Ghoul: Starting with Sharingan

Currently, Byakuya's salary was very high, so naturally, his living conditions had improved.

Eto lounged on the couch, her legs casually propped up on Byakuya's lap.

"This couch is really comfortable" Eto remarked.

"No matter how comfortable it is, it's about time to take a shower and get some rest" Byakuya said as he prepared to head to the bathroom.

He had been busy all day in the 24th Ward, and there was no need to mention how filthy the underground labyrinth was.

Reluctantly, Eto moved her legs aside.

However, just as Byakuya had undressed and was about to start his shower, he suddenly heard light, bouncy footsteps approaching.

There was no need to guess — it was definitely Eto.

Since Byakuya had locked the door, Eto tried the handle, found it wouldn't budge, and promptly started knocking.

"I'm in the shower. Just wait for a bit" Byakuya reminded her.

"But I just want to help you wash your back as a reward. Isn't that okay?" Eto said bluntly.

"..."

Byakuya was silent for a moment but eventually went over and unlocked the door.

As soon as the door opened, he was greeted by Eto's mischievous grin. "As expected, you're a lolicon. You opened the door as soon as I said that~"

Though Eto was only wrapped in a towel, she showed no signs of embarrassment and was fully focused on teasing Byakuya.

"...Then you should leave. You can shower after I'm done" Byakuya said, his expression darkening.

He certainly wasn't about to accept the label of "lolicon."

"Oh, don't be like that. I was just kidding. You worked so hard today; you deserve a proper reward" Eto said playfully, sticking out her tongue.

Byakuya sighed, feeling helpless.

He truly had no way of dealing with Eto—after all, he liked her.

Because he liked her, he was more tolerant of her antics.

So, Byakuya resumed his shower, naturally using a shred of clothing.

Eto, on the other hand, showed no embarrassment and watched him with great interest.

This, of course, made Byakuya feel a bit awkward.

Although he didn't act overly shy, he couldn't help but feel uncomfortable internally.

In this situation, one could ask: who was truly crossing the line here?

Byakuya was now sitting in a chair, and Eto was behind him, diligently scrubbing his back.

Despite her earlier playful demeanor, Eto became serious once the task started.

"Normally, it's hard to tell when you're dressed, but your back is pretty broad and strong" Eto commented suddenly.

"It's not like it's the first time you've seen my back" Byakuya replied.

"That was different. Last time, I was inspecting your kagune" Eto said.

Mentioning his kagune brought up memories of the previous incident. Despite not having a kakuhou, Byakuya was able to use a kagune, a fact that made Eto realize there were many secrets about him yet to uncover.

But since they were nearly done with the shower, Eto decided to save those questions for later.

Eto also took the opportunity to shower while they were in the bathroom.

Afterward, they brushed their teeth together, sharing a disposable cup like an old married couple.

There was no awkwardness between them —l argely because, in Japan, rental apartments usually came unfurnished. While they had prioritized buying essential furniture, small items like toothbrush holders had been overlooked.

The disposable cups were stored in a high cabinet, and Eto, unwilling to fetch another one, simply used the one Byakuya had already grabbed.

When it was finally time to sleep, Eto eagerly brought up the day's events.

"We should review what happened today. The abilities you displayed aren't something any normal human or ghoul could have" Eto said.

"You're right…"

Byakuya had anticipated her curiosity but couldn't divulge too much. "Those are powers granted by my eyes. I told you before that they're mutated, but that's all I can reveal."

Secrets like his mangekyo sharingan and his identity as a reincarnator were as untouchable as the truth about his origins.

"...Alright" Eto said, somewhat disappointed but rational enough to recognize that Byakuya had his reasons.

She didn't press further and didn't seem upset.

"Fine, I won't ask about it again. But in exchange, you owe me something" Eto said in an even tone.

"What kind of compensation?" Byakuya asked curiously.

Eto stretched out her arms toward him. "Hold me."

Byakuya was stunned for a moment but then chuckled softly. "Alright."

The two embraced and fell asleep together.

19th Ward

Early the next morning, Eto dragged Byakuya to 19th Ward to scout locations for their next expansion under the Aogiri Tree banner.

"Come on, let's check over there" Eto said excitedly.

But soon, she was wandering around a shopping mall.

"Are we scouting or shopping…?" Byakuya asked, exasperated.

"Why not both? We have plenty of time today" Eto replied nonchalantly.

Since defeating the Labyrinth organization, the Aogiri Tree had been recuperating in the 24th Ward.

With most obstacles in the 24th Ward eliminated, Eto no longer needed to remain stationed there constantly.

"Fine, just don't get too carried away and lose track of time" Byakuya said, indulging her whims.

He couldn't spend too much time with Eto in the 19th Ward, as it might raise suspicions with the Washuu clan and the V.

Half a day or even a full day might be fine, but staying longer could lead to trouble.

As for the Washuu clan and V, they already believed Eto was Byakuya's wife due to a misunderstanding at the CCG.

Although Byakuya had initially wanted to clarify, Eto insisted he let it slide.

To make matters worse, the Washuu seemed to take it seriously—Byakuya noticed that his CCG profile now listed "Uchiha Eto" under the family section.