Chapter 15: One-Eyed Owl
Kureo's obsession with quinques is evident in many ways — he not only loves to study them, but places a lot of value on their strength.
In his opinion, a B rated quinque isn't powerful enough to match Byakuya's abilities.
While that might be true, an investigator's rank often determines the level of quinque they're permitted to wield.
Unless they personally eliminate a high-ranking ghoul.
For example, Byakuya, currently a Second Class Investigator, would need to eliminate an S rated ghoul in order to be eligible for an S rated quinque made from that ghoul's kagune.
"Thank you for your consideration, Senior Kureo, but I'm not too concerned about it" said Byakuya.
"How can you not be? A quinque is essential...though perhaps I shouldn't impose my beliefs on you"
Although Kureo was fixated on quinques, he wasn't one to force his beliefs on others.
After a while, when everyone had rested, Marude gave the order to move forward.
The recent victory in combat had relaxed the search squad members, who began to chat quietly.
"That was intense, but with Kusuka Mado here, everything feels different."
"True. With her skills almost on par with a Special Class, we should be safe unless we run into the One-Eyed Owl.
"Hey, don't jinx us! If that actually happens, we're doomed!"
"It's unlikely. The One-Eyed Owl was heavily injured recently by Kuroiwa and a large squad of investigators. Logically, it should be laying low for now, right?"
Overhearing the mention of the One-Eyed Owl, Byakuya's mouth twitched slightly. He knew they were bound to encounter the Owl soon—these guys' "jinxes" were no joke.
...
The search squad continued to explore the 24th Ward's labyrinthine depths.
Thanks to intelligence from previous squads, Marude had a precise route to avoid getting lost initially.
However, as they ventured deeper, their exploration became increasingly difficult due to limited information.
"We're approaching F124, but we need to go further in"
Marude warned the squad members, unaware of the severity of what lay ahead.
Only Byakuya understood the significance of reaching F124.
Because…the One-Eyed Owl would appear at F124.
After a while...
Just as Byakuya anticipated, they spotted the figure of the One-Eyed Owl ahead.
Cloaked in black with their face obscured, the Owl had released part of their kagune but hadn't yet fully transformed.
"Th-that…looks like the One-Eyed Owl?!"
One of the investigators recognized the Owl, given that it had attacked the 2nd Ward CCG branch twice in the same form. CCG had publicized this figure widely and issued a high bounty.
The entire search squad felt an overwhelming pressure, cold sweat dotting their foreheads.
They were facing the SSS rated ghoul, the One-Eyed Owl, a monster that nearly singlehandedly destroyed the entire 2nd Ward CCG branch!
And they were expected to face this threat...
Marude's calm demeanor faltered upon recognizing the Owl, his expression turning grave as he considered whether to order a retreat.
Kasuka stepped forward to the front of the team, knowing that aside from Marude, she was the only one who could even attempt to stand against the 'One-Eyed Owl.'
"Marude, order the others to retreat immediately, now!"
Kasuka spoke in a low, urgent voice.
She sensed that if they didn't withdraw immediately, the entire squad might be wiped out.
After a moment's internal struggle, Marude made the decision.
"Emergency retreat—everyone, fall back now!"
"No! Kasuka!"
Kureo realized what was happening and tried to stop her.
It was clear that Kasuka, the strongest among them, intended to stay behind while the others escaped. This was her choice, and even though it pained him, Marude couldn't deny it.
"Kureo! Go! There's no time left!"
Marude held the struggling Kureo tightly, pulling him along as they retreated.
He knew that anyone left behind to face the One-Eyed Owl would almost certainly die, but Kasuka was their best chance to delay the Owl, and they couldn't afford more casualties.
"Let me go!!"
Kureo resisted fiercely. He couldn't bear the thought of leaving his wife behind to face the Owl alone.
"Kureo…didn't we agree that, at work, you'd call me Investigator Kasuka?"
Kusuka turned and smiled gently at him.
Stunned, Kureo hesitated, and in that brief pause, Marude and the others managed to pull him away quickly.
In their rush, they overlooked Byakuya, who was standing slightly apart from the rest.
Byakuya had done this deliberately, positioning himself in a corner so he wouldn't be noticed or have to spend time explaining himself to Marude.
Kusaka, focused intently on the Owl and unable to relax her guard, also didn't notice Byakuya.
But the One-Eyed Owl wasn't looking at Kasuka—instead, her gaze was fixed on Byakuya's direction.
When Eto, the One-Eyed Owl, first saw the search squad, she intended to launch an immediate attack. But among the investigators, she noticed a familiar figure.
When she noticed Byakuya was among the search squad, she hesitated, giving the investigators a moment to react and flee.
Otherwise, in the original events, the Owl would have easily killed several investigators by now.
Kusuka found the Owl's reaction unusual. Following the Owl's gaze, she glanced over her shoulder and finally noticed Byakuya.
"Investigator Byakuya! Why haven't you retreated?!"
"Because I want to stay and fight alongside you, Investigator Kasuka" Byakuya replied calmly as he approached her.
"Don't be foolish! Leave now, while you still can!"
Kasuka warned Byakuya, keeping her focus on the Owl.
She had no time to argue; any delay would mean Byakuya would also lose his chance to escape.
But Byakuya remained unfazed. After all, he had come here specifically to rescue Kasuka.
At that moment, the One-Eyed Owl moved, her terrifying speed rendering her almost invisible as she launched an attack on Kasuka
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