Ghoul: Starting with Sharingan

"It's hard to pinpoint flaws, really. After all, no matter how much I critique it, it only reflects my personal taste and can't represent anyone else's preferences" Byakuya said earnestly. "Besides, I'm not exactly a professional taste-tester."

"Why should you care about other people's tastes?" Eto immediately countered.

"Because my opinion isn't all that valuable" Byakuya explained. "Just take it as a casual remark, nothing more."

"Why should I care about anyone else's taste, then?" Eto replied with a playful tone. "I only need to know your preferences. What others think is completely irrelevant."

"...Fine." Byakuya finally commented, "From my perspective, the meat was grilled a bit too long, so it's slightly overcooked. The seasoning could be toned down to be lighter. That's about it."

Byakuya wasn't a professional, so his critique was naturally biased toward his own taste. But Eto only cared about his opinion, so he gave an honest answer based on his preferences.

"Got it. I've made a note" Eto said, pulling out a small notebook and jotting everything down.

The next time she made hamburg steak, she intended to address these shortcomings.

Late at night.

Byakuya had been sleeping soundly when a sudden movement woke him up.

As before, it was Eto Yoshimura unconsciously clinging to him while asleep. However, this time she wasn't just wrapping her arms around his waist—she had even thrown her legs over him, clinging to him like an octopus.

In her subconscious, Eto seemed to have gotten used to treating Byakuya as her personal body pillow.

Byakuya, now accustomed to these occurrences, simply let her be. He didn't want to disturb her sleep.

The next morning, Eto woke up earlier than Byakuya for a change.

This was likely because Byakuya's sleep quality had been slightly affected after being used as a body pillow the previous night.

As soon as she opened her eyes, Eto realized she was hugging Byakuya in a rather compromising position.

Though she didn't want to admit it, it was obvious she had instinctively clung to him while asleep...

Only now did she realize her sleeping habits weren't exactly graceful.

Maybe it was because this soft, comfortable bed was so much better than the makeshift bedding she had grown accustomed to in the 24th Ward. She'd never noticed her poor sleeping posture before.

Eto, however, felt neither embarrassed nor awkward about it. Instead, she doubled down, hugging him even tighter and leaning close to whisper in his ear, "Why are you still being so lazy, Mr. Loli~con?"

To top it off, she deliberately blew softly into his ear.

Byakuya was instantly wide awake.

He had been on the verge of waking up naturally, teetering between sleep and consciousness. He'd even heard Eto's teasing words in his half-asleep state.

But that breath against his ear? It snapped him fully awake.

"First thing in the morning, and you're already causing trouble" Byakuya remarked in his usual calm tone.

He didn't sound the least bit annoyed — no hint of scolding — since he was already close to waking up and rarely got irritated with Eto.

"So... your ears are a weak spot, huh?" Eto mused, clearly amused by her discovery.

"Maybe" Byakuya replied nonchalantly.

After all, wasn't it normal for anyone to be startled awake if someone suddenly blew into their ear?

"But aren't you going to let go? It's time to get up" he said, noticing that Eto was still clinging to him like an octopus, even tighter than before.

"Why should I? It's not like there's any rush" Eto replied casually, showing no intention of letting go.

"..."

Byakuya was momentarily at a loss for words, feeling slightly awkward.

Noticing his silence, Eto's tone turned mischievous as she teased, "Hmm~? Are you shy? Don't tell me you're actually embarrassed?"

"Maybe a little... but don't push your luck," Byakuya shot back before shifting his position so he was facing her directly.

If she was going to mess with him, he wasn't going to let it slide without some retaliation.

"You..."

Eto's heart skipped a beat, momentarily speeding up. She thought he was about to pull something bold, leaving her slightly apprehensive.

But in the next moment, Byakuya reached out and pinched her cheeks, gently pulling them apart.

He was careful not to hurt her; the force he applied was minimal.

For someone like Eto, who had spent years battling in the brutal 24th Ward, such mild discomfort was practically nothing. Her expression didn't even waver.

"You're so boring" Eto sighed, rolling her eyes in what was half a complaint and half an observation.

"Alright, enough fooling around. Let's get up and make breakfast" she said, finally releasing her grip on him and losing interest in their little game.

"Mm."

Byakuya didn't argue.

He knew full well that he could have pushed things further if he wanted to, but he chose not to.

In his mind, Eto was still too young. While he didn't consider himself a saint, he did have principles.

He might be blunt in his words, but he wasn't the type to take advantage of someone or act recklessly.

As usual, Eto headed off to lead the "Aogiri Tree" in their campaign against the 24th Ward.

Meanwhile, Byakuya made his way to the Sunlit Garden, holding a small bear plushie in his hand.

On his way through the route from the 1st Ward to the Sunlit Garden, it wasn't uncommon for him to encounter some of his fellow CCG Investigators, and today was no different.

"Hey, isn't that the newly promoted Special Class Investigator, Byakuya? Let's go say hi."

"Special Class Byakuya!"

Byakuya nodded politely in acknowledgment.

After he walked away, the group of investigators couldn't help but focus on the plushie in his hand.

"By the way, why is Investigator Byakuya carrying a plushie? Doesn't that seem a bit out of place for someone of his strength and status?"

"Maybe it's a gift for his girlfriend? I wonder who the lucky lady is!"

"Hey, don't spread baseless rumors! It's probably for a younger sibling or something. Besides, I've heard that both Byakuya and Arima are super popular among the women in the CCG."

"..."

Not long after, Byakuya coincidentally ran into the Mado family.

Kasuka greeted him warmly, "First—ah! My apologies, I almost called you First Class Byakuya out of habit."

Having been used to addressing him as "First Class Byakuya" Kasuka instinctively made the mistake.

"It's fine. It's not a big deal" Byakuya replied calmly.

"Maybe not, but it's still a basic mistake that I shouldn't have made" Kasuka said with a smile. "Speaking of which, it hasn't been long since we last saw each other, and you've already been promoted to Special Class Investigator."

"Indeed, your strength is indisputable, but your rapid rise through the ranks is truly remarkable" Kureo remarked in admiration.

Standing beside them was Akira, who had come along for a family outing.

However, Akira kept glancing at the plushie in Byakuya's hand, her interest evident.

Byakuya noticed her gaze and asked, "Do you like this? I can get you one later if you want."

Akira, who had only been mildly curious, hadn't intended to trouble Byakuya but was caught off guard by his perceptiveness.

"Akira, if you want it, you can just ask your mom or dad" Kasuka said gently, not wanting to inconvenience Byakuya.

"It's not that... I just..." Akira fumbled, unsure how to explain.

She had grown used to her parents being too busy to spend much time at home, and despite being so young, she was already mature enough to understand and accept their responsibilities.

Generally, she was content with whatever her parents gave her and rarely asked for anything herself.

Though she found the plushie adorable, it wasn't something she desperately wanted.

After a brief hesitation, Akira finally shared her honest thoughts: "I don't want to bother Mom or Dad, and I don't want to trouble this big brother either, so I don't really need it."

"..."

Kasuka fell silent for a moment, then sighed. "I see. Your dad and I have never really considered what you truly like, have we?"

The things she usually bought for Akira were based on what she had liked as a child. However, Kasuka had always been a strong-willed and unconventional person, so her childhood preferences were... unique.

"Uh..."

Kureo looked even more embarrassed.

He suddenly remembered that the toys he gave Akira were often miniature quinques — safe, low-grade ones she could use under his supervision.

He also frequently taught her about quinque techniques and their mechanics.

Although Akira had never complained, Kureo realized he'd never once asked her what she actually wanted.

"Sorry for letting you witness this, Special Class Byakuya" Kasuka said, somewhat awkwardly.

"It's nothing. Anyway, I have something to take care of, so I'll be on my way" Byakuya replied.

As he walked off, Byakuya couldn't help but reflect on how his small interaction had unintentionally prompted the Mado family to reevaluate their dynamic.

The Sunlit Garden.

Byakuya quickly located Furuta and Rize, as the two children often played in this area.

Furuta hadn't yet started his training for the day.

In the Sunlit Garden, children were subjected to rigorous training from a young age. Their instructors were typically members of V, who had also come from there.

In theory, Byakuya himself was qualified to serve as an instructor, giving him the authority to take Furuta and Rize as his direct disciples.

"Byakuya actually came to see us again so soon!" Furuta exclaimed excitedly upon spotting him.

Rize, too, sat up with interest — her coveted plushie had finally arrived.

Byakuya handed the bear plushie to Rize with a smile. "This time, try not to break it so quickly."

"I'll try not to destroy it too soon" Rize replied, cradling the plushie in her arms with a sweet smile, though her words carried a hint of menace.

"Ha... ha..." Byakuya laughed awkwardly.

Rize had always had a streak of violence in her, even as a child.

But her temperament wasn't entirely her fault. The tragic fate of the Washuu clan and the oppressive environment had undoubtedly shaped her.

While she seemed manageable now, Byakuya knew that things would escalate as she grew older. Her violent tendencies, ruthless nature, and reckless disregard for others were all manifestations of her deep resentment towards her painful existence.

He remembered all too well how, in the original timeline, Rize's unchecked hunger and reckless behavior led to chaos. She ignored all warnings, including those from her foster father, Matasaka Kamishiro, and indulged in unrestrained human hunting. This drew CCG's attention to the 6th Ward, resulting in Matasaka's imprisonment in the Cochlea.

Byakuya was determined to intervene early, hoping to steer Rize away from that destructive path. Small gestures, like giving her toys, and larger ones, like taking her away from the Sunlit Garden as soon as possible, were part of his plan.

"Furuta, Rize" he said, turning to the matter at hand. "I've spoken with Mr. Kaiko, and I've decided to take you both as my disciples. I'll be personally responsible for your training. What do you think?"

"Really? That's amazing! Of course, I agree!" Furuta didn't hesitate, his eyes shining with excitement.

He had always idolized Byakuya, and having him as a mentor felt like a dream come true.

"Sounds like a hassle" Rize muttered, her reaction the complete opposite of Furuta's.

Though this older brother figure was kind to her, the idea of formal training still felt bothersome.

"If you become my disciples" Byakuya added, "you won't have to stay here every day. You'll be allowed to go outside occasionally, though the range will be limited."

"Rize! Did you hear that? We can go outside!" Furuta exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement.

"I heard you. You're being noisy" Rize grumbled, though her resolve was visibly wavering. "If that's true, I want to go out today."

Her words essentially sealed her agreement.

Having spent their entire lives confined to the Sunlit Garden, both Furuta and Rize were naturally curious about the world beyond its walls.

"That's fine. I can take you both out later" Byakuya said with a smile.

[Ding! The Host has successfully completed 'Quest 2: Recruit Furuta and Rize as disciples'. Reward: 50 Attribute Points!]

[Quest 2 completed. Quest 3 activated.]

[Quest 3: Help Furuta and Rize break free from the Washuu clan's control.]

[Quest Reward: 500 Attribute Points.]