Ward 4, also known as Shinjuku.
This district, once ruled by the "Clown Masks" ghoul organization, was a dangerous area where numerous ghouls fiercely competed for feeding grounds.
After the Clown Masks were wiped out by Arima, Ward 4's danger level hadn't improved much.
This was because Uta, the former "manager" of Ward 4, had retired and now ran a mask shop called "HySy ArtMask Studio." Meanwhile, Renji Yomo, who held similar prestige to Uta, had been rescued by Yoshimura during that great battle against Arima and had since remained at Anteiku in Ward 20.
Ward 4 today was even more chaotic than when Uta and Yomo had been in charge.
Truthfully, Byakuya didn't know the exact location of that mask shop. He was indeed a transmigrator, but he wasn't so impressive as to know the precise location of every place.
Even if he did know the exact location, showing up unannounced wouldn't be appropriate. His plan was to ask Touka Kirishima or Renji Yomo to take him there.
"Where's Yomo-san?"
Arriving at Anteiku today, Byakuya didn't see Renji Yomo.
"Yomo-san went out on business. He probably won't be back until late. If there's anything, Amaha-san, you can tell me and I'll pass it along to him."
Kaya Irimi responded.
"That won't be necessary. I'll ask Kirishima-san."
Byakuya said.
"Is there something you need from me?"
Hearing Byakuya mention her name from behind, Touka turned to ask.
"It's like this—I need to have a mask made for Rize-san. I heard there's a mask maker in Ward 4 who specializes in making masks for ghouls, but I don't know where to find him."
Byakuya explained. "Since the manager isn't here, I thought I'd ask Yomo-san."
"I see. You need a mask made."
Touka replied, "I know the person you're talking about. How about I take you there?"
Among ghouls, masks were commonly referred to as just that—masks.
Byakuya nodded. "Then I'll trouble you, Kirishima-san."
"Compared to the two times you saved me before, this is nothing."
Having said that, Touka temporarily handed her work over to Roma Hoito. "Hoito-san, I'm leaving the rest of the work to you."
"Eh? Come on! I wanted to rest for a bit."
Roma immediately started complaining.
"I'll help share your workload when I get back. Is that acceptable?"
Touka said helplessly.
This Hoito girl hadn't been at Anteiku long and was already thinking about slacking off.
Afterward, Touka changed out of her work uniform into casual clothes—a blouse, plaid skirt, and tall boots.
She looked no different from an ordinary human girl.
Touka immediately led Byakuya and Rize toward the mask shop in Ward 4.
...
Down a small alley in Ward 4 stood a mask shop called "HySy ArtMask Studio"—the destination of their trip.
Although this mask shop's primary service was making masks for ghouls, it would also serve human customers if any happened to come by.
After navigating various alleyways, a somewhat eerie-looking mask shop appeared before them.
Touka casually pushed open the door with one hand in her pocket.
The interior decorations were even more bizarre, displaying all sorts of strange, frightening masks and even human skeletons.
Besides these, two people sat inside the shop—Uta and Itori.
Uta had long hair and numerous tattoos on his body, especially the Latin phrase on his neck that fully expressed his feelings for Renji Yomo. Translated, it meant: "I cannot live with you, but I cannot live without you."
Beyond the tattoos on his body, even his eyes had been injected with pigment, making them look very much like kakugan—he called these "tattoo eyes."
Upon closer inspection, one could tell these weren't true kakugan. Real kakugan would be more vivid and unsettling, with vein-like patterns appearing around the eyes.
Itori was a mature woman with long orange-red hair. She was good friends with both Yomo and Uta, and was also a member of the Clowns organization.
"Little Touka? What brings you here so suddenly?"
Seeing Touka's unexpected arrival, Itori asked with surprise.
"It's been so long. Touka-chan, you've become even prettier than before."
Uta also spoke up.
Yomo had an excellent relationship with both Uta and Itori. Even now, he occasionally came back to visit them. As his niece, Touka was naturally quite familiar with these two as well.
"Uta-san, Itori-san, actually someone needs you to make a mask."
Touka said directly.
Then she introduced Byakuya and Rize. "This is Uta-san, the one who makes masks for us ghouls."
"A ghoul... and... a human?"
Itori looked at Rize and Byakuya beside Touka, initially identifying them by their scent.
Of course, as a member of the Clowns, she could easily recognize Byakuya and Rize. She just couldn't be so obvious about it on the surface.
"I assume it's this ghoul lady who needs the mask?"
Uta asked calmly.
As if he knew nothing at all.
Touka sat down nearby, as there was nothing for her to do at the moment.
"I'm Amaha, and this is Kamishiro..."
Byakuya made polite introductions to Uta and Itori.
"Kamishiro-san, is it? That surname suddenly reminds me of a certain old acquaintance from Ward 6."
Uta said meaningfully.
"..."
Rize's gaze sharpened slightly. She knew who that "old acquaintance" was.
It could only be Shachi.
"Though that old acquaintance seems to have escaped during the chaos when Aogiri Tree attacked Cochlea prison. No idea where he's gone now."
Uta continued.
He actually knew, of course. He was just deliberately saying this for Rize to hear.
Byakuya gently squeezed Rize's hand, signaling that she didn't need to respond.
Although Uta was speaking cryptically about some strange things, there was no malice in his words.
"And Amaha-kun, Yoshimura-san has mentioned you to us. A promising young investigator. It's a pleasure to meet you both."
Uta said with a smile. "Now then, Kamishiro-san, please come over here so I can take your measurements."
He gestured for Rize to sit nearby. He would need to measure her facial dimensions first before making a properly fitting mask.
At that moment, Rize spoke with a smile. "Alright, but I have one request—I'd like Byakuya to take my measurements instead."
...
Get 20+ chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"