Following the memory of their agreed meeting place, Ren pushed open the door to the activity room at exactly four in the afternoon.
The room belonged to the Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Kamii University.
Normally, it would be used for student club meetings.
But most students were busy enjoying university life elsewhere.
Few people ever came here.
Aside from him—
And Nishio Nishiki.
Inside the room, Nishio sat in an office chair typing on his laptop.
When he heard the door open, he stopped and turned around.
"So you finally decided to show up."
His voice carried mild sarcasm.
"This is probably the first time you've actually come to school since the semester started."
"If I hadn't applied for leave on your behalf…"
"…you'd probably fail your finals."
"Something came up."
Ren scratched his head awkwardly.
Then casually pulled over a chair and sat down.
"Anyway—thanks for helping me with the leave."
Nishio studied him carefully.
"You've been busy lately."
His tone suddenly sharpened.
"…Working at that coffee shop?"
"It's just a job."
Ren rubbed his temples.
"What I don't understand is…"
"Why you're so hostile toward the manager and the others."
For a moment—
The room fell silent.
Then Nishio spoke slowly.
"Kiryu."
"Come here."
His tone had become unusually serious.
Ren stood and walked closer.
"Look at me."
Their eyes met.
Close enough that each could see the other's reflection.
For a brief moment—
Ren wondered if Nishio had suddenly developed strange romantic feelings.
Then—
Everything changed.
Nishio's pupils turned crimson.
A ghoul's kakugan.
At the same time—
A vibrant, multi-colored kagune burst out from his lower back.
The predatory organ swayed slightly in the air.
Radiating lethal pressure.
"…Ghouls."
Nishio stood up slowly.
His voice carried self-mockery.
"To ordinary humans…"
"…we're man-eating monsters."
His tone hardened.
"And it's not just me."
"The employees of Anteiku…"
"…they're ghouls too."
He stared directly at his friend.
"Listen to me, Kiryu."
"You should stay away from them."
"That place—"
"Thanks for the warning."
Ren suddenly raised his hand.
And casually patted Nishio's shoulder.
"But there's one thing you forgot."
Before Nishio could respond—
Something strange happened.
Dark crimson liquid suddenly erupted from beneath Ren's skin.
The substance twisted and spread rapidly across his body.
Within seconds—
His entire form was engulfed.
The writhing mass expanded.
Morphing into something monstrous.
Something far more terrifying than a ghoul.
A grotesque crimson creature now stood where he had been.
"…Actually…"
A deep voice echoed from the monster.
"…I'm not exactly human either."
…
Nishio froze.
Completely stunned.
He had spent years hiding his identity as a ghoul.
Carefully maintaining his disguise among humans.
And yet—
His closest friend had been hiding an even greater secret.
Not a human.
Not a ghoul.
Something else entirely.
…
Eventually—
After their mutual revelations, the atmosphere relaxed slightly.
Ren was about to continue the conversation—
When the activity room door opened again.
Standing in the doorway was Kimi Nishino.
Nishio's girlfriend.
The moment she appeared—
Ren immediately stood up.
He had no intention of becoming the third wheel.
"I'll head out."
He waved casually to Nishio.
As he passed Kimi, he gave her a polite nod.
Before leaving—
He quietly added:
"Nishiki."
"Things are dangerous outside lately."
"You should avoid hunting for a while."
It was an attempt to change the future.
The one where Nishio would be defeated by Touka—
And later by Kaneki.
But Nishio simply shrugged.
"Relax."
"I know what I'm doing."
"I've already chosen my prey."
Hearing this—
Ren sighed inwardly.
The warning had been given.
Whether Nishio listened—
Was up to him.
…
Walking through the empty university corridor—
Carnage suddenly spoke.
[Did you see his face…]
[That stunned expression…]
[That was entertaining…]
"Anyone would react like that."
Ren replied calmly.
Suddenly—
A cheerful voice echoed through the corridor.
"Kiryu-nii!"
He turned.
Running toward him was Hideyoshi Nagachika.
His bright blond hair stood out under the lights.
Behind him—
Ken Kaneki followed quietly.
His face was pale.
His mood noticeably heavy.
"What a coincidence!"
Hide grinned.
"Kiryu-nii, you're also from Kamii University?"
"How come I've never seen you on campus?"
"I've been… skipping classes."
Ren replied vaguely.
His gaze shifted toward Kaneki.
"Kaneki."
"How are your injuries?"
Kaneki lowered his head slightly.
"…I'm fine."
Hide suddenly laughed.
"This guy's just trying to keep up with trends!"
He slapped Kaneki's shoulder.
"We've got something to do."
"See you later, Kiryu-nii!"
"Alright."
He waved casually.
…
Carnage spoke again.
[That prey he mentioned earlier…]
[Was it them?]
Ren watched the two disappear down the corridor.
"To be precise…"
"…Hide."
Carnage laughed mockingly.
[Let me guess…]
[Your good friend…]
[is about to get beaten again…]
…
Evening arrived.
The sky was painted with orange and crimson clouds.
Carnage suddenly spoke.
[Their scent…]
[Nearby…]
Following the scent—
Ren turned into a narrow alley.
The scene inside was exactly as he expected.
Blood stained the ground.
Hide lay unconscious nearby.
In the center of the alley—
Kaneki and Touka faced each other.
Tension filled the air.
And high above—
Hanging awkwardly from the metal railing—
Was Nishio Nishiki.
Completely unconscious.
His head stuck between the bars.
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