Hello again. In this chapter, the Bureau continues their hunt for Nutcracker. This prompts the Quinxes to take on an unorthodox method of investigation. Before that could happen, Haise undergoes one of his memory treatments.
Chapter 4 – calculate: A different direction
In a slightly hazy environment, Haise walked around in, what appeared to be, his home. However, some of the furniture seemed dated. As did some of the appliances in the house. As Haise walked on, he found his great grandfather's private study. When he entered, he found two individuals. One of them, sitting on a black lounge chair, he recognized as his great-grandfather. Albeit slightly younger. The other was a man with sideburns and a yellow latex costume with the mask off. In the depths of his mind, Haise knew him to be the Wolverine. His father. As soon as Ichiro looked upon Logan, his face radiated gratitude.
"Kuzuri…"
He softly said.
"You have not changed…but then that is to be expected."
Logan bowed in front of Ichiro.
"For you, Kuzuri, such etiquette is unnecessary."
Logan was a little lost for words. Ichiro coughed a little before speaking again.
"I have…waited many years for this day…when I get to…thank you…"
Logan was initially lost as to what Ichiro talked about. Something he noticed.
"You do not remember me?"
Logan finally realized who he currently spoke with.
"You tried to save my life once…"
"Do you remember then?"
Logan said one word.
"Nagasaki."
In a flash, Haise was now in another location. It was a military base. Imperial Japan, specifically. Haise was initially disoriented by the sudden change. What did not help were the numerous Japanese soldiers running in the direction opposite of where he faced, and the loud alarm blaring all over the base. One, in particular, ran past Haise and went to a pit covered by a manhole. The soldier lifted the manhole covering the pit. Inside the pit was Logan, looking as young as did in the future. The soldier told him to escape. Logan, however, knew what was coming.
"That was a B-52. Ain't no running what's coming, bub."
One of the soldiers yelled "Yashida." Haise thought to himself,
"Great-grandfather?"
"Be right there!"
Logan says to him,
"You're better off down here."
Ichiro looked at his superiors as they took off their uniform jackets and bowed on the ground. As the B-52 could be seen in the sky, Haise had a good feeling what was happening.
"If this is World War 2, then what's happening next…no one is escaping from here alive…"
Yashida saw his superiors bring out their knives. Each of them committed Seppuku. Each of them died before the B-52 dropped something that led to the end of the pacific front of World War II. Yashida saw a great flash of light. A light that stopped him from committing suicide and persuaded him to join Logan in the pit. A massive mushroom-shaped cloud formed as the shockwave of the explosion rapidly destroyed the base. Yashida jumped into the pit with Logan. What came next after the shockwave was the full obliterating force of the atomic bomb. Haise saw this but was not affected by it. Instead, he was back at the study. The conversation between Logan and Ichiro continued with Logan explaining how he recognized his great-grandfather.
"I got myself captured by your unit. Your superiors held me prisoner…until the allies dropped Fat Man. You had the good sense to save yourself. Even though the radiation would affect you, the fire from the explosion would've killed you. I protected you from the fire."
Ichiro gave a small smile.
"And I have been nothing but grateful since that day."
"Yeah well, you were kind enough to give me a chance to escape…and you didn't stop, apparently."
Wolverine looked around until he saw a portrait of Japan from one of its past eras. Ichiro clarified what it meant.
"That painting you see is from the village of my birth. It depicts the bravery and skill of the Black Clan, one of the first practitioners of Ninjutsu. They… used to serve my family for many years."
"Well, I imagine they'd be pretty useful right now."
"Well, I appreciate what the X-Men are doing right now…but I have a…different reason for speaking with you…"
Logan kept listening.
"I understand…that you have lived for quite a long time…far longer than any man should…"
"Well, I don't remember everything…but I did live through a lot of events you can read in the history books."
"Indeed. But I imagine…somewhere in the back of your mind…you know an awful truth…that you are virtually…immortal."
"So what?"
"…Eternity…can be a curse. I imagine it must be a terrible thing to…think on. Living without time. You stay the same, while those you love and care for die around you. If not through tragedy, then old age. Something that doesn't affect you. A man can run out of reasons to live for. Lose a sense of purpose…"
In his mind, Logan admitted that these things did come to his mind time to time.
"This is something I wish to offer you…an end to your eternity."
For a few seconds, Logan was interested in what Ichiro offered. For Haise, he continued to observe the events happening in front of him.
"What's been done to me, I don't think it can be undone."
"Yashida Industries is a lot more capable than what the public knows. My top scientists believe that your healing abilities can be passed on to another."
Logan seemed tempted to take Ichiro's offer.
"I can't."
Ichiro is now dismayed. Before he could speak further, Logan now got a call.
"Cyclops?"
"Wolverine, we got a situation here."
"On my way."
Logan puts his mask back on. Before he left, Ichiro got up and grabbed Logan's left arm.
"Kuzuri, please. Don't refuse my offer."
Logan shook off Ichiro's grip on his arm, and replied,
"You don't want what I got."
Just as Logan left, everything turned to black for Haise.
xxxxxx
Haise jolted up from the hospital bed. At first, he was confused as to where he was. However, Yukio was at his side in case he woke up. She rested on a lounge chair before Haise's awakening woke her as well.
"Haise…"
"Yukio…"
He said as he saw her walking to his side. Haise asked,
"Where am I?"
"Back home. For your treatments?"
Haise took a moment to remember.
"…Right…was I doing anything before?"
"…No…you came here…directly after work."
"I see…what time is it?"
"About half past midnight."
"Really? So late…"
"Haise, if I could make a suggestion…stay here for the night."
"But what about-?"
"I'll make a call to the Chateau. Inform your team that your current treatment took a lot of you."
"…Fine then. I'll head to my room."
As Haise went toward his room, Harada soon joined up with her.
"He doesn't remember Cochlea?"
"No. He believed me. He has no recollection of Donato."
"Master Yashida has received Delta's report. Tonight's procedure went as well as expected."
"No problems, then?"
"All diagnostics indicates that the plan will come to its desired conclusion."
"His desired conclusion."
"Yukio, I know how you feel."
"He's all that remains of her."
"She's dead. Nothing can change that."
"What of it?!"
This mood shift concerned Harada.
"I loved Mariko just as much as you did. He…is her son."
"And his as well…"
Yukio scoffed at the hypocrisy of Harada's unwillingness to stop the memory treatments for Haise's sake.
"Will you honestly let it go?"
"NEVER!"
Yelled Harada, to Yukio's shock.
"Mariko once gave her heart to me. We were once destined for each other. Then he arrived, and everything changed."
"That's not true! And you know it!"
"What do you know?!"
"BECAUSE SHINGEN WOULD NEVER ALLOW IT!"
Harada became silent when Yukio mentioned Shingen.
"Don't you remember why Mariko left? Why she was always sad? It was because Shingen placed her in an arranged marriage, and she was MISERABLE! He constantly cheated on her, and Shingen didn't give a fuck! HE DIDN'T CARE ABOUT HER! And if you honestly loved her, then you would've done what Logan did. But you allowed duty to stop you from following your heart. That's why Logan earned her heart. That's why…Haise is alive."
Harada wanted to rebut Yukio, but he could not. In his heart, he knew the truth. He did not dare to go against Shingen, because he feared it translated to defying Ichiro. All he could do was walk away. Yukio then barked like a puppy, which weirded out Harada. He turned around and wanted to ask why. To which she says,
"That's you."
Harada continued to walk away, knowing Yukio got him to a tee. As Haise continued on to his room, he noticed that he was passing by Ichiro's private study. For reasons unknown to him, he was tempted to step inside. Aside some minor changes, the study seemed to be familiar to him. What caught his attention was a painting. A sort of Japanese tapestry of a battle that may have happened either during or before the Sengoku era. It fascinated Haise nonetheless, as he seemed to be in a dazed state of mind as he stared at the tapestry. Much to Ichiro's concern when he entered his study.
"Haise?"
Haise snapped out of it and turned around to see his great-grandfather on his electric wheelchair near the entrance.
"Great-Grandfather."
"What brings you here?"
"I…"
Haise initially blanked on an answer until he remembered what was behind him.
"The door was a little open, and I saw this."
Ichiro wheeled to where Haise stood.
"It caught my attention and curiosity. I don't think I saw this before."
After a pause, Ichiro explained.
"It is a tapestry depicting the foundation of the Yashida family. Before we became a company, we served the Imperial family for a little over 400 years. We created the first warrior class dedicated to stealth and information gathering."
"Ninja."
"Precisely. This tapestry also shows the village of my birth."
"…Great-Grandfather…did you show this to anyone else?"
Ichiro took a moment to think.
"Only to Harada and Yukio. Perhaps to Shingen in his youth. And of course, Tomoe. Other than that, no one else."
For some reason, Haise did not want to tell his great-grandfather about the dream of his father meeting with him.
"I'm staying here for the night."
"Of course. Good night."
"Good night, great-grandfather."
As Haise went towards his room, Ichiro says to him,
"If Mariko were here, she would be proud of the man you have become."
Haise noticed that his father was left out for some reason.
"Thank you."
xxxxxx
(The next morning)
Harada drove the car to bring Haise back to the Chateau. Yukio was by his side, as usual. Haise was a little out of it much to Yukio's notice.
"Haise, something the matter?"
Haise brough himself back to reality.
"It's nothing. I just wondering about what you and Harada were yelling about."
Yukio slightly blushed when Haise mentioned that.
"It's nothing. Just a friendly argument."
In a playful tone, Haise replied,
"Sounded more like a lover's spat."
Yukio flicked Haise's forehead before grabbing both his face cheeks and stretching them as far as his face could take it.
"I'm going to do this everytime you imply stupid shit like this."
"I'm sor~ry."
The car soon stopped as Harada notified,
"We're here."
Yukio instantly let go of Haise's face. Although his cheeks were still red, Haise stepped out of the car and headed to the Chateau. Before that, Harada spoke with Haise.
"Haise."
Haise turned around to listen.
"Just to let you know, please stop implying that me and Yukio have feelings for each other. For two important reasons. One, I'm not Yukio's type. She likes the pretty boy types you see in host clubs."
"Really?"
"Yes. She's more into flings than long-term relationships. And second. I have only one love in my life. She's…gone now. To this day, no other woman ever compared to her."
Haise was in slight awe over the dedication Harada showed. He then bowed as he said,
"My apologies."
Haise then entered the Chateau before the car left. As he entered, Haise found his team all in the living room. They all turned their attention at the door to see Haise entering. Saiko and Mutsuki instantly ran for the door while Shirazu and Urie stayed at the living room area.
"Maman."
Saiko was the first to reach Haise while Mutsuki talked with Haise shortly thereafter.
"Haise, where were you last night?"
"I was back home for my memory treatments."
"Well, before that, you said you went to Cochlea?"
"I did?"
"Yeah. You wanted more leads about Nutcracker and you went to the Priest for it?"
"You mean Porpora?"
"Yeah. Don't you remember?"
"Sorry."
Both Saiko and Mutsuki were concerned about Haise's state of mind. As did Shirazu, although he was a little subdued about it. Urie, meanwhile, felt that his teammates made a big deal out of something menial.
"Haise, they're not lying. You did confess going to Cochlea last night."
"I do believe them. It's just…"
"The memory treatments, I assume?"
"Yeah. My doctors told me that the treatments would affect my short-term memory, but only for three-quarters of a day."
"You see, you two? Haise's memory will be fine. Right now, let's focus on the job at hand."
"I have to agree with Urie. Every second we spend worrying about me is every second Nutcracker is out there."
Both Saiko and Mutsuki stopped worrying as Urie reminded them of their responsibilities.
"Right. We should, sensei."
Haise sees the table in the living room almost covered in papers and a couple of case files.
"All of you were diligent while I was gone."
Shirazu explained.
"We started this a couple of hours before you came back, Mr. Yas."
"Well, it shows."
Urie explained further.
"We were looking over the sites where Nutcracker tends to hunt her victims."
"Good place to start. What've you discovered?"
Urie took out his tablet and displayed a map of the 13th ward.
"We've learned that Nutcracker is scouting her victims in clubs in the 13th ward. When we took a closer look of her targets, we found out that they have specific qualities about them. Some of them were vocalists, formers celebrities, and even internet personalities. But's that's only half of it."
"What's the other half?"
Asked Haise.
"Well, some of her victims were just regular people who satisfy a specific height or weight requirement. However, one key fact stood out as we examined Nutcracker's victims. They're women."
That last fact prompted Haise to think about the information presented to him.
"If Nutcracker targets women…"
Haise then presented an idea that caught the Quinxes off-guard.
"Then we become women."
The whole team sat stunned at Haise's idea. Saiko said one thing that encapsulated her teammates stupefaction.
"Say what?"
xxxxxx
(Later that night)
The Quinxes stood in a nightclub. Urie was the only one in the car, wearing a Bluetooth headset connected to his phone, but ready with his quinque in the trunk of the car. While his teammates were in the club in question. This was a mission, but what made this mission stand out from before was the fact that Haise, Shirazu, Mutsuki, and Saiko dressed as women. A moot point for Saiko, but a baffling move for (most of) the male members of the team. Haise explained why the necessity of this tactic.
"Since we know that Nutcracker is largely targeting women. we gonna have to be unorthodox moving forward."
Shirazu felt a sense of displacement as he lamented on how he looked as a woman.
"Mr. Yas…I don't think I can cut it as a woman."
Saiko barely contained her laughter as she said,
"No way, you look cute."
"Yeah right. How many girls here are just as big as me?"
"Just think of yourself as a tall girl."
Said Saiko in a playful tone.
"Mr. Yas, why do this with me? Mutsuki, I understand because I could totally see him as a chick!"
Mutsuki felt a little on the spot when Shirazu said that. Haise got Shirazu to stop commenting on how out of place he felt.
"Now, Shirako, don't be like that. I mean, look at me."
The team within the nightclub all looked at Haise, or "Ai Hayasaka" for the mission, and marveled at how he made himself look female so effectively.
"Anyhow, we should spread out. If Nutcracker is here tonight, we need to get out there."
The team did just that. Each of them went to separate parts of the club. Saiko went to the bar, and got herself a drink almost immediately. "Ai" leaned against a wall, watching "Shirako" on the dance floor attempting to dance with a guy and failing at it. Mutsuki walked around the club by herself. As he did, he remembered a crucial fact for the mission.
"Nutcracker collects her targets by offering them a part-time job under the pretense of giving them a part-time job. One too good to pass up."
As Mutsuki continued to walk around the club, he felt that the chances of being approached by Nutcracker seemed to become less likely.
"Big mistake thinking this mission was going to be easy. And it's not just Nutcracker…feels like a long time since I wore girl clothes…"
Mutsuki felt a number of people staring at him, which caused a deal of discomfort within him.
"I can feel it…"
Soon, Mutsuki felt the prying stare of every man passing by him. Within his mind, Mutsuki felt nothing but eyes staring at him in a leering fashion.
"Men staring at me…it's awful."
At that moment, Mutsuki heard a familiar and, most welcome, voice.
"Tooru."
Mutsuki turned around to see "Ai" giving him emotional support.
"You look cute tonight."
"…Thanks, sensei."
"Ai" stayed at Mutsuki's side for a while, much to his appreciation. After deciding that the team are better working in pairs, Mutsuki was with Saiko at the bar while "Ai" and "Shirako" looked at the club from another spot. As "Shirako" looked at the two, he began to ask "Ai" about Saiko.
"Mr. Yas…"
"Yes?"
"When you asked me to be squad leader, I wanted to make sure you'd won't regret it. But like, a big chunk of that job, is getting Saiko to do hers. And…well it made me think."
"Thank what?"
"Why did Saiko join the Bureau?"
After taking a beat, "Ai" explained Saiko's situation.
"When Saiko was younger, her mother wanted to leave her husband, and took both Saiko and her brother. With her boyfriend, they started a bar with the children helping around to save money on wages. But not even that was enough as the bar put a great strain on their finances. So, the mother enrolled both of her kids to the GCB academy."
"For real?"
"Tuition is dirt cheap. So why not?"
"Shirako" growled a little at the mother they way "Ai" described her.
"From the way the instructors talked about Saiko, she was a poor student. Playing video games during class, failing at all her tests. If she had been in the regular school system, she would've become a run-of-the-mill hikikomori, given her lack of drive. It was only during the Quinx aptitude test that she was discovered to be most compatible. Her mother, of course, jumped at the opportunity when she discovered that there would be monetary compensation. Pass or fail."
Shirako now felt outraged.
"What?!"
"Her mother didn't seem to mind the risks. At least from what I was told."
"Shirako" continued to look at Saiko, but with pity.
"That's why I was hesitant to put her on assignment when she came to the Chateau. Having her on Torso's case…it left a bad taste in my mouth. In some ways, she and I are a lot alike. We were both forced into something against our will, and it left us with something we could be better off without."
"…Guess sometimes having parents can suck more than having none at all."
"I wouldn't say it like that. It's more like some people don't have what it takes to be caretakers. Still, Saiko at least has hers."
"Shirako" agreed with "Ai" on that point.
"True. My old man died. And my old lady pretty much left me and my sister…"
"While both Urie and Mutsuki lost theirs. What we all have in common is that we all lost something that most people take for granted."
"I ain't disagreeing. I's just saying Saiko's gotta pull her weight. I mean, it doesn't matter how we all came to the house. We're all in the same house for a reason, and that's to work. That's what Saiko gotta do. Hell, you had to work for something long time ago."
"…"
"Ai" did not know how to respond to what "Shirako" just said. "Shirako" took a moment to realize what she just said
"Sorry. I just talking about…"
"My time in the X-Men?"
"…Yeah."
"I'm not mad or anything…I agree that there has to be a process in being an X-Man. If I was one of them…"
"Shirako" thought about why he said that to "Ai."
"Forgetting not having parents…If I had no memories of my life, I'd be scared shitless."
"Shirako" then asked,
"Mr. Yas…"
"Yes?"
"If your memories came back…are ya gonna…quit the Bureau?"
"…if I did…would you feel lonely?"
"H-HELL NO! But you know Urie! He'll get all carried away."
"Ai" laughed a little.
"Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere."
Just then, "Ai" caught a glimpse of what she looked for.
"What's up?"
"Look left."
"Shirako" did so, seeing Nutcracker approaching a young woman.
"It's her…"
"Don't do anything."
"But-"
"Listen, we can't Nutcracker know about us. I know this is a bitter pill to swallow, but we have to let Nutcracker gather her victims. Don't forget the bigger picture."
"I know…"
"Think of it this way. You can rescue her at the auction. Her and many others like her."
"Shirako" took a steady breath as he had to keep his gut instincts in check.
"Right…"
Just as Nutcracker finished reeling in another target, she was suddenly approached by a drunk laughing Mutsuki.
"I like your hair! It's cute!"
Mutsuki continued to act in a drunken manner, much to both of their worries.
"What the hell is Mutsuki doing?!"
"I think he's drunk…"
"Maman…"
"Ai" noticed Saiko beside her.
"I may have introduced Mutsi to alcohol a little early…"
"Saiko, Mutsuki is still underage!"
Saiko loudly yipped as she realized her mistake. Before anything could be done, Mutsuki came running to the team in a cheerful and drunken daze.
"Sensei! Guess what I got!"
"Ai" sees Mutsuki running towards "her."
"Yashida-Sensei! She just offered me a job! I even got her contact info and everything!"
The group stood stunned for Tooru's progress. "Ai" congratulated him.
"Good job, Tooru. I'm really proud of you."
Both "Shirako" and Saiko cheered at Mutsuki's win. "Ai," however, wanted to speak with Mutsuki a little further.
"Just remember next time-"
Mutsuki, however, was too drunk to pay attention.
"Imma go dance!"
Both "Shirako" and Saiko joined in as well. "Ai" wanted them to stop, but immediately decided not due to how happy they were. Seeing them enjoy themselves on the dance floor was something "Ai," in good conscience, did not want to spoil. "She" was alone in her thoughts.
"If I did regain my memories…would Haise die in the process? If that happens…I hope…I remember all of you…"
In another part of the club, Yukio and Harada were in disguise. The reason why was due to Yukio taking pictures of Haise in female clothing. Harada grew increasingly frustrated by Yukio's behavior.
"Will you hurry up?!"
"In a minute! I want to see him dance!"
Yukio was gushing over how Haise looked as a woman. Seeing him dressed up in such a feminine fashion made Yukio go over the moon. For Harada, he was reminded of Mariko. Something that disturbed him a little. Yukio yelled,
"DANCE YOU SON OF A BITCH!"
xxxxxx
(The next day)
Both Haise and Juuzo stood in front of the "brains" of the S2 squad, Assistant Special Investigator Matsuri Washuu.
"Sit down."
Said the Investigator. As the two did so, Washuu reviewed the reports both submitted to him. Haise internally reminded himself why he was an Investigator to be taken seriously.
"Assistant Special Investigator Matsuri Washuu. Eldest Son of the Director, and the brain of the S2 squad. At 16, he enrolled in the Bureau Academy in Germany, graduated at 18. Fought at the front lines with S1 as a 2nd class. He proved himself integral at taking down the Rosewalds, an affluent ghoul family. After that, he stayed there until he was 24. He was requested by the Tokyo branch to help them with the Aogiri case. Rumors say that it was his father that requested him."
Investigator Washuu spoke with Juuzo.
"Investigator Suzuya, if you're involving yourself with the Nutcracker case, then does it mean that there's a connection with the madams?"
"Yes sir. The list confirms my suspicions. It was during the discovery of the list that we know when the auction will be held."
"November 11th…it certainly helps."
"It was thanks to the Quinx squad that we managed to get close to Nutcracker."
Even though it was not visibly noticeable, Investigator Washuu was in a sour mood when the Quinxes did something right. Haise internally commented on this as well.
"Sometimes, I hear rumors that he and the Director don't always see eye-to-eye. While the Director is a flexible man who is patient for results, the Assistant Special Investigator is a strict rationalist who despises chaos in any form."
The dour expression on the Investigator's face continued for a bit longer.
"And there's two reasons why for that. One, he's a true believer of the "eminence" of the Washuu clan. But then…can you blame him? He was born into a family that developed the technology and techniques of how to fight ghouls. Not to mention said techniques are part of his family's legacy. Back before the Bureau existed, the Washuus created the Ghoul Countermeasures Institute, an organization that was not just sanctioned by the state, but established the Washuu clan as preeminent members of society. Men like Yoshitoki Washuu are the exception rather than the rule. The Washuus are exemplified by their refusal to submit to their emotions. They tend to view people as numbers, which brought desirable results…but at a great cost. Matsuri Washuu…is a living microcosm of the Washuu clan's psychological tendencies."
Investigator Washuu then spoke with Haise.
"Investigator Yashida, having a majority of your team dress as women in order to get close to Nutcracker seems a little…unorthodox."
"Thank you, sir."
"That wasn't a compliment."
"Too bad. I'm taking it as one."
Haise jumped on his seat a little as Investigator Washuu now glared at Haise.
"Why did I say that?!"
"It was Investigator Mutsuki who got the lead?"
"Yes sir."
"Then, to avoid suspicion, have the Investigator attend the auction."
Haise immediately got nervous.
"I knew it…he considers Tooru expendable…"
"Alone, sir…?"
"It's necessary so we can mount an attack from the inside. Although he won't have a quinque with him, his powers have to suffice."
"BUT-!"
"But?"
Now Investigator Washuu's expression became menacing towards Haise.
"What did you mean by "but," Investigator Yashida?"
Haise stood scared by Investigator Washuu's glare toward him. By then, something within him spoke to Haise.
'Speak up! Own the fact that you care about your team!'
Haise yelled,
"INVESTIGATOR MUTSUKI ISN'T READY FOR A MISSION OF THIS SCALE. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF HE HAS POWERS! I REFUSE FOR YOU TO TREAT HIM LIKE A DISPOSABLE PAWN!"
Haise breathed a little after that passionate outburst. Said outburst now made Investigator Washuu angry.
"The other reason…rumors are that Matsuri Washuu has a massive bias toward powered people as a whole. Whether its mutants or people like the Avengers or Doctor Strange, it's said that he has nothing but contempt for them."
It was at that moment that Juuzo spoke up.
"Investigator Washuu. May I attend the auction as well?"
Washuu directed his attention at Juuzo.
"To what purpose?"
"It could help the mission if I posed as Investigator's friend. If there's one more in the inside, it would increase the effectiveness of attacking the auction from within."
"So, you would be in disguise as well?"
"I'm used to that kind of thing."
Investigator Washuu did not find any use to argue with Juuzo. Juuzo took it as approval.
"Fine. I'll authorize it then. Thank you, sir."
A little after Juuzo spoke, everyone inside the room heard a knock on the doors. Investigator Washuu promptly said,
"Come in."
When the doors opened, Investigators Shimoguchi, Madou, and Hirako entered the room.
"Good of you to come. S2 and Suzuya squad, as well as three Senior Investigators will command a unit each. Take a seat as I explain the details of Operation Auction Sweep."
xxxxxx
(One hour later)
The meeting ended as each Investigator exited the room. Haise went to meet up with Juuzo to show gratitude.
"Juuzo, thank you for back there."
"No problem. After all…there's somebody I want to see again."
Although Haise was confused by what Juuzo meant, he asked of Juuzo,
"Please watch Mutsuki's back."
Haise bowed to Juuzo. Juuzo did the same as he replied,
"Same here."
As Juuzo went his way, Investigator Shimoguchi bumped into him. Shimoguchi saw him and said,
"Sorry about that."
Haise noticed the Investigator. He noticed how much despair and guilt surrounded his entire being. He said only these words.
"Don't worry about it. You got enough on your plate."
Shimoguchi only nodded before going on his way. Moment later, Investigator Madou was at his side, commenting how Haise handled Shimoguchi.
"You handled him with more nuance than I give you credit for."
"Well…he's been through a lot lately…"
"It's a little more than that. This operation is far larger than recorded in Bureau history. It has the possibility of overshadowing the Weapon X operation."
"And that had two international branches involved."
"Exactly. I know you have no career ambitions, but what you do in the operation will go a long way. For both you…and your squad. However, the bigger the reward…"
"The bigger the risk."
"And since this operation will be under Matsuri's purview, that means he'll be putting a lot of our people to work."
Haise lamented on the possible number of casualties during the upcoming operation.
"Although I agree with you that Mutsuki is inexperienced for this type of mission, how you said it…would've been handled better."
Now Haise felt being put on the spot for his outburst against Investigator Washuu.
"Nevertheless…it all comes down to this line of work. Everybody loses somebody when it comes to ghouls. The GCB is a collection of broken people wanting some payback against the monsters that ruined their lives. Shimoguchi is just one of those who've been hit the hardest."
Haise felt a measure of sorrow for Shimoguchi, as well as those like him. Investigator Madou then says to him,
"Be stronger, Haise. Stronger than the enemy. Those with the least amount to lose…are, more often than not, the lucky ones."
As soon as Madou left, Haise reflected on his perception of the world. It was during said reflection that another memory resurfaced. Although hazy, he recognized the person within the memory. He witnessed his father chopping on a fallen tree branch that blocked a road. After what seemed to be a conversation, Haise heard his father say something to him that stayed with him.
'Close your heart to their pain. Close your heart to their suffering. Do not feel for your enemies. They won't feel for you…'
xxxxxx
(nighttime)
Haise spoke with Mutsuki alone to discuss his part in the upcoming operation.
"Okay…and Investigator Suzuya will be going with me?"
"Yes. And he's more than capable of protecting you. And when the operation starts, an assault team will be right behind you."
"All right, sensei."
As Mutsuki went to bed, Haise went to his. It was during that Shirazu got out of his room just in time to give Haise something important.
"Here, Mr. Yas. My will."
"Thanks."
As Haise received Shirazu's will, Shirazu then said,
"Tooru's got a tough job ahead of him."
"…Yes he does."
"All the more reason to back him up, right?"
"Yeah, and they should give us a pay raise for it."
One more interruption prevented Haise from getting his sleep. Saiko came to him with a rather puffy ear brush and asked,
"Can you brush my ears?"
Haise smiled and said,
"Sure."
Both went to the living room. As Haise cleaned Yonebayashi's ears, he reflected on he learned from today's experiences. The overall conclusion he reached was this.
"I only want enough power…to protect all I hold dear."
xxxxxx
In another part of Tokyo, a young man sat on a building, looking at the night sky. However, another individual approached him.
"You so love your high places…Ayato."
Ayato recognized the voice of who spoke to him. He looked down to see a young woman wrapped in bandages head to toe while also wearing a no sleeved hoodie. Said hoodie looked as if the person underneath possessed rabbit ears. The young woman also carried a number of file folders on her person.
"Eto…what brings you here?"
"Tatara wants you to provide security at the auction."
"Standard?"
"Actually, the madams are expecting some of the merchandise to be a bit…volatile than the rest."
"Don't tell me the Madames started trafficking muties already."
"And some Inhumans, but there's also some other inventory the Madames want to sell."
"Like what?"
Eto gave one of her file folders to Ayato. He opened the folder to reveal something that he did not expect. It was a human, but all his limbs were metallic instead. The person in the photo also possessed white hair, black lips, and a cranial attachment that covered the left side of his face.
"Some sort of…cyborg?"
"From what I heard, it's called Deathlok."
"Like death metal?"
"No idea. The Madames are selling both him and the scientists that created him."
"What for?"
"Well, considering the Shi'ar and other possible life outside this earth, a lot of ghouls attending the auction are looking into buy something to either sell to the humans, or use individuals like Deathlok to protect themselves in case a world-ending event would happen. Because of what happened two years ago, everyone wants something to do with super powers. And the Madames believe it's a marketplace they have to corner now."
"Makes sense, I guess."
"So, will you do it?"
"…Who else are you sending?"
"Naki and… Miza, I think?"
"That's a lot."
"For the powered ones, we've looked up some…extra help."
"Let me guess. Supervillains?"
"They offer some skills that are perfect for the job."
Eto gave one last folder to Ayato. This one contained information of five powered individuals Eto chose to add to the security.
"Look over them when you have the time. Just remember…"
"November 11th. Got it."
"Also, try to get along with the added help. They may be wanted fugitives, but they still have enough humanity to hate us."
"And whose fault is that, exactly?"
Eto looked as if she was about to leave, but not before mentioning
As soon as Eto left, Ayato went back inside the makeshift apartment that was on the building. As son as he got inside, he saw one of his teammates attempting to hone their audio honing skills. He saw many speakers surrounding the young woman. The other teammate, he was simply watching until he noticed Ayato entering.
"Ayato."
"We got a new job. Could be experience you need Saeki."
"Right…"
Ayato saw his female teammate continuing to hone her skills.
"Hinami."
Hinami seemed to be done. She then noticed Ayato in the room.
"Sorry if I looked like I was ignoring you."
"I thought it looked like you were really into it."
"Well, I was just about done. You said something about a new job?"
"Yeah. By the way, what did you hear exactly?"
"A lot of the doves talking about the floppies."
"Damn. Guess they finally know."
"What are floppies, exactly?"
Asked the other teammate. Hinami explained.
"They're failures that a certain doctor gives us for extra manpower."
"What doctor?"
"We don't know exactly."
"Mostly because Eto won't tell us."
Said Ayato. Hinami then asked,
"What's the job?"
"Security for the auction ahead. A lot of people are going to be attending. More importantly, the Madames are going to be selling merch that's gonna need some…extra help."
"What kind?"
Asked Saeki. Ayato threw the file containing the info of the supervillains Eto wanted for the auction. Hinami asked,
"Aren't they…"
"Supervillains? Yeah, but Eto wants them because they have the skills we need to keep some of the merch in check. Get this."
Ayato sat on his knees to open the files on the Deathlok cyborg being sold in the auction. Both Hinami and Saeki were stunned as to what they were seeing.
"The Madames got their hands on this. And they want to sell it to some rich ghouls who actually want this."
"What for?"
Asked Saeki.
"Science research or personal bodyguard. Either way, the Madames expect big money from this. They just someone to turn it on before it could be sold. Not to mention some muties and Inhumans have been captured for sale as well."
Hinami did not show it, but when Ayato mentioned mutants for sale, she internally panicked as she thought of one mutant that she personally knew. Saeki, however, was of a different mindset.
"I feel so alone lately…nights are when it hurts the most…I miss my cold bodies…I need release…"
He imagined Tooru as a corpse, which excited him to no end.
"Tooru…"
xxxxxx
(Two days later)
Haise was in the middle of training with his team. Each of them carried wooden katanas in place of their regular weapons. The only one absent was Urie. Haise trained them hard for the upcoming operation. Shirazu and Mutsuki went at Haise with all they had, but fell short of Haise's superior ability. Right now, Mutsuki attempted to hit Haise, but just missed his head. Haise flipped Mutsuki to the ground, and yelled to Shirazu,
"WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? PERMISSION?!"
Shirazu got up, grabbed his katana, and charged toward Haise. But Haise kicked him in his right shoulder, which made Shirazu drop his weapon by reflex. This angered Haise.
"NEVER LET GO OF YOUR WEAPON! THAT'S AN ON-SITE DEATH SENTENCE!"
Shirazu rolled on the floor as got up, saying to the team,
"That was horrible!"
Both Shirazi and Mutsuki slowly got after the beating they received from Haise.
"Whether it's quinque or your kagunes, without the fundamentals, they are worthless to you! Never think that the enemy will show mercy to you!"
Haise remembered Saiko, who he spotted just lying on the floor.
"Saiko, you haven't made a move yet."
"I'm dead."
Haise went to where he lied, and punished her for not participating in training by stretching her face cheeks. Saiko, however, did not stop trying to get out.
"Deeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaadddd…"
"Get up or I'll keep doing this."
The team rested for a while before Haise trained them again, this time one-on-one. He showed Mutsuki on how to handle knives. Shirazu was impressed with the ferocity Haise showed this morning.
"Mr. Yas is really fired up…"
Shirazu began to winder where Urie was before Haise says,
"Alright. Let's go for a run."
Saiko loudly groaned, before Haise says to her,
"No complaining! This is good for you."
xxxxxx
(Two nights later)
In a parking garage, Kanae gathered body parts from all over the 15th ward. However, he grew frustrated by a growing realization.
"Is it enough?"
His latest hunt, partially alive, begged,
"Spare me…I have a fam-!"
Kanae killed his quarry with his kagune before the target could finish.
"I am starting to realize…that the memory of Ken Kaneki haunts master Shuu more than anyone could realize."
Karen took one last look at the body parts he gathered for Shuu, but ultimately felt they were worthless. He threw the body parts at the nearest ledge.
"It is a well-known fact that if ghouls fixate on a particular prey for too long, they eventually ruin themselves for it…Master Shuu…forgive me, but I want you well above everything else. If Haise Yashida is Ken Kaneki, then I will make you pay for making master Shuu like this…what he needs right now…is to regain his strength."
xxxxxx
Soon, November came. The Doves that were participating in the mission either dreaded the day of the auction or made themselves busy. For Suzuya squad, Juuzo was passing the time with his second in command, Investigator Abara.
"This will the first time we'll see the Quinxes in action. And as a group."
Said Abara.
"Hm-mm. But from what I heard, Haise's having a hard time with them."
A little later, Juuzo heard someone calling for him.
"Investigator Suzuya."
Juuzo saw Mutsuki running towards him.
"H, Tooru."
"Hello…"
Abara was initially confused at why Mutsuki was at Headquarters.
"Investigator Mutsuki?"
"He and I are going to take point in the operation."
"I see then…"
"He's also here for some practice with knives."
"Yeah…my quinque comes as a pair."
"Later, Abara."
Juuzo went with Mutsuki to a workout area. Juuzo demonstrated his skills with knives, which impressed Mutsuki to know end.
"You'll want to slash with one hand while you keep the one in the air. It's an effective diversionary tactic in combat."
Juuzo then brought out more knives and juggle them. He proved himself capable of juggling four knives at a time with his right hand alone.
"The more you have, the more effective it can be. Like, for example, I keep four in the air…"
Juuzo then displayed himself holding four more knives with left hand behind his back. Although Mutsuki was impressed, he doubted that he can do the same.
"That…might be a little…difficult for me…"
"We'll start with two and work our way up from there."
Before they started, Mutsuki asked,
"Investigator Suzuya…are you afraid…of cutting yourself by accident?"
"Not really. Mostly because I can't feel pain anymore. Why? Do you have that fear?"
"Not exactly…but rather…I remember when Haise went up against Orochi…"
Mutsuki remembered the day he and his teammates were supposed to capture Torso, only to be dealt a wild card that was significantly out of their league. Haise stepped up to take on the SS-rated ghoul, but went into a berserker state in the process.
"I wasn't afraid of him, but I was afraid I would end up the same way."
Juuzo listened to everything Mutsuki said, and took a moment to remember something somebody said to him.
"My mentor once told me…"Fear is like fire…Make it work for you. Make it keep you warm during winter, cook your food when you're hungry, light up whatever darkness you find yourself in. If you let it out of control, it's probably gonna kill you. The only time it's a friend to you…is when you find the chance to prove yourself exceptional.""
Mutsuki was impressed by the wisdom in Juuzo's words.
"Haise's powers and yours kind of fits the bill. So…why be afraid of ghouls?"
"It's not ghouls I'm afraid of…"
"Either way, I find that those who win their battles are those who tame their weaknesses."
Mutsuki liked what Juuzo just said now.
"…I like that."
"Okay then…"
Juuzo spun a couple of his knives once more.
"Shall we try again?"
Soon more time until it was finally November 11th. Several squads met in a location far from where the auction soon started. They all met to review the details of the plan. Both the Quinxes and Suzuya squad were the last to arrive. Both Mutsuki and Juuzo wore feminine clothing as part of the plan to infiltrate the auction. Before Mutsuki walked further ahead with Juuzo, Haise says to him,
"Mutsuki, watch yourself."
"Yes Sensei."
The further away the two walked, the more worried Haise got. After about 15 minutes of walking, both Mutsuki and Juuzo saw Nutcracker waiting for them, leaning on a black sedan. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to both the ghouls and the Doves, both Yukio and Harada were already at the auction site.
Thank you all for your readership. I tried to release these on a consistent schedule…unfortunately, due to a family tragedy, this was later than I liked it to be. However, since you stuck around, I am grateful for that. Don't forget to leave a review and share with friends. Next chapter is when big time shit goes down. Until next time.