"6th Ward?"
Amano Hiro's eyes flickered as fragments of Kamashiro Matasaka's ultimate fate flashed through his memory..
Though he didn't know if it was the 6th Ward, he had fallen beneath Koukaku wielded by Arima Kishou.
"6th Ward?" Amano Hiro said calmly, but with an analytical certainty that brooked no argument,
"That place has long since been completely cleared by the CCG. Going back now would be meaningless."
He shifted his focus and gestured to the present,
"Why not just stay in Aogiri Tree? The organization is massive, deeply rooted, and this location is hidden enough.
If you stay here, Rize can be at ease and won't have to worry about you constantly."
His final remark carried weight as his gaze passed over Rize, then returned to Kamashiro Matasaka:
"After all, Kamishiro-san, you wouldn't want Rize to be hurt on your account, would you?"
Kamashiro Matasaka listened, sensing there was a subtle undertone in the words—
A slightly teasing edge, yet upon reflection, each sentence was perfectly reasonable. No fault could be found.
He furrowed his brow, weighed the proposal for a moment, and ultimately decided it was indeed the optimal solution, nodding:
"Hmm, you make a fair point. Then... let's stay here for now."
Seeing Kamashiro Matasaka accept the suggestion, Amano Hiro felt a small sense of relief.
But before he could fully exhale, the man opposite him—his "father-in-law" with a mind that leapt unpredictably—suddenly changed the topic and asked, shockingly:
"Then... when will my grandson be brought to me?"
Amano Hiro was caught off guard by the abrupt question:
"...Hmm?"
Rize next to him immediately exploded, her cheeks burning as she stomped in embarrassment and anger:
"Huh?! Old man, what nonsense are you talking about!"
Even Amano Hiro hadn't anticipated that this burly man's thoughts could leap so wildly—
One moment discussing safe places to settle, the next seamlessly jumping to visions of spoiling a grandchild.
Amano Hiro's mouth twitched slightly. Confronted with this direct prompt, he responded with a seemingly reasonable long-term promise:
"Once we've completely wiped out the troubles from the Washuu and the V Organization, I'll let you take care of that."
Inwardly, he muttered: at a time like this, with enemies everywhere, having a kid? Just imagining the chaos is headache enough.
But... once all dust has settled and peace reigns, raising a child with Rize and enjoying a leisurely life with a little one might not be so bad.
The thought flashed by, filling him with a faint, inexplicable anticipation for that distant "later."
...
While Amano Hiro and Kamashiro Matasaka were engaged in this cross-channel discussion about "future planning," far away in the 20th Ward, the antique coffee shop received an unusual visitor.
"Ding-ling-"
The brass bell on the wooden door rang clearly, breaking the calm of the afternoon.
A tall, slender figure stepped inside, the light tracing cold, rigid lines across him—
Black long coat, impeccably pressed black trousers, spotless shoes, and a black bowler hat pulled low.
An aura of coldness radiated from him, completely out of place in the warm little café.
Yoshimura Kuzen, wiping cups behind the counter, froze.
He raised his head; the kind, half-closed eyes glimmered sharply for a moment as they locked on the newcomer, and his expression instantly became grave.
He set the cup down and slowly stepped out from behind the counter, approaching the uninvited guest with a low, steady voice:
"Let's talk outside."
Without further words, the café manager led the silent figure through the quiet shop to the back door leading to the alley.
Once in the relatively secluded alley, the man spoke, his tone tinged with condescending regret:
"Truly, at your wit's end, aren't you, Kuzen?"
Yoshimura Kuzen faced away from him, voice flat and emotionless:
"Here to take me out, Kaiko?"
"Take you out? How could that be." Kaiko chuckled lightly, as if hearing something amusing,
"If that were the case, we would have deployed a large force. Massive, overwhelming. Kuzen, we are old partners."
His tone shifted, sincere yet imposing:
"As a friend, I want to help you. So, just tell me the location of the 'little one.'"
Yoshimura Kuzen remained silent for a moment, still denying:
"...What are you referring to?"
Kaiko stepped closer, almost into the manager's ear, his deep voice laced with all-seeing threat:
"Hey, hey, don't play dumb at this point.
The 'One-Eyed Owl'... it's obvious at a glance there's a blood connection to you."
His voice turned cold:
"This is all Aogiri Tree! The balance we maintained for years is about to collapse. That person's existence itself is your betrayal to the V Organization!"
"This is your final warning," Kaiko's tone brooked no argument.
"Hand that person over and pledge full loyalty to the V Organization. That's the only way for you to survive."
Yoshimura Kuzen's back remained straight, voice calm, betraying no ripple of emotion:
"Don't make me repeat myself. I don't know what 'One-Eyed Owl' is. I don't have a child."
Kaiko was silent for half a moment. The air itself seemed to freeze. Finally, he delivered a cold verdict:
"Is that so... then die, Kuzen." His words rang like a funeral bell.
"You are already a fish in a barrel. There is no escape."
With that, he did not linger. Turning, the hem of his black coat traced a resolute arc as he disappeared into the alley.
Yoshimura Kuzen stood alone, and after a long while, let out a barely audible sigh.
He tilted his head slightly, gazing at the narrow strip of sky cut by tall buildings, murmuring with a mixture of resignation and struggle:
"...I know."
"That's why... I fight to survive."
The café manager quietly stood outside for a moment, pushing back his racing thoughts, his face returning to its usual gentle expression.
He opened the back door and stepped back into the warm light of the café.
Upon entering, he immediately noticed several anxious gazes fixed on him.
Izumi Kayan set down the coffee cup she was wiping and spoke first, her voice betraying concern:
"Manager, that person just now... wasn't a friend, was he?"
The manager walked to the counter, sighing slightly, seeing no need to hide:
"I'm afraid... the CCG has already set its sights on the 20th Ward."
His gaze turned to Yomo Renji, who was also in the shop, voice steady but commanding:
"Renji-kun, please take the children and their families and get them to safety immediately."
He paused, adding,
"I will personally contact Hiro."
Yomo Renji was silent for a moment, his steady eyes meeting the manager's. He nodded decisively:
"Understood."
Without further questions, he turned and left the café, ready to notify the families of Touka and Hinami.
The atmosphere in the shop grew heavier as he departed.