Chapter Text
Meanwhile at the 19th ward branch office, Uzui and Rengoku went through the files of the active investigation cases in the area. The reports on the traces of the binge eater had decreased in the past two weeks, presumably having moved to another ward as there were similar incidents happening in the neighboring 20th ward. Uzui closed the binge eater’s report and turned to Rengoku in boredom.
“Seems like we are no longer needed here. The 20th ward is already staffed with that crazy old man and the plain newbie from the academy. Let's flamboyantly get back to the headquarters for new missions.”
Rengoku nodded in agreement. The binge eater was the pair’s previous assignment but now they should leave it to the duo in charge of the area. However, the blonde couldn't quite let go the feeling that he had to stay here for a little more. Was it just a gut feeling for something big to come, or a lingering attachment for a certain raven, he didn't know as both were not what he usually experienced.
Rengoku went through another folder and found other files for less active groups of ghouls on the list. There are suspected ghoul restaurant and a group of traditional Japanese masked ghouls with quinque. They were on a lower priority due to rare sightings and little trace they had left. He paused at the page of a blurry photo of a member of quinque users group. It showed a dark haired ghoul with a fox mask with frowning dark blue eyebrows, holding a katana shaped quinque with blue tints. The page further noted on the history of the quinque and the previous owner who was the officer that lost this weapon in the combat with the ghoul, but Rengoku's eyes remained fixed at the picture.
Despite the poor quality, Rengoku had an uncanny familiar feeling for the masked ghoul. He couldn't quite make out the reason but it was enough for him to make up his mind.
“Water Fox”...
Although its full potential has not been recorded due to the use of quinque, the ghoul is estimated to be at least S+ as it has killed an associated special class investigator to obtain the quinque in its current possession.
“I think there are a few interesting cases. We might find some leads to Muzan’s Demon Group.” Rengoku finally snapped out of it, handing Uzui the case files of the restaurant and quinque users, unconsciously hoping that his senior would consider staying at this ward.
“Hmm… indeed they are quite suspicious given how they are trying to keep a low profile despite their potential to be more flamboyant. Let me inform the HQ that we are staying here a little more to dig into these cases.”
Uzui passed the files back to Rengoku and wrapped up the paperwork for the day. It was rare for them to have a slow day so Rengoku thought that the albino might want to quickly go home to spend time with his wives.
He also cleared his own paperwork, but his mind occasionally wandered to the thought of a certain fox masked ghoul.
*************
The next day Kamado siblings showed up at the cafe as promised. Giyuu had just finished cleaning up the tables and coffee machine, already informing Urogodaki-san briefly of the situation of the strange pair of human and half-ghoul based on his observation. True to the cafe’s motto, Urogodaki-san also agreed on helping out the siblings to learn how to navigate the world of ghouls and provide support as needed.
Tanjiro and Nezuko were still in their uniforms, making Giyuu realize again how tragic it is for the pair to be experiencing something like this at this age.
“Good evening! Thank you so much for having us today, er…” Tanjirou’s voice trailed off awkwardly, realising that he had missed the chance to ask for their life saver’s name.
“It’s Tomioka Giyuu. Let's start from your end, how long has your sister been like this?”
“About two weeks ago… when she got released from the hospital after the accident.”
“What kind of accident?” Giyuu chimed in, gauging out the most important detail.
Tanjiro hesitated for a second, glancing at Nezuko as if asking her permission to continue. She nodded firmly despite her trembling body, evidencing the trauma she still could not shake off.
“A construction crane fell down when Nezuko was walking home with her classmate, Kazuka… Unfortunately, she didn't make it. The doctor decided on the spot as they couldn’t contact either family to transplant Kazuka’s organ to Nezuko to save her life.” Tanjiro continued unfolding the story. The deceased girl's name felt familiar to Giyuu. As he tried to recall, having a look at Nezuko’s uniform made him realize the identity of the donor.
Kazuka… Kimetsu Gakuen’s uniform… Could it be the girl that just lost her brother to the CCG…?
Now that explained the reason why he had witnessed yesterday’s spectacle where the human boy was trying to calm down his sister who just discovered her new preference for food. Giyuu was not sure how to offer condolences to the former human of the new life ahead for this highschooler as he has been a ghoul his entire life. He sighed again, fate was indeed not on the siblings’ side.
“You were quite unlucky. Your classmate, Kazuka, was a ghoul. She and her family used to visit this cafe from time to time before the accident… I guess the organ transplant from a ghoul must have made you inherit ghoul’s constitution. Judging from yesterday’s behaviour, you also have our appetite for human flesh.”
Giyuu’s speculation seemed to confirm the pair’s fear of the answer they would get.
“Do I really need to eat humans? Since that day every food I tried tasted terrible.” Nezuko let out a little cry in desperation. Tanjirou hugged his sister tightly while trying to soothe her.
“Yes, that is the only thing ghouls can eat. You can also drink black coffee but that won’t make you full.” The pair solemnly took in the fact that will impact their lives ahead, both Nezuko and the family who will (or as Giyuu hoped) stay through together with her.
The moment of silence was broken by the tray that Urogodaki-san had put down in front of the trio. There were two black coffees, one hot cocoa and blocks of brownish sugar.
“That's why we have Sagiriyama, to help ghouls in need.” Urogodaki-san spoke softly, addressing Nezuko and gesturing to her to take coffee and the sugar.
“Thank you… Itadakimasu”
Nezuko was also surprised by her new found liking for black coffee, compared to how she needed to add a lot of sugar and cream when she was a human. After adding the sugar, she was so happy to taste something good ever since the accident.
“Your coffee is so tasty! Thank you so much!” Nezuko bowed politely, followed by Tanjirou who just finished his cocoa as well.
Giyuu sighed in relief, it went better than he expected as the siblings rather took in the situation quite calmly. He went to the fridge and brought a small package wrapped in another layer of paper.
“Just remembered the sugar won't fill you up. Eat this when you are hungry and don't underestimate ghoul's hunger. You can come here again when you need more.”
Tanjirou seemed to want to ask how did they obtain the package but decided against it in the end. Maybe something was better left undiscovered.
“Thank you so much for everything and helping my sister. Is there any way we can repay you?” Tanjirou asked the two older men (or more accurately ghouls). Urogodaki-san and Giyuu looked at each other, nodding in unison.
“How about working part-time here? Only weekends are fine as we do need help as it's getting busy lately.” Urogodaki-san suggested. Although he would have wanted the pair to enjoy school life as much as possible, the cafe was really in distress in the recent weekends, becoming very popular after an influencer had just posted their review on the specialty coffee served here.
“We would love to!” The siblings said in unison. Seemingly happy that they could help out and maybe had a chance to ask more from the senior ghouls.
Maybe things would not be that bad when you were not alone.