Nico wasn't a transmigrator like Byakuya. Though he didn't know the true One-Eyed King was Kishou Arima, being able to identify Sen Takatsuki as the "One-Eyed King" was terrifying enough—intelligence gathering that even the Washuu couldn't match.
If the Washuu knew, Eto couldn't have published under "Sen Takatsuki" for so many years.
The Clowns' intelligence network was undeniably formidable—probably why Furuta had joined them.
"..."
Byakuya showed no reaction to Nico's words.
After all, he'd known all this already. There was nothing to get emotional about.
But the calmer Byakuya remained, the more Nico felt this was the calm before the storm.
He knew Byakuya was a fan of Sen Takatsuki's work. Byakuya surely knew who Sen Takatsuki was. Learning that Sen Takatsuki's true identity was the One-Eyed King would surely prompt some action.
Perhaps Byakuya would first verify whether Nico's words were true, and then what happened next would be most interesting indeed.
"What did he just tell you?"
Touka asked curiously.
Nico showed no reaction to this.
Though he'd only been willing to tell Byakuya, if Byakuya wanted to share with others, he wouldn't stop him. He was just here to watch the show.
"Nothing important. What I can confirm is that he's definitely not our enemy."
Byakuya said.
He kept silent about the One-Eyed King, not intending to tell anyone. Besides, Yoshimura was right there—the Manager certainly wouldn't want him revealing Sen Takatsuki's identity.
Though not the real One-Eyed King, she was definitely the One-Eyed Owl. If exposed, the Washuu's current target was precisely this natural-born half-ghoul—they didn't actually care about who the One-Eyed King was.
Eto at this point couldn't easily handle V. Though she later tore through V members like fodder, firstly Kaiko wasn't present then, and secondly her kakuja form in the later period was completely different from now.
Eto's later One-Eyed Owl form had reached unprecedented heights through cannibalism, several times larger than her current size—after all, that was more than three years later, and Eto's strength couldn't have remained stagnant.
![One-Eyed Owl Final Form (the railing on the right can serve as a size reference)]
Moreover, once the pen name "Sen Takatsuki" was exposed, Arima couldn't continue his act. He'd have to follow V's orders, and Eto would have nowhere left to hide—she could only flee everywhere with Aogiri Tree.
"Alright..."
Since Byakuya didn't want to say, Touka didn't press.
"Oh? Is this a new staff member? I don't think I've seen her before."
Suddenly, Nico's attention shifted to Roma.
"Hi~ I'm the new girl, Roma Hoito. Please take care of me."
Roma greeted Nico with a bright smile.
"Roma-san? What a beautiful young lady—though not quite as beautiful as me."
Nico started preening again.
In reality, these two had known each other all along—what a performance.
"Well, I'll be going now. See you next time~"
Nico specifically bid farewell to Byakuya.
"..."
Byakuya gave an expressionless wave goodbye.
"Ahh!—"
Just then—whether intentional or not—Roma suddenly tripped on flat ground, sending the cups and plates she was carrying crashing to the floor.
"You... how do you even manage that?"
Touka found it rather exaggerated—there was nothing on the ground to trip over.
"She's new, so let's give her some slack."
Enji Koma said.
"Mm, just be more careful next time."
Touka wasn't going to blame a new employee for one careless mistake.
"I'll be careful next time, hehe~"
Roma scratched her head, her grinning face not looking like she'd learned her lesson at all.
Byakuya now remembered this girl had a habit of constantly breaking cups and plates—whether genuine clumsiness or deliberate, who knew.
"Byakuya."
Just then, Rize called his name.
Byakuya returned to sit beside her. "What is it?"
"That drag queen just mentioned Aogiri wants to capture me and some Dr. Kanou—that it's key to their ultimate goal. So Aogiri isn't going to leave me alone?"
Rize said casually.
"That's right. You're probably still Aogiri's priority target. But I'll protect you."
Byakuya didn't seem concerned.
"I knew you'd say that. But when those people actually come, I'll just leave you behind and run."
Rize smiled faintly.
Byakuya smiled without comment.
...
A month after the Aogiri Tree Suppression Operation, the CCG's commendation ceremony—or celebration—arrived as scheduled.
However, there would be no formal "promotion ceremony" for the participants this time. Simply put, because many investigators who had participated were still recovering from injuries—especially Special Class Shinohara, who was still lying in the hospital in a cast.
The promotion ceremony was far more formal than a celebration and certainly needed to wait until the wounded investigators had recovered sufficiently.
The smaller celebration was less formal, more like a team-building event.
First, Bureau Director Yoshitoki Washuu gave a speech on stage, specifically commending investigators who had performed outstandingly in the operation. Naturally, Byakuya was mentioned first.
Then Shinohara, Kuroiwa, and others...
Since rumors of repelling the One-Eyed Owl had already spread throughout the CCG, Byakuya's reputation had soared.
During the subsequent banquet, quite a few investigators came to exchange pleasantries with him.
Seated at his table were Koori Ui, Juuzou Suzuya, Koutarou Amon, and others. Shinohara couldn't attend since he was still hospitalized.
"Eat up, Suzuya. You might still have a chance to grow."
Byakuya added some more meat to Suzuya's plate.
Suzuya was too thin—better to eat more meat.
Though even later on, Suzuya's height and build never changed, instead becoming increasingly feminine...
Just then, Arima suddenly approached their table, accompanied by Hairu Ihei and Shio Ihei.
"Amaha, Suzuya, Amon—it's been a while."
Arima greeted them.
Unlike when he was on missions, Arima wore a formal suit, and his face bore a faint, friendly smile.
"!!"
Amon immediately snapped to attention.
He bowed deeply and solemnly: "Special Class Arima! I hope you've been well!"
Not recognizing Hairu and Shio, he didn't mention the other two.
"No need for such formality. I heard you all performed excellently this time."
Arima had virtually no airs about him.
"I heard too! Byakuya-san apparently defeated the One-Eyed Owl this time. That's amazing!"
Shio had moved behind Byakuya, placing both hands on his shoulders with an adorable smile.
...
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