A Silent Human

I looked at the massive map of Kyoto, more than half of it surrounded by a light blue string marking the areas now under our control. 'All this in just five months.' The places still resisting, despite an influx of people joining us and aiding us, were the Higashiyama Ward and Southern Kyoto. Renji believed the pushback was due to the CCG, who had started intervening in fights involving me or the Yakuza. 'All because they think I'm a Ghoul.'

Turning away from the map, I headed upstairs for a coffee, snorting at the thought. A few months ago near the start of our takeover, footage of me fighting a notorious Ghoul who had been evading the CCG for years was released. Since I wore no insignia indicating I was with the CCG, people quickly assumed I was a Ghoul. 'I hate doctors.'

The rumors spread so widely that even members of Renji's old gang, who had eaten and drunk with me started believing it. To put the rumors to rest, I visited a doctor who secretly treated both humans and Ghouls. The checkup revealed my muscles were nearly fifty five times denser than average. We altered the information to claim it was only twenty times as dense, then discreetly leaked it to Yakuza members who spread it among the public. While the rumors didn't vanish entirely, they lessened and ironically the mystery drew more recruits, including Ghouls.

"L-Lieutenant Takeshi-san!"

A voice snapped me from my thoughts. I looked down at a member standing at the top of the stairs. As I passed, they bowed in a nearly perfect ninety degree angle. I gave a thumbs up and walked towards Renji who was waiting for me.

That was another thing, the people were assuming Renji to be the leader and since I didn't respond with anything, it only solidified their thoughts. It wasn't an issue. Renji had the charisma to pull it off, and it kept most of the spotlight off me. I wasn't interested in fame or recognition as the only thing that mattered to me was making sure my family was safe

"About time you came up, Takeshi-san." Renji said. He was seated next to Daiki, who beamed at me.

"T-Take-san!"

I patted Daiki on the head before sitting in the third chair, turning my attention to Renji. He nodded and started speaking.

"The meeting with the CCG is tonight. I think it'll be about the Ghouls in our gang, probably to also strike some kind of deal."

I nodded, then signed with my hands-What about the cops?

Renji tilted his hand side to side. "Unsure. While it'd be a good chance to ambush our backup, I doubt the CCG will involve the police, given that the government officially declared this under a Ghoul problem."

I made another hand sign, which Daiki translated. "T-Take-san wants to know about the Yakuza in Southern Kyoto. A-and if they'll need him to back them up personally."

Renji shook his head, sipping his coffee. "We should be able to handle them in two months, including the smaller gangs under them. If they need help, I'll send more from the Ghoul division and the sixth division."

I nodded, glancing at the others in the bar. A few gave me a nod, which I returned, before turning back to Renji and hand signed-Do we know who'll be at the meeting?

Renji sighed, pulling out an envelope. "We know some, which makes this all feel… off." He placed the photos on the table.

"The first and likely the one we'll speak to most, is Kuroiwa Iwao. Special Class Ghoul Investigator. Thirty nine, still going at it strong."

The photo showed a broad shouldered man with a square face, thick eyebrows, and wide eyes. His suit was immaculate, unlike the more casual attire of some CCG operatives in Kyoto.

"The next is Hogi Ayumu. We couldn't find much, only that she's up for promotion."

Her photo revealed blonde hair, darker than Daiki's, covering most of her face. 'Weird.' I thought moving to the final image. My frown deepened.

"And last and the reason this feels wrong, Mado Kureo. First Class Ghoul Investigator."

I raised an eyebrow but moved my expression back to neutral. Renji explained before I could ask.

"One of our Ghouls said Mado killed their brother and used their remains for a Quinque. That same Ghoul begged to come to the meeting, but I thought it better for you to convince them not to. They might lash out if they attend."

I shrugged giving a small nod, then turned to Daiki with a raised brow. He froze.

Renji smirked. "As you've noticed, the brat didn't leave for Tokyo like you wanted."

Daiki squirmed under my gaze before standing abruptly, tears forming in his eyes. "I-I know I was supposed to go! But I-I didn't want to leave you, T-Take-san!" His voice quieted on the last part.

I patted his head, then signed-I need you to go.

Before he could argue, I added-It'll help me more than Renji's help ever could.

His eyes widened, a bright smile lighting up his face. I could've sworn flowers bloomed around him.

"Hehe~ Alright! After all, I am more helpful than baka Renji."

From the corner of my eye, I saw Renji suppress a laugh, resorting to shaking his head. I nodded at Daiki as he began leaving.

"Don't worry, T-Take-san! I'll go to Tokyo, gather intel so s-sneakily that no one will know I was there!" He gave a salute before disappearing out the door.

Renji chuckled. "Ha! Now I can drink in peace without him whining!"

I shook my head in exasperation, taking a sip of coffee as I thought about the changes I'd brought to Kyoto. 'Shouldn't be too much. There were already Yakuza and gangs before this anyway.'

Unbeknownst to me, the effects of my actions rippled far beyond Kyoto, creating chaos for Ghoul organizations and the CCG.

~Scene Change: World POV~

Neighboring districts of Kyoto were torn between confusion and anger.

The confused wondered if the Ghoul-led Yakuza taking over Kyoto would come for them.

The angry plotted to fix the imbalance caused by the new Yakuza, working to manipulate the news and hide the chaos.

But one question burned in all their minds.

'How the hell was Renji Takahara taking over Kyoto so fast?!'