Chapter 150
With his gray hair standing on end like an explosion, wearing round, frameless glasses and a gray turtleneck coat Chu Hachikawa let out a low laugh.
He, who always covered his mouth with his collar, suddenly ripped it open, revealing his already disfigured and hideous face.
The skin and flesh, the lips had disappeared, the smile of the upper and lower jaw was gone, and the moment he picked up the glass and took a big gulp of the iced drink, the waiter who was serving the dishes was startled.
The Ghoul investigators present were already used to this.
"Please be careful with it."
Tall, strong, black-haired, and black-eyed Kousuke Hoji reached out to steady the trembling tray in the waiter's hands, then silently fed himself a bite of dessert.
With an ordinary appearance, medium build, short brown hair, and a Jyo Hirako continued to maintain his expressionless demeanor, waiting silently for the food to be served.
"How to deal with the illegal Ghoul Crime organization led by 'Aogiri Tree' is one of the tasks I will be responsible for during my second term as a member of the Tokyo CCG in 2015."
Concentrating, Vera surveyed the investigators, her indigo eyes filled with oppressive and aggressive intent.
The junior investigators, who were led by their respective class leaders, glanced over them.
Needless to say, the special investigators who were familiar with her were also involved.
The key is the high-ranking investigators who have a connection with her, but aren't that close.
Chu Hachikawa, Associate Special Investigator.
Despite his seemingly withdrawn middle-aged appearance, foul language, and malicious nature, which has earned him a bad reputation among new colleagues, he also possesses a kind and caring side, as the veteran investigators know.
His personality drastically changed because of a sweep mission during his early career as an investigator, in which his entire squad was wiped out while protecting a civilian who had stumbled upon the scene. His mentor and subordinates were also killed by "Black Dog" and his organization.
He is an investigator Kureo Mado.
Vera collaborated with him during her first mission in 2014, when she was sweeping up Ghoul to replenish Quinque's raw materials.
Having witnessed Vera's formidable strength, which rivals or even surpasses that of Kishou Arima- level" in terms of visual perception, and recognizing her as more than just a pretty face, and finding her ruthless attitude towards Ghoul quite to his liking, their relationship is fairly good.
Although he wasn't particularly fond of that kind of rational law enforcement. He was now an avenger.
Kousuke Hoji.
This Associate Special Class Investigator, with his neatly combed slicked-back hair and two wisps of bangs hanging down, possessed a cool and aloof demeanor and an extremely refined and scholarly air.
Vera had met him a few times.
We have some acquaintances, but not many.
However, because he had previously partnered with Kureo Mado had thoroughly taught him the techniques for using Quinque, and because Vera had saved Kureo Mado, and his mentor's daughter, Mado Akira, had served as Vera's adjutant, he was likely to be transferred to North America through this connection. As long as he didn't die in the line of duty, his future career would be smooth sailing. It was because of this connection that he came here.
Jyo Hirako.
Senior investigators may seem low-ranking, but their achievements are anything but.
His visit was partly due to his past collaboration with Vera in confronting Ghoul groups, and partly because he had partnered with Kishou Arima for six years, and he was there to express Arima's gratitude and welcome to Vera's reassignment to Tokyo after her promotion to Special Class Investigator.
"Special Class Investigator Russell..."
Mado Akira opened her mouth.
She hadn't expected the conversation to veer towards this topic; the atmosphere had become a bit too heavy.
"Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to hold anyone accountable."
Vera lowered her hand from her chin, waved her hand, and her bright eyes became languid again. Her fair and delicate hands picked up a spoon. "Historical factors, as the most populous and economically developed metropolitan area in the world, Tokyo Metropolis has its own unique circumstances. I understand."
(After setting the tone, she continued in a gradual manner, "Each country has its own circumstances. Law enforcement in Tokyo faces difficulties due to its small land area and dense population, while searches in the Americas face difficulties due to its vast land area and sparse population.")
"Moreover, your citizens are much more cooperative with the government than our citizens."
At this point, Vera's tone became self-deprecating. "Like those Ghouls who infiltrate street gangs, they are often surrounded by a group of clueless young people who are being deceived without realizing it. Dealing with them is the most troublesome and exhausting thing."
The tone suggests a lack of words regarding a certain group.
They're the kind of people who can't even be bothered to express disdain or insults.
"Although we have the highest priority in investigating Ghoul Crime and in principle do not need to go to the court or have prosecutors sign any search warrants or arrest warrants, the aftermath... is really troublesome."
Vera rubbed her forehead, a rare expression of utter despair on her face.
"If ordinary people are killed or injured during the process, sigh, there will be endless wrangling and lawsuits, having to attend hearings and consultation meetings, and facing all sorts of tricky questions from reporters and community administrators at press conferences..."
Vera's well-timed venting and complaints eased the already heavy atmosphere in the hall, making it more relaxed and lighthearted.
"Oh, that really gives me a headache just thinking about it."
With his exceptionally high emotional intelligence and excellent interpersonal skills, Yukino Shinoara naturally picked up the conversation.
He also glanced at the problem children he was in charge of.
As the boy named Juuzou Suzuya reached for a piece of cake before the meal and stuffed it into his mouth, his hands and mouth were covered in crumbs. He then looked up, tilted his head, and gave a questioning look with a completely clueless expression.
Yukino Shinoara closed his eyes and slapped his forehead hard.
He was already exhausted by a problem child, so you can imagine how helpless Vera felt when she was fighting ghouls in North America with a bunch of incompetent teammates and idiots. He understood that feeling.
"I see, no wonder you're so interested in being transferred to Tokyo..."
Marude Souta stroked his chin. "So that's what you were planning. Russell, you're quite the sly one, huh..."
"Why are you laughing?"
Vera gave him a disapproving look and raised an eyebrow. "Why don't you go to North America and experience it for yourself? I believe it will leave a deep impression on you."
"No need."
Marude Souta shrugged. "I'd rather not have that kind of experience."
"You're scared."
"I'm afraid?"
A rhetorical question, raised in volume.
"Then you should come with me to North America in 2016 and work there for six months first. With international experience, you'll definitely be the next head of the Countermeasures Headquarters."
"No. If I go, I'll have to work under you, and who knows what kind of thankless and difficult tasks you'll assign me?"
"Believe me, it won't happen..."
"I don't believe it. I saw through you a long time ago, you wicked woman..."
"Huh? You have the nerve to call someone else bad-tempered?"
Vera's friendly conversation with Marude Souta quietly dispelled the seriousness in the hall.
Before long, the main dishes were served, and the aroma was so enticing that it made one's mouth water. There were both cold and hot dishes, and one steaming dish after another was brought out. Amidst the clinking of glasses and the drinking of cold beverages, the atmosphere at the table gradually warmed up.
Whether reserved, relaxed, or as usual, Vera ate quite comfortably, selecting her favorite dishes and having them served by the waiters, enjoying her meal in an orderly manner.
Night falls.
The dinner party was drawing to a close.
"The North American continent is vast. In the Midwest, especially in the Mexican desert and the cold river valleys of Canada, countless cannibal villages and Ghoul families are hidden. Every year, a large number of tourists and explorers go missing. Finding them often involves much longer reconnaissance than actual combat..."
"The cults established by Ghoul are impossible to eradicate completely. Some normal people even want to become Ghoul and cooperate with Ghoul. There are always people who are deceived by their flawed methods, sold out and still helping them count the money..."
"Sometimes, Latin America is also within our law enforcement jurisdiction, in Rio..."
The atmosphere had become very lively, and Vera casually shared her experiences as a law enforcement officer in North America.
These things were new to the investigators who had only done similar work in densely populated Japan.
The lower-ranking investigators, especially those who had accompanied their superiors to the dinner party, all perked up their ears.
Finally, the dinner party came to an end.
Those present were all high-ranking officials and key members of the CCG; they couldn't afford to get so drunk they were unconscious.
"So, everyone, in 2015, please live on and work together to eradicate the scourge of the dog."
Vera rose, raised her wine glass, and the rich, blood-red liquid rippled along her wrist, the crystal glass reflecting the figures of the people who had risen around the table.
Everyone solemnly raised their glasses, saying, "Let's encourage each other."
×N.
He drank it all in one gulp.
The party's over.
They each went their separate ways home.
With their half-day leave ending, several Special Class Investigator, holding important positions, needed to return to their posts and left ahead of schedule.
Vera was the last to leave the hotel, slowly tilting her head back.
The cool night breeze caressed my face, and the blissful intoxication vanished in an instant.
Looking out to the horizon, Tokyo Metropolis is brightly lit, with towering skyscrapers that exude modernity and technology. From afar, they seem full of hope, but up close, some areas are dilapidated and shrouded in darkness, much like the CCG Washuu Clan.
The gilded halo of light reflected into Vera's deep, pool-like eyes, revealing an alluring yet strangely sharp glint in her gaze.
She has been promoted to Special Class, USA Region, Natural High Sun Unit, Class 1.
With three local Special Class Investigators, plus two Associate Special Investigator, and several veteran, high-performing Senior Investigators, once everything is ready, it will be enough to legally take down the Washuu Clan.
Tomorrow, she should go to the CCG 1st Division Headquarters to complete her official inauguration procedures. She should find a powerful department to lead her people to chop down Ghoul and announce her return.
They wouldn't dare to sideline her.
Vera thought to herself.
'Aogiri Tree' is just the first step. Her real goal in returning to Tokyo is to take over the V Organization Washuu Clan, who possess the technology to turn humans into Ghoul.
"Lord Special Class Investigator Russell Officer!"
"Um?"
As Vera fell into thought, a hesitant, youthful male voice rang out.
He turned around and said, "Special Investigator Hoji."
She said this, and looked at the young man following behind Kousuke Hoji and Mado Akira.
When the young man with brown hair parted in the middle noticed that Vera was looking at him, he snapped to attention and stood up straight, then bowed at a ninety-degree angle.
"Hello! I am Seidou Takizawa... Seidou Takizawa, a second-class investigator from the Countermeasures Headquarters! I was Mado's classmate at the Ghoul Investigator Training School. I have often heard about your deeds, Ms. Russell. I am... I am your fan, no, I am... an admirer!"
Perhaps realizing that it wasn't appropriate to talk about fans in front of the serious and proper Vera, he changed his words.
A very shy and awkward young man.
Are you here to chase after celebrities, or to seek encouragement?
"Hello, you're Seidou Takizawa, right? I've heard Mado mention you before. You're a promising talent. But being an investigator isn't an easy job, so mature quickly and don't die. Good luck."
Vera smiled and nodded.
Without giving it much thought, she helped the other person up, offered a few words of encouragement, exchanged a glance with Kousuke Hoji, nodded, greeted Mado Akira, and then walked down the steps.
Mado Akira said goodbye to Hoji and caught up with him in her high heels.
"Officer Russell..."
"Just call me Vera in private."
"Oh."
Mado Akira nodded, and after helping Vera open the back door of the car, she followed and got in.
Seeing Vera sit down and fall silent, checking Tokyo's live news on her phone, she hesitated for a moment before saying, "Well, it's not that my father didn't want to come. He said that instead of doing these flashy but impractical Ghoul. He's prepared a lot of clues about S-rank and above Ghoul for you; they're in your old office..."
After saying this, Mado Akira somewhat ashamed.
After all, Vera had saved her father, and her father was really... terrible at handling interpersonal relationships.
Vera laughed and said, "He understands me best. His pragmatic nature is fine; it's exactly what I need."
"It seems that we will soon be able to collect all the gifts for Dr. Hishikori Kouichi."
"Dr. Chigyou?"