"Expel them all…?" Walking out of the office, Hayashi muttered quietly in the corridor.
That goal was a bit too much.If Marude ever found out that in the end, not only did humans fail to drive every ghoul out of Tokyo, but instead learned to coexist peacefully with them…Who knew how he would react to that conclusion?
Thinking of this, Hayashi soon arrived at the hall for the commendation ceremony.
At this moment, the place was already packed with Investigators — the full might of the CCG gathered in one spot. Among them were many familiar faces he recognized: Kureo, Amon, Arima, Shinohara, Kuroiwa — characters who appeared often in the anime.
As he looked around at these familiar faces, a faint trace of amusement flickered in Hayashi's eyes.
Soon, the commendation ceremony began. Those who had recently eliminated powerful ghouls or contributed greatly to Headquarters were all recognized and promoted.
"Thanks to their contributions and hard work, the CCG continues to stand. They are the heroes of humanity!"
Standing on the platform was the Bureau Director himself, Yoshitoki Washuu. His voice was loud, his every gesture radiating the aura of a leader.
Almost everyone in the audience looked at him with reverence and respect.
But…
What most of them didn't know was that Yoshitoki was himself a ghoul. In fact, the entire Washuu Clan was a ghoul family.
And not just any family—they were the strongest ghoul bloodline, the ones who secretly controlled both humans and ghouls from behind the scenes.
The Investigators down below would never, not in their wildest dreams, guess that the family who founded the CCG was actually ghoul themselves.
Thinking of this, a faint smile tugged at Hayashi 's lips.
How amusing.
After the ceremony ended, Hayashi had just stepped down from the stage when a slightly hunched, white-haired man walked toward him.
"Investigator Hayashi, congratulations on your promotion to first class. From now on, we're equals."
The man gave him a friendly nod.
"Thank you, Investigator Mado."
Hayashi returned the nod and shook his hand.
Yes, the white-haired man before him was none other than Kureo Mado, the first class investigator who relentlessly pursued Jason in the first season of the anime — and the father of the tall, long-legged ponytailed Investigator, Akira Mado.
"But, if I may say something…"
Kureo lifted a finger, one eye widening slightly.
"I saw Jason's corpse. You cut off his head."
"Investigator Hayashi, this is just a personal suggestion of mine."
"In the future, when you encounter other ghouls, don't just sever the head. Dismember the torso, hack the body into pieces."
"These beasts have terrifying regenerative abilities. If their healing surpasses expectations, you risk a counterattack."
"So never give them even the slightest chance. Never show pity. Never show sympathy!"
As he said this, Kureo's pupils dilated slightly, a flicker of madness gleaming in his eyes as he let out a manic, almost deranged laugh.
"But good, very good! Jason is dead. Another S-rated ghoul has fallen. Another one…"
Just then, a tall young man stepped between them.
"Apologies, Investigator Hayashi. Mr. Mado is troubling you."
The towering man gave a nod, his expression carrying a hint of apology.
"It's no trouble."
Hayashi shook his head after a glance.
Amon — Kureo's partner. The man known as the one who could do seven thousand push-ups in a single night.
It was hard to imagine that even when Akira — the cool, icy beauty herself — offered herself to him, he flatly refused and instead spent the night doing push-ups at her place.
A true man. Nothing more needed to be said.
It was only a pity that later, Dr. Kanou would transform him into a ghoul.
Thinking of that, Hayashi couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
"Thank you for the reminder. I'll remember it."
He nodded respectfully toward Kureo before leaving with the crowd.
Along the way, he exchanged brief words with other familiar Investigators.
But just as he reached the front gates of Headquarters, ready to leave, someone tapped him on the shoulder from behind.
"Hm?"
Hayashi turned, curious.
"Congratulations on your promotion, Investigator Hayashi!"
The man was a tall, broad-shouldered giant with a buzzcut.
Hayashi immediately recognized him.
Shinohara, one of the CCG's special class — and the mentor of Juuzou Suzuya.
"Thank you."
Hayashi nodded, though a flicker of confusion passed through his eyes.
"Investigator Special Shinohara, did you need something from me?"
At that, Shinohara nodded and stepped aside.
Behind him stood a petite, delicate-looking white-haired youth.
"Hm?"
Hayashi blinked.
Wait — that wasn't a girl. That was a boy who just happened to look as pretty as one.
"Nice to meet you. My name is Juuzou Suzuya. Please take care of me from now on~"
Juuzou's speech was slow, his tone lazy yet soft. As he finished, he even winked playfully, looking cute and mischievous.
In some ways, he was similar to Eto — adorable on the outside, but inside, brutally violent.
And Suzuya was also one of humanity's strongest fighters, second only to Arima among the CCG.
Coming back to his senses, Hayashi reached out and shook his hand.
"This child… I rescued him during the Ghoul Auction Raid."
Shinohara looked at Juuzou with a trace of warmth in his eyes.
"He's now a rank 3. From here on, he'll be your partner."
"I'm entrusting him to you, Investigator Hayashi ."
As he said this, Shinohara patted Hayashi 's shoulder, his gaze full of trust.
"Ah?"
Hayashi froze.
Wait… what? How did he get entrusted with this kid out of nowhere?
Shouldn't Amon be the one partnered with him?
"These days I'm busy, and I was going to let him pair up randomly."
"But since Suzuya is new and still unfamiliar with many things, he needs a veteran to guide him for a while."
"After thinking it through, I decided you're the most suitable. Only you can be his partner."
Veteran…?
Hayashi had only joined the CCG less than half a year ago. Yesterday he was still a rank 3…
Clearly, in the CCG, strength mattered far more than seniority.
[Ding! You have triggered a Time-Limited Mission: Juuzou Suzuya's Admiration]
[Objective: Help Suzuya let go of his inner scars and build trust in you.]
[Reward: One random Talisman from the Twelve Talismans]
Hearing the system's prompt, Hayashi glanced at the interface.
He wasn't surprised.
After all, Juuzou had been raised by the SS-rated ghoul Big Madam, enduring endless humiliation and torment. Even his reproductive organs had been crushed—his childhood was cruel beyond words.
It was exactly that tragic childhood that had left him with deep psychological trauma.
This mission was clearly about helping Suzuya return to a normal life.
Thinking of this, Hayashi sighed.
In that case, he had no choice but to accept Shinohara's request. Not just for the mission, but because it was the right thing to do—he would do everything he could for Suzuya.
After all, Suzuya really was pitiful…
"Alright. I'll do my best."
He nodded firmly.
"Don't worry. He's obedient enough—just teach him a few things."
"And you're both young, you'll get along just fine. I believe in you."
Shinohara laughed heartily, clapping him on the shoulder again.
"I'll try my best…"
Hayashi managed a nod, at a temporary loss for words.
When Shinohara finally left, only the two of them remained.
"Suzuya…"
Hayashi opened his mouth, ready to speak—
—but was immediately interrupted.
"Hayashi-san, you're so pretty! I've never seen anyone as pretty as you."
Suzuya circled him once, his pale red eyes flickering with curiosity.
"And it's the first time I've met someone with the exact same hair and eye color as me~"
Rising up on his toes, Suzuya leaned closer, eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Forgive me for asking, but… do you have a girlfriend?"