A CCG investigator who also possessed those eyes...
Though upon closer inspection, those blood-red eyes were somewhat different from ordinary kakugan.
But in this world, the Sharingan simply didn't exist. No one could have such knowledge.
Based on this world's understanding, the only thing that could freely switch between black and red eyes was kakugan.
Therefore, Eto speculated that Byakuya's eyes must be kakugan that had somehow mutated, becoming different from the standard variety.
She herself was practically a miracle—a natural-born one-eyed ghoul. So it wasn't entirely impossible for Byakuya's kakugan to have mutated.
As for the human scent on his body, that was actually simple to explain.
For instance, the Washuu Clan ghouls were skilled at altering their scent, making themselves smell virtually identical to humans. This way, other ghouls couldn't identify them as ghouls.
Combined with the fact that Byakuya could work normally at the CCG without being affected by the RC Detection Gates, Eto began to suspect whether Byakuya might be a member of the Washuu Clan...
This might also explain why he was unusually close to Rize?
Of course, these were just Eto's speculations. She would need to confirm with Arima later; there was no way to verify anything right now.
"Yes..."
Under Eto's command, Naki obediently retreated to his original position.
Compared to Eto, Ayato's mind was also in turmoil.
He had strongly suspected that the masked man was Byakuya, but the appearance of the Mangekyo Sharingan had thrown him off completely.
In his understanding, he knew nothing about the Washuu's truth, so he viewed CCG investigators as purely human.
Now he dismissed his suspicions, no longer believing the man could be Byakuya. It was probably some ghoul who had been around Byakuya for a long time and picked up his strong scent.
Even Rize was shocked.
She had no idea Byakuya possessed kakugan. She couldn't believe Byakuya could have kakugan, because she had truly tasted his body.
She was certain it was absolutely a human taste. Ghouls couldn't taste like that—in fact, ghouls tasted terrible, the complete opposite of Byakuya.
She still firmly believed Byakuya was human. As for what was going on with those eyes, she would have to ask him later...
Tatara couldn't help but glance at Eto. She had told him beforehand that two guests would be coming today—one was an interesting human, and the other was Rize.
But this interesting human had just revealed kakugan...
"May I ask how I should address you, sir?"
Eto spoke up, addressing Byakuya.
"...Madara. Uchiha Madara..."
In such a mixed company, Byakuya naturally couldn't use his real name.
He naturally spoke the name "Uchiha Madara." Besides, he was already wearing the white mask—there was no inconsistency whatsoever.
"Then, Uchiha-san, and the Binge Eater, welcome to our Aogiri Tree."
Eto said immediately.
She played along with Byakuya's "performance," raising no questions about the name "Uchiha Madara."
The moment she said this, the Aogiri Tree members present erupted in commotion.
"The Binge Eater?... Isn't that the target we're supposed to capture alive?!"
"Yeah! Why did she walk right in? Did that 'Madara' guy catch her to offer to our King?"
"This works out perfectly. Saves us the trouble of going to Anteiku to capture her. Last time we lost Yamori trying to get the Binge Eater."
"..."
While the members chattered among themselves, Shachi couldn't help but grow anxious. Rize's identity had been exposed—these Aogiri Tree people would probably take action!
At that moment, a ghoul eager to claim credit rushed toward Rize first. However, Tatara immediately backhanded him down. "Until I give permission, no one makes a move."
His flat tone had a powerful deterrent effect on everyone in Aogiri Tree.
After all, Tatara was essentially the public leader of Aogiri Tree. As for the "One-Eyed King" at the top—apart from Eto, Tatara, and Noro—no one had ever seen him.
They had no idea that Eto was the One-Eyed Owl, nor that Arima was their One-Eyed King.
"Hmph..."
Seeing those people held in check by Tatara, Shachi, who had nearly lost his composure, forced himself to hold back. He let out a low grunt and stood in the corner, observing the situation.
The moment anyone tried to harm Rize, he would rush over to stop them and take her away—even if it meant turning against Aogiri Tree.
The situation was somewhat chaotic. Even Tatara was confused about why Eto had specifically invited these two.
Facing the predatory stares of all those ghouls, Rize showed no fear whatsoever.
It wasn't that she believed in her own absolute strength, but that she trusted Byakuya would protect her.
"Uchiha-san, you didn't come all this way just to tour our Aogiri Tree, did you?"
Eto continued to steer the conversation. "Are you interested in cooperating with us? For instance, the Binge Eater would be quite a show of sincerity. If you're willing to hand her over to us, we would be very happy to cooperate with you, Uchiha-san."
She couldn't possibly be unaware of the relationship between Byakuya and Rize. Deliberately saying this to Byakuya clearly held deeper meaning.
"Cooperation?"
Byakuya spoke coldly, his eyes indifferent. "There will be no cooperation. I have no interest in playing such childish games with you. Rather, you should submit to me."
Hearing Aogiri Tree dismissed as a childish game, nearly every ghoul present was instantly infuriated!
Tatara furrowed his brow slightly, still unable to understand what was going on.
Noro, having virtually no consciousness of his own, naturally showed no reaction.
Ayato's expression changed dramatically. He felt a strong sense of déjà vu—this tone was very similar to that guy's.
Only Eto, beneath her bandages, smiled slightly. Byakuya's response had exceeded her expectations, bringing her tremendous delight.
Now then, she would see how this fellow planned to handle the situation~
...
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