Alright," Amon Kotaro responded, acknowledging the situation.
He trusted Mado Kureo's judgment and chose not to press further.
Ui Koori, standing nearby, remained silent. This was Kanzaki Ryoma's decision, and even as his superior, Ui wouldn't interfere.
Ui then addressed Ryoma, "Kanzaki, we should hurry; the meeting is about to start."
Together, they proceeded to the conference room for the 11th Ward Special Countermeasures Meeting.
"Hello, everyone. We're here," Shinohara Yukinori announced as he entered the room, greeting those present.
"I've been waiting for you, Shinohara," Marude Itsuki said with a grin, hands casually tucked into his pockets.
"You seem quite pleased, Marude. When I got your call, I thought it was something serious," Shinohara replied.
"Of course, this time as chief commander, it's a big promotion worth celebrating," Marude said, his excitement evident. "If we do well, there might be another promotion!"
Amon observed Marude's demeanor with a neutral expression. The recent annihilation of CCG forces in the 11th Ward by Aogiri Tree weighed heavily on him. The loss of so many colleagues contrasted sharply with Marude's elation over his promotion.
Despite his reservations, Amon maintained his composure, respecting the chain of command.
After addressing Amon, Marude approached Ui and Ryoma, seemingly ignoring Mado Kureo, who stood nearby.
Noticing this, Amon clenched his fists, feeling a surge of frustration at Marude's dismissive behavior toward Mado. However, he remained silent, unwilling to challenge a superior officer.
Mado, for his part, appeared unfazed, focusing instead on his ever-present Quinque briefcase.
"Ui... And this must be Kanzaki Ryoma, the 'strongest newcomer' I've been hearing about," Marude said, addressing Ryoma.
"Yes, sir. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Marude," Ryoma replied politely.
"Impressive work, expelling so many ghouls shortly after joining," Marude commented, engaging in casual conversation with Ryoma and Ui.
Then, turning his attention to Suzuya Juuzou, he remarked, "By the way... a woman?"
He seemed momentarily uncertain about Suzuya's gender.
Shinohara leaned in and whispered to Marude, "This is Suzuya, the one I mentioned earlier."
"Hello," Suzuya greeted, his gaze wandering elsewhere.
"Ah, so you're the one recommended by Chairman Washuu," Marude said, scrutinizing Suzuya. "Quite different from Arima, but similar to the Chairman..."
"Marude, it's best not to speak ill of the Washuu family," Shinohara cautioned.
"It's fine. I just avoid saying anything damaging in public," Marude replied nonchalantly. Then, with a smirk, he added, "By the way, he's quite small. Hard to tell if he has 'balls' or not. Ahahaha."
"Wait..." Shinohara was taken aback.
Sweat formed on his brow as he glanced at Suzuya, hoping he wouldn't react negatively to Marude's crude remark.
Amon, too, was shocked by Marude's inappropriate comment, especially given Suzuya's traumatic past under Big Madam's abuse.
Suzuya's expression darkened momentarily but quickly returned to his usual demeanor.
Relieved that Suzuya didn't retaliate, Shinohara relaxed slightly.
Ui offered an awkward smile, familiar with Marude's abrasive personality.
At that moment, Ryoma placed a reassuring hand on Suzuya's shoulder, offering silent support.
Suzuya noticed and gave Ryoma a small smile, his mood visibly improving.
Marude, oblivious to the tension he'd caused, moved on to the main topic.
"Well! Let's get down to business. This is the biggest punitive operation of my career. I need top-notch elites who won't make mistakes," Marude declared with a grin. "So, you're all members of the 11th Ward Special Countermeasures Team now. As commander-in-chief, that's my order. You have no right to refuse."
Shinohara sighed, having anticipated this but still finding Marude's approach exasperating.
While Ryoma and Suzuya were unlikely to object, Marude's introduction left much to be desired.
Despite Marude's flaws, Shinohara knew he wasn't a bad person at heart.
Ryoma remained silent, as did Ui.
Amon and Mado took seats at the conference table, Mado's Quinque briefcase conspicuously placed before him, though no one commented on it.
The special countermeasures meeting commenced, focusing on the battle plan for the upcoming operation. All investigators were expected to adhere strictly to the outlined strategy.
Following the meeting, there was a somber task: writing a "final letter."
In large-scale operations, each ghoul investigator was required to write a letter to their loved ones, in case they didn't survive. Often, bodies couldn't be recovered in battles against ghouls.
Even Arima Kisho participated, though he typically submitted a blank page, unsure of whom to address.
In one of the corner, Ryoma sat at his desk, staring at the blank paper provided by the CCG.
He pondered for a long time. In this world, he had no relatives.
The question remained... to whom should he write this letter?
***
Check out an original eastern fantasy book— not with your average righteous mc but a villain mc, system, and a plot that'll keep you hooked.
It has a moral less main character, someone who's down to do whatever it takes to survive, a non sentiment system but a non sentiment that throws out programmed sarcastic remarks, unhinged advices at the most unexpected times.
Check out "Madness System: He, Who Mocks The Heaven" By yours truly, Vrizzy Aka, Me.
Also, It seems some are interested in bonus chaps for power stones again, let's start it again from tomorrow, when ranking reset.
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