NOVEL NEXT Chapter 49: Promotion
After this battle, Byakuya's physical strength was nearly depleted. Even with a physique three times stronger than that of an average human, it was still not enough.
Moreover, the two A rated quinques he wielded, 'Moonshadow' and 'Wind Spirit', were on the verge of breaking.
The kagune armor of Yoshimura's kakuja form was incredibly thick, and its durability pushed his quinques to their limit.
However, aside from gaining attribute points, Byakuya secured another significant prize: the two kagune arms of the Owl.
Since the arms were torn off along with their kakuhous, they could both be used to craft the SSS rated quinque known as Owl.
The SSS rated quinque: Owl
In the original story, the quinque forged from these arms were wielded by Arima and Kaiko, respectively. Arima referred to his as Owl, while Kaiko simply called his Kuzen.
Although Yoshimura lost his two arms, he would eventually regenerate them after some time.
...
After the operation, the support squad returned to the CCG Headquarters in the 1st Ward to receive their commendations.
Due to Byakuya's overwhelming contributions, he was recognized as a "Special Merit Awardee" and promoted to Associate Special-Class Investigator.
He was also appointed as the Branch Chief of the 2nd Ward's, granting him command over all operations in the ward.
As for the other investigators in the support squad, although they didn't achieve any significant feats, their willingness to act earned them monetary rewards.
No one besides Byakuya received a promotion.
During this time, he was summoned by Tsuneyoshi Washuu, the CCG Chairman, to discuss future plans.
In a grand, palace-like building, Byakuya met with Tsuneyoshi, an elderly man with white hair and an air of authority, seated on a throne-like chair.
Byakuya knew full well that Tsuneyoshi was far more than the Chairman of the CCG — he was also the head of the Washuu Clan, a family with a long history and immense influence.
Moreover, Tsuneyoshi was no ordinary elder. He had personally subdued and captured the SSS rated ghoul, The Dodgy Mother, although she had recently escaped from the 23rd Ward's ghoul detention center, Cochlea. Her whereabouts were currently unknown.
"Uchiha Byakuya" Yoshitoki began in a stern tone, "if I recall, you are one of the children raised in Sunlit Garden. Kaiko has spoken of you before."
"Yes" Byakuya replied with respectful composure.
Tsuneyoshi continued, "With your current strength, you already meet the qualifications for Special-Class Investigator. Your appointment as an Associate Special-Class is merely a transitional phase. Participate in one more significant operation, and your promotion to Special-Class will be finalized."
Byakuya nodded silently in acknowledgment.
"Additionally, you are to return to the Sunlit Garden. Kaiko has matters to discuss with you."
With that, their conversation concluded.
...
Following Tsuneyoshi's instructions, Byakuya set out for the Sunlit Garden.
It was highly likely that Kaiko wanted to discuss matters related to the Cleaner—a prospect that aligned perfectly with Byakuya's intentions.
The Sunlit Garden was located within 1st Ward, though its exact location was a well-kept secret. Commonly referred to as the "quarantine zone" of the Washuu Clan, it served as a secluded haven for raising half-human children.
Byakuya, having grown up there, knew its location well. It didn't take him long to arrive at this hidden haven, which appeared as an idyllic sanctuary removed from the rest of the world.
"Mr. Byakuya, please follow us" a group of housekeepers and servants from the Sunlit Garden greeted him and led him to where Kaiko awaited.
The Sunlit Garden housed many young half-human children. Those who had grown older, like Byakuya and Arima, had either joined the CCG or V. Naturally, the younger children required the care of housekeepers and servants.
On his way to meet Kaiko, Byakuya observed children dressed in pure white clothing playing on the lawns and among the flowers. Without exception, these children were all half-human.
Before long, Byakuya was face-to-face with Kaiko, and the housekeepers and servants discreetly withdrew.
"Mr. Kaiko" Byakuya greeted calmly.
"Byakuya" Kaiko said, wasting no time with pleasantries. "Your parents were killed by V. Do you resent us for it?"
"It's true that I should hate the organization" Byakuya replied without hesitation. "However, I have no choice but to serve the Washuu"
The CCG, the Sunlit Garden, and V all operated under the Washuu family's control. Byakuya's mention of the Washuu referred to this interconnected system.
"You're remarkably clear-headed about your circumstances" Kaiko observed, seemingly satisfied with the response. "Rest assured, as long as you remain loyal, the Washuu will provide you with the best resources. So... you'll be the next Cleaner"
His tone left no room for negotiation. Refusal would mean betrayal against the Washuu, a fate worse than death.
Not that Byakuya had any intention of refusing.
"Understood" he responded without hesitation.
"Originally, I had hoped Arima would take on this role, but he doesn't seem very proactive. He's still a Second-Class Investigator, making it inconvenient to involve him in operations"
Although the CCG and V were both controlled by the Washuu, their connection was entirely secret. Only half-humans from the Sunlit Garden and members of the Washuu family were aware of V's existence. Even high-ranking CCG members, such as Special Investigators, were kept in the dark.
For strategic reasons, the CCG could not appear to have any ties to V. Hence, someone like Arima needed to achieve a legitimate rank before being utilized. It wouldn't do for him to seem like a mere 'insider'.
In contrast, the previous Cleaner, Kuzen, was a ghoul and thus had no need to join the CCG. Half-humans like Arima, on the other hand, required quinque to fight strong enemies—equipment that only the CCG could provide. Even the lowest-rated quinque far outclassed ordinary weapons.
Now, with Byakuya promoted to Associate Special-Class Investigator, he fit Kaiko's requirements perfectly.
Kaiko suddenly shifted his tone. "By the way, the one who attacked the CCG in 2nd Ward today was Kuzen. He's your 'predecessor'. Defeating him proves you're the right choice for the next Cleaner."
His voice turned sharp. "Byakuya, when you fought him, did you notice any differences between him and the One-Eyed Owl that has appeared in the past?"