The sudden unlocking of the System Shop reminded Byakuya that this feature existed.
He'd noticed the locked "System Shop" on his system panel before but hadn't known the specific unlock conditions, so he hadn't paid much attention.
Now that it was unlocked, he definitely wanted to see what was inside.
[Host: Amaha Byakuya]
[Identity: Human]
[Age: 18]
[Fusion Target: Uchiha Madara]
[Fusion Progress: Lv2 (87/500)]
[Equipment: B-rated Quinque "Thorn," B-rated Quinque "Hiruko (1/76)"]
[Abilities: Three-Tomoe Sharingan, Hashirama Cells Lv2, Taijutsu Lv2, B-rank Ninjutsu "Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation," B-rank Ninjutsu "Fire Style: Great Fire Destruction," B-rank Ninjutsu "Fire Style: Hiding in Ash Technique"...]
[Fusion Points: 313]
[System Shop]
When Byakuya opened the system panel, he could see the [System Shop] at the bottom was now unlocked.
With a thought, the System Shop opened automatically.
[System Shop Lv1]
[Item 1: White Mask]
[Details: The mask worn by Uchiha Obito when impersonating Uchiha Madara. When worn, grants 10% comprehensive enhancement to: Taijutsu, ocular power, ninjutsu potency, total chakra, and Hashirama Cells effectiveness]
[Price: 10 Fusion Points]
[...]
[Item 2: Scythe]
[Details: A ninja tool paired with the Uchiha War Fan. Often used as a "cane," but its power is not to be underestimated—far stronger than B-rated Quinques]
[Price: 100 Fusion Points]
[...]
[Item 3: Uchiha War Fan (Gunbai)]
[Details: Crafted from the Divine Tree's branches. Incredibly durable and damage-resistant. Comes with the technique "Uchiha Reflection"—can absorb attacks and convert them into wind-attribute energy to reflect back (modified version). Strength equivalent to SSS-rated koukaku Quinque]
[Price: 500 Fusion Points]
[Note: Accumulate 3,000 total Fusion Points to upgrade System Shop to Lv2]
Though only three items were currently available, all seemed quite useful.
According to the system description, upgrading the shop would unlock more items.
Byakuya felt the White Mask offered the best value—spending just 10 Fusion Points for a 10% comprehensive enhancement.
The Scythe and Uchiha War Fan were both more expensive. Certainly worth the price, but he couldn't afford them yet.
He currently had 313 Fusion Points. The 500-point War Fan was out of the question for now, and he'd hold off on the 100-point Scythe as well. His two B-rated Quinques would suffice for the time being.
As for why the Uchiha War Fan was marked as "modified version"—this world had no chakra or ninjutsu. Without modification, the War Fan couldn't absorb attacks from this world's inhabitants.
[Ding! Host purchased "White Mask." 10 Fusion Points consumed. Current Fusion Points: 303!]
Byakuya secured the White Mask first. He'd consider the Scythe and War Fan once he had surplus points. His current priority was raising his Fusion Progress to Lv3.
Normally, that should evolve his Three-Tomoe Sharingan into the Mangekyo Sharingan—a transformation that would massively elevate his overall power.
After the purchase, the White Mask automatically appeared in the [Equipment] section.
[Equipment: White Mask, B-rated Quinque "Thorn," B-rated Quinque "Hiruko (1/76)"]
With just a thought, Byakuya could summon the White Mask directly into his hand.
But now definitely wasn't the time—others were watching.
"So you're naming it 'Thorn.' Noted. Also, this is a bikaku-type Quinque, well-suited for rookie investigators."
The researcher remarked.
Bikaku characteristics were reflected not just in ghouls but in Quinques as well.
No particular strengths, no particular weaknesses. Balanced offense and defense—the most well-rounded of the four kagune types.
...
Though Byakuya had eliminated multiple ghouls in Ward 24, the CCG Research Tower only gave him one Quinque.
This was standard practice. Quinques were difficult to wield, and the vast majority of investigators could only handle one—and even then, not necessarily with full proficiency.
Someone like Arima, who could dual-wield two Quinques simultaneously, was an extreme exception.
The mass-produced mini-Quinques like "Scorpion 1/56" and "Hiruko 1/76"—where a single kagune was made into dozens of small weapons—didn't count.
Byakuya left the CCG Research Tower carrying his briefcase containing "Thorn."
"When you're out on missions, always keep your Quinque case with you no matter what. If needed, you can disguise it with something else. I remember Arima-san used to put his Quinque case inside a violin case—that way it wouldn't alert ghouls during investigations."
Shio offered this advice like a senior colleague.
Though technically speaking, in terms of experience, Shio was his senior.
"Thanks for the tip. I'll keep that in mind."
Byakuya nodded.
"Byakuya-san, your assignment with Koori Ui-senpai to Ward 19 starts tomorrow, right? There's still plenty of time today—how about we go walk around town?"
Shio suggested.
"Sure. Looks like Squad Zero doesn't have any missions these couple days."
Byakuya agreed.
"Actually, we're never really that busy."
Shio said with a smile.
Squad Zero didn't deploy lightly. When they did, things were resolved extremely quickly—thanks to Arima's presence.
Most of their time was spent investigating Ward 24, playing an ongoing game of whack-a-mole with Aogiri Tree. But Arima's true identity was Aogiri's real "One-Eyed King." He had no intention of actually eliminating them—he just needed to stall. The Washuu Clan had assigned him to eradicate Aogiri Tree, but he certainly wasn't going to do that.
"What about you, Hairu-neesan? Want to come along?"
Shio asked Hairu beside him.
"Sure."
Hairu nodded with a smile.
For a normal stroll through town, the three of them didn't bring their Quinque briefcases—only portable weapons like daggers and short blades.
Though Ward 1 was also a chaotic district with serious ghoul activity, ghouls wouldn't dare attack openly in broad daylight—there were simply too many investigators stationed here.
They just walked around, ate some desserts—nothing particularly special.
But Byakuya noticed that Hairu's gaze occasionally lingered on him. Obviously, it had to do with Arima.
Right now, she was watching him again.
"..."
Byakuya pretended not to notice.