Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, Prime Minister's Official Residence.
Morning light streamed through the tall windows of the conference room, yet it did nothing to ease the tension inside. The Minister of Defense slammed a stack of photographs onto the table. They scattered across the surface, each one capturing the one-sided defeat of CCG forces in Ward 20 the previous night.
"Chairman Washuu, is this what your CCG calls a controllable threat?" the Minister of Defense demanded, his voice tight with anger. "A man who toys with your forces, and you still believe brute force will solve it?"
Washuu Tsuneyoshi sat upright, his fingers tapping lightly against the table. "Minister, the CCG understands its limits."
"Limits?" The Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare let out a cold laugh. "Thirty investigators sent out, all seriously injured and hospitalized. That is your limit?"
The Chief Cabinet Secretary adjusted his glasses. "According to reports, the man called Sol never even left his position. He generated shockwaves that knocked everyone down with a single snap of his fingers."
The Prime Minister flipped through the documents, his expression growing heavier. "Washuu, I need an explanation. Why was this hidden? Do not assume we are unaware of the Washuu Family's internal matters."
A faint, dangerous glint passed through Washuu Tsuneyoshi's eyes. "Prime Minister, the CCG is conducting a full investigation into this individual."
"Investigation?" The Minister of Defense stood abruptly. "Tokyo is already aware that someone capable of crushing the CCG is walking free. The United States Forces Japan has contacted us, and even the White House is considering intervention."
Washuu's expression stiffened. "This is a domestic matter. Foreign involvement is unnecessary."
"Domestic?" The Minister of Health scoffed. "A single individual dismantles your elite forces overnight, and you still call it domestic?"
The Prime Minister raised his hand, silencing the room. "Enough."
He turned to Washuu. "Whatever your personal conflict with Sol may be, stabilizing the situation comes first."
The Chief Cabinet Secretary added, "Intelligence suggests Sol holds grievances against the Washuu Family. If stepping down would resolve this…"
"Impossible." Washuu stood suddenly, then forced himself to sit back down. "The CCG requires stability."
The Prime Minister studied him for a moment. "Then you will meet him personally. Inform him that the government is willing to negotiate any terms, as long as he cooperates."
Washuu's face darkened. "You are asking me to negotiate with a terrorist."
The Minister of Defense let out a short laugh. "Compared to widespread panic, this is called strategy."
The Prime Minister stood, ending the meeting. "You have 24 hours. If there are no results, the Cabinet will consider restructuring the CCG leadership."
Outside the residence, Washuu Tsuneyoshi's expression turned grim. His family had clawed its way to power over generations, only for everything to be threatened by one man.
Members of the V Organization approached immediately. "Family Head, shall we act?"
Washuu's voice was cold. "Prepare the car. We are going to Ward 20."
Meanwhile, inside a high-end apartment in Ward 20.
Sol stood before the window, overlooking Tokyo bathed in morning light. A CCG badge spun lazily between his fingers, taken the night before.
"Time to move things forward," he murmured, a faint amusement in his crimson eyes.
The doorbell rang.
Without turning, Sol lifted his hand slightly. The lock clicked open on its own.
"Come in, Chairman Washuu. I have been expecting you."
Washuu Tsuneyoshi entered alone. The V Organization members behind him were stopped outside by an unseen force. His eyes scanned the room. The apartment was minimal in design, yet everything about it spoke of quiet luxury.
"Mr. Sol," Washuu said, maintaining a steady tone despite the unease creeping in. "I am here on behalf of the government to negotiate."
Sol turned, a faint smile forming. "So you finally understand that force is not enough."
Washuu's fingers twitched slightly. "If you are willing to cooperate, any condition can be discussed."
"Any condition?" Sol stepped closer. "Including control of the CCG, which your family has held for generations?"
Washuu's pupils tightened. "That is a baseless claim. The CCG is a national institution."
Sol laughed, low and amused. "Well said. Then what if I want that institution?"
Washuu's expression hardened. "You are challenging the entire system."
"System?" Sol's smile disappeared. "A ghoul family manipulating a human organization to hunt its own kind, that is your system?"
Washuu's kakugan flickered into view. "What do you want?"
Sol moved to the liquor cabinet and poured himself a glass of whiskey. "Nothing in particular. I am simply curious how entertaining this will become."
He took a sip, his gaze locking onto Washuu. "I wonder how much stronger I will get when all of Japan's forces come after me."
Washuu's body tensed. "You are declaring war on the nation."
Sol tilted his head slightly, as if considering the phrase. "Declaring war… that sounds right."
He smiled faintly. "So, Chairman Washuu, will you accept it on their behalf?"
Washuu's hand moved toward the concealed quinque at his waist. "You will regret this."
Sol appeared in front of him in an instant, close enough to feel his breath. "Then prove it."
Washuu's kakugan flared fully as the quinque, Arata, shot forward toward Sol's throat. The blade, capable of cutting through steel, stopped just short of his skin.
"Too slow," Sol said quietly.
His finger flicked forward.
A sharp impact echoed through the room.
Washuu was thrown backward, slamming into the wall. Cracks spread across the surface as he coughed up blood, staring at the shattered quinque in his hand.
"This is impossible…"
A trace of fear crossed his face. "What are you?"
"Does it matter?" Sol straightened. "What matters is this."
His voice carried a quiet certainty.
"From today onward, I am at war with Japan."
He waved his hand, and the door swung open. "Leave, before I decide to do more."
Washuu forced himself to stand, unsteady as he moved toward the exit. At the doorway, he turned back.
Sol stood in the sunlight, completely at ease.
"You will regret this," Washuu said under his breath before leaving quickly.