"..."
Hearing Kurona's words, Suzuya had been about to speak but closed his mouth again. In the end, he said nothing.
Perhaps it was because this person named Amaha Byakuya hadn't known about the cat killings until just now. Even though Suzuya hadn't actually done those things, he couldn't be bothered to explain.
Now that the other person knew, there was nothing left to say.
"I see... Anyway, you're Suzuya-kun, right? Let's talk more when we get the chance."
Byakuya didn't join Kurona in condemning Suzuya.
His continued calm demeanor left an unusual impression on Suzuya.
Kurona was also surprised that Byakuya could still speak so casually to Suzuya after learning about the accusation.
Though Suzuya didn't respond verbally, he gave a small nod.
...
Besides the changes to theory classes, practical sessions now focused primarily on Quinque training.
Byakuya, the Yasuhisa sisters, and the two boys all used the "Hiruko 1/76"—the same Quinque they'd be issued during the internship.
Suzuya used a different weapon: the "Scorpion 1/56," a black knife—or dagger—a B-rated Quinque made from a bikaku-type kagune.
This wasn't discrimination; students from the one-year Institute simply used different training equipment than Academy students.
Both "Hiruko 1/76" and "Scorpion 1/56" were B-rated Quinques with comparable power.
Byakuya recalled this "Scorpion 1/56" from the original story—it was the Quinque Suzuya used. He'd started with just one, but later stole the remaining 55 from storage.
Even now, Suzuya already displayed exceptional talent, demonstrating deep proficiency with the dagger.
Though still a step below Byakuya.
...
After three days of intensive preparation training, Byakuya and the others departed for Ward 24 to begin their internship.
Kishou Arima and his team were waiting for them there. Expecting someone of Arima's status to come fetch them personally was out of the question—they weren't VIPs, after all.
Now, Byakuya and the others had arrived at Ward 24.
More precisely, they stood at the edge of Ward 23. Before them loomed a massive cavern—one of the entrances to Ward 24.
Six figures in white tactical uniforms waited at the entrance. This was Squad Zero, led by Kishou Arima.
Byakuya recognized all six: Kishou Arima, Koori Ui, Hairu Ihei, Shio Ihei, Yusa Arima, and Rikai Souzu.
Take Hirako hadn't joined Squad Zero yet during this period.
From left to right: Yusa Arima, Kaneki (unconfirmed), Take Hirako, Kishou Arima, Koori Ui, Hairu Ihei, Shio Ihei, Rikai Souzu.
This was an elite squad composed almost entirely of half-humans—arguably the CCG's most powerful trump card. The only pure human among them was Koori Ui, an Associate Special Class investigator. Every member possessed exceptional combat ability.
Though Shio Ihei, Rikai Souzu, and Yusa Arima appeared young—only 11, 12, and 13 years old respectively—as half-humans, their physical capabilities were already approaching their peak at these ages.
Half-humans had drastically shortened lifespans. By around age 20, they actually entered a period of declining strength.
"You must be the interns. Let me count... one, two... six. Six people. Looks like everyone's here."
Koori Ui spoke first.
Koori Ui had somewhat feminine features, with slightly long black hair. He stood around 170 centimeters, with a well-proportioned build—though he was definitely male.
Still, Koori Ui was tame compared to Shio Ihei. If Koori Ui looked somewhat like a girl, then Shio at this age could easily pass for an adorable little girl.
Delicate, pretty features framed by pale blue-white hair. A petite frame barely over 150 centimeters. The white tactical uniform gave him an air of refinement—but he was actually a boy.
Rikai Souzu's features resembled Koori Ui's somewhat, even sharing a similar hairstyle, though his hair was purple. Being younger, he only stood about 160 centimeters.
Yusa Arima matched Rikai's height and build. He shared the surname "Arima" with Kishou, had refined features, and wore a somewhat gloomy expression—though he was actually a quiet, gentle young man.
The only actual girl in Squad Zero was Hairu Ihei—the young woman with pink hair and pink eyes. Slender and graceful, her exquisite features possessed an almost bewitching beauty.
Hairu Ihei.
And then there was Kishou Arima himself—Squad Zero's captain and the strongest ghoul investigator alive.
Tall and lean, wearing glasses, his hair completely white. His handsome features were utterly expressionless, betraying no emotion whatsoever.
"Yes, I'm Amaha Byakuya, one of the interns."
Byakuya nodded in acknowledgment.
The Yasuhisa sisters and the others followed with their own introductions.
"I'm Yasuhisa Kurona."
"I'm Yasuhisa Nashiro."
"...Suzuya Juuzou."
"..."
Koori Ui verified that the names matched his roster.
"Since everyone's here, follow us inside."
With that, Byakuya and the others followed Squad Zero, led by Arima, into Ward 24.
As mentioned before, Ward 24 wasn't a normal district. Beyond the cavern entrance lay a seemingly endless underground labyrinth that spiraled ever deeper into the earth.
Koori Ui, apparently designated as their guide, spoke up again: "Look at the structure of this labyrinth. Can anyone guess what these walls are made of?"
The labyrinth twisted and wound in every direction. The walls weren't made of ordinary material—they were "flesh walls," a grotesque amalgamation of colors that would unsettle anyone with a weak stomach.
"Kagune... probably."
Byakuya answered first.
As a transmigrator, he naturally knew all about Ward 24.
"Correct. Every wall in this labyrinth was created by ghouls using their kagune. The principle is similar to how Quinques are made, except this technology was developed by ghouls. We haven't been able to crack it, which is why exploring Ward 24 has been so difficult."
Koori Ui elaborated further, then praised Byakuya: "Amaha Byakuya, your analytical ability is impressive. I don't believe the Academy teaches much about Ward 24."
Nearby, Kurona felt a flash of irritation. How did this guy know so much?