A helicopter flew over the highway, which was packed with vehicles below. The road had been blocked off, allowing only CCG (Commission of Counter Ghoul) vehicles to pass, yet despite this, the convoy moved slowly due to the sheer number of cars.
Up ahead, police were clearing the way, and helicopters roared above, creating an imposing spectacle.
At this moment, all the TV stations in Tokyo were broadcasting the event.
"This operation is a joint effort between the CCG and the police. The CCG plans to launch a swift strike on the 11th Ward, with Special Class Investigator Marude Itsuki in charge. Multiple Special Class Investigators are also part of this operation. Now, we turn to Marude Itsuki's address."
Nearly every citizen in Tokyo was glued to their television, eagerly awaiting Marude's speech.
Inside the lead command vehicle, Marude was calmly coordinating the operation, while Su Xiao was also in the command vehicle.
The vehicle was spacious, with three walls lined with dozens of monitors of various sizes, giving Marude a comprehensive view of the battlefield.
"White Night, can you handle the TV interview for me? I don't have time right now," Marude asked, holding a camera and motioning for Su Xiao to assist with the broadcast.
Su Xiao frowned; he wasn't keen on being interviewed, as it seemed like a hassle.
"I don't have any experience with interviews," he responded.
Marude thought for a moment, then took off his Bluetooth earpiece. "See that white cloth over there? Hold it up behind me to block the background."
The cloth bore the CCG emblem. Su Xiao grabbed it and held it up behind Marude.
After adjusting his hair and clearing his throat, Marude turned on the camera.
"I'm Marude Itsuki. The initial phase of the operation is progressing smoothly, but..."
Marude paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts.
"99% of the safety of our citizens is guaranteed by our investigators risking their lives, but the remaining 1% requires the cooperation of everyone. We ask that all residents work with us to restore peace to the 11th Ward."
With that, Marude turned off the camera and breathed a sigh of relief. It was a live broadcast, directly addressing the citizens of Tokyo.
"Phew, that's done. Where were we?" Marude asked, tossing the white cloth aside.
Su Xiao, now more relaxed, was about to respond when a frantic voice came through Marude's earpiece. The voice was loud enough for even Su Xiao to hear.
"Marude! You didn't turn off the camera! What are you and White Night doing?!"
Marude was stunned. He hurriedly picked up the camera, only to realize that his face was still being broadcast to millions of viewers.
This was live TV, with a delay of only about a minute. The broadcast hadn't been cut, and the entire conversation between Su Xiao and Marude had been aired to the public.
Tokyo's citizens were equally shocked. The CCG emblem they had just seen was actually being held up by a young man in a white coat. The amusing scene caught the attention of many viewers, becoming a topic of conversation.
"This stupid machine keeps getting more complicated," Marude muttered, fumbling with the camera. He managed to break off what looked like the battery with a loud snap.
The expensive camera was now ruined. Su Xiao noticed Marude's body twitch slightly, indicating just how costly the equipment must have been.
Half an hour later, the CCG convoy arrived in front of the Aogiri Tree's base in the 11th Ward.
The vehicles came to a halt, and groups of investigators in battle gear rushed out, setting up defensive lines around the base.
The Aogiri Tree's base was essentially an abandoned building. Marude stayed busy in the command vehicle, while Su Xiao climbed to the roof, sitting leisurely on the radar antenna, where he had a clear view of the battlefield.
Shouts and orders echoed all around.
"Move! The defensive line must be set up within a minute!"
The CCG's defense was simple: a wall of bulletproof shields placed in front of the vehicles. This formation had two advantages. First, it allowed easy access to ammunition from the vehicles. Second, injured investigators could retreat inside the armored cars for protection, as these vehicles were bulletproof and highly secure.
Within minutes, the defensive line was established. The CCG personnel were well-trained, maintaining silence once the line was formed.
It was around 8:00 PM, and the sky was pitch black. The Aogiri Tree base was equally dark.
The decrepit building had large patches of crumbling outer walls, and the windows had been violently torn out by the ghouls. Even though the building was shrouded in darkness, Su Xiao could sense that hundreds of ghouls were hiding within.
Marude hadn't given the order to attack yet, seemingly waiting for something.
On the rooftop of a nearby building, a few ghouls stood or sat.
"They're faster than I expected," said Eto Yoshimura, fully wrapped in bandages, as she gazed at the CCG forces below.
"Yes," replied Tatara, turning to face the group of Aogiri Tree executives. He began assigning battle orders.
After giving out specific tasks, Eto and Tatara left.
"Are you sure this will work? I saw that guy down there," Eto said, no longer disguising her voice.
Tatara didn't respond immediately, sharing the same concern.
In the Aogiri Tree, Tatara played a similar role to Marude—he was the battlefield commander.
"No matter how strong he is, he has limits. At worst, we'll lose some subordinates. As long as we can weaken the CCG, it's worth it. The CCG's upper management is making their intentions clear: we've disrupted the 'balance,' so they're trying to wipe us out."
Tatara's voice carried a bitter edge.
Eto looked up at the sky, her eyes filled with both helplessness and resentment.
"One day, I will make sure that ghouls no longer have to hide in the shadows. I swear it."
She remembered her childhood, spent in the polluted underground world. It wasn't until she was 14 that she stepped onto the surface and began writing novels. That same year, she founded the Aogiri Tree.
After waiting for a while, Marude received orders from CCG headquarters.
"Prepare to launch flares. Once they're up, begin suppressive fire."
With Marude's command, a flare was launched into the sky, casting an intense light over the battlefield.
In the now-illuminated base, rows of ghouls wearing red cloaks could be seen in the windows, armed with rifles.
"Open fire!"
"Fire!"
Both sides gave the order simultaneously, and the sound of gunfire erupted.
Bullets ricocheted everywhere, sending sparks flying.
Su Xiao jumped down from the roof of the vehicle, not wanting to become a target.
The situation was more complicated than expected. Although the CCG had superior equipment, the ghouls had better defensive capabilities. Their Kagune served as natural bulletproof shields.
The battle had escalated from the start, with both sides unleashing their full firepower in an attempt to annihilate each other.
Su Xiao hid behind a large bulletproof shield, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, not even bothering to draw his weapon.
It wasn't time for him to act yet. He had more important things to attend to.
If everything went well, after this mission, he would be able to exchange for the [Human Gene Enhancement Serum].
(End of Chapter)
*********************************
Translator's Note :- I am Not that familiar with a lot of the fictional worlds mentioned in the story. So if I make a mistake naming something please correct me by writing a paragraph comment on the mistake. Thank you.