Looking at the three options, Byakuya made his decision instantly.
"I don't think you need to keep running. I can protect you, can't I?"
[Ding! Host has completed Option 2. Reward: 20 Fusion Points!]
Though Option 3 offered more points, Byakuya deemed it unnecessary.
Furuta wasn't the only one after Rize—Aogiri Tree and the Washuu Clan were watching her too.
Running wouldn't help no matter where they went. Unless they fled Japan entirely—but that wasn't realistic.
Every country's customs had RC detection gates. No nation would allow ghouls to cross borders freely.
Even though Rize carried Washuu bloodline, which could bypass the gates, that only worked in Japan.
The Washuus had tampered with Japan's RC gates so they wouldn't trigger for ghouls of Washuu descent. But their influence didn't extend beyond Japan's borders.
Even Yoshimura—a former V "cleaner"—had been given special clearance. That's how his daughter Eto could freely enter and exit CCG facilities.
"You want to protect me? Are you serious?"
Rize seemed genuinely surprised.
"Completely serious."
Byakuya nodded.
"But you don't even understand what I'm up against."
Rize said. "My enemies are terrifying—and most of them are stronger than you. You're nowhere near capable of protecting me."
She was dismissing his strength outwardly, but inwardly she wanted him to abandon this idea.
She didn't believe Byakuya could stand against her enemies. This wasn't looking down on him—it was knowing firsthand how powerful the Washuu Clan truly was.
Having escaped from them, Rize understood exactly what she was dealing with.
Hearing this, Byakuya stepped forward and placed one hand on the wall beside her head, his tone unusually forceful: "Regardless, I'm at least stronger than you. No matter what enemies you're facing, I'm confident I can protect you."
His current strength wasn't truly sufficient yet—but he could at least protect himself and Rize. And having fused with Uchiha Madara's abilities and possessing a system, how could he not have some pride?
Rize's expression flickered with surprise. She hadn't expected Byakuya to suddenly become so assertive.
She'd grown accustomed to his easygoing nature these past few days.
Recovering quickly, Rize's lips curved upward. "I didn't know you had such a forceful side. Since you're so confident, you'd better protect me properly then~"
She still didn't believe Byakuya could contend with the Washuus.
But she didn't dislike this assertive version of him.
More importantly, Rize had been fixated on Byakuya's delicious body all along. This way, she could drag him along when she needed to flee, keeping him by her side.
She hadn't wanted to involve him in this mess. But since he was so insistent, she—never one to claim moral high ground—decided she'd simply rely on him.
[Ding! Host has triggered a quest. Initiating Divine Selection!]
[Option 1: Can't protect anyone—immediately backtrack and avoid future complications with Rize. Reward: 10 Fusion Points!]
[Option 2: Ask Rize to stay the night—it's safer than going home alone. Reward: 10 Fusion Points!]
Having already made his declaration, going back on his word didn't sit right with Byakuya's character.
So he chose Option 2 without hesitation.
"It's already so late. Why don't you just stay here tonight?"
Byakuya said directly.
His composure let him say this with a straight face.
[Ding! Host has completed Option 2. Reward: 10 Fusion Points!]
Rize gazed at Byakuya with an almost meaningful look, agreeing without hesitation. "Sure."
Then something occurred to her. "But I didn't bring any change of clothes. Either come with me to get some from my place, or take me shopping for new ones. I've been wanting new clothes anyway."
Girls naturally loved pretty clothes—ghouls were no exception.
"Let's go shopping then. The mall's close by."
Byakuya said.
After washing the remaining dishes, he accompanied Rize out for some shopping.
They'd barely taken a few steps from his door when Rize linked her arm through his.
Byakuya glanced at her questioningly.
"You said you'd protect me, right? This way you can do it more... thoroughly."
Rize smiled as she explained.
What she didn't mention was that this also let her better enjoy the scent wafting from his body.
Byakuya just smiled and said nothing.
To anyone watching, they looked exactly like a couple out for an evening stroll.
...
Soon, Byakuya and Rize arrived at the nearby mall.
There were no RC detection gates at places like this—and even if there were, they wouldn't affect Rize anyway.
Rize led Byakuya with clear purpose toward a women's clothing store. She seemed to be a regular here, navigating the route with practiced ease.
But at the entrance, a saleswoman stopped them. "I'm sorry, but only boyfriends are allowed to accompany customers inside. May I ask if you two are...?"
Though the pair were arm-in-arm, they could be siblings for all she knew.
Since the store catered almost exclusively to women, this rule existed to protect customers' privacy.
Byakuya was about to suggest finding a different store when Rize spoke first: "Of course we're a couple."
Then she turned to Byakuya with a sweet smile. "Isn't that right, darling~?"
"...That's right."
In this situation, Byakuya could only nod.
It wasn't like it caused him any harm.
"Thank you for your cooperation. Please, come in."
The saleswoman welcomed them inside.
The store was quite popular, filled with attractive young women browsing the merchandise.
But Rize's arrival immediately eclipsed them all.
"Darling, if your eyes wander too much, I might have to poke them out."
Rize said with a smile.
"..."
Byakuya was speechless.
He had no idea what Rize was playing at—she was really committing to this fake-couple act.