Byakuya had said those words precisely because he'd anticipated what Manager Yoshimura might be planning.
Actually, he felt that even without saying those things, Yoshimura would probably have taken the fall for his daughter anyway. Without Yamori, Aogiri Tree would struggle to withstand the combination of Special Class investigators Shinohara and Kuroiwa—especially since they'd be bringing the new SS-rated "Kakuja Quinque." The two Special Class investigators' combat power would skyrocket.
The Bin Brothers, those two executives, would get completely stomped by Amon alone. Only the SS-rated Noro would pose any real challenge.
By further nudging Yoshimura to act, Byakuya was essentially looking to "farm achievements." This would help him advance through CCG ranks faster, gain more Fusion Points, and make future operations easier.
Additionally, he didn't want Eto, who was heading to Ward 23, to encounter any unexpected situations. Otherwise, future developments might spiral beyond his control. At least for now, he could still manage everything with ease.
But of course, he definitely wouldn't let Yoshimura fall into danger. He had the confidence to control the situation.
When Byakuya came downstairs, he saw Kurona and Nashiro chatting animatedly with the staff.
Though compared to the staff's warmth and enthusiasm, Kurona and Nashiro were rather reserved—that was simply how they interacted with others.
At least Byakuya didn't need to worry about whether the Yasuhisa sisters would get along with the people at Anteiku. Their food situation was also resolved.
Byakuya didn't interrupt Kurona and Nashiro as they got acquainted with the staff. He casually returned to his original seat.
"What did you talk about with that old man Yoshimura?"
Rize asked Byakuya with a hint of curiosity.
"We discussed matters about the Washuu, and the upcoming Aogiri Tree operation."
Byakuya spoke without evasion. "The manager knows quite a lot about the Washuu. I'm starting to suspect he has some connection to them."
He certainly couldn't tell Rize out of nowhere that he knew Manager Yoshimura had once been a "Cleaner" for the V organization. He'd have no way to explain how he knew.
"That old man's surname is Yoshimura, right? I recall that one of the Washuu's V organization Cleaners was also named Yoshimura. I just don't know if it's the same person."
Reminded by Byakuya, Rize suddenly recalled this.
"That very well could be him. After all, his known threat level is almost certainly no lower than SS-rated—otherwise, how could he have convinced the SS-rated Devil Ape and Black Dog back then?"
Byakuya mused.
"If it really is him, then by CCG's rating standards, he'd be at least SSS-rated. Never would have guessed that old man was so impressive—couldn't tell at all before."
Rize remarked.
She found those so-called danger ratings rather boring. Only humans would come up with such tedious classifications.
"So in a sense, you're actually quite safe at Anteiku."
Byakuya said. "I'm about to participate in the Aogiri Tree operation soon. Take care of yourself while I'm gone."
"I know, I know. You're treating me like a child."
Rize looked annoyed at Byakuya's nagging.
"You're the one who needs to be careful. Don't get killed by some other ghoul. If you die, I won't let you rest in peace—I'll dig up your corpse from the grave and eat you until there's not a single bone left."
Rize threatened Byakuya with this, her icy tone and serious expression suggesting she wasn't joking at all.
To Byakuya, though, this was simply Rize's peculiar way of showing concern. Of course, he couldn't rule out the possibility that if he actually died, Rize might genuinely dig up his grave and eat him.
But first of all, he couldn't possibly be killed. He had absolute confidence in that.
"Mm. Don't worry, I'll definitely win."
Byakuya smiled.
Seeing how confident Byakuya looked, Rize didn't say anything more.
But even so, she couldn't help feeling a bit worried deep down.
She knew, of course, that Aogiri Tree had an SSS-rated "One-Eyed King." Though she didn't know Kishou Arima's true identity, she knew about that "One-Eyed Owl."
Outwardly revealing nothing, she was already thinking about what she might need to do when the time came...
...
A special strategy meeting regarding Ward 11 was convened ahead of schedule. Many elite investigators, including Byakuya and Koori Ui, were recalled to the Main Office in Ward 1.
This meeting was primarily led by Special Class Investigator Marude Itsuki.
"Shinohara-san, you were recalled too?"
Kureo Mado and Koutarou Amon ran into Shinohara Yukinori at the Ward 1 CCG Main Office—someone who should have been stationed in another ward. Amon seemed somewhat surprised.
"It appears Shinohara-san will also be participating in the Ward 11 operation. This should significantly improve our odds."
Mado's expression was rather sinister, likely because this time they'd be facing Aogiri Tree, home of the "One-Eyed Owl."
"I'm not entirely sure myself. The commander of the 'Ward 11 Special Countermeasures Unit' called me back."
Shinohara's expression carried a hint of resignation.
"An important person?"
Juuzou Suzuya, who was beside Shinohara, asked curiously.
Indeed, Suzuya's current partner was Special Class Shinohara. Favored by CCG Chairman Tsuneyoshi Washuu, he'd naturally been paired with Shinohara.
"That's right—a very, very important person. So don't act up when the time comes."
Shinohara deliberately emphasized this to get Suzuya to behave.
"As long as I don't talk back to this important person, right?"
Suzuya said.
"Not just that—no other mischief either!"
Shinohara was afraid Suzuya would cause trouble in front of the commander. Offending the higher-ups would make things difficult later. He was doing this for Suzuya's own good.
"The commander, huh..."
Amon seemed to have someone specific in mind. After all, there was only one investigator in the CCG with the highest command authority.
And that person didn't get along with Mado-san at all, which made Amon dislike him too.
On their way to the meeting room, they encountered two familiar faces in the corridor.
It was Byakuya and Koori Ui.
"Ah, Rank 1 Amaha and Associate Special Class Ui. You're here too—how splendid."
Mado immediately spoke up.
The combat roster for this Aogiri Tree operation was much stronger than he'd anticipated. He felt their chances of revenge this time were good, and he grew even more eager to kill that "One-Eyed Owl."
"Byakuya!"
Having left the Academy, Suzuya was noticeably more cheerful than before. Seeing Byakuya for the first time in a while, he immediately waved excitedly, even addressing him intimately by his first name.
...
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