Though saying Mutsuki needed to "crossdress" was somewhat odd—after all, virtually no one besides Byakuya and Hairu knew Mutsuki was actually female. Everyone else still thought Mutsuki was male.
"Just... the two of us... with First Class Suzuya...?"
At the Quinx Squad's residence, Mutsuki looked worried after learning the battle plan.
Only Byakuya was sitting with Mutsuki in the living room.
"Mm, but don't worry too much. First Class Suzuya is quite strong, and once the operation begins, all participating investigators will breach the perimeter."
Byakuya reassured Mutsuki.
"Okay..."
Mutsuki could only nod, though a trace of unease remained in their eyes.
"Also... does the crossdressing make you uncomfortable?"
Byakuya asked.
The reason Mutsuki presented as male was that childhood trauma had made them despise their female body. Making Mutsuki wear women's clothes might trigger bad memories.
"No, not at all."
Mutsuki shook their head repeatedly. "Director Amaha doesn't need to worry about me so much. If I can't even handle something like this, I'm not suited for investigator work."
"Alright, then there's no problem. Just submit your last testament to me when it's ready."
Byakuya nodded.
Just then, Shirazu emerged from his room holding a document.
"Director Amaha, here's my last testament."
Shirazu handed it over.
"Mm."
Byakuya accepted it.
Since this operation's targets included at least one SS-rated ghoul, the danger level was quite high. All participants had to prepare last testaments beforehand.
"Mutsuki looks pretty stressed. Make sure to protect yourself before we breach."
Shirazu showed concern for Mutsuki's state.
"But getting a raise after this operation is great news. Anyway, I'm gonna sleep—later."
Shirazu's attitude was quite optimistic.
No one knew whether the Director himself would participate. If Byakuya joined the fight, everyone could basically coast to victory without worrying about anything.
But Byakuya didn't reveal whether he'd participate, to prevent everyone from just trying to slack through it.
...
All Quinx Squad members' last testaments were collected by Byakuya to be stored at headquarters later.
Mutsuki and Suzuya were already preparing their female outfits.
The two donned white and black dresses respectively.
Mutsuki still wore an eyepatch, plus some accessories. With delicate features that were naturally feminine, a little grooming raised no suspicions.
Suzuya wore a black wig and had lipstick applied, making him look even more like a girl than Mutsuki.
Though Suzuya's expression seemed somewhat dead inside—probably because Big Madam had raised him as a daughter and even... removed those two things... leaving him with some psychological trauma about crossdressing...
Following the predetermined plan, everyone officially began the operation.
Mutsuki and Suzuya, based on intelligence, tailed a certain ghoul's taxi. This ghoul appeared to be an ordinary taxi driver but was actually a serial kidnapper and murderer.
CCG's prior investigation had connected this ghoul to the Ghoul Auction—he regularly provided "merchandise," meaning humans to be auctioned.
When the taxi stopped to pick up passengers, Mutsuki and Suzuya posed as ordinary customers and got in.
"Two passengers? Please, get in."
The taxi driver's voice was deep and raspy. His appearance was bizarre—he wore a hooded cloak and even a gas mask.
Knowing he was a ghoul made this strange getup less surprising.
Suzuya said nothing after boarding.
Though frightened, Mutsuki didn't want to mess anything up at such a crucial moment and sat quietly.
However, Mutsuki failed to notice the taxi driver occasionally observing them through the rearview mirror...
...
An unknown amount of time passed.
Mutsuki suddenly woke from unconsciousness.
They found themselves lying in a cold, large wooden crate. Sitting up, they discovered complete darkness—couldn't see anything.
"...?! What's going on...?"
Mutsuki had been somewhat groggy but was now much more alert.
They vaguely remembered getting into the ghoul's taxi, and then...
"Su... Suzuya-san...?"
Unable to see anything in the sealed crate, Mutsuki tried calling out softly.
No response came. It seemed Suzuya wasn't here.
Thinking harder, Mutsuki recalled suddenly feeling drowsy while in the car, then losing consciousness.
The taxi driver must have used some kind of knockout gas? That explains the gas mask...
Having more or less figured out the situation, Mutsuki could only sit and wait quietly.
I wonder if Suzuya-san is okay...
And the Quinx Squad and everyone from CCG—they should have started moving by now...
"What... should I do...?"
Mutsuki leaned against the crate's inner wall, heart filled with anxiety.
Creak—!
Just then, a door opening could be heard.
"...!"
Mutsuki started slightly.
They couldn't see outside, but they were actually in a warehouse containing dozens of similar large crates. Suzuya was probably in one of them.
"Move them all out."
Mutsuki heard a middle-aged man's voice, different from the taxi driver's.
...
Meanwhile, numerous ghouls wearing various masks had already arrived at the auction venue.
"Hasn't it started yet? I can't wait."
"Can't be helped—the 'Doves' have been watching too closely lately. Holding auctions now requires extra caution."
"That over there must be the legendary Big Madam, right? She'll probably snatch today's prize items."
"My company's having cash flow problems lately. I won't be bidding on anything too expensive this time."
"..."
The venue buzzed with chatter.
"Come on! My new pet, my plaything."
Big Madam sat in the front row, being the most conspicuous. She wore only a lady's hat and sunglasses, seemingly unconcerned about exposing her face.
Suddenly, the venue darkened as lights focused on the stage.
"!!"
Every ghoul guest's attention was instantly drawn there.
Two figures in clown masks had appeared on stage at some point—one tall and heavyset, the other a petite girl in a dress.
The girl was clearly Roma Hoito...
...
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