However, before achieving Infinite Tsukuyomi, per the system's instructions, Byakuya needed to establish the Akatsuki Organization first.
Honestly, Byakuya found the idea of establishing Akatsuki and then implementing the Eye of the Moon Plan rather fitting. The immediate question was how to gather the requirements for founding Akatsuki.
First, he would obviously be the leader himself. Then he needed at least two SS-rated ghouls and four S-rated ghouls as members for official establishment.
He now understood why the system had suggested enslaving Matsumae as a condition—she was a ready-made SS-rated ghoul.
Then there was Rize, whose true strength should reach SS or above. The system's judgment would determine that.
That left four S-rated ghouls still needed. Kurona and Nashiro could count as two. Kanae might also be recruited to fill the ranks.
As for Tsukiyama Shuu—he'd pass for now. Unless that guy truly reformed, forget recruitment; next time there'd be no more chances.
"Also, make that one over there my servant as well. Then I won't trouble your son again."
Byakuya said flatly: "More precisely, I never troubled him at all—he's the one who kept coming after me."
"No problem. I'll definitely discipline my child properly..."
Mirumo spoke humbly.
Even as president of Tokyo's prestigious Tsukiyama Group, when it came to his son's safety, he would bow without limit to Byakuya.
Mirumo was truly a good father—just cursed with a troublesome son.
Without Shuu's antics, the original "Tsukiyama Family Extermination Operation" wouldn't have happened.
Unlike Matsumae who was still conscious, Kanae had passed out from her more severe injuries—she had no idea she'd already been enslaved by Byakuya.
Mirumo's sudden appearance surprised Touka. She knew shit Tsukiyama's backing, the Tsukiyama family, was supposedly formidable—she hadn't expected the family head himself to personally appear and kowtow to Byakuya.
Even now, Mirumo remained in dogeza position without rising.
"Please get up, President Tsukiyama. This matter is settled for now."
Since Mirumo kept kneeling, Byakuya had to tell him to rise.
When Mirumo stood and noticed Touka beside Byakuya, realizing she was also among those his son had harmed, he performed another dogeza to her as well.
Touka was somewhat startled. "Please get up. This is making me feel awkward..."
She'd already beaten Tsukiyama thoroughly—her anger had mostly dissipated.
Afterward, Mirumo prepared to take Shuu away, instructing Matsumae: "Matsumae, from now on you and Kanae will obey that young man's orders. Consider it punishment for your mistake this time."
"Yes..."
Matsumae knelt on one knee, mainly because the kakuhou damage had temporarily crippled her regeneration—she could barely stand.
After Mirumo left with Shuu, Byakuya spoke to Matsumae in a cold tone: "That one probably won't wake up for a while. Support her and follow me."
Despite knowing Matsumae was injured and could barely move, he showed no concern whatsoever.
Ghouls could regenerate slowly anyway. As long as the kakuhou wasn't critically damaged, nothing serious would happen.
Besides, if Matsumae and Kanae hadn't attacked him, they wouldn't be in this state. They'd brought it on themselves.
"Yes..."
Matsumae could only nod, not daring to complain—even though each step was agonizing.
Her and Kanae's lives were now in his hands.
Moreover, if they failed to satisfy him, his status as an investigator meant he could bring the CCG down on the Tsukiyama family. The young master and master would both be endangered.
Matsumae endured the pain and difficulty, supporting Kanae as she followed Byakuya.
As they exited the underground garage and approached populated areas, Touka whispered to Byakuya: "Haven't they been punished enough? If someone sees them and calls the police, wouldn't that be troublesome?"
Since Touka still didn't know Kanae was actually a girl disguised as a boy, she referred to Matsumae and Kanae as "them."
"You're right. You take one, I'll take the other—let's bring them to Anteiku to rest first."
Byakuya nodded.
He couldn't actually make Matsumae and Kanae walk all the way back. If passersby saw wounds and blood on those two, they'd probably call the police. Having cops and investigators show up would be troublesome.
"What's your name?"
Byakuya walked up to Matsumae and asked directly.
Not expecting the sudden question, Matsumae paused before answering with difficulty: "Matsumae... Tsukiyama Matsumae..."
"Alright, Matsumae. I'll carry you to recover first. Hold on tight."
With that, Byakuya positioned himself for her to climb onto his back.
"You're..."
Matsumae hadn't processed this—she'd assumed he would keep punishing her by making her painfully support Kanae the entire way.
"Obviously I'm carrying you back. Or would you prefer a princess carry?"
Byakuya asked flatly.
"No... this is fine."
Matsumae responded with some embarrassment.
She climbed onto Byakuya's back, while Touka could only support Kanae.
"Wait, why do I have to carry this guy?"
Touka protested immediately.
"Guy? You're mistaken—that one's actually a girl disguised as a boy. Meaning she's female."
Byakuya explained.
Matsumae, on his back, was somewhat surprised—she hadn't expected him to have seen through Kanae's true gender.
"...Huh? You're saying this person is female?"
Touka found this hard to believe.
Come to think of it, there was indeed a faint perfume scent on this person, and the appearance leaned toward an androgynous, delicate look.
But in her view, the most effective way to confirm was...
With that thought, Touka grabbed directly at Kanae's chest.
The unconscious Kanae let out a soft moan.
Now Touka was certain—though they seemed bound down, there was definitely something there!
...
Get 20+ chapters ahead on - P.a.t.r.e.o.n "RoseWhisky"