Kijima Shiki, Associate Special-Class Investigator.
For Lancer, this was a name he'd heard often—but his knowledge of this person didn't come from any "storyline"; rather, it came from his earlier trip to headquarters.
When receiving his "medal," he'd also learned about several Investigators within the CCG who had good compatibility with him.
What exactly defined "good compatibility"?
Naturally, it meant Investigators who'd earned medals themselves and enjoyed hunting Ghouls—and this Kijima Shiki was one of them.
Lancer didn't have detailed information on him, but according to headquarters staff, Kijima resembled Mado Kureo in many ways.
His method toward Ghouls was total extermination—virtually every Ghoul he encountered ended up as a corpse. He never sent living captives to Cochlea, the Ghoul detention center in the 23rd Ward. But despite his ruthless reputation, he treated his fellow Investigators quite warmly.
No wonder he and Mado Kureo were friends.
That was Lancer's only reaction after receiving Kijima's phone number.
But before contacting him, Lancer still needed to collect some decisive evidence. Unlike Mado, who would trust him unconditionally based on their personal bond, others certainly wouldn't.
Now the question was—when exactly would the "Gourmet" abduct Kaneki Ken?
Yet before Lancer started looking into the Tsukiyama family, another matter required immediate attention.
"Investigator Mado, please leave this mission to me!"
Usually, nobody in the 20th Ward dared openly challenge Mado's orders—not just because of his age and strength, but also because his meticulous and uncompromising personality, and that fanatical hatred for Ghouls, sent chills down their spines.
Yet Lancer was an exception.
In the eyes of Mado Kureo and many others, Lancer was already considered Mado's disciple, even his heir.
Be it his similar stance toward Ghouls or his repeated volunteering for missions labeled "almost certain death," it was clear—even though Mado never openly voiced it—that Lancer had earned his absolute approval.
At this moment, seeing Lancer standing before him, Mado raised one finger sharply.
"Give me one reason! One reason why I should agree with your request!"
"Because I had a nightmare yesterday, Mado-san. I dreamed you would die during today's mission."
"…?"
When Lancer's words left his mouth, everyone froze—Mado Kureo holding his new Quinque case, Amon Koutarou standing right behind him, and several CCG Investigators who'd happened to overhear as they passed by.
No matter what reason Lancer gave, they wouldn't have been surprised. But a reason like this was absurd. A "dream"? Blocking someone's assignment due to a nightmare? If missions depended on such whims, nobody would ever dare take on a mission again.
"Are you serious? If there's a chance I'll die, you'd be no different. Have you thought clearly about that?"
"Yes."
Facing Lancer's utterly solemn expression, Mado Kureo stared into his eyes for several seconds, then—to Amon Koutarou's disbelief—he slowly raised his right hand.
"This Quinque is central to today's plan. Try it out first. If you can handle it, then I'll let you complete today's mission in my place. After all, Amon and I still need to track down Jason. As for the details of the assignment, ask Amon directly later."
"Yes, sir!"
As Lancer took the white case from Mado's hand, he unconsciously released a deep breath. At the very least, he'd successfully prevented Mado from triggering that "death flag." What he hadn't expected was how smoothly it went—he'd already mentally prepared himself for Mado's refusal. If Mado rejected him, he'd planned to temporarily abandon investigating the Tsukiyama family, sticking close to Mado to ensure his safety.
He might be weaker than Amon Koutarou, might have less experience than Mado, but thanks to his knowledge of the "plot," he could help them remain vigilant against an ambush from Kirishima Touka.
Indeed, recent interactions made him abandon the idea of reporting Anteiku's true nature to the CCG. But compared to his benefactor's safety, all else paled in importance. As long as one was human, there would always be priorities in the heart.
After bowing respectfully to Mado, Lancer headed toward the training grounds to test this Quinque.
As he left, Mado watched his departing figure. Unnoticed by anyone else, a faint smile appeared on his face.
Just as he'd thought before, Lancer was an exceptionally promising seedling. Though still inexperienced compared to Amon Koutarou's greater strength, Lancer possessed a sharper mind and stronger determination.
I initially considered assigning Akira to work alongside Amon once she graduates…but perhaps pairing her with Lancer might be better.
Meanwhile, after briefly testing out the Quinque Mado made, Lancer didn't pay much more attention. After all, he knew very well it was merely bait intended to lure out the Fueguchi mother and daughter.
But what would he do next?
Let them escape?
Impossible.
If their identities hadn't yet been exposed, Lancer might have turned a blind eye. But they'd already been discovered. Even if he allowed them to escape, they'd never evade the CCG's pursuit afterward. Worse yet, he himself would be held accountable. Given his strength, even if he couldn't manage to kill Fueguchi Ryouko (because after Nishiki's case, the CCG already knew some powerful Ghouls hid among ordinary people—and since Fueguchi Ryouko had no battle records, her strength would depend entirely on Lancer's own assessment), how would he explain failing to capture the still very young Fueguchi Hinami? Even if he couldn't catch both, at least one had to be caught.
Inside the training area, Lancer swung his spear continuously, pondering exactly what he should do.
Before today, he'd mostly relied on his informational advantage from the "plot" to appear sophisticated and insightful. But in reality, planning and scheming were never his forte.
Since he couldn't come up with a clever solution, only one option remained—charge straight ahead!
The bridge could always be crossed once the boat reached it. If you couldn't find a solution, yet were forced to act regardless, it was better to just move forward instead of agonizing over what might happen!
Having made up his mind, Lancer thrust his spear forward fiercely. Then, quickly throwing on his coat, he strode decisively toward the meeting room—it was time to carry out the mission.
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T/N: exactlyy lancers arent meant for thinking and all these strategies!!! THEY RUSH HEAD INNNN!!!!
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