Although Byakuya had destroyed the control system, he did not open the main gate of Cochlea.
As a result, the ghouls had no choice but to escape through specific, restricted routes, with the primary escape route being the underground passage at the lowest level.
After all, Byakuya didn't want the ghouls to flee too quickly — his objectives were not yet fully achieved.
At this time, Byakuya and Arima passed through a bio-recognition-enabled entrance and entered Cochlea.
Meanwhile, the members of the Aogiri Tree who had been attacking from the outside had vanished, having regrouped with Eto.
"Everyone, stay calm and focus on protecting yourselves first" Byakuya instructed upon entering Cochlea addressing the panicked investigators.
"Special-Class Investigator Byakuya is here! We have hope now!"
The morale of the investigators immediately stabilized with Byakuya's arrival.
They followed his orders, refraining from actively pursuing the escaping ghouls and prioritizing their own safety instead. The investigators gathered together defensively, forming a protective stance.
"Arima, those over there are yours" Byakuya said, pointing to an area with a concentration of S rated ghouls.
Byakuya, on the other hand, set his sights on the Priest, Donato Porpora a white-haired, white-browed Russian ghoul who appeared to be in his fifties.
Donato was the third leader of the Clowns and an SS rated ghoul.
Releasing someone like him would undoubtedly cause trouble.
Unlike most of the carefree and chaotic members of the Clowns, Donato was a figure who had seen through the world's truths in his own way. For this very reason, Byakuya believed that Donato was better suited to stay in Cochlea, indulging in his twisted games and occasionally rekindling his "father-son bond" with Amon.
Donato was leisurely wandering around Cochlea, seemingly unhurried about escaping. Instead, he appeared to relish observing the investigators' fear.
As he strolled, he noticed a black-clad investigator approaching him. Realizing that this person was no ordinary investigator, Donato decided not to flee.
"Investigator, we seem to be meeting for the first time, no?" He said with a calm smile, still in the mood for a chat.
"Indeed, it's a pleasure to meet you" Byakuya replied indifferently, opening a golden briefcase to reveal a quinque: Owl.
Donato's pupils narrowed sharply.
With his extensive experience, he immediately recognized the quinque's source — it was made from Yoshimura's kagune.
Although Donato wasn't well-acquainted with Kuzen, as the third leader of the Clowns, he had an extensive network and access to valuable intelligence. This was why the CCG often sought him out for information.
"So, it's Kuzen's... It seems you must be a Special-Class Investigator" Donato remarked, raising his hands in surrender without any intention of fighting.
Possessing Kuzen's kagune as a quinque indicated that Byakuya's strength was at least on par with Kuzen's. Donato knew well how formidable Kuzen had been during his time as a 'Cleaner' for the V and had no interest in a futile battle.
"Come with me, then. Once I've finished my work, I'll take you back to your cell" Byakuya said calmly.
With Donato surrendering so easily, Byakuya didn't have to waste time. He still needed to find some 'unlucky ghouls' to report to the CCG.
The best candidates, in his eyes, were the ghouls who hadn't escaped through the underground passage.
As for having Donato follow him, Byakuya was unconcerned about any potential ambushes — his Mangekyo provided him with confidence. Besides, Donato wasn't foolish enough to attempt such a suicidal act.
"Of course, I'll fully cooperate" Donato replied with a smile, his demeanor exuding the charm of a kindly old man.
Elsewhere, Arima was battling several S rated ghouls. It didn't take long for him to subdue them all, ensuring none escaped.
With the quinques Moonshadow and Wind Spirit lent to him by Byakuya, Arima's combat abilities had reached an even greater level.
Cochlea: Underground Passage
The already narrow underground passage was blocked by the massive kakuja form of the One-Eyed Owl and numerous Aogiri Tree members.
Tatara and Noro, along with their faction of Aogiri members, were still in the 13th Ward. Only Eto had come here to execute Byakuya's plan.
The plan was simple: recruit select ghouls from Cochlea into the Aogiri Tree to expand its ranks and combat strength.
As for Roma, she wasn't initially part of Byakuya's plan.
However, with the system updating his mission to include recruiting Roma into the Aogiri Tree, it became a convenient addition to the operation.
"Who are you people? Why are you blocking our way?"
"Get out of the way! Don't block the exit!"
"..."
The ghouls, frustrated by the blockade, voiced their discontent.
Since the Aogiri Tree was still a relatively new organization and the One-Eyed Owl had only gained widespread fame in the past six months, most of these ghouls, imprisoned in Cochlea for a long time, didn't recognize them.
Even though Eto had previously led an assault on Cochlea, she hadn't opened these ghouls' cells during that operation.
Still, the intimidating size of the One-Eyed Owl in its kakuja form was enough to deter them. They knew the strength of kakuja and dared not act rashly.
"Don't be so hasty~ Heeheehee... I'll give you two choices: submit or die here" Eto said with an eerie laugh, her voice distorted by her kakuja form.
"Who do you think you are?! You want us to submit?!"
An SS rated ghoul, rallying several S rated ghouls, attempted to force their way through.
But Eto was faster.
In under three seconds, the heads of those ghouls were severed by her.
"Does anyone else want to try?"
The eerie, gleeful voice of Eto sent shivers down the spines of the remaining ghouls.
Witnessing this display of power, they realized they had no chance against the one-eyed ghoul before them. Submission seemed their only option.
Meanwhile, Roma was among the ghouls in the crowd, quietly waiting for an opportunity to slip away.
She had no interest in joining this organization, finding the idea incredibly dull — returning to her original Clowns group seemed far more appealing.
Due to her small stature, Roma was obscured by the other ghouls, making it difficult for Eto to notice her at first.
As the ghouls one by one submitted to Eto, Roma suddenly leapt onto the wall and began quickly darting back toward the interior of Cochlea, avoiding a direct confrontation.
Eto noticed Roma's actions but didn't pursue her, knowing that a certain "lolicon lunatic" would be arriving shortly