The Absolute Mainstay

In less than half an hour, the Owl completely invaded and overtook the CCG's 2nd Ward branch.

Even with Kimura personally leading an elite squad of investigators, they were unable to withstand the Owl's onslaught.

By the time Yoshimura reached the i deepest part of the 2nd Ward branch, it signified that the CCG in this area had entirely fallen.

Inside were numerous classified documents, but Yoshimura had no interest in them. What he knew far surpassed anything these files could reveal.

His true goal in targeting the 2nd Ward branch was to create as much chaos and attention as possible, redirecting the focus of both V and the Washuu Clan onto himself.

Despite his invasion, waves of low-ranking investigators continued to pour in to challenge him. Yoshimura, however, had no intention of harming them proactively. Instead, he waited for them to attack first and then incapacitated them in return.

Importantly, he refrained from killing.

The now-aged Yoshimura had long ceased to desire taking lives —whether human or ghoul.

...

Half an Hour Earlier

When the Owl first appeared at the 2nd Ward branch, an immediate request for reinforcements was dispatched to CCG Headquarters and other branch offices.

Among the first responders summoned was Byakuya, who had previously repelled the Owl and was considered the ideal candidate for this mission.

At that moment, Byakuya was in school. His phone suddenly rang, interrupting the class.

Seeing that the call was from the 13th Ward CCG branch, he quickly stood up and addressed the teacher.

"Sorry, something urgent has come up. I need to leave."

Without waiting for a response, he left the classroom.

Given the timing of the call, Byakuya was certain it was related to the Owl. Based on his understanding of the timeline, it aligned perfectly with Yoshimura's attack on the 2nd Ward.

When he answered the call, his suspicions were confirmed: the One-Eyed Owl had launched an attack on the 2nd Ward branch.

Byakuya knew this was not the real One-Eyed Owl, but Kuzen Yoshimura disguised as his daughter.

"Investigator Byakuya, the branch has specifically requested you for reinforcements. Arima will also accompany you"

"There's no need for Arima to come. He's currently monitoring 'Lantern.' I'll handle this on my own"

Byakuya had no intention of involving Arima. He had already decided to align with V as their 'Cleaner' while Arima opposed the idea. There was no reason to involve him further.

"Understood. Please head to the 2nd Ward immediately."

The person on the other end of the call didn't press the issue.

Few within the CCG — aside from certain high-ranking members — knew Arima's true strength. To most, he was just another Second-Class Investigator.

Hanging up, Byakuya immediately left school and headed for the 2nd Ward.

Meanwhile, the CCG assembled other reinforcements, led by Associate Special Class Investigator Kasuka. This temporary task force included First-Class Investigators such as Kureo Mado and Yukinori Shinohara, aiming to stall the Owl until Special Class Investigators could arrive.

Unfortunately, most Special Class Investigators were tied up with other critical missions and couldn't be deployed immediately. The loss of Special Class Investigator Mikito Urie in the battle against the One-Eyed Owl had only worsened the CCG's manpower shortage.

Thus, the temporary task force's primary objective was to delay the Owl rather than defeat it outright. They pinned their hopes on Byakuya to once again repel the Owl.

...

When Byakuya arrived at the 2nd Ward and joined the reinforcements, the Owl's invasion was already half an hour underway.

"Investigator Byakuya, we're counting on you again" Kasuka said, a hint of shame in her voice.

Despite being the youngest in the group, Byakuya was their greatest hope, even for the experienced Associate Special Class Investigator.

"No problem. It's my duty" Byakuya replied calmly.

Scanning the task force, he recognized several faces, including Kasuka, Kureo, and Shinohara.

At this point, Shinohara was still young — a First-Class Investigator partnered with Kureo Mado. In the future, he would be known as one of CCG's seven Special Class Investigators, earning the title "The Invulnerable Shinohara"

"Is this the legendary Investigator Byakuya who single-handedly repelled the One-Eyed Owl? He's so young!"

"And back then, he was only a Second-Class Investigator! Who could've imagined a Second-Class Investigator going toe-to-toe with an SSS rated ghoul?"

"He's a true prodigy! But is that a school uniform? Is he still attending school?"

"No, I heard Investigator Byakuya is currently infiltrating a school as part of his mission to investigate Lantern"

Their murmurs were cut short when Kasuka interjected sharply.

"Focus! This isn't the time for chatter. A single mistake against the Owl could cost you your life."

"Yes!"

The investigators straightened up, fully aware of the gravity of their mission.

For many, this was their first encounter with an SSS rated ghoul—and possibly their last.

"Have you all prepared your wills? Leave them in the CCG lobby before we proceed to the Owl's location" Kasuka reminded them solemnly.

Byakuya, having forgotten this protocol, casually requested a sheet of paper and pen, scribbling down a quick will:

"Everything with the publishing process is proceeding smoothly. Miss Takatsuki, please keep creating without worry"

—To Sen Takatsuki

Of course, he wrote this hastily, without much thought.

With preparations complete, Byakuya led the squad toward the Owl —more accurately, toward the Non-Killing Owl.