[Fusion Points: 520 (Cumulative total: 4,100)]
Byakuya's Fusion Progress had now advanced to Lv4, leaving him with 520 Fusion Points remaining.
His Mangekyo had evolved into the Eternal Mangekyo. As for the other new abilities, those went without saying.
"Akira, when the Non-Killing Owl appears, get to your position immediately."
Byakuya reminded Akira.
"Getting to position" meant going to the rear for logistics duty, which would minimize her exposure to danger.
In this Owl Suppression Operation, both the human side and the ghoul side were expendable pawns in the Washuu clan's eyes.
The Washuu's decision was made purely to lure out the One-Eyed Owl. They didn't care how many investigators were sacrificed.
The reappearance of the two ghoul factions—the Devil Ape and Black Dobers—that had long vanished from Ward 20 was certainly within the Washuu's expectations. Yet they didn't care about casualties on either side, even if it meant numerous ordinary investigators and bureau members would die in the line of duty...
"...I understand."
Akira nodded slightly.
Though she felt reluctant, she knew her strength was inadequate for this operation.
Just then, a voice suddenly came through the radio.
"At Anteiku's front, we've encountered a substantial number of ghouls!"
From the radio transmission, Byakuya could tell the Devil Ape and Black Dobers factions had begun their move.
Though these two groups had disbanded years ago when Koma and Irimi decided to follow Yoshimura, their former subordinates had remained in Ward 20—probably frequenting Anteiku for coffee. So this time, Koma and Irimi had rallied them once more.
At Yoshitoki's position—the very rear of Ward 20's blockade—the same news arrived.
"A substantial number? Is it Aogiri Tree?!"
"But... it doesn't quite seem like it...?"
"Director Washuu! Should we deploy the main forces to engage them?"
"..."
The investigators around Yoshitoki were growing agitated.
"No."
In contrast, Yoshitoki spoke calmly. "Squads Two and Three will handle those ghouls. Deputy Commander Marude will command these two squads. Squad Four and below will maintain the Ward 20 blockade. We absolutely cannot let this affect civilians!"
But at that very moment, a tall dark figure suddenly appeared not far ahead of Yoshitoki's position.
Even though the figure had its side turned, Yoshitoki recognized him at a glance—it was Yoshimura.
"...So you've graced us with your presence."
Yoshitoki's gaze turned grave.
The other investigators present hadn't yet realized what was happening.
"...To plunder is sin. Since the moment of our birth, we have never ceased plundering. To live is to endlessly slaughter, kill, and plunder. The very existence of 'life' is 'sin' itself. I know that I am 'evil.' So too are you..."
Yoshimura slowly turned around, his entire body transforming into his kakuja form.
SSS-rated Kakuja—the Non-Killing Owl.
The Owl's sudden appearance left the investigators frozen in place, expressions of terror involuntarily spreading across their faces.
"Come. Let us slaughter one another..."
With a casual sweep of his kagune arm, Yoshimura severed the legs of an investigator before him.
He then fired countless kagune blades. In an instant, a large number of investigators lost their combat capability.
Severed limbs flew through the air. While death wasn't instantaneous, the scene was horrific nonetheless.
It was clear that Yoshimura was hitting much harder than usual. This time, he was genuinely angry—Anteiku and everyone there had been put in danger.
"Th-this... how can we possibly win...?"
"AAAAAHHH—"
"Shoot! Everyone shoot!"
"..."
A large swath of investigators had been swept away by the Owl in the blink of an eye. The remaining investigators were utterly terrified, standing frozen, not daring to move—not even daring to pull their triggers against the Owl.
Yoshimura's gaze fell upon Yoshitoki. He knew this man—especially since he was a member of the Washuu...
"...Don't look at me like that. This is my job..."
Yoshitoki's tone carried a hint of helplessness.
...
With the successive appearance of the Devil Ape, Black Dobers, and the Owl, the CCG rapidly redeployed their combat personnel.
Squad Two, led by Special Class Investigator Tanakamaru Mougan, would handle the Devil Ape. He was equipped with the SS-rated ukaku Quinque "Higher Mind" (also known as "Angel Beat").
Squad Three, led by Special Class Investigator Kiyoko Aura, would handle the Black Dobers. She was equipped with the S+-rated ukaku Quinque "Zebizu."
The Non-Killing Owl was assigned to Squad One—the operation's main force...
Squad One: Captain Special Class Kuroiwa, Vice-Captain Special Class Shinohara, Squad Leader First Class Amaha, Squad Leader Associate Special Class Houji, Squad Leader First Class Mado...
Additionally, Squad Zero's Vice-Captain Koori Ui had been assigned to the surface to fight alongside Squad One. In Yoshitoki's view, leaving the underground passage to Arima and his team was more than sufficient.
At this moment, all of Squad One's primary personnel except Byakuya had arrived at the Non-Killing Owl's location.
Two Special Class, two Associate Special Class, multiple First Class... plus supporting fire from numerous investigators—all mounting a comprehensive assault on the Non-Killing Owl.
"Report to Director Washuu: All Squad One primary personnel have arrived except First Class Amaha!"
"Why hasn't First Class Amaha arrived yet? He's supposed to be our trump card against the Owl!"
"Which position was he assigned to? Is it far from here?"
While the surrounding investigators discussed Byakuya's situation, Yoshitoki remained silent.
Just then, a message came through the radio.
"Emergency! We've encountered six ghouls including the kakuja 'Binge Eater,' the SS-rated 'Shachi,' and the S-rated 'Gourmet'! All of them are at least S-rated! First Class Amaha is locked in fierce combat with the enemy!!"
This news struck like a thunderbolt, making an already unfavorable situation even more dire. The investigators around Yoshitoki were stunned.
"What?! The 'Binge Eater' is a kakuja?!"
"Even the 'Gourmet' and Ward 6's 'Shachi' have appeared—what's going on?!"
"First Class Amaha's only other effective combatant there is Rank 2 Mado. What do we do...?"
The appearance of multiple ghouls including the Binge Eater, Gourmet, and Shachi meant the CCG's combat personnel had instantly become insufficient.
Even Yoshitoki couldn't remain composed now. This was something he hadn't anticipated.
At minimum two SS-rated and four S-rated combatants—and the kakuja "Binge Eater" might be even stronger than mere SS-rated. Facing such enemies would require at least three or four more Special Class investigators plus multiple Associate Special Class and First Class to have any chance of resistance.
But the CCG couldn't simply conjure that many Special Class and Associate Special Class investigators out of thin air...
Yoshitoki's expression grew extremely grave. He had no choice but to transmit to Byakuya: "Squad Leader Amaha... please hold out as long as possible. Don't let them leave that position..."
...
Get 20+ chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"