The day before these events.
Byakuya had naturally anticipated that Banjou would most likely lead his companions in an escape from Aogiri Tree. Compared to the original timeline, conditions were even more favorable now without Yamori around—an excellent opportunity to flee.
But things wouldn't go smoothly. They'd likely be hunted by the Bin Brothers, which would be difficult to handle.
In that scenario, at least half would die, since someone would have to hold off the Bin Brothers.
Ayato Kirishima and Noro were out on operations, so they weren't a concern.
[Ding! Host has activated a mission. Divine Selection initiated!]
[Option 1: Treat it as none of your concern. Reward: 1 Fusion Point!]
[Option 2: Save Banjou and his Ward 11 companions, but face the S-rated Bin Brothers. Reward: 50 Fusion Points!]
Byakuya decided to discuss this with Kurona and Nashiro.
He himself would soon be leading troops into battle and couldn't spare time to rescue Banjou and the others, who were planning to escape right before the operation.
With their advantage of Washuu kagune, the Yasuhisa sisters could easily handle the Bin Brothers—two executives that even Amon could solo. After days of special training under Kiyoko Aura, they'd grown stronger and had been secretly improving their control over their Washuu kagune.
"Kurona-san, Nashiro-san, could you do me a favor?"
"What kind of favor?"
"Please tell us, Oniichan."
Both sisters responded coolly.
"The Ward 11 Aogiri Tree operation is about to begin. There are some people over there I'm concerned about, but I can't get away right now. I need your help."
Byakuya explained the general situation.
"Of course that's fine. After all, it's a request from Oniichan."
Nashiro agreed without hesitation.
"I have no objections either."
Kurona said softly.
But just then, Rize walked over. "Darling, why didn't you ask me?"
"Ah... I figured with your personality you wouldn't want to do this kind of thing, so I wasn't planning to ask."
Byakuya said honestly.
After all, Rize had never cared about other ghouls' lives. Whether human or ghoul, all lives were like grass to her. She only acted for her own pleasure.
If he asked Rize to do this, she'd probably just find him tediously boring.
So he'd simply not considered asking her.
Byakuya certainly understood Rize's personality well, but he'd overlooked one thing: Rize's opportunities to show her true nature in the original series were quite limited. That didn't mean she couldn't change for someone.
After all, Rize as a child and Rize later weren't the same personality either—one reason being that Shachi had probably spoiled her.
"That can't be right. After all, I did spend time in Ward 11. Those people are at least acquaintances."
Rize smiled as she spoke.
"So you're willing to save them?"
Byakuya was somewhat surprised. Rize wasn't acting as he'd expected.
"Of course."
Rize nodded.
Though saving those people was just incidental. The real reason was she wanted to keep an eye on Byakuya's safety—she just didn't want him to know.
If it were purely about saving those people, she might not actually be willing.
But now Kurona was displeased. "We were asked first. Doesn't Rize-san understand the concept of first-come-first-served?"
"Kurona is right. Oniichan asked us first."
Nashiro echoed her sister.
"Are you trying to lecture me?"
Rize's smile suddenly seemed off.
Byakuya sensed the tension immediately. He hadn't expected even this to spark conflict between Rize and the sisters.
But he reacted quickly: "Then... why don't you all go together? That way you can look out for each other."
This seemed the best choice to calm both sides.
Besides, having Rize accompany the Yasuhisa sisters was definitely optimal—it minimized all risks.
Noro had been ordered by Eto to stall for time without counterattacking. Apart from Noro, the biggest threat was Ayato Kirishima.
Not to mention, Rize alone could wipe out both the Bin Brothers and Ayato. Adding the Yasuhisa sisters meant they could literally crush all of Aogiri's remaining forces in Ward 11—leaving only Noro as a problem.
That being the case, it might seem like the CCG had nothing left to do.
But that wasn't true. Their real enemy wasn't the Aogiri ghouls—it was the SSS-rated "Non-Killing Owl"...
He knew Manager Yoshimura would definitely make his move, to cover for and protect his daughter. That was certain.
Byakuya's words successfully defused the conflict between Rize and the sisters.
Though they still seemed to be competing silently, wanting to see who could eliminate the Bin Brothers faster.
"By the way, do you have a mask?"
Byakuya suddenly thought of an issue.
If Rize didn't wear a mask and was accidentally spotted by an investigator, her identity would be exposed. The V organization would come knocking immediately.
"No. I never wear those things."
Rize said casually. "It's so boring and stupid. We're at the top of the food chain yet we have to hide our faces."
"This isn't about whether it's boring or not. If your identity is exposed, it'll be huge trouble."
Byakuya thought for a moment and lent Rize his white mask, his tone brooking no refusal: "Here, use my mask for now. This is an order, not a choice."
Perhaps Rize was confident she wouldn't be seen by investigators, but better safe than sorry. Caution was best in such important matters. Even when dealing with Rize, he wouldn't be casual about this.
This also saved him a trip to Uta's place in Ward 4 to have a new mask made for Rize. A random mask from a store would break too easily.
"...Fine."
Rize accepted the white mask. It definitely carried Byakuya's rich scent—perhaps that was why she was willing to accept it.
Thus, a world where only the Bin Brothers suffered misfortune was about to be born.
The Bin Brothers probably just wanted to say "It's not me who's wrong—it's this world," practically ready to chant "Unravel."
And so...
When Rize dispatched the younger Bin brother, the older one had already been obliterated by Kurona and Nashiro.
Being only S-rated—or perhaps S-minus—he stood no chance against the sisters two-on-one. He was instantly killed.
"I wonder how Rize-san did. Were we faster?"
Kurona and Nashiro completely ignored the "Bin" dead at their feet, caring only about who had been quicker—them or Rize.
On the other side...
Rize left those cold words and vanished in the blink of an eye.
Banjou wanted to say something but had no chance.
Remembering that Rize-san had mentioned that young man again, Banjou was filled with admiration. "Amaha-san, huh... He actually convinced Rize-san to help us. Truly, as expected of the man Rize-san chose!"
...
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