“Juuzou!”

Suzuya spins around to face the familiar voice. A blur that sounds like Shinohara Noriko hurtles towards him. “I did it! I graduated! Now I get to work with youuuuuuuuu!” 

And then she’s in his arms, squeezing him tight enough to do more damage to his organs than any ghoul.

“Noriko!” He giggles.

“You! Suzuya Juuzou! I get to work with you!” Noriko grins. She has her father’s hazel eyes. “Guess you get to pay forward what Dad taught you, huh?”

Suzuya nods. Can he? Can he do a good job? 

She beams at him, more excited than any investigator he’s seen. His squad gathers around them, and she waves eagerly.

They all seem happy.

They give him strength. Mr. Shinohara still gives him strength, too. 

“Welcome to Suzuya Squad,” Suzuya says. Mr. Shinohara, I won’t let you down.