However, the expected death did not arrive as scheduled. Instead, a crisp and rhythmic jingling sound rang out leisurely.
"Am I late?"
Uesugi Ryu arrived at the battlefield at that exact moment. The long-handled blade in his hand traced a perfectly sealed circle, steadily blocking the incoming spikes.
"Associate Special-Class Uesugi! It's actually Uesugi!"
^O^/,^O^/,^O^/ (BGM: Gratitude Melody.)
Seeing Uesugi Ryu arrive in time, the investigators who had already fallen into despair were instantly reinvigorated, cheering excitedly.
The Kakuja mask of Yoshimura Kuzen was stained with scattered patches of blood.
When he saw Uesugi Ryu arrive, a trace of seriousness flashed through his eyes.
"Stand down. I'll take over the battlefield."
Uesugi Ryu turned his head and spoke calmly to the investigator behind him.
As he spoke, armor like molten lava rapidly climbed over his body.
His figure instantly expanded by more than a full circle, and faint steam seeped out from the gaps in the armor.
"I survived? Associate Special-Class Uesugi!"
The investigator's voice trembled. He quickly opened his eyes, and all he saw was armor as ferocious as a dragon's head.
Shattered crimson crystals were scattered at Uesugi Ryu's feet, emitting dazzling light.
The pale greatblade in his hand looked almost like a toy.
Uesugi Ryu slowly walked toward Yoshimura Kuzen in the distance like a dragon awakening from a hoard of treasure.
Yoshimura Kuzen raised the massive sword-shaped kagune on his left arm and pointed it at the approaching Uesugi Ryu.
The Kakugan on his Kakuja mask resembled a crimson abyss.
A deep voice slowly sounded.
"Come. Let's slaughter each other."
Uesugi Ryu placed the long blade behind his back and slightly bent forward into a charging stance.
His eyes were sharp, fixed firmly on the enemy ahead.
"Just what I wanted. Let me see your power, Molten Abyss."
The delicate armor structure on his legs contracted slightly. Uesugi Ryu stomped forward violently, and the ground beneath his feet shattered instantly.
Dust billowed into the air. The black and crimson figure flashed forward, reaching Yoshimura Kuzen in an instant.
Sensing the movement, Yoshimura Kuzen quickly crossed the two giant blades in front of himself.
Clang.
With a thunderous sound, the pale greatblade collided with the deep blue heavy sword.
A shower of dazzling sparks erupted. The blade embedded slightly into the kagune.
The powerful impact traveled through the sword. Yoshimura Kuzen's massive body slid a short distance across the ground.
The two struggled in a contest of strength. Feeling the force coming from the blade, Uesugi Ryu was slightly surprised. The power was not inferior to Yoshimura Eto.
The shop manager was already elderly. Maintaining this level of strength was truly astonishing.
"Have you eaten your fill, Owl?"
Uesugi Ryu raised his head and looked at Yoshimura Kuzen as he asked.
"You cannot fight me on an empty stomach. Your journey ends here."
Yoshimura Kuzen's large frame gave him an advantage. He manipulated his kagune and suddenly exerted force, pushing Uesugi Ryu back.
After forcing Uesugi Ryu back, he did not pursue. Instead, he retreated.
Uesugi Ryu turned his head and glanced behind him.
There were too many people here. It was indeed not a suitable place for battle.
The two silently reached an understanding. While fighting, they continuously shifted the battlefield, disappearing from sight in the blink of an eye.
Koutarou Amon and Kuroiwa Iwao exchanged a glance and prepared to follow.
Fighting the Owl was no small matter. The other Owl could appear at any time.
Their task was to guard against the other Owl. When it appeared, they had to hold it back, at least until Arima Kishou arrived.
Temporary Command Post.
"Apes has been successfully driven away by Special-Class Investigator Mougan Tanakamaru and Second-Class Investigator Suzuya!"
"Black Dog is still resisting stubbornly, but according to the battle situation its defeat is only a matter of time!"
Marude Itsuki nodded and gave orders.
"Good. Have Special-Class Investigator Tanakamaru and Second-Class Investigator Suzuya join up with First Squad under Special-Class Investigator Amon!"
"Also, after Black Dog is driven away, notify Hachikawa to lead the Third Squad and link up with the reinforcement units. Maintain perimeter vigilance."
"Yes!"
After ending the communication, Marude Itsuki let out a slight sigh of relief. As long as it did not turn into a chaotic full-scale battle.
Most of their combat strength had already been freed up. Once Black Dog was dealt with, the CCG could finish this operation calmly.
Before he could even catch his breath, the command officer turned and shouted toward Marude Itsuki.
"Special-Class Investigator Marude! A large number of ghouls suspected to be from Aogiri Tree are approaching this area!"
Marude Itsuki's mood rose and fell instantly. He cursed.
"Aogiri Tree? Damn it. Just what we needed. These bastards!"
"Kureo. It's yours!"
Assigning Mado Kureo to handle the perimeter had its reasons.
Mainly because Mado Kureo's personal hatred toward the Owl was too intense. The Owl situation could not be handled by him.
.....
"Wow. It is so lively. Such a grand spectacle is really fascinating!"
Roma Hoito shouted excitedly.
She held a delicate telescope in her hands, sitting at the edge of a rooftop while completely absorbed in watching the fierce battle in the distance.
Meanwhile, Donato stood quietly nearby with a mysterious smile on his lips.
His deep emerald eyes seemed to conceal countless hidden thoughts.
"My dear son Koutarou. What is he doing now?"
Furuta Nimura, wearing a ridiculous clown mask, was also present on the rooftop.
Suddenly, Roma Hoito let out a cry of surprise and admiration.
"Oh my god! Souta, look over there!"
"That person must be the Uesugi Ryu you mentioned before. He's incredible!"
As she spoke, she quickly turned her gaze toward Furuta Nimura beside her, curiosity shining in her eyes.
Hearing Roma Hoito's words, the upward curve of Furuta Nimura's lips beneath the mask widened even further.
He replied softly.
"That is right, Roma. That is him. What do you think? Interested in him?"
Roma Hoito immediately shook her head like a rattling drum, looking frightened.
"That guy is terrifying. I definitely can't fight him head-on. No way~"
Furuta Nimura chuckled softly.
"The One-Eyed will come too. Do not worry."
After saying that, he leaned close to Roma and whispered something.
Roma Hoito's eyes lit up as if she had discovered a brand new toy.
She suddenly stood up. With the tip of her foot hooked on the rooftop edge, half her body hung over the hundred-meter drop.
Laughing loudly, she declared.
"A cliché revenge game isn't interesting. Let me add some new fun for this powerful investigator!"