The Rooster Talisman?
Hearing the notification, Hayashi blinked in surprise.
They really gave him the Rooster Talisman?
He hadn't expected that at all, and for a moment he felt dazed. While he was still processing it, the familiar golden light surged into his body.
As the power of the Rooster Talisman merged into him, his entire body felt lighter—almost ethereal. By the time he came back to his senses, the fusion was already complete.
"This feels incredible."
Hayashi closed his eyes. His body felt as light as an arrow. Gradually, he began to float off the ground, adjusting to the sensation with ease.
The Twelve Talismans were nothing to underestimate. Each one possessed overwhelming, unique abilities—each powerful in its own way.
For the Rooster Talisman, beyond simple levitation, its true essence was telekinesis.
Thinking about it, Hayashi raised his hand.
A cup sitting on the table instantly floated upward, drifting smoothly into his palm.
"This ability is perfect for lazy people."
Taking a sip of tea, Hayashi couldn't help but feel impressed.
And the strength of the telekinesis depended on the user's willpower and endurance. With the Dog and Horse Talismans, his stamina was practically infinite — and his willpower was beyond solid.
Looking out the window, Hayashi felt an indescribable connection to the world outside. It was as if his consciousness brushed faintly against everything within his sight.
If he wished, he could move any object he saw. Or destroy anything within view—shatter gravity and tear apart the air itself.
If he had to compare it, it was somewhat similar to Chibaku Tensei from Naruto.
The more he thought about it, the more he felt the similarity fit.
However, the Rooster Talisman only allowed hovering for now. To fly quickly or soar high, he would definitely need the Rabbit Talisman.
But he had a feeling —his next talisman would be the Rabbit. And he would get it, no matter what.
A faint smile curled at the corner of his lips.
With the Rabbit Talisman, he'd be nearly complete…
After gathering his thoughts, Hayashi tidied the table and left the café.
Walking out of Anteiku, he planned to head straight home. But just then, his phone rang—HQ was calling.
"Hello, this is Hayashi."
His voice was flat and calm.
"Hayashi, HQ has issued a mission. Can you come to my office?" Marude's steady yet slightly irritable voice came through.
"Understood. I'll be right there."
After hanging up, Hayashi stretched lazily, a small smile forming.
"Finally, something to do. Time to loosen up a bit."
…
After riding back to CCG Headquarters, Hayashi went straight into Marude's office.
Marude was standing by the window, drinking coffee while watching the city below.
"Nice view, isn't it?"
Without turning around, Marude sipped his coffee.
"It is," Hayashi replied, glancing downward.
From here, you could overlook all of Tokyo—all its shining illusions of pleasure and excess.
"But beneath all that beauty hides something that could swallow it whole."
Marude finished his coffee and sat down.
"What mission did HQ assign?"
Hayashi sat as well, looking up at him.
"We found out there will be an underground auction soon. The 'products' are all trafficked women."
Marude folded his hands atop the desk, his expression grave.
"So HQ wants you to disrupt the auction, rescue the hostages, and eliminate every ghoul present."
"Of course, HQ will send reinforcements. We'll dispatch most of our combat-ready investigators."
Hayashi nodded, expression unchanged.He was already used to missions like this.
"This mission is extremely dangerous. You can refuse," Marude continued."But if you accept, it'll earn you a major accomplishment. The choice is yours."
"I'll take it," Hayashi said lightly.
Whether a mission was dangerous or not didn't matter.With the power of the Dog and Horse Talismans, he didn't fear injury—or death.
"Does HQ know the auction location?" he asked.
"Do you know the Nutcracker?"
Marude opened a folder as he spoke.
"She's the one who scouts for them. Anyone she selects is taken into the auction house."
Hayashi took the file and nodded.
Just one glance confirmed it was that Nutcracker — the one Kaneki encountered in season three, after becoming Haise Sasaki.
He remembered her vividly: her revealing outfit, her unstable and almost deranged behavior,her obsession with money,and her dangerously seductive, domineering aura—a natural-born queen. Give her leather boots and a whip and she'd be a top-tier dominatrix.
A curvy silhouette flashed across Hayashi's mind.
"She frequents this bar," Marude said, handing him a slip of paper.
"You can take your team and investigate. Everything from here on is up to you. But move quickly."
Hayashi looked through the documents.Aside from basic info, there was also a blurry photo—yet still clear enough to showcase her stunning, irresistible figure.
"Nutcracker, huh?"
He took a sip of coffee and nodded calmly.
"Leave it to me. I'll find her."