Meanwhile, Byakuya called the CCG and briefly explained the situation, requesting backup.
"Investigator Amaha, are you saying you're alone at the 'Ghoul Restaurant' in Ward 7?"
The assistant investigator on the other end sounded incredulous, confirming the details.
The CCG had raided a "Ghoul Restaurant" in another ward before. That operation had required numerous investigators because of the sheer number of ghouls gathered there.
Suzuya had been rescued during that raid. Because of that previous incident, the ghouls here had fled decisively once they realized Byakuya was trouble.
"Yes. The specific location is..."
Byakuya provided the exact address.
"Understood! Please hold on, Investigator Amaha. Backup will arrive as quickly as possible!"
The CCG immediately dispatched investigators from the Ward 7 branch.
Waiting for investigators from other wards would take too long. What they didn't know was that Byakuya had already demolished the "Ghoul Restaurant."
"Actually, the situation here is mostly under control. But I can't guarantee there aren't any remaining ghouls who might ambush you, so stay alert."
"Un-understood!"
The assistant investigator was astonished. Had Investigator Amaha single-handedly taken down the "Ghoul Restaurant"?
While waiting for them to process the scene, Byakuya checked for any stragglers who'd been too slow.
He captured several more ghouls.
[Ding! Host defeated an "A-rated ghoul." Reward: 10 Fusion Points!]
[Ding! Host defeated an "A-rated ghoul." Reward: 10 Fusion Points!]
[...]
About ten minutes later, numerous investigators arrived from the Ward 7 branch. Armored vehicles surrounded the building, immediately establishing a perimeter.
But the cordon was meaningless now—ghouls who could escape had already fled, and those who couldn't had been captured by Byakuya.
When the investigators cautiously advanced, they found only one person leaning against a wall, apparently waiting for them.
Though they'd never met Byakuya, the Quinque briefcase at his feet identified him as Investigator Amaha.
"You must be Investigator Amaha. Apologies for our delayed arrival."
The squad leader, a First Class Investigator, addressed him.
"It's fine. I'll leave the cleanup to you."
Byakuya spoke evenly.
"Understood. Are there any remaining ghouls in the building?"
The First Class confirmed—the building was too large to search quickly.
"Hard to say. There might be a few hiding somewhere. Be careful."
Afterward, both ghoul corpses and the incapacitated ghouls Byakuya had subdued were taken back to the CCG.
The building remained cordoned off until they completed their sweep. No remaining ghouls were found.
When they tried investigating the building's "owner," they hit a dead end and didn't pursue it further.
After all, the CCG already knew the "Ghoul Restaurant" was operated by "Madam."
...
After fleeing the building with the wounded Nashiro, Kurona headed straight home.
Kanou's underground laboratory was beneath their family home.
Kurona found Kanou, who was researching "one-eyed ghoul" experiments.
"Father! Nashiro's hurt! Please save her!"
Kurona's voice was frantic.
But Kanou continued his work, only turning around after a moment to glance at them expressionlessly.
He could tell at a glance that Nashiro was nearly beyond saving.
Approximately seventy percent kakuhou damage. Recovery probability was extremely low, and it would waste considerable time. So he simply gave up on Nashiro.
As for Kurona—she might resent him and leave because of this. But he didn't care. To him, Kurona and Nashiro had always been marginally successful specimens who fell short of his ideal.
Their demonstrated abilities were too mediocre. The only specimens that satisfied Kanou were the "awakened" Kaneki—especially after manifesting his centipede half-kakuja form—and the similarly tortured "Pineapple King" Takizawa.
Half-baked specimens like Kurona and Nashiro were disposable.
"She's beyond saving."
Kanou offered no explanation, simply returned to his work after dropping those words.
"But Nashiro's still breathing!"
Kurona couldn't understand why "Father" would abandon Nashiro.
"If you think she can be saved, figure it out yourself. I have no time to waste on you."
Kanou's tone was cold.
"..."
Only then did Kurona realize—her "Father" didn't care about them at all...
Kurona lowered her head in despair, then gritted her teeth and left the laboratory with the unconscious Nashiro.
In a deserted area, she sat on the ground holding Nashiro, completely lost.
She wanted to find a way to save Nashiro but had no ideas.
And Nashiro looked like she couldn't hold on much longer.
What should she do...
In her desperate, helpless state, Kurona suddenly remembered the business card Byakuya had left—with his contact information.
It felt strange. Byakuya had been the one who injured Nashiro, yet now she had to ask him for help.
But she remembered his final words—whether she was willing to trust him. She and Nashiro had nowhere else to turn. There was no better option.
After agonizing over it, Kurona took out her phone and dialed Byakuya's number.
When he answered, she spoke urgently: "Nashiro won't last much longer! I trust you, but... can you help?"