"Is it really that dramatic? Maybe I just have a natural talent for this type of stuff?"
Eto brushed off the question casually, deflecting the conversation.
Her writing was indeed deeply influenced by her past, but there was no way she could let anyone know about that.
"That makes sense—Takatsuki-sensei is definitely a genius."
Byakuya didn't press the issue and simply agreed.
"See you tomorrow—ah, no wait, I have something to do. Let's meet in a few days instead."
With that, Eto left for the night.
It was a perfectly normal thing to say yet to Byakuya, it immediately raised a red flag.
"If Eto says she has something to do for the next few days… then it's almost certainly another 'One-Eyed Owl' operation."
Unfortunately, he had no way of determining exactly what she was planning.
The current timeline was set ten years before the main events of Tokyo Ghoul,
And the source material provided very little information about this period.
[Ding! Daily Sign-In Completed. +1 Attribute Point Earned!]
[Ding! 7-Day Streak Achieved! Bonus +5 Attribute Points Earned!]
CCG 2nd Ward Branch – Morning
Byakuya reported back to the CCG branch as his administrative leave officially ended.
"Looks like Uchiha's doing fine—you're officially back on active duty today."
Sakai Jōji confirmed his return to the squad.
Byakuya nodded before getting straight to the point.
"Captain Sakai, are there any current assignments related to the 24th Ward?"
The 24th Ward, a lawless, underground labyrinth where even the CCG feared to tread.
It was also Eto's birthplace,
And in the future, her organization—Aogiri Tree—would claim it as their domain.
"The 24th Ward? Funny you ask—HQ is currently assembling an expedition team to investigate it."
Sakai replied.
"They've been calling on different branches to provide additional manpower."
"I see… and what's the team composition so far?"
Byakuya pressed further.
"Not sure about all the details, but I do know one Special-Class Investigator and one Associate Special-Class Investigator have already joined."
"Specifically—Marude Itsuki and Mado Kasuka."
Hearing that, Byakuya immediately understood—
This expedition was highly dangerous, and the CCG was taking it very seriously.
After all, sending both a Special-Class and an Associate Special-Class Investigator to lead a squad wasn't normal protocol.
Of those two names;
Marude Itsuki was the Special-Class Investigator leading the operation.
Mado Kasuka was the Associate Special-Class Investigator—the strongest female investigator in the CCG at the time.
At just 28 years old, she had already risen to an elite position.
Unfortunately… in the original timeline, her story simply ended in tragedy.
"I want to apply for a position in the 24th Ward investigation team."
Byakuya declared firmly.
At this point, he was almost certain that Eto was planning something in the 24th Ward.
However, that wasn't the reason he wanted to go—
He wasn't looking to track her down.
He wanted to prevent the tragic events that were about to unfold.
Byakuya knew exactly what was going to happen.
The expedition team would travel deep into the 24th Ward,
Where they would inevitably encounter "The One-Eyed Owl."
Realizing they were outmatched, Marude Itsuki would order a full retreat, leaving behind their strongest fighter—Mado Kasuka.
Investigator ranks didn't solely reflect strength—They primarily measured achievements and contributions.
That meant Marude Itsuki, despite holding the title of Special-Class Investigator was actually weaker than Mado Kasuka, the Associate Special-Class Investigator.
If Kasuka hadn't died, she would have inevitably been promoted to Special-Class.
She simply hadn't accumulated enough achievements yet.
Unfortunately, when the investigation team returned from the 24th Ward;
They found Mado Kasuka's corpse, her face unrecognizable, her body devoured beyond recognition by The One-Eyed Owl.
But the tragedy didn't end there.
Among the investigators on that expedition was Mado Kureo—Kasuka's husband.
When he saw what had become of his wife, he completely snapped.
His mind shattered, and he descended into madness.
From that moment on; he became obsessed with vengeance, vowing to kill the One-Eyed Owl at any cost.
His hatred toward Ghouls became uncontrollable, turning him into a ruthless fanatic.
Even innocent Ghouls—those who tried to live peacefully were shown no mercy.
He hunted them without hesitation, torturing and butchering them mercilessly.
The tragic fates of so many characters in Tokyo Ghoul could be traced back to Mado Kureo's descent into madness;
The death of Kirishima Arata (father of Touka and Ayato Kirishima).
The murder of Fueguchi Asaki and Fueguchi Ryouko (parents of Hinami Fueguchi).
All of these tragedies stemmed from Mado Kureo's grief-fueled insanity.
But it's not like his hatred wasn't justified.
Any husband who saw his wife's mutilated corpse would lose themselves to despair.
And that was why Byakuya had to stop it.
If he could prevent Mado Kasuka's death, then perhaps he could stop the chain of tragedies before it began.
[Ding! Hidden Quest Activated: 24th Ward Expedition]
[Quest 1: Successfully Join the 24th Ward Investigation Team.]
[Reward: +10 Attribute Points.]
The moment Byakuya submitted his request to join the expedition,
The system confirmed that he had triggered a hidden mission.
Now, he had even more reason to go.
CCG Branch – Second Ward
"You're seriously joining that squad? You better think this through."
Sakai Jōji frowned, clearly concerned.
"We've sent teams into the 24th Ward before, and every time it's been a disaster—high casualties, zero progress."
"That place is basically a giant Ghoul stronghold—there are no humans living there at all."
Sakai liked Byakuya.
He recognized his potential and didn't want him to die before he had an actual chance at growing stronger.
After all, Byakuya was still just a Second-Class Investigator.
The 24th Ward was far too dangerous for someone at his level.
Although Sakai knew that Byakuya's strength exceeded his rank,
There was one critical issue:
A Second-Class Investigator was only authorized to wield B-rank Quinques.
In battle, Quinques were everything.
Having a low-grade Quinque severely limited an investigator's combat potential.
"I've already made up my mind."
Byakuya's response was firm.
There was no hesitation in his voice.
"Fine. Just be careful."
"And make sure you stick close to Mado Kasuka—she's the strongest fighter on the squad."
Sakai warned.
Byakuya remained silent, only giving a slight nod.
There was no need to correct him because soon, the entire squad would realize the harsh truth.
Their strongest fighter wouldn't be nearly strong enough.
Against The One-Eyed Owl, even Mado Kasuka would be helpless.
"Alright, I'll submit your request."
"If everything goes smoothly, you'll have an answer by today or tomorrow at the latest."
"Honestly, they'll probably approve it immediately—that squad is always short on people."
"Everyone knows how dangerous the 24th Ward is, and most people don't want to go."
Sakai sighed.
"Thanks, Sakai-san."
Byakuya replied calmly.
That Afternoon
As expected; It only took a few hours for his request to be approved.
Byakuya was immediately transferred from Sakai's squad to the 24th Ward Investigation Team.
His new commanding officers were:
Special-Class Investigator Marude Itsuki
Associate Special-Class Investigator Mado Kasuka
And just like that; Byakuya was ordered to head to the 23rd Ward immediately.
The investigation team was stationed there, preparing for the operation.
Once their numbers were deemed sufficient,
They would descend into the depths of the 24th Ward.