Around eight or nine at night — right when Tokyo's nightlife truly begins.Neon lights flashed across the bustling streets, filled with bars of every style imaginable.
"Nutcracker often shows up in the bars along this street. You need to search carefully,"
"Once you find her, notify the team first. Never approach her alone."
Hayashi gave a serious reminder to the beautiful subordinates standing behind him.
"I understand." Akira nodded, her clear eyes carrying a hint of focus and sternness.
But her current attitude and the clothes she was wearing created a subtle contrast…After taking off her investigator uniform, she put on a leather punk outfit. Combined with her naturally cold, queen-like aura, she now looked even more like an investigator — Just the type you'd see in a Tokyo movie where a female agent infiltrates enemy territory and gets captured.
"We'll do our best!" The twins also nodded, their bright eyes sparkling.
Both of them were dressed in Lolita outfits, but with opposite color schemes matching their hair. They looked incredibly cute—much more obedient and sweet than usual…
"Once we enter the auction, can I kill all the ghouls I don't like?" Suzuya blinked, excitement flickering in those beautiful eyes.
Compared to the others, this one was on a whole different level. He wore a black wig, a black dress, and a small bell around his neck.He even had light makeup on, giving him a cold, distant aura that warned people not to approach.
This look was almost identical to the anime — The only difference was that he wasn't quite as calm.
One had to admit, the CCG headquarters makeup artists were truly skilled. Their custom styling and makeup highlighted the most beautiful aspects of each person… The difference between their usual appearance and now was shocking.
Even Hayashi almost didn't recognize them when they first met. Makeup truly was an Asian arcane art—and apparently a universal one.
With that thought, Hayashi led them through bar after bar. But maybe they had come at the wrong time—after searching over a dozen places, they still hadn't found her. Hayashi himself was starting to lose hope for the night.
"Hayashi, I think I found Nutcracker."
At that moment, Nashiro's sweet voice came through his earpiece.
"Where?"
Hayashi quickly turned his head. Following her line of sight, he spotted a tall figure standing near the bar's restroom area.
The colorful flashing lights were harsh on the eyes, and the place was packed—hundreds of people, if not more.It was no wonder he hadn't noticed her at first.But once he saw that tall and curvy silhouette, Hayashi recognized her instantly.
Nutcracker wore a black down jacket and long pants, with a fur-trimmed hood. She blended easily into the crowd. But every so often, she approached drunk women to strike up a conversation.
"Target confirmed. You can move in."
Hayashi looked at her from afar, then turned to the others.
"Got it." Akira picked up a glass of alcohol, downed it in one gulp, and walked toward Nutcracker.
But after only a few steps, her body swayed unsteadily.This wasn't an act — she was actually drunk. Akira's alcohol tolerance was terrible—she was the type to get drunk from one drink. Which, ironically, made her seem even more convincing.
Swaying as she walked toward the restroom, Akira stumbled halfway, her body collapsing forward.
Right at that moment, Nutcracker, who was leaning against the wall, wrapped an arm around her waist.
"Are you okay?" She helped her up gently.
"I'm fine, thank you…"Akira nodded drunkenly, her cold, beautiful face tinged with red.
"Do you want a job? The kind where you work for us?"
The moment Nutcracker saw her face clearly, her eyes lit up.
This woman's aura was amazing — an ice-queen vibe that couldn't be hidden.
"A job…?""Does it pay a lot…?"
Akira looked up with a dazed expression.
Nutcracker's lips curled into a light smile. Hooked. Such an easy woman to lure.
"Oh, yes. You'll make lots and lots of money—more than you could ever spend in your life. Our boss is very kind and never underpays employees. So? Interested?"
Nutcracker wrapped an arm over her shoulder, her voice gentle, sweet, and subtly hypnotic.
"Sure… I really need money right now anyway." Akira nodded, a silly drunk smile on her face—yet even like this, she couldn't hide her icy queen aura.The contrast made her even more charming.
"This is my number. I'll contact you in a few days."
Nutcracker took out a slip of paper and tucked it into Akira's hand.
"Okay… you're such a good person…" Akira nodded drunkenly and staggered away.
"If she'd eaten even a couple peanuts, she wouldn't be this drunk…" Hayashi caught the wobbling Akira, feeling a strange mix of amusement.
"Nooo… I wanna sleep…"Akira weakly pushed at him, far from her usual cold and untouchable self.Her drunk version was unexpectedly cute and obedient.
After waiting a bit longer, Kurona and Nashiro also obtained Nutcracker's invitation.
"Kurona, Nashiro—you two did great." Hayashi gently patted the twin lolis on the head.
"Hayashi, Hayashi! I got mine too!" A moment later, Suzuya skipped over excitedly, waving his slip of paper.
"Alright. Now all we have to do is wait for her to contact us."
Hayashi held the four slips in his hand, the corner of his mouth lifting into a smile.
It was finally time for their paths to cross…