Flashback to when Matsuri had just arrived at Tokyo Airport from Germany.
"The last member of the Washuu Clan, Matsuri Washuu, has returned from Germany. Go pick him up at the airport. Your assignment for the coming period is to accompany and monitor him."
Kiyoko Aura briefed the Quinx Squad on their next mission.
Kuki Urie, Ginshi Shirazu, Saiko Yonebayashi, Tooru Mutsuki, along with Kurona and Nashiro would carry out the surveillance mission together.
Since Matsuri was a ghoul—and a natural-born kakuja at that—the CCG had taken his danger level into account and assigned the physically superior half-ghoul Quinx Squad to the task.
Kurona and Nashiro's strength was particularly notable; if Matsuri suddenly went berserk, they could handle it.
"Understood. Leave it to us."
Urie nodded seriously.
As the current Quinx Squad leader, he hadn't achieved any notable accomplishments since taking command.
This mission sounded important—Matsuri was a significant figure to the CCG—so he took it very seriously.
Completing this mission successfully would be a considerable achievement.
...
Tokyo Airport.
When the time came, Urie and the others met Matsuri at the airport.
Seeing that his appearance matched the ID photo the CCG had provided, Urie addressed him. "Are you First Class Investigator Matsuri Washuu? We're the Quinx Squad, here to receive you."
"Yes."
Matsuri nodded.
He scanned the Quinx Squad members, his gaze lingering slightly longer on Urie.
But he said nothing, and Urie didn't think much of it.
"Then please come with us back to headquarters, Investigator Washuu."
Urie made an inviting gesture.
"Wait... before that, I'd like to visit the Washuu estate first."
Matsuri spoke calmly.
Clearly, he already knew about the Washuu Clan's destruction.
But he seemed quite cooperative, showing no extreme reactions.
"..."
Urie hesitated briefly before replying firmly. "We must return to headquarters first. We don't have the authority to grant that request."
To ensure the mission went smoothly, he wouldn't agree to Matsuri's request.
"...Fine."
Matsuri merely frowned slightly, not showing too much displeasure. "What's your name?"
He suddenly asked Urie's name.
"Rank 2 Investigator, Kuki Urie."
Urie stated directly.
"I see. Thank you."
Matsuri nodded.
He said nothing more and obediently agreed to return to CCG headquarters with the Quinx Squad.
With Matsuri being so cooperative, Urie was naturally pleased.
But he was celebrating too soon. He had no idea what Matsuri actually thought of him...
One reason for Matsuri's cooperation was Urie himself...
Simply put, Matsuri had worked in Germany for several years, and Europe happened to be where same-sex relationships were more prevalent. Without realizing it, Matsuri had lost interest in women.
Previously, for political reasons, the Washuu Clan had arranged a fiancée for him. He was supposed to formally marry after returning to Japan, but now he had zero interest in his fiancée.
So... Matsuri had actually fallen for Urie at first sight.
He just hadn't realized yet that his feelings for Urie were romantic...
...
After returning to Ward 1 headquarters and handling some matters, Matsuri immediately prepared to attend the promotion ceremony.
His name was on this promotion list.
Coincidentally, upon arriving at the venue, he ran into Byakuya and Marude.
Especially Byakuya... Matsuri knew this young man was the one who had destroyed the entire Washuu Clan.
"Investigator Washuu, I'm Associate Special Class Investigator Amaha Byakuya."
Byakuya introduced himself calmly.
His demeanor and tone showed no hostility whatsoever, which surprised Matsuri.
"I know who you are. You're the one who discovered the Washuu Clan's true nature and eliminated them..."
Matsuri's expression remained composed.
"Yes."
Byakuya admitted openly.
"Hey, if you dare cause trouble at a promotion ceremony, we won't go easy on you."
Marude, by contrast, showed Matsuri no courtesy at all.
"No... I'm not foolish enough to seek death."
Matsuri said. "But you're not planning to eliminate me as well? You're even letting me be promoted to Associate Special Class?"
"I don't see the need. As long as you can work normally at the CCG, I wouldn't even mind you eventually inheriting the Bureau Director position—provided you earn others' recognition."
Byakuya said evenly.
"..."
Matsuri was momentarily stunned.
Once again surprised by this.
"Very well."
Recovering, Matsuri nodded, saying nothing more.
Even though Byakuya was responsible for annihilating his clan, there was nothing he could do about it. Any thoughts of revenge would be pure suicide.
He'd seen the state of the Washuu estate. That wasn't a power he could contend with.
Being allowed to continue working at the CCG was already the best possible outcome for him.
...
When the time came, the promotion ceremony officially began.
After Marude, as host, delivered some relatively unimportant opening remarks, the promotion ceremony proper commenced.
"Associate Special Class Investigator, Amaha Byakuya."
"You are hereby promoted to Special Class Investigator."
[Ding! Host has been promoted to "Special Class Investigator." Reward: 200 Fusion Points!]
Upon receiving his promotion, Byakuya also received the System reward.
He'd finally maxed out the investigator promotion rewards.
Though he'd probably receive another Fusion Point reward when he officially assumed the Bureau Director position.
Byakuya had now been promoted to Special Class Investigator but hadn't left the stage yet, because his promotion segment wasn't over.
"Furthermore! The Washuu Clan incident has cost our CCG our Bureau Director, General Chairman, and the entire leadership. Given that Director Amaha is solely responsible for the Washuu Clan's destruction, I recommend him as the new Bureau Director."
Marude addressed everyone present. "Does anyone have objections? If so, please voice them now."
...
Get 20+ chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"