Ward 1, CCG Research Building.
Although Uesugi Ryu had killed quite a few Ghouls before, most were nameless small fry. After a basic evaluation by the CCG, they were classified as two C-rated and two B-rated Ghouls.
Even though these eliminations occurred before he officially became an Investigator, his achievements couldn't be dismissed and as a result, Uesugi Ryu earned the right to select one A-rated Quinque.
This accomplishment would be a significant boost to his internship and future promotions.
Entering the Academy had been mostly a formality, a way to acquire some essential knowledge. After all, being an Investigator without the necessary fundamentals would be unacceptable.
Despite Uesugi Ryu's impressive strength, he wasn't exempt from this rule.
For reference, B-rated Ghouls were generally the most powerful Ghouls that lower-ranking Investigators could realistically expect to face. For an untrained university student to eliminate them on his own, it was nothing short of extraordinary.
Wearing a sleek black suit, Uesugi Ryu arrived at the research building. The CCG didn't have strict uniform requirements for Investigators. Each was issued a white overcoat, but what they wore underneath was up to personal preference.
Since he wasn't officially registered as an Investigator, Uesugi Ryu didn't have clearance to enter the research facility. As a key logistical and support center for the CCG, the building was under tight security.
After handing the Academy-issued documentation to the guard, Uesugi Ryu waited quietly outside.
He didn't wait long. Soon, a young man in a white coat and glasses appeared at the gate. He had dark circles under his eyes and yawned as he saw Uesugi Ryu.
With casual indifference, the man introduced himself: "Inoue Tomoya, Quinque researcher. First time meeting, pleased to work with you."
Uesugi Ryu also gave a brief self-introduction.
Though he felt a bit resistant to all these intricate etiquette rules, he understood the importance of following local customs when abroad.. In another world.
"So you're Uesugi Ryu, huh? Young and accomplished, you've already exterminated so many Ghouls." Inoue Tomoya skimmed through the documents in his hand and remarked with surprise.
"You flatter me, Inoue-san. They were just a few nobodies," Uesugi Ryu replied humbly.
Seeing this, Inoue Tomoya helplessly shrugged and chuckled.
"Alright, alright. We're about the same age, no need to be so formal. To be honest, I'm only two years older than you."
As he flipped through the paperwork, he spoke nonchalantly, "Alright... so you're here to claim your A-rated Quinque, yeah? Then come with me."
Uesugi Ryu offered a polite smile and followed Inoue into the research facility.
"Second-Class Uesugi, have you already decided what type of Quinque you want? Do you need me to explain a few options?" Inoue Tomoya asked as they walked.
"Please don't call me that, Inoue-san. I'm still just a trainee," Uesugi Ryu corrected with a quick wave of his hand.
Inoue Tomoya smiled kindly, "No need to be so modest, Ryu-kun."
"Getting an A-rated Quinque while still in training? I've got high hopes for you!"
Uesugi Ryu returned a wry smile. He still wasn't sure why Inoue was being so friendly, but at least it wasn't unpleasant.
As he was presented with various options, Uesugi Ryu began to feel a twinge of hesitation. There were so many kinds of Kagune to choose from.
The first to be eliminated was the Ukaku-type. A-rated Ukaku Quinques were rarely satisfying in terms of quality, they were usually just ranged weapons and not ideal for solo combat.
Plus, they required good team coordination, which didn't suit Uesugi Ryu's lone-wolf combat style.
Inoue Tomoya seemed to read his hesitation.
"What's wrong? You can't decide?"
"Nothing too heavy. Sharpness is enough." Ryu answered briefly.
His highest attribute was speed, so lightweight weapons would allow him to capitalize on that.
Inoue Tomoya nodded, then walked into the storage room and a moment later, he returned with a case, which he placed on a large display table.
After pressing a button, a long, dark blue straight-blade weapon rose into view. It had a longer handle and a slightly broader blade than a standard katana.
"What do you think? It's made from a Rinkaku-type Kagune. It's nothing too flashy, but it's balanced."
Uesugi Ryu picked up the blade, it didn't feel heavy at all. He walked over to the adjacent testing area and gave it a few trial swings.
After a short test, he nodded. "This'll do. What's its name?"
"It was forged from a Ghoul named Kurosaki Kage. But you can name it yourself if you like."
Uesugi Ryu wasn't in the mood to name a temporary weapon. Besides, he wasn't great with names anyway.
"Then I'll just call it Saki Kage."
At that moment, Inoue Tomoya walked up and input Uesugi Ryu's fingerprint into the Quinque's carrying case for ID verification.
Once that was done, he gave a small cough and smiled somewhat sheepishly.
"To tell you the truth, Ryu-kun... I personally crafted this Quinque."
"I can't say it's my proudest creation, but if you find it easy to use, feel free to come back anytime with other requests."
Uesugi Ryu chuckled. So that's what this is about, hooking a return customer.
Not surprising. With the number of people in the CCG, Quinque crafting obviously couldn't rely on Kouitsu Chigyou alone. Weapon design and other aspects required massive manpower.
Kouitsu Chigyou was just the most famous, so most people preferred going to him.
After nodding in agreement, Uesugi Ryu picked up the briefcase and left the research building.
Ward 20.
Under the night sky, the city remained lively. Roads bustled with traffic, neon lights interweaving into a dazzling web of color while Skyscrapers lit up like pearls scattered across the skyline.
In a quiet, remote park in one corner of the city, the air was still, until a harsh clack-clack sound shattered the silence.
A tall figure approached slowly, holding a bizarre pair of pliers in hand. With every step, the sound of clashing metal echoed, punctuated by sharp bursts of sparks.
The figure was none other than Yamori, also known as Jason, the infamous Ghoul. Clad in an immaculate white suit and wearing a grotesque mask, he stalked toward a Ghoul standing some distance away.
"Excuse me... have you seen the Binge Eater around?"
The Ghoul visibly trembled at the sight of Jason's approach. Fear surged in his eyes. Faced with such a towering presence, exuding pure menace, the Ghoul faltered.
He stumbled backward, stammering,
"I... I don't know... maybe ask someone else?"
His gaze flicked toward a man unconscious on the ground nearby. There was reluctance and fear in his eyes.
Jason's lips curled upward in a twisted smile. He chuckled darkly. His eyes widened with manic glee, and his fingers cracked with that all-too-familiar snapping sound.
"Well then... I guess you'll just have to keep me company for a bit."
A scream tore through the night.
Moments later, silence returned.
Ripples danced across the surface of the still lake.
Ward 15, CCG Branch Office.
"You're looking lively, Ryu." Mado Kureo stroked his chin, inspecting both Uesugi Ryu and the briefcase in his hand with curiosity.
Amon Koutarou gave a small nod toward Ryu as a greeting.
"I'll be in your care for the next few days, Mado-san."
"No worries. Let's go clean up some trash together soon. By the way, what kind of Quinque did you get?" Mado leaned in eagerly, practically sticking his face into the briefcase.
Uesugi Ryu didn't try to hide it. It was just a weapon, after all.
He never quite understood why Quinque types were treated like sensitive intel even among coworkers. It seemed overly strict. After all, any actual field operation would involve fighting, so hiding a weapon's function wasn't exactly practical.
Even if someone could counter your Quinque, it wasn't like that info was impossible to find out. Aside from a few specialized designs, there was little need for secrecy.
And besides, Mado Kureo was the last person he'd ever suspect of betraying that trust.