Kaiju No.8: Devour and Evolve

Shinomiya Kikoru had been staying in the hospital ward, and after spending several days interacting with Drake Myers, she found herself increasingly intrigued by the man.

There was an air of mystery surrounding him—a presence both tangible and elusive, always shrouded in a veil she couldn't pierce.

She had noticed his late-night excursions but chose not to interfere. After all, there were plenty of people monitoring him. Beyond the Shinomiya family's bodyguards, there were also members of the Defense Force keeping a watchful eye. Until it could be definitively confirmed that Drake was human, none of them would make a move.

Even the old steward, Hasebe, had been dragged into the ordeal, sharing in the discomfort.

Kikoru, however, didn't dwell on such things. She always acted according to her own sense of satisfaction and didn't indulge in unnecessary mental gymnastics.

Still, she sighed deeply. Everyone seemed excessively harsh on Drake Myers, and it stirred an inexplicable sense of kinship within her. Perhaps, like her, he bore the weight of loneliness.

Elsewhere on the hospital rooftop.

Drake Myers leaned against the railing, relishing the quiet solace of the night. The summer breeze carried a stifling heat, mingling with the restless energy of the city below.

With Kaiju No. 8 newly named, various factions were now converging on Yokohama—the Third Defense Force, the mysterious ghoul-like entities, parasitic creatures, and kaiju alike. The city was abuzz with activity, a veritable theater of chaos and opportunity.

Drake's unique ability to devour and evolve fueled his ambition, though the abundance of weaklings frustrated him. So far, no familiar heroes or remarkable individuals had emerged across Japan's landscape—a stark contrast to the world of his origin.

As Drake contemplated his next steps, the Defense Force agents tasked with monitoring him remained vigilant, their growling stomachs betraying their focus as the aroma of roasted meat wafted from his late-night snacks.

At the Tachikawa Base, Defense Force Vice-Captain Soshiro Hoshina observed the real-time drone footage of Drake. The young man's behavior—calm, calculated, and perplexingly human—posed a constant enigma.

Despite weeks of scrutiny, no flaws could be uncovered, yet Hoshina's suspicions lingered. Could anyone truly possess such extraordinary power while still being human?

Three days later.

The Counter Ghoul Commission (CCG) had officially sent a delegation to Yokohama. Leading the team was the infamous Kureo Mado.

Kureo's silver hair and cold demeanor were trademarks of a man who had been hardened by tragedy. The loss of his wife in a battle against the One-Eyed Owl had pushed him into a relentless vendetta against all ghouls.

Accompanying him were the ambitious young investigator Koutarou Amon and his daughter, Akira Mado.

Upon reviewing Drake Myers' file, Kureo's brow furrowed. "This one… doesn't seem like a ghoul. But something is off. We'll need to meet him in person to confirm."

Amon and Akira, both in their early careers, presented a stark contrast. Amon, with his cropped hair and tailored suit, exuded professionalism and competence. Akira, on the other hand, had an analytical mind honed by her father's teachings, though her golden short hair and fiery personality set her apart.

Though rumors hinted at a potential romantic connection between the two, they were nothing more than that—for now.

Yokohama Central Hospital

On the rooftop, Drake gazed at the moonlit cityscape, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Japan's charm was undeniable. Though its natural beauty couldn't rival the grandeur of his homeland, it offered its own unique allure.

"Such a small world," he mused, swirling the beer in his hand. "But it has its perks."

The routine continued: each night, Drake perched on the rooftop with his beer and snacks, gazing out into the city.

For the Defense Force agents tasked with surveillance, it was an exquisite torture. The sight of him indulging while they endured sleepless nights only added to their growing frustration.

Meanwhile, the CCG investigators had arrived at the Defense Force headquarters.

"Captain Mado, thank you for coming." Defense Force representatives welcomed them courteously.

Kureo offered a curt nod, his gaze steely. "We've reviewed the information on Drake Myers. He doesn't exhibit ghoul traits, but there's something… peculiar. Allow us to take the lead in investigating him at the hospital."

With the stage set and players gathered, Yokohama braced itself for what was to come.

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