On the other side, at the same moment Lancer rushed toward the branch office, Kirishima Touka was leading Fueguchi Ryouko and Fueguchi Hinami back to Anteiku. Along the way, neither of the two spoke a single word, and Touka herself wasn't sure what to say either.
Although it had already been proven that Ryouko had merely eaten some food, Touka's earlier misunderstanding had left them all in an awkward silence. Hinami, following closely behind her mother, felt both relieved at leaving that Investigator's home and joyful at seeing her beloved Touka-neechan again—but she, too, remained silent, sensing the strange atmosphere.
"Ryouko-san, though we've left that place, you and Hinami might still need to stay inside the café for a while."
"That's alright; this alone is already wonderful for us."
They deliberately avoided mentioning the earlier embarrassing incident. Fortunately, their awkwardness gradually faded as they spoke practically. To conceal their trail, Touka guided the mother and daughter on a long detour outside the 20th Ward, eventually taking the sewers back toward Anteiku. When they arrived, unsurprisingly, everyone who should have long since returned home was instead waiting anxiously inside the lounge.
"Touka, you're back. Fueguchi-san, your room is ready. Please go and rest first."
Though at Lancer's place the Fueguchi mother and daughter had actually enjoyed considerable freedom—since Lancer himself spent most of his time wandering outside, allowing them opportunities to rest freely when he wasn't home—now was clearly different.
"Then Hinami and I will go rest first."
Yoshimura obviously intended to prevent them from getting too deeply involved. Ryouko herself simply wanted to protect her daughter, so naturally, she didn't mind such minor considerations. As they left, Touka immediately bowed deeply toward Yoshimura Kuzen.
"Manager, thank you so much for earlier!"
Indeed, Touka had initially been startled by Yoshimura's sudden appearance back at Lancer's home. But soon afterward, she realized he must have silently protected her from the shadows several times before, especially since she now fully understood just how terrifying Lancer's strength truly was, thanks to the battle in the 11th Ward.
Yet Yoshimura merely nodded slightly, silently dismissing her gratitude.
In truth, Yoshimura had always viewed Touka as something of a "replacement" ever since his estrangement from his own daughter. Over time, he'd practically come to regard Touka as his own child. Protecting her was something he did willingly—though he hadn't expected such a strange development tonight…
This time, Anteiku's meeting was unquestionably focused entirely on the "food" Lancer had provided. Although it was called a meeting, there was little discussion—everyone here was either a moderate Ghoul or had chosen to abandon their violent pasts for various reasons. Naturally, they were 100% supportive of something that could help them integrate into human society.
...
But unlike Anteiku's gathering—which was now almost celebratory in atmosphere—the "Special-Class meeting" held simultaneously at CCG Headquarters was far more grim.
Bang!
"I disagree! That's nothing but a damned monster!!"
Being summoned to HQ in the middle of the night made it clear to everyone present just how urgent the situation was. But after Lancer personally finished reporting the matter, nobody expected that Marude Itsuki would be the first to explode.
Within today's CCG, few Investigators were both older and more experienced than Marude. To most Investigators, he was known only for his tactical brilliance and personnel management skills. Yet those who truly understood him knew that beneath his calm exterior lay a fiercely passionate heart—one that had burned hotly ever since the founding of the CCG.
"Have you forgotten what the 'Owl' once did?! That incident is forever engraved on our CCG's pillar of shame! Regarding that 'food,' I withhold my opinion—no evidence means no right to speak. Pass it to the Research Division for testing first. But as for collaborating with the Owl—I absolutely refuse!!"
Of the seven Special Class Investigators, two were absent: Arima Kishou continued his patrol and hunt throughout Tokyo as usual, and another served as the deputy warden and interrogator of Ward 23's Cochlea, having missed countless meetings already.
Excluding those two, there were currently five Special Class Investigators present, plus the Bureau Chief who had voting authority. After Marude's statement, others quickly voiced their opinions as well.
Shinohara Yukinori unsurprisingly chose to support the plan. In his view, if this succeeded, it could dramatically improve conditions for the entirety of human society. His close friend and fellow older veteran, Kuroiwa Iwao, didn't elaborate much, but he also clearly indicated support.
Yet aside from those two, the other two Special Class Investigators present immediately opposed.
Tanakamaru Mougan was responsible for the 2nd Ward—one of Tokyo's areas with the highest density of Ghouls. Ordinary humans couldn't survive there. At 49, having spent decades fighting Ghouls there, he'd witnessed too many tragedies. Usually arrogant in tone, this time Tanakamaru spoke grimly:
"I oppose this! I cannot tolerate coexisting with those monsters! Even if this is real, it simply gives those beasts another option! Those creatures have no humanity—they'll continue slaughtering innocent people! And one day, when I'm dead, I refuse to face my subordinates and tell them we ended up living alongside those monsters! It's an insult to every Investigator who sacrificed their life fighting Ghouls!"
Aura Kiyoko's reason for opposing was even simpler:
"My closest friend died at that monster's hands! My subordinates, my students—countless people I knew died at his hands! Who knows if this isn't just another conspiracy? Until everything is absolutely clear, I will never agree!"
With five Special Class Investigators present—three opposed, two supported—all eyes turned toward Washuu Yoshitoki, who sat at the head of the table. Clearly, everyone awaited his final decision.
"While I also despise those flesh-eating monsters, if this is true, countless civilians and Investigators will be saved. Until there is proof that this is a conspiracy, I choose to support it."
Washuu Yoshitoki's statement immediately evened the votes at 3-3, plunging the room into a heavy silence. But at this moment, Washuu suddenly straightened up slightly and asked:
"Associate Special Class Investigator Mado, what do you think?"
No one expected Washuu Yoshitoki to suddenly turn and question Mado Kureo, who had been merely observing. After the initial shock, however, nobody objected. As previously stated, Mado Kureo was acquainted with every Special Class Investigator here, even having taught several of them. He was undeniably a respected senior.
Mado himself also hadn't expected to be asked. Yet without hesitation, he stood and approached the meeting table directly.
"I support this plan!"
Bang!
"Mado!"
Immediately after Mado finished speaking, the only female Investigator present—Aura Kiyoko—lost control, ready to argue fiercely. However, Mado Kureo raised his right hand firmly to stop her, then took a deep breath before continuing.
"Aura-san, enough. Not a single day has passed when my hatred for the Owl has faded. But this matter must remain separate. My late wife, Kasuka, joined the CCG and became an instructor precisely to protect humanity and help younger Investigators survive. As her husband, as the inheritor of her will, I cannot allow my personal anger to cast away a chance—a chance that might vanish as swiftly as it appeared. When this matter succeeds, that will be the day I settle the score with the Owl, once and for all. This is my decision, as Mado Kureo—as the husband of Mado Kasuka!"
His voice, hoarse and determined, declared the full weight of his resolve, plunging the room into a tense silence, especially Marude Itsuki, who had reacted most passionately moments earlier.
Among everyone here, the names most deeply tied to "Mado Kasuka" were undoubtedly Marude Itsuki and Aura Kiyoko.
Aura Kiyoko was Kasuka's contemporary and closest friend. She carried an unrelenting grudge over her friend's death.
And Marude Itsuki was not—as some people misunderstood—a rival in love to Mado Kureo, but rather their former Squad Leader. It was he who gave the order for Kasuka to stay behind and cover their retreat that day. Though he knew perfectly well he had made the right decision—after all, everyone present had either been severely wounded or lacked the strength to stop the Owl—it was the only possible choice. But correctness did not imply freedom from regret. This decision pierced his heart like a steel needle every single day. Marude himself would have gladly exchanged places with Kasuka if given the chance.
Listening now to Mado Kureo's speech, Marude Itsuki unconsciously clenched his fists.
Just as you say, Kureo. When this succeeds, it will be the day we finally settle everything with the Owl!
At that moment, Marude Itsuki had firmly made the same decision as Mado Kureo.
---
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