20th Ward CCG Branch.
At this moment, two Rank 1 Investigators and over a dozen Rank 2 Investigators were seated in the conference room. Counting the hundred-plus Rank 3 Investigators currently on standby at home or elsewhere, this was the full force of the CCG stationed in the 20th Ward under normal circumstances.
Right now, the dozen or so people in the room sat silently—some resting their eyes, others idly playing with disposable cups in their hands. In short, everyone, apart from Mado Kureo seated at the head of the table, seemed somewhat uneasy. Even Amon Koutarou, who had always partnered with Mado, sat upright, acting exceptionally strange.
But could anyone blame them? Earlier today, he'd accompanied Mado-san to the main headquarters meeting, and ever since that meeting concluded, Mado had been visibly irritated. This alone made the ever-serious Amon tense up reflexively.
Crack!
"Sorry, I'm late!"
"No matter. Miho and Tanaka aren't here yet either. Sit down and wait with us."
"Yes, sir!"
Upon receiving orders from Mado Kureo, Lancer took a seat at the far end of the conference table. The others glanced at him with mixed expressions. Even though they knew Mado favored Lancer, the fact that Lancer merely nodded briefly when greeting them made the two Rank 1 Investigators' expressions subtly shift. No matter how exceptional Lancer's 'talent' might be, in their eyes, he wasn't yet their equal.
As for showing displeasure towards Mado Kureo? They didn't have the guts.
Although officially holding the title of 'Senior Investigator,' in reality, Mado's strength placed him firmly at the level of a "Quasi-Special Class Investigator." It wasn't just age or experience—he'd personally captured the infamous "Corpse Collector," completely outclassing everyone present in terms of strength and qualification. Why he chose to remain on the frontline instead of taking a promotion was something most understood, so their irritation found its outlet only in the unfairly targeted Lancer.
Fortunately, the final two Rank 2 Investigators didn't keep everyone waiting for long. Within minutes of Lancer's arrival, they arrived one after another.
"Everyone."
The moment Mado Kureo spoke, everyone unconsciously straightened up—but instead of addressing the main topic, he abruptly rose to his feet.
"A moment of silence!"
Everyone paused briefly before standing up, placing one hand solemnly over their hearts, heads bowed.
Although Mado didn't explicitly state what happened, this was an unspoken rule within the CCG: Before certain briefings, if the information discussed had resulted in Investigator casualties, all participants—regardless of rank—would observe a moment of silence to show their respect. For ghouls, even Quinque-wielding Investigators were incredibly fragile. No Investigator, not even the strongest in the CCG, could guarantee endless victories against ghouls. Unless the threat of ghouls was eliminated entirely, every Investigator risked dying on the battlefield.
This solemn practice was both an expression of respect for the fallen and a powerful reminder to maintain 120% vigilance during every mission!
Only after dozens of seconds passed did Mado finally lower his hand, sit down, and start passing around several reports.
"Our 'targets' this time are two: Jason and Binge Eater."
The mention of these names caused everyone to reflexively straighten up even more. Lancer, in particular, unconsciously clenched his fists tightly.
Though mentally prepared beforehand, having a definitive confirmation meant that now—finally—everything was set in motion!
"Jason, I believe, requires no further introduction. He's a powerful ghoul entrenched in the 20th Ward. We've already lost several outstanding Investigators fighting him, and this time our objective is to eliminate him completely! As for Binge Eater's infamous reputation, I'm sure everyone here has heard rumors. A normal ghoul needs to hunt once a month, but Binge Eater is different—she typically hunts two or three times a week. Based on this, we suspect she's an abnormal one, making her far more dangerous and destructive than Jason! Our 20th Ward branch's mission this time is the complete annihilation of these two targets! For humanity!"
Mado Kureo's bizarre personality and twisted expression usually made him difficult to approach, but at this moment, his voice was brimming with murderous intent that infected everyone present. Without hesitation, they responded with a roar:
"For humanity!!"
Seeing everyone's eyes glowing fiercely, Mado nodded in satisfaction before continuing the briefing.
"These enemies differ from past ones, so we'll need clear divisions of responsibility. First, myself and Rank 1 Investigator Amon Koutarou will form a mobile unit responsible for patrol and backup across the entire 20th Ward. The other Rank 1 Investigators will command four Rank 2 and sixty Rank 3 Investigators as the primary force for direct combat. The remaining Rank 2 Investigators will form pairs with six Rank 3 Investigators each, responsible for patrol and vigilance in designated areas…"
As he spoke, his eyes drifted toward Lancer, the only investigator who had not yet received a specific task.
Normally, Investigators teamed up with a partner one rank below, but Lancer had started as an intern investigator—a role akin to a handyman. Recently, however, he had become more of a firefighter, running between various battlefields within the ward. He had no fixed partner. Thus, this time...
"Rank 2 Investigator, Lancer!"
"Yes, sir!"
"This time your task is to serve as the bait! As the fastest-promoted Investigator in the 20th Ward, you've become rather 'infamous' among ghouls. According to our intelligence, some ghouls already intend to attack you. I want you to act as bait and draw these hidden ghouls out into the open—then we'll have an opportunity to pinpoint Jason or Binge Eater! Are you willing?"
Without question, the task Mado assigned Lancer was the most dangerous. Under normal circumstances, ghouls avoided openly attacking CCG Investigators. However, Lancer's recent exploits were essentially provocative. If he appeared in deserted areas, he was certain to become a target. This was both the riskiest and the most critical assignment!
"Leave it to me! I'll exterminate those man-eating monsters!"
Lancer knew that assigning him this dangerous task was Mado's way of looking after him. Even without this mission, his reputation had already made him a thorn in the side of many ghouls, placing him permanently on their hit lists. While the danger was undeniable, given the overall operation against Jason and Binge Eater, he would have adequate backup. Therefore, he accepted without any hesitation!
If he couldn't even survive this situation, sooner or later he'd inevitably die at the hands of ghouls.
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T/N: oughhh okay for any none tokyo ghoulers let me give you a rundown!!!!
first is Junior Investigators! They are
Rank 3 Investigators, Rank 2 Investigators, and Rank 1 Investigators (ALSO KNOWN AS SECOND CLASS INVESTIGATORS)
now Senior Investigators!
First Class Investigator also known as Senior Investigator!
then Associate Special Class Investigator also known as assistant special investigators
and the highest isss Special Class Investigator
its a bit confusing i know, but I guess just dont think too hard about the ranks!