As the dust finally settled, Tatara's mangled body came into view. The intimidating, ironclad warrior from moments ago was gone—now he lay collapsed on the ruined ground, powerless.
The once-dominant blue flames flickered weakly around him. His aura had never been this faint.
The inferno that had engulfed the entire courtyard dissipated, leaving only scattered embers dancing in the air. The ground was shattered beyond recognition, and at the center lay a massive crater.
Tatara's armor was completely destroyed. His blood-soaked face was exposed, and even breathing seemed painful. His regeneration, impressive even for a ghoul of his caliber, struggled against the countless wounds tearing through him.
Hayashi lowered his gaze, looking at the broken man before him.
"You're weak—so weak you can't even see it. You don't understand the gap between us."
"Right now, your world is tiny. When you look at me, it's like a frog staring at the moon from the bottom of a well."
"If you somehow grew stronger… you'd still see me as an insect gazing up at the sky."
Each word stabbed deeper than any blade, sinking into Tatara's chest.
He lifted his head with great effort. Through blurred vision, he saw Hayashi's cold, youthful face—surrounded by an ominous, suffocating mist of blood-red energy.For a moment, Tatara hallucinated a demon standing behind Hayashi, dripping with blood and death.
"So… do you understand?" Hayashi raised his blade.
But before he could strike, a sweet, playful voice chimed beside him.
"Hayashi, play all you want, but don't actually kill Tatara. If he dies, it'll be a huge loss for Aogiri Tree."
Hayashi instinctively turned his head.
Smack.
Through her bandages, Eto pressed a kiss onto his cheek.
Hayashi froze for a moment.
"Who would've thought we'd run into each other here~" Eto cupped his face gently, her eyes soft with fascination.
"I didn't expect you to show up either." Hayashi said quietly. He had suspected Aogiri would send guards… but he didn't expect Eto to personally come.
"I'll spare him. But what do I get out of it?"Hayashi asked with interest.
"If you let him live, I'll keep you company. Remember our little promise?" Eto teased, running her fingers through his hair, pressing her body against his.
"That sounds… tempting." Feeling the warmth pressed against him, Hayashi allowed a small smile to form.
Boom—
The ground suddenly shook violently. The ruined surface split again, debris flying everywhere.
Through the smoke rose the towering form of the One-Eyed Owl. Hayashi leaped into the air, blades flashing as he swung down at her.
They clashed midair, the explosion echoing across the mansion grounds.
At that same moment, several white vans pulled up outside the estate. CCG investigators jumped out—only to freeze at the sight ahead.
"The One-Eyed Owl…" Recognizing the enormous silhouette, several investigators instinctively stepped back.New recruits looked confused, but veterans felt old terror crawling up their spines.
"She's here? Don't tell me she's part of this auction too…"
"You've gotta be kidding me—we're supposed to fight that?"
Before they could make sense of the situation, someone pointed forward.
"Look! That's Investigator Hayashi!"
At once, all eyes locked onto the sight ahead.
There—the white-haired investigator clashed head-on with the One-Eyed Owl.
"If I'm not mistaken… Hayashi is fighting her alone!?"
"You're not mistaken. I can confirm it!"
Shock rippled through the group.
The mansion grounds were in total ruins. It was clear from the destruction alone how fierce the battle was.The idea of a human fighting the Owl to this extent was unthinkable.
Rumors said Hayashi could fight her one-on-one. Now they realized… the rumors weren't exaggerated—they were insufficient.
"Seal every exit! Surround the entire estate!" Marude arrived and immediately began issuing orders.
Investigators scrambled into action. First-Class, Second-Class, upper ranks — even two Associate Special Classes were present. The CCG had come fully prepared.
Once the perimeter was secured, all attention returned to Hayashi and the Owl.
"Hayashi, I'm thrilled—absolutely thrilled!" Eto slammed her claws into the ground, spikes bursting from her kagune. "You're strong. Strong in a way that defies reason. I know you'll entertain me. Make me enjoy this!"
Her attacks came faster and faster, her massive body swelling even larger as she pushed deeper into her kakuja form. Compared to her, the massive Tatara now looked like a cute little gremlin.
"I'm excited too. Finally, someone worth going all out against." Hayashi dodged strike after strike, a refined smile on his face.
"Let's have some real fun. I can't remember the last time I felt like this!"
Eto's singular red eye trembled with exhilaration. Her entire body writhed and expanded, far larger than during their last encounter.
Suspended in the air, Hayashi avoided another barrage — then drew the Thousand Demon Daggers.
The moment the sinister blade unsheathed, the air filled with the stench of death.
With a blade in each hand, Hayashi lifted his head. Light sparked in his eyes.
"Dual Blades: Starburst Stream!"