Hearing Byakuya's words, Hairu's expression froze momentarily.

"Byakuya-senpai... is that a confession?"

Hairu asked.

"...Well, if you want to take it as a confession, it could be."

Byakuya said.

"Then it is."

Hairu smiled. "Such a sudden confession, Byakuya-senpai~ I haven't mentally prepared yet. I'll give you a proper answer later~"

Fortunately, Hsiao hadn't heard their conversation—otherwise it would have been rather awkward for her.

...

Tokyo, Ward 24.

Byakuya had brought Eto to the underground labyrinth.

He wore his Akatsuki Robe and white mask, while Eto was wrapped in bandages as always with a cloak over them.

"About this robe you're wearing—you gave one to that old man too. His power seemed to increase significantly. What's the deal?"

Eto suddenly asked.

"Old man? ...Oh, you mean the Manager."

Byakuya answered. "It's because of this Akatsuki Robe—the uniform of the Akatsuki Organization. Anyone who wears it becomes stronger."

"A piece of clothing can do that? That seems impossible no matter how you think about it."

Eto was intrigued.

"More precisely, it's the power of these eyes."

Byakuya explained casually.

Since he couldn't give the real answer—he couldn't exactly explain the System—this was his only option.

Besides, even if he mentioned "System," Eto wouldn't understand without a lengthy explanation.

"Your eyes again...?"

Eto was skeptical.

But whether she believed it or not didn't really matter right now.

"Since you're making it sound so mystical, let me try one?"

Curious, Eto reached for Byakuya's robe, actually tugging at it.

"You don't want this one, do you? It wouldn't fit you anyway."

Byakuya said.

"Why not? What's this called? Boyfriend's shirt? No wait, boyfriend's robe."

Eto teased.

"Still teasing me, I see. I'll give you a new one that fits you better."

As he spoke, Byakuya mentally opened the System Shop.

[Ding! Host purchased "Akatsuki Robe × 1." Cost: 10 Fusion Points!]

A brand-new Akatsuki Robe appeared in Byakuya's hand out of thin air, sized to fit Eto's petite frame.

Though materializing clothes from nowhere was hardly subtle, he couldn't be bothered to hide things from Eto anymore. If asked, he'd just say it was his eyes' power.

"Try it yourself."

Byakuya handed the robe to Eto.

"Okay."

Eto took the robe and immediately removed her cloak.

Beneath the cloak, she wore nothing but bandages. But since she was wrapped so thoroughly, nothing was exposed.

Before putting on the Akatsuki Robe, Eto deliberately paused and teased, "Well? Heart racing?"

Byakuya rolled his eyes. "...Who'd be excited by someone covered in bandages? Just hurry up."

Eto stopped joking and slipped on the robe.

She was surprised at how perfectly it fit.

[Ding! Host successfully convinced Eto Yoshimura to wear the Akatsuki Robe. Reward: 50 Fusion Points!]

"Did you prepare this robe for me in advance? It fits perfectly."

Eto asked.

"Something like that..."

That was all Byakuya could say.

Eto tested the feeling. "I really do feel stronger. And it looks better than what I usually wear. I'll wear this from now on." 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

As Byakuya and Eto walked and talked, they ventured deeper into Ward 24.

Eto knew this place like home—after all, she'd lived here for over a decade.

They frequently encountered other ghouls, but none recognized Eto. The moment they smelled the distinctly human scent from Byakuya, they attacked.

After all, Eto not only concealed her face with bandages but also hadn't returned to Ward 24 much since founding Aogiri Tree eleven years ago. It was normal for the ghouls here not to recognize her.

[Ding! Host defeated a "B-rated ghoul." Reward: 5 Fusion Points!]

[Ding! Host defeated an "A-rated ghoul." Reward: 10 Fusion Points!]

[...]

Byakuya casually eliminated the foolish ghouls who attacked, earning Fusion Points along the way.

The deeper they went, the stronger the ghouls they encountered.

They came upon a small group. The middle-aged man who appeared to be their leader finally recognized Eto.

He identified her by scent, of course.

Though many years had passed, he vaguely remembered this familiar scent.

"You're... Eto?!"

The middle-aged man asked in shock.

Years ago, a girl named Eto had carved a bloody path through Ward 24, becoming a complete kakuja. At such a young age and in Ward 24's extremely hostile environment, it was a miracle among miracles. He'd witnessed it, leaving a deep impression.

"Oh? Someone here actually recognizes me?"

Eto sounded mildly surprised.

Her response essentially confirmed her identity.

"It really is you... Why have you come back?"

The man asked immediately.

For at least ten years, he'd heard almost nothing about Eto in Ward 24. Her sudden return was startling.

His subordinates naturally didn't dare make any rash moves.

Though they didn't fully understand the situation, their boss's reaction told them this was no ordinary person.

"You make it sound like I'm not allowed back. Can't I bring my boyfriend to see where I grew up? Right, darling~?"

Even in this situation, Eto managed to drag Byakuya into it and tease him.

...

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