The man's face was plastered with a disingenuous smile.
What a pathetic tactic. Was this supposed to be a heartfelt moment?
On the surface, the area appeared deserted, with Defense Force members seemingly withdrawn. However, in truth, they were concealed in the shadows.
Drake Myers could even hear Soshiro Hoshina's heartbeat from the distance.
Not that he cared. The man was still bound by human limitations.
Drake wasn't powerless to leave and chase freedom if he wanted to. However, like Kafka Hibino, he desired an official identity in the open. Playing along with the rules offered its own sense of amusement.
Besides, many already knew Kafka was a kaiju, yet bonds of trust and camaraderie had kept the secret safe.
Drake understood that pioneers always bore the heaviest burdens.
If this were the world of One Punch Man, where extraordinary individuals abounded, such displays of strength would have been inconsequential. However, in this world, even a hint of overwhelming power invited endless suspicion.
"Why don't you introduce yourself first? Otherwise, how can we have a 'heartfelt' conversation?" Drake took a bite from his chicken leg, washed it down with beer, and fixed his gaze on Kureo Mado as the older man approached.
Hearing this, the silver-haired investigator chuckled.
"You youngsters are certainly full of character these days," Kureo said, casually strolling up to Drake without any regard for Shinomiya Kikoru standing nearby.
Although Kikoru's background was impressive, Mado wasn't one to curry favor. The CCG and Defense Force were separate entities, after all.
"Mind sharing some food? At my age, energy isn't what it used to be," Kureo added, his hunched figure wrapped in a gray suit, an unsettling visage with his ghostly white hair.
Drake nonchalantly tossed him some cooked meat from his bag.
"At this hour, the only ones daring to approach me must be Defense Force higher-ups," Drake said, squinting as he spoke.
Kikoru frowned. She had never seen this strange old man before.
"Heh, not quite," Kureo replied, still smiling. "But you're perceptive. Ever encountered a ghoul?"
The question was direct, leaving no room for ambiguity as Kureo closely observed Drake's reaction. Any subtle change in expression would be meticulously noted.
"Ghouls?" Drake repeated calmly, taking another bite of his food. "No, but I've heard of them. They're a type of monster, aren't they?"
The only ghoul-like creature he'd seen in this world was the unicorn-like entity.
"You have far too many secrets," Kureo muttered, mildly disappointed. Despite his proximity, the young man exhibited no ghoul-like traits. On the surface, Drake appeared indistinguishable from a human.
Such individuals warranted capture for study.
"What's your real background, old man?" Drake inquired knowingly, although he already recognized Kureo's identity.
The older man's habit of responding to questions with questions was irritating.
"Youngsters these days are too quick to anger," Kureo remarked, finishing his food and wiping his hands. "I'm here to evaluate your identity. The meat is delicious, by the way. Interested in joining us?"
Kureo's eccentricity bordered on madness, yet his invitation carried a surprising sincerity.
Down below, Soshiro Hoshina could no longer contain his frustration. This man was here to poach talent right in front of the Defense Force's eyes?
A grim-faced Mina Ashiro watched the scene unfold, her expression betraying her displeasure.
"My father must have a reason for this," Akira Mado commented coolly. "Drake Myers seems to know about ghouls. Recruiting him to our side might be more effective."
CCG investigators were, after all, still human. Their weapons of choice—quinques and firearms—were designed to eliminate ghouls or detain them based on the threat level.
Akira saw value in bringing Drake into the fold. It wasn't just about leveraging his strength but also about keeping him under surveillance.
"You're all incredibly brazen," Soshiro muttered through gritted teeth, his voice tinged with a bitter smile.
On the rooftop.
Drake listened to the conversation below, finding it deeply amusing. It seemed his identity was finally confirmed.
Not that he cared to negotiate.
"What kind of organization are you from, anyway? Specializing in dealing with ghouls?" Drake asked casually, taking another bite of his food.
"Sharp kid," Kureo replied with a chuckle, finishing his meat. "The name's Kureo Mado, First-Class Investigator of the CCG."
That was when Soshiro Hoshina finally lost his composure. In a blur, he dashed to the rooftop, his anger boiling over.
This was too much. To openly poach talent from the Defense Force?
"Hey, old man, since his identity is no longer in question, shouldn't you return to your base? Yokohama's ghoul problems still need your attention," Soshiro said with an icy tone, his smile razor-sharp.
Kureo laughed, unbothered. "Such hostility, Vice-Captain. No need for such killing intent. Surely, the Defense Force isn't short on manpower? We're just newcomers seeking reliable allies."
"We'll collaborate with you on ghoul-related operations," Soshiro replied firmly.
Truthfully, they weren't short on personnel. However, exceptional talent was rare, regardless of the field.
Drake stretched lazily, his satisfaction evident.
"Funny how none of you bothered asking for my opinion," he remarked, smirking.