In the dim Japanese-style room, the aged Washuu Tsuneyoshi's gaunt fingers dug deeply into the tatami.
When he heard the news that his son Yoshitoki had been abducted, the wrinkled face twisted in fury,
layer upon layer of folds bunching together, indeed resembling a strangely colored chrysanthemum suddenly blooming in the dark.
"Yoshitoki was taken by that 'Carnage', Kishou, why did you not stop him at the time?!"
His voice seemed ground out from between clenched teeth, carrying suppressed rage.
Arima Kishou stood quietly in the shadows, the rectangular lenses reflecting a faint glint. His voice held no ripple of emotion:
"It happened suddenly. The opponent's movements... were very fast. By the time I reacted, it was already too late."
Washuu Tsuneyoshi's cloudy eyes stared fixedly at Arima, yet in the end he did not question this explanation.
He had repeatedly reviewed the battle footage. The strength displayed by the ghoul called "Carnage" was indeed terrifying,
even faintly surpassing the undefeated Reaper. But for the Washuu Clan, this did not amount to much.
"Kaiko," Washuu Tsuneyoshi rasped.
From the shadows, a figure cold as a venomous serpent stepped forward half a pace. It was Kaiko, leader of the V organization.
"This matter will be handled jointly by you and Kishou." Washuu Tsuneyoshi's tone carried unquestionable authority,
each word soaked in killing intent. "Find that 'Carnage.' Kill him. And bring my son... back."
"Yes." Kaiko bowed slightly, his voice low and dangerous.
Arima Kishou did not speak. He only pushed his glasses up in silence.
"There is another matter. The unfamiliar female ghoul that appeared in the 20th Ward this time is suspected to be Rize. Investigate as well. If it is her, bring her back."
Washuu Tsuneyoshi spoke again.
...
Several days had passed since the heart-stirring extermination battle at the 20th Ward.
Afternoon sunlight filtered through the window lattice, scattering warm patches of light across the room.
Amano Hiro lay sprawled comfortably on the sofa, his head resting on Rize's soft thighs.
His gaze passed over the enticing curves and drifted aimlessly toward the ceiling, somewhat absent.
Rize looked down at Amano Hiro, who rarely showed such a lazy demeanor.
Thinking he was pondering something important, she did not speak to disturb him,
only gently combing through his black hair with slender fingers, her movements slow and tender.
However, Amano Hiro's mind was actually empty. He was thinking of nothing,
simply enjoying this idle peace.
Eat when hungry, drink when thirsty, and at night deeply "exchange feelings" with Rize, this dreamlike life was exactly what his heart desired.
"Rize," he suddenly said, his voice hoarse like just awakened.
"Mm?" Rize replied softly. "What is it?"
"Hungry?"
"Mm... not really." She shook her head lightly.
"I heard a well-reviewed wagyu yakiniku place just opened nearby,"
Amano Hiro suggested, his eyes still lazily closed. "Shall we try it?"
"Sure." Expectation colored Rize's tone.
After a brief silence, Amano Hiro rubbed into her embrace like a spoiled big cat and muttered, "...but I don't want to move."
Rize could not help laughing. She tapped his forehead lightly with her fingertip. "Then why invite me to eat yakiniku?"
"Your lap is too comfortable," he grumbled matter-of-factly. "I can't get up at all."
Rize leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. Amusement rippled in her violet eyes.
"But I want to go. We haven't really gone out these past few days. It's a good chance to get some air, alright?"
Hearing this, Amano Hiro suddenly flipped over, burying his whole face deep into her warm lower abdomen,
nuzzling like a child for several moments before reluctantly lifting his face.
"...Let's go."
Amano Hiro clung to Rize and nuzzled a while longer before finally getting up unwillingly.
By the time they changed clothes and went downstairs, the afternoon sunlight was just right, golden across the street. Yet the air carried a sharper chill than in previous days.
A gust of cold wind cleared much of his lazy haze.
He turned his head to glance at Rize, his eyes falling on the thin black stockings over her legs.
"Cold legs?" he asked casually.
Rize giggled and lightly lifted a bit of her skirt, slender fingertips tapping the stocking. "Not cold. Just a little cool. It feels nice."
Amano Hiro could not help thinking that even a ghoul with Rize's robust physique could feel the chill.
He really did not know how those human girls wore skirts with bare legs in midwinter. It had to be said, impressive.
The newly opened yakiniku restaurant was not far. The sign at the entrance was very eye-catching, with bold characters reading: "Grand Opening. New customers enjoy 30% off."
As soon as they reached the door, a sweet-smiling waitress in uniform greeted them warmly. "Welcome! Please come in!"
"It's your first time here, right? Please register your information here and you can enjoy the 30% discount!"
The clerk smiled as she handed over a registration book and pen.
Amano Hiro took the pen, glanced over the form, and without hesitation wrote a'Minamoto Yoshinaka' in the name field.
For the phone number he casually invented a string of digits. Then he also wrote 'Tomoe Gozen' as Rize's name.
After registering, under the enthusiastic guidance of the waitress, they came to a small booth simply partitioned by boards.
Calling it a private room was generous. Privacy was average. There was no door, only a cloth curtain.
Amano Hiro picked up the menu and, under the gradually stunned gaze of the waitress, ordered ten jin of top-grade wagyu in one breath along with a bottle of sake.
"Um... sir, did you order incorrectly?" the waitress confirmed cautiously, her voice trembling slightly.
"No mistake. Bring these first," Amano Hiro said calmly. "We'll order more later if it's not enough."
"O-okay... please wait." Hugging the menu, the waitress left with somewhat floating steps.
Watching her departing figure, Rize covered her mouth and laughed softly. "Hiro, who were those two names you registered just now?"
Amano Hiro explained with a straight face, "Two peerless masters."
"Peerless masters?" Rize blinked her violet eyes, curiosity showing.
"That's right." Amano Hiro nodded solemnly and lowered his voice.
"Either one casually stepping out could reduce the Washuu family to ashes."
Just as his words fell, the waitress's voice happened to come from outside the curtain.
The entrance curtain was lifted gently. The same waitress from before entered carrying a heavy multi-tier wooden tray.
She carefully placed the tray on the table. On the top layer, bright red slices of premium wagyu were piled like a small hill,
the delicate marbling gleaming under the light like artwork. The lower tiers were neatly arranged with cuts from different parts.
Next, she skillfully added fruitwood charcoal burning vigorously into the grill beneath the table.
The dark red coals crackled softly, and waves of heat soon warmed the small compartment.
"Your ten jin of premium wagyu and our selected sake," she set down a plain white ceramic bottle and two cups, fine droplets of moisture beading on the bottle. "Please enjoy."
She bowed slightly. As she left, her steps still carried a trace of daze, as if she had not yet recovered from the astonishing order size.