Elsewhere...
The Shimoguchi Squad pursued Torso amid the chaos, only to come under attack from Black Rabbit... Fusami Shimoguchi was the squad's sole survivor.
Upon hearing the news, Akira Mado immediately messaged Haise, asking him to accompany her on a visit. Although she and Shimoguchi usually got along poorly, often bickering... she still considered him a colleague.
Fusami Shimoguchi reminded Akira Mado of Seidou Takizawa. They might clash verbally, but they walked the same path: they all wanted to be good Ghoul Investigators.
On the way... Akira Mado and Haise Sasaki talked.
"Rabbit belongs to Aogiri Tree, yet attacked the Shimoguchi Squad while they were pursuing Torso... Headquarters will most likely conclude that Torso has ties to Aogiri Tree and transfer the assignment to Squads S1-S3."
"When that happens, our Quinque Squad will get no credit."
"I see... then we need to capture Torso as soon as possible."
Even after saying that, Sasaki still looked hesitant. He wanted to ask something but couldn't bring himself to speak.
"What's wrong? Are you worried about Torso? Or is it something else?" Akira Mado noticed the change in Haise Sasaki's expression and asked.
They had spent a long time together. Ever since Haise Sasaki had transferred from rear-line duties to the front lines, Akira Mado had been his supervisor. After all that time, she knew him very well.
After all, he was still just a child. Much of what he felt showed on his face. Whenever Haise Sasaki couldn't make up his mind, he would repeatedly glance at her or Kishou Arima, hoping for an answer.
To Haise Sasaki, Akira Mado and Kishou Arima now filled the roles of mother and father. Of everyone in the CCG, those two were the people he knew best.
"Um... Mr. Arima told me to stay away