Tokyo Ghoul: Starting with Kamui!

The Ghoul Byakuya eliminated yesterday was thus officially added to his record.

The report even detailed his Quinque usage during the fight.

However, a single battle wouldn't be enough for him to immediately advance to First-Class Investigator.

Eliminating a B-rank Ghoul wasn't enough to be considered an achievement.

To secure a promotion, he would need to take down multiple A-rank Ghouls.

And to reach Senior Investigator (First-Class), he would need to eliminate at least one S-rank Ghoul.

But the fastest way to climb the ranks?

Participate in large-scale Ghoul extermination operations and distinguish himself with an outstanding performance.

Taking down a B-rank Ghoul was simply too minor of an achievement.

Unless he racked up dozens, if not hundreds, of confirmed kills, it wouldn't mean much.

"You're on administrative leave for a while. Take this time to relax."

"But be sure to keep your Quinque close at all times—just in case."

Sakai Jōji reminded him.

"Got it. I'll be careful."

Byakuya nodded.

Administrative leave meant temporary exemption from active duty, allowing investigators to rest and recover.

They continued to receive full pay, but were required to attend mandatory psychological evaluations.

After leaving the CCG branch, Byakuya headed back to Shoei Publishing.

Under normal circumstances, his investigation mission was already complete.

He had no real reason to continue working undercover at Shoei.

However, there was still one unresolved matter; Yoshimura Eto's publishing contract.

Until that was finalized, Byakuya planned to stay at Shoei Publishing.

CCG rarely interfered with their investigators' private lives, unless it directly impacted their duties.

So staying at Shoei wasn't an issue.

Of course, he couldn't guarantee daily attendance, but as a CCG Investigator, Shoei wouldn't dare to give him trouble over absences.

Despite having fought a Ghoul just last night, Byakuya showed up to work the next day as if nothing had happened.

As he clocked in, something occurred to him.

"Wait… doesn't the system also have a sign-in function?"

[Ding! The host has completed today's sign-in. Reward: +1 Attribute Point.]

[Note:]

Sign in for 7 consecutive days → Bonus +5 Attribute Points.

Sign in for 15 consecutive days → Bonus +10 Attribute Points.

Sign in for 30 consecutive days → Bonus +20 Attribute Points.

At first, the daily rewards were small.

But over time, they would add up significantly.

Since he was still a CCG Investigator, Byakuya brought his Quinque to the office.

To avoid drawing attention, he concealed the briefcase inside a regular bag.

That way, no one would suspect anything.

Today, his tasks were simple:

Review the electronic manuscript of Dear Kafka and add editorial notes.

All that was left was to follow up on Yoshimura Eto's publishing process.

Thanks to his Mangekyō Sharingan, he could speed-read through text while retaining every detail.

However, he still needed to carefully add comments to certain sections and that was what took time.

By the time his shift ended, he had finished reviewing the entire manuscript.

At around 200,000 to 300,000 words, it was a mid-length novel, perfect for publishing as a single book.

After work, he had dinner, then made a call to Eto.

"Takatsuki-sensei, I've finished reviewing your manuscript and added my notes."

"If you're free tonight, would you like to come over to discuss it?"

"Alright… but I don't know your address."

"I'll text you my address. See you soon."

Byakuya ended the call and immediately sent Yoshimura Eto his location.

Around thirty Minutes Later.

A soft knock sounded at the door, followed by Eto's voice.

"Uchiha-san, it's me..."

Byakuya opened the door, confirming that it was indeed Eto.

Judging by the time it took her to arrive, she had likely walked the entire way.

"Please, come in, Takatsuki-sensei. I apologize for the humble accommodations."

Before Eto's arrival, Byakuya had already hidden his Quinque briefcase inside his wardrobe—

Just to be safe.

"It's fine..."

Eto stepped inside.

Despite being a Ghoul, she was still familiar with human customs.

For example, she removed her shoes upon entering.

"Ah... I forgot to prepare an extra pair of slippers."

Byakuya suddenly realized his oversight.

After all, he had only been in this world for two days, and hadn't yet adjusted to all the minor cultural details.

"It's okay. I don't mind."

Eto replied indifferently.

"Alright then. Let's get straight to it—here's your manuscript with my comments."

Byakuya pulled an extra chair to his desk, offering it to Eto.

She climbed onto the chair, her small stature evident.

Her legs were too short to reach the floor, so she instinctively swung them back and forth while seated.

Over the next two and a half hours, they thoroughly discussed the manuscript, making preliminary decisions on certain revisions.

By the time they finished, it was already 10 PM.

Even though they hadn't covered everything, Byakuya decided to pause for the night.

"It's getting late. Let's continue tomorrow or whenever you're free."

Byakuya closed the document and suggested something unexpected..

"Since it's already so late... would you like me to walk you home?"

He knew perfectly well that Eto didn't need an escort.

But to maintain his "normal human editor" act, it made sense for him to show concern for his contracted author.

Besides, he fully expected Eto to refuse;

So his question was merely a formality.

However, to his surprise, Eto agreed immediately.

"Sure."

Byakuya maintained his calm demeanor, pretending it was no big deal.

"Alright then, let's go."

By now, pedestrians were scarce.

Most people avoided dark alleyways, fearing the Ghouls that lurked in the shadows.

Many Ghouls had fully integrated into human society but the majority still viewed humans as nothing more than prey.

As they walked, Byakuya remained unarmed but with Kamui, he could handle anything.

Suddenly, a large, drunken man stumbled toward them.

His breath reeked of alcohol, and his steps were unsteady.

As soon as he saw Eto, his eyes lit up with lust.

"Hey there, little lady... hic... How about coming to have a few drinks with me?"

To Byakuya's mild surprise, Eto immediately agreed.

"Sure."

She then turned to Byakuya;

"Uchiha-san, thanks for walking me this far. I have something to take care of now."

Byakuya instantly understood her intentions.

Eto had just chosen her next meal.

"Hehehehe..."

The drunkard grinned lecherously, his disgusting laughter filling the air.

Deep in Eto's eyes, a flicker of disgust appeared.

Behind that disgust—a hidden, murderous intent.

Byakuya sighed internally.

"Not happening."

BAM!

Byakuya suddenly punched the drunkard square in the face, knocking out one of his front teeth.

Before the man could react, Byakuya followed up with a knee strike to the gut.

"Guh—!"

The drunkard collapsed to the ground, clutching his stomach.

He vomited violently, spewing his dinner onto the pavement—mixed with blood and saliva.

Byakuya didn't spare him a single glance.

He simply grabbed Eto's wrist and walked away.

With her petite frame, Eto had no way to resist as she was effortlessly pulled along by Byakuya.

For the first time that night, Eto looked genuinely surprised.

"What the hell is this human doing...?"