72

Chapter 72: Gathering Of Anteiku's Staff

Kanzaki Ryoma walked out of the laboratory with his newly crafted Quinque stored in its suitcase form.

"It looks like you're all set," Koori Ui said as he waited by the door.

"Yeah," Ryoma nodded.

"Although there's still work to be done, CCG is currently prioritizing the upcoming operation against the 'Aogiri Tree.' Since they've occupied the 11th Ward, a large-scale strike is being planned. We're expected to be part of the main force, so we'll be holding off on other missions to stay in top condition."

Ui continued, "In the meantime, you should take this opportunity to complete your written exam and interview for First-Class Investigator. With your achievement in taking down 'Gecko,' you'll most likely be promoted as long as you pass those tests."

"Alright," Ryoma replied. "I'll focus on that for now."

With Ui's help, Ryoma obtained the necessary study materials for the exam. The written portion seemed straightforward enough, and the interview would depend on his performance under pressure.

Afterward, Ryoma returned to the 20th Ward with his new Quinque and study materials in hand.

---

20th Ward, Anteiku

After the café closed for the night, the staff gathered on the second floor to discuss a serious matter.

"Is that guy Kanzaki Ryoma really the investigator who killed 'Gecko'?" one of the staff asked.

"Touka wouldn't lie about that," Irimi Koma replied. "I've never seen him carrying a Quinque before, but turns out he's been hiding his identity as a CCG investigator this whole time."

"Still," Enji Koma added with a grin, "it's impressive that a young guy like him could take down someone like 'Gecko.'"

"Yeah..."

The room fell silent for a moment.

"Even if he's helped Ryoko, Hinami, and me, we can't let him find out about Anteiku," Touka Kirishima said firmly.

"You're right," Irimi agreed. "If CCG finds out that I used to be the 'Black Dog,' I'm as good as dead."

"And if they knew I was the 'Devil Ape,' they wouldn't leave me alone either," Enji added smugly.

"Quit bragging," Irimi muttered, rolling her eyes. "Anyway, we need to be careful from now on. That guy's been coming to the café pretty often. We can't let him get suspicious."

Then Irimi paused. "But now that I think about it… doesn't Rize seem pretty close with him?"

"That's the strange part," Touka said with a frown. "According to him, he doesn't even know who the 'Binge Eater' is, meaning he probably thinks Rize is just some ordinary human."

"Miss Rize has been cozying up to an investigator without being discovered…" Irimi muttered.

"Heh," Enji chuckled. "Looks like she's gotten bored of preying on ordinary humans and decided to play with a ghoul investigator instead."

"..."

Yoshimura, who had been silently listening, remained quiet. Out of everyone, he knew best that peace in the 20th Ward wouldn't last forever.

---

Meanwhile, in Ryoma's Apartment

Ryoma sat at his desk, studying the CCG's written exam materials. Once he was sure no one would disturb him, he activated his Mangekyō Sharingan.

Instead of using it for combat or reconnaissance, he used its enhanced perception and memory to memorize the materials at record speed.

In less than a night, he had committed everything to memory with precision.

Just as he was about to rest, he heard a knock at his door.

Deactivating his Mangekyō Sharingan, Ryoma opened the door — and was greeted by Kamishiro Rize.

She was fresh out of the shower, her hair still damp with droplets clinging to her skin. Dressed in a thin pajama top that revealed just enough to be distracting, she smiled faintly.

"It's about time... don't you think?" Rize murmured, her voice low and teasing.

Ryoma's face stiffened.

"Didn't I just let you feed a few days ago?"

"But... I want it," Rize purred, stepping closer with a sweet smile.

Ryoma sighed in defeat.

"Fine," he muttered. "But only a little."

"Yay~!" Rize grinned mischievously. "I knew you'd say yes."

"That's not exactly a compliment," Ryoma muttered.

Rize climbed onto Ryoma's bed and patted the spot beside her. "Come here," she said playfully.

After setting his study materials aside, Ryoma sat on the bed, his back to her.

Rize moved in close, pressing herself against his back as her arms wrapped around him. Then, her lips traced along the curve of his neck before she bit down at the same spot as last time — the muscle between his neck and shoulder.

The pain was sharp, but manageable. Ryoma's improved physical condition made it easier to endure this time.

Rize's lips lingered, savoring the taste of his blood. Her breathing grew heavier, her grip tightening as she drank deeply.

"Alright," Ryoma said firmly, placing his hand on her head. "That's enough."

Rize's lips lingered a moment longer before she finally let go.

"You're no fun," she pouted, licking the blood from her lips.

"I'd be a lot more fun if you didn't try to drain me dry," Ryoma shot back.

As his wound healed almost instantly, Ryoma felt Rize shift behind him — but instead of leaving, she remained on his bed.

"Hey... why are you still here?" Ryoma asked warily.

Without answering, Rize nestled closer, resting her head on his shoulder.

"You're warm," she mumbled.

"You're weird," Ryoma muttered, too tired to push her off.

Moments later, he could hear Rize's soft breathing — she had fallen asleep.

Ryoma sighed again, closing his eyes.

This woman... is going to be the death of me.