Chapter 87: Helplessness and Hatred

A helicopter skimmed over the highway, where vehicles moved in dense streams.

The highway had been sealed off; all other vehicles were banned, yet even so, the CCG convoy moved slowly—there were too many cars.

Police vehicles led the way, while helicopters roared overhead in an unusually massive display.

At this moment, all Tokyo television stations were broadcasting the same scene.

“This time, CCG and the police are conducting a joint operation, launching a surprise assault on District 11 with an overwhelming force. Special Class Investigator Marute Saji is commanding on-site, and multiple Special Class Investigators have been deployed.”

“Now, here is the statement from Special Class Investigator Marute Saji.”

Nearly all Tokyo citizens watched this scene on their TVs, eagerly awaiting Marute Saji’s words.

At the front of the convoy, in the command vehicle, Marute Saji was giving orders calmly and methodically; Su Xiao was also inside the command vehicle.

The command vehicle’s interior was spacious, with dozens of monitors—varying in size—mounted on three walls, allowing Marute Saji to grasp the battlefield more intuitively.

“Baiye, handle the TV crew for me—I’m too busy right now.”

Marute Saji held up a camera, signaling Su Xiao to take the interview.

Su Xiao’s face darkened—he had no desire to be interviewed; it looked like a hassle.

“I… I’ve never been interviewed before.”

Marute Saji considered for a moment, then finally removed his Bluetooth earpiece.

“See that white cloth? Hold it up behind me.”

The white cloth bore the CCG emblem; Su Xiao pulled it taut and held it behind Marute Saji.

Marute Saji tidied his hair, cleared his throat, and turned on the camera.

“I am Marute Saji. The initial phase of the operation went smoothly, but…”

Marute Saji paused, gathering his thoughts.

“We are risking our lives to ensure the safety of 99% of the residents; the remaining 1% requires your cooperation. Let us work together to reclaim peace for District 11.”

With that, Marute Saji turned off the camera and exhaled deeply.

This was live broadcast, directly reaching Tokyo’s citizens.

“Hey, is it recorded? This pose is ridiculous.”

“Done. Where were we?”

Su Xiao dropped the white cloth and tossed it carelessly aside.

“We were talking about me holding the rear…”

Mid-sentence, a frantic voice crackled through Marute Saji’s earpiece—so loud, even Su Xiao could hear it.

“Marute, the camera’s still on! What the hell are you and Baiye doing?”

Marute Saji froze in shock, frantically grabbing the camera—his massive face now appeared on thousands of TV screens.

This was live broadcast, with less than a minute’s delay.

To boost ratings, the TV station had not cut out Su Xiao and Marute Saji’s conversation.

At that moment, Tokyo’s citizens were stunned—turns out the CCG emblem they’d been watching was being held up by a young man in a white windbreaker.

This amusing scene became a topic of lively discussion among viewers.

“This damn machine keeps getting more complicated.”

Marute Saji searched for ages but couldn’t find the power button—instead, he found what looked like a battery.

A sharp click rang out—the expensive camera was ruined.

Su Xiao clearly saw Marute Saji’s body twitch—evidently, the device was costly.

…

Half an hour later, the CCG convoy arrived before the Aogiri Tree’s outpost in District 11.

The convoy halted; a large group of investigators in combat gear spilled out and began setting up defensive lines before the Aogiri Tree outpost.

The Aogiri Tree outpost was simply an abandoned building.

Marute Saji was already busy inside the command vehicle; Su Xiao stepped down and leapt onto the roof, sitting comfortably atop the radar antenna—elevated, offering a clear view of the battlefield.

Around him, shouts and urgent commands never ceased.

“Hurry! The defensive line must be set up within one minute!”

CCG’s defense line was simple: a wall of bulletproof shields erected in front of the vehicles.

This formation had two advantages: easy access to ammunition from inside the vehicles, and if wounded, soldiers could retreat into the armored vehicles—all of which were highly bulletproof.

The frontline was quickly established; CCG’s combat personnel were well-trained and fell silent after setting up.

It was around eight p.m.; the sky was pitch black, and the Aogiri Tree outpost ahead was equally dark.

The old building’s exterior walls were heavily cracked and peeling; all windows had been violently torn out by ghouls.

Though pitch black, Su Xiao sensed faintly that hundreds of ghouls lurked inside—perhaps several hundred.

Marute Saji did not immediately issue an attack order—he seemed to be waiting for something.

On the rooftop of a nearby building, several ghouls stood or sat.

“Faster than expected.”

Katsuragi Izumi, wrapped entirely in bandages, sat on the building’s edge, gazing down at the CCG forces.

“Ah.”

Tadatomo responded, turning to face the others behind him—these were all Aogiri Tree’s officers—and began issuing combat orders.

After assigning specific tasks, Katsuragi Izumi and Tadatomo departed.

“Are we really sure this will work? I saw that guy.”

With only Tadatomo nearby, Katsuragi Izumi used her natural voice; Tadatomo said nothing—he too was worried.

Within Aogiri Tree, Tadatomo was similar to Marute Saji—both were battlefield commanders.

“Even if he’s strong, he has limits. We may lose some subordinates, but if we can weaken CCG, it’s worth it.”

"CCG's top leadership intentions are clear—we disrupted the 'balance,' so they're coming to wipe us out."

By the end of his sentence, Tadatomo was gritting his teeth.

Katsuragi Izumi gazed at the sky, her eyes filled with helplessness and resentment.

Resentment toward the world’s injustice, helplessness at being trapped in this world.

“One day, I will make sure ghouls no longer have to hide in the dark underground. I swear it.”

Katsuragi Izumi recalled her childhood—in the polluted, subterranean world where she spent her early years—until she turned fourteen, came to the surface, picked up a pen, and wrote a novel; that same year, she founded Aogiri Tree.

…

After CCG’s forces waited a long time, Marute Saji received orders from headquarters.

“Prepare to launch flares. Once fired, initiate suppressive fire.”

At Marute Saji’s command, a flare shot upward, arcing into the sky.

Its sunlike brilliance illuminated the area, bathing the Aogiri Tree outpost in harsh light.

In the upper windows of the outpost, ghouls clad in red robes raised their rifles.

“Fire!”

“Fire!”

CCG and the ghouls issued the order nearly simultaneously—gunfire erupted like popping beans.

“Tututut…”

Sparks flew; stray bullets ricocheted wildly across the battlefield.

Su Xiao leapt down from the roof—he had no intention of becoming a target.

The situation differed from expectations: although CCG’s equipment was superior, the ghouls’ defenses were better—Kagune were naturally bulletproof shields.

The battle reached its peak immediately; both sides unleashed their maximum firepower, aiming to annihilate the other.

Su Xiao hid behind a tall bulletproof shield, a cigarette dangling from his lips, not even holding a gun.

It wasn’t time for him to act yet—something more important awaited him.

If things proceed smoothly, after this operation, he can exchange for the [Human Gene Enhancement Serum].