Chapter 157

He felt a sharp pain as his hand split open, and his body was thrown backward into the air. The powerful force slammed him against the wall.

"Amen, top-class!"

"I'm fine. Leave them to me, you guys focus on stopping the other Ghoul!"

He fell to the ground, a trickle of blood spilling from his mouth. Kōtarō Amon gritted his teeth, wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, and stood up again.

He stared at the black and white sisters with their dark red Kagune and claws, his face extremely grim.

"Why?"

Stepping into the middle of the muddy, flowing sewer, blocking the exit, Kōtarō Amon gripped his long-handled greatsword tightly and questioned again.

"Anzu Kuroi, Anzu Shiroi, you were both excellent Ghoul investigator trainees at the CCG training school. Why did you become Ghoul?! And even associate with this trash?"

Although he didn't know what the Anju Sisters had gone through, what their hardships were, or what they were powerless to do, Kōtarō Amon was certain that they were not Ghoul when they were at school.

Back then, having just shed his rookie investigator hat, he returned to the school as a senior and taught a few classes.

The excellence of the Anju Sisters left a very deep impression on him.

The two sisters lost contact before graduation and job assignment. After learning about the situation, he specifically sought out his superiors to inquire about it, but he never received a definite answer. He only knew that it was related to family changes. He never expected that when they met again, it would be like this.

Moreover, turning humans... into Ghoul?

What kind of technology is that?

Does this mean that Ghoul are actually all transformed humans? Is someone creating Ghoul behind the scenes? Or is this simply Half-Ghoul practice in the study of Ghoul, an inevitable consequence of advancements in human science? Also, why did the Anju Sisters choose to become Ghoul? And why are they one-eyed? What is their connection to the One-Eyed Owl?

Since knocking off their masks and recognizing their identities, Kōtarō Amon has had too many questions.

After much deliberation, some terrifying speculations made his palms sweat.

Not only Kōtarō Amon, but also many CCG investigators present, as well as many people who came from investigator training schools, couldn't help but have wild thoughts after seeing the Anju Sisters' current appearance.

From human to Ghoul?

The seeds of doubt have been sown...

"There's no why, Amon-senpai, you know nothing. The crimes of the CCG..."

"As you can see, we have already abandoned our human identity."

Clutching her injured shoulder, Anzu Shiroi looked at the senior she once admired and said calmly, "We've long lost interest in this twisted world."

"We don't want to hurt you, but please don't stop us, Senior Amon."

Standing in front of the injured Anzu Shiroi, like a mother beast protecting her cubs, Anzu Kuroi's left eye flashed red as her four Rinkaku swung left and right, slamming against the concrete ground with a rumbling sound, cracking the ground inch by inch with each strike.

"It's you who shouldn't be forcing me."

Kōtarō Amon's hand gripping the heavy sword trembled slightly, and he still couldn't bring himself to kill his opponent on the spot.

"I don't want to kill you. Now hand over Madam A 'talent' provider, stop resisting, and tell me everything that has happened to you. Perhaps I can plead with Special Class Investigator Russell on your behalf..."

The Anju Sisters did not reply to Kōtarō Amon.

"Little Black, the situation is dire. The CCG's main force is on their way. We must escape as soon as possible. Tell 'Dad' about what's happening here. Madam A must be abandoned..."

"Hmm. Little White, your injuries..."

"It's okay. You inhaled a little CRC Gas, but the concentration wasn't high. It will heal."

Their conversation has already made their stance clear.

The Rinkaku curled and slammed to the ground. The Anju Sisters' Kagune Eye lit up, and they kicked off with both feet, flying towards Kōtarō Amon like arrows released from a bow.

"Drink up!"

Kōtarō Amon swung his greatsword continuously, the blade flashing and striking as it smashed, cleaved, and slashed against the thrashing and tumbling Rinkaku, producing dull thuds.

The fight was fierce, and Anjiu was clearly gaining the upper hand, but the Anju Sisters showed no joy on their faces.

Thump, thump, thump. At the end of the passage, more and more CCG reinforcements arrived. Were they sent by Kōtarō Amon after reporting to that American dove named Vera Russell?

"Although the safety net wasn't used, Amon has done a commendable job, holding his own against two well-coordinated S-rank Ghoul for so long without any intention to kill. Mado, your apprentice is quite good."

"You, you are—ahhh!"

Following the unfamiliar, cold female voice was Madam A's terrified voice.

The Anju Sisters' expressions immediately changed.

Oh no, has the CCG's Ghoul Restaurant force arrived yet? How could they be here so quickly? Where is SS-rank 'The Madam'? Were all the Ghoul in the restaurant wiped out?

Thump! A figure crashed through the iron gate of the escape tunnel, tracing a clean arc before slamming heavily into the waterlogged channel and skipping across the water, before hitting the wall of the underground water system.

"Mado, you are now in charge of interrogating Madam A."

"Receive."

A somewhat neurotic male voice.

Thump, thump.

The woman in black armor broke the rickety iron gate with her black gauntlets, and led Kureo Mado and a team of fully armed investigators out slowly from the rising dust.

"One-Eyed Ghoul, what is your connection with the 'One-Eyed King' from Aogiri Tree? And your Kagune reminds me of an old friend I've never met before, 'Oogiri,' who committed a series of heinous crimes in the District 20. I specifically investigated him, but came up empty-handed."

Vera looked at the sisters in front of her with great interest, who were almost identical.

Anzu Kuroi, Anzu Shiroi.

Besides their mirror-like figures, the sisters' short, neck-length hair and hoodies correspond to their names, one black and one white, and even their single Kagune Eye are positioned one on the left and one on the right.

Vera stepped forward unhurriedly.

Kureo Mado led her new squad, finishing off the Ghoul corpses one by one. Amidst the sounds of flesh tearing apart, she approached them to within fifteen paces, knowing full well the answer, and asked:

"And you two, you were transformed from humans into Ghoul, right? Coincidentally, Dr. Chigyou and I have a project that might achieve the same effect. Your Kagune comes from the 'Great Ghoul,' doesn't it? Tell me, where is the 'Great Ghoul'? Who performed the surgery on you? How did the CCG's technology leak to the outside world?"

Zheng—

With a calm and collected demeanor, Vera raised the [Black Abyss IV].

Anzu Kuroi clenched her teeth, lowered her Rinkaku, and glared angrily.

"Don't even think about it, you lackey of the Washuu Clan, you hypocritical scoundrel, all the Ghoul problems are because of you..."

Before she could finish speaking, a dark light filled her entire field of vision, and a pain struck—bang!

Anzu Kuroi was sent flying like a cannonball, her back slamming heavily against the riddled wall not far away. Plaster rained down, and she coughed up a mouthful of bright red blood. She felt like all the bones in her body were broken, and the excruciating pain and dizziness made it impossible for her to get up again.

The Rinkaku on the back of the waist also gradually disappeared.

Fast, too fast!

It was faster than any Ghoul she had ever encountered, any investigator, or even the experimental subjects she had fought in 'Dad's' lab; she simply couldn't react in time...

Then, the scene that came into view filled Anzu Kuroi with an overwhelming sense of fear that instantly swept through every corner of her body.

"No, no, Little White, run away..."

"Little Black! Let go... Waaaaah!"

Vera casually retracted her leg, and facing the onrushing Anzu Shiroi, she swiftly and decisively dismembered the Kagune as if toying with a pet, amidst the splattering of blood. Then, she grabbed the agonizing girl with one hand and threw her in front of Anzu Kuroi. The black Gunblade was held across the girl's delicate, porcelain-doll-like neck, and blood was already flowing from the wound on her neck.

"Now, can we speak properly?"

"If I don't want to watch my only relative be dissected and turned into Quinque on the spot."

Stepping on Nai Bai, Vera slowly bent her knees and calmly said, "I ask, you answer, understand?"

"I'm in a good mood today. You should know who I am. Tell me everything you know. Judging from your bitter and resentful looks, maybe I can act as an arbitrator for justice that's been delayed."

"Special Class Investigator Russell., they are..."

Kōtarō Amon looked at the scene before him with some unease. Just as he was about to speak, someone pulled him back. It was Kureo Mado, who said with a serious expression, "You're still not mature enough, Amon. Even if they were once outstanding students at the training school, now they are Ghoul. They no longer enjoy any human rights or political rights. Whether they are guilty or innocent, whether they have their own difficulties or not, is not for you or me to judge."

"But, teacher, what about Naibai and Heina..."

Kōtarō Amon swallowed hard, but ultimately managed to swallow the words that were in his throat.

"I'm willing to cooperate, please, spare Little White..."

With her vital point gripped, Anzu Kuroi struggled to get up, but fell to the ground. She could only raise her head with difficulty and speak excitedly in a hoarse, cracking voice. "'The location of the ghoul,' everything about the Washuu Clan, the Half-Ghoul Transformation surgery... it was Donato Porpora, yes, it was Donato Porpora who performed the surgery on me. Release Little White, if you want to kill someone, kill me. I'll tell you everything I know!"

"Very good. Such deep sisterly affection."

Vera nodded in satisfaction.

She's not really good at talk therapy anyway.

First, beat them up to clear their heads from the heightened state of their Rc cells, then threaten what they care about most; the effect is immediate.

"Mado, take note of this Donato Porpora, pay close attention to him."

The wedge that would pry open the foundation of the Washuu Clan's rule over the CCG has been obtained.

"Notify Juuzou Suzuya, Second Inspector. There are two suspected Ghoul from the former training school who need his identification. I need him to be there to determine their authenticity. Also, inform Special Investigator Shinohara. I believe he will be very interested. An excellent investigative trainee... has actually become Ghoul."

"Yes, sir. Hmm? Sector A reports that the SS-class 'The Madam' has been located. This is thanks to Second Class Suzuya. Special Investigator Shinohara is leading the operation, with Hirako Sōtō, Fura Jōtō, Hachikawa Jun Tokutō in the Annihilation Operation of her. We expect good news to arrive soon."

Vera remained unmoved upon hearing that the SS-rank Big Madam's head had been taken by her colleague.

It's not like it's a game where players are owned by gods or anything like that, so it doesn't matter.

"Everyone's here. Good, then listen to this explosive revelation about the inside story of the Tokyo CCG. It's a mix of truth and fiction, and it seems my role Plenipotentiary Special Investigator will come in handy."

Nodding, Vera waved her hand and pointed at the Anju Sisters, saying, "Inject them with Rc cells inhibitors and take them away."

~~~~~

156

Chapter 156 Vera: As Plenipotentiary Special Investigator—

As the sun sets, the passage of time is blurred amidst the blooming of blood and the secretion of adrenaline.

With the Nutcracker's demise, Madam A's capture, and Mr. PG's death... 'The Women (MADAM)'

The organization's leader, Big the Madam, was forced to reveal herself and was surrounded and attacked by investigators led by Yukino Shinoara. The killings inside the Ghoul Restaurant were coming to an end.

The operation to block the escape routes has been successfully completed. Under the leadership of Branch Chief Fura Taishi and Agent Dennis North America, the CCG 7th Division Branch has successfully sealed off the entrances and exits of the restaurant's ground-floor building. After the encirclement is complete, it is time to press on and wipe out the remaining enemy forces.

Encircle them without leaving any gaps and strive to annihilate them completely!

Vera set her own goals for action.

The tactic of surrounding three sides and leaving one side open is not suitable for Ghoul, nor is it suitable for the densely populated Tokyo Metropolis.

Tap, tap.

Emerging from the D-sector escape tunnel riddled with gaps and littered with the mangled corpses of Ghoul diners, Vera traversed the desolate and empty evacuation hall, ascended the wide, gilded and silver-carved sloping corridor, and leisurely strolled towards the heart of the restaurant along the steps draped with a luxurious red carpet.

It must be said that this group of Ghoul, who are deeply integrated into human society and consider themselves upper class, are respectable people and have a rather ritualistic way of doing things.

This bourgeois tone is just right.

Kureo Mado led his team members, following behind Vera.

In the group, Madam A, who was already weak, had completely fainted after being injected with Rc cells inhibitors and an overdose of anesthetic. She was roughly locked in a restraint bag and carried away by CCG investigators. The Anju Sisters, who were also injected with Rc cells inhibitors but were conscious, were handcuffed with Quinque handcuffs.

Anzu Shiroi, who was less seriously injured, helped Anzu Kuroi, who had been whipped by Vera.

Kōtarō Amon Quinque, carrying the dark blue longsword Quinque, looked at them with a complicated expression. Beside him, several anti- Ghoul agents from North America either had rifles slung across their chests or carried Quinque, constantly on guard against the Anju Sisters.

Kōtarō Amon opened his mouth several times, wanting to get a clear answer, but eventually fell silent.

The only sounds were Vera's conversation with Kureo Mado, and the sounds of other squads' battle situations being reported and orders being issued via radio.

Along the way, the team frequently encountered scattered groups of CCG investigators conducting sweeps and pursuits.

Amidst the rapid-fire gunfire, the interior decorations and furnishings were ravaged as if chewed by dogs. The Ghoul's organization had been completely destroyed; S-rank and above leaders were either dead or paralyzed, and the remaining B-rank and A-rank Ghoul were terrified and had no ability to cause much trouble for the investigators.

A squad of investigators, armed with Quinque, pressed closer and closer. The Ghoul fled in panic until they had nowhere left to run and were cornered against a wall. The instant a gunshot rang out, a barrage of slashes and spear thrusts followed. A sharp blade pierced through the chest, pinning one Ghoul to the wall.

Seven or eight Ghouls who tried to escape were trapped in a room by a mixed force of more than a dozen CCG investigators and North American anti- Ghoul agents, and were slaughtered like pigs and chickens.

Yuhekunk fired a series of shots, groaning and screaming in pain.

In close combat Quinque slashed, and blood gushed out like a fountain.

American quick-fire hits Iai's face, and pieces of meat fly.