"Just do me a favor. This is the students' graduation ceremony speech, and I can't really refuse. You're the most suitable person around me, with enough credibility and sufficient combat experience as an investigator. You're the only one I could think of."
Seeing Lin Yi's reluctant expression, Yukinori Shinohara couldn't help but plead, "Come on, Lin Yi, I know it's a lot to ask, but please do me this favor. I promise I'll treat you to a big meal afterwards."
Lin Yi hesitated for a moment, considering the request. Finally, he nodded and replied, "Alright, I'll help you out this time. But remember, that big meal better be worth it."
Yukinori Shinohara readily agreed, relieved that Lin Yi had agreed to assist him.
Lin Yi had initially planned to return to District 20 in the afternoon, but due to Yukinori Shinohara's request, he decided to make a last-minute change and head to the CCG Elite Academy instead.
Since Yukinori Shinohara had already reported their visit, there was no need for security checks or any additional formalities.
As Lin Yi entered the academy, he was greeted by the bustling atmosphere of the graduation season. The students, who had undergone five years of training to become 'potential investigators,' were filled with excitement and anticipation for their future careers. They envisioned a glorious path ahead, where they would eliminate ghouls and achieve great military achievements.
However, as Lin Yi stepped into the auditorium, he noticed that there weren't many students present. Becoming an investigator had strict requirements, even more stringent than the pilot assessment he had gone through before his Transmigration. Moreover, the profession was associated with great dangers. Consequently, only a few individuals were willing to enroll in this program.
Thus, each graduating class consisted of just over thirty students.
As Lin Yi pushed open the door, his gaze locked onto two distinctive figures in the crowd. They were twins, identical in appearance but easily distinguishable with their black and white hair, making them stand out. It was none other than Kurona Yasuhisa and Nashiro Yasuhisa.
Lin Yi narrowed his eyes, inwardly scolding himself for forgetting about these sisters. He should have thought of them when he saw Akihiro Kanou earlier. After all, these sisters had a tragic past. They attended the CCG Elite Academy and were already prospective investigators, about to step into the formal world. Their parents had considerable assets in the 6th Ward. However, their lives were ruined when Akihiro Kanou seized their parents' property, killed them, and transformed both sisters into one-eyed ghouls.
Realizing that he could have missed the chance to help them if he had remembered a little later, Lin Yi felt a sense of relief that he could still make a difference for them.
Lost in his thoughts, Lin Yi was snapped back to reality by a staff member beside him, reminding him that it was his turn to speak.
Startled, Lin Yi composed himself and walked to the podium to deliver a vivid and engaging speech. He shared his experiences of battling ghouls, combined with personal anecdotes, conveying the cunning and dangers associated with these creatures.
For the prospective investigators who had only fantasized about expelling ghouls but never encountered them, Lin Yi's speech was more than enough to capture their attention. They listened intently, engrossed in his words.
As he finished his speech, a wave of enthusiastic applause erupted from the audience.
After Lin Yi's speech, the school leaders took the stage and delivered the typical speeches filled with official language, offering words of encouragement and consolation to the graduating students.
Lin Yi, on the other hand, sought out the homeroom teacher of the graduating class about the usual arrangements for prospective investigators after graduation.
"What happens to the students after graduation?" Lin Yi inquired.
"Investigator Lin, typically, graduates from the CCG Elite Academy are directly employed by the main CCG headquarters. The academy has a strong partnership with the headquarters, and they assign investigators from the main branch as their direct superiors to guide and teach them," explained the homeroom teacher.
The teacher further added, "Once they pass the one-year assessment, they can officially become investigators themselves."
Lin Yi nodded, finding the arrangement convenient. He casually expressed his interest in mentoring two newcomers, although he was unsure of his potential as a mentor.
The homeroom teacher was momentarily surprised but quickly showed a pleased expression.
"Investigator Lin, you're being modest. As the youngest first-class reserve, you are undoubtedly qualified to guide them. It will be their good fortune to have you as their mentor," the teacher replied with admiration.
"Could you provide me with their transcripts?" Lin Yi requested.
"Certainly," the homeroom teacher agreed and arranged for the graduation transcripts of the students to be delivered.
Lin Yi swiftly scanned through the transcripts, noticing the names of Kurona Yasuhisa, Nashiro Yasuhisa, and Juuzou Suzuya. However, Juuzou Suzuya's transcript only had a checkmark without a graduation score, indicating that Yukinori Shinohara had taken him away.
Lin Yi wasn't particularly interested in Juuzou Suzuya, who appeared boyish. He found the twins, Kurona Yasuhisa and Nashiro Yasuhisa, more appealing.
Not finding the name of Akira Mado among the students, Lin Yi deduced that they were not in the same group. Akira Mado should have already joined the CCG, but their different identities had prevented him from meeting her.
After a thorough review, Lin Yi discovered that both Nashiro Yasuhisa and Kurona Yasuhisa consistently had above-average grades, qualifying as excellent. This made his decision easier, saving him from needing to find excuses.
Satisfied with his choice, Lin Yi remarked, "Let it be these two. I've heard that they have an extraordinary understanding of each other during battles, demonstrating remarkable synergy. If we cultivate them, the result will definitely be greater than the sum of their parts."
The homeroom teacher sincerely admired Lin Yi's decision, acknowledging that the twins were fortunate to have such a mentor.
After the graduation ceremony, Kurona Yasuhisa and Nashiro Yasuhisa were promptly informed about their future work arrangements. They were delighted to become Lin Yi's direct subordinates, third-class investigators. Lin Yi's captivating speech had left a lasting impression on them, and they were eager to learn under his guidance.
The only downside was that District 20 was located far from the 6th Ward, making it challenging for them to return home in the future.
As they began their journey back, Lin Yi felt a sense of satisfaction in having acquired a pair of talented twins. He knew that by keeping them by his side, he could ensure their escape from their tragic fates.
Upon arriving at the stable ward, the driver of the private car inquired, "Investigator Lin, should we head straight back to the 20th Ward branch?"
Lin Yi yawned, feeling a bit fatigued, and looked out of the car window. Suddenly, he halted the driver and said, "Wait a moment. I need to grab a cup of coffee first. I haven't been getting much rest lately."
—
Thank you, "Opiium" and "Young Dexter" for supporting me in Patrèon! if you guys can please support me there! Thanks!