Apologies for updating the same chap, I only noticed it now.
***
The day before the incident.
Kanzaki Ryoma anticipated that Kazuichi Banjou would likely attempt to help his companions escape from Aogiri Tree. With the absence of "Gecko" (Yamori), the opportunity seemed ripe. However, the formidable Bin Brothers posed a significant threat, making a successful escape challenging. Without intervention, casualties among Banjou's group were almost certain.
Kirishima Ayato and "Noro" were away, simplifying the situation slightly.
[Ding! The host activates the task and opens the god-level choice!]
[Choice 1: Ignore the situation. Reward: 1 fusion point.]
[Choice 2: Rescue Banjou and his companions, facing the S-rated Bin Brothers. Reward: 50 fusion points.]
Ryoma contemplated seeking assistance from Kurona and Nashiro Yasuhisa. Preoccupied with leading his own team into battle, he couldn't aid Banjou directly. The Yasuhisa sisters, with their "Washuu" kagune, had undergone rigorous training under Kiyoko Aura, enhancing their combat abilities. They had also been refining their control over their kagune in private sessions.
"Kurona, Nashiro, can you help me with something?" Ryoma inquired.
"What do you need?" Kurona responded coldly.
"Yeah, tell us! If it's you, we will help," Nashiro added.
"The 'Aogiri Tree Suppression Operation' in the 11th Ward is imminent. Some individuals there concern me, but I can't assist them personally right now. I need your help."
Ryoma briefed them on the situation.
"Of course, we will help!," Nashiro replied without hesitation.
"I have no objections," Kurona said softly.
At that moment, Rize Kamishiro approached. "Dear, why didn't you ask me?"
"Ah... Given your nature, I assumed you wouldn't be interested in this sort of task," Ryoma admitted.
Rize had always been indifferent to the fate of other ghouls and humans alike, acting primarily for her own pleasure. Ryoma thought she'd find such a mission unappealing.
"You misunderstand me. I've been to the 11th Ward; I know those individuals," Rize said with a faint smile.
"So you're willing to help them?" Ryoma was surprised by her response.
"Of course."
Rize's primary motive was ensuring Ryoma's safety, though she preferred to keep that to herself. Simply rescuing those individuals wasn't particularly enticing to her.
However, Kurona was displeased. "We were asked first. Miss Rize, don't you know the principle of first come, first served?"
"Nashiro is right; hw asked us to help first," Kurona added.
"Are you trying to reason with me?" Rize's smile took on a sharper edge.
Sensing the tension, Ryoma quickly interjected, "Then... why don't you all go together? That way, you can support each other."
This suggestion aimed to pacify both parties and minimize risks. With Rize and the Yasuhisa sisters working together, the threat posed by the Bin Brothers would significantly reduce. "Noro" was under orders from Yoshimura to delay and not retaliate, making him less of a concern. The primary challenge remained the SSS-rated "One-Eyed Owl."
Ryoma knew the manager would intervene to protect his daughter, ensuring her safety.
His proposal eased the conflict between Rize and the Yasuhisa sisters, though an unspoken competition lingered about who would eliminate the Bin Brothers faster.
"But do you have a mask?" Ryoma suddenly asked Rize.
If an investigator spotted her without a mask, her identity would be exposed, and the "V" organization would target her immediately.
"No, I never wear such things," Rize replied casually. "It feels boring and foolish to hide when you're at the top of the food chain."
"This isn't about boredom. If your identity is exposed, it will cause significant trouble," Ryoma said firmly, handing her his orange, swirling mask. "Use mine. This is an order, not a request."
Rize might have been confident in avoiding detection, but Ryoma preferred caution. Such matters were too important to take lightly. Moreover, this saved him the trouble of obtaining a new mask for her. A cheaply bought mask wouldn't suffice.
"...Alright," Rize accepted the mask, noting Ryoma's scent on it. Perhaps because it was his, she was willing to wear it.
Thus, the Bin Brothers' misfortune was sealed.
When Rize eliminated the younger Bin Brother, the elder was swiftly defeated by Kurona and Nashiro Yasuhisa. Facing two opponents of their caliber, he stood little chance and was dispatched within seconds.
"I wonder how Miss Rize is doing. Were we faster?" Nashiro mused.
Kurona and Nashiro paid little attention to the fallen "Bin," focusing instead on their unspoken competition with Rize.
Elsewhere, after delivering a cold parting remark, Rize vanished without a trace.
Banjou wanted to express his gratitude but found no opportunity.
Reflecting on Rize's earlier mention of Ryoma, Banjou was filled with even more admiration. "Mr. Kanzaki... He persuaded Miss Rize to help us. Truly worthy being her man!"
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We're on #5, let's go on grab #2 or maybe #1? For an extra 2 - 3 bonus chaps—
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