Chương 9: Tiger Stripe Mask
Back at his residence, Byakuya took a quick shower and went straight to bed.
Whether human, ghoul, half-human or half-ghoul, everyone needs regular sleep.
He placed the briefcase containing the quinque beside the bed, opting not to store it in the Kamui's Dimension this time. Each use of his "space transfer" eye jutsu consumes RC cells and ocular power. Given his current state, he can't afford to use this jutsu more than two or three times in quick succession.
His body now felt somewhat weakened from using the jutsu, but he would recover on his own after a night's rest.
Tonight's battle clearly demonstrated that Byakuya can easily overpower regular ghouls with only the base abilities of his Mangekyo, even while using only a B rated quinque.
For now, as long as he doesn't overdo it, the basic power of his Mangekyo Sharingan is more than enough.
Before falling asleep, Byakuya mentally activated the system store he had unlocked previously.
[Tier-1 System Shop]
Item: Rinnegan Tomoe Mask
Description: A white tomoe mask similar to Obito's from the early days of the 4th Shinobi World War. No special effects, but useful for concealing identity.
Price: 5 attribute points
Item: Tiger Stripe Mask
Description: A orange tiger-striped mask similar to Obito's mask during the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox's Attack. No special effects, but useful for concealing identity.
Price: 5 attribute points
Item: Low-Grade Longevity Pill
Description: Extends lifespan by one year and freezes the user's appearance until the extended lifespan expires. Unlimited purchase.
Price: 10 attribute points
Item: RC Cell Reservoir
Description: Stores excess RC cells. During eye jutsu use, stored RC cells are consumed first, preventing an overly high RC cell level that could interfere with consuming regular food.
Price: 50 attribute points
##########
The system shop interface appeared in front of Byakuya, displaying four items. While limited, each item had valuable potential.
The Rinnegan Tomoe Mask or Tiger Stripe Mask would allow him to conceal his identity when using Kamui. When activated, the Mangekyou Sharingan in his eyes could lead people to mistake him for a ghoul. Wearing a mask would be the best way to avoid such misunderstandings. (If recognized, CCG would perceive him as a threat, adding to his danger)
The Low-Grade Longevity Pill could solve the issue of his half-human status, which grants a lifespan only half that of a normal human.
The RC Cell Reservoir, though expensive at 50 attribute points, could prove invaluable. As his RC cell count rises, reaching a certain threshold would make him unable to consume regular food, like ghouls. Only naturally-born half-ghouls can consume regular food even with elevated RC cell levels.
Eating human flesh was something Byakuya would never consider, so the RC Cell Reservoir was essential for him.
However, he currently had limited attribute points—only 13.
"Better get one of those masks to make things easier in the future…"
He decided on the Tiger Stripe Mask
[Ding! Host has successfully purchased the "Tiger Stripe Mask." Attribute Points -5, Current Attribute Points: 8!]
After purchasing, the Tiger Stripe Mask didn't appear physically, likely stored in the system interface. He opened the system panel to check.
[Host: Uchiha Byakuya]
[Race: Half-Human]
[Identity: CCG Investigator (Public), Sunlit Garden Half-Human (Secret)]
[Age: 18]
[Physical Strength: 20]
[RC Cell Count: 600]
[Current Attribute Points: 8]
Shop Items: Tiger Stripe Mask
The system panel now included a new section labeled [Shop Items], with the recently bought Tiger Stripe Mask listed there.
Using his thought, Byakuya equipped the mask. Instantly, a orange tiger-striped mask appeared on his face. Although the mask had only one eye hole on the right side, he could still see out of both eyes, with his left eye fully usable for jutsu. This mask's unique feature allowed him to see through it while keeping his identity hidden.
Holding a mirror, he checked his reflection and was satisfied with the appearance. The mask fully concealed his face, with only his right Mangekyo Sharingan visible.
With this, he could pass as a "One-Eyed Ghoul" or "Half-Ghoul" if necessary.
Byakuya dismissed the mask with a thought, returning it to the system panel. His face appeared in the mirror once again, looking just as he did in his past life.
Although not exceptionally striking, his sharp, naturally handsome features suited him well. His gaze was serious and cool—not the sunny type, but rather calm and reserved.
The next morning, Byakuya was summoned back to the CCG branch.
The reason, of course, was last night's ghoul encounter.
"Investigator Byakuya, I heard you successfully completed the mission. The autopsy report confirmed that the ghoul's wounds were made by your quinque 'Eric'. Well done!"
His superior was a captain and First Class Investigator, two ranks above, and a half-human from the Sunlit Garden. According to Byakuya's memory, his superior was a bold and friendly man named Sakai Joji, just as he remembered.
"You flatter me, Captain Sakai" Byakuya responded calmly.
"Haha, you're too modest, Byakuya. The younger investigators on scene couldn't stop praising you"
Sakai laughed, patting Byakuya on the shoulder. "Keep it up! I see a future Special Class in you"
"Thank you"
Byakuya nodded without showing any emotion.
He then went through routine procedures like commendations and psychological counseling. After battles with ghouls, investigators typically received psychological counseling, given how similar ghouls appeared to humans. It was easy to develop psychological trauma or other issues.
After Byakuya left, another First Class Investigator, who was close to Sakai, expressed his surprise, "You're not serious, right? Special Class Investigator is no easy feat…"
There are fewer than ten Special Class Investigators across Tokyo, and the promotion to becoming one requires extraordinary achievements.
"Of course, I know that" Sakai replied confidently. "But my instincts tell me Byakuya could reach Special Class—at least Associate Special Class Investigator"
The other investigator thought reaching Associate Special Class Investigator might be possible, but Special Class seemed overly ambitious.
"Well, let's wait and see…"
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