"If I truly wanted your life…"
Ren's voice was cold.
"…even Tsukiyama wouldn't be enough to save you."
The grotesque claw formed by the symbiote tightened.
Bones creaked under the crushing pressure.
Shuu Tsukiyama felt as if his entire body might shatter.
Inside Ren's mind—
Carnage whispered eagerly.
[…Do it…]
[…Tear open his throat…]
Just as Tsukiyama felt his consciousness fading—
Ren suddenly released him.
Dark crimson slime flowed backward across his arm.
The monstrous limb vanished instantly.
As if nothing had happened.
[…How boring…]
Carnage muttered in disappointment.
Then fell silent again.
Tsukiyama coughed violently.
His hand gripping his bruised throat.
But soon—
His aristocratic composure returned.
"Kiryu-kun…"
He adjusted his collar slowly.
"Your reputation is well deserved."
"That power is… magnificent."
Even now—
There was admiration in his voice.
The final sunlight disappeared below the horizon.
Inside Anteiku, only the warm counter lights remained.
Ren ignored him.
Instead—
He turned to Ken Kaneki.
"Explain."
His tone softened slightly.
"Why did you bring him here?"
Kaneki hesitated.
His gaze lowered.
"I…"
When he finally spoke—
His voice carried unusual determination.
"I've decided to uncover the truth behind my transformation."
The words fell heavily into the silent café.
Touka Kirishima's eyes widened slightly.
Behind his glasses—
Nishiki Nishio's expression became complicated.
Concern.
Understanding.
Unease.
Ren said nothing.
But his eyes darkened.
Kaneki continued quietly.
"I want to know…"
"What really happened the night the steel beam fell."
"Who turned me into a ghoul."
"And why."
His voice dropped.
"I need an answer."
Silence filled the café.
Finally—
Ren spoke.
"…Does the manager know?"
Kaneki nodded.
"I already spoke to him."
"He agreed."
The answer shocked everyone again.
Touka opened her mouth slightly.
But no words came out.
Nishio adjusted his glasses.
His expression growing heavier.
At that moment—
Tsukiyama cleared his throat.
"Actually…"
"My father asked me to pass along a message."
His tone became serious.
"The Commission of Counter Ghoul may soon begin a large operation in the 20th Ward."
Ren's gaze shifted slowly toward the window.
The sky outside had darkened completely.
The pieces connected.
The sudden increase in investigators.
The rumors circulating through the wards.
The CCG's growing attention toward District 20.
And the event he had long anticipated—
The operation against Anteiku.
Perhaps it was closer than anyone realized.
Yoshimura allowing Kaneki to leave now…
Was likely meant to protect him.
A storm was approaching.
Keeping Kaneki away from Anteiku might be the safest choice.
But one question remained.
Why now?
The café had always been careful.
And Ren himself—
Had never revealed his true identity.
His symbiote perfectly concealed his aura.
There should have been no reason for the CCG to discover him.
After a moment—
He turned back toward Kaneki.
"I respect your decision."
Relief appeared on Kaneki's face.
But before he could speak—
Ren looked toward Tsukiyama again.
"As for you…"
His voice carried a clear warning.
"You'd better behave yourself."
Tsukiyama blinked.
Then smiled innocently.
"Please rest assured."
"My feelings toward Kaneki-kun…"
"…have already surpassed mere appetite."
"I genuinely wish to be his friend."
He paused dramatically.
"…In fact, we already are."
The atmosphere eased slightly.
Tsukiyama turned to Kaneki.
"When do you plan to depart?"
"Tomorrow."
Kaneki answered immediately.
Tsukiyama nodded.
"In that case…"
"We should review the clues we already have."
Kaneki glanced toward Ren.
Seeking permission.
Ren gave a small nod.
"Go."
Kaneki bowed slightly.
Then followed Tsukiyama toward the door.
The wind chimes rang softly.
Soon—
Both figures disappeared into the evening.
The café grew quiet again.
Nishio adjusted his glasses.
Preparing to leave.
But Ren spoke first.
"Nishio."
His tone carried unusual seriousness.
"Take care of yourself."
"And Kimi."
Nishio paused.
Understanding immediately.
"…I know."
"You two be careful too."
He waved briefly.
Then left.
The wind chimes rang once more.
Then fell silent.
Only Ren and Touka remained.
Touka still held the edge of her apron tightly.
Her knuckles pale.
"…If the CCG really launches a large operation…"
She asked quietly.
"What will happen?"
Ren stepped closer.
He gently took her clenched hand.
Slowly opening her fingers.
Their palms pressed together.
"Don't worry."
His voice was soft.
"I've always been here."
He paused.
Looking toward the darkening sky outside.
"And there's no evidence yet…"
"…that the CCG's actions are related to this café."
Inside his mind—
Carnage chuckled.
[…How sentimental…]
"Quiet."
Ren replied silently.
[Alright…]
Carnage muttered.
[I'll let you enjoy the moment.]
The two stood together in the dim light.
Gradually—
Touka's tension faded.
After a moment—
She leaned her forehead gently against his shoulder.
Neither of them spoke.
Eventually—
Touka straightened again.
"Oh right."
She suddenly remembered something.
"The manager said earlier…"
"You should meet the supplier tomorrow."
"It's about the new contract."
"He said the distribution channel has changed."
"And it would be safer if you handled it personally."
Ren nodded calmly.
"Alright."
"I'll go tomorrow."
Touka nodded.
But she hesitated slightly.
Her hand was still held in his.
Her fingers curled faintly.
Yet—
She made no move to pull away.
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