Outside the building, Sol stood on the rooftop across the street, the night wind brushing against his black trench coat. His crimson eyes cut through the darkness, locked onto Arima Kishou as he led a team of investigators away from headquarters.
"They took the bait," Sol murmured, then vanished into the night.
…
In the 20th Ward, Anteiku Cafe had already closed, though the lights inside remained on. Yoshimura gathered everyone behind the counter, his expression heavy.
"The CCG has surrounded the entire ward," he said. "They are most likely coming for us."
Kirishima Touka clenched her fists. "Because of him?"
"Most likely," Yoshimura replied. "No matter what, we need to be ready. Touka, take Kaneki Ken and the others out through the back."
Kaneki hesitated. "What about you?"
"I'll stay and hold them off." Yoshimura's kakugan flickered into view. "That's my responsibility as the manager."
He exhaled quietly.
"I will act as the One-Eyed Owl one last time."
The bell at the door suddenly rang.
Everyone froze and turned.
Sol stepped inside, dragging an unconscious investigator. "Sorry to interrupt," he said lightly, tossing the man onto the floor. "But you don't need to run. I've already pulled most of the CCG forces toward District 5."
Yoshimura stared at the unconscious investigator. "What did you do?"
"Nothing serious," Sol replied, walking to the counter and pouring himself a glass of water. "Now, let's talk."
His gaze swept across the room before settling on Yoshimura.
"The Washuu family are ghouls. They have been for generations."
Silence fell instantly.
Sol set the glass down. "They control the CCG. On the surface, they hunt ghouls. In reality, they eliminate those who don't fall in line."
Touka's expression stiffened. "And humans?"
"Food and tools," Sol said with a faint smirk. "They need humans, so they will never truly wipe out ghouls."
Yoshimura's hands trembled slightly. "How do you know this?"
"That part doesn't matter." Sol straightened. "What matters is whether you're willing to help me bring them down."
The room fell quiet again.
After a long pause, Yoshimura lifted his head. "How?"
A small smile formed on Sol's lips. "Simple. Tonight, I'll attack the CCG headquarters. All you need to do…"
He picked up some coffee powder and dropped it into the water. The clear liquid turned dark and murky.
"…is spread the truth. The more chaos, the better."
Before anyone could respond, the cafe windows shattered. Several smoke grenades rolled inside.
Sol's eyes narrowed. A telekinetic barrier formed instantly, keeping the smoke from spreading.
"Looks like we have guests."
Through the thinning haze, a white-haired figure stepped forward, quinque gleaming.
"I found you," Arima Kishou said coldly.
Sol smiled faintly. "The White Reaper in person. I should feel honored."
Arima's quinque unfolded into a long, silver spear etched with blue patterns resembling circuits. The blade split into three rotating segments, emitting a sharp vibration.
"IXA Modified," Arima said. "Designed for you."
The weapon flared with blue light. The rotating blades carved through the air, leaving invisible distortions. The floor split cleanly as the spear passed.
Sol remained where he stood, amused. "Looks expensive."
Arima moved instantly. His body vanished, the spear tracing a blue arc toward Sol's throat. The air tore apart along its path.
A soft sound echoed.
Sol caught the spearhead between two fingers.
The rotating blades screeched against his grip, unable to move forward.
Arima's eyes tightened.
"Fast," Sol said. "But not enough."
He twisted his fingers slightly.
A sharp crack followed.
The IXA Modified snapped in half. The blue glow vanished.
Arima reacted immediately, letting go and retreating, but Sol was faster.
In the next instant, Sol appeared in front of him, his hand closing around Arima's throat.
"Perfect timing," Sol said. "Saves me the trouble of finding you."
Arima didn't even see the movement.
A loud impact shook the room as Sol slammed him into the ground. The floor fractured beneath them.
Arima grunted but countered immediately, his hand striking toward Sol's chest like a blade.
"Too slow."
Sol sidestepped and struck his wrist. Arima's fingers went slack.
At the corner of the cafe, Yoshimura shielded the others, watching in disbelief. The CCG's strongest fighter was being completely overpowered.
Arima forced himself back to his feet, blood at the corner of his mouth. "Who are you?"
Sol ignored the question and walked closer.
"You're strong," he said. "I expect more from you next time."
He had no intention of killing him. Someone like Arima was far more useful alive.
The statement left the room in silence.
Kaneki lowered his voice. "Is he… complimenting him?"
Touka frowned. "He nearly killed him and now he's saying that?"
Arima's face darkened. As the CCG's undefeated investigator, this was the first time he had been pushed this far. He tried to stand properly but his body refused to cooperate.
"Don't force it," Sol said, crouching down and placing a hand on his shoulder. "You're badly injured."
Arima glared at him. "What do you want?"
Sol gave a light, almost playful smile.
"I told you already. I just think you're strong… and I'm looking forward to what you show me next time."