After this battle, Uchiha Byakuya was left physically exhausted. Even with a body three times stronger than an average human's, his stamina was running low.
On top of that, the two A-rank Quinques, Tsukikage and Fūrei, were nearly broken.
The kagune armor from Yoshimura's kakuja form was simply too tough, and these A-rank Quinques had been practically destroyed in the fight.
However, aside from the attribute points he had earned, Uchiha Byakuya had one more major gain; The two severed kagune arms of the Owl.
Because he had cut them off along with the kakuhou, both arms could now be used to create an SSS-rank Quinque-"Owl."
In the original story, these two kakuja arms were crafted into Quinques; One wielded by Arima Kishou, who named it "Owl", and the other by Kaiko, who simply called it "Kuzen."
While Yoshimura had lost both arms, he would regenerate them over time.
After the operation, the support squad returned to the CCG Headquarters in the 1st Ward to receive their commendations.
Since Uchiha Byakuya had been the sole reason for their victory, he was recognized as a "Special Meritorious Contributor" and was directly promoted to Associate Special-Class Investigator.
Additionally, he was appointed as the Chief of the 2nd Ward's CCG Branch, gaining full command over operations in said ward.
The other investigators in the support squad had no significant achievements, but they had at least dared to take action, so they received bonuses and minor rewards.
However, aside from Uchiha Byakuya, none of them earned a rank promotion.
Soon after, Uchiha Byakuya was summoned by the CCG Chairman Washuu Tsuneyoshi.
In a majestic, palace-like building, he met the old man.
Washuu Tsuneyoshi was an elderly man with white hair and a stern expression, sitting on a throne-like seat.
But Uchiha Byakuya knew very well; This man was far more than just the chairman of the CCG.
He was also the leader of the Washuu Clan, a figure akin to the head of the family.
Moreover, his strength was extraordinary.
He had personally defeated and captured the SSS-rank "Dodgy Mother" Roma Hoito, locking her away in CCG's 23rd Ward's detention facility, "Cochlea."
"Uchiha Byakuya… I remember that you, too, are a child from the Sunlit Garden; Kaiko has mentioned you before."
Washuu Tsuneyoshi's tone was solemn as he spoke.
"Yes, sir."
Uchiha Byakuya nodded respectfully.
Washuu Tsuneyoshi continued:
"With your strength, you already qualify for the rank of Special-Class Investigator. The Associate Special-Class title is just a transition; After you participate in one more major operation, you should be ready for a full promotion to Special-Class."
"…"
Uchiha Byakuya simply nodded silently.
"After this, return to the Sunlit Garden, Kaiko wants to speak with you about some matters."
With that, the conversation came to an end.
Following the Chairman's orders, Uchiha Byakuya departed for the Sunlit Garden.
If Kaiko was calling for him, it was very likely related to the "Cleaner" operations-which aligned perfectly with his own objectives.
The Sunlit Garden was located in the 1st Ward, but its exact location was a well-kept secret.
To outsiders, it was known as the Washuu Clan's "isolation zone", where half-human children were kept away from the world.
But Uchiha Byakuya had been 'born' in the Sunlit Garden, so he knew exactly where to go.
It didn't take him long to reach this 'hidden paradise', a place completely secluded from the outside world.
"Uchiha-san, please follow us."
A group of the Sunlit Garden's butlers and servants greeted Uchiha Byakuya, tasked with escorting him to Kaiko.
Since the Sunlit Garden housed many young hybrid children, the older ones like Uchiha Byakuya and Arima Kishou had already been inducted into V or the CCG.
Naturally, these remaining children needed caretakers to look after them.
On the way to Kaiko, Uchiha Byakuya could see children dressed in pure white uniforms, playing on the lawns and among the flower beds.
Each and every one of them was a half-human hybrid.
Before long, Uchiha Byakuya arrived at Kaiko's location. The butlers and servants silently withdrew, leaving the two alone.
"Kaiko-san."
Uchiha Byakuya greeted him in a calm tone.
"Byakuya… Your parents were killed by our organization, 'V'. You must resent us, don't you?"
Kaiko's first words were direct and cutting.
"Logically speaking, I should hate the organization."
Uchiha Byakuya replied, his expression unchanging.
"But I have no other choice but to serve the Washuu."
The CCG, the Sunlit Garden, and V; All operated under the rule of the Washuu Clan.
Byakuya's mention of "the Washuu" was an all-encompassing term that referred to all three entities.
"You're quite aware of your own situation."
Kaiko nodded approvingly, seemingly pleased with his response.
"Don't worry. As long as you don't become a traitor, we will provide you with the best treatment."
"So… you will be the next 'Cleaner.'"
His tone was absolute, this was not a request but a command.
Refusing would mean betraying the Washuu.
But Uchiha Byakuya had no intention of rejecting the offer.
He answered without hesitation:
"Understood."
"Originally, I had my hopes on Arima but he seems rather unmotivated… He's still a mere First-Class Investigator, which makes it inconvenient to deploy him."
Kaiko mused aloud, almost as if complaining to himself.
Although the CCG and V were both under the Washuu, they operated as separate entities on the surface.
Most CCG personnel, including even Special-Class Investigators had no knowledge of V's existence.
Because of this, V couldn't directly issue orders to CCG personnel unless they held sufficient rank to avoid suspicion.
Kishou Arima, as a First-Class Investigator, was still too low-ranking to act freely under V's orders without raising questions.
Meanwhile, the former "Cleaner" Yoshimura Kuzen had no such limitations; He was a ghoul and had never been a CCG investigator in the first place.
However, for half-humans like Arima, Kuzen's path wasn't viable.
Without a kakuhou, they needed Quinques to fight, and even the weakest Quinques were superior to normal human weapons.
Now that Uchiha Byakuya had risen to Associate Special-Class Investigator, he finally met the qualifications Kaiko required.
Uchiha Byakuya remained silent as Kaiko continued speaking.
"That ghoul who attacked the 2nd Ward today… it was Kuzen, wasn't it?"
Kaiko's tone suddenly sharpened.
"He was your 'predecessor.'"
"The fact that you made him retreat proves that you are the most suitable candidate to become the next 'Cleaner.'"
Then, Kaiko's gaze narrowed as he asked:
"Byakuya, when you fought him, did you notice anything different about him compared to the previous 'One-Eyed Owl' appearances?"