"...I understand. Thank you both for sharing this information."

Akira spoke with gravity.

This matter was far too important in her eyes.

Nashiro shook her head slightly and smiled. "It's the least we could do."

Afterward, Byakuya and Akira left the room.

Akira intended to speak with Byakuya privately.

The only people she trusted completely, aside from her father Kureo Mado, was Amaha Byakuya.

This was something she could only discuss with those she trusted most...

"First Class Amaha, you heard what Kurona and Nashiro told us."

Akira's expression was grave. "I believe it's highly likely to be true. If I were to judge by instinct alone, I'd say it's definitely true."

"Whether this is true or not, we shouldn't let it leak. Otherwise, we'll be the ones in danger next."

Byakuya cautioned. "At this point, it's almost certain there's something rotten inside the CCG. As for who exactly is involved, we don't know yet, but we can make some deductions..."

"Most investigators are probably unaware of this. Even you, as Branch Director, didn't know—so we can start looking toward the upper leadership..."

Akira said. "Even Branch Directors or Special Class investigators aren't the true leadership. The real power within the CCG has always been the Washuu Clan, who founded it. They've always had an air of mystery about them. I suspect the Washuu Clan is the most likely culprit."

"Keep this to yourself. If you have time, quietly investigate the Washuu Clan's activities—just don't let them catch on."

Byakuya said.

...

Time passed, and another Promotion Ceremony arrived.

This one was larger than the last. After all, the Owl Suppression Operation had been far more brutal than the Aogiri Tree operation before it.

"First Class Investigator, Amaha Byakuya."

"Here."

"You are hereby appointed Associate Special Class Investigator."

Much like last time, Bureau Director Yoshitoki Washuu presided over Byakuya's medal ceremony.

Since CCG promotions never skipped ranks, Byakuya could only advance from First Class to Associate Special Class for now.

Most investigators retired still stuck at Rank 1, never climbing higher. For Byakuya to rise from Rank 2 to Associate Special Class in just a year or two was unprecedented—a miracle that would never be replicated.

[Ding! Host promoted to "Associate Special Class Investigator." Reward: 100 Fusion Points!]

Byakuya received his corresponding reward.

Amid enthusiastic applause, he returned to his seat.

"Associate Special Class Investigator, Houji Kousuke."

"You are hereby appointed Special Class Investigator."

...

"Associate Special Class Investigator, Koori Ui."

"You are hereby appointed Special Class Investigator."

Both Koori Ui and Houji Kousuke were promoted to Special Class for their heroic performance in the battle—particularly defeating the Non-Killing Owl. Ui had also risked his life to stall the One-Eyed Owl.

With Shinohara Yukinori in a vegetative state—essentially retired—and Kuroiwa Iwao's combat effectiveness greatly diminished after losing his left hand, these two promotions perfectly filled their positions.

Kuroiwa hadn't officially retired, but the CCG no longer assigned him missions. He was practically semi-retired.

"Rank 2 Investigator, Juuzou Suzuya."

Yoshitoki called out the next name.

"Yes."

Compared to the last ceremony, Suzuya was far more composed. Gone was his flippant, casual attitude—he stood at attention with complete seriousness.

The Owl Suppression Operation and what happened to Shinohara had changed him profoundly.

"You are hereby appointed Rank 1 Investigator."

However, as Suzuya descended from the stage, he still flashed a smile at Byakuya.

The first batch of names concluded—these were all investigators who'd received the "Outstanding Merit" honor.

Though Amon Koutarou was also among the "Outstanding Merit" recipients, his contribution had been his courage in facing the SSS-rated "Madara." Even though he'd been thoroughly defeated, that bravery deserved recognition—which was why he was last on the list.

But this wasn't enough to promote him directly to Associate Special Class.

Moreover, Amon had just been promoted from Rank 1 to First Class last time. Promoting him to Associate Special Class so soon would put him on par with Byakuya.

That would be unfair to Byakuya and difficult for others to accept.

After careful consideration, CCG headquarters decided to withhold the "Associate Special Class" title from Amon for now, until he accumulated more achievements.

Yoshitoki began the next round of names.

"Rank 1 Investigator, Hairu Ihei."

"You are hereby appointed First Class Investigator."

...

Not just Hairu—every member of Squad Zero except Arima (who couldn't be promoted further) advanced one rank.

Squad Zero members stood together in the same row below the stage. Shio Ihei immediately bounded over to Byakuya after receiving his medal, eagerly showing it off.

"Rank 2 Investigator, Mado Akira."

"You are hereby appointed Rank 1 Investigator."

...

"Rank 2 Investigator, Yasuhisa Kurona."

"..."

"Rank 2 Investigator, Yasuhisa Nashiro."

"..."

In a large-scale operation like the Owl Suppression, lower-ranked investigators who made even modest contributions and survived were easily promoted.

Takizawa Seidou, however, was not among them. He hadn't defeated a single ghoul throughout the battle and had been so terrified by Aogiri executive Tatara that he'd wet himself.

Unlike Akira, who had performed admirably on the battlefield and accumulated considerable achievements alongside Byakuya.

Houji was currently consoling the dejected Takizawa. The only bright spot was that his superior was now one of the elite Special Class investigators.

As for Kureo Mado—same as always. When the ceremony approached, he'd once again declined promotion. This was already his umpteenth refusal to advance to Associate Special Class.

...

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