"Our King is also your CCG Chairman. We have come under his command."
Tatara and Noroi led a group of Aogiri Tree members to CCG headquarters.
This was Byakuya's order, meant to reduce casualties on both sides and to prepare for post-war cooperation once the battle ended.
Noroi was essentially an extension of Eto, sustained by her kagune.
In other words, every move CCG and Aogiri Tree made was under Eto's watchful eye.
"Of course, we trust Chairman Byakuya."
Marude stepped forward without hesitation, shaking hands with Tatara.
However, the situation was somewhat awkward due to the presence of Kousuke Houji.
Although he was only an Associate Special Class Investigator, his combat prowess was already on par with a full Special Class. He just lacked the achievements for promotion.
The tension stemmed from the fact that Houji had previously assisted Chinese ghoul investigators in eliminating the "Red Tongue Company" a notorious ghoul organization in China.
During that mission, Houji had killed Tatara's brothers, Fei and Yan, making the two mortal enemies.
Tatara immediately noticed Houji, his eyes flashing with killing intent.
But he remained calm, his voice cold and composed: "Once this war is over, we'll settle our old scores."
He knew that this was a fight for survival. For now, personal grudges had to be set aside.
However, that did not mean he would ever forgive Houji. There was no room for reconciliation.
Otherwise, he would never have come to Japan.
Tatara had already made up his mind—either he or Houji would have to die.
"Hmph..."
Houji responded with a low grunt.
He, too, understood Tatara's resolve.
With that, CCG and Aogiri Tree officially joined forces.
Meanwhile...
Byakuya and Eto plummeted from the top of Tokyo Skytree.
Neither showed any concern—such a height posed no threat to them.
Dragon displayed signs of intelligence, seemingly controlled by someone from the Washuu Clan at its core.
As they fell, massive tentacle-like appendages erupted from the creature's body, whipping toward them.
Eto prepared to activate her kakuja, but Byakuya stopped her.
She looked at him, slightly puzzled—then saw his eyes turn crimson.
She immediately realized what he was about to do.
The next moment, Susanoo manifested.
Skipping the initial skeletal forms, Byakuya's Susanoo immediately reached its second stage.
This form had a fully developed upper body wrapped in protective armor, granting access to Yasaka Magatama and his unique weapon.
(Author Note: Since the Double Kamui Susanoo never appeared in any form besides the Full Body, this version takes inspiration from Shisui's.)
The second stage of Susanoo had the best balance between power and energy consumption.
While not as taxing as the higher forms, its strength was more than sufficient.
The sudden appearance of Susanoo shocked the entire nation.
Though it wasn't as colossal as Dragon, it was still a giant never seen before.
More importantly, the public had no idea whether this new entity was an ally or another threat.
"What the hell is that?! Another monster?!"
"I don't think so! That thing is clearly attacking it!"
"So, it's on our side? But there's no way this is just a ghoul's kakuja transformation! I've heard that ghouls with a kakuja can look monstrous, but can they really grow this big?!"
"You guys aren't paying attention—that's the CCG Chairman! I just saw him fall from Tokyo Skytree, and I almost thought he was committing suicide!"
"WHAT?! That giant is the CCG Chairman?! So he's fighting against dragon!"
Online forums and social media exploded with discussions.
Since the truth about the Washuu Clan was already exposed, the fact that the new CCG Chairman was a ghoul wasn't shocking.
Whether he was human or ghoul didn't matter—his sheer size alone shattered everyone's understanding of what was possible.
If ghouls could transform into giants like this, what chance did humans have?
"That giant is Byakuya?! So cool!"
Touka exclaimed in excitement as she watched the broadcast.
"Heh~ My Dad is amazing, isn't he?"
Mayu boasted proudly.
Kaneki, meanwhile, was utterly dumbfounded.
He had never expected the kind older brother figure from his past to be something like this...
Even Hikari and Arata, who had never personally witnessed Byakuya's power, felt the sheer pressure through the TV screen.
"This is so unfair! Normal ghouls can barely exceed five meters in kakuja form!"
Hikari exclaimed in disbelief.
"Wait, isn't Byakuya a half-human? How can a half-human do something like this?"
Arata added.
However, the most shocking event was yet to come.
Byakuya would not stop at the second form.
His "Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan" mission required him to reach the Tengu Form — Susanoo's fourth stage.
Byakuya's second-stage Susanoo effortlessly tore through Dragon's tentacle restraints.
Then, with a mere thought, it evolved again.
Now in its third stage, Susanoo grew fully-formed legs, allowing Byakuya and Eto to relocate to the head.
Its size more than doubled, reaching nearly 50 meters tall.
"This is insane! It's still getting bigger!"
"There's no way this is a kakuja form! I've never heard of a ghoul this terrifying!"
"This is the craziest thing I'll ever see in my lifetime. It's like something out of a manga!"
The transformation alone was shocking enough.
Even though it still paled in comparison to Dragon, this was nowhere near Susanoo's final form...