Chapter 55: Ruining CCG's Ambush Plan
Soon after, a team of assistant investigators arrived to secure the scene.
Assistant investigators were non-combat personnel — essentially tasked with handling cleanup, evidence collection, and odd jobs. Unlike second-class investigators, who could face B-rank ghouls, or third-class investigators, who could barely handle C-rank threats, these assistants had no combat capability at all.
"Ui First-Class! And... who's this?"
The team recognized Ui Koori but looked curiously at Ryoma.
"Just follow procedure," Ui ordered.
The team began collecting Hyena's body, cleaning up the bloodstains, and gathering evidence for transport back to the CCG's 1st Ward lab for further analysis.
With the situation under control, Ui gave Ryoma a few words of encouragement before heading off to file his report.
---
Ryoma wandered the streets of the 19th Ward, but his mind was focused.
His real objective was to locate the Fueguchi family's clinic.
He knew the Fueguchi family operated a well-known clinic in the area, but he wasn't sure of its exact location. Fortunately, the clinic's reputation worked in his favor — after asking a few locals, he quickly gathered enough information to pinpoint it.
Dr. Fueguchi's clinic was known for its kind-hearted approach. Patients described him as diligent, patient, and compassionate — a rare kindness that ultimately made him a target.
Fueguchi Asaki was one of the rare ghouls who genuinely avoided harming humans. Unfortunately, that kindness would cost him his life — all because Gecko (Yamori) believed Fueguchi had been cooperating with CCG investigators.
Ryoma tightened his grip on his Quinque suitcase.
He had to act fast.
---
As Ryoma neared the clinic, he slowed his pace and carefully scanned the area.
Just as he'd expected, two figures were hidden in the shadows — Mado Kureo and Amon Koutarou.
They're already in position... just like before.
Ryoma pretended not to notice them and continued walking calmly toward the clinic.
---
"Wait... is that Kanzaki Ryoma?"
Amon's brow furrowed in surprise as he spotted Ryoma heading straight for the clinic.
"What's he doing here?"
"Calm down, Amon," Mado said quietly, still observing Ryoma. "He's got blood on him. Probably just finished dealing with a ghoul. No doubt he's here for treatment."
"But if Gecko sees him—"
"He won't," Mado cut in. "A wounded investigator isn't enough to scare that bastard off."
Amon took a deep breath, reminding himself to trust his mentor's experience.
---
Inside the clinic, Fueguchi Asaki paused in surprise as Ryoma entered.
Asaki's gaze immediately locked onto the Quinque case in Ryoma's hand. His expression stiffened — not out of fear for himself, but out of concern for his family.
The investigator in front of him wasn't one of the familiar faces like Mado or Amon. This was someone new.
Fueguchi knew CCG's ambush plan — they were supposed to intercept Gecko. But now, with an unfamiliar investigator on site, he feared their cover was at risk.
The clinic wasn't busy — only one human patient was being treated, while Fueguchi's wife, Ryoko, and daughter, Hinami, had already left to hide in the 20th Ward.
Fueguchi swallowed his anxiety and returned to his patient.
Ryoma quietly took a seat in the waiting area, casually placing his Quinque suitcase beside his feet. He said nothing, keeping his presence low-key — but his senses remained sharp.
---
Moments later, the door swung open.
A tall man stepped inside — bleach-blond hair, a prominent hooked nose, and a vicious sneer stretched across his face.
Gecko (Yamori).
The infamous S-rated ghoul walked in, dressed in his signature leather jacket with one hand casually stuffed in his pocket. His sharp gaze swept across the room.
His eyes briefly locked onto Ryoma, noticing the Quinque suitcase at his feet.
But Yamori wasn't concerned.
An injured, lone investigator posed no threat to him.
Ignoring Ryoma entirely, Yamori walked toward the patient — a random civilian who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Ryoma's hand instinctively shot into his jacket pocket. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled his Quinque dagger — Leech 1/76 — directly at Yamori's head.
Shing!
Yamori tilted his head just in time. The blade whizzed past, grazing his ear before embedding itself in the wall.
Yamori's face darkened. He reached up, fingers brushing the thin line of blood trickling down his ear.
"...I was in a good mood today," Yamori growled, curling his fingers until his knuckles cracked audibly.
"And you just had to ruined it."
The predatory grin spreading across his face promised violence.
Fueguchi Asaki broke out in a cold sweat. He knew exactly what was coming — and now, thanks to Ryoma's actions, the delicate ambush plan was on the verge of collapse.