Ryoma's modified cells, derived from the suppressed Hashirama strain, had done their work well. Nashiro's condition stabilized quickly, her wounds healing far faster than a typical one-eyed ghoul's.
But there were limits.
Nashiro had only taken a single bite. The version of hashirama cells Ryoma carried in his blood was a weakened strain, designed for emergency use, not permanent enhancement. The regenerative effect would eventually wear off.
When Ryoma returned home that night, he found Nashiro no longer bedridden. She was sitting quietly in the living room, sipping a warm drink with Kurona beside her.
"Looks like you've almost recovered," Ryoma said as he stepped in.
Nashiro gave a small nod and smile. "Thanks to you, Ryoma-san."
But the moment she remembered she'd spent days recovering in another guy's bed—his bed—her face flushed with embarrassment. She quickly lowered her gaze, cheeks glowing red.
"You both can stay another night," Ryoma said casually.
Kurona, sitting beside her sister, stiffened slightly. She immediately thought of the implications of "living together" but kept her thoughts to herself.
"Thank you, Ryoma-san," Kurona replied, still a bit hesitant.
They didn't have anywhere else to go. Returning to Kanou wasn't an option, and money was out of the question.
"It's no trouble. There are plenty of empty rooms."
Ryoma had already cleaned up a spare bedroom for them. And just like that, what had been a quiet household of two suddenly became a full house of four.
...
The next morning.
Kurona and Nashiro followed Ryoma to the CCG headquarters in the 1st Ward.
"Are you sure about this?" Kurona whispered as they walked. "Nashiro and I are ghouls now. One-eyed or not, the RC gates will find us out."
Nashiro looked just as concerned. "If they scan us, you'll be implicated too."
"Trust me," Ryoma said without pause.
They didn't know the truth about their kagune's origins—the Kakuho implanted by Kanou had come from the Washuu bloodline. That lineage was cloaked by CCG's systems. The RC inspection gates had been quietly modified by the Washuu themselves. Any ghoul with Washuu blood could walk right through.
It was one of the organization's dirtiest secrets. Ryoma had no intention of revealing that now. Not until Kurona and Nashiro were strong enough to handle it.
For now, they just needed to believe.
The sisters nodded quietly.
When they reached headquarters, Kurona and Nashiro walked a few steps behind Ryoma, their expressions tense. The gleaming gates of the RC inspection line loomed ahead. Every beat of their hearts echoed like thunder in their ears.
They stepped forward.
Nothing happened.
No sirens. No alerts. No suspicious glances.
Kurona blinked in shock. "What... how?"
"You're one-eyed ghouls," Ryoma said simply.
It was a lie, but one that served its purpose.
Kurona nodded slowly, buying into the explanation. "I guess we were overthinking it."
Relieved, the sisters relaxed and completed their long-overdue reporting. They were lectured for the delay, but the consequences were light.
Then came the question of their assignments.
Ryoma asked if they wanted to stay together. Unsurprisingly, they did.
He was about to bring them to Director Washuu to request it formally when a sharp voice caught their attention.
A tall, striking woman approached.
She wore the badge of a Special Class Investigator. Long, dark blue hair tied back with a white band, piercing eyes, and a beauty mark near her lips. Her toned figure and commanding presence made her stand out even among elites.
This was Aura Kiyoko.
"You two must be the twin recruits I was told about," she said, stopping before Ryoma. "Special Investigator Ui mentioned you. He said you're impressive, but haven't been assigned yet."
Ryoma stepped forward. "Special Investigator Aura. This is Yasuhisa Kurona and Yasuhisa Nashiro."
The sisters bowed respectfully. "It's an honor."
"I've already spoken to Director Washuu," Aura continued. "If you're willing, I'll take you both on as your direct supervisor. You won't be separated."
Kurona and Nashiro looked at each other, then nodded in unison.
"We'd be honored."
Ryoma relaxed slightly. With Aura overseeing them, he didn't have to worry as much. She was known for being strict but fair, and her strength rivaled most in the CCG.
Kurona and Nashiro were already physically S-class. The Kakuho they carried, sourced from the Tsukiyama family, granted them a high baseline. With training, they'd become even more formidable.
"We'll be heading out then," Nashiro said as she followed Aura. But before she left, she turned back and smiled.
"See you later, Ryoma."
Kurona froze for a moment.
She'd called him "Ryoma."
Her eyes darted toward Nashiro with a look of disbelief. Did she just...?
A spark of something unspoken passed between them. Kurona's thoughts spiraled. Had Nashiro already...?
Her chest tightened. This was going to get complicated.
###
Eyy, guys! It seems you vibe with the "he knew better" line I sprinkled it last chapter lmfao.
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