No one in the assembly hall voiced any objection.
Not a single person dared question Special Class Amaha's capabilities—especially those investigators who had witnessed Almighty Push and Universal Pull with their own eyes.
The only one who might have objected was Matsuri Washuu.
But he was no fool. At most, he harbored resentment toward Amaha Byakuya in his heart, but he would never dare show it openly.
Given his current situation, if he so much as uttered a word of dissent, he wouldn't even need Byakuya to act—the other investigators would make his life miserable.
"Since no one has any objections, starting today, Special Class Amaha will assume the position of Bureau Director. You brats had better follow Director Amaha's arrangements from now on, or there'll be hell to pay!"
Marude made his characteristically casual remarks even during such a formal occasion.
But everyone was already used to his personality, so hardly anyone took offense.
[Ding! Host has officially assumed the position of "CCG Bureau Director." Reward: 300 Fusion Points!]
The Bureau Director position was undoubtedly higher than Special Class Investigator, so Byakuya received an even greater reward.
Next came the other investigators' promotions.
"Rank 1 Investigator Juuzou Suzuya—you are hereby promoted to First Class Investigator."
"Yes, sir."
Suzuya accepted the commendation with a serious expression.
After Shinohara's incident, Suzuya hadn't fallen into despair. Instead, he'd worked even harder and grown stronger.
He'd completed numerous missions in a short time, earning this promotion to First Class.
"Suzuya, you're a superior now. Learn from your former partner Shinohara."
Marude couldn't help but sigh.
When he'd first met this kid, Suzuya had been a Rank 3 Investigator. Before he knew it, the kid had become First Class.
"I will."
Suzuya nodded.
"Go on, then."
Marude patted Suzuya's shoulder and prepared to call the next name.
After Suzuya stepped down, Marude immediately announced: "First Class Investigator Matsuri Washuu."
The moment that name was spoken, nearly every gaze in the room turned toward Matsuri as he walked up to the stage.
In most people's eyes, this man was nothing but a remnant of a ghoul family—treated like a rat crossing the street.
Most of the looks Matsuri received were far from friendly, but he'd prepared himself mentally and didn't let it bother him.
He walked calmly to Marude and accepted his commendation.
"You are hereby promoted to Associate Special Class Investigator."
Immediately, murmurs and whispers rippled through the audience below.
Clearly, most people hadn't known Matsuri would be promoted at this ceremony.
A Washuu remnant suddenly being promoted to Associate Special Class was bound to generate discontent.
Having completed Matsuri's conferment, Marude immediately addressed the crowd. "I know many of you are unhappy about Matsuri Washuu's promotion, but this was Director Amaha's decision. I hope you'll trust Director Amaha's judgment."
The moment he said this, the murmuring below died down considerably.
Byakuya's authority was on full display.
If even Director Amaha treated Matsuri Washuu this way, they couldn't really say much more.
Besides, Director Amaha himself had been the one to bring down the Washuu Clan. They had no grounds to suspect he was deliberately protecting Matsuri or anything like that.
Perhaps keeping Matsuri around serves some other purpose...?
Seeing that the crowd had quieted, Marude nodded with satisfaction.
Invoking Director Amaha really does work wonders!
...
The promotion ceremony concluded.
As usual, a banquet followed.
The most awkward person present was undoubtedly Matsuri—virtually no one was willing to sit at his table.
But his expression remained impassive as he calmly took a seat at the Quinx Squad's table.
Conveniently, not a single person at this table could actually eat the food—they were all either ghouls or half-ghouls, so they could only drink alcohol or other beverages.
"Investigator Urie, do you have a partner yet?"
Matsuri suddenly struck up a conversation with Urie.
"...Not yet."
Urie was slightly surprised but answered honestly.
"I see. I don't have a partner either. Why don't we team up?"
Matsuri directly proposed a partnership.
His expression was completely serious, betraying no ulterior motives on the surface.
"..."
Urie considered this for a moment. "Why did Associate Special Class Washuu choose me?"
Though he was reluctant to admit it, he hadn't really distinguished himself yet.
He and Matsuri had only just met, so he was curious why Matsuri would want to partner with him...
"Well..."
Matsuri adjusted his glasses. "I'm generally aware of your squad's situation, and you know my current position. Seeking a half-ghoul partner is undoubtedly the most suitable option for me. When it comes time to be promoted to Special Class, there's a certain evaluation criterion regarding training subordinates—this is a necessary step for advancement."
"I recall you're the Quinx Squad leader. That undoubtedly makes you the most talented person in the squad, which meets my standards..."
Matsuri's tone was matter-of-fact, his reasoning laid out plainly. He was being completely transparent about his self-interest.
Such potentially off-putting candor was precisely what could dispel others' suspicions.
And Urie's personality happened to align with Matsuri's—he had no aversion to naked self-interest.
After listening, Urie nodded slightly, his doubts eased.
However, he had no idea that the phrase "meets my standards" might carry another meaning entirely...
"Mm."
Urie made a sound of acknowledgment.
It seemed to accept Matsuri's partnership offer—or perhaps accept Matsuri's description of him as "the most talented."
"Then we should submit the request to Director Amaha."
Urie spoke.
The other man was both a Washuu remnant and someone driven by self-interest, but Urie didn't particularly care about either.
He only cared about results. Partnering with a powerful Associate Special Class Investigator would help his own career advancement.
Little did he know, Matsuri's interest in him went beyond mere career advancement...
...
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