Yomo Renji's expression changed drastically.
He would never forget that black-clad investigator from before!
But why was he here?
Could it be that Anteiku's secret had already been exposed to the CCG?
Yomo Renji felt extremely tense. The only thing that puzzled him was that the man was standing at the entrance, closely embracing a girl.
This didn't seem like the behavior of someone coming to exterminate a bunch of ghouls.
"Manager, that guy..."
Yomo Renji wanted to warn Yoshimura Kuzen.
But before he could finish, Kirishima Touka suddenly spoke.
"Mama, are Nii-san and Nee-san here to visit us?"
Kirishima Ayato was also confused. "But how did they know we were here?"
Only Yomo Renji had told them about their work at Anteiku, especially certain secrets of the shop. They hadn't shared this information with anyone else.
"...What is going on? Nee-san, Touka... Do you know him?"
Yomo Renji was momentarily stunned and asked in disbelief.
"Yeah, we met that Nii-san and Nee-san before, and they're really nice people!"
Kirishima Touka replied with a smile.
"Touka is right," Ayato added.
"This... This can't be possible..."
Yomo Renji found it hard to believe.
That black-clad investigator was, without a doubt, someone of Special-Class level within the CCG.
And yet, his sister and Touka actually knew him? More than that, they seemed to have an actual good relationship?
Thinking it over, perhaps it was simply because that investigator didn't know his sister and Touka were secretly ghouls. Otherwise, they would be in danger.
"Renji, you're acting a little strange. What's wrong?"
At that moment, Kirishima Hikari noticed the unusual expression on Yomo Renji's face.
"It's nothing... Nee-san, Touka, you both don't know. That guy outside is actually the investigator who beat both Uta and me before."
Yomo Renji directly revealed the truth.
"Huh...?"
Hikari was momentarily stunned, almost thinking he had misheard.
That young man was actually a CCG investigator? And not just any investigator, but an incredibly strong one?
Touka, on the other hand, didn't immediately react. She wasn't very familiar with investigators to begin with.
"In any case, he won't always be your friend."
Yomo Renji didn't have time to explain everything to his sister and Touka. Instead, he turned to Yoshimura Kuzen and asked, "Manager, what should we do now?"
Meanwhile, Touka and Hikari had already stepped away.
At this moment, Yoshimura Kuzen's expression was also solemn.
Of course, he hadn't forgotten the young man who had once severed both of his arms.
Koma Enji and Irimi Kaya gradually sensed that something was wrong and turned their gazes toward the manager.
Hoito Roma silently hid in the shadows, secretly observing the situation.
Since her persona at Anteiku was that of a weak, ordinary ghoul, she had never discussed the investigator with the other staff members.
If that investigator showed any intention of attacking, she would immediately flee.
"..."
Yoshimura Kuzen remained silent for a while before finally stepping toward the entrance.
"Dear guests, would you like to come in for a cup of coffee?"
With a gentle smile, Yoshimura Kuzen asked both Byakuya and Eto.
Since Eto had her back to him and was still embracing Byakuya, Yoshimura Kuzen didn't recognize her at first.
It was only when Byakuya loosened his embrace that he could get a clearer look at her. However, Eto still seemed unwilling to let go, continuing to tightly hold onto him.
"Should we go in for a cup?"
Byakuya asked Eto.
"..."
Eto hesitated for a moment before softly responding, "Mm..."
She could tell that Byakuya still wanted her to meet with Kuzen.
And the resentment in her heart had subsided significantly compared to before. Though she wasn't exactly willing, she ultimately accepted it.
At this moment, Eto slowly released Uchiha Byakuya and turned around, her expression cold as she looked at Yoshimura Kuzen.
With such an indifferent expression, anyone unaware of the situation would never guess that they were father and daughter.
The moment Yoshimura Kuzen saw her face clearly, his expression changed slightly.
There was something both familiar and unfamiliar about this girl.
Suddenly, an image of his late wife flashed trough his mind.
The girl in front of him... bore some resemblance to Ukina?
Could it be...?
A bold thought crossed Yoshimura Kuzen's mind.
Could this girl be Eto?
But he quickly dismissed it as impossible.
After all, he knew very well that the black-clad young man was the CCG's ace investigator, possibly even connected to V.
And he also knew that Eto was Aogiri Tree's One-Eyed Owl. How could the One-Eyed Owl possibly be clinging to the CCG's ace investigator in the middle of the street like they were some young couple?
Moreover, given the One-Eyed Owl's repeated attacks on the CCG, it was clear that she deeply hated them, especially V and the Washuu Clan.
So Yoshimura Kuzen quickly dismissed that unrealistic thought.
"..."
Eto also remained silent, simply staring at Yoshimura Kuzen coldly.
Originally, she had a lot she wanted to say to him.
But now, her mind was blank. She didn't know what to say anymore.
"Let's go in."
At that moment, Byakuya spoke to Eto and took her hand, leading her into Anteiku.
Eto followed him inside and casually found an empty seat to sit down.
Byakuya acted as if he didn't know Yomo Renji and the others but still greeted Kirishima Touka and Kirishima Ayato with a wave.
Touka waved back in response while noticing Eto's expression.
"Nee-san doesn't seem to be in a good mood today."
She turned to her mother and commented.
After all, that older girl was usually cheerful, always smiling with an air of confidence.
Today, however, she seemed distant and cold.
"Adults have their own troubles. You'll understand when you grow up."
Kirishima Hikari patted her head.
She immediately assumed it was something related to Onee-san's emotions.
"Hmph... okay..."
Kirishima Touka pouted slightly in dissatisfaction.
Meanwhile, Yomo Renji also pretended not to recognize Uchiha Byakuya.
He figured that as long as he kept up the act, Byakuya wouldn't recognize him. After all, he had worn his mask properly during their fight.
At the moment, Byakuya didn't seem to be here to exterminate any ghouls.
Yomo Renji decided not to act recklessly and instead waited to see how the manager would handle the situation.