"That works."
Byakuya said casually.
However, he had no interest in handling all the tedious responsibilities. At most, he would just carry the title of "Bureau Chief" while delegating actual duties to capable subordinates—just like he did when he was the CCG's 2nd Ward Branch Chief.
"Does anyone have any objections to Investigator Byakuya assuming the position of Bureau Chief?"
At that moment, Marude directed his question to the other Special-Class Investigators.
"No objections."
"With the current crisis surrounding the Washuu Clan, there's really no one more suited for the role than him"
The others shook their heads in agreement.
They hadn't interacted with Byakuya much, but his overwhelming strength was undeniable.
As for his connections to the One-Eyed Owl and Aogiri Tree, they had their concerns — but none dared to question him about it.
To put it plainly, they couldn't fully trust Byakuya yet. They had no idea which side he truly stood on.
The only thing they knew for certain was that Byakuya wasn't a ghoul — he was a half-human.
"...But can we really trust you?"
Once again, it was Marude who voiced the concern that was on everyone's mind.
"Relax. Both Arima and I seek peace. If that weren't the case, I wouldn't be here having this conversation with you."
Byakuya replied.
"...That's true."
Marude and the other investigators seemed slightly reassured.
With the previous leadership of the CCG being entirely composed of Washuu Clan members—who had either fled or been subdued by Byakuya—there was effectively no ruling body left.
With no objections from the remaining investigators, Byakuya's appointment as the new Bureau Chief was unquestionable.
The meeting they were currently holding was a "Special-Class Assembly" the highest-level meeting aside from the executive council.
Had they still been following the Washuu Clan's traditions, Byakuya would have even needed to change his name.
Just like in the original timeline where Furuta renamed himself Kichimura.
But now that the Washuu Clan was crumbling, there was no reason for Byakuya to concern himself with such meaningless traditions.
"The CCG will continue to operate under its existing structure—no major changes."
As the new Bureau Chief, Byakuya had no intention of altering the CCG's foundation. The existing system was functional enough.
The real instrument used by the Washuu Clan to manipulate the balance between humans and ghouls wasn't the CCG—it was the V.
The CCG's primary role had always been to elevate the Washuu Clan's status and authority in human society while maintaining control over Japan's most powerful military force.
Though Byakuya's ultimate goal was to change the world, simply toppling the Washuu Clan wasn't enough.
Dismantling the CCG outright wasn't an option either—if the CCG stopped hunting ghouls entirely, ghouls would run rampant, preying on humans with even greater impunity.
That wouldn't solve the fundamental issue.
The best immediate solution was to develop a special food substitute that could satiate ghouls without requiring human flesh.
Even if it didn't completely erase the conflict between humans and ghouls, it would significantly reduce the tension.
At the very least, ghouls who didn't seek to harm humans wouldn't be forced to hunt due to starvation.
And as for those who continued to attack humans out of pure malice — the CCG would still be there to handle them.
In Byakuya's vision, as legal frameworks surrounding ghouls were gradually improved, the divide between humans and ghouls could slowly be bridged.
It would take time.
But now that he was the Bureau Chief of the CCG—effectively the highest authority in the organization—he had the power to begin implementing his plans.
...
The Special-Class Assembly continued.
"Let me clarify the CCG's future direction" Byakuya stated. "We will no longer function solely as a ghoul countermeasure. Instead, while continuing to protect humanity, we will also work to ease the conflict between humans and ghouls—because if we don't, the cycle of slaughter will never end."
"As admirable as that sounds, it's nearly impossible, isn't it?" Marude sighed, his tone filled with skepticism. "Ghouls must consume human flesh to survive. That fundamental fact makes reconciliation impossible..."
"You're right. And that's exactly where the solution lies."
Byakuya's gaze sharpened.
"If we can develop an alternative food source for ghouls—or modify their ability to process normal food—then the conflict can be drastically reduced."
In the original timeline, such a food source was successfully developed through the research of Kanou, Kimi and Ogura.
It was also mentioned that Kimi's organization, Great Wheel Act was dedicated to altering ghouls' taste perception so they could enjoy regular food.
While a ghoul's physiology naturally weakened when consuming human food, they would at least be able to experience the pleasure of eating like humans.
And with further advancements, even their physical limitations might be overcome.
After all, the fundamental difference between humans and ghouls was their RC cell composition.
If RC cells could be fully understood and manipulated, then the problem could potentially be solved entirely.
"...Is that really possible?"
Marude and the other investigators still seemed doubtful.
"There's a strong possibility" Byakuya said confidently. "The truth is, the Washuu Clan has been deliberately suppressing research in this field. If not for their interference, a viable food alternative for ghouls might have already been developed."
"I know of two people who are perfectly suited to lead this research—Akihiro Kanou and Ogura Hisahi."
However, at this point in time, Kanou was likely still studying abroad in Germany.
"Ogura Hisashi... You mean the ghoul expert who frequently appears on television?"
Marude and the others found the name familiar.
After all, Ogura often appeared on TV, discussing ghouls and their biology.
As for Kanou, they weren't as familiar with him.
"Yes, him—and Kanou. Our next step will be to invite them to join the CCG."
Byakuya nodded.
Recruiting Kanou wouldn't be difficult—after all, his primary interest was ghoul research.
In the original timeline, after returning from Germany, Kanou joined the CCG as a researcher and conducted experiments to transform humans into ghouls.
Byakuya understood Kanou's ambitions well.
And right now, he was the perfect medical genius to help him achieve his vision.