DISCLAIMER

The following is a fan-based

FICTION

Tokyo Ghoul, Tokyo Ghoul Root A and Tokyo Ghoul:re and other products related to the TG Series are all owned by Sui Ishida, Shin Towada and Shueisha.

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Interlude 1: E Pluribus Unum

That morning I was certainly nervous as I paced through the halls of the higher floors of the Main HQ.

A formal message calling for a summon coming from the director was enough to make my mind panic why this was all happening.

I was quite thankful that Juuzou was given a free day after completing his own case, thus delaying the issue regarding whom was supposed to watch over Emi-chan.

Few rules were drawn before I left the flat, adding up to the ones I had set long ago with Juuzou.

It was interesting how the little girl had seemed much more determined to stick up to those compared to the whiny moment the white-haired teen had...

I found finally my way to the front door leading to the director's office and, sighing calmly, I knocked twice as softly as I could.

"Come in."

I pushed the door open and noticed that Tsuneyoshi Washuu, the revered old CCG director, wasn't the only one in the room.

To my surprise and dread, there was one of the renowned investigators in the organisation sitting right across the elder.

Iwao Kuroiwa was the 'Rock' of the CCG. A bulky man that could easily make one double-think facing someone of his frame.

"Ryouga-san, thank you for joining us. Please take a seat."

I nodded at the greeting and nodded again towards the older man. Kuroiwa returned it as I sat on the remaining free seat.

"I had been.. urged by a man I trust within our ranks to look in your situation." A shiver went down my spine at the surprisingly composed and regal tone of the elder, an outstanding feat for someone his age. "It is interesting how your results have kept a solid 80/110 score after your former classmate, Juuzou Suzuya, befriended you."

"I..I just stopped giving too much effort to the study and give priorities to other non-study subjects."

Tsuneyoshi raised an eyebrow at my excuse and I felt myself quite reduce under that calculative look. "Indeed?"

It wasn't a question, nor a probe for what I could understand. He.. knew something I didn't?

"The last test, the one you failed, did you knew that it was an official standardised exam, correct?" I nodded at the curious query but kept quiet and opted to also keep my confusion in check. "But I am quite sure you don't know that this is actually the very written exam we offer to those who wish to become Special Class Investigators."

"What?" My surprise was silent as Kuroiwa expressed his shock regarding this detail. "Why did an Academy Student have to deal with this difficult test?"

"A rude individual that has been dismissed after further investigation by the principal but.." The attention was once more back onto me as the director returned to stare at my eyes. "I was quite confused when said individual stated that the test wasn't.. meant for you in particular, Ryouga-san."

I gulped nervously, realising where this was all going to end into. My little switch trick had been seen and... it was time to show my cards and come clean somehow.

"Sir, I couldn't let-" "I find the matter insignificant to the reason behind today's meeting. Still.. your loyalty is duly noted in future situations."

"I think that I should deliver the news, Tsuneyoshi-dono." The Special Class Investigator stated calmly while glancing at me. News? What news?

"It has reached Tsuneyoshi-dono's ears that you are missing a mentor because Arima-san is busy with his duties with Squad 0. We have come to the conclusion that it's best for you to have a temporary mentor to led you while Arima is away."

I blinked at those words, understanding the logic behind them as.. working under multiple senior leaders might compromise my current capacity to try and build a cohesive tactic for myself and possible teammates.

"That is why I accepted the proposition." My eyes stared at the smiling Kuroiwa in surprise.

Wasn't.. wasn't he like going to retire in few years? I could remember people stating that the man had long dismissed the idea of mentoring other individuals other than Ui Koori ended his partnership with him after his promotion to Associate Special Investigator.

"Sir, I don't mean any disrespect but.. weren't you vocal in not going to have any apprentice?"

The man looked surprised but his smile didn't vanish nor reduce at the question.

"I suppose I had said something along those lines. But I am also able to change any past promises, at least of those of this kind."

That... was curious, to say the last.

"I can see how that upgrade could work." Kuroiwa nodded as I explained to him about my plans regarding Yukimaru.

He had told me how he had worked on improving some Quinques with some Investigators that shared the growing idea of bettering what we already had in our arsenals.

Soon the sound of clashing and grunts of pain started to slowly reach our ears and I blinked mid-sentence in confusion. "We are.. near the training centre?"

"Indeed." The man replied calmly. "I want to know about your capacities first-hand and I know my former apprentice is currently sparring this time of the day."

...Iwao Kuroiwa wanted me to face Ui Koori?

A model investigator to many that started from the beginning, the feminine-looking young man is a legendary figure in the CCG.

Some had compared his growth much to how Arima himself was at his age.

Cordial to his colleagues, Koori was a fierce fighter and incredibly renowned for the high number of cases concluded under his leadership.

We finally reached the large room that was dedicated to workouts, gym exercise and sparring and I could already see the origin of the incredibly loud noises as I saw Koori facing...

Wait, is that Takizawa?

It was quite surprising seeing the brown-haired young man that had been my classmate. He still had the same scaredy expression he had during training sessions at the Academy... seems like things never change after all.

"Kuroiwa-san, we weren't expecting you today."

A formal dressed man stepped towards us with a restrained smile. Houji Kousuke.

"It's good to see you too, Kousuke. Seems like your junior partner is having fun."

I had to bit down a chuckle as I saw the aforementioned man released another panicked yelp as he barely dodged a strike from his opponent's wooden spear.

"He is a work-in-progress and.." He seemed to finally notice me as he frowned at me. "A new student, Kuroiwa-san?"

"A temporary one." A sigh left the older man's mouth. "He is one of Arima's."

"Interesting." He nodded my way and I returned it with a shake of my head.

"Iwaccho, it's been ages." I recognised the man walking behind Houji as Shinohara Yukinori, the investigator that was mentoring Juuzou. "And you brought.. Ryouga Kaizo, correct?"

I blinked in surprise at being recognised. "Y-Yes?"

"Juuzou couldn't help but cite you once in a while during our cases." And that was.. concerning for some reason.

"Did he do something.. extreme, Shinohara-san?" He smiled but I could see some lying ready to be delivered.

"Just some misunderstanding regarding how to deal with Ghouls. He is quite.. creative."

Goddangit Juuzou. At least I hope the mutilation had been at acceptable levels...

"He is like that. If he starts to get troublesome, just remind him about Rule 12."

"Rule 12?" At his confusion I sighed tiredly.

"I have created 35 rules for Juuzou to respect without hesitation. Rule 12 is about 'There is time to be childish but there is time to be serious' and, by reminding him that, he should fuss less than he would without citing the rule."

"Understood and thank you for this warning." The man returned to his old friend. "So what led you here today, Iwaccho?"

"I had plans to see how Ryouga-san do in a fighting situation. I wanted to test him with Koori but.. I think he will be too much strained even through his opponent is quite new in this context."

The fellow investigator nodded as Houji merely stared blankly at the spar, trying to understand how he should work with who had fallen upon him.

"I could replace Koori-san if it is truly important." His smile widened and I felt a distinct sensation of dread starting to slowly rise within me. "I want to see myself how Kaizo-san work under pressure."

I... I just got frigged.

Nevertheless the spar had been quite an interesting eye-opener... especially about how easily a hit from a wooden axe can get bruises on its opponent.

Let's just say that beyond the pity from my temporary mentor I had also got a new training regime to bolster my current capacity to fight.

AN

IWA! Also Tsuneyoshi is intrigued by Kaizo.. but why? Will be explained but... slowly and steadily thorough various chapters..

Next is: Case 2 - Dance of Shadows