"Excuse me, could I have some water?"
Though Byakuya's expression hadn't changed much, the spice was getting to him—he needed water.
Kureo signaled to Akira, who immediately fetched Byakuya a cup of hot water.
"..."
Looking at the steaming cup, Byakuya fell silent.
Already suffering from the spice, and now this scalding water—he could only imagine how "refreshing" the first sip would be.
Though he knew hot water was actually the most effective at neutralizing spice, the first few seconds in his mouth would be extremely "invigorating," before the heat quickly suppressed the burn.
Seeing Byakuya's reaction, Akira explained: "This is my most efficient judgment. Hot water eliminates spice fastest. Cold water feels better initially but requires repeated cycles, wasting time."
Akira was a workaholic like her father—intensely interested in Quinques and obsessed with efficiency.
"I know. I just need a moment to prepare."
Byakuya then took a large mouthful and held it.
Enduring a few seconds without changing expression, the spice subsided noticeably.
He finished the meal this way—not the most pleasant experience, but the food itself was quite good.
After brief farewells to Kureo and Akira, Byakuya headed home.
Once he'd left, Akira remarked to her father: "He reminds me somewhat of Arima-san."
"Indeed—very similar. Both prodigies appearing out of nowhere. Perhaps he's from that place too..."
Kureo had worked at the CCG long enough to have heard of that place.
"Akira, your intuition is just like mine. Trust it in the future."
Kureo smiled.
"Mm..."
Akira nodded slightly.
...
Ward 1, CCG Headquarters.
CCG Bureau Director Yoshitoki Washuu came before his father.
Tsuneyoshi Washuu—patriarch of the Washuu Clan and CCG Chairman—held authority even above the Bureau Director.
The white-haired elder sat upon his throne-like seat, radiating dignified authority.
"Chairman, the One-Eyed Owl from ten years ago appeared during this Aogiri Suppression Operation, but it's most likely not the so-called 'One-Eyed King'—rather..."
Even in this private setting, Yoshitoki addressed Tsuneyoshi formally—this was an official briefing.
"Kuzen?"
Tsuneyoshi spoke, his voice laden with gravitas.
"Yes. Since ten years ago, it's been clear there are two Owls. Before the third Ward 2 attack, it was probably Kuzen's daughter—the true One-Eyed Owl. The Owl that appeared afterward, including this time, should be Kuzen in disguise. He never kills a single person—a glaring tell..."
Yoshitoki continued: "Aogiri Tree's true leader should be the One-Eyed Owl—Kuzen's daughter. Combined with Aogiri's main force attacking Cochlea in Ward 23, Kuzen likely knows his daughter's whereabouts. Every time we've asked, he's played ignorant."
Tsuneyoshi pondered before speaking: "...Kuzen's daughter must be captured alive. Send Kaiko to handle this. If Kuzen still won't cooperate, punish him accordingly."
"Understood."
Yoshitoki nodded.
"Additionally, there's another noteworthy newcomer—Amaha Byakuya."
Yoshitoki felt it necessary to mention Byakuya. "He performed best in this operation—the only investigator capable of fighting Kuzen."
Just as Yoshitoki was mid-sentence, Kishou Arima entered.
"Arima, good timing. Regarding that newcomer—any thoughts?"
Tsuneyoshi addressed Arima.
"...I believe once he's promoted to Associate Special Class, he should be assigned to Squad Zero. It would be easier to monitor him."
Arima said flatly.
"Then arrange it as such."
Tsuneyoshi said no more.
Clearly, Byakuya had attracted the Washuu's interest.
Previously, they'd viewed him as merely another gifted newcomer like Ui. Such newcomers included Juuzou Suzuya, whom Tsuneyoshi had personally selected. But after this operation, things had changed.
A non-half-human like Byakuya, matching the Owl as a newcomer—even if that Owl was the aged Yoshimura—no one in the CCG besides Arima could contend with it.
Among humans or ghouls, any powerful entity beyond the Washuu's control posed a threat.
But if Byakuya remained obedient—working normally for the CCG without prying into forbidden matters—the Washuu wouldn't bother him. Just as Arima, despite his overwhelming strength, appeared completely loyal to V on the surface.
Conversely, if Arima dared defy or betray them, the Washuu had means to eliminate him—which was why he could only secretly lead Aogiri as the "One-Eyed King."
No matter how strong Arima was, he couldn't defeat the entire Washuu Clan. V alone had his master Kaiko and numerous other Special Class-level members.
When Arima declared he'd assign Byakuya to Squad Zero for monitoring, the Washuu relaxed their guard—they trusted Arima's capabilities completely.
...
Having not visited Anteiku in days, Byakuya came by with Rize today.
"Did Banjou and his group come to Anteiku?"
He was discussing the Ward 11 situation with Touka.
"Yes, but after he heard the Ward 11 Aogiri stronghold was destroyed, he took his companions back. Seems he wants to continue leading Ward 11 and take care of his people."
Touka said.
"Mm."
Byakuya nodded—about what he'd expected.
"By the way... did you run into that brat Ayato in Ward 11?"
Though Touka called Ayato "that brat" or "that arrogant little punk," she clearly worried about his safety.
...
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