Byakuya's decision to spare the Dragon Orphans wasn't solely out of kindness—another reason was to give humans and ghouls a common enemy to unite against.
While the Infinite Tsukuyomi was the most direct solution to the human-ghoul problem, easing tensions between them beforehand was still meaningful.
This would create a gradual transition.
Otherwise, ghouls who became human after the Infinite Tsukuyomi would still face discrimination.
Where there was discrimination and oppression, there would be resistance.
Conflict between humans and humanized ghouls would still erupt.
This was far from a simple, straightforward matter.
"You should leave Ward 24 now. Someone will guide you out. This place has been invaded by those creatures."
Byakuya turned to address the ghouls.
"Ah, okay!"
The ghouls nodded dazedly.
Though they didn't understand what was happening, and the creatures collapsing mysteriously amazed them, they couldn't afford to dwell on it. Escaping was the priority.
"You're not killing them? With your abilities, it should be easy."
Eto asked Byakuya, somewhat puzzled.
"This might sound unbelievable, but these Dragon Orphans will eventually evolve into human form—becoming our kind."
Byakuya explained. "So I don't want to be too harsh with future kin."
"I see. You even know about that..."
Eto nodded slowly.
Though it sounded incredible, this was coming from Byakuya...
Incredible things happening around Byakuya were nothing new.
Besides, these Dragon Orphans were humanoid. Gradually evolving into human form wasn't entirely unreasonable.
"Are all these creatures from the underground world?"
Akira asked with concern.
"Yes. They're Dragon's offspring. Currently, they're in a phase of indiscriminate attacks on humans and ghouls—enemies to both."
Byakuya nodded. "So even though they'll eventually evolve into humans or ghouls, we can't let our guard down around them."
"..."
Akira's expression turned grave.
These Dragon Orphans would evolve into humans or ghouls? What kind of existence was this Dragon that birthed them...?
Or rather, the One-Eyed King from a century ago was a Washuu Clan member. How many more secrets did the Washuu have...?
"Perhaps the Washuu Clan were the ancestors of all ghouls."
Byakuya voiced a speculation.
His basis was that only those with Washuu bloodlines could become Dragon.
Whether it was the One-Eyed King from a century ago, or Kaneki Ken and Rize in the original timeline—all carried Washuu blood.
But information on this was extremely scarce. The only known fact was that the Washuu Clan was originally a ghoul family that had migrated to Japan from the Middle East.
"Of course, that's just speculation. Don't take it too seriously."
Byakuya added.
"I think it's possible too."
Having experienced so much, Eto agreed with Byakuya's theory.
Especially given Dragon and the Dragon Orphans' existence—she was inclined to believe his view.
"None of that matters anymore. The Washuu Clan is extinct."
Byakuya said. "The Dragon Orphans' existence can actually help ease relations between humans and ghouls."
...
Byakuya and his group held back the Dragon Orphans while Aogiri Tree members handled the Ward 24 "refugees."
Any disobedient ghouls were dealt with by Tatara, Noro, and others.
Currently, no ghoul in Ward 24 could match Tatara. Eleven years ago, when Eto had left Ward 24, she'd already swept through the entire ward with her SSS-rated power.
Only a few troublemakers remained; most ghouls were compliant.
Thus Aogiri Tree's operation proceeded smoothly, forcibly relocating all Ward 24 ghouls.
Once Aogiri Tree's mission was complete, Byakuya physically sealed every exit from Ward 24 to the surface.
This simply involved using Universal Pull's power to pile up massive walls blocking every exit, preventing Dragon Orphans from reaching the surface in the short term.
Byakuya had spared these Dragon Orphans, but he wasn't naively kind—that would be irresponsible toward civilian safety on the surface.
He planned to transform Ward 24 and the underground world into something like an underground city, with Dragon Orphans as its monsters.
Until the Dragon Orphans completed their evolution, the CCG would prevent them from escaping the underground city, protecting all civilians.
...
Byakuya had now returned to Ward 1 headquarters with Eto and the other two women.
His portable camera had recorded the Dragon Orphans' appearance and footage of them attacking ghouls.
Marude, Ui, Arima, and numerous Associate Special Class and Special Class investigators gathered to watch the footage on the large screen...
"So these Dragon Orphans are the offspring of the One-Eyed King from a century ago..."
Marude sat with his hands clasped on the table, his expression grave.
"According to Director Amaha, they attack both ghouls and humans. We've gained another group of terrible enemies..."
Ui said grimly.
"Hmm, fortunately the Director has already sealed all Ward 24 exits. Those Dragon Orphans can't get out immediately. We need to be prepared before they break through."
Kuroiwa offered his opinion.
"Let's follow Byakuya's lead from here. Now that the Madara identity has been revealed and Aogiri Tree is confirmed to no longer be our enemy, our situation isn't actually more difficult than before. Completely eliminating the Washuu Clan—our biggest problem—is actually a relief."
Kiyoko spoke frankly.
Though Byakuya hadn't yet had his official promotion ceremony for Special Class and Bureau Director, in everyone's minds, he was already the most authoritative director. No one disagreed.
...
Get 20+ chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"