Inside the conference room.
Uesugi Ryu looked toward Hoji Kosuke, who was seated at the head of the table, and said:
"Hoji-san, recently we've made some progress regarding the investigation into things like the Ghoul Restaurant."
"I have intelligence indicating that there will be related activity tonight in the 7th Ward. The likelihood of it being legitimate is very high."
Hoji Kosuke placed both hands together in front of him, appearing deep in thought.
He didn't ask much about the source of this Intel, after all, Uesugi Ryu was already an Associate Special-Class Investigator. In title, they were equals.
It was just that due to Uesugi Ryu's lack of seniority, Hoji was the one currently serving as Branch Chief.
After a moment of silence, Hoji nodded slightly, signaling his agreement.
"Is that so? Understood. Since Uesugi-kun has a lead, then go ahead and act on it. I'll handle the coordination for the 7th Ward. As for combat personnel, what are your thoughts?"
Mado Kureo was tapping his Quinque, placed on the table, lightly with one hand.
There was a trace of barely restrained excitement flickering in his gaze.
The recent investigation into that mysterious organization in the 20th Ward had yielded no substantial progress.
He hadn't killed a single ghoul in 26 hours now, and his hands were beginning to itch.
Those who fancied themselves as members of high society were, in his eyes, even more nauseating and detestable than ordinary ghouls.
Amon Koutarou's expression was somewhat grim.
He had participated in a related operation once before.
Compared to ordinary ghoul extermination, that scene had left him feeling far more disturbed.
No, perhaps "disturbed" wasn't quite right. It was a kind of fury born from being provoked.
To witness his fellow humans being sold as merchandise, that feeling was utterly revolting.
Unfortunately, the CCG's ability to crack down on these kinds of operations was very limited.
Ghouls capable of organizing and attending such events were often influential figures embedded within human society, well-informed and extremely difficult to capture.
"Mado-san and Amon, along with a handpicked team of young Investigators, should be enough."
Truthfully, just Uesugi Ryu alone would suffice.
But since they'd caught a lead, it was better to round them all up in one go.
Mado Akira looked at the calm and confident Uesugi Ryu, a trace of doubt in her expression.
She seemed to be thinking deeply.
If Uesugi Ryu's past actions could be brushed off as mere "intuition,"
Then where exactly had this kind of location-specific intelligence come from this time?
This level of detail wasn't something "gut feeling" could account for.
However, she didn't press the issue.
Uesugi Ryu had too many strange and inexplicable qualities about him.
She didn't want to pry too deeply.
Takizawa Seidou's expression showed excitement upon hearing this.
"Associate Special-Class Uesugi, I want to participate in this operation as well!"
Uesugi Ryu didn't respond to him directly, instead turning to Hoji Kosuke.
"Let Takizawa come along. As for the other Investigators, I'll give you a list, you can pick suitable candidates from it."
Hoji Kosuke responded straightforwardly:
"All right. With Uesugi Ryu present, the danger level shouldn't be too high. It's a good opportunity for Takizawa to gain some experience."
Upon hearing this, Takizawa Seidou clenched his fists in joy and exclaimed:
"Yes!"
A flicker of nostalgia surfaced in Uesugi Ryu's eyes.
Come to think of it, he had coveted the Ghoul Restaurant for a long time now.
But at the time, due to his low status and strength, he couldn't act.
"But it's not too late now. These pieces of garbage, I'll make them all nourishment for my power."
A glint of cold light flashed in his eyes.
It had been a while since he last killed a ghoul.
He was beginning to miss those adorable little meat buns.
Seated opposite him, Takizawa Seidou looked up after celebrating and glanced toward Uesugi Ryu.
Across from him sat Uesugi Ryu, Mado Akira, and Mado Kureo, three people.
Suddenly, Takizawa got the uncanny feeling that all three gave off the same vibe.
The same...
The same kind of pervert!!
Mado Kureo and Mado Akira, that was understandable. They were father and daughter, after all.
But why the hell was Uesugi Ryu also like this?!
...
Kaneki Ken stood quietly in the center of a spacious room.
He wore a set of finely tailored, smooth-lined ivory-white formalwear.
Under the soft lighting, the delicate fabric shimmered faintly with a subtle gloss.
Beside him, two maids were busy perfecting his appearance.
They gently fussed with Kaneki Ken's hair, meticulously adjusting his collar and cuffs, ensuring every detail was flawless.
At the same time, another maid adorned him with various elegant accessories.
"Tsukiyama-san, thank you."
Kaneki Ken spoke expressionlessly.
His tone was calm, making it hard to gauge what he truly felt.
Though his words expressed gratitude, deep down, he felt not a shred of guilt about what he was about to do, which was selling off Tsukiyama Shuu.
After all, the auction wasn't an asset of the Tsukiyama family. Even if it was destroyed, so what?
Once everything was over, he was confident he could escape with Tsukiyama Shuu from the heavy encirclement.
At this moment, Tsukiyama Shuu was leaning idly against a nearby wall, utterly at ease.
His eyes were half-closed as he gently inhaled the fragrance of a crimson rose in his hand.
Upon hearing Kaneki's thanks, he simply waved his hand casually, the corners of his mouth curving into a faint, unreadable smile.
"To be of help to dear Kaneki-kun is my greatest honor~!"
"Besides, that Miss A will definitely be present at tonight's auction as well. She's like an indefatigable ant, always eager to take part in events like this."
The mirror reflected Kaneki Ken's figure,
A custom-tailored luxury suit, adorned with exquisite accessories that radiated elegance and nobility, he looked every inch a king.
Kaneki Ken picked up a half-face mask lying beside him and gently put it on, a glint of anticipation flashing in his eyes.
"Is that so? Let's hope this time yields something worthwhile."
Tsukiyama Shuu's eyes lit up as he gazed at the upright, graceful figure of Kaneki Ken.
He could faintly sense that Kaneki Ken had some ulterior motive.
But it didn't matter.
The scent Kaneki now gave off...
It was so intoxicating.
If no new discoveries came of this, perhaps he would willingly kneel beneath Kaneki and become his blade.