghouls and taken down over fifty ghouls in a single year. Whoever this person was, they were no ordinary rookie.
No wonder they were walking alongside Arima Kishou.
"It would've been perfect if Ryoma managed to bring back the Owl's kagune arms too."
Arima spoke calmly, almost as if discussing game trophies rather than combat.
Ryoma offered a neutral response. "Sure…"
In truth, he had no intention of doing that. Unlike a decade ago, Yoshimura Kuzen was no longer a threat that could be harvested like a wild beast. And more importantly, Ryoma had no desire to harm him.
He glanced at Arima, knowing full well how dangerous that kind of thinking would be to say aloud.
"Suzuya, your performance this time has earned you consideration for Rank 2 Investigator. You'll need to pass the written exam and interview, but I'll be rooting for you."
Arima turned to Suzuya Juuzou next.
"Got it, thank you, Arima-san."
Juuzou smiled cheerfully, still chewing on a skewer.
"And Ryoma," Arima continued. "By recommendation of the Chairman, you'll be promoted to Associate Special Class and assigned to Squad Zero. Do you accept?"
There was no room for refusal in Arima's voice, and Ryoma knew this assignment was more observation than honor.
Still, he didn't hesitate.
"Understood. It's an honor."
What he didn't realize was that this proposal came from Arima himself. Not from the Washuu clan. And that distinction—though subtle, meant everything.
Squad Zero was where the elite gathered. But it was also where Arima could keep a close eye on him.
"Then it looks like we'll be working together again soon~"
Shio beamed.
With that, Arima and Shio prepared to leave.
"See you again, Mr. Ryoma."
"See you, Shio."
Ryoma gave a small wave as they departed.
"Suzuya, Ryoma… you both know Arima-san?"
Amon asked, still recovering from the shock.
"Yep. Ryoma and I worked with him during our internship."
Juuzou replied casually.
—
20th Ward, Anteiku
"Strange. Touka-chan is late today. She's usually punctual—even when something comes up, she lets us know."
Kaya Irmimi looked up at the clock.
"Could it be… she was kidnapped?"
Roma hoisted a tray of cups onto the counter, putting a hand to her cheek dramatically. "She's a cute girl. It's not hard to imagine some creepy old man snatching her away…"
"I hope she just lost track of time…"
Hinami's small voice was filled with worry.
Ryoma stayed silent, but his mind was racing.
Roma's comment was too on point. She was playing innocent, but Ryoma could tell she already knew what happened. Or at least had a hunch.
It had to be Tsukiyama Shuu.
The Gourmet.
Tsukiyama had always been fixated on him. This could easily be a twisted ploy to draw him out using Touka.
And right now, Touka wasn't strong enough to fend him off. She hadn't consumed real flesh in too long. Her power had dwindled.
This was his fault. And he wasn't going to let it go.
"Rize, can you find him?"
He turned to Rize, who had been sipping tea quietly nearby.
"Of course. If you give me a general location, I can trace his scent."
She set the cup down gently.
A ghoul's sense of smell was sharp— especially hers. That was how Nico had found her back then.
"So you're going to rescue Touka," Rize said flatly. "Because of Tsukiyama."
Ryoma didn't dodge the implication.
"Yes. She's in danger because of me. I won't leave her behind."
"Hmph. I knew you'd say that."
Rize stood, brushing off her skirt. "Fine. I'll help. But if that sick freak really captured her because of you, then I say we kill him."
Her eyes gleamed dangerously.
Ryoma nodded.
This wasn't a mission.
It was a rescue.
And Tsukiyama Shuu had just crossed the line.
***
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