52
Chapter 52: Orange Swirling Mask, System Mall Activated
With the system mall now unlocked, Ryoma remembered seeing the feature listed in the system panel before, though he hadn't known how to activate it. Now that it was finally available, he wasted no time checking it out.
[Host: Kanzaki Ryoma]
[Identity: Human]
[Age: 18]
[Fusion Target: Uchiha Madara]
[Fusion Progress: Lv2 (87/500)]
[Equipment: B-Rank Quinque "Thorn", B-Rank Quinque "Hiruko (1/76)"]
[Abilities: Three-Tomoe Sharingan, Hashirama Cells Lv2, Taijutsu Lv2, B-Rank Ninjutsu "Fire Style: Great Fire Annihilation", B-Rank Ninjutsu "Fire Style: Dust Cloud", etc.]
[Fusion Points: 303]
[System Mall]
With a thought, Ryoma opened the system mall.
[System Mall Lv1]
Product 1: Swirling Mask
Details: The mask worn by Uchiha Obito when posing as Uchiha Madara. Wearing it increases overall power by 10%, including physical ability, ocular prowess, ninjutsu strength, chakra reserves, and Hashirama Cell effects.
Price: 10 Fusion Points
Product 2: Scythe
Details: A weapon paired with the Uchiha Gunbai, often used as a "crutch." Despite its unassuming nature, it possesses tremendous power — far stronger than a standard B-rank Quinque.
Price: 100 Fusion Points
Product 3: Uchiha Fan (Gunbai)
Details: Crafted from the branches of the God Tree, this indestructible fan possesses the modified ability "Uchiha Reflection," which absorbs attacks, converts them into wind energy, and rebounds them at the enemy (adjusted for this world's mechanics). Its power rivals that of an SSS-rank Quinque.
Price: 500 Fusion Points
[Note: The System Mall will upgrade to Lv2 upon reaching 3,000 Fusion Points.]
Though only three items were available, each seemed exceptionally valuable.
The Swirling Mask stood out as the most cost-effective — a 10% power boost for only 10 points. Meanwhile, the scythe and Gunbai were far pricier. Both were undoubtedly powerful, but Ryoma knew he couldn't afford them yet.
With 303 points remaining, Ryoma decided to buy the Swirling Mask first. The other items could wait — for now, advancing his fusion progress to Level 3 was his priority.
Once his Sharingan evolved into the Mangekyou Sharingan, his overall strength would skyrocket.
[Ding! The host has purchased the "Swirling Mask," consuming 10 Fusion Points. Current remaining Fusion Points: 293.]
The Swirling Mask immediately appeared in Ryoma's equipment list.
[Equipment: Swirling Mask, B-Rank Quinque "Thorn", B-Rank Quinque "Hiruko (1/76)"]
With a thought, Ryoma could summon the mask directly to his hand. However, he resisted the urge — there were too many people around right now.
"Name it 'Thorn'? Alright," the technician said, closing Ryoma's Quinque case. "This Quinque's a koukaku type — good for newcomers since it's balanced in both offense and defense."
The koukaku type's versatility was reflected in its Quinque form. Without specializing in offense or defense, it provided consistent performance across the board — perfect for investigators still finding their footing.
...
Although Ryoma had eliminated multiple ghouls during his mission in the 24th Ward, the CCG lab had only crafted one Quinque for him.
That wasn't unusual. Quinques were difficult to master, and most investigators struggled to fully utilize even one.
Only rare elites like Kishou Arima could wield multiple Quinques effectively — and even then, that mastery was exceptional.
Of course, Quinques like IXA and Narukami, designed from numerous kakuhou fragments, were in a class of their own.
With his new Quinque secured, Ryoma left the CCG experimental lab carrying the suitcase containing Thorn.
"When you're on a mission, keep your Quinque case with you at all times," Shio advised. "You can disguise it if needed. I remember Arima used to carry his Quinque in a violin case — helped him avoid alarming ghouls while investigating."
"Thanks for the tip," Ryoma replied.
"You're heading to the 19th Ward with Ui tomorrow, right? Since we've got time today, why don't we hit the streets for a while?" Shio suggested.
"Sure. Looks like 'Zero Squad' isn't too busy right now," Ryoma replied with a smile.
"Honestly, it's usually like this," Shio laughed.
The Zero Squad rarely handled smaller cases. Most of their time was spent investigating the 24th Ward, engaging in prolonged skirmishes with Aogiri Tree. However, since Arima was the true One-Eyed King, his efforts to delay the CCG's complete destruction of Aogiri Tree were part of his hidden plan.
At that moment, Shio turned to Hairu.
"What about you, Hairu? Want to join us?"
"Sure," Hairu said with a faint smile.
...
Strolling through the streets, Ryoma and the others avoided carrying their Quinque cases in plain sight. Instead, they kept lightweight, portable Quinques like daggers and short blades concealed on them.
Even though the 1st Ward was chaotic, ghouls rarely attacked in broad daylight due to the presence of numerous CCG agents stationed throughout the area.
Their outing was relaxed — just casual sightseeing and some desserts along the way. Nothing special.
However, Ryoma couldn't help but notice Hairu occasionally glancing at him.
She's observing me...
He knew exactly why — Arima.
Hairu had been Arima's student and held deep respect for him. Naturally, she'd pay close attention to anyone that Arima had taken an interest in.
Sure enough, Ryoma caught Hairu studying him again.
...Just act natural, Ryoma thought, pretending not to notice.