The "Auction Suppression Operation" was a resounding success.
The primary target, Big Madam, along with the entire Madam Organization had been eliminated—with the exception of Madam A, a special case...
The vast majority of ghouls who had participated in the auction were also either killed or captured.
But most importantly...
This operation had achieved something miraculous: zero casualties.
This was almost entirely thanks to Amaha Byakuya.
Take Roma Hoito, for instance—she was far less compliant than Uta. Had she not feared Byakuya, the Hirako Squad would have suffered multiple deaths and injuries when they encountered the Clowns.
Additionally, Byakuya's Wood Clones had roamed throughout the auction building, helping operational personnel avert numerous crises.
This was precisely why Byakuya had participated in the operation: to minimize casualties as much as possible.
Otherwise, if he didn't care about human lives, a single technique could have annihilated all life in the entire building. There would have been no need for such elaborate efforts.
But there was no "otherwise"—he would never abandon the innocent civilians who had been captured by ghouls for auction.
...
After the operation concluded, the Special Merit List was released.
Amaha Byakuya (Special Class),
Mado Akira (First Class),
Washuu Matsuri (Associate Special Class),
Suzuya Juuzou (First Class),
Ihei Hairu (First Class),
Hirako Take (First Class),
Urie Kuki (Rank 2),
Mutsuki Tooru (Rank 3),
All members of the Qs Squad...
By rights, investigators like Suzuya, Urie, and Mutsuki were due for promotion.
However, several investigators including Urie had been wounded and needed time to recover, so the promotion ceremony was postponed as usual.
Today, the entire Qs Squad came to the hospital to visit Urie.
Before entering Urie's ward, they happened to run into Washuu Matsuri, who was just leaving.
"Associate Special Class Washuu."
Shirazu and the others greeted him.
They were somewhat surprised to see Washuu Matsuri here.
Matsuri nodded. "Director Amaha, and the entire Qs Squad. You're all here as well."
"Did you also come to visit Urie-kun, Associate Special Class Washuu?"
Yonebayashi asked.
"Yes. I'm heading back now that I've confirmed he's recovering well."
Matsuri's expression remained flat as he spoke.
"Alright, take care, Washuu-san."
Shirazu waved.
Matsuri nodded and departed.
Shortly after Matsuri left, they began to discuss among themselves.
"I didn't expect Associate Special Class Washuu to care so much about Urie. He usually comes across as so serious and cold."
Shirazu remarked.
"Maybe he treats his subordinates differently? After all, Urie-kun is currently under Associate Special Class Washuu's command."
Yonebayashi speculated.
"..."
Only Byakuya knew the probable reason why Matsuri had specifically come to visit Urie, but he said nothing.
"Maybe..."
Shirazu put his hands behind his head and strode into Urie's ward.
They could see that Urie was already sitting up, appearing to have recovered well.
Shirazu placed the gifts he was carrying on the bedside table—fruit and the like. "Looking pretty healthy there. Seems like you're almost back to normal."
"Mm..."
Urie nodded slightly.
He didn't seem to be in good spirits.
Probably because of his crushing defeat against Big Madam...
He had overestimated his own abilities. Even giving it everything he had, he couldn't defeat the SS-rated Big Madam.
"Feeling down? I heard you tried to take on Big Madam alone and got beaten. Is that it?"
Shirazu said bluntly.
"You...!"
Yonebayashi immediately nudged him. This guy was way too direct—didn't he consider other people's feelings?
Hearing Shirazu's words, Urie didn't really react.
His strength truly was insufficient. When you lose, you accept it.
But deep down, he felt increasingly frustrated.
In fact, before the operation began, Urie had privately asked Dr. Chigyou for further surgical modifications. That was why he'd been able to unlock a new stage during his fight with Big Madam.
He had taken on considerable risk, yet still failed to achieve the power he'd hoped for...
Shirazu ignored Yonebayashi and continued saying what he wanted to say. "I don't really get what you have to feel bad about. Your performance in battle was better than all of ours, and you contributed more than any of us. You just couldn't beat Big Madam—that's all. She was basically the final boss of this operation. If you could've easily taken her down alone, what would've been the point of First Class Suzuya, First Class Hirako, and First Class Ihei?"
"Yeah, and it was you who wore down Big Madam first, Urie-kun. That's why First Class Suzuya and the others were able to finish her off so easily afterward."
Mutsuki chimed in with reassurance.
"..."
Urie was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected Shirazu to pass up the chance to mock him and instead say so many comforting things.
"I already knew all of that without you telling me. The only thing that bothers me is seeing your name on the Special Merit List right alongside mine."
Having recovered some of his spirit, Urie shot back at Shirazu.
His words weren't kind, but there was a slight smile at the corner of his mouth.
"What?!"
Shirazu was immediately indignant. "Are you pushing your luck now?!"
The two started bickering just like always.
This scene actually put everyone at ease—this was the Urie and Shirazu they didn't need to worry about.
While everyone's attention was on Urie, Mutsuki quietly tugged at Hairu's sleeve.
Hairu turned, her expression curious as she smiled at Mutsuki.
"Ihei-senpai, could you come with me for a moment...?"
Mutsuki whispered.
She had tried to be as quiet as possible, but Byakuya still heard her.
However, he didn't show any sign of noticing. Mutsuki and Hairu probably had some private matter to discuss—he wouldn't pry into girls' private affairs.
"Sure."
Hairu nodded slightly.
"Ihei-senpai and I need to step out briefly."
Before leaving, Mutsuki announced to the group.
Urie and the others didn't pay it much mind.
Then Hairu followed Mutsuki out of the ward, walking to a secluded corner at the end of the corridor.
"What is it, Tooru-chan? Feel free to just say it."
Hairu asked gently.
Tooru-chan...?
Hearing that form of address, Mutsuki's heart skipped a beat.
Because that kind of address...
Had Ihei-senpai already discovered that she was a girl?!
...
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