76

Chapter 76: Shuu Is After Ryoma

Marude Itsuki, Kuroiwa Iwao, and Shinohara Yukinori.

These three Special-Class Investigators were set to lead the upcoming countermeasure meeting against Aogiri Tree's uprising in the 11th Ward.

Such a large-scale operation required more than just deploying investigators. There were strategies to formulate, public statements to prepare, and media briefings to conduct. Only after these steps were complete would CCG launch its official assault on Aogiri Tree's forces.

With so much attention focused on the 11th Ward, a significant number of investigators were reassigned from other wards to reinforce key areas. However, not all districts could afford to lose personnel, and some—like the relatively peaceful 20th Ward—were left underprotected.

Since "Binge Eater" Rize had seemingly quieted down and "Gecko" had been eliminated by Kanzaki Ryoma, even Quinx-class investigator Houji Kousuke and his partner, Second-Class Investigator Takizawa Seidou, had been reassigned elsewhere.

---

The escalating conflict in the 11th Ward didn't go unnoticed by the ghoul community.

The violent actions of Aogiri Tree had alarmed many ghouls, particularly those who preferred to avoid conflict. Even the usually calm Yoshimura Kuzen began to show concern.

"Perhaps I should visit the 11th Ward myself and see how bad things have gotten," Yoshimura murmured to Renji Yomo one evening.

"Not alone," Yomo replied. "I'll come with you when the time is right."

They agreed to wait and gather more information before making a move.

---

That afternoon, the peace at Anteiku was interrupted when the café's door swung open with a familiar jingle.

A sharply dressed man in a crimson suit and polished black leather shoes stepped inside. His distinctive purple hair framed his face, and his smile carried a mix of charm and mischief.

It was Tsukiyama Shuu.

Upon stepping inside, Tsukiyama spread his arms dramatically, closed his eyes, and inhaled deeply.

"Ah... such a delightful aroma," he sighed in an exaggeratedly intoxicated voice.

When he opened his eyes again, he greeted the staff with a smile that felt both charming and unsettling.

"Long time no see, everyone. It's so comforting to return here," he said with a grin.

Kirishima Touka's expression darkened instantly.

"Tsukiyama... what do you want?" she asked coldly.

Touka had never been fond of Tsukiyama. His reputation in the 20th Ward as a troublemaker rivaled that of Kamishiro Rize, and his careless predation on humans had caused them plenty of headaches.

Unlike Rize, who had been relatively quiet lately, Tsukiyama still pursued his twisted "gourmet" obsession without restraint.

"Miss Kirishima," Tsukiyama said with a charming smile, "you're as cold as ever... but that's what makes you so alluring."

"Gross," Touka muttered, her disgust showing clearly.

Tsukiyama, completely unbothered, stepped further into the café.

"Oh? And who might these two lovely ladies be?" Tsukiyama's eyes landed on Fueguchi Ryoko and Hinami.

Hinami shrank back, instinctively intimidated by the strange man's presence.

Noticing this, Touka quickly stepped between them.

"Quit bothering our staff and leave already," Touka warned.

"Now, now, no need to be so unfriendly," Tsukiyama chuckled. "I was only admiring the new faces."

He smiled again, but his gaze lingered on Hinami just a moment too long.

Touka narrowed her eyes. "I said leave."

"Such hostility..." Tsukiyama sighed dramatically. "You're truly no fun, Miss Kirishima."

With a defeated shrug, Tsukiyama finally turned toward the exit. But as he neared the door, his steps faltered.

His nose twitched slightly.

A scent—unfamiliar yet utterly intoxicating—drifted in from just outside.

Tsukiyama froze, captivated by the alluring fragrance. It wasn't just a pleasant scent; it was mesmerizing, unlike anything he had experienced before.

At the same time, he caught another familiar scent mixed within it—Kamishiro Rize's.

His eyes widened.

Kamishiro Rize... and something even more enticing?

"What's the holdup?" Touka snapped, irritated by his sudden pause.

Ignoring her, Tsukiyama stared fixedly at the café's entrance.

A moment later, the door opened.

Kamishiro Rize walked in first, her face lighting up with a smile the moment she spotted Tsukiyama.

"Well, if it isn't the oh-so-boring Tsukiyama-kun," Rize said sweetly.

Kanzaki Ryoma followed close behind her, unaware of the tension in the air.

Tsukiyama's expression darkened for a moment, memories of Rize's past mockery resurfacing. When she first arrived in the 20th Ward, Tsukiyama had tried to recruit her into the "Gourmet Society," a twisted social circle obsessed with indulging in rare and exotic human "delicacies."

Rize had laughed in his face, mocking his so-called "refined taste" and dismissing his entire persona as shallow and pathetic. Since then, Tsukiyama had developed a bitter grudge against her.

But as his gaze shifted to Ryoma, Tsukiyama's scorn turned to fascination.

That scent… it was coming from him.

His sharp smile returned almost instantly.

"Ah, Miss Rize. How lovely to see you again," Tsukiyama greeted her with exaggerated politeness. His gaze flicked to Ryoma. "And... this must be your companion?"

Rize's smile widened, though her eyes glinted with something colder.

"Yes," she said lightly. "This is my... dear Ryoma."

Tsukiyama's eyes sparkled with renewed interest.

The scent was undeniably human, yet unlike any human scent he had ever encountered. The sheer richness of it ignited his twisted obsession.

"Such... captivating company you keep," Tsukiyama muttered, unable to hide his hunger.

Rize, seeing his reaction, knew exactly what was running through Tsukiyama's mind. Her smile sharpened.

He's after Ryoma…

The thought alone made her expression darken ever so slightly.

Tsukiyama might have considered Ryoma his next "gourmet meal," but Rize had no intention of letting anyone touch what was hers.