"You're both in Squad Zero now, aren't you? You can still work together."
Yoshitoki said.
"That's true, but being partners is different from being colleagues."
Hairu replied. "Still, at least Amaha-senpai will always be my senpai."
"Now, regarding First Class Amaha's promotion."
Yoshitoki addressed Byakuya. "You can begin preparing for the Associate Special Class written exam and interview. At the next Promotion Ceremony, you're the top candidate for Associate Special Class."
"Understood."
Byakuya nodded.
"Going forward, you and Akira Mado will be assigned to Ward 20—your home district. Ward 20's ghouls are quite docile. You can take it easy for a while."
This arrangement came from Director Yoshitoki himself.
Considering Byakuya's major contributions in both the Aogiri Suppression and Grey Straw Suppression—with less than half a year between them—plus numerous other ghoul eliminations and captures during that time, Yoshitoki wanted to let him relax for the next few months. Except for necessary Squad Zero missions...
Squad Zero essentially served the Washuu. Currently, the Washuu's thorns were handled by Squad Zero under Kishou Arima, the "Cleaner."
Despite being both CCG Director and Washuu heir, Yoshitoki could only obediently serve the clan. He had no authority over Squad Zero matters.
That's why, in the original Anteiku Raid, facing Yoshimura's furious gaze, he'd helplessly claimed he was just following orders from above.
Byakuya's combat achievements over the past six months had amazed Yoshitoki most for one thing: the boy had come through completely unscathed—unlike Shinohara, who'd spent half a year in a hospital bed with a cast.
He suspected Byakuya wasn't a normal human, but certainly not a ghoul either. As a Washuu, he knew the RC Detection Gate's secrets all too well.
That left only one possibility: half-human.
The Washuu weren't the only ones who produced half-humans. Human-ghoul romances weren't uncommon. For instance, the Washuu had once taken in a half-human from China named "Hsiao."
So Byakuya being a half-human wasn't unlikely—and would explain his abnormally powerful physique.
"That works. I'm more familiar with Ward 20 anyway."
Byakuya said.
"Yes, and with you stationed there, we can be more confident about Ward 20's security while redistributing personnel to other wards."
Yoshitoki said.
He knew perfectly well that Kuzen was running a ghoul organization called "Anteiku" in Ward 20. True to its name, those ghouls were peaceful. If not for the "Gourmet" and "Binge Eater" causing major problems before, they honestly would have left Ward 20 alone.
But something strange had happened recently. Previously, there had been at least two incidents per week—just counting the Gourmet and Binge Eater. In the past six months, there'd been zero. They'd vanished completely.
Even so, CCG wouldn't let down their guard. Hence assigning Byakuya to Ward 20's security.
This wasn't just for show. Yoshitoki actually cared about his Director position—unlike those old-timers within the Washuu who only valued clan interests.
His son Matsuri was the same way. Apart from being a ghoul, Matsuri's behavior was practically human—all ambition and career advancement, completely disinterested in internal Washuu affairs. He was even gay...
"By the way, Scarecrow's kagune and kakuhou have been sent to the CCG Laboratory Building. Dr. Chigyou will craft them into a Quinque."
Yoshitoki asked Byakuya and Hairu, "I heard you defeated him together. Which of you should receive it?"
Ding! Host has activated a Choice Mission!
Choice One: As Scarecrow's killer, rightfully claim the S+-rated Ukaku Quinque "T-Human." Reward: 10 Fusion Points!
Choice Two: Give "T-Human" to Hairu Ihei. Compensation Fusion Points will be provided—essentially trading the Quinque for points. Reward: 50 Fusion Points!
Byakuya barely hesitated before choosing the second option.
"Give it to Ihei-san. My Jason is sufficient."
Byakuya replied.
Ding! Host completed Choice Two. Reward: 50 Fusion Points!
He hadn't even known "T-Human" was made from Scarecrow's kagune and kakuhou until the system mentioned it.
The S+-rated Ukaku Quinque "T-Human" appeared in the original story—it was the Quinque Hairu used during the Tsukiyama Family Extermination Operation. Its form and attack method resembled the cannon-mode "Narukami," but it couldn't switch forms like Narukami.
Besides, his Jason already had a cannon form at S+ rating. Another T-Human would be redundant. Better to give it to Hairu while earning Fusion Points—he desperately needed them right now.
"Really? But Amaha-senpai delivered the final blow."
Hairu pointed out.
"Who killed him doesn't matter. Consider it a reward from your temporary superior for your excellent performance in this operation."
Byakuya smiled.
"If you say so... then I'll gratefully accept. Amaha-senpai really is the best."
Hairu beamed.
They left Yoshitoki's office.
Throughout the meeting, Yoshitoki had never mentioned "half-humans."
He figured that as long as Byakuya continued working for CCG, there was no need to confirm whether he was one.
If he accidentally offended Byakuya and CCG lost such a rare talent, the loss would be devastating.
...
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