Early the next morning, Hayashi dragged his exhausted body out of bed. His entire body ached, and he even felt slightly drained.
He made his way to the windowsill and pulled back the curtains.Bright sunlight immediately poured onto the floor. Thanks to the light, he noticed the bedsheets had become somewhat transparent. Touching them revealed a faint dampness. Luckily, it was summer — otherwise, the sheets wouldn't dry properly.
Sighing, Hayashi tried to steady his mood and headed to the bathroom to wash up. After breakfast, he dressed in his work clothes and prepared to leave.
Before going out, he glanced at Rize sleeping soundly on the bed. She looked serene and noble, her delicate face calm and peaceful.It was hard to imagine that Rize, who distrusted humans and viewed them only as food or toys, could sleep so naturally in his home — as if it were her own.
Shaking his head, Hayashi muttered to himself:
"Did I invite a Buddha home… or one that eats humans?" And not just meat, but with a taste for essence as well.
After leaving the house, he quickly arrived at the CCG building in the 20th ward.
"Good morning, Senpai~" Suzuya greeted him enthusiastically as soon as he entered the office.
"Good morning, Investigator Hayashi~" Kurona and Nashiro, organizing documents at their desks, nodded politely. Although not their first meeting, their faces were tinged with a shy blush, looking innocent and pure.
"I've already discussed it with Investigator Marude. From now on, you two are officially my subordinates." Hayashi sat at his desk and spoke calmly. He had called Marude the previous night, worried he might be refused. To his surprise, Marude encouraged him to personally train promising recruits — if needed, he could even create a class.
Perhaps this was the advantage of strength combined with talent. Hayashi felt a bit emotional at the thought.
"Thank you, Investigator Hayashi~" Kurona and Nashiro's eyes shimmered with gratitude.
"No need. It's nothing important." Hayashi waved lightly, appearing casual, though inwardly, he was thrilled.
Two more subordinates — and personalities like Kurona and Nashiro's, meticulous and diligent — meant his workload would be lighter.They could even help Suzuya share some duties. One move, two gains — excellent.
Trying to maintain his composed demeanor, he cleared his throat:
"Same as always. Handle these documents while I go patrol outside."
Suzuya, seeing this many times, lazily responded, knowing Hayashi probably just wanted an excuse to go out. Kurona and Nashiro, however, didn't know that. In their eyes, Hayashi was tall, imposing, and so dedicated!
"Investigator Hayashi, you've worked hard~" They bowed respectfully, eyes filled with admiration.
With that, Hayashi left the office and headquarters.
"Finally, I can relax and slacking off a bit~" He stretched and, as usual, headed to the Anteiku.
As always, he greeted Touka at the front desk with some playful teasing. He thought her attitude had improved slightly, a little more enthusiastic, though he paid it no mind. Sitting in his usual spot, he noticed the other ghouls still regarded him with curious eyes. For them, every day Hayashi survived was a miracle. But he was already used to it. He simply wanted to enjoy this quiet, pleasant atmosphere.
"This peaceful feeling… perfect~" Taking a sip of coffee, he sighed in contentment.
Ding~
Just then, the doorbell rang, and the door opened.
"Welcome…"
Touka turned to greet the newcomer as usual, but froze mid-sentence upon seeing him. Her faint smile vanished, replaced with clear disgust.
"Tsukiyama… what are you doing here?" Touka's expression was full of disdain, her tone unwelcoming.
Hearing the commotion, Hayashi turned his attention to the man. Tsukiyama was wearing a red suit with a white shirt inside, his long purple hair parted elegantly. His handsome, slightly mischievous face and tall, slender frame exuded refined elegance.
Hayashi immediately recognized him: Shuu Tsukiyama, codename "Gourmet" S-rated ghoul with impressive abilities.
But most memorable was his devotion — for Kaneki, he was unwaveringly loyal, a diehard fan from the first season through the fourth.
Hayashi couldn't help but reflect: perhaps Kaneki truly was his soulmate, and Touka merely an accident…
"Ah… such a delightful scent~" Tsukiyama spread his arms and took a deep breath, a look of ecstasy on his elegant, charming face.
"This place… it's still the most relaxing~"
He covered his forehead with his fingers, a soft smile gracing his refined face. He looked elegant yet tinged with gentle melancholy.
Notably, most ghouls subtly shifted their seats, avoiding him entirely.
'Anteiku really is the largest gathering spot early on. Staying here, you meet all sorts of characters'
Hayashi thought with interest, watching the flamboyant Tsukiyama.
"Long time no see. Hope you've been well, Miss Kirishima~" Tsukiyama smiled at the front desk, like a polished nobleman, every subtle gesture seemingly capable of winning hearts.
"Disgusting… what do you want here?" Touka frowned, her gaze like that of a person staring at a pest. She felt no charm in him — only repulsion.
"Still as cold as ever. But that's exactly your charm~" Used to such reactions, Tsukiyama merely smiled, sweeping his gaze across the café. It was a hobby of his — observing newcomers to see if they were potential friends or… tasty meals.
"Just familiar faces… no new guests~" He frowned slightly, disappointed.
Then, his gaze landed on a white-haired, red-eyed boy.
"…What…?"
At that moment, Tsukiyama froze, his pupils contracting. Shock filled his eyes, and his voice trembled slightly.
"This… impossible…"