Ward 20.
Yoshimura came to a stop in a dim alleyway.
A familiar figure had appeared before him—someone wearing a black coat and a black hat.
This was Kaiko, leader of the V Organization and an old acquaintance of Yoshimura's. (Author's note: There's actually a plot hole with Kaiko. He's also a half-human, yet when Kishou Arima was nearing death from old age, Kaiko was still alive and well. His lifespan is practically a miracle among half-humans.)
"Kuzen, my old friend. It's been a while."
Kaiko spoke.
"..."
Yoshimura was silent for a moment. "So you've finally decided to eliminate me?"
"No. If I intended to kill you, I'd have brought a whole group of people—not come alone."
Kaiko said bluntly.
"Then what do you want with me?"
Yoshimura asked calmly.
"Don't play dumb. Hurry up and tell us where your child is. Here's some advice for you—this is your last chance!"
Kaiko's tone carried a warning.
He knew, of course, that the CCG was about to launch a suppression operation against Yoshimura. If Yoshimura was willing to honestly reveal the whereabouts of the true "One-Eyed Owl," they had ways to help him through this crisis.
In truth, the Washuu had long since discovered that the real "One-Eyed Owl" was Yoshimura's child. They simply hadn't pushed Kuzen to the brink out of some residual sentiment from the old days.
But now the situation was different. Even the CCG's human investigators had uncovered this truth. Unless Kuzen was willing to cooperate, his death was certain this time.
Because the Washuu couldn't afford to let those human investigators notice anything suspicious—like them protecting the "Non-Killing Owl" or something similar—just for the sake of their old feelings for Kuzen.
"Child? I'm sorry, but I have no idea what you're talking about."
Yoshimura replied expressionlessly.
"Then your time of death is fast approaching."
Kaiko snorted coldly and turned to leave.
After Kaiko departed, Yoshimura let out a long sigh. "Of course I know... That's why I've been struggling so hard to survive all this time..."
...
Ward 1, the Aura residence.
"Really? Special Class Aura isn't married yet?..."
Kurona exclaimed in surprise.
"Well, she is Special Class Aura after all. An ordinary partner probably wouldn't catch her eye."
Nashiro remarked.
"No, it's not that exaggerated. I just feel that with such a dangerous job as being an investigator, it's not appropriate to think about such things."
Kiyoko said lightly.
"That's true..."
Byakuya, along with Kurona and Nashiro, could all understand what Kiyoko meant.
Ghoul investigators could die in the line of duty at any time. That's why some investigators only considered such matters after retirement.
Though Byakuya recalled that in the end, Kiyoko Aura never married...
...
The next day.
Byakuya and Kiyoko went together to the Ward 1 headquarters to report on Kurona and Nashiro's situation. They were currently in Bureau Director Yoshitoki Washuu's office.
"So, it's been confirmed that both Kurona Yasuhisa and Nashiro Yasuhisa are victims of 'half-ghoulification surgery,' correct?"
Yoshitoki confirmed.
"That's right. I hope Kurona and Nashiro can continue working at the CCG. I'll serve as their guarantor—if anything goes wrong, I'll take responsibility."
Byakuya said. "Additionally, Dr. Kanou has been taken by Aogiri Tree. They'll undoubtedly use him to continue producing half-ghouls. We need countermeasures, and Kurona and Nashiro are well-suited as personnel to oppose them."
"I can also serve as Kurona and Nashiro's guarantor. After all, I'm already their supervisor."
Kiyoko added.
"Actually, either one of you serving as guarantor would be more than sufficient. But if you're both willing, that works too."
Yoshitoki said. "And I think Amaha's suggestion is excellent. We do need to take measures against Aogiri Tree now that they have Dr. Kanou."
Even without Byakuya saying anything, the Washuu clan would certainly target Dr. Kanou, since he possessed some of their secrets.
Previously, the Washuu hadn't been aware of Kanou's activities. But now that the half-ghoulification surgery had been exposed, they understood that Kanou must have certain information in his possession...
"Let's leave it at that for now. For the time being, don't spread word about Kurona and Nashiro's situation within the CCG."
Yoshitoki said gravely. "We'll address it after the upcoming operation concludes."
"What operation?"
Kiyoko couldn't help but ask.
Headquarters had been frequently transferring combat personnel from other branches lately. Something major was clearly happening, but she wasn't yet informed.
"...It concerns the 'Owl.' That's all I can reveal for now. The specifics will have to wait for the Chairman's instructions."
Yoshitoki said.
"Understood..."
Kiyoko nodded solemnly.
Hearing the word "Owl," she immediately grasped the significance of this operation.
"Amaha, you and Rank 2 Mado should prepare yourselves. Barring any changes, you'll be among the primary combat personnel for this operation."
Yoshitoki reminded Byakuya.
The reason was simple—Byakuya was one of the very few investigators who had engaged the "Owl" in direct combat and even held the advantage at the time.
"Understood."
Byakuya nodded.
Yoshitoki then addressed Kiyoko. "The roster for this operation will include Kurona and Nashiro Yasuhisa. Have them give their best performance—it will reduce the criticism they'll face once their identities become public. Of course, they're free to use their kagune during combat. I'll inform the other squad members in advance."
"I'll pass that along to them."
Kiyoko said.
Shortly after, Byakuya and Kiyoko left.
"It looks like Kurona and Nashiro should be fine now."
As they walked, Kiyoko struck up a conversation with Byakuya.
"Yes. Thanks to having someone as understanding as Special Class Aura as their superior."
Byakuya replied casually.
Frankly, it was just an offhand response—he wasn't sure what else to say. After all, resolving Kurona and Nashiro's situation hadn't been difficult, given his understanding of the CCG and the Washuu.
"What a sweet talker."
Kiyoko smiled. "How about this... if you don't mind, would you like to be my younger brother?"
Byakuya was slightly surprised. "I... don't mind."
Kiyoko smiled softly. "Then call me Kiyoko-nee from now on. Living alone all this time... it does get a bit lonely, you know..."
...
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