Ui Koori himself was once the top graduate of the "Ghoul Investigator Training School" and the only one in the "Zero Squad" who genuinely graduated and was promoted from the "Academy."
He was a genius among pure humans, already an Associate Special Class at just 24 years old, and would soon be promoted to Special Class Investigator.
"Because of the labyrinth's characteristics, the terrain here is undoubtedly more advantageous for Ghouls, and Ghouls may appear and attack you at any time. Although we will protect you as much as possible, you cannot be careless."
Ui Koori continued to remind Kei Yakuchi and the others.
"Understood."
Kei Yakuchi and the others nodded, indicating their understanding.
Next, everyone gradually delved deeper into the underground labyrinth.
It was not easy to encounter Ghouls in the shallow parts of the labyrinth because CCG Investigators had explored the 24th Ward countless times, especially with Arima Kishou, the "Undefeated Shinigami," leading the "Zero Squad" in long-term Ghoul extermination in the 24th Ward.
CCG even used this place as a training ground for new recruits; most students would be arranged for internships in the 24th Ward, led by experienced First Class Investigators.
The so-called "Upper Three Ranks" referred to First Class, Associate Special Class, and Special Class Investigators, while Third-Class, Second Class, and First Class belonged to the "Lower Three Ranks Investigators."
Ghoul Investigators were in and out of the 24th Ward almost every day, so few Ghouls dared to stay in the shallow parts of the labyrinth.
At first, the atmosphere was quite light, with no sense of tension.
Ihei Shirazu even ran over to talk to Kei Yakuchi , "Let's get acquainted, my name is Ihei Shirazu."
Ihei Shirazu had a friendly, cute smile, and his personality was naturally lively and cheerful, as innocent as a child.
Oh no, Ihei Shirazu was originally a child, but if calculated as a normal human lifespan, he should be considered at least 20 years old.
Half-humans not only have physical abilities far superior to ordinary people, but they also develop much faster than normal humans, and their metabolism is very fast, which is probably also why half-humans have shorter lifespans.
"Hello, but how should I address you?"
Kei Yakuchi suddenly realized he didn't know how to address Ihei Shirazu.
Because Ihei Shirazu was too young, calling him "Mr. Ihei" would definitely be strange, and in the original work, it seemed there was no mention of Ihei Shirazu's Investigator rank, otherwise, titles like "First Class Ihei" or "First Class Ihei" would be the most standard.
"That's simple, just call me Shirazu."
Ihei Shirazu said with a smile.
"Okay, then I'll call you Shirazu from now on."
Kei Yakuchi immediately felt that Ihei Shirazu was very easy to get along with.
Although he looked so cute, he was a boy, but wouldn't it be better if cute boys existed?
Of course, this was a joke; seriously speaking, there was absolutely no harm in getting to know such a cute and strong little shota.
Don't let Ihei Shirazu's young age fool you; in fact, among the "Zero Squad Youth Trio," he had exterminated the most Ghouls. Without discussing whether his specific strength was the strongest among the youth trio, he was definitely far stronger than ordinary Ghoul Investigators.
Zero Squad Youth Trio (ages in the picture are three years after this current timeline).
[Ding! The Host has become friends with Ihei Shirazu, gaining a reward: 2 Fusion Points!]
After chatting for a short while, Kei Yakuchi easily became friends with Ihei Shirazu.
Soutou Rikai was more taciturn, and Arima Yuusaku also had a quiet and introverted personality, so they naturally wouldn't take the initiative to chat with the unfamiliar Kei Yakuchi .
Just then, Arima Kishou suddenly raised his hand, signaling everyone to stop.
Everyone immediately stopped.
Only Arima Kishou spoke in a calm tone: "Ghouls have appeared…"
However, he showed no intention of attacking, and the white briefcase in his hand remained unopened. This type of briefcase was specifically used to store "Quinque."
Kei Yakuchi had also seen the faint Ghoul figures in the darkness ahead; there were three Ghouls visible.
Ui Koori immediately reminded Kei Yakuchi and the other intern students: "Those Ghouls will be handled by you first. Work in pairs. If anything unexpected happens, we will step in to help you."
According to CCG regulations, First Class Investigators generally partner with Lower Three Ranks Investigators, for example, First Class Investigator Amon Kotaro partners with First Class Kureo Mado.
Doing this now was to allow new recruits to adapt to the feeling of coordinating with a partner in combat beforehand.
Anjiu Heina would undoubtedly partner with Anjiu Nairo, and the two boys, being more familiar with each other, also partnered up.
Only Kei Yakuchi and Suzuya Juuzou were left; they had no choice.
However, Suzuya Juuzou didn't expect anyone to be willing to cooperate with him, so he prepared to go in alone first.
But just then, Kei Yakuchi proactively said to Suzuya Juuzou: "Suzuya, we are partners now. I'll leave that guy's back to you later."
As he spoke, he pointed to one of the Ghouls who showed the most intense hostility towards them.
Suzuya Juuzou's expression immediately showed a hint of surprise, but he quickly recovered, a somewhat sinister smile appearing on his face, "Okay."
It seemed that combat was when he was most excited.
Having received Suzuya Juuzou's response, Kei Yakuchi immediately launched his attack. His sudden burst of speed was astonishing; this was due to Madara's taijutsu.
Kei Yakuchi and Suzuya Juuzou had already locked onto their target, and the Anjiu sisters were not to be outdone, rushing towards another Ghoul. The third Ghoul was naturally left to the two boys.
Arima Kishou and the others watched from the side. If they found that the Ghouls the students were dealing with exceeded the internship standard in strength, or if a dangerous situation occurred, they would intervene.
To give an example, they would probably only assign B-Rank Ghouls to the students.
CCG's danger rating standard for Ghouls is that those who can use Kagune are at least B-Rank Ghouls; conversely, Ghouls below B-Rank cannot use Kagune.
Ghouls that were too weak were meaningless for student internships, and those that were too strong certainly wouldn't work, so B-Rank Ghouls were just right.
"His speed is so fast. Is the quality of the new recruits assigned to us this time so high?"
Kei Yakuchi 's initial burst of speed had already surprised Ui Koori.
They had naturally led several batches of new recruits before, but Kei Yakuchi was the first to give him such a stunning impression.