Amano Hiro stared at the familiar figure in the center of the arena, a storm surging in his heart.
How could it be Kaneki Ken?
He should have already been removed from this cruel fate. Why was he here?
Was Tsukiyama Shuu truly that destined to cross paths with Kaneki Ken?
In the original story, it was because of Kaneki Ken that Tsukiyama Shuu eventually became neither human nor ghoul, sitting in a wheelchair and losing his mind.
An ordinary human should never have had any intersection with Tsukiyama Shuu's world.
A thought flashed through his mind, startling him. Could it be the power of the plot?
Because he had altered too many predetermined trajectories, had the will of the world begun correcting itself, attempting to force everything back onto the "right track"?
If it truly was the power of the plot, if the will of the world intended to shape an unstoppable opponent, he might not necessarily be able to handle it.
In the arena, Kaneki Ken was seized by overwhelming terror. He desperately moved his trembling legs, trying to escape this hell, but the strength of an ordinary human was laughable.
His legs gave out, and he stumbled to the ground. At the same time, the massive saw stained with countless lives came crashing down toward his head with a roaring wind.
Amano Hiro's gaze sharpened, and all thoughts instantly converged.
This was not the time to analyze. Hesitate even a moment longer, and he would only see a dismembered "ingredient."
He gripped the second-floor railing with both hands and leapt down like a hunting hawk, landing precisely between Kaneki Ken and the butcher.
Without even using Carnage, he merely swung his right arm. An invisible, razor-sharp slash tore through the air.
"Puchi."
Blood sprayed. The enormous executioner did not even understand what had happened before he was severed at the waist.
His upper body crashed to the ground. For a moment, he did not die. Dragging his spilling entrails, he crawled forward, letting out a muffled wail. "Mama."
Amano Hiro turned and looked at Kaneki Ken, who was curled up and trembling from excessive shock. He asked in a low voice, "Why are you here?"
Hearing the familiar voice, Kaneki Ken looked up in disbelief. "Na... Amano Hiro-san?"
"Ah." A shrill scream tore through the brief silence.
On the balcony, Madam A's face twisted as she roared, "You dare kill my most beloved pet. You will pay with your life."
Several attendants behind her leapt down from the second floor at once. Their Kakugan flared open instantly, and various kagune spread like ferocious weapons, lunging toward Amano Hiro from different directions.
"Amano Hiro-san, watch out behind you." Kaneki Ken cried out.
Amano Hiro did not even turn around. Two dark red tendrils suddenly extended from his back.
The tips transformed instantly into sharp blades, slicing through the air in two cold arcs as if alive.
"Shua."
Several dull sounds of blades cutting through flesh rang out almost simultaneously.
The charging ghouls froze mid-motion before collapsing one after another. Blood and organs poured from the massive wounds, staining the ground crimson in moments.
The entire hall fell into dead silence. None of the ghoul guests present were fools.
Seeing Amano Hiro so effortlessly dismember Madam A's elite attendants, they clearly realized how powerful he was.
Provoking such a strong individual over a mere "ingredient" was not wise.
As for Madam A, she was obviously not foolish either. Watching her subordinates be killed instantly, her face turned ashen.
Without hesitation, she turned and swiftly left with her remaining people.
Tsukiyama Shuu had observed the entire development without intervening.
He watched Amano Hiro with keen interest. Though he had not seen the full extent of his abilities, it was enough to confirm that his strength was unfathomable.
With the farce concluded, Tsukiyama Shuu stepped forward at the appropriate moment, his voice returning to its usual elegance. "Dear guests, my deepest apologies. Due to unforeseen circumstances, this banquet will conclude here."
Amano Hiro had no time to concern himself with others. He only cared about one question now. Why was Kaneki Ken here?
He had to find out whether this was mere coincidence or something else.
Tsukiyama Shuu walked quickly to Amano Hiro and bowed slightly, his tone carrying appropriate apology. "My sincerest apologies, Amano Hiro-san. I truly did not know that this person was your friend."
Amano Hiro did not pursue the matter further. He simply said, "I am taking him."
Tsukiyama Shuu inclined his head smoothly. "Naturally. Please allow me to send you both back to the 20th Ward."
He watched as the car carried the two away from the estate. A meaningful curve lifted at the corner of his lips as he murmured softly, "Kaneki Ken."
Inside the car, silence filled the cabin. Amano Hiro had already removed his mask, revealing his original appearance.
Kaneki Ken had not fully recovered from the extreme terror. His body trembled occasionally, and he kept sneaking glances at his savior beside him.
His feelings were complicated. Gratitude mixed with fear.
He had never expected that the seemingly ordinary Amano Hiro-san was not only a ghoul but possessed such terrifying power.
The car stopped steadily in front of Anteiku in the 20th Ward.
The two stepped out one after the other. The slightly cool air seemed to ease Kaneki Ken's taut nerves somewhat.
Seeing his unsettled state, Amano Hiro pushed open the café door and led him inside.
Kirishima Touka was somewhat surprised. She had not expected the long-absent regular customer Kaneki Ken to appear together with Amano Hiro.
Holding a tray, Touka approached. Her gaze first fell on Amano Hiro as she asked familiarly, "Amano Hiro-san, the usual Blue Mountain?"
Amano Hiro nodded slightly.
Touka then turned to the somewhat restrained Kaneki Ken beside him, her tone softening. "What would you like?"
Kaneki Ken took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice. "A latte is fine. Thank you."
Before long, two cups of coffee were served. Amano Hiro lifted his usual Blue Mountain, brought it to his lips, and took a light sip. The warm liquid carried its familiar rich aroma down his throat.
His gaze settled on Kaneki Ken's still pale face. "Now, tell me. Why were you there?"
Kaneki Ken held the warm cup in both hands, his fingertips turning slightly white from the pressure.
He remained silent for a moment, as if gathering the courage to speak, before beginning in a low voice to recount what had happened yesterday.
Ever since the incident with Kamishiro Rize, he had been in low spirits, unable to dispel the gloom in his heart.
To cheer him up, yesterday morning his best friend Nagachika Hideyoshi had dragged him out to wander around.
At noon, his ever-energetic friend had insisted on treating him to his favorite hamburgers, hoping familiar flavors would lift his mood.
After parting with Hide, Kaneki Ken had habitually gone into the bookstore he often visited, seeking a moment of peace among the scent of ink and paper.
When he came out carrying a stack of new books, the sunset had dyed the sky orange, and dusk was quietly approaching.
Just as he was about to head home, a figure abruptly blocked his path.
The person wore a dark hood, the entire face hidden in shadow. His features were obscured, and only heavy breathing could be heard from beneath the hood.
Almost instinctively, Kaneki Ken's heart tightened. He was filled with caution toward the unfamiliar figure before him.