"The man's abilities displayed in the 20th Ward are far from ordinary." Shinohara Yukinori tightened his grip as he recalled the casualty reports.
"Blocking Yoshimura's Kagune with one hand, overwhelming dozens of Ghouls and Investigators in an instant, that level of power goes beyond any current classification."
Yasuhisa Kiyoko flipped through the medical assessments. "Every injured person was disabled with precision, none fatally wounded. That kind of control…" She glanced at Arima. "It's like he's playing a game, and we're nothing more than targets placed in front of him."
From the corner, Furuta Nimura let out a soft laugh. "Oh my, even our undefeated legend is getting involved now."
Several annoyed looks turned toward him, but he only spread his hands with exaggerated innocence. "Am I wrong? It's been twenty years since someone made Arima volunteer on his own."
Washuu Tsuneyoshi's sharp gaze swept across the room before settling on Arima Kishou. The white-haired investigator calmly wiped his glasses, the reflection hiding his grey-blue eyes.
A half-human raised in the Sunlit Garden, Arima had never known defeat in his thirty-two years. From First-Class Investigator to Special Class, his record spoke for itself. At nineteen, he severed the Owl's arms. At twenty-two, he left Renji Yomo critically wounded. Each achievement added weight to his reputation, tilting every battle before it even began.
"Approved. A Special Operations Unit will be formed," Washuu Tsuneyoshi declared. "Arima Kishou will lead it, with full support from the Zero Squad." He paused briefly. "We want him alive."
Arima placed his glasses back on. "I will bring him back."
The simple statement carried enough authority to silence the room.
As the meeting ended, Furuta lingered at the end of the corridor, spinning a scalpel between his fingers while watching the sunset.
"How exciting… the White Reaper against the Black Devil." His smile twisted slightly. "Let's see who comes out on top."
…
20th Ward, Anteiku Cafe.
Kaneki Ken wiped down cups, his attention drifting toward the window. Ever since that night, tension had settled over the entire ward.
"Focus." Kirishima Touka tapped the counter.
"Sorry." Kaneki lowered his head.
The bell above the door rang.
"A cappuccino, please."
Kaneki's hand shook, nearly dropping the cup. Touka instantly stepped forward, her kakugan threatening to surface.
Sol walked in casually and took a seat by the window. None of the other customers reacted, continuing their quiet conversations as if nothing was wrong.
Yoshimura stepped out from the back, personally delivering the coffee.
"Is there something you need today?" he asked gently.
"Just coffee." Sol took the cup, relaxed. "No need to look so tense."
Yoshimura remained standing. "Since that incident, the CCG has tightened surveillance across the 20th Ward."
"I know." Sol took a sip. "Still tastes good."
His fingers tapped lightly against the table as his gaze swept across the cafe. Kaneki stayed behind the counter, shoulders stiff. Touka stood near the machine, her hands clenched. Irimi Kaya pretended to clean cups, though her eyes kept drifting toward him.
"Looks like I've made things inconvenient for everyone." Sol set the cup down, a faint smile on his face.
Beneath Yoshimura's apron, his muscles tightened. "You didn't come here just for coffee."
Sol ignored the question. He pulled out a photograph and slid it across the table.
"Do you know him?"
The image showed a stern middle-aged man in a kimono stepping out of a luxury car. Yoshimura studied it carefully before shaking his head.
"I don't."
"Washuu Tsuneyoshi," Sol said softly.
Yoshimura's pupils shrank.
"Chairman of the CCG, head of the Washuu Family."
The atmosphere froze.
"How do you know this?" Yoshimura asked quietly.
Sol took the photo back. "That part doesn't matter. What matters is whether you know their secret."
Silence lingered before Yoshimura finally shook his head. "I only know they've controlled the CCG for generations. They're the greatest enemy of Ghouls."
"Enemy?" Sol let out a small laugh. "Interesting way to describe it."
He stood, pulled out some yen, and placed it on the table.
"Tell everyone to stay inside for a while. The CCG is about to make a move."
Yoshimura opened his mouth to speak, but Sol had already turned away.
The bell rang as he left, disappearing into the street.
Touka rushed to the window. "He's gone?"
"For now." Yoshimura removed his glasses, rubbing his temples. "Let everyone know, we're closing early again."
Kaneki swallowed. "Manager… what does he want?"
Yoshimura stared outside, sunlight casting shadows across his face.
"I don't know. But something is about to change in Tokyo."
…
Night fell.
The CCG headquarters in the 1st Ward remained brightly lit.
Washuu Tsuneyoshi stood before the glass windows, looking over the city. A knock sounded at his door.
"Come in."
Arima stepped inside, his white hair catching the light. "The Special Operations Unit is ready."
"Good." Washuu turned. "That man appeared at Anteiku today. We move before he does."
Arima nodded. "The Zero Squad has already surrounded the 20th Ward."
"Wait." Washuu walked to his desk, opening a drawer and retrieving a metal case. "Take this."
Arima accepted it, his expression unchanged. "What is it?"
"A new Quinque, prepared specifically for him." Washuu's tone lowered. "Remember, we want him alive."
Arima said nothing more and turned to leave.
The moment the door closed, Washuu's face darkened. He picked up his phone and dialed.
"The plan moves forward. We act tonight."
A respectful voice responded from the other end. "Understood, Family Head."
Washuu hung up and stared at his reflection in the glass.
"No matter who you are… you won't destroy the Washuu Family."
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