"It can't go on like this anymore. Shinohara, Kuroiwa, Aura, you will lead the team to confront the enemy," Yoshitoki Washuu said, feeling overwhelmed by the situation.
"Yes," the three of them replied at the same time, acknowledging the orders. They took charge and led a group of high-ranking investigators to face the members of the Qingtong Tree.
Yoshitoki Washuu looked up at the helicopter in the sky with a dark expression. Journalists from the television station were broadcasting the entire war, and if they were to lose, it would greatly damage the reputation of the CCG and Yoshitoki's position within the Washuu Family.
"Why hasn't Arima arrived yet?" Yoshitoki Washuu's frustration grew, but he received no response to his question.
Marude had the same gloomy expression as Yoshitoki Washuu because Yoshimura had infiltrated the CCG's soldiers and was killing them on a large scale. The frontline soldiers were terrified and running away, abandoning their weapons.
Yoshimura didn't expect the arrival of the Aogiri Tree, but it didn't weaken his resolve. After a brief moment of confusion, he quickly joined the battle, charging towards the CCG forces.
Even high-ranking investigators would struggle to defeat Yoshimura alone, not just ordinary soldiers and third-class investigators.
"Don't worry. I promised to help Mado fulfill his obsession," Lin Yi reassured Marude, patting his shoulder. Without waiting for a response, he rushed forward alone.
Marude hesitated for a moment, watching Lin Yi's back and the ongoing battle with the "Owl," then made up his mind. "I'll leave it to you."
According to the plan, several first-class investigators were supposed to support Lin Yi in the battle against the Owl. But facing the owl alone, even though Lin Yi was considered Arima's successor, Marude wasn't sure if they could win.
However, the urgent situation left little room for further consideration.
Yoshimura unleashed his Kagune, shooting sharp projectiles that pierced through bulletproof vests, causing gruesome injuries to those unlucky enough to be hit. The screams created a horrifying scene.
As Lin Yi rushed towards the battlefield, he pressed a button on his briefcase, summoning Jörmungandr into his hand. The liquid-like Kagune spread over his upper body, forming a black and red armor. Swiftly wielding his Quinque, he deflected all the projectiles thrown by the Kagune.
Yoshimura saw Lin Yi from a distance.
He then attacked, swinging his Kagune at Lin Yi, but Lin Yi dodged the strike, causing Yoshimura's Kagune to shatter the ground.
Although Yoshimura was incredibly strong, Lin Yi was faster. None of Yoshimura's attacks landed, and they engaged in a fierce battle.
The helicopter pilot dared to fly directly above the two fighters. It seemed that the owner of the television station cared more about money than their own safety.
"Get closer, get closer! We'll capture the scene clearly soon. This is an exclusive news scoop!" The cameraman leaned out of the helicopter, excitedly aiming the lens at the fighters below.
"Don't get any closer. We might get hit!" The pilot prioritized their safety and advised against it.
"What do you know? This is an exclusive news scoop! The battle between the Ghoul Investigator and the SSS-rated Ghoul. Once we capture it, we'll be set for life!" The journalist shouted back.
Ignoring the pilot's concerns, the helicopter continued to descend, creating a strong gust of wind.
Yoshimura and Lin Yi fought fiercely. Jörmungandr repeatedly broke through Yoshimura's defenses, causing blood to splatter.
However, Yoshimura's Kagune and flesh quickly regenerated, surpassing the abilities of an ordinary Ghoul. Even fatal injuries healed rapidly.
"Lin Yi!" Yoshimura roared, pushing Lin Yi back. Then he leaped backward, climbing up a high-rise building using his Kagune hands.
Lin Yi quickly raised Jörmungandr and its blade shape transformed, extending like a tail Kagune. It pinned itself to a wall and retracted, carrying Lin Yi to the rooftop.
Their battle shifted to the rooftop.
Lin Yi remained unharmed throughout the fight. Even the strongest regenerative ability had its limits, especially since Yoshimura hadn't consumed fresh flesh and blood in a long time. He sustained himself by feeding on corpses and coffee, which weakened his fighting capacity with each passing moment.
Including his regenerative ability.
Lin Yi lost count of how many times he struck Yoshimura. Evading another counterattack, Yamada Kotaro transformed into a giant python-like shape, biting into Yoshimura's side and tearing off a large piece of flesh along with Kagune.
Yoshimura cried out in pain and kept retreating with stumbling steps. This time, the wound didn't heal but continued to bleed uncontrollably.
"Is this your limit?" Lin Yi asked, observing Yoshimura's faltering appearance.
Seeing Yoshimura's weakened state, Lin Yi couldn't help but sigh. "Now you look like an old man with a kind heart. You trust me so much that you're willing to put on such a grand act, even if it means your own death."
Lin Yi glanced up at the helicopter, dangerously close.
Yoshimura could bring it down at any moment if he desired.
But he chose not to.