Dimensional Kaguya Ōtsutsuki

The brutal creature's body trembled violently, its massive frame frozen in place. The towering figure that had just exuded overwhelming power now stood completely still, as if all of its strength had suddenly dissipated.

As spectators to this battle, the human soldiers and investigators widened their eyes, watching intently without blinking. They could do nothing but witness this world-shaking battle unfold before them, powerless to intervene. Especially now, as they saw the brutal creature's blade halted mid-air, they realized that even its final desperate struggle was meaningless.

Kaguya let out a cold, mocking snort, the corner of her lips curling into a faint smile—ethereal and dazzling like fireworks. As her will moved, so did Susanoo. Taking a swift step forward, Susanoo closed the distance in an instant. With a flick of its jade-like thumb, the gleaming azure blade flashed as it was drawn from its sheath, streaking through the air like a long arc of light, colliding against the brutal creature's massive weapon in an instant.

A cold gleam flickered and vanished.

Susanoo and the brutal creature remained in their final positions, motionless, as if time itself had stopped.

"Well then, it's over. I didn't expect it to be nothing more than an empty shell with a strong exterior but a weak core—truly pathetic."

Kaguya sneered in disdain, flicking her arm as Susanoo let out a crisp "clang" and smoothly returned its blade to its sheath. The previously dazzling, lethal sword now faded, its brilliance dimming. As a gentle breeze swept across the battlefield, Susanoo dissolved into countless specks of light, scattering across the sky until it completely vanished.

Meanwhile, on the other side, the brutal creature's towering body stood frozen for a moment. Then, a faint cracking sound echoed through the battlefield.

The next instant, its enormous figure suddenly collapsed.

Like a crumbling mountain, the brutal creature's body disintegrated, its enormous torso splitting apart as it was swallowed by an endless tide of blood. The immense shockwave sent dust and debris flying in all directions, while its severed limbs crashed heavily to the ground, splattering the battlefield with gore. The once-menacing monster was now reduced to a lifeless heap, silent and unmoving.

The human soldiers and investigators exchanged glances, momentarily unable to comprehend what had just happened.

Was it really over just like that?

Just as the humans were still grappling with disbelief, a muffled "boom" rang out. The brutal creature's lifeless body, which had collapsed onto the ground, convulsed slightly before finally ceasing all movement. Its shattered remains lay in a grotesque heap, rivers of blood pooling beneath it, the once-formidable foe utterly annihilated.

The entity that had been so powerful, so utterly beyond human ability to resist, had fallen—just like that.

Everyone was stunned.

They stared in shock, their mouths agape, unable to form words, as if trapped in a surreal dream. Just moments ago, they had been drowning in despair, already prepared to face death. Yet in the blink of an eye, everything had turned around.

But… wasn't this reversal too extreme?

This wasn't a level of power that humans could possibly possess. It had completely surpassed human imagination—perhaps, it was a power that only gods could wield.

They looked toward the distant battlefield, now a mountain of corpses and rivers of blood, then back at the elegantly dressed silver-haired girl standing amidst the carnage. The two images simply did not connect. It was utterly inconceivable. If they hadn't seen it with their own eyes, they would never have believed such an event could occur.

With a light step, Kaguya descended gracefully, landing on the ground as gently as a falling leaf. Her footsteps were light and unhurried, and she paid no attention to the shocked gazes surrounding her. She simply began walking toward the newly constructed human defense line.

The human soldiers and investigators, having finally snapped out of their daze, were overwhelmed with panic. They hurriedly moved aside, stepping back instinctively, making way for her. Their eyes, once filled with hostility and wariness, had completely changed.

To them, the silver-haired girl in the fox mask was no longer human.

She was a terrifying monster.

Among the crowd, however, a young girl with striking beauty lightly pinched her chin, lost in thought.

At the beginning of this war, Akira Mado had been promoted to Quasi-Special Class Investigator due to her outstanding achievements in previous battles. She had been deployed alongside the headquarters forces of the CCG, leading the First Squad of the CCG Investigators to this battlefield to assist the Ground Self-Defense Force in this sudden confrontation against the brutal creatures.

For some reason, she felt that this figure's back looked incredibly familiar, as if she had seen it somewhere before. Even the way she walked seemed recognizable, yet she couldn't recall it at the moment.

Who exactly is she?

But before she could think any deeper, an order from CCG headquarters came through, and an investigator hurried over.

Although the most powerful brutal creature had already been eliminated, there were still several remaining ghouls lurking around. Additionally, due to the large-scale destruction caused by the battle, the defensive structures had suffered significant damage. If they weren't careful, they could end up falling into an even worse predicament.

This time, the order was for her First Squad to head to the collapsed section of the wall and set up a sniper defense.

Akira Mado furrowed her brows, casting one last glance at the silver-haired girl entering the command center before leading her squad toward the designated location without hesitation.

At the same time, Kaguya suddenly halted mid-step, pausing for a moment before glancing back at the departing girl. The corner of her lips curled slightly.

"Her intuition is sharp—almost got exposed. I suppose I shouldn't expect anything less from the daughter of that lunatic, Kureo Mado."

Just then, another investigator hurried over, bowing slightly and speaking respectfully:

"Thank you for your assistance. Additionally, our commander would like to speak with you. It concerns the brutal creature and your personal insights—would you be willing to meet him?"

The tall investigator standing before her was none other than Koutarou Amon.

"Hmm, lead the way." Kaguya nodded lightly.

The battle command center was a temporary bunker, looking rather unremarkable at first glance. However, all around it, heavy machine guns and automatic turrets had been set up, forming an interlocking fire network. The bullets used were special Rc suppressing rounds—Barrett anti-materiel bullets enhanced to pierce through ghouls. If a SS or even SSS-rated brutal creature wasn't careful, it could be heavily injured or even killed.

But to Kaguya, it was nothing more than a toy fort.

They hadn't walked for long when Koutarou Amon turned back and respectfully said,

"This is the place. The commander is inside. If there's anything you need, please let us know."

"Nothing else, you may leave." Kaguya waved him off dismissively.

"Understood."

Just as Koutarou Amon was about to step out, Kaguya suddenly turned back and, with a playful smirk, asked,

"By the way, does your ass still hurt?"

Amon was instantly dumbfounded.

After stepping into the command room, Kaguya casually sat down on the sofa, crossing her legs as she looked around before teasing,

"So, you're the one leading the command here? No wonder humanity is losing so miserably."

Kaguya watched with interest the battle-hardened and highly experienced CCG commander, Itsuki Marude, before her. She had never really had much fondness for this man—he was sharp-tongued, mean-spirited, and particularly fond of sarcastic remarks. Even when Kaguya had been in CCG, she had not been spared from his ridicule.

He had once said that she was nothing more than a pretty face, just a decorative vase. If her strength matched her appearance, she might have already become an SSS-rated Special-Class. In short, Itsuki Marude was a cunning and venomous man, one that made people grit their teeth in frustration.

But now, seeing him visibly nervous, such a stark contrast from his usual demeanor, Kaguya found the situation rather amusing.

That said, she couldn't deny that Itsuki Marude's command abilities were undeniable. The previous raid on the 20th Ward had been orchestrated by him, leading to a remarkable victory. If Kaguya hadn't interfered, CCG might have truly succeeded in wiping out the Anteiku café.

Now, faced with possibly the most powerful being in the world, even the normally composed Itsuki Marude was visibly tense. Sweat gathered in his palms, yet upon hearing the silver-haired girl's mocking tone, he momentarily froze before his expression darkened.

"What do you mean by that?"

Inside the command room, Itsuki Marude's face flickered between emotions. His gaze sharpened, his hands instinctively clenching into fists as he spoke in a deep voice.

"Nothing much, just saying that you're still as useless as ever. You were like this in CCG, and now you're still the same. Truly a disgrace to Special-Class."

Kaguya crossed her legs, the corner of her lips curling up slightly. Her clear eyes glanced toward the shadows in the corner of the room as she added,

"Isn't that right, Special-Class Arima?"

"Earlier, I should thank you for your assistance."

A familiar voice rang out. At the same time, a tall, handsome man with white hair stepped out from the shadows.

"It was nothing," Kaguya replied indifferently with a slight smile. Then, she turned back to Itsuki Marude and said,

"So? A guest has arrived, and you're not even going to serve a cup of coffee?"

Itsuki Marude's expression stiffened. He snorted coldly but, despite his reluctance, still got up to prepare the coffee.

"I didn't expect to see you here," Kaguya turned to Arima, tilting her head slightly. "I thought with your personality, you'd be at the front lines."

Arima took a seat and replied expressionlessly,

"With you here, there's no need for me to worry. If you weren't here, failure would only be a matter of time. Even if I joined the fight, it wouldn't change the outcome."

"Are you complimenting me?" Kaguya chuckled softly, crossing her legs. "But, as expected, Special-Class Arima is still as calm and composed as ever. Truly admirable."

"You sent Special-Class Marude away. You must have something specific you want to discuss with me," Arima remarked, glancing at her.

"Not really, I just dislike that guy," Kaguya smirked. "But yes, I do have something to talk to you about."

She locked her gaze onto him, eyes gleaming with amusement, her tone both teasing and enigmatic.

"The One-Eyed King… you sure have hidden yourself well."

Arima's eyes narrowed slightly, his sharp gaze locking onto Kaguya like a blade.

"I didn't expect you to know such a secret."

"Oh? Are you curious about how I found out?"

Kaguya blinked her black-and-white eyes playfully, the corner of her lips tilting upward.

Unexpectedly, Arima showed no other reaction. Instead, he responded flatly,

"Since the secret has already been revealed, how it was exposed doesn't really matter. Besides, if I'm not mistaken, this isn't the real reason you're here."

"As expected of Special-Class Arima, skilled in logical reasoning and analysis," Kaguya clapped lightly, smiling slightly as she spoke. "Whether you are the One-Eyed King or not doesn't really matter to me, but I do want something else from you. CCG has long had a dedicated research facility for ghoul experimentation—'EAE,' if I'm not mistaken?"

Arima Kishou's narrow eyes slightly narrowed as he responded, "What are you trying to do?"

"You might not believe it if I tell you," Kaguya's lips curved upward, revealing a fleeting smile as ephemeral as fireworks. "I want to make big news."

Not long after Kaguya and Arima's conversation, a steaming cup of coffee was placed before her. Itsuki Marude had brought over a tray, setting the cup down in front of Kaguya.

However, to be frank, his coffee-making skills were absolutely terrible. Compared to the brew made by the manager of the Anteiku café, it was like night and day. Kaguya barely took a sip before wrinkling her brows and setting the cup down, turning her head away as she spoke,

"Oi, oi, did you dilute this with water or something? How can it taste this bad?"

Itsuki Marude's expression froze. His teeth clenched in anger at Kaguya's look of disdain, but when he recalled her terrifying strength, he forcibly swallowed his rage, not daring to speak. His face turned a deep shade of red, almost as if he had been strangled.

"Well then, I've said what I needed to say," Kaguya stood up, smiling. "That settles it, Special-Class Arima."

Arima said nothing, only nodding slightly.

"What do you mean by that?" Itsuki Marude was stunned, completely baffled by their exchange.

"It's nothing," Kaguya replied. "Just a little deal between me and Arima Kishou. If you're that curious, you can ask him yourself." With that, she stepped lightly and began walking toward the exit.

Damn it.

Itsuki Marude watched Kaguya's retreating figure, his expression darkening as he cursed inwardly. It was obvious—she had made him brew coffee just to get him out of the way. Never before, even in CCG, had he been treated with such disregard.

"Ah, right," Kaguya suddenly turned back with a light chuckle. "Since Akatsuki and CCG have now formed an alliance, continuing to be so secretive doesn't seem very sincere. To show my goodwill, I think it's best to reveal my identity."

Reveal her identity?

Itsuki Marude was taken aback. Could she be—?

Before he could finish his thought, the silver-haired girl in the fox mask reached up and grasped the edge of her mask, slowly removing it from her face.

Silver-white hair cascaded like mist, flowing down to her waist. Her flawless skin was soft and radiant, delicate as if untouched by time. She was as breathtaking as cherry blossoms in March. Long eyelashes fluttered slightly, framing a pair of clear, deep eyes that shimmered with a dreamlike brilliance.

Yet, at that moment, Itsuki Marude looked as if he had seen a ghost.

His fingers trembled as he pointed at Kaguya, his voice shaking in disbelief—

"It's you?!"

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