[A/N]: Since the book far exceeded my expectations, I decided to post this chapter ahead of schedule.
Thank you so much for your support, see you on Wednesday <3
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Ken Kaneki – 12 Years Old.
I started my emancipation process. The lawyer Naomasa recommended was more than happy to help after I mentioned Naomasa.
I told him about Toga's situation, and he said he could help her with her emancipation as well.
He didn't even charge for the service, according to him, Naomasa had already said years ago that he could put it on his tab.
I managed to talk to the detective using the lawyer's phone and didn't spare any thanks for the guy who helped me so much.
I started calling Toga by Himiko, or Himi sometimes. In Japan, calling someone by their first name is a sign of a close relationship, we became good friends.
She keeps calling me Kaneki; she says it sounds better than just Ken.
We have been drinking each other's blood every one or two weeks to maintain our control.
But since we turned 10 years old, our interactions have been getting a little strange… maybe it's because of preadolescent hormones messing things up.
I find myself thinking about her a lot. Himiko has been a very strong support for me, and to this day she still wears the knitted bracelet I gave her years ago.
I've been able to express my emotions much better when I'm with her.
I feel like it's already time for me to tell her why I have so many scars on my arms, or why my face is almost always neutral.
My reflection is interrupted by a few soft knocks on the door.
I get out of my bed and open it, standing in front of me is a little girl with black hair styled in pigtails, hugging a knitted bear.
"Willow? Is it time already?" I ask softly to the little girl, who already has tears in her eyes. She nods in confirmation.
"Big brother… sniff"
She whimpers. It's been like this for a few days since she found out she was going to be adopted.
She was happy, of course.
The couple who adopted her were very kind.
They were having difficulties having children, so they decided to adopt.
Goodbyes are always difficult, especially for children.
I pat her head and walk with her to the orphanage entrance, just like I promised I would yesterday.
She wipes her tears with the back of her hand.
All the children and caretakers are already gathered to say goodbye to her.
Willow says goodbye to each of them. When it's my turn, she takes an envelope from the director, hands it to me, and gives me a tight hug.
I wish her the best with a genuine smile.
The farewell ends, and Willow is taken to her new home. I know she'll be fine, since the orphanage is well-regarded and would hardly allow a child to be taken by a bad family.
I return to my room and open the envelope. Inside is a drawing of me and Willow holding hands and smiling.
I'm with my Rinkaku released, and Willow has a small flame in one hand; On the floor, next to us, is the teddy bear I made for her.
The drawing is made in the best way a child can, full of vibrant, colorful tones. Written below the characters are the words: "Best Brother in the World"
'Drip'. A tear falls onto the drawing. I quickly move to wipe it away before it ruins it, until the realization hits me.
'Am I crying?'
I run my fingers along the wet trail on my cheek, a single tear.
Instead of wiping it away, I let it soak into a small part of the drawing, which ends up slightly distorting one of my Kagune's tentacles.
"I'll treasure it… thank you, Willow," I say to myself with a wide smile on my face.
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A few days pass.
I take a look at the things I bought over the past few days with the money I saved: an oversized hoodie, a pair of gloves, a balaclava, sunglasses, and a pair of sneakers, all black, to blend in as much as possible at night.
I decided to get more money by playing Robin Hood, taking money from traffickers and criminals.
But instead of giving it to the poor, I keep it for myself… but I am poor, so it should still count.
I put on the improvised outfit and look at myself in the small mirror in my room.
The glasses hide my eyes well, but when I turn off the light, I can see a subtle red glow from my pupils through the lenses, forming a somewhat frightening figure, which works just fine.
I sneak out of the orphanage and start moving along the rooftops of the alleys, searching for a target. I jump from alley to alley with ease, as if I've done this my whole life.
Under my oversized hoodie, I use my Koukaku, forming protection on each of my arms, something that could easily be mistaken for a physical enhancement Quirk.
I won't use my Rinkaku or my full Koukaku unless there's an emergency. My Kagune are far too flashy to use openly.
I stop on top of a rooftop when I spot suspicious movement involving two people. I clearly see a drug deal, the buyer leaves quickly while the dealer pockets the money and lights a cigarette.
I slowly descend into the alley and land behind the dealer, who finally notices my presence and turns around in shock.
He doesn't even have time to scream before I land a precise punch to his jaw, knocking him out instantly.
I observe the man lying on the ground.
A dangerous sensation takes hold of me when I catch a glimpse of the Doctor's face, the one who tortured me, on that man.
"What if… I… What if I cut him?" My Koukaku expands, forming a blade from inside the sleeve of my hoodie.
I point the Kagune toward the Doctor lying on the ground.
I feel my entire body tremble with hatred, but the tip of the blade remains motionless, aimed at the trafficker's throat.
"Tec" I snap my fingers, the sound echoing through the alley.
As I begin to bring the Kagune's tip closer to the man's throat, I catch a glimpse of Willow's drawing passing through my mind.
I gasp and stop.
Other things surface in my thoughts, Himiko's smile, the promise I made to Nemuri, Naomasa's support, the children and caretakers at the orphanage, and finally, my parents from another life.
I take a deep breath and retract the blade of my Kagune. The fallen man's face returns to normal.
I take his money and return to the orphanage, hide everything in a safe little spot, and throw myself onto the bed.
'I almost screwed up today… sigh I need to control myself… damn it, this never happened before.'
I remember the amount I managed to get, it already paid for the outfit and a bit more.
'It's worth it, I just need to be more careful…' With that in mind, I finally close my eyes and fall asleep.
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[A/N]: There won't be much focus on your days as a vigilante, just quotes, so don't worry.
Power's Stones would be appreciated... <3