Great to have you back. I hope your holidays have as good as mine. If not, well think of it this way: You can put 2022 behind you. I know I did. Anyways, enough focusing on bad stuff. Let's get to the good stuff. What you're here for! This chapter will be a mix of the manga source and some filler that I want to add into the story moving forward. Mainly, changing the name of the Quinx squad, as well as adding a character from Route X and of course Deadpool. And also, something from the latest Jordan Peele movie. Which one? Read to find out!
Chapter 07 – name: A change in pace
(April)
Five months passed since Operation Auction Sweep. A new year arrived, and with it a promotion ceremony. Almost every Investigator that survived the operation were awarded with an increase in rank. After a short speech by Director Washuu dedicated to the Investigators lost to the operation, the ceremony commenced.
"I, Bureau Director Yoshitoki Washuu, hereby promote the following Investigators to the rank of Senior Class Investigator. Naoto Hayashimura, Kuramoto Ito, Keijin Nakarai, and Haise Yashida. Congratulations!"
Applause followed soon after. As the ceremony continued, Haise internally recounted the events that led him and rest of his comrades to here.
"Spring arrived. I was one year older. Our work on the Auction earned us promotions."
"Promoted to the ranks of 2nd Class are the following Investigators: Ginshi Shirazu. Saiko Yonebayashi. Congratulations."
Applause happened again. Shirazu stood stiff in front of the Director Washuu. While Yonebayashi looked pleased with herself.
"What really surprised us…"
"Promoted to the rank of 1st Class Investigators: Miyuki Mikage, Mizuro Tamaki, Hanbeh Abara, Takeomi Kuroiwa, Kuki Urie, and Tooru Mutsuki. Congratulations."
Applause followed once more.
"Was Mutsuki receiving a two-rank promotion. Then again, it was well earned, considering his information-finding mission and taking part of the extermination of Big Madame."
"And lastly, Juuzo Suzuya. The rank of Special Investigator, the highest rank of our organization, is yours. Congratulations!"
The applause was louder than before.
"Juuzo receiving the rank of Special Investigator was something the entire Bureau was rooting for."
Juuzo looked at the crown with a forlorn smile.
"I had the feeling there was somebody he wanted to be there as well."
Director Washuu personally shook Juuzo's right hand for his accomplishment.
"Special Investigator at age 22. It's a feat that, until now, only Investigator Arima can attest to."
"Thank you sir."
As Haise looked on, he noticed someone in the visible edges of the backstage. He narrowed his eyes to see Investigator Washuu, looking on at the scene in front of him. Although so far away, Haise could feel the enmity within him.
"Assistant Special Investigator Washuu, however, received a less than welcome reception for his part in the operation."
xxxxxx
(Mid-December)
His conduct towards the formerly named Quinx squad earned him a hearing, where his former conduct concerning casualties went through closer examination.
"Although it was definitely proved that Matsuri absolutely carried no hatred to his human Investigators in his missions, his bias against powered individuals came back to haunt him."
With persuasion from his father, his position as Assistant Special Investigator remained. Sadly for Matsuri, that meant denial of the promotion he desired. Something that served the foundation of his grudge towards Haise and rest of the Quinxes.
"Needless to say, if Matsuri started an enemies list, we were on the top of it."
For some Investigators, Marude included, were glad to see Matsuri's behavior in his previous missions finally under critical evaluation. Although losses were to be expected in their line of work, Matsuri's Investigator casualty count in the missions he led were too large to ignore.
xxxxxx
As soon as the promotions ended, Director Washuu then says to the crowd,
"Let their accomplishments today inspire the rest of you to push yourselves to excellence."
The crowd of Investigators cheered at the one who received their promotions. Afterwards, a celebration was held in their honor. Both Shirazu and Yonebayashi helped themselves to the food while Mutsuki found himself surrounded by a small crowd of lower ranked Investigators, all complementing him for his undercover work. Mutsuki felt a little embarrassed, but took their praise with a decent amount of confidence. Something he was happy to see. While Urie was by himself, drinking small amounts of champagne by himself.
"Does he still feel guilty?"
"It's a hell of a thing. A Senior Investigator at your age."
Said Akira as she approached Haise.
"T-Thank you…Assistant Special Investigator Akira Madou."
Akira laughed a little as she said,
"Cut it out."
As soon as she stopped, Haise commented on Akira's promotion.
"In all seriousness, Assistant Special Investigator at your age is a hell of a thing in its own right."
"Well…the reason why that is due to ghouls becoming a little more brazen. But with this promotion…I'm finally my mother's equal…"
Haise, feeling the intensity of the last part of Akira's words, opened his arms and says to her,
"Investigator Madou! May I give you a hug?"
Akira softly sighed and did so. As she hugged him, she says to Haise,
"Good job, Haise."
Meanwhile, Mutsuki broke away from the newbies and joined with Shirazu and Yonebayashi. As soon as he joined them, Shirazu says to Mutsuki,
"So, you and Urie are the same rank, huh?"
He took a bite out a chicken leg before resuming.
"You're basically the same rank as Mr. Yas did when he first started…"
Mutsuki chuckled a little before replying,
"Honestly, I don't feel any different…"
"The newbies think differently…"
Said Yonebayashi as she joined her friends. Mutsuki thought to himself,
"Here's hoping I can live up to my rank…"
Yonebayashi saw an Investigator she knew and called out to him.
"Kuroiwa."
Shirazu sees him as well.
"Hey, Take."
"Hey Shirazu."
Mutsuki says to Takeomi,
"Congratulations on your promotion."
"Same to you. A two-rank promotion, that's pretty rare."
"Heh heh. Thank you."
"By the way, where's Urie?"
The Quinxes did not know how to answer that, until Urie finally rejoined them. Before Urie could talk with his teammates, he noticed Takeomi with them.
"Urie…congratulations."
Urie felt his inner turmoil rising within him.
"…Thanks…"
"What is it that I'm even feeling? Is it jealously…or guilt? Or maybe even both…"
As Takeomi left, Urie was still fixated on him.
"I heard that he took on a ghoul with his own bare hands…It's impressive, but so what…damn it, I'm doing it again…"
Just then, Takeomi was approached by a surprise visit.
"Takeomi."
Both Takeomi and the Quinxes stood astonished by the appearance of Special Investigator Iwao Kuroiwa. Although he did not say anything, Takeomi instantly understood what Iwao felt at the moment. Iwao only just placed his right hand on Takeomi's left shoulder. It was minimal, yet the gesture seemed rich in fatherly pride. Iwao then turned his attention to Urie, doing the same for Takeomi to him. For Urie, he thought,
"What was that for?"
As soon as Iwao went on his way, a few Investigators that saw him passing by instantly bowed to him. Shirazu then says,
"So, that's Takeomi's dad…"
"I heard that he was one of the few Investigators that didn't die during the D'Ken Incident."
Said Mutsuki. Urie remember that night when he was a student at the GCB academy. He then says to his comrades,
"Listen, I got something to say…"
The Quinxes did so. It took Urie a while for him to gather his thoughts, but the first words out of him were this.
"I don't…want to leave yet…"
Although Yonebayashi and Shirazu were a little confused, Mutsuki understood what he meant.
"You don't have to if you don't want to."
Urie was a little taken aback by Mutsuki's eagerness to forgive, but he embraces it nonetheless.
"…Thanks."
Soon, both Shirazu and Yonebayashi remembered what Urie talked about.
"…Yeah Urie. Don't let it get you down. If anything, Investigator Washuu was acting like a piece of shit for treating you like that."
Urie sighed, not in exasperation, but in relief that Shirazu simplified the situation they all talked about.
"Well…it's not just that. It's true there's a goal that I want to achieve in the Bureau…and it does involve the S3 squad…but I'm not gonna lie. I wanted it so bad that when the opportunity presented itself, I jumped on it without thinking. That part I do want to take responsibility for."
"Then be a better team member in the future."
Said Haise as he joined the rest of the Quinxes, alongside Akira.
"Urie, I took you off the position of squad leader not because you were bad at it. You do show competent leadership skills, but you needed to work on how to create a proper relationship with your teammates."
Urie did something he rarely did, and reflected on his actions. He slowly realized that he treated his fellow Quinxes as a means to an end, allowing himself to be a cruel slave master. He regretted his actions, leading himself to be used by Matsuri Washuu. Akira assuages Urie of the guilt weighing on him.
"In all fairness, Matsuri preying on your ambitions certainly earned him that hearing he had. Not to mention his disdain of you guys prevented him in getting the promotion he's been wanting."
"Yeah, I saw Special Investigator Marude after that hearing with a smile on his face."
Said Haise.
"Well…that's another matter entirely. Either way, Investigator Matsuri got off light. You're not at fault for him being an asshole."
"Yeah…it's the way he was exposed that has me a little concerned."
Haise took a sip of his champagne before saying,
"That's a matter for another time."
"Exactly. Shirazu?"
"Yeah, Investigator Madou?"
"Your new quinque will be ready on Monday."
Shirazu had a smile on his face.
"New quinque? Sweet!"
"Damn right it is. Nutcracker was a hell of a find."
Shirazu stopped smiling when Akira mentioned Nutcracker, as her death was still in the back of his mind.
"Anyways, it's your day off. Relax."
Each of the Quinxes smiled at the prospect of time off the job. Yonebayashi, a little too much, as Haise remarked.
"Saiko, you shouldn't eat too much."
"Come on Maman…"
"No arguing now."
Yonebayashi moaned at being called out for enjoying the food more than her fellow Investigators. Mutsuki went to Shirazu's side and says to him,
"Great news on the quinque."
"Yeah…"
Akira then asked Haise,
"Can we talk privately?"
"…Sure."
Both Haise and Akira went to a less populated section of the room to discuss another matter during the operation.
"So, how is Fueguchi?"
"Last time I checked, still being interrogated. From what she's telling us, Aogiri periodically relocate their base of operations. Hence why we've never managed to attain an exact location."
"I see …please continue."
"Fueguchi is surprisingly cooperative. However, there's something I wish to discuss with both you and Arima."
"What about?"
Haise indicated Akira to get closer to him. As she did, he whispered something to Akira a shocking revelation.
"No way!"
She exclaimed, in which Haise reacted by shushing her.
"Sorry…it's just so…"
Akira's mind was in a state of frenzy, leaving only word to escape her lips.
"How?"
"I wish I knew. And it's not the first time I've witnessed something like this."
"Not the first time?"
"When my team encountered Orochi, during the fight he took out a piece of Taiyaki and ate it with no problem."
"None?"
"No regurgitation. No self-induced vomiting. He ate it…and enjoyed it."
This revelation left Akira in pure astonishment. After taking a moment to think, Akira says to him,
"I'll tell Arima about this. He'll know the right people to tackle something like this."
"You sure?"
"…I honestly hope so."
As Akira walked away, Haise felt a sharp pain in his head. Memories of another life rushed through his mind, overloading his sense of reality. So much so that he went for the nearest men's room and washed his face in the hopes of relaxing himself, even a little. Soon, the pressure of the information rush lessened, but there were things he still remembered. He believed that said incident involved Yotsume.
"Now since I took responsibility, this is happening now."
Haise looked at the flowing water of the faucet while in thought.
"And who could blame her? From what she told me, Fueguchi had something to do with her father's death…maybe by taking her under my custody…is like stoking a flame within Akira…maybe she does have something to do with her father's death…but until I release her, what can she do?"
Just then, Haise felt the same pain from before happen again. Only a bit more pronounced.
"Since the end of the auction, I've been having more flashbacks…it's like the back of my eyeballs are being gouged out with a spoon…is it because of…Kuzuri?"
Pretty much, bub.
Haise stood shocked at Kuzuri replying so soon. Then Haise slowly dropped to the bathroom floor as he blacked out.
xxxxxx
When Haise woke up, he found himself in some sort of mindscape where nothing else existed but a black and white tiled floor. He found himself kneeling on the floor, with Kuzuri standing over him.
"Do you know what Ophiocordyceps Sinensis is?"
Haise did not know how to answer the question.
"It's a type of fungus that parasitizes moths. When a ghost moth is infected by it, the fungus consumes the body until there's nothing left. Two lives fighting over the same body…remind you of anything?"
Haise did not know how to respond.
"Right now…that's what you are…"
"I'm a…parasite?"
"Implanted."
"By who?"
"Ichiro…"
Haise instantly stood up when Kuzuri accused one of the few loving figures of his life of something awful.
"You shut your goddamn mouth!"
"Easy Haise."
"Why should I?! You're the one who's butting into my life, my work!"
"Your life?"
"YES MY LIFE! The one that I never want to lose!"
"Right. The life where you have to deal with an asshole for a grandfather and a grandmother who fakes her kindness in front of your face."
"My grandmother loves me!"
"Fine…either way, you know as well as I do that one way or another…this has to end…"
Haise did all he could to contain his anger.
"Even if great-grandfather is doing this to me, why would he?"
"Immortality."
Haise stood silent as Kuzuri hinted at something a bit larger.
"Immortality?"
"He wants it bad…since the day…Dad saved him…"
Haise instantly remembered the dream he had about Logan saving a Japanese soldier during the Nagasaki bombing. Haise kneeled once more, with Kuzuri saying to him,
"You can't go on like this. You're nothing more than means to an end to that man. You will soon know that co-existence is an impossibility…Haise…"
Soon, everything seemed to fade away once again.
"Don't let me disappear…"
xxxxxx
Haise woke up once again on the floor of the restroom he laid in. As he got up, he checked the time of his smartphone.
"Only a minute passed…"
Haise sighed some relief that his latest existential crisis took less time than he thought. As soon as he exited the restroom, he headed toward to the room where his teammates were still celebrating. As he walked, he noticed that a bunch of the Investigators were talking about something.
"What happened?"
"Mr. Yas."
Haise heard Shirazu call out for him.
"Did you catch that blackout?"
"Blackout?"
"Yeah. Everything turned dark all of a sudden."
"Wait, it did? For how long?"
"I think…maybe a couple of minutes?"
Haise felt a rush of sweat flowing out of him when Shirazu mention an actual blackout when he went through one of his own.
"And it wasn't just the lights."
Said Mutsuki, joining the two.
"Not just the lights?"
"Everyone's devices turned off by themselves for some reason."
"They did?"
Haise's mind now occupied itself by this mysterious development.
"And just in time."
xxxxxx
(Later that night)
At a garden-like location, Ayato sat by himself. Thinking back on the day he got Hinami into Aogiri.
flashback
Hinami looked around the ghouls that Ayato worked with on a semi-regular basis. Naki was the first to approach her.
"That's the newbie, right?"
"Take it easy, Naki."
"Relax. Just getting a read on her."
Naki stood in front of Hinami to get a gauge of her character.
"So, what's her name again? Dekchi or something? Seriously lame name, if you ask me."
"…It's Hinami. Hinami Fueguchi."
"Oh…sorry about getting it wrong."
Time passed to where she joined on missions. When she failed on the ones she took part of, she went by herself to cry in private. Only when Ayato was around did she stop.
"For god's sakes…if you're gonna cry for every little thing gone wrong, then you should leave."
Hinami started to giggle little, much to Ayato's confusion and irritation.
"What's so funny?!"
"Sorry…it's just…you look like your sister then you look angry…it made me feel better."
Ayato did not know how to feel about it.
end
"Ayato. I brought him."
Miza brought one of the executives of Aogiri to meet with. During the meeting, Ayato asked him for a small group of Aogiri ghouls to break into Cochlea to free Hinami.
"Not gonna happen."
Ayato reacted negatively to his denied request.
"Why? It's been done before."
"Security in Cochlea has increased since the last time we were there. The Doves made sure that place will never be broken in again."
Ayato had no words to further justify his request. Miza assisted him by pointing out what Hinami brought to the organization.
"But even you have to realize that Fueguchi's senses were greater than anything we've encountered before. It was no different than telepathy in some respects. That kind of talent is rare, Tatara."
"Even so, we don't have the numbers to pull this off. Our simultaneous attack blew up in our faces."
Torso felt bad that he acted on his own, leaving Hinami to her capture. Ayato continued to make the case for freeing Hinami.
"Listen. We need to keep fighting against the Doves-"
"Oh, will you give it a rest already?"
Said Deathlok, who lurched on a nearby corner of the room.
"You shut the hell up, cyborg."
Replied Ayato. Deathlok laughed a little.
"What's so funny…ex-Dove?"
"You."
Ayato got angry at Deathlok.
"Specifically, how much you seem to care for another ghoul. It's so funny, it's worthy of an award."
Ayato's anger reached a new height.
"The fuck you say? It's your fault, you know that?! She was there to stop you!"
Deathlok imitated a buzz sound before saying,
"Wrong! Hina was there…for Yashida…"
Ayato stood ready to fight Deathlok, but Tatara held his head with one hand to stop Ayato.
"Don't."
Ayato felt Tatara's hand, and breathed heavily to cool down.
"You and Fueguchi went off plan. You only have yourself to blame for this."
Ayato turned his attention to Tatara.
"In the end, she's expendable."
Ayato then became a little angry at Tatara for calling Hinami expendable.
"Yamori, Bin, and all the ones we've lost…are they considered expendable? Are all we ghouls in Aogiri expendable?"
"Yes."
Answered Tatara in a cruel and blunt manner.
"Dogs who don't obey their masters should be put down. Whatever Shachi has been telling you…has made you all soft."
Just then, the lights in the room flickered before shutting down. Then a loud thud made itself apparent when Deathlok feel to the floor due to the weight of his metal implants.
"What the hell?!"
He exclaimed. Then, faint sounds of people screaming could be heard above them before the glass ceiling shattered by itself. Small whizzing sounds were heard as well as the glass ceiling broke. When the screaming passed, the lights came back on. Deathlok's implants reactivated by themselves, allowing him to get off the floor. The ghouls examined the floor, which was covered by not just glass shards, but also what seemed to be personal belongings. Keys, wallets, and loose change. All covered in blood. As were they. Ayato picked one up for closer examination.
"The hell was that?"
xxxxxx
Shirazu found himself in a dark space. At first, he stood confused. However, he heard a familiar voice calling his name.
"Ginshi…"
"Dad…"
Shirazu looked around for his father, only to see his old man hanging himself from the ceiling. The last words spoken were,
"I'm sorry…"
Shirazu instantly backed off seeing his father's corpse hung from the ceiling. Then he hears another voice. One that haunted him since the Auction.
"Die…die…you have to die…"
Shirazu's fears reached to new heights…
"I want to be pretty…"
As the corpse of Nutcracker slowly crawled to him.
"Pretty…"
Her bloody, desecrated, and mangled face made Shirazu scream his lungs out.
xxxxxx
Shirazu woke up in a sweat as two of his teammates went to his room, worried about him.
"Shirazu, you all right?"
Asked Mutsuki with Yonebayashi following with,
"You wet the bed or something?"
Shirazu took a series of deep breaths before replying,
"N-N-No…"
xxxxxx
(Morning)
The Quinxes started their morning in the usual manner. Urie got coffee first, with Shirazu following afterwards. Mutsuki helped Haise making breakfast for everyone. While Yonebayashi struggled to stay awake as she stayed up all night again. Shirazu scolded her for this.
"Seriously, Saiko. You need to lay off the games for a while."
"But they're too good…."
Mutsuki laughed a little as he says to Haise,
"Guess Saiko pulled an all-nighter again…"
Mutsuki noticed that Haise was watching the news on the television.
"Sensei?"
"Sorry Mutsuki. I just listening to something peculiar on the news earlier…"
Haise turned up the volume of the television to hear the part that caught his interest.
"…four days ago and on the Omotesando trail, but didn't return as expected on before the end of March. At least three rescue crews started searching yesterday, but no results thus far…"
Mutsuki, like Haise, was interested in the full story.
"Omotesando…where is that?"
"It's a mountain trail at Mount Takao."
"Why were there people there?"
"I'm guessing they were recreational hikers or something."
"That's a thing?"
Asked Yonebayashi.
"Well, yeah. People like challenging themselves for the fun of it. Like people climbing Everest."
"Bleech."
Said Yonebayashi with her tongue out. Haise laughed a little before saying to Shirazu,
"Shirazu, I'm coming with you to get your Quinque."
"For real?"
"Yeah. You ready?"
"…Sure."
As the two got outside, Shirazu noticed Haise carrying a tote bag with some book inside. Haise sees Shirazu noticing and says,
"This is for after the quinque trip."
"…Alright."
xxxxxx
Both Haise and Shirazu made it to the Bureau Laboratory at the 1st ward. Both met with Dr. Kouitsu Chikiyo, the head researcher of the Bureau Laboratory.
"Investigators Yashida and Shirazu. I've heard about both your promotions. Congratulations."
"Thank you."
Said Haise with Shirazu following,
"Thanks…"
"Come. I'll show what we've made."
Arriving at the Quinque development labs, Chikiyo presented the quinque made from the kagune of Nutcracker. Chikiyo commented,
"In all honesty, I'm surprised that Hayashimura let you have this. Either way, it was nothing short of a delight. I mean, a chimera quinque. A lot of us had nothing but fun working on this."
Little did Chikiyo knew that Shirazu felt nauseous looking at the quinque, the memories of the nightmare he had earlier still in his mind.
"Something on your mind?"
Asked Chikiyo.
"N-N-Nothing."
"Well then…open it."
Haise observed Shirazu as he felt that his young subordinate was in shambles over something. As Shirazu reached for his quinque, he heard Nutcracker's voice speaking to him again.
"I just wanted to be…pretty."
Shirazu instantly puked as his knees felt weak all of a sudden. Haise instantly got to his side, while Chikiyo felt confusion as to Shirazu's reaction.
"Is he sick?"
"…Let me take him outside."
"Sure…"
As they got outside, Shirazu sat behind a nearby wall with Haise spotting a soda machine and bringing him a drink.
"Thanks…"
Shirazu did not drink the soda immediately, something which Haise understood as he sat beside Shirazu.
"You'd be surprised how many Investigators feel sick using their quinques."
"For real?"
"Oh yes. Especially when it's a quinque made from a ghoul they personally took down."
Shirazu sat silent for a moment until he says,
"Did you know…that killing Nutcracker got me 1.7 million yen?"
"Really?"
"Yeah…is that a lot of money where you are? I mean…your family runs a corporation."
Haise was silent himself for a little while before giving an answer.
"My grandfather would call that start-up money…but he's a total ass."
Shirazu laughed at hearing Haise calling his grandfather an ass.
"Dude, if my old were still alive, he'd hit me for that."
"My grandfather wants to hit me all the time, but he knows I'd kick his ass."
Shirazu laughed harder, to which Haise joined in.
"Honestly, Mr. Yas…"
Haise listened.
"I can't get her out of my mind…"
"Nutcracker?"
"…Yeah. I know that she's a ghoul and killing ghouls is our job…but she felt different somehow…I remember her last words. And I even had a nightmare where she showed up as she looked when I killed her…IT'S LIKE MY CONSCIENCE IS PUNISHING ME FOR JUST DOING MY JOB!"
Haise got up and close to Shirazu by grabbing him by his head. Shirazu sat confused by this.
"First of all, I need you to calm down…"
"O-Okay…"
Haise lets go of Shirazu and kneeled down in front of him.
"In one of the few memories I have of my father…"
Shirazu internally lit up when Haise mentioned his father.
"I remember asking him about if he had to kill during his time in the X-Men."
Shirazu hung on to Haise's every word in the story.
"He said he was thankful he didn't have to, but his time before the X-Men wasn't as kind. He remembered the men he was forced to kill, but knowing that fact didn't erase the blood from his hands."
"Whoa…what he'd do?"
"I remember his words quite well."
Shirazu stayed quiet.
"Close your heart to it."
"…What?"
"That's what I thought too. But my father said it from a place where he knew he couldn't take back all the bad things he's done."
Shirazu was surprised by the depths of wisdom Haise showed.
"When I asked him about it, he said to me 'If you're forced to live the life that I had to go through, you need to be able to do what it takes to survive. And that means showing no mercy to those who want to kill you. When the time comes that you have to choose between the life of your enemy and the lives of those you love, close your heart to their pain. Close your heart to their suffering. Do not feel for your enemy. They won't feel for you.'"
Shirazu, although saddened by the harshness of what he just heard, took the words to heart moving forward.
xxxxxx
Shirazu offered to take a cab back to the Chateau, which freed Haise to go to Cochlea by himself. After checking on the tote bag in the backseat, he drove to the 23rd ward. When he arrived, he took the tote bag and went inside the ghoul prison. As Haise was cleared at the entrance, he made his way to the visiting cell where Investigators met with certain ghouls for information purposes. When he made it, Haise found Fueguchi sitting at her end of the glass partition booth.
"Miss Fueguchi…good to see you healthy."
"Well, I'm only allowed two meals a day. Overall, it's not bad."
"Good to know…"
Haise still felt a little floored that the budget for Cochlea increased a little due to meeting the food requirements of Fueguchi.
"It's only a matter of time before the discovery of a food-eating ghoul gets out…I really hope Arima knows the right people for this…"
Haise then lifted the tote bag and brought out its contents, which were a couple of books.
"This is how much I'm allowed to give you. It's the rule."
"I appreciate it anyways…Ken."
Haise kept the discomfort of being called other than his name to himself.
"Let's get started on your statement."
"Sure…"
Fueguchi told Haise about Aogiri's current movements, as well as the rumors she heard about Aogiri funding some projects relating to weapons that could outclass anything SHIELD created. How though, she theorized that Aogiri got their hands on the technology left behind by the Shi'ar. She also told of Aogiri setting up a new offensive against the Bureau in the future. When though, Fueguchi did not know. When the interview ended, Haise expressed his gratitude.
"Thank you, Miss Fueguchi."
"Likewise."
Haise just had a thought occurred to him.
"Miss Fueguchi…do you…think of me as Ken?"
"…I believe…one's character…is formed by both people we have now…and the people we've lost. They form what makes us happy…what make us sad…and everything else in between."
Haise sat impressed by the depths of Fueguchi's words.
"At least that's what I think."
"…If that's true, then…there's no way I'm Ken Kaneki."
Fueguchi faced the floor when she felt saddened by this fact.
"I don't remember my life from before the Shi'ar incident…I'm sorry for that…"
"It's alright…You are you, Yashida. I can tell…your personality is different from Ken…it does make me a little sad…but I can also see…the way you think and say things…is pretty much how he did. Ken also brought me books when I was feeling sad. The reason why I was in Aogiri is because of him…"
"Why?"
Fueguchi lifted her head to face Haise.
"Ken Kaneki was a part of the X-Men. A team of mutants whose goals run completely counter to Aogiri. Why join them?"
"…It's true. Ken left Japan at one point because of them."
Another memory flashed in Haise's mind, although he hid the sensation.
"He left because they wanted him for something. Part of it was because I was looking for answers…but also, I heard this other rumor…"
"What rumor exactly?"
"…That the Kuzuri was spotted in a cage fighting tournament in the 8th ward."
Haise expressed mild surprise of Fueguchi's knowledge of that day.
"He brought out his claws against not just any Dove, but the most powerful one of all. Kisho Arima. That's why I joined. Because it's not just me that misses Kuzuri…it's so many others…"
Fueguchi cried a little when she expressed her yearning to see Kaneki once more. Haise saw in her a burning desire to embrace the man she once called her brother. Haise then received a notification saying his time with Fueguchi was almost up.
"Thank you for your time."
"Oh no. I was glad to talk to you. I'd like to do it again."
"…Likewise."
As Haise exited, his thoughts lingered on the fact that his first instinct as to treat her with kindness, despite his occupation.
"She's a ghoul…and I kill people like her…I know that when the time comes…she'll die…probably by my hands…"
Think you can do it?
"I honestly don't know…why do I feel so bad for her…in all honestly, the bigger question that comes to mind is…why does she have to suffer all this?"
As Haise made his way back to his car, he started it up. The car only worked for a while before it shut down all of a sudden.
"What the hell?"
Haise attempted to start the car again, but nothing happened for some reason.
"Of all the times for this to break down…"
Irritated, Haise almost went outside to check on the problem, but stopped at the last minute due to unexpected storm of blood. This scared Haise to no end. The blood storm went on for a full minute before stopping. Haise was almost afraid to open the door of his car, but steeled himself as he felt this event may have ties to something larger. He opened the door of his car to expose himself to the rank odor of putrefaction. It overloaded his senses, especially his one of smell. Haise almost puked at this, but kept it together. Haise's first instinct was to re-enter Cochlea to see if what he experienced happened to him only. He returned to the entrance and asked the guard,
"Could you let me back in?"
"Investigator Yashida?"
"Please?! This is important!"
"Y-Yes sir."
As soon as Haise entered, he searched for Investigator Haisaki. He eventually found said Investigator.
"Investigator Haisaki!"
"Investigator Yashida."
"Did anything happen to the prison when I left?"
"Well…we did have a minor power outage."
"Have the prisoners escaped?"
"Thankfully no. The cells were all closed when the power outage happened. However…"
"Yes?"
"Usually when one happens, the backup generators would kick in. But when it happened, both main and backup power were shut down. At first, we worried that the ghouls would catch up and attempt to free themselves. Fortunately, the worst-case scenario was avoided when the power came back on. We've sent some of our resident engineers to check on the power supply."
Haise sighed before responding,
"That's a relief."
"Investigator Yashida…you wouldn't happen to see what caused it, did you?"
"Not exactly…"
Haise explained what happened to him, which shocked both Investigator Haisaki and rest of the staff close to him.
"My god…Someone check the outside feed."
One of the staff did what Investigator Haisaki demanded, but the camera view was blocked.
"Investigator Haisaki, the feed is…muddled…"
"What do you mean muddled?"
"It looks like some sort of…thick liquid is blocking the live feed."
"Is it in black and white or color?"
Asked Haise.
"It's color, Investigator Yashida. The liquid appears to be…"
"Red?"
The staff soon crowded the monitor showing the live feed of the scene Haise witnessed earlier.
"You were right…"
"I intend to report this to Director Washuu. After that, here's hoping that a plan of action would come soon…"
xxxxxx
(GCB Main Office, 1st ward)
As soon as Haise arrived at Headquarters. a lot of the Investigators stood perplexed by the sight of blood covering the car. When he entered the building, Haise stood surprised to see the office at such an uproar. He spotted Secretary Hikari Ruisawa and asked,
"Excuse me? What's happening?"
"There's an incident at the 23rd ward. Apparently there was a blackout, followed by a rain of blood at Cochlea."
"So, word's finally arrived."
"I was actually there."
"You were?"
"My car failed to start up when the blood rain started. That's why I'm here. I want to report this to Director Washuu or any of the Special Investigators."
Ruisawa got on the phone to contact Special Investigator Marude.
"Special Investigator Marude? This is Ruisawa. I have an Investigator who was at the scene today."
"…"
"Senior Investigator Yashida, sir."
"…"
"Yes sir."
Ruisawa hung up the phone before saying to Haise,
"He'll see you now."
Haise made his way to Marude's office. As he entered, he sees not just Marude there, but Special Investigator Arima as well.
"Arima? What are you doing here?"
"The situation requires my skills."
"But…you're usually operating on your own."
"Haise…this is something that we…like to take on by ourselves."
Marude added.
"Even though our main priority is ghouls…if this possess the outcome of being anything like the Shi'ar incident, then it is imperative that we contain it within Tokyo…and save the need of involving Shield as a last resort."
Haise got the idea of what Marude spoke about.
"I understand…"
As Haise sat down, he explained what happened at Cochlea from his point of view. He even added the fact that he went back to the prison to learn that the power blackout affected not just his car, but Cochlea's power supply as well. Which worried both Investigators, but Haise added the fact that the cell doors did not open by themselves during aid blackout. Relieved that the worst-case scenario was avoided, Arima says to Marude,
"Then the main priority should obviously be locating the source behind said incidents."
"Agreed. Even if Aogiri decides to act on this, I can't imagine they'll have the numbers for it."
Said Marude. Arima proposed the following.
"Might I suggest letting the Quinx squad take the lead on this?"
Marude sat astonished by Arima's request.
"You sure about this? Their work during the auction operation is nothing short of laudable, but this is…"
"Above what they're used to?"
"Pretty much."
Arima turned his attention to Haise.
"Haise…thank you for your report. Report back to the Chateau. Standby for further orders."
"Yes sir."
Haise took his leave and headed back to the Chateau. Once alone, both Arima and Marude finally spoke their minds.
"Arima, they're still a little wet behind the ears. Yashida, I can see…"
"That is precisely why. Consciously or unconsciously, Haise possesses a wealth of experience in these matters."
"Yes, but why though?"
Arima took a deep breath before explaining.
"The higher-ups, Director Washuu included, feel that the Bureau has to take on further responsibilities for tomorrow's challenges."
Marude sat speechless for a while until he said,
"You're shitting me."
"I wish I was. The fact is that the Shi'ar incident has furthered the idea that the Bureau is an ineffective organization among the vocal within the public, incapable of even carrying out their basic duty."
Marude initially got angry at the idea, but did not argue with the fact that Aogiri is making the Bureau look as if the organization look like a bunch of fools. Even with the success of the Auction operation only kept back the harshest criticisms for so long.
"I'll admit…Aogiri is giving us one hell of a headache…but even then, the Bureau is giving back everything we have against them."
"Thankfully, the criticisms against the Japan branch are not against the rest of the international branches."
"That's only because they're not dealing with what we're up against."
"And yet, did you know that there are reports of ghoul organizations similar to Aogiri in eight reported countries?"
Marude now stood shocked at the idea of Aogiri copycats.
"There have been four reported in the whole of Europe, one in the US, one spread in both Central and South America, and two reported in both China and Russia."
"My god. That much?"
"Thankfully, the one in North America is all but finished. Both China and Russia are close to taking down the two copycat organizations. But Europe and the tropical Americas are having about the same difficulties as we are."
Marude slowly but fully understood the core reason of why Arima wanted the Quinxes to take on the situation at hand.
"If we are dealing with anything like the Shi'ar incident, then the GCB has to take this on, without assistance from Shield or any taskforce sent by the UN."
"If the Bureau can take down an alien menace, that means further confidence in the Bureau itself…"
"Which means that we can do our primary jobs without the weight of the scrutiny aimed at us."
Marude sighed at this before replying,
"I want to take to Yoshitoki about this…but it would be a nice change of pace to having the people see us as damn good at what we do."
"Exactly. We need this, Marude. I have confidence in Haise's leadership. However…"
"However what?"
"Did you remember that file I put on your table?"
"Yes…"
"Open it."
Marude picked up the file opened it, only to be taken aback by what he saw.
"Isn't she…?"
"Yes she is…she arrived at the academy about a year ago. She recently graduated, and is eager to prove herself."
xxxxxx
Later that afternoon, Haise returned to the Chateau. Once he arrived, Saiko was the first to ask him about the incident in the 23rd ward.
"Maman, are you all right?"
"I'm fine, Saiko."
"Well, we were all watching the news about the blood in the 23rd ward."
Haise stood concerned about his team reacting negatively to this development. As he entered the living room, he sees his team almost glued to the screen as the news constantly spoke about the rain of blood that happened earlier.
"Guys, Maman's here."
Each of the Quinxes turned their attention to Haise. Shirazu spoke first.
"Mr. Yas, you all right?"
"Yeah. I just went through something freaky."
"Well, it is rather unusual."
Said Urie with Mutsuki replying,
"Understatement of the year. But even so, is the Bureau is going to do something about this? Or are we leaving this to Shield?"
"Arima is going to call me later for a later update."
"Arima?"
Asked Urie, to which Haise explained further.
"I went to the Main Office to report this to either the Director or any of the Special Investigators. Both Arima and Marude saw me and I told them about the incident."
"So…we just wait until Arima says something?"
Asked Shirazu, to which Haise answered,
"Pretty much. I know all of you want to do something about this…and we are."
All the Quinxes instantly got on alert when Haise mentioned the possibility of them taking on the assignment of tracking down this phenomenon.
"Until Arima gives the call, we're on standby."
Just then, a knock was heard. Everyone turned their attention the front door. Haise was the first to answer the door, with the rest of the Quinxes right behind him. As soon as Haise opened, it was revealed to be a young Japanese woman, around Mutsuki's age. Both Shirazu and Urie were awestruck by her appearance, while Saiko thought indifferent of her at first. For Mutsuki, he felt only confusion as to why she arrived here. Haise, however, felt familiarity as he blurted out,
"Hisako?"
"Hello…Haise. I'm Hisako Ichiki. I've been assigned to your squad for only the duration of the mission. Pleased to meet you."
Hisako extended her hand to Haise, to which he returned the gesture by shaking hers. As the Quinxes sees entering their home and sitting in the living room, Shirazu slowly recognized her.
"Holy crap!"
Urie asked,
"What's with you?"
"Seriously, that's just rude."
Said Saiko in admonishment.
"Sorry. It's just…I recognized her."
"From where?"
Asked Mutsuki. Shirazu asked Hisako,
"Did you used to be part of the X-Men?"
Everyone instantly gasped at the same time when Shirazu mentioned Hisako's connection with the X-Men. To which Hisako clarified,
"I was for a couple of years. But the situation with Aogiri compelled me to come back to Japan. After spending about a month with my folks back in Tohoku, I told them that I was going to the GCB academy to lend my powers to the Bureau."
The Quinxes were amazed by Hisako's sense of duty.
"Thankfully, my time with the X-Men was considered on-field credit, but I need to catch up with my studies."
"Usually, it takes three years, at minimum, to graduate to the field."
Urie interjected.
"I was also given a comprehensive high-school education at Xavier's institute. Honestly helped me through the introductory stuff. Investigator Arima was impressed by my progress that he accelerated my education. And since this situation all of you are assigned is similar to what I faced before, Arima wanted me a part of the Quinx squad. Albeit temporarily."
The Quinxes were excited of having another member of the X-Men within their squad. However, Haise seemed to be lost in thought.
"Where have I seen her before?"
Hisako noticed this and asked,
"You all right?"
"Y-Yes. It's just…been a long day."
"Well, how about we hold off the mission briefing until tomorrow?"
"…Sounds like a good idea."
By the time Hisako left, the Quinxes went to their rooms and rested for tomorrow. When Haise went to his room, his smartphone rang. Haise answered and knew who called him.
"Yukio?"
"…"
"You want to join this operation?"
"…"
"Well, I have no problem…but the status doesn't give you…field clearance."
"…"
"Well, if you'll indulge me…I do have an idea…"
xxxxxx
(earlier)
Both Harada and Yukio see Hisako interacting with the Quinxes, and Haise most of all. This worried Harada most of all.
"This is bad."
"I know…"
"We can't have an X-Man be anywhere near Haise. Even a former one."
"There is very little we can do."
After taking a moment, Harada has an idea.
"Did you tell me that we have special deputy status in the GCB?"
Yukio instantly understood what Harada meant.
"Yes we do…but…"
"But what?"
"If this Hisako does not reawaken any dormant memories, then we take no action against her."
Although Harada's instincts to follow Ichiro's orders to the letter compelled him to reject such a condition, he also did not want to cause any unnecessary bloodshed. To do so possessed the potential to unravel his master's larger operation.
"Very well."
xxxxxx
(The next day, nighttime)
The Quinxes arrived at one of the conferences room Haise reserved in advance. However, the only ones absent were Haise and Hisako. Shirazu asked Urie,
"Urie, when's Haise gonna get here?"
"You're the squad leader. You tell me."
In part to Urie's snarky remark, Shirazu had the idea to text Haise. Before he can do so, the doors opened. The Quinxes turned their attention to the door, only to see Hisako entering the room. Mutsuki was the first to ask,
"Um…Miss Ichiki?"
"Oh, don't call me that. Please. Refer to me than by my first name."
Mutsuki felt a little embarrassed, but honored Hisako's wishes.
"Okay…Hisako, did Haise tell you he'd be late?"
"Actually, there's a reason behind that-"
The doors opened once more to reveal not just Haise, but also Harada and Yukio. As well as Deadpool. Their appearances surprised them all. Urie spoke out first.
"Haise, were they the reason why you're late?"
"More or less."
Haise turned his attention to Harada, Yukio and Deadpool.
"Go ahead and take a seat."
They did so. Haise stood in front of everyone within the room and speaks to them.
"Okay, before we start the briefing, I'm going to address the elephant in the room."
Deadpool acted immaturely and did a poor impression of an elephant trumpet. Much to the irritation of everyone around him.
"Case in point…The inclusion of Yukio and Harada…and Deadpool."
Haise sighed before continuing.
"Simply put, their skills can be an asset for the mission ahead of us. Yukio and Harada skills with a katana makes them physically able to stand against almost any threat. But their abilities put them on par with ours. Hisako's included. I'll let them explain. Yukio."
Yukio stood up and says,
"I have the mutant ability of precognition, but it's limited. I do not receive a complete picture. Rather it's sort of like…looking through a keyhole. I can only see how people around me are going to die. Including me."
Everyone sat stunned after hearing about Yukio's mutant ability. Mutsuki had an idea if Yukio was a mutant.
"Haise did mention her ability…but I never thought it was this…"
Yukio sat down, giving Harada the signal to go next.
"My full name is Kenuichio Harada. My regular skills are not just sword fighting, but I am also trained in the art of ninjutsu."
The Quinxes were amazed to heard Harada confessing to be a fully trained Ninja. Shirazu stood amazed most of all.
"Dude! So, you can like become invisible and create shadow clones and stuff?"
"This isn't Naruto."
"You don't know that, Urie!"
"Actually, he's kind of right. I don't use Ninjutsu in the way that most anime portrays it."
Shirazu sat back down, dejected by reality. Mutsuki pated his back to ease his disappointment. While Saiko smirked at Shirazu's reaction.
"Ninjutsu is really the oldest form of how intelligence agents are trained today. As well as assassins. But…like Yukio, I possess a mutant ability. But I need an object to fully demonstrate."
"Got it."
Haise went to Harada and gave him a pen. Harada took it and held it by his thumb and index finger. After a moment, the pen began to glow a silver aura, much to the amazement of nearly everyone in the room. Harada explained.
"I can naturally create a tachyon field around any object in my hands. I apply my mutant abilities with any bladed weapon in my hands."
Both Shirazu and Saiko expressed amazement at hearing how Harada's powers worked. Urie and Mutsuki were astounded as well, but were more subdued about it. Harada puts down the pen on the table as soon the tachyon field he produced died down. Haise then says,
"Thank you, Harada. Now for Deadpool…"
"I'd like to make my own intro. Please."
Haise felt a measure of regret within him, but took the chance anyways.
"Fine."
Deadpool stood up, and cleared his voice before speaking.
"Sup'. Name's Deadpool. Mercenary, badass, and all-around one-man army. I've taken down targets that, quite frankly, the Bureau's too much of a calculating pussy to bring down."
Haise hid his contempt for the mercenary.
"But it's not just ghouls I kill. For the right price I can kill pretty much anybody that pisses you off."
Saiko raised her hand.
"Could you kill this gamer that's been whupping my ass on Call of Duty?"
"Sure thing!"
"SAIKO!"
Said everyone in the room simultaneously.
"What~?! He offered."
"Saiko, that's not cool!"
Said Shirazu in admonishment to Saiko. Deadpool continued.
"Well, right now I can't kill anyone right now."
Deadpool pointed to a bracelet on his left ankle.
"If I go more than 10 miles from Haise, this thing will literally go boom and my whole leg goes to pieces. True, I have a healing factor, but it'll take a long-ass while to fully grow back…"
"By then, either Harada, Yukio, or myself will notify the proper authorities to finally transport Deadpool to the Raft."
Everyone within the room knew about the Raft in one form or another. It was similar to Cochlea, but it imprisons powered individuals instead of ghouls.
"The strange thing is that Haise requested for me."
This detail Deadpool explained surprised the Quinxes with Mutsuki asking,
"Haise, is this true?"
"…Yes. Deadpool is, to a degree, insufferable. However, his skills against someone like Deathlok was something I didn't want to ignore. So, I asked Arima to see if I could bring in not just Deadpool, but also expand the numbers of our team. As well as…"
"What?"
Asked Urie.
"…I asked to see if we could change the name of our squad."
The Quinxes were once again surprised by Haise's sudden forwardness. Mutsuki then asked,
"Did he agree?"
"…Well…it wasn't easy for either of us…"
flashback
(Afternoon)
Haise made it to the Special Investigator conference room. Arima waited for him to arrive, as per Haise's request.
"All right, Haise. What is it you want?"
"Arima…I have three requests from you."
"That's pretty bold."
"Well, I'm feeling that today for good reason."
Arima gave a small smirk before saying,
"All right then. Name them."
"One, I want you to expand both Harada's and Yukio's deputy statuses to include combat inclusion."
Arima gave a sharp look at Haise for such a request.
"Two, I want to include both Hisako and Deadpool into the Quinx squad."
Arima's glare got sharper.
"Three…I want to change the name of the squad."
"Denied."
Said Arima instantly. Much to Haise's disappointment. Nevertheless, he persisted on his demands.
"Arima, you're asking me to take on something that demands additional personnel and skillsets that increase our chances at survival."
"I won't argue with you on that. I even willing to give you custody of the mercenary if he will help you in the mission. What I can't agree to…are the two other requests."
"Normally, I'd take it…but this time, I have to stand with my demands. And I'm willing to do what it takes for you to give me what I want."
Although he did not show it, Arima was impressed by this display of decisiveness.
"Fine then. Let's head to the 15th floor."
Haise knew that floor held the training room for Investigators. As they arrived, about a dozen Investigators were present. Among them were Investigators Madou, Ui, and Ihei. Ihei noticed Arima and says,
"Arima!"
Ui heard her and sees Arima as well. Akira just about finished lifting weights in time of seeing both Haise and Arima enter the room.
"Haise? And Arima?"
Ui was the first to approach Arima.
"Investigator Arima."
"Ui."
"It's always a pleasure to see you sir."
"Likewise, Ui."
Internally, Ui lit up in joy over Arima returning his complement. Ihei attempted to do the same.
"Kisho, it's so good to see you."
"Ihei. You've recently been made 1st class, am I right?"
Ihei squealed a little before replying,
"Right."
"Ihei, control yourself."
"Aww, but Ui…"
Haise laughed a little at how they were all acting. Then, Akira approached them.
"Investigator Arima."
"Madou. How are you?"
"Just fine sir. But also, curious as to why you're here? If it's just for a workout, then I'm sorry for interrupting. Haise, are you reporting to me about your mission?"
"Well, it is related to the mission…"
Arima explained further.
"Haise and I are going to spar."
Every Investigator within earshot heard what soon will take place. Word quickly spread both around and beyond the training room. Arima notices this and says to Haise,
"Haise, we should get ready."
"Right."
While the two took off their work shirts and shoes, the training room slowly filled up with Investigators who wanted to see the match between Haise and Arima. As the room filled up, both Haise and Arima got into their fighting stances. Before the match started, Arima says to Haise,
"If you managed to knock me down, consider it an automatic approval."
Akira thinks to herself,
"Please don't tell me Haise made a request that demanded this to happen?"
The spectators cheered as soon as the two started trading blows. Arima proved himself disciplined and powerful, but Haise was swift and adaptable. The way the two fought each other looked like a dance rehearsal. The only ones that didn't cheer with much enthusiasm were Akira, Ui, and Ihei. For Akira, she hoped that Haise will emerge as the winner and prove himself to be an Investigator that will surpass Arima.
"I just hope he does it for the right reasons…"
For Ui and Ihei, they were confident that Haise possessed no chance against their mentor and idol.
"Arima is the best of us. There's no chance he can defeat him. Haise can only hold his ground for so long…"
Both Arima and Haise still wanted to fight further, but they both knew that if the fight dragged on any longer, the mission will be compromised. Haise thought,
"I have to beat him. But the way Arima maintains his defense…it feels practically impossible to get a hit on him…"
Suddenly, Haise felt another memory manifesting within him. The memory was that of training with the Iron Fist. What went on was a lesson.
"Now that we've freshened up on the basics, it's time I showed you some of the finer techniques of Kung-Fu. Specifically, pressure points. Originating in China, it was first studies as an aspect of human health. Specifically, acupuncture."
Kaneki nodded.
"But martial artists started incorporating the knowledge into offensive practices. Pressure points allow a martial artist to expand his options to defeating his enemies. If a martial artist has no murderous intent towards his opponent, then knowledge of pressure points gives options to take down someone without the standard bloodbath."
"How's that possible, Shifu?"
"Here's how."
The Iron Fist got close to Kaneki and pointed on his body where his pressure points were.
"If I got serious and pressed on them with force, you'd be lying unconscious on the floor right now."
Kaneki instantly stiffed up when his Shifu mentioned this. The Iron Fist laughed before saying to him,
"Relax. I won't do them on you. But if you're ever in a situation where you have to fight your way out, at least you have an idea of other ways to get out of it."
"R-Right. Thank you, Shifu."
Haise snapped back to reality. Just in time for dodge one of Arima's attacks. The crowd of Investigators cheered for Arima. Haise was out of breath over how much he had to move to prevent Arima to land a blow on him.
"Haise, there's no shame in calling quits."
Said Arima as he assumed his fighting position. Haise assumed his as an idea came to him. Haise got on the offensive once more by trying to land a hit anywhere on his opponent's person, to no avail. Arima lightly chuckled as he said,
"All that training I gave you, and you still go back to this?"
Haise used his fully recalled knowledge of pressure points, before instantly kneeling to dodge Arima's karate chop aimed at his neck, and forcefully pressed a space just above Arima's kneecaps. This suddenly caused the Special Investigator to experience weakness in his knees, which shocked everyone seeing this. Ui and Ihei, most of all. Arima tried to get back up, but the weakness in his knees remained longer than he liked. Before striking back, Haise says to him,
"You're not the only one I trained under."
Haise delivered a pressure point attack by first chopping Arima's right neck side, then his left neck side, then forcefully pressed a point in the space between his arm and shoulder, then fully grasped Arima's face area with one hand, punched Arima in the heart, grasped it, and then finishing it off by forcefully pressing a point which connected Arima's entire nervous system within the chest area. Such an attack made Arima drop to the floor, unconscious. This sent the entire room into further astonishment. For Akira, she smiled while her mouth gaped open.
"At last…it finally happened…"
For Ui and Ihei, however, rage filled them up. So much so, Ihei yelled,
"WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?"
Haise turned his attention to Ihei as he just about to head to the door.
"You cheated! Admit it!"
"It's called pressure points. A discipline subset within Kung-Fu."
Some of the Investigators spoke with amazement hearing Haise speaking about the subject.
"Either way, that wasn't fair what you did to Arima. This isn't how you end a fight!"
"Tell that to the ghouls."
Said Akira.
"However he defeated Arima, the fact remains that Haise has surpassed Arima. Without his mutation, I might add. And when it comes to fighting against ghouls, nothing is off-limits."
The Investigators spoke among themselves once more. Ui, meanwhile, looked at Akira with a measure of contempt.
"Of course she has a stake in this…"
"Therefore, Investigator Ihei, it's foolish of you to hold this against Haise."
Ihei simply walked away in a huff. Akira wanted to go after her, but Ui beat her to it.
"I'll talk to her."
As Ui walked away, Haise gathered his office clothing and walked out of the training room, but not before speaking with Akira about the nature of the requests Arima gave his automatic approval to.
"The collaborator known as Deadpool will be under my supervision and will be working for the Quinx squad tonight."
"You sure about that?"
"Don't worry. I'll make a recommendation for a precautionary measure to ensure that he doesn't disobey whatever order I give him."
"All right."
"The second one I made is the expansion of both Yukio's and Harada's deputy status."
This one surprised Akira in a negative way.
"Excuse me?!"
"Akira, no matter how you think of Yukio, this is my decision."
Haise walked a few steps before saying one last thing.
"And also…I've petitioned for a name change. We're no longer the Quinx squad."
"…WHAT?!"
end
Every mouth in the conference were gaping wide open over Haise's win over Arima. Although only a sparring match, the fact that Haise achieved this one win against Arima proved his capability to surpass against the strongest Investigator in not just the entire Japanese branch of the Ghoul Countermeasures Bureau, but the whole of the organization across the world. For Yukio, this impressed her. For Harada, this reminded him of someone he regretted never getting to fight against. For Hisako, this made her think,
"If he fights like him, then maybe…"
"So, yeah. I beat Arima for the right to rename this squad."
"So, what are ya gonna call it?"
Haise explained before giving the name.
"I want the name of our squad to be not just something that says who we are, but also what we're capable of. To be the first of many squads to take on threats from space itself!"
That last part excited both Saiko and Shirazu, while Mutsuki looked at Haise with astonishment. Only Urie, Yukio and Harada did not allow the hype Haise generated overcome their sense of reality.
"Due to the fact that our squad comprises of not only Quinxes, but mutants as well…can I get drum roll please?"
Shirazu gleefully provided this. Yukio smiled at Haise enjoying the moment.
"The name of our squad will be called…"
Haise crossed his arms to make an X while maintaining space between his chest area and his arms before finishing his sentence.
"X-Force!"
Silence filled the room, only to be broken when Saiko stood up clapping.
"THAT IS SO COOL!"
"I know right?!"
While Haise and Saiko were wrapped up in the hype of the moment, the rest of the squad had their own reservations about the name change. One which Deadpool made evident by asking,
"Don't you think that's kind of…ripping off from the X-Men?"
Haise instantly realized how his name change can be seen as a sort of trademark theft. He explained the reason behind the name.
"Well, the reason why I chose it is the Bureau worked together with the X-Men, and through such a partnership the Bureau was seen as capable of taking on more than the ghoul threats. The Quinx squad was created for the purpose of such a purpose. Now, because the Bureau's image received a great boost, I thought why not have the Quinxes serve that same purpose?"
Yukio saw flaws behind such an idea and voiced her opinion.
"Haise, I respectfully disagree. The Bureau received help from the X-Men because of Weapon X. The positive reception of the Bureau and the X-Men collaborating was merely an extra benefit."
"I fully acknowledge that fat, Yukio. Which brings me to another reason why. The new squad name will reflect that we have not just Quinxes in our squad, but also mutants as well."
Yukio, Harada, Hisako, and Urie picked up on the wider implications of what Haise just said.
"I want our squad to be comprised of any and all powered individuals hat want to volunteer their abilities to the Bureau."
Both Saiko and Shirazu caught on.
"And maybe create more X-Forces across the rest of the Bureau across the world?"
"Well, it is reported that powered individuals already have joined in numerous branches in other countries, but having X-Force exist here could give the rest an idea of how to properly utilize them. After all, why have just one Avengers team?"
"Or just one X-Men team?"
Everyone else were in agreement to Hisako's question. Haise then asked,
"So, we're all in agreement with the name change? Raise your hand if you do."
Soon everyone raised one hand to indicate their approval of the name change.
"Excellent. As of today, the Quinx squad is officially renamed the X-Force."
Everyone clapped their hands to the name change. For a lot of them, it was a hopeful signifier of things to come. For Haise, the mission ahead can give them the opportunity of what the X-Force can mean for a lot of people.
"Now, unto the main point of this meeting. Hisako, the floor is yours."
"Thank you, Haise."
Haise took his seat, to which Hisako took his place and started the second half of the meeting.
"Alight then. If I could have your attention please…"
Aaaannnnd stop! This is where we end for now. If you figured out what I'm basing this filler chapter on, congratulations! You're in for a fun ride! Thank you for reading. Don't forget to leave a review and share with friends. Here's to a new year, and stay tuned for the next chapter. Until we meet again.