Kanou had completed his preparations, and Byakuya had finished processing all the necessary paperwork.
Now Kanou could simply begin working at the CCG Laboratory Building.
A dedicated laboratory had been prepared for him, focusing on researching the medical applications of Dragon tissue.
As for ghoul-edible specialty foods, Byakuya wasn't particularly invested in that.
After all, the Infinite Tsukuyomi was a crucial step he had to achieve. When that happened, all ghouls would be transformed back into humans, making specialty foods completely pointless.
Of course, if Kanou, Kimi Nishino, and others wanted to develop such foods, he certainly wouldn't waste time stopping them.
"I've long admired Dr. Chigyou's reputation. It's wonderful to finally meet you."
Upon encountering Chigyou Kouitsu at the CCG Laboratory Building, Kanou smiled warmly.
"Dr. Kanou? Your reputation far exceeds mine."
Chigyou's attitude was equally friendly.
After all, they were colleagues now, and there was no bad blood between them.
"Not at all. Dr. Chigyou is a true genius—I was absolutely amazed by the Quinx Surgery."
"Please, it was built on the foundation of Dr. Kanou's half-ghoul transformation surgery. I could never have done it alone."
"..."
The two exchanged pleasantries upon meeting, then went about their respective work.
...
With Kanou's addition to the existing CCG research team, medical breakthroughs were only a matter of time.
But as the new CCG Bureau Director, Byakuya had far more than just medicine to worry about...
There was another crucial matter requiring his attention: the cooperation between CCG and Aogiri Tree.
"Although I've sealed all of Ward 24's exits, those RC cell walls won't hold back the Dragon Orphans forever. Before they break through, we need sufficient manpower and strength to respond."
In the conference room, Byakuya introduced the topic of cooperation.
He could handle all the Dragon Orphans by himself, but that would defeat the purpose entirely.
"Indeed... Right now, Aogiri Tree is the only ghoul organization that's indicated it won't oppose us. Other ghoul groups remain potential threats, and we simply don't have the manpower to deal with Dragon Orphans simultaneously."
Marude nodded gravely.
Since each ward's CCG branch needed personnel to maintain public order, the number of investigators available to respond to Dragon Orphans was limited.
Add to that the numerous Ward 24 exits that all needed guarding, and CCG's manpower simply couldn't stretch that far.
"So what do we do? If specialized firearms can defeat Dragon Orphans, perhaps deploying enough bureau staff could compensate for our investigator shortage..."
Ui suggested.
He hadn't personally faced Dragon Orphans and didn't know what level of threat they actually posed.
"That probably won't work. The footage the Director brought back shows even Ward 24's ghouls being chased by Dragon Orphans. It might be due to their sheer numbers, but sending ordinary bureau staff to the front lines is too dangerous."
Tanakamaru frowned.
"My proposal is this..."
Byakuya got straight to the point. "Have CCG cooperate with Aogiri Tree. Their thousand-plus members can compensate for CCG's manpower shortage. After all, my other identity is Aogiri Tree's One-Eyed King—they'll absolutely obey my commands. It's just a matter of whether you're willing."
"I have no objections."
Kiyoko Aura was first to voice her support, her expression neutral.
"Neither do I."
Ui followed suit.
"I suppose it could work. That One-Eyed Owl is pretty strong, right? Having her fight Dragon Orphans seems fitting—as long as she doesn't suddenly turn on us."
Marude was characteristically casual.
"If Marude's fine with it, I think we should give it a try."
Kuroiwa spoke solemnly.
"There will be some issues to work through, but this does seem to be the only solution to our manpower problem right now."
Tanakamaru voiced his approval.
"Let's proceed as the Director arranges."
Arima naturally had no objections either.
At this point, the only Special Class Investigator who hadn't weighed in was Houji.
"Investigator Houji, you should already know that Tatara of Chi She Lian is one of Aogiri Tree's executives."
Byakuya addressed him.
"Mm... Which is why I'm concerned things might get unpleasant."
Houji voiced his worry.
He bore no grudge against Tatara, but the reverse wasn't true—Tatara harbored intense hatred toward him.
After all, Houji had led the squad that destroyed Chi She Lian, and he'd turned Tatara's own brother into Quinques—the SS-rated "Chi She" and B-rated "Douhi."
"Don't worry too much. I'll mediate when the time comes."
Byakuya said.
"Alright. I have no other concerns."
Houji nodded.
With that, aside from Cochlea's warden who wasn't present, all Special Class Investigators had given their approval.
The cooperation between CCG and Aogiri Tree could begin.
[Ding! Host has facilitated cooperation between CCG and Aogiri Tree. Reward: 100 Fusion Points!]
...
Several investigators had been stationed at each of Ward 24's exits.
Their mission wasn't to fight Dragon Orphans with such small numbers—rather, they were to monitor each exit's status.
If any RC cell wall showed the slightest disturbance, they were to immediately notify headquarters and request backup.
Meanwhile, CCG headquarters was holding a press conference.
The subject was, naturally, Aogiri Tree.
Byakuya and Eto sat in the center seats, facing interviews from numerous reporters on live broadcast.
Byakuya represented the CCG, while Eto represented Aogiri Tree.
As for Byakuya's other identity as the One-Eyed King—that still wasn't public knowledge, so Eto served as Aogiri Tree's public-facing leader.
"There's something many people are undoubtedly curious about. Previously, there were reports of Director Amaha and Takatsuki-sensei being in a relationship. Now that Takatsuki-sensei's ghoul identity has been revealed, are the two of you still together?"
A reporter in the front row immediately raised a topic guaranteed to pique viewers' interest.
...
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