At the CCG, there is a "partner" system where higher-ranked Investigators team up with lower-ranked ones, functioning in a supervisor-subordinate dynamic, or a seasoned veteran guiding a newcomer.
The higher ranks include: First-Class, Associate Special and Special.
The lower ranks consist of: Second-Class, Third-Class and Bureau.
Thus, Byakuya, now a First Class Investigator, and Arima, a Second-Class Investigator, meet the qualifications to form a partnership.
Previously, Byakuya didn't have a partner because he was still new to the CCG, and a partner hadn't yet been assigned. Furthermore, he never applied or requested one, so until now, he has operated solo.
However, unbeknownst to Byakuya, Yoshitoki and Kaiko have already arranged for him to be partnered with the future "Undefeated Ghoul Investigator" and "White Reaper" Kishou Arima, a legend among the CCG.
...
At this point, Kureo insisted on taking Byakuya to the CCG Experimental Building to request a higher-rated quinque.
Since Byakuya's previous quinque, 'Eric' had been damaged, he did not refuse Kureo's suggestion.
Now, he and Kureo have arrived at the CCG Experimental Building.
Though it carries the "CCG" name, the building actually belongs to the German ghoul research organization GFG, which primarily develops quinques—specialized weapons to combat ghouls—and conducts advanced ghoul and RC cell research.
In other words, all quinques used by CCG Investigators are developed in this CCG Experimental Building.
Currently, Byakuya and Kureo are coordinating with researchers at the building.
"Senior Kureo, your request is a bit difficult to fulfill. Although Investigator Byakuya is indeed a First-Class now, S rated quinques are generally only issued to Associate Special Investigators or higher."
The researcher hesitated, saying, "Moreover, S rated quinques are scarce, and the existing ones are all already in use by other investigators. Besides, the materials are usually acquired directly by the investigators"
"Well, if it can't be arranged, that's unfortunate…," Kureo sighed.
The researcher had been clear. There was no point in pressing further for an S rated quinque for Byakuya.
"It's fine" Byakuya said. He wasn't overly concerned about the quinque's rated, as long as it wasn't just B.
Given that he's now a First-Class Investigator, he felt he at least deserved an A-rated quinque.
"With Investigator Byakuya's status, an A rated quinque can be arranged" the researcher said.
"In fact, given his recent achievement, we could even make an exception and allow him to equip two quinques with A rating"
"Thank you very much" Byakuya said, grateful for the two quinques with A rating.
"Investigador Byakuya, please follow me. However, Senior Kureo, I'll have to ask you to wait here" the researcher said, indicating that Byakuya's new quinques weren't meant for others to see.
"I understand" Kureo said, staying behind.
...
The researcher led Byakuya to the quinque selection room.
"Please let me know if you have any preferences for the quinques. Perhaps you're looking for certain weapon forms?"
"I'd like one in katana form and one in rapier form" Byakuya requested.
Although he was more proficient with a katana, he wanted to get used to different weapon types.
"Understood" the researcher said, preparing to select two quinques that matched his specifications.
"This is 'Moonshadow' and this is 'Wind Spirit' both A rated. See if they meet your expectations" the researcher said, presenting the weapons to Byakuya.
The katana quinque, named "Moonshadow," was sleek and dark, while the rapier quinque, "Wind Spirit," had a silver-white finish.
Aesthetically, both quinques suited Byakuya's taste.
"Yes, these are perfect" he said, nodding approvingly.
"Excellent. I'll register both under your name" the researcher replied.
...
When Kureo saw Byakuya coming out of the lab with two carrying cases, it was obvious they contained quinques.
As the two prepared to leave the CCG Experimental Building, Kasuka happened to walk in.
"Associate Special Investigator Kasuka" Byakuya and Kureo greeted her.
"Investigator Byakuya, Investigador Kureo" she acknowledged.
She noticed the two quinques that Byakuya held and asked, "Are these your new quinques?"
"Yes, thanks to Senior Kureo, I managed to get two A rated quinques" Byakuya replied.
"Hmm… Well then, would you like to come over to our place later? We live nearby" Kasuka offered.
She was at the lab to repair her quinque, which was slightly damaged during the recent battle with the One-Eyed Owl. After handing it over to the researchers, she planned to return once the repairs were complete.
"Yes, we haven't properly thanked you for saving our lives" Kureo added.
"Sure" Byakuya accepted.
About ten minutes later, he arrived at the Mado residence with Kasuka and Kureo.
The Mado family had a standalone house, typical of the comfortable living standard CCG Investigators enjoyed.
"Thank you for having me" Byakuya said politely, changing into indoor slippers before entering.
At that moment, a young girl with light blonde hair came out.
"Daddy! Mommy!"
This was Kureo and Kasuka's daughter, Akira Mado.
She had her mother's hair color and her father's intense eyes, though her features resembled Kasuka's.
Kureo looked warily at Byakuya, eyes sharp like her father's.
At this time, Akira's gaze wasn't as intimidating as it would become in the original story—later, his stare was famously unsettling.