A Silent Human

Renji coughed lightly, attempting to dispel the awkward atmosphere caused by my lack of response to the strange small male in front of me. "We've come as the CCG requested. What is it you want from us?"

We had discussed this possibility beforehand, Renji and I had our theories. Since we effectively controlled most of Kyoto now it was likely they wanted a "supply" of ghouls, whether alive or dead or perhaps information. The latter was negotiable and even something Renji believed could benefit the Yakuza. However, the former? That was non-negotiable and I had made that clear with a firm shake of my head when the topic came up. Judging by the way Kureo Mado's gaze fixated on the faintly visible Rinkaku protruding from Himari's lower back, my suspicions seemed to be correct.

Renji stood a few feet away from Iwao Kuroiwa, the gruff investigator. Their exchange was tense but measured.

"In exchange for the Higashiyama Yakuza's cooperation." Iwao began, his deep voice echoing in the space. "we ask for your assistance in taking down ghouls and allowing us to collect their bodies. Additionally, we want information regarding any auctions selling missing quinques."

I shifted subtly, placing weight on my toes in case Renji's response wasn't what they wanted to hear. The small, white haired boy standing nearby noticed my movement and twitched his fingers as if playing with invisible strings. 'A string based quinque?' I wondered but quickly refocused on Renji.

Renji's smile was small but sharp. "It seems your side hasn't done enough research on us." he said, tilting his head as he locked eyes with Iwao. "It doesn't matter whether someone is a ghoul or a human, if they're under the protection of the Higashiyama Yakuza, we will keep them safe. What kind of people would we be if we couldn't protect our own family?"

Renji took a deliberate step forward. The man beside Mado tensed up slightly.

Pulling a cigarette from a small box, Renji placed it between his lips, lit it and took a long drag before continuing, his voice slower now but no less firm. "If that's a problem, the door is right there." He gestured casually with his cigarette before exhaling a plume of smoke in Iwao's direction. "If not, we can discuss the details of information sharing, and what we get in return. Because you haven't mentioned what's in it for us."

The warehouse fell silent. Heartbeats around us varied, some steady others erratic. Himari's was the wildest from what I could hear. Her Rinkaku twitched further out of her back the longer she stared at Kureo Mado. I saw the way he tried to suppress a growing grin. 'He knows who she is.'

Shifting more weight onto my toes, I readied myself for a fight. My leg muscles coiled like springs, but I was pulled from my thoughts when Iwao spoke again.

"Very well." he said, nodding. "If that won't work, how about I rephrase the terms?" He tightened his grip on his briefcase as he continued. "If the CCG is on a scene involving a ghoul, we expect your assistance in taking them down."

Renji sighed, shaking his head. "It seems you're not hearing me, so let me make it clear." He took another drag from his cigarette, his tone calm but resolute.

"We, the Higashiyama Yakuza, protect everyone under our banner, human or ghoul. From the ghoul who owns a clothing shop to the child attending school. The only exception to that is if someone, ghoul or human breaks our rules. Then, and only then will there be consequences."

He flicked the cigarette toward my feet. 'A signal?'

"If one of your men attacks a ghoul under our protection, we'll respond in kind. If you attack our Ghoul Division, we'll mobilize every member and eliminate every. single. dove. in Kyoto." Renji's voice dropped, low and lethal. "And if we find that none are here? We'll head to Tokyo."

I uncrossed my arms, tensing my muscles in case I needed to get Renji away. Across from him, Iwao took a deep breath while closing his eyes, then exhaled audibly and opened his eyes.

"I see." he said finally. "You treat them as if they're human, even though they're not."

That struck a nerve. I froze slightly and twitched. 'I understand now why the boss didn't like me attending negotiations unless it was just to stand guard outside.'

"I hope you keep an open mind." Iwao continued. "for when these ghouls inevitably betray you and the rest of your human family, forcing you to come to us for help-."

Renji let out a laugh that echoed in the warehouse, cutting Iwao off.

"That's hilarious! Betray me? Betray their family? Do you think we don't have measures in place for such a scenario? That there's no system to hunt down anyone who dares break their oath, whether human or Ghoul?"

The ghouls in the room tensed, their curiosity piqued. Even I found myself intrigued, which helped to calm my simmering anger at Iwao's words.

Renji sighed, scratching his chin. "Sorry about that. I couldn't help myself."

Iwao merely grunted, glancing at me briefly before returning his attention to Renji. "Since you seem confident in handling ghouls on your own, I'll drop that matter for now."

Renji nodded.

Iwao continued. "We'll leave Suzuya Juuzou—" He gestured toward the white haired youth with red stitches who smiled and waved, not at Renji but at me. "Mado Kureo and his partner, Amon Koutarou."

My gaze shifted to Kureo before landing on Koutarou, the tall man with black hair, teal eyes and a silver cross around his neck. Seeing that cross made me briefly miss my own. 'At least he's distinct enough that blending into a crowd won't be easy.'

"They'll stay here for a few days before returning to Tokyo." Iwao finished. "This will give you time to consider your stance on the ghouls. If no decision is made, you won't be pressured further. Once I return to Tokyo, I'll propose a meeting with the higher ups to discuss better terms. After all, our reports indicate you're close to taking full control of Kyoto."

{Author Note}