To everyone who have been waiting for so long, sorry to kept you waiting. Due to my calling as a writer taken to a whole new level of engagement, that means less time to create fan-fics. However, I am grateful to my fan-fic fans who have stayed with me. Your input helped my skills as a writer grow to the point that I now possess a real professional career because of fan fiction. Thankfully, I have enough time to complete my crossover fan-fic trilogy that all of you came back for. I hope all of you are just as stoked as I am to see the finale of Kuzuri. Since this fan-fic is on a manga sequel, this will be treated as such. This fan-fic will also have two arcs. Also, the source of the fan-fic is the manga (that goes without saying). Without further ado, HERE WE GO!
Mutants. Once upon a time, they were feared by humans. Treated as if they were the demons of mythology made flesh. Despite mutants wanting to be left either alone or treated with dignity, the humans hunted them down, determined to erase this breed of life. However, a critical discovery made the humans realize that it is not the mutants they must fight against. For there was a greater threat that they must defend themselves against.
Slipping through the crowds, feeding on their flesh; this species takes on the guise of humanity, but in reality, are far removed from it. They live on the corpses of humanity, for survival. They are called…Ghouls
KuzuRe;
Arc 1: gain
Chapter 01 – Start: The Hunt
Tokyo, Japan. By day, it was no different from any other metropolis on earth. People either went to school, to work, or to goof off. At night, the city was alight with neon signs, large electronic billboards, or streetlights keeping the streets lit for cars and people passing. It was only when at night, where there are places where the dark covers everything that makes people fear the worst. At one Tagami Park, things went quite grisly for one unsuspecting victim. So grisly, that an organization called the GCB had to intervene. One Investigator looked at the victim under the tarp forensic scientists set up earlier.
"Another victim without a torso…"
"It's him?"
"Yeah…it's Torso…Let's I.D. the victim."
Unbeknownst to the Investigators, a nearby vehicle parked near the crime scene. Inside was a driver seemingly satisfied with himself.
xxxxxx
Main Office, 1st ward
At a secretary desk, a young Investigator was doing a recording for any and all individuals who entered the Main Office building.
"Although ghouls appear to be human, they possess unique predatory organs which enable them to devour human flesh as they feed on it to survive. This is what makes them the enemies of humanity. It is the job of the GCB to investigate and solve any ghoul-related crime…as well as to kill any and every ghoul in sight."
The young Investigator finished, gaining praise of the secretary.
"That's perfect, Yashida. I'm sorry to keep you. I know you're busy."
"It's all right. The GCB does have to maintain a good relationship with the public. Especially after two years ago…"
"Yes…"
Said the secretary in a nervous tone. Yashida then asked,
"Is Investigator Madou here?"
"She just stepped out."
"What time is it now?"
"About…19 minutes past noon."
"Thank you."
As Yashida left, the secretary asked,
"Do you know where she is?"
"Yeah. She's at her usual curry place."
"Is that what Investigator Madou have every day?"
"No, that's because they offer free naan on Tuesday."
In the medical office on the 12th floor, a young Investigator by the name of Toru Mutsuki sat as the attending physician withdrew some of his blood from his left arm as part of his monthly checkup. Toru wore a long-sleeved green shirt, black pants, and a yellow tie. What distinguished him was his white medical eyepatch. The young Investigator expressed displeasure at the sight of blood.
"At some point Mutsuki, you have to get over your displeasure of blood if you want to make it as an Investigator."
"I can't help it. Whenever I see blood…but I'm trying however I can. I don't want to disappoint Yashida-sensei any further…"
"What about the rest of your friends? So far, your squad leader is the only one who showed up for his monthly exams."
"Well, you should know the team by now. They're all off doing their own thing."
Mutsuki then rolled his left sleeve down and put on his white coat. The physician then said,
"Tell Yashida I said hello."
As Mutsuki walked on, he spoke to himself about how the rest of them are most likely acting.
"Urie and Shirazu are definitely Investigating by themselves, Saiko overslept again…damn it, how can we work together like Sensei wants us to?"
Just then, Mutsuki bumped into one of the members of Hirako Squad. Two of the members stared at Mutsuki as he bowed while apologizing for his actions.
"I'm sorry, sir."
As Mutsuki ran far from them, one of the squad members asked,
"He's from that new unit, right?"
"Little candy-ass…They're the ones who's supposed to give us a run for our money? What a friggin joke."
One of the squad members, Kuramoto Itou (who always seemed to have his eyes closed), eased some of the hostility.
"Hey now. We're all on the same side. Plus, they have you-know-who as their leader."
One of the squad members asked,
"So, why is it that guy is leading them?"
"Well…who knows what our superiors are thinking?"
xxxxxx
At the curry shop where Madou was eating, she asked Yashida,
"Haise, do you know what others are saying about our unit?"
Pausing at first, Yashida answered,
"I think the official description goes "For all the fanfare over their formation, Quinx squad have not made any achievements to justify their existence…""
"In other words… "Madou's daughter and her team are an embarrassment to the GCB." That's what they're saying about us…"
"I admit, out scores are behind Hirako's squad…"
After taking another bite of her curry naan, Madou says,
"Haise…three years ago, you joined our organization at the recommendation of Kisho Arima."
"Yes ma'am. I remember how he found me…"
Three years ago
Tokyo was still recovering from the attempted D'Ken Invasion of Earth. Although most of the people who died came back, the damage left behind by the Shi'ar battle androids were yet to be addressed. Construction workers all over the city labored day and night to restore the city to its previous state. While the people recovered their mental scars from the attack, which left them less willing to go out at night. It gave both law enforcement and the doves enough free time to recover as well. The only ones who did continue to go out after dark were the criminal element of the city. Specifically, underground fights. A lot of warehouses that held said fights miraculously went unscathed. With homes lost to the invasion, a lot of people went to these underground fights to raise any money to find new homes in the city. However, for one such individual, his concern was of another matter. His name was Haise Yashida, known is the ring as Gin no Tsume (Silver Claw). Once he stepped into the ring, blood was expected from him. By day, he was a good homeschooled student. By night, he was an unstoppable force only the most reckless fighters dared to challenge. He only wore a pair of black sweatpants on the ring. No shirt, no shoes, no mercy. His reward after the fight was not money but alcohol…and marijuana. It was one fateful night that one fighter stood up to take the challenge. The MC that day made the announcement just as Haise finished another fighter.
"LADIES, GENTLEMEN, AND EVERYONE ELSE IN BETWEEN! We have a new challenger to take on Gin no Tsume!"
The crowd cheered as Haise scoffed and said to himself,
"I pity the dumbass that steps up here…"
As Haise took one last puff of the marijuana joint he had one of his fans hold for him, the challenger step onto the ring as the MC announces,
"Weighing at 210 pounds, don't let that calm face fool you! He's lean, he's mean, and just got off work at the GCB! His name is…ARIMA!"
The crowd booed at Arima as he stepped into the ring. Arima, in the physical sense, was a lot like Haise. He possessed a slim, but well-built figure. Before he stepped into the right, he took off his work shirt, coat, black socks and shoes and left it to one of his companions who were by his side. All he wore now were his work pants and a white undershirt. Haise sees three people that came with him. Two men, both serious-looking but one had a bob cut, and a pink-haired woman with a cheerful expression on her face. Haise thought,
"Cheerleaders?"
(play The Best – AWOLNATION)
As Arima stepped toward the center of the ring, he noticed the smell of marijuana from Haise and asked,
"You sure you wanna smoke that before our fight?"
Haise gave a soft chuckle before replying,
"I do my best work when I'm high."
Arima simply said,
"Have it our way, then."
Both opponents stared at each other before a loud buzz signaled the start of the match. Haise took a boxer stance, as did Arima. Both slowly approached each other while maintaining said stance. Haise threw the first punch, to which Arima dodged. However, the punch turned out to be a feint as Haise aimed his other arm downward to punch Arima in the right face cheek. Arima reacted by performing a side flip to avoid the punch. Arima then right back to an upright position and went back on the offensive. Haise took the punches as he retaliated every time Arima threw a punch. Soon, both started kicking to increase their chances of winning the fight. While Arima remained a calm demeanor during the fight, Haise grew increasingly frustrated at the fact that his opponent landed more blows on him than he on Arima. Arima notices this and says to him,
"Getting tired over there?"
Haise could not fully comprehend his emotions, but what he did know was a rising fire within him.
"Is it because I've been fighting scrubs that when I fight someone who can actually kick my ass that I wanna run? No…it's the opposite…"
Haise felt the urge to release something that was inside of him. Something that slept inside of him for too long. Haise mentally allowed to let the sensation to encompass his body. Arima, alongside his guests, felt it as well to varying degrees. Since Arima was closer to Haise, he felt the sudden bloodlust emanating from the young man. Being in the proximity of such a sensation made his own act up as well. Arima felt this way only once in his life. For Haise Yashida to summon this feeling again, assured him of the decision he now fully committed to. Both stood ready to viciously tear each other apart. Haise rushed toward Arima with almost blinding speed. Arima, however, stayed calm as he deflected the straight jab aimed at his face. Arima then delivered a flurry of punches at either Haise's face or chest areas. The crowd were at awe at how the opponent of Gin no Tsume maintained a calm demeanor while brutally giving his opponent any opportunity for retaliation. Save for the three individuals who accompanied Arima to the ring. For them, this was the man for whom they had nothing but respect for. The only thing that surprised them this evening was how Arima's opponent possessed something to bring out this side of Arima. The last punch Arima gave had enough power to force Haise to the other end of the ring. The crowd cheered at this development as the MC commented,
"Amazing! Looks like killing ghouls makes Arima have what it takes to give Gin no Tsume a run for his money!"
Just then, Arima notices the bruises he gave Haise seemed to disappear. The MC comments on this as well.
"Uh-oh! I may have spoken too soon."
Arima's guests noticed this as well. One of them says,
"Hirako, are you seeing this?"
"Yes…"
They see Haise's injuries healing by themselves.
"Looks like Arima was right…He is alive…"
Said the pink-haired individual. Arima resumed his fighting position, aware of what came next. Haise arched his arms…
SNIKT! SNIKT!
And metal claws quickly emerged from his knuckles. The crowd stood silent, utterly floored at the appearance of the claws in question. The MC shared what the audience felt as well.
"I don't believe it…but it's plain as day! PEOPLE, THE KUZURI IS-!"
(end music)
The audio was cut as smoke bombs rained from the ceiling. They exploded on contact with the floor as smoke filled the building. The people instantly scrambled for the exit. Hirako and the other two Investigators went to Arima's side.
"Arima, are you alright, sir?"
"Yes Ui. Do any of you see him?"
"No sir. He seemingly escaped during the chaos."
"Not to worry. Ihei."
Addressed Arima to the pink-haired individual. Ihei took out her smartphone and made contact with the small squad keeping an eye on the cars parked on the left side of the warehouse.
"This is Investigator Ihei. Any movement?"
"Yes, Investigator. We saw a black Sedan moving just before the commotion. We saw two individuals entering the vehicle before everyone else got out. Is Investigator Arima okay?"
"Yes he is. Where is the vehicle heading now?"
"One moment…"
The Investigator in the car checked his phone GPS to check the route the black Sedan was on.
"It's still in the area, and it's heading toward the route we blocked earlier."
"Good. I'll transfer you to Hirako."
Ihei gave her phone to Hirako as he gave the order.
"As soon as the Sedan reaches the blockade, box it in."
"Yes sir."
As Hirako hung up and gave Ihei her phone back, he gives Arima his shirt and coat back before asking,
"Sir… if it is him, how did he come back?"
"We'll find out after we meet him."
In the Sedan, Haise was being attended to by a seemingly-young woman with long burgundy hair. She wore a coat with a brown soft collar, a black shirt underneath a black leather jacket, a plaid skirt, black and red knee-high socks and black lace-up boots. She asked,
"Are you hurt anywhere?"
"I'm fine, Yukio. I heal fast."
"Good."
She then punched Haise in his left arm.
"Ow! What the hell?!"
"What were you thinking?! Exposing your claws like that! Do you realize how many people were ready to post it on their social media?! DO YOU?!"
"I DIDN'T MEAN IT!"
"Doesn't matter! If Harada wasn't ready, you would've been exposed!"
"It's not like the worst thing to happen-"
Harada stopped the car abruptly. Yukio asked,
"What happened now?!"
"Blockade."
All of them witnessed men in suits carrying attaché cases. Haise was ready to face these men, but Yukio stopped him.
"Stay here."
"Yukio, I can take them!"
"Stay!"
"We'll handle this."
Said Harada as he grabbed his katana. Yukio had hers as well, and exited the car. Both faced the individuals with katanas in hand. It was only when Arima arrived that the possibility of a fight decreased.
"I am Special Investigator Kisho Arima. I only want to talk."
Current day
Haise sighed at how much of a mess that night turned out to be. Madou continued.
"Since then, your performance in the Academy was all but perfunctory due to your advanced abilities in self -defense and academics. All that was needed sharpening were your investigation skills. A year in the field, without a partner I might add, with a ghoul count enough to make any 2nd class Investigator jealous of you compelled the top brass to consider you an asset to the organization. Enough to make you the leader of the Quinx squad."
Haise sighed once more before saying,
"That name needs a reboot, bad."
Madou flicked Haise's forehead.
"Focus."
She took one bite before resuming.
"Director Washuu put you there for one reason: to cultivate an Investigator that will surpass Arima."
Haise mentally recounted why Arima was considered the pinnacle of an GCB investigator
"Special Investigator, AKA the highest rank of the GCB, countless achievements, no wonder everyone thinks he's practically the Japanese Steve Rogers."
Madou continued.
"You do know about why that has to happen?"
"Yes ma'am…in addition to the regular ghouls we have to keep an eye out for, there's also Aogiri. They've been recently been engaging in bolder strategies than those in the past."
"Exactly."
Madou took another bite of her curry.
"Despite our victory over…that other organization, the GCB has yet to restore the public's confidence. One of those ways is to develop new officers that will rival Arima. The Quinxes are a way to up our arsenal, a force to represent our capacity to take on not only ghouls, but other kinds of threats."
"Like the Shi'ar?"
"Among other things."
Madou finished her meal before resuming.
"In order to train an investigator that will surpass Arima, you have to make that achievement yourself."
"Maybe when pigs fly…"
Madou could tell that Haise still had some self-confidence issues to work out.
"By the way, Investigator Arima has a message for you. 'I finished the book you lent me. When should I give it back?'"
"He's doesn't have to do that. I mean, I bet he's so busy…"
"Maybe he just wants to see you. It has been a while."
"Didn't think he was capable of emotions like that…"
"He's not stoic 24/7, you know."
"…I'll go see him when things have settled down."
As Haise got up from his seat opposite of Madou, she says to him,
"Yashida. You didn't receive this command for nothing. I have high expectations for the ace of Madou squad. So don't let me down, now."
Haise nodded before leaving. As he made his way back to where Yukio and Harada waited for him, one of the squad members called out for him.
"Sensei!"
Haise saw Mutsuki approaching him.
"Mutsuki."
"How are you doing today?"
"Just fine. Did you see Doctor Shiba?"
"I did…I…almost passed out again…"
Mutsuki nervously chuckled at that last comment before Haise asked,
"How's our current case?"
"Well…Urie and Shirazu…are off conducting their own investigations…They're looking into…I think called, Torso…?"
That last word shocked Haise.
"WHAT?!"
That last outburst had both Harada and Yukio concerned.
"Torso was ranked-A if I recall…Those two are still green…"
"Have you heard from the two of them?"
Asked Haise to Mutsuki.
"I couldn't reach them…"
"Get in the car, now!"
"R-R-Right!"
Mutsuki got in the car where Harada and Yukio waited for Haise. Yukio asked,
"What's going on?"
"I have to go back to the main office and get some files from a certain squad."
"What squad?"
"The one in charge of the Torso investigation."
"Is that a ghoul you're hunting?"
Haise mentally cursed himself for what he was going to do next.
"Yukio, in. Harada, drive."
Harada simply nodded to Haise's command. During the drive, Haise asked Mutsuki,
"Where's Saiko?"
"I spoke to her when I left…I think she had a late-night last night…"
"Fine. I'll speak to her when I get back…"
When everything was quiet, Yukio asked Haise,
"So, how dangerous is this Torso ghoul?"
Haise sighed before replying,
"I can't tell you much."
"Then just answer this one question. Is this Torso dangerous enough to kill two rookie investigators with ease?"
Haise replied with one word.
"Yes…"
"Then that is enough…One more question."
"Yes?"
Said Haise in a slightly agitated tone of voice.
"How are you going to get these case files?"
"I was going to get them from the Investigators."
"Will they cooperate with you so easily?"
"They should…"
"It is not wise to plan on what-ifs."
Said Harada, to which Yuko elaborated,
"Harada is right. Consider where you are. This squad you are leading, it's new right?"
"Yeah…"
"You haven't gained the time needed to establish trust with the other squads yet. Therefore, there is a less likely chance they'll give you what you need from them."
Haise looked down in discouragement. Yukio then says,
"And begging will cut your chances to almost zero…"
"Wait, how did you…"
Haise made a guess.
"Your ability, I take it?"
Mutsuki was curious as to what kind of ability Yukio possessed.
"No ability."
Yukio rubbed Haise's hair in a playful manner.
"You're just that easy to read."
Haise groaned at how transparent he was to her.
"Besides, it doesn't work that way."
Haise explained the reason behind his train of thought.
"…I don't want Urie and Shirazu in danger. I don't want my squad mates to die because of my incompetence."
"Then try another way. Are the case files the only resource of information you need?"
Haise took a moment to think.
"There should be daily reports at the main office."
"Then do that."
Said Yukio before the group eventually made it to the main office. Mutsuki was the first to get out of the car.
"I'll ask the front desk for the daily report, sensei."
"Thank you, Mutsuki. And Yukio…"
"There is no need. Just do your job right."
xxxxxx
(nighttime)
A taxi stops to pick up a passenger. The driver asked,
"Where to?"
"The Ghoul Countermeasures Bureau, please."
The passenger was Kuki Urie, a 2nd rank Investigator. He wore the typical Investigator attire. What made him distinctive was that he had a pair of moles close to his right eye.
"Seriously?"
"Is there a problem?"
"No…It just not a lot of people go there, that's all…"
Urie sat, not speaking a word.
"Kids these days…no respect."
Urie kept on riding taxis during the night. However, his wallet indicated that may come to an end as he rode the next one.
"Where to?"
Asked the taxi driver.
"Nishi Park."
"I'm almost out of cash…Worst case, I'll show my credentials. Might give me a free ride."
Urie spotted a sign that displayed both the name of the taxi driver, Akira Kobayashi, and his hobby on his time off. What the hobby was surprised Urie.
"Making sweets?"
"Excuse me?"
"Your hobby."
"Oh right…Not something most cab drivers put, but I don't mind. My favorite pastry are cream puffs."
"You bake them yourself?"
"Oh yes. Nothing like a cream puff fresh out of the oven."
"Sounds good…"
"I actually baked some today. The process is so soothing, it's almost addictive. You should try it."
Behind the taxi, a motorcyclist followed them as the cab went into an underpass.
"Stop here."
"You sure…?"
Urie then lifted his left leg and placed it on the driver's right shoulder.
"Your lies might fool your customers, but not someone like me."
Urie showed his credentials to the cab driver.
"I have a keen sense of smell. Despite you washing it off, I know you're covered in blood."
The driver slammed his foot on the brakes and crashed into a nearby wall in the underpass. Urie was then forced out of the taxi, but quickly recovered with his attaché case in hand.
"Torso attacks cover a wide range. He travels by car, and is familiar with the streets. Signs point to him being a taxi driver. Is it him, at last?"
Just then, Uri briefly saw something aimed at his neck. He dodged it by a narrow inch.
"So, he brought out his kagune…tougher than steel and can change shape as the user wishes."
The taxi driver eyes turned black and red as he set his sights on Urie.
"You smell scrumptious, Mr. Investigator!"
The cab driver's kagune moved freely and quickly to hit Urie, but the young investigator was faster than the driver expected.
"If that's not bad enough, ghouls also have hardened skin, self-regeneration, and are stronger than the usual human…"
The driver's kagune struck again, this time slicing the attaché case Urie had in half.
"Damn, he trashed my quinque…Oh well. I'll just practice something else I got against this bastard…"
"URIE!"
Just then, Ginshi Shirazu made the scene. Shirazu was one of the more rambunctious members of the Quinxes. He had mid-length blonde hair, and his teeth always seemed to be sharpened. He wore a dark green jumpsuit instead of the usual uniform, as well as a pair of goggles and a helmet. How he arrived was by motorcycle.
"URIEEEE!"
"Great. That's all I need. A pain in the ass."
"Investigator Shirazu. Your attack also hit me."
"Well, you should've done something about that if you used your quinque. Where is it? ~"
Urie, as usual, was annoyed by Shirazu.
"Serious, you're the squad leader and you lose your weapon that fast?"
Kobayashi noticed the other Investigator alongside the one he tried to kill.
"Another box-carrier? Whatever!"
Kobayashi attacked with his kagune again, but this time aimed it toward Shirazu. The attack was successful as Shirazu was pierced through the chest by the kagune in question. At that moment, Shirazu seemingly died.
"Rest in peace."
Urie shifted his attention back to Kobayashi.
"Now, where were we? Right…I was gonna kill you."
Kobayashi laughed before saying,
"What can you do empty-hand-"
Just then, Kobayashi felt as if somebody grabbed ahold of his kagune.
"What the hell?!"
"HI THERE!"
Said Shirazu as he gave Kobayashi the finger. The ghoul noticed something else.
"Only one of his eyes turned red."
Urie explained as summoned his kagune.
"We Quinxes use your powers."
Urie's kagune was a large left arm guard with a sword formed at the hand section. Urie not only pierced the ghoul's stomach, but also tore apart the kagune of said ghoul. Kobayashi fell to the ground, seemingly dead. Shirazu got up and spoke with Urie.
"He's my catch."
"I found him first. All you did was follow me."
"It's about how much we give to the mission. That hit was, like, more than half from me."
Just then, Kobayashi jumped up and attempted to attack the two Investigators. However, the ghoul was promptly stopped at Haise arrived at the scene, with his metal claws piercing the ghoul's chest. The ghoul struggled to kill Haise, but Haise removed his right arm from the ghoul's chest, and pierced its neck. He then sliced upwards, effectively killing the ghoul. Mutsuki, Harada, and Yukio watched from afar. Haise then removed the dead ghoul from his remaining claw, and turned around to face both Urie and Shirazu, his claws still dripping with the blood of the ghoul.
"Never let your guard down."
SNIKT!
Haise retracted his claws to lecture Urie.
"I told you not to act alone."
"But still, we got him. We just closed the Torso case."
Haise sighed before replying,
"Somehow, I doubt it…Report back to the house."
Urie said nothing but Shirazu responded,
"Got it, Mr. Yas."
The Quinxes started to walk back, but Haise stopped them by saying,
"I brought a ride with me."
Haise pointed to where both Harada, Yukio, and Mutsuki were as they stood by the car. Shirazu says,
"T-Thanks, Mr. Yas. Urie, you coming?"
"…I'll think I'll just walk back."
Harada drove the car as Yukio sat in the front passenger seat. Haise, Shirazu, and Mutsuki sat in the back together. Haise looked out the window as he lamented his role as leader.
"Quinxes are an experimental unit. Humans given Kagune implants to face ghouls on an equal level. Leading them…is me."
xxxxxx
(GCB Headquarters, 1st ward)
Haise visited the doctor who oversaw Mutsuki's monthly checkup yesterday. He finally managed to get the rest of his team for their checkups as well. The doctor gave the results to Haise.
"All right. Here they are. 902 for Urie, 850 for Yonebayashi, 920 for Shirazu, and…655 for Mutsuki."
"Thank you."
"Urie and Shirazu have used their powers recently?"
"Yesterday night."
"Explains why their numbers were high."
"You think I should tell them not to use their Kagunes outside my supervision?"
"Well…we're still researching everything about Quinxes. Just tell them not to rely on their powers too much. On the flip side, Mutsuki is performing at the same level as a human, which is not looking great for the plan overall."
"Yes, I noticed…for example, his kakugan is active all the time. He simply can't control it."
"In the end, what matters is he is like a ghoul instead of an actual one."
The doctor noticed his words may have come off as insensitive.
"My apologies."
"It's fine, really. I have to attend a meeting."
"One more thing. Tell Investigator Yonebayashi to watch her weight."
"Got it."
As Haise left the office, the doctor looked over Haise's health record. Specifically, his record as a mutant.
xxxxxx
In a meeting room, a briefing was held. Meeting were the Shimoguchi, Hirako, and Madou squads.
"Although the ghoul Madou squad encountered wasn't Torso, subsequent investigations discovered that this one had quite a few kills on his belt."
Said Hirako. One of the Shimoguchi squad members replied,
"Just to remind you, we're on the Torso case. So, stay in your lane."
Shimoguchi then says,
"Still, the fact that you killed him with your claws shows that your killer instinct hasn't dulled…"
"I don't take pleasure in the killing if that's what you mean…"
"What? You saying you hate killing ghouls?"
"What I'm saying…when I kill ghouls, it's for good reason."
Shimoguchi detected a certain emotion in Haise's words.
"Is that regret I hear?"
Haise then shifted his tone of voice to one brimming with anger.
"It's sure as hell of a lot better than sadism."
One of Shimoguchi squad stood up.
"You trying to start something, mutant?!"
"ENOUGH!"
Yelled Hirako. Shimoguchi signaled his teammate to stand down.
"The Torso investigation will be a joint operation between Shimoguchi and Madou squad."
Shimoguchi reluctantly accepted Hirako's orders.
"Hirako squad will continue the investigation of Orochi. This concludes the meeting."
Each squad left the room. As Haise walked behind Akira, he says to her,
"Sorry for how I acted back there, Investigator Madou."
"Yashida…"
Akira punched Haise in the gut. Haise got down on his knees due to the pain.
"You can't show displeasure of killing ghouls. I know you have an inherent gentle nature, but there's a time and a place for that. That accusation back there…it was almost as if you were defending ghouls."
Haise got up as he recovered from the pain
"You already died once. Don't make a habit of it."
Haise looked down. As Madou walked away, she says to him,
"Let's get everything we can on Torso. Start by getting a physical description of him."
"Yes ma'am…"
As Haise made his way to the lobby, Investigator Itou saw him and called for him.
"Yashida!"
Haise heard his last name being called, and sees Itou running towards him.
"Investigator Itou."
"Yep, that's me! Although you can call me Kuramoto. Being formal is such a mouthful sometimes, right?"
"…Right."
"Mind if I call you Haise?"
"Sure. Although if I may be honest, both of your names sound like last names."
"They sure do."
"By the way, your squad is taking on Orochi? What kind of ghoul…sorry. I shouldn't ask."
"Nah, it's fine. We should be sharing more information anyways."
Haise listened to what Itou said about Orochi.
"We've tracked him for weeks, but haven't pinned him down yet. A team led by an Assistant Special Investigator handled his one, but he died. Alongside his entire team. That's how Hirako squad got the job."
"Wow…"
"That's not even the interesting part. It looks like he's hunting ghouls."
That last part shocked Haise.
"Internal turmoil?"
"Maybe. Either way, he's rated S. That means he's no joke. On the plus side, taking him down means a sweet-ass promotion."
As Itou walked away, he says one last thing to Haise.
"It'll be a cold day in hell before I fall behind you or Akira."
As Itou walked away, Haise made a call.
"Yukio, it's me…I'll be staying at the Chateau tonight…it's for work…tell great-grandfather I'm sorry for missing dinner."
xxxxxx
(nighttime)
Two ghouls fought on an industrial crane. One wore a bird-like mask as he laid the floor. He asked the other ghoul,
"Are you the Orochi…?!"
"Is that they're calling me? What a joke…"
"Why are you after us?"
"I don't have to justify myself to a scrub like you…but I do have one question. You know a ghoul named Torso?"
"N-N-No…"
"All right then…"
xxxxxx
Mutsuki was all by himself tonight. He wondered what to make tonight. Until he heard the door open.
"Urie?"
"Nope it's me."
"Sensei!"
Replied Mutsuki with a tone of glee in his voice.
"Where is everybody?"
"Urie and Shirazu left to find more leads on Torso."
Haise sighed before asking,
"And Saiko?"
"She's in her room."
"Did you eat something…?"
Haise looked to see a plastic bag with a convenience store logo.
"How long have you been eating that?"
Mutsuki was embarrassed when Haise noticed the convenience store food he bought earlier.
"For…quite a…"
Haise sighed again before saying,
"I am cooking tonight."
"Sensei, you don't have to. Really."
"Mutsuki, you need proper food."
"But what about…"
"I called Yukio. I told her I was staying here tonight."
Mutsuki was speechless at the thought of Haise wanting to spend time at the Chateau instead with his family. He witnesses Haise going through the refrigerator to look for food to cook with. Eventually, Haise was on the oven, cooking. What he made looked appetizing to Mutsuki.
"This looks amazing, Sensei!"
"Dig in."
As Mutsuki ate with glee, Haise got up from his seat to call for Saiko.
"Saiko! Dinner!"
"…okay…"
As Haise went back to the dinner table, a random memory came to him. It was one of two girls, one about his age and another younger than him, eating steak and enjoying it. Haise looked out of it for a while. Much to Mutsuki's concern when he saw Haise acting strangely.
"Sensei, you alright?"
Haise snapped himself back to reality.
"…Fine. Nothing to worry about."
xxxxxx
Meanwhile, in another part of Tokyo, Urie and Shirazu met in front of a restaurant. Shirazu asked,
"So Urie, why'd you want to meet here?"
"You heard what Yashida said. We have to act like a team, right?"
"Yeah, but I get the feeling that you don't like working with him."
"…You're right. I intend to find Torso and get a promotion for it. After that, I going to join S3 squad."
"What's S3?"
"You're better off not knowing. When we find Torso, don't get in my way."
That last comment made Shirazu angry.
"Who the hell gave you permission to order me around?"
"I am squad leader…idiot."
Urie could tell Shirazu was ready to fight him. Urie wanted Shirazu to feel that way.
"3rd rank Investigator Shirazu…had to be eliminated after losing control…"
Both activated their kakugan, indicating that both sides stood ready to fight. It was at that moment; the sound of a camera click was heard.
"Investigator Urie?"
Both discovered a small young woman with short hair wearing track clothing. She also carried a camera with her.
"I'm Chie Hori. You've been asking for any information for Torso, right?"
Both were astounded by her presence. A little later, both treated her to a drink and meal at the restaurant from earlier. It was there that Chie presented her driver's license.
"You're 24?"
Asked Urie, to which Shirazu responded,
"She don't look 24…"
Urie groaned at Shirazu's comment.
"Sorry about my partner. What is it that you do, exactly?"
"I'm a freelance photographer, but most of my income comes from being an information broker."
Chie took another sip of her drink.
"It's quite lucrative."
Urie then asked,
"Ms. Hori, how do you know about us and Torso?"
"I can't really say. And you don't have to call me miss. Just Chie is fine."
'Well, Chie…you don't seem to understand the position you're in. GCB investigations are classified, especially to the public. If there's a leak, then there's a problem. We even have the authority to force you to disclose your source."
Chie took a couple of bites of her meal before saying,
"Well, if that's what you gotta do, fine. But that just means I'll just say how I got the info and leave."
Chie took a few more bites of meal and another sip of her drink. While Urie and Shirazu felt as they were between a rock and a hard place. Chie then finished her meal and drink before saying,
"How about this: you question me as a witness, then you'll get everything."
Shirazu whispered to Urie,
"Maybe we oughta got for it?"
Urie mentally cursed before agreeing.
"…Fine. You're a witness. Now, how did you-?"
"Before that, let's talk compensation. After all, what I do isn't free."
Urie mentally cursed once more before asking,
"Fine. How much?"
"Well…for this one time, not money."
Perplexed, Urie asked,
"What do you want?"
"A personal item…from Haise Yashida."
Both were astounded at what Chie asked for. Shirazu was a lot more confused than Urie, who was in minor disarray about how Chie knew about Haise.
"She knows about Investigator Yashida?"
"Lately, there have rumors that the Kuzuri resurrected after the alien invasion we had three years ago. Everyone I've talked about this said they had photos of the Kuzuri with his claws out."
"Used to?"
Asked Urie.
"Any and all smart devices were shut down. Their data, lost."
"Really?"
Asked Shirazu in a fascinated tone of voice.
"So why ask of something from Yashida?"
"Because one of the rumors is that the Kuzuri is the young heir to the Yashida Corporation."
Both were surprised by this revelation.
"That's why I'm asking for a possession of Haise Yashida. Something that smells like him."
Shirazu asked bluntly,
"Are you a pervert?"
"One of my clients is a pervert."
Replied Chie, to which Urie asked,
"And do what with it, exactly?"
"It's a gift for one of my models."
Urie was astounded at how Chie was so casual about this.
"…All right. I'll do what I can. But I need you to do your part first."
"Sure thing."
Chie handed to the two half a set of phots featuring crime scenes where Torso struck. The two Investigators left the restaurant to examine the photos.
"Well, we're getting a lot from these photos alone, but we need more."
"Well, we can only get more if we get something from Mr. Yas. Though…do we have to tell Mr. Yas about this?"
"Well, Investigator Yashida is part of the Quinx squad, and we're under his supervision. Depending on how the investigator reports the case to the brass, he could get credit for everything."
Shirazu got angry, but in a way that Urie did not want him to be.
"LIAR! Mr. Yas wouldn't do something like that!"
"And what makes you so sure?"
"Well…if Mr. Yas did used to be the Kuzuri, then he wouldn't do that. That's not the kind of man he is."
Urie sighed at how "childish" Shirazu currently acted.
"Those are just rumors."
"That don't matter! Mr. Yas ain't like that. I trust my gut on this."
"Jesus. He's one of those idiots…"
"Then think about it this way…You need money, right? Then you need a promotion fast."
Shirazu stood silent for a moment due to Urie reminding him why he joined the GCB.
"I did the Quinx procedure cuz we get paid for it. I need money…all the money I can get."
"Then…work for you, and only you."
Shirazu understood what Urie told him.
"Fine…we keep it to ourselves…"
"I'm glad…"
"Easy mark…Now I'm free to do what I want."
xxxxxx
Back at the chateau, Haise explained to Mutsuki why he was stayin at the chateau for the night.
"A physical description of Torso?"
"Yeah. Madou wants us to get one of Torso before Shimoguchi squad does."
"Shimoguchi squad is already struggling with the case? Then, what can we do?"
"I know I'm asking for a lot…but…I think if we can work together, then we can stop Torso before he kills anybody else. If the Quinxes can come together, then we can gain the respect of the rest of the squad."
"Okay…but based on what we've done, I don't think that's something we can get done in one day."
"It's more than respect from the rest of the squads. I want us to embrace teamwork…"
Just then, both Shirazu and Urie entered the chateau. Shirazu was the first to see Haise with Mutsuki.
"Mr. Yas?"
"Hey you two."
Urie was just as surprised to see Haise in the chateau as well. Then annoyed.
"What the hell is he doing here?"
"Haise is staying here for tonight."
Said Mutsuki, to Urie's further annoyance.
"Great. The one place I get a break from him…"
Both Urie and Shirazu sat on the couches near Mutsuki and Haise. Haise then discussed the situation to the two of them.
"So, that's what we're doing now?"
Asked Urie.
"Yes. We've been partnered with Shimoguchi squad to get a physical description of Torso."
Said Haise, to which Shirazu asked,
"How long we got?"
"So far, we haven't got a timeframe yet, but I want us to work together on this. That's why I'm staying here for the foreseeable future."
Urie asked,
"Until we capture Torso."
"Maybe even beyond that."
"What?"
Haise explained himself.
"I've noticed that we haven't been acting like something we've should've been at some point: a team. I want to rectify that. Starting tomorrow, I'll be staying here to act more like your leader. Urie, your position of squad leader hasn't gone away, but I've seen how unwilling to bond with the rest of your squadmates. I want that to change as well."
Urie silently grunted before saying,
"You do what you want, Investigator Yashida. I'll capture and exterminate Torso in a month."
He then walked away from the living room and to his room. Shirazu stood up and says,
"Sorry, Mr. Yas. I believe you…but I gotta done this one by myself…"
Shirazu left as well, leaving Yashida dissatisfied by the results of the conversation.
"God damn it!"
Mutsuki was distraught by Haise's outburst.
"Sir…"
"Okay then…"
Said Haise in a darker tone of voice, which made Mutsuki a little scared.
"If they want to act on their own, fine…that just means…"
SNIKT!
The appearance of Haise's claws made Mutsuki jump a little.
"I have to show them what it means to compete with me. Mutsuki!"
"S-S-SIR!"
"You and I are going to bring in Torso before either Shirazu or Urie! If necessary, we'll bring in Saiko in this!"
"Saiko, sir?!"
"YES! It's about damn time that shut-in pulls her own weight!"
"S-SIR, YES SIR!"
"I'll show those two the consequences of their actions! As well as Investigator Shimoguchi! JUST YOU WAIT, YOU SQUID-MOUTHED BASTARD! BRING OUT ALL THE CASE FILES! WE'RE WORKING OVERTIME!"
Mutsuki quietly said to himself,
"He's lost it…"
xxxxxx
(23rd ward)
Haise (carrying a bag), Mutsuki, and Yonebayashi made it to Cochlea. When they entered, they met the current warden, Investigator Shinme Haisaki.
"Investigator Yashida, Investigator Madou told me you'd be visiting…"
All three Investigators mentally agreed on one thing.
"Creepy…"
Investigator Haisaki guided the three Quinxes to their destination within the prison. During the walk, Investigator Haisaki commented on the Quinxes themselves.
"Human Investigators implanted with quinques…very bold."
"Maman isn't a Quinx."
Said Yonebayashi, to Haisaki's befuddlement. Haise explained.
"It's what she calls me. And…she's correct. I wasn't implanted with a quinque."
"So, what makes you their leader?"
"I'm a mutant."
"Really? Well…having mutants part of our organization can only add to our effectiveness. I remember when we used to have one before you."
"Yes…Investigator Rasputin brought a lot to the organization. It was a bit of a shame that we lost him to the X-Men."
"Indeed…they were certainly a help when Aogiri struck Cochlea. We lost Investigator Misaki. Personally, I hope the Quinxes can make up for it."
Mutsuki was a little nervous being in a prison full of ghouls. Haise felt it and says to him,
"Don't worry about anything bad happening here. The walls are coated with quinque steel, and the ghouls are given RC suppressant to sedate them."
"O-Okay…"
Investigator Haisaki eventually got the Quinxes to their destination. What stood between them were a large set of metal doors that could only be opened by a card scanner on the left side of the doors.
"Just remember…"
"Not to rile him up. I remember."
Investigator Haisaki brought out his card and swiped it to open the door. Behind the door was a booth in the fashion of visitor booths used in prisons. Behind the other side of the glass was a certain ghoul.
"Well, well…Haise Yashida…thank you for saving me from my boredom."
It was revealed to be Donato Porpora, a SS-rank ghoul who once ran an orphanage to eat the orphans given to him for care. What was distinct about him was scar that ran from the base of his neck and up to the right side of his forehead.
"So, where is Investigator Madou?"
"On a different assignment."
"How does it feel to be under the thumb of a woman like her?"
"Well, she's brilliant at her job. So honestly, I can't complain."
Donato laughed mirthlessly before replying,
"Easygoing as ever…"
The ghoul then turned his sights to Mutsuki.
"And who are they? He's clearly young…and appetizing…"
Then on Yonebayashi.
"And her…a little short, but plump…gives her a…juicy disposition…"
Mutsuki felt terror going up his spine when Donato looked at him like a predator looking at its prey. While Yonebayashi felt as if she was on the menu without her permission.
"I'd like to rip open your stomachs and stuff my mouth with your organs…go to town on the both of you…"
For one moment, Mutsuki felt abject horror at the sight of the SS-Rated ghoul. How he casually talks about making a sloppy feast of his entire body. Mutsuki felt like a lamb at the mercy of a ferociously starving wolf. Something he, unfortunately, knew all too well. While Yonebayashi felt her knees shaking under the weight of the fear the ghoul put inside her mind. Fear so heavy, Yonebayashi felt as if she was balancing an elephant on her head. It was then that Haise placed his arms around both Mutsuki's and Yonebayashi's shoulders.
"Easy on my subordinates, will you?"
Donato's demeanor instantly turned from terrifying to pleasant.
"Apologies…anyhow, what brings you here?"
"We're hunting a ghoul. Goes by the name of Torso."
Haise opened the bag he carried with him and brought out a laptop. He showed a map of Tokyo with spots of Torso's crime scene locations.
"Based on the evidence gathered where he struck, his feeding range is about this wide. We believe that he's using a vehicle to get around. His targets, thus far, are women. But what sets this ghoul apart is that he only likes to collect their torsos."
Intrigued, Donato took a while to think before responding,
"Fascinating…"
(pause)
"Understanding the person the ghoul eats enriches the experience. Although each ghoul has their own preferences, what connects most of them is the fact that the head is considered the centerpiece of the meal. It's sort of like…the garnish. For example, the cherry on top of an ice cream sundae. Or the basil leaf on a pasta dish. To disregard the head like that, the ghoul would either have to be either a picky eater or possesses a…certain kind of taste."
Haise took a moment to absorb Donato's observations on the matter before making one of his own.
"What if the reason why he discards the head…is because Torso feels guilty?"
"Hmm…that is a valid reason. As the saying goes, eyes are the window to the soul. To discerning eyes, a face transmits an enormous amount of information."
"A ghoul aware of what's he's done…because…"
Haise took a moment before making the realization.
"He's hiding in plain sight."
Donato smiled, impressed by Haise's deduction skills.
"Precisely. In order to successfully hide in plain sight, he'd have to work in a profession that allows him to meet with other people without them knowing about what he really is. A profession that demands him to be familiar with the layout of the city."
While Mutsuki and Yonebayashi were in thought about the job Torso was employed in, Haise remembered the time Urie gave him a certain pile of receipts for reimbursement.
"Thank you for your insight, Mr. Porpora."
Haise got up from the chair, signaling Mutsuki and Yonebayashi that their talk with Donato finished. The two left the room first, leaving Haise alone with Donato. He says to the Investigator,
"Haise, when you're done, I'd like to talk to you about another matter. Alone, if possible."
Mutsuki asked,
"Sensei, why does the GCB have him alive?"
"Mutsuki's right. He's scary…"
"He's a valuable source of information. That's why we keep him alive. I'm sorry that you two had to experience him like that, but you have to learn how to deal with ghouls like him."
Mutsuki was a little sullen while Yonebayashi asked,
"Maman, what about Torso?"
"He's working as a cab driver."
"Is that how he's getting his victims?"
Asked Mutsuki.
"Urie's already ahead of us."
xxxxxx
(Later that night)
Haise was in a pure white landscape, with the ground almost feeling like water. He hears many voices around him, calling him by another name. Eventually, the voices slowly faded away. However, in its place were giant hands with black fingernails. They went towards him attempting to grab him.
SNIKT!
Haise brought out his claws to slice them down. Initially successful, the hands kept returning to grab ahold of him. Haise continuously, with the knowledge of the futility of his actions in the back of his head. Then, another voice spoke to him. In his own voice.
You're the same as Donato…
Haise continued to defend himself.
You just latched to the closest thing to give your life value.
Haise kept on fighting for his life.
Sooner or later, you'll be left broken. The thing is…
Haise kept fighting until he felt a hand inching closer to his neck.
You've already been judged to be useless. You just don't know it…HAISE!
At that moment, Haise woke up from the couch in the chateau. He rubbed his eyes before getting up. He checked the time on his smartphone, and was surprised it was about three o clock in the morning.
"I remember now… I was reviewing some files…"
Haise looked at the files on the coffee table he placed there earlier. At first, he was disturbed at the dream he had.
"I'll talk about it to the doctor at the next session. For now…"
xxxxxx
Elsewhere, a cab stopped to pick up a passenger waving her hand for a cab. She entered the cab as the driver asked her,
"Where to ma'am?"
"Just drive, please…"
The driver did as the young woman asked. As the cab driver drove, the young woman spoke again.
"Message from the tree…Torso."
And this is where we stop for now. Thank you readers for all your support. Don't worry about future chapters for now. I'll be sure to keep a regular schedule for chapter releases for this arc. However, when I finish said arc, there will be another break. Due to my career as a light novel author finally taking off, I have to relegate my focus. This doesn't mean I'll stop writing fan-fics, it's just I have less time for them. There will be at least, one more Kuzuri fan-fic. After that another crossover fan-fic that's been forming in my mind for some time. For now, there will be more Kuzuri coming your way. Don't forget to share with your friends and leave a review if you want. See you next time.