Tokyo Ghoul: Madara Template Strikes Back!-Chapter 122 - 119: As long as he remains like arima— he’s safe!

"Excuse me, I'd like a glass of water."

Kanzaki Ryoma's face remained expressionless, but the inferno blazing in his mouth begged for mercy. The heat from the meal was no joke.

Without a word, Mado Kureo gestured to his daughter. Mado Akira stood up and headed to the kitchen, returning shortly with a cup of hot water.

Ryoma stared at the steam rising from the cup and fell into a moment of silence.

Of course, he knew hot water was the most effective remedy for intense spice. But that initial burn, when hot met hot, was going to be hell.

Still, he braced himself and took a slow gulp.

The first few seconds were like swallowing fire. But just as quickly, the sharp edge of the spice receded. He managed to keep his expression composed.

Seeing his reaction, Akira said calmly, "Based on maximum efficiency, hot water neutralizes spice faster. Cold water might feel better, but it prolongs the process."

No surprise there. Akira, like her father, was a workaholic, always focused on function over form. She approached even a simple act like drinking water with logic and calculated precision.

"I know," Ryoma said as he held the cup, "I just needed to mentally prepare."

He took another sip.

In the end, Ryoma finished the meal. The spiciness was brutal, but the flavors were solid. Not exactly enjoyable, but not unbearable either.

After exchanging a few words of gratitude, he said goodbye to the Mado father and daughter and left.

Once the door closed, Akira glanced at her father. "He reminds me of Investigator Arima."

Kureo nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed. A rising star, born from nowhere. Maybe he came from that place..."

Years of working in the CCG had given Kureo more knowledge than most, and he wasn't the type to draw baseless comparisons.

"Akira," he said with a smile, "Your instincts are sharp. You should trust them more."

"Hmm."

Akira sipped her tea, nodding quietly.

—

Elsewhere, at the CCG Headquarters in the 1st Ward.

Inside the executive chamber, Washuu Yoshitoki stood before a towering throne-like seat, occupied by none other than Washuu Tsuneyoshi—his father, the patriarch of the Washuu clan, and the general speaker of the CCG. His long white hair draped down over his shoulders, his face carved with stern authority.

"The Owl from ten years ago appeared again during the Aogiri Tree Suppression Operation," Yoshitoki began. "But it likely wasn't the One-Eyed King."

Tsuneyoshi's voice cut in, deep and commanding. "Yoshimura?"

"Yes," Yoshitoki replied. "We've long known there were two Owls. The one responsible for the 3rd Ward incident ten years ago was likely Yoshimura's daughter. She's the true One-Eyed Owl. As for the one seen in this operation, it was probably Yoshimura himself. He never kills, and that detail alone is a glaring clue."

Yoshitoki stepped closer. "The Aogiri Tree's attack on Cochlea in the 23rd Ward makes it clear that Yoshimura is connected to his daughter's whereabouts. Every time we asked him before, he pretended ignorance. That lie doesn't hold anymore."

Tsuneyoshi narrowed his eyes. "...Capture her alive. Assign Mustard Seed to handle it. If Yoshimura refuses to cooperate—discipline him."

"Understood."

Then Yoshitoki added, "There's also another name worth mentioning. Kanzaki Ryoma."

Tsuneyoshi raised an eyebrow.

"He performed exceptionally in the operation. He was the only investigator who could face off against Yoshimura directly."

Before he could continue, Arima Kishou entered the chamber.

"Perfect timing," Tsuneyoshi said. "What's your opinion of him?"

Arima's voice was flat, devoid of inflection. "When he's promoted, I recommend assigning him to Squad Zero. It will make observation easier."

"Then it's settled."

Kanzaki Ryoma had clearly caught the eye of the top brass.

Updat𝓮d from freewēbnoveℓ.com.

Originally, Tsuneyoshi had assumed Ryoma was simply a gifted rookie—like Ui Koori or the eccentric Suzuya Juuzou. But this operation proved otherwise. Ryoma had gone toe-to-toe with an SSS-class ghoul. Even if Yoshimura had been weakened by age, this wasn't something just any investigator could do.

A newcomer who wasn't a half-human and yet could contend with the Owl. That level of strength was enough to make the Washuu family wary.

But so long as Ryoma remained loyal, did not probe too deeply, and did his job, the Washuu had no need to act.

Arima was a perfect example. Strong beyond belief, but loyal—or at least, he appeared so. If Arima ever defied them openly, the Washuu would eliminate him without hesitation. Even as the One-Eyed King leading Aogiri Tree from the shadows, he knew better than to make open enemies of them.

As long as Ryoma could be watched, as long as Arima kept him close, he was manageable.

—

Several days had passed since Kanzaki Ryoma last visited Anteiku. Now, he walked through its doors once more, with Kamishiro Rize at his side.

He approached Kirishima Touka at the counter. "Has Banjo and his group been through here recently?"

Touka nodded. "Yeah. They came after hearing Aogiri was wiped out in the 11th Ward. Banjo said he wanted to go back and keep things stable, help guide the ghouls left behind."

"Figured as much," Ryoma said.

As he turned to find a seat, Touka's expression shifted. "Did you... see that idiot Ayato while you were there?"

Her voice tried to sound casual, but the worry crept through.

She often called him brat, punk, or worse—but he was still her brother. And despite their differences, she still cared.

###

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