NOVEL NEXT Chapter 50: Becoming the Cleaner, Forming Squad 0
As the battle to defend CCG's 2nd Ward concluded and the One-Eyed Owl retreated, Kaiko personally decided to follow the Owl.
The first time the One-Eyed Owl appeared, Kaiko had a strong sense of familiarity, noticing its kagune bore a striking resemblance to Kuzen's.
His immediate thought was that the One-Eyed Owl might either be Kuzen himself or the child of Kuzen and that human woman.
If it were Kuzen, Kaiko wouldn't care much — he had little concern for the lives of the CCG investigators.
But if it were the child of Kuzen and that woman... that would be an entirely different matter!
A hybrid born of a human and a ghoul could only be one of two possibilities: a half-human or a half-ghoul. Only half-ghouls, however, possess kakuhous capable of manifesting kagune.
A natural-born half-ghoul was the very thing the Washuu Clan dreamed of creating. The 'failed products' in the Sunlit Garden — those half-human children — were only a byproduct of their true goal: creating a natural half-ghoul. These 'failures' were merely supplied to the CCG and V to bolster their ranks.
But if Kuzen's child wasn't tied to the Washuu lineage, it would pose a massive threat to the Washuu Clan.
To confirm the true identity of the One-Eyed Owl, Kaiko continued to follow it until it came to a stop.
Yoshimura had long since realized Kaiko was tailing him. Deliberately stopping in a secluded area, he reverted to his human form.
"Kuzen... so it was you all along" Kaiko said with a slight sigh of relief. The alternative — a child of Kuzen — would have been far more troubling.
"It's been a while, Kaiko" Yoshimura's usual kind demeanor was absent, replaced by a cold, detached expression.
"Don't be so cold, Kuzen. Our organization hasn't troubled you, has it? You're free to attack the CCG as you please — just don't reveal anything you shouldn't."
Kaiko spoke casually, as if catching up with an old friend.
"This conversation is over. I should leave" Yoshimura said, uninterested in wasting any more time.
"Fine, let's catch up properly another time" Kaiko said, his tone laced with a subtle sarcasm before departing.
...
Although Kaiko confirmed the current One-Eyed Owl was Kuzen, the detailed battle reports from the 2nd Ward reignited his doubts.
The previous appearances of the One-Eyed Owl were marked by merciless killings of investigators. But today's One-Eyed Owl had not killed a single person — a stark contrast.
Kaiko knew ghouls could alter their kakuja forms, so he couldn't definitively conclude all sightings of the One-Eyed Owl had been Kuzen.
Hoping to learn more, Kaiko questioned Byakuya, who had fought both this One-Eyed Owl and the one in the 24th Ward.
"No" Byakuya replied without hesitation. "The One-Eyed Owl who attacked the 2nd Ward is no different from the one I fought in the 24th Ward"
Byakuya, of course, wouldn't betray Yoshimura or Eto, so his response was firm and convincing.
"Understood" Kaiko said, though his suspicions remained. With no evidence, he set the matter aside for now.
...
"Now, about the 'Cleaner'. The responsibility lies with you. Additionally, you are to assemble a Squad 0. You can choose its members yourself, preferably from the half-human children of the Sunlit Garden"
[Ding! Host successfully completed "Hidden Quest 1: Become the Cleaner". Reward: 100 Attribute Points!]
[Quest 1 complete. Activating Quest 2.]
[Quest 2: Assemble Squad 0 and expand it to at least three members.]
[Reward: 10 Attribute Points.]
"I'll appoint Arima as Squad 0's vice-captain for now" Byakuya said. "I'll select the other members later"
Although Byakuya didn't want Arima to become the emotionless killing machine portrayed in the original timeline, having him as vice-captain wouldn't conflict with that goal.
By keeping Squad Zero's authority in his own hands, Byakuya could indirectly protect Arima from the V's manipulation while maintaining control.
"Fine. Arima's strength isn't in question, though he lacks enthusiasm. You can manage him for me" Kaiko said with approval. "While you're at the Sunlit Garden, take a look at the children. If you find any promising candidates, designate them as Squad 0's potential members."
"Understood" Byakuya replied, having already intended to evaluate the children.
With that, Kaiko lowered his hat and departed. He did not provide Byakuya with any official V attire, as Byakuya needed to maintain his role within the CCG and keep his identity as the Cleaner secret.
Watching Kaiko leave, Byakuya remained expressionless.
...
Byakuya began exploring the Sunlit Garden, the place could be described as an expansive courtyard, filled with flowers and greenery. Half-human children played freely, creating a surface-level impression of warmth and beauty.
As he strolled, some children greeted him, and he responded kindly.
It was then that Byakuya encountered two particularly notable children — a boy and a girl lying on the grass, both appearing about ten years old.
He instantly recognized them: Nimura Furuta and Rize Kamishiro.
While Rize's real name wasn't Kamishiro yet — she would later inherit the surname from her foster father, Matasaka Kamishiro —her birth name was unknown. It was certainly not "Washuu" or she wouldn't have been in the Sunlit Garden.
Similarly, Furuta didn't bear the Washuu surname since he wasn't a direct descendant, instead taking the name "Nimura Furuta"
In the Sunlit Garden, these children held low status — at least compared to the Washuu main family.
Seeing Byakuya approach, Furuta sat up with a smile. "Big brother!"
"What's your name?" Byakuya asked, intrigued by Furuta, a character pivotal in the original story.
"Wa—" Furuta almost slipped, quickly correcting himself. "I'm Nimura Furuta. And you, big brother?"
[Ding! The Host has interacted with key characters, Nimura Furuta and Rize Kamishiro. Hidden Quest Activated: "The Washuu Clan's Traditions and Injustices."]