In the following days, the situation remained calm and peaceful.
The CCG headquarters diligently monitored the movements of the Anteiku shop and efficiently deployed personnel. At least five special investigators were set to participate in the upcoming battle, forming an impressive force.
Rumors circulated that the legendary strongest investigator, Kishou Arima, would also be present. However, Lin Yi had yet to catch a glimpse of him. As the head of the 20th Ward and the host, Lin Yi received Itsuki Marude, Iwao Kuroiwa, Yukinori Shinohara, and others.
Even Yoshitoki Washuu, responsible for coordinating the entire campaign, made a personal appearance. Lin Yi smiled faintly, aware that Yoshitoki Washuu would inevitably show up. However, Washuu usually concealed himself in the CCG headquarters, making it difficult for Lin Yi to expose him.
The Washuu Clan held a prominent status, starting with the half-ghouls, followed by ghouls, and finally, half-humans. Ironically, the half-humans of the Washuu Clan possessed the greatest combat prowess. In intense battles where Yoshitoki Washuu lacked the protection of special investigators and the V organization, he was merely a weakling.
On the day preceding the major battle, Lin Yi received the upgraded and modified Quinque sent by Nishino, the Third Generation Jörmungandr.
The CCG headquarters had already begun evacuating all civilians from the 20th Ward, demonstrating their determination for the upcoming conflict.
"It's truly remarkable," Lin Yi remarked while sitting beside the floor-to-ceiling window. He gazed down at the CCG members below, clad in black bulletproof vests, standing in disciplined rows with firearms and riot shields.
For this battle, the CCG had deployed nearly 70% of its forces, leaving only a sufficient number of police officers to defend other areas. They had mobilized all their elite units.
Lin Yi sighed, and beside him, Akira patiently helped him tidy his hair. A nearby makeup artist touched up his makeup.
The scene seemed somewhat out of place. Itsuki Marude stood at the entrance with his arms crossed, leaning against the window, waiting with his eyes closed.
"By the way, does it have to be so troublesome? I never wear makeup," Lin Yi complained, although he allowed the makeup artist to work on him.
"This is the CCG's defining battle and a battle to regain the public's trust. The headquarters has already contacted major television stations, and there will be live helicopter broadcasts throughout. Your image is crucial," Marude explained impatiently. He disliked such things as well, but the circumstances demanded it.
Several senators within the CCG expressed serious dissatisfaction with the recent failures. Moreover, Arima was not someone who enjoyed these tasks. Therefore, when it came to image and accomplishments, Lin Yi was the most suitable candidate. After all, the several special investigators of the CCG were not the most visually appealing.
Hence, victory was the only option in this battle. Moreover, they had to win under the scrutiny of the entire nation to eliminate the people's fear of the Aogiri Tree.
Lin Yi's naturally handsome appearance required minimal effort from the makeup artist. She applied light makeup and gave Lin Yi a new style, making him look more mature and dignified.
"What a hassle," Marude waved his hand impatiently before leaving. He added, "After you go out, there will be interviews with television stations."
"I understand," Lin Yi replied. Soon after, the makeup artist finished her work and left. He looked up at Akira, who was lost in thought, and teased, "What's wrong? Am I too charming for you?"
"Shameless," Akira slapped Lin Yi's shoulder, but her tone carried a hint of guilt.
"We still have time," Lin Yi said while staring at her beautiful and cold face. He suddenly pulled her close, and she resisted with all her might, but it seemed more like playful banter.
However, given that it was the eve of a major battle, they refrained from taking it too far. Lin Yi, knowing the limits, released her and proudly left the dressing room. Akira was left behind, hastily adjusting her collar.
As Lin Yi descended the stairs, he encountered the anticipated television interviews mentioned by Marude.
However, he was genuinely taken aback by the sheer number of cameras and reporters from various Tokyo TV stations and news agencies.
Lin Yi provided them with official responses as expected. Perhaps unbeknownst to anyone in the CCG, they had made Lin Yi their public spokesperson in their quest to swiftly regain the public's trust. In the eyes of the people, Lin Yi's words held greater influence than those of the CCG's senators and director.
He spent a full half hour dealing with the reporters before finally escaping with the belated assistance of Akira.
The reporters didn't follow them outside, recognizing that human life was more valuable than chasing hot news. Only a few daring frontline journalists remained, sitting in helicopters at a distance, observing.
By the time Lin Yi reached the front line, he could already see the numerous ambushes set up outside the Anteiku shop. Investigators and troops were stationed at crucial intersections throughout the 20th Ward to prevent any potential escape.
Yoshitoki Washuu personally commanded the operation. And under his command, the war began!
Aside from the shop owner Yoshimura, who chose to remain, there were two SS-rated ghouls, Enji Koma and Kaya Irimi, standing by the Anteiku shop. Both were former leaders of major ghoul organizations. Influenced by the shop owner's philosophy, they had ultimately joined the ranks of the Anteiku shop, embracing what the owner called "redemption."
In Lin Yi's eyes, the significance of this war had transformed. It had evolved from merely expelling ghouls to doing so publicly. The fear and hatred left behind by the Aogiri Tree had to be shouldered by someone, or else it would impact Lin Yi's future plans.
~~~
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