The elevator doors opened to the first floor, and as soon as Hayashi stepped out, a researcher who had clearly been waiting for a while hurried over.
"Hayashi, you really made me wait! Next time, at least give me a heads-up."
The researcher's tone was a mix of relief and mild annoyance.
"Sorry, sorry. Won't happen again." Hayashi smiled apologetically.
"And this kid is…?" The man's gaze drifted toward the small, cute figure beside Hayashi—Suzuya—and curiosity flashed in his eyes.
"He's coming with me. I went upstairs to get him."Hayashi smiled and gave Suzuya's hair a light ruffle.
"I see. Well then, let's get going. The Doctor's been waiting for quite a while."
The researcher gestured politely toward the door, and soon the three of them got into a car.
The ride was quick, and before long, they arrived at the laboratory.
"Doctor, I've brought them," the researcher announced respectfully, knocking on the door.
"Bring them in," came a muffled voice from inside.
They pushed the door open—and were immediately greeted by the sight of stacked steel reaching almost to the ceiling.
"Hayashi! Finally! I've been waiting for you forever," said Kouitsu, standing up from his seat.
"I finished your Quinque just like you requested. It's top-notch, I promise."
He lifted a metal case onto the table and opened it with a click.Inside rested two long blades, gleaming faintly under the lab lights.
White steel edges traced with red and violet patterns gave off an eerie yet mesmerizing glow—beautiful, almost like art, yet carrying a distinct sense of dread.
"The kakuhou you provided was excellent quality, so the Quinque's grade is extremely high," Kouitsu said with pride. "One of my best works, honestly. You can use it with full confidence."
He pushed the case toward Hayashi.
"Good." Hayashi nodded, then turned his gaze to Suzuya.
The boy's crimson eyes were practically sparkling with excitement.
"Wanna give it a try? See how it feels in your hands?" Hayashi smiled, ruffling his hair again.
"Mhm!" Suzuya nodded eagerly and immediately grabbed the twin blades.
Without hesitation, he darted toward the mountain of steel in the room.
"Wait—!" Kouitsu's expression changed instantly. But it was too late.
In a flash of motion, Suzuya swung the blades in a blur. The sound of metal slicing air echoed through the lab, and within seconds, the massive stack of steel had been cut clean into pieces—crashing down with a deafening BOOM!
"NOOOO!" The doctor clutched his head in despair, staring at the carnage of twisted metal littering the floor.
"If you want to test it, at least wait until we're outside…" Hayashi sighed, covering his face with one hand.
Honestly, Suzuya's reaction speed might have been faster than his own.
"These blades are amazing, Hayashi! They feel perfect!" Suzuya grinned, eyes shining brightly as he held up the swords.
"As long as you like them, that's what matters." Hayashi chuckled helplessly. After giving the devastated doctor a very sincere apology, he and Suzuya left the lab and headed back to CCG Headquarters.
They arrived just in time for the Commendation Ceremony. The procedures were pretty much identical to the last one — same routine, same speeches. The only difference was that, this time, the audience was mostly filled with familiar faces… and mostly women.
The final segment was, as usual, Yoshitoki's rousing speech. The Investigators below listened with burning passion — especially the younger ones, itching to charge into battle against ghouls right that second.
Hayashi, on the other hand, listened with polite disinterest. After all, knowing that the Washuu clan were ghouls themselves made speeches like this… somewhat ironic.
When the ceremony ended, promotions were announced across the board.
Akira was promoted to Second Class.
Kurona and Nashiro were promoted as well.
And Suzuya? Straight to First-Class Investigator in one go.
He was absolutely thrilled, smiling from ear to ear as he lovingly admired his new "Jason" twin blades.
As for Hayashi — it came as no surprise when his name was called for promotion to Associate Special Class Investigator.
Probably the fastest promotion in CCG history.
Not bad.
With the right opportunity, becoming a full Special Class was only a matter of time.
"Hayashi, I'll have to excuse myself" Akira said as they left the stage. "I still have a mountain of paperwork waiting for me."
Hayashi just nodded. He was used to it. The ultimate workaholic.
"Hayashi, thank you so much for everything you've done for us" Kurona and Nashiro said, approaching him together. Their eyes shimmered with gratitude.
"No need to thank me. You both earned it." He smiled warmly, patting their heads. The twin sisters really were adorable — soft, sweet, and impossibly cute.
The rest of the ceremony went by uneventfully, full of formalities and polite chatter. When it finally wrapped up, Hayashi slipped out of CCG Headquarters, ready to relax.
But this time, he didn't go to Anteiku for coffee.He didn't go home either.
Instead, he found himself standing in front of an old but well-kept apartment building. He stopped in front of one door, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.
The nameplate read "Kirishima."
That's right — this was Touka's place.
He'd asked around beforehand, so he knew she had the day off and would be home. But he wasn't here to "hang out" or play games.
He actually needed her help — and information. There was somewhere he wanted her to take him.
With that thought, he pressed the doorbell.
"Who is it?"A lazy, feminine voice answered from inside.
A few seconds later, slow footsteps approached, and the door opened — only slightly, with the chain still on.
Through the gap, he could see Touka's beautiful but slightly disheveled face. She looked casual, wearing an oversized white T-shirt that had slipped off one shoulder, revealing a thin black strap beneath. Her shorts were tiny and pink — definitely not something she'd planned to wear for guests.
"I just wanted to talk. Mind letting me in for a minute?" Hayashi smiled, his crimson eyes glinting as he took her in.
For a moment, Touka froze, clearly not expecting this visitor. Confusion flickered in her gaze——and then slam!
The door shut right in his face.
Hayashi stared at the closed door, lips twitching slightly.
"Well," he muttered with a sigh, "that could've gone better."