Kapitel 28: Eto's Interview
In terms of strength, Arima at 16 years old already possessed the full capability of a special-class investigator. From 16 to 20, he was at the physical peak typical of half-humans.
However, Arima remained a Second-Class Investigator until he was 19. It wasn't until Kuzen — also known as the Non-Killing Owl —attacked CCG's 2nd Ward branch that things changed.
With no one else in the branch capable of taking on the SSS rated Non-Killing Owl, Arima was forced to confront him using two B rated quinques. The result? Not only did he repel him, but he also severed one of his arms.
From that point on, though, Arima's half-human body began to decline. By the time he joined the V Organization as a cleaner and was promoted to Special-Class Investigator, his body was already past its prime.
In conclusion, Byakuya speculated that Arima deliberately delayed his promotion to avoid being drafted by V as a cleaner too early.
...
Tokyo isn't that large, and the journey from the 13th Ward to the 2nd Ward is fairly short. A subway ride brings you there quickly.
Currently, Arima lives in the same apartment building as Byakuya, though on a different floor and in a different room.
Byakuya had just returned home when Eto showed up.
"You're as punctual as ever, Miss Takatsuki"
"Hm. I hope my manuscript will be published smoothly."
As always, Eto removed her shoes and entered the room directly, wearing only her white socks instead of slippers.
...
After more than an hour of discussion and revisions, Eto, feeling a bit tired, lay on Byakuya's bed to rest. Having spent most of her nights in the rundown hideout of Aogiri Tree, she hadn't experienced such a comfortable bed in ages.
Despite being alone in a room with a man, Eto seemed unconcerned or wary. After all, her strength allowed her such confidence.
Because of this, Eto felt that this "annoying investigator" was surprisingly upright, not the type to exploit his power to take advantage of her.
"So, today was Mr. Byakuya's first day on duty as an investigator. How was it?" Eto asked suddenly, breaking the silence as she rested.
"Pretty well. On my first day infiltrating the school, I already found the target."
Byakuya replied.
"That fast? So, has the ghoul been captured?"
Eto continued.
"Not yet. She fled quickly and decisively, leaving us no chance. But Miss Takatsuki seems quite curious about investigators' activities?"
"I am curious, and I'm also gathering material for my next novel. Stories about ghoul investigators are rare and valuable!" Eto replied, a mix of sincerity and humor in her tone.
Eto's words were half-true and half an excuse. Her next novel indeed revolved around ghouls and investigators. After all, Dear Kafka was already completed, it was time to prepare for her next work.
"By the way, you mentioned 'she.' Does that mean the ghoul is a girl?"
Eto asked curiously.
"Yes. Not only that, but she's also one of my classmates—top of the class and the quietest, most well-behaved girl"
Byakuya didn't bother to hide much as he spoke about Minami.
"Oh? A ghoul managing to be such a model student in a human school?"
Eto exclaimed in surprise. "But even so, a ghoul can only see humans as food. That's probably why she caught your investigators' attention, right?"
"Exactly. Just a few days ago, there was a predation incident involving her. While none of the victims died, several lost arms or legs. There were five victims in total. For a case with so many casualties, the CCG has to take action"
Byakuya stated truthfully.
This wasn't classified information, it simply depended on whether or not he wanted to disclose it. Normally, investigators wouldn't share such details with civilians to avoid unnecessary trouble.
"For research purposes, I'd like to know: how do you view this ghoul?"
As she spoke, Eto sat up on the bed, seemingly very interested in the topic.
"Her... I can see she genuinely wants to integrate into human society, to be a good student. But ultimately, she's still a ghoul. She can't suppress her hunger for human flesh or her innate violent tendencies. That's her true nature. On the other hand, she's a quiet, studious girl."
Byakuya summarized his impression of Minami.
"So, in the end, you will have to eliminate her?"
While speaking, Eto sat on the bed, jotting notes in a small notebook. These were valuable materials for her writing.
She seemed particularly intrigued by this ghoul girl, who was struggling to integrate into human society.
"Not necessarily..."
Byakuya denied it.
"Oh? What do you mean?"
Eto's curiosity was piqued.
"For ghouls that aren't particularly heinous, my principle is not to kill if I don't have to. At most, I'd send them to a ghoul detention center"
Byakuya replied.
Some investigators killed every ghoul they encountered, regardless of their actions. From a purely human perspective, this approach wasn't wrong.
"A ghoul detention center, huh..."
Eto muttered thoughtfully.
Not long ago, she had attacked the 23rd Ward's ghoul detention center and found that while many ghouls lived relatively well there, some were treated brutally. It was far from a good place.
Byakuya continued, "For ghouls who sincerely wish to live alongside humans, I try to help them curb their violent instincts and send them to the 20th Ward. I hear the 'Ward Manager' there advocates for peace with humans."
A ward's ruling ghoul could also be referred to as its "Manager" and the 20th Ward's Manager was none other than Kuzen Yoshimura, Eto's father.
Kuzen, the former 'Cleaner' of the V Organization, the strongest pure-blood ghoul, and the SSS rated Non-Killing Owl, held titles that made him the undisputed ruler of any ward he entered.
Eto, of course, knew who the 20th Ward's Manager was, and she fell silent.
"..."
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein