Chapter 80: Heavy Choice
Kanzaki Ryoma slowly reached for his schoolbag and gripped it tightly.
"Looks like he's still a student. The meat of young people tends to be tender... perfect for savoring."
"I've heard about the 'Binge Eater' from the 20th Ward. Her appetite is outrageous, but she's not exactly picky. Just because she had her eyes on this one doesn't mean he's special."
"That's true, but this one was introduced by Mr. MM. You can doubt the Binge Eater's taste, but you can't doubt Mr. MM."
"Yeah, anything Mr. MM brings to the table is always top-notch."
The masked audience whispered excitedly as Tsukiyama Shuu, disguised as Mr. MM, stood from his seat. Wearing a crescent-shaped mask that covered most of his face, Shuu's exposed smile was twisted with pride.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Shuu announced dramatically, "please feast your eyes on tonight's ultimate delicacy. I guarantee in my name that this is a taste you've never experienced before."
The guests clapped and cheered as the spotlight focused on Kanzaki Ryoma.
Meanwhile, Furuta Nimura, hidden behind his clown mask, remained unnoticed. He observed Ryoma with unsettling interest.
'So, Kanzaki Ryoma had fallen into Tsukiyama's trap.'
Furuta knew Ryoma was a CCG investigator and the one responsible for eliminating "Gecko." He suspected the schoolbag held a Quinque.
Furuta had no plans to intervene. He preferred to watch the chaos unfold.
"This... what do we do?" Kobori stammered, his legs trembling.
Yami, who had been loud and defiant earlier, sat frozen in terror.
"Now, let's begin tonight's dinner show!"
The host's voice boomed, and a heavy metal door on the side wall began to rise.
"Presenting tonight's 'Disintegrator'! The performance you've all been waiting for is about to start!"
From the opening door emerged a massive, muscle-bound man. Shirtless, with a blood-stained cloth wrapped around his head, he carried a large butcher's knife. Despite his monstrous appearance, his voice was oddly soft.
"Please... be kind to me..."
The Disintegrator's childlike tone sharply contrasted with his intimidating frame.
"I'm starting now..."
The hulking figure stepped forward, dragging his blade behind him.
"Haha, this must be some kind of performance!" Kobori chuckled nervously. "I once visited a place like this in France. They create these interactive shows where the audience feels part of the experience!"
The masked spectators stared at Kobori like he was an idiot.
Ryoma sighed quietly, unimpressed by Kobori's obliviousness.
The Disintegrator advanced. Suddenly, Yami panicked.
With desperation in her eyes, she shoved Ryoma from behind in an attempt to divert the Disintegrator's attention.
Ryoma anticipated her move. He sidestepped the push and grabbed Yami by the collar, using her momentum to fling her straight at the Disintegrator.
Yami's heavy frame slammed into the Disintegrator with surprising force. Despite his towering size, the impact knocked him flat on his back.
"Oww... that hurts! Mommy... it hurts!"
The Disintegrator wailed like a child, clutching his head.
The once-cheering audience fell silent.
None of them had expected a human to resist the Disintegrator like that.
Yami staggered to her feet and bolted for the exit. After only a few steps, her legs suddenly gave out, and she collapsed to the floor.
"W-what... what's happening?!"
Her voice trembled with confusion.
Ryoma glanced at her and instantly understood.
The coffee.
The drinks they were served earlier had been spiked with a paralytic. Even Kobori, who had barely moved, was now slumped against the table, unable to lift his arms.
Luckily, Ryoma hadn't touched his drink.
He reached into his schoolbag, retrieving his Quinque briefcase.
The moment the distinct metallic case clicked open, panic spread through the audience.
"That's... that's a White Dove's weapon!"
"That guy's a CCG investigator!"
"Mr. MM! What's going on?! Why'd you bring a White Dove here?!"
"This must be a setup!"
The masked guests murmured in fear, some standing from their seats.
Tsukiyama Shuu quickly raised his hands, smiling confidently.
"Relax, everyone!" he called out. "This is all part of the plan. A ghoul investigator, captured and prepared for tonight's feast. Doesn't that sound far more luxurious? Imagine savoring a 'White Dove' as your meal... a rare delicacy indeed!"
The murmurs settled as some guests nodded in agreement.
Tsukiyama's smile darkened. He hadn't expected Ryoma to be an investigator, but now that he was here, he saw it as an opportunity. The audience was still on his side, and Ryoma seemed young and inexperienced.
He won't ruin my dinner party, Shuu thought smugly.
Meanwhile, Ryoma calmly pressed his thumb to the biometric scanner on his Quinque case. The lock clicked open, and the crimson blade of 13's Jason emerged.
Ryoma's eyes swept over the audience. Most were low-level ghouls with no significant threat. He noticed one familiar face, though — Furuta Nimura.
Furuta's presence confirmed something for Ryoma. This twisted show wasn't just Tsukiyama's idea.
"Get up and fight! You better make this interesting!"
A loud voice rang from the stands.
It was Madam A, a heavyset woman in sunglasses and gaudy jewelry. She was the Disintegrator's "owner" and one of Kano Akihiro's key supporters.
Beside her stood two figures — Kurona Yasuhisa and Nashiro Yasuhisa.
The twin sisters had been ordered to protect Madam A. Yet when they spotted Ryoma standing with his Quinque drawn, they froze.
Recognition flickered in their eyes.
For a moment, Ryoma wondered what they would do. Would they protect Madam A, or would they remember their past as fellow trainees at the academy?
Either way, he knew one thing for sure.
The slaughter was about to begin.