"Is there anything else, Tooru-chan? If not, we should probably head back."
Hairu asked.
"Mm."
Mutsuki nodded.
On the way back to the ward, Mutsuki suddenly thought of something and spoke up: "Ihei-senpai, if possible, I hope you won't tell anyone else about me."
"Of course. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone."
Hairu assured her.
"Mm, thank you, Ihei-senpai."
Mutsuki bowed in thanks again.
Then the two returned to the ward.
No one asked what Mutsuki and Hairu had gone off to do.
Byakuya discreetly observed Mutsuki's and Hairu's expressions, finding nothing unusual. They seemed to be getting along well.
With that, he stopped worrying entirely.
Hairu, considering Tooru and her friend's feelings, didn't plan to mention what had just happened to Byakuya.
Learning from the doctor that Urie would be discharged in at most two weeks, they concluded their visit.
They left behind plenty of gifts before heading back.
...
Some time later.
The investigators who had been wounded in the Auction Suppression Operation had mostly recovered. Following convention, another promotion ceremony was held.
This time, the ceremony was naturally hosted by the current Bureau Director, Amaha Byakuya.
"First Class Investigator Suzuya Juuzou—in recognition of your outstanding achievements in the Auction Suppression Operation, you are hereby promoted to Associate Special Class Investigator."
...
"First Class Investigator Mado Akira—in recognition of your excellent command during the Auction Suppression Operation, you are hereby promoted to Associate Special Class Investigator."
...
"First Class Investigator Ihei Hairu—in recognition of your defeat of a half-kakuja and multiple accomplices, you are hereby promoted to Associate Special Class Investigator."
...
"First Class Investigator Hirako Take—in recognition of your contributions in fighting the Clowns and assisting in the subjugation of Big Madam, you are hereby promoted to Associate Special Class Investigator."
...
Right off the bat, Byakuya promoted four First Class Investigators to Associate Special Class.
Akira's intellect, intuition, and commanding abilities spoke for themselves—she was the type of investigator similar to Special Class Marude. Speaking of which, Marude Itsuki's combat strength might actually be inferior to Akira's current level...
So Special Class wasn't purely determined by fighting ability. Strategic leadership talent was equally important.
As for Suzuya, Hairu, and Hirako—needless to say, their combat abilities had long surpassed ordinary First Class or even Associate Special Class Investigators.
"First Class Investigator Mado Kureo."
Then Byakuya called out a particularly special name.
This was a name that should have appeared at every promotion ceremony but never had.
Ten years ago, Mado Kureo had already been a First Class Investigator. Even if his abilities were mediocre, simply putting in the years would have earned him an Associate Special Class promotion by now.
Moreover, Mado Kureo's abilities were outstanding even within the CCG. He had also successively mentored talents like Special Class Houji, Special Class Shinohara, and First Class Amon. With all these achievements combined, even a promotion to Special Class wouldn't be excessive.
Hearing this long-absent name, the assembled investigators began searching for Mado Kureo.
To everyone's surprise, Mado Kureo actually stepped forward this time.
In the past, Mado Kureo would firmly refuse any promotion before the ceremony even began. No one could remember how many years it had been since they had heard his name at a promotion ceremony, let alone seen him step forward.
Mado Kureo walked up to the stage with a stooped posture. Years of obsessively hunting the One-Eyed Owl had taken a heavy toll on his body.
This time, Mado Kureo accepted the medal from Byakuya with a smile.
It wasn't that he had let go of his grudge against the One-Eyed Owl. Rather, CCG's history had been rewritten. In the face of the public enemy known as the Dragon Orphans, he had no choice but to compromise. His daughter's influence was also a factor—now, compared to revenge, he cared more about Akira's safety.
Furthermore, the restrictions on Associate Special Class and Special Class Investigators had been reformed by Byakuya. Previously, the Washuu family had imposed those restrictions to prevent human investigators from overshadowing them.
There was also Byakuya's personal favor, his daughter's expectations—multiple factors had finally led Mado Kureo to accept the promotion.
"You are hereby promoted to Associate Special Class Investigator."
As Mado Kureo was officially decorated, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.
Even Marude Itsuki, who had never gotten along well with Mado Kureo, applauded to show his respect.
In the end, there was never any deep enmity between Marude and Mado Kureo. Marude simply disapproved of Mado Kureo's previous conduct, combined with his own overly blunt personality...
Although compared to previous promotion ceremonies, quite a few investigators were being promoted to Associate Special Class this time.
But this was Byakuya's decision, and they were in a period of urgent need for talent. Almost no one was dissatisfied with his decision.
As for promotions to Special Class—there were none this time.
Washuu Matsuri had only been promoted to Associate Special Class at the recent ceremony. Even though he had been the overall commander of this auction operation, he couldn't possibly be promoted to Special Class so quickly. Besides, he had only been the deputy commander.
The sensible Matsuri harbored no dissatisfaction. Of course, a major factor was Byakuya's overwhelming authority, which subconsciously kept him from being discontent over such matters.
"Rank 1 Investigators Yasuhisa Kurona and Yasuhisa Nashiro."
Kurona and Nashiro ascended the stage together.
"You are hereby promoted to First Class Investigators."
After Kurona and Nashiro stepped down, it was Urie's turn.
"Rank 2 Investigator Urie Kuki."
"You are hereby promoted to Rank 1 Investigator."
On stage, Urie accepted his promotion with a solemn expression.
His ambition burned brighter than ever. Rank 1 was far from enough in his eyes—becoming a Special Class Investigator like his father remained his ultimate goal.
"Rank 3 Investigator Mutsuki Tooru—you are hereby promoted to Rank 2 Investigator."
...
Everyone on the Special Merit List except for Byakuya and Matsuri received promotions. Shirazu and Yonebayashi were also promoted from Rank 3 to Rank 2.
The entire promotion segment concluded.
[Ding! Host has hosted a CCG Promotion Ceremony for the first time. Reward: 100 Fusion Points!]
...
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