In the 20th Ward, the shipping container was filled with the smell of rust. The shadow of the ventilation fan's metal grating swayed across the floor.
Nishio Nishiki slammed his fist against the armrest of the sofa, his expression ugly.
"Seriously, the whole world changed overnight!"
"They've even installed RC gates at the university. I haven't even finished college yet! That damn..."
Before he could finish, Nishino Kimi covered his mouth.
"Nishiki-kun, be quiet! That's incredibly rude!"
"If you're just gonna keep whining, Shitty Nishiki, then get out already!"
Kirishima Touka chimed in as well. Her mood was no better.
Nearly every public place had installed RC gates. She had not gone to school these past two days.
Disappearing so suddenly during a time like this would basically confirm her as a ghoul.
Kosaka Yoriko had most likely already learned Touka's true identity.
Losing her best friend hurt more than she wanted to admit.
"Yoriko... damn it!"
Kaneki Ken sat on a chair nearby, holding a book in his hands.
The title was clearly One-Eyed King.
He was so absorbed in reading that he paid little attention to the argument in the room.
Ever since the CCG intensified its search efforts, none of them could continue living normally in human society.
They had no choice but to gather at Yomo Renji's home and discuss what to do next.
The iron container door suddenly screeched open.
Yomo Renji and Kirishima Ayato walked in together.
"Yomo-san, how is it?"
Seeing Yomo Renji, Touka asked immediately.
Ayato answered before Yomo could.
"Idiot neesan, it's bad."
Yomo Renji nodded and quickly took off his coat, still carrying the scent of the sea.
"The Tsukiyama Family and Madam have been wiped out. The CCG killed every ghoul trying to escape by sea."
"Then it looks like fleeing overseas isn't an option."
The coffee cup in Touka's hand cracked with spiderweb-like fractures, brown liquid dripping through the seams.
In the corner, Kaneki Ken finally looked up. His single eye flashed crimson beneath his bangs.
The book remained open to a chapter illustrated with a crown.
The atmosphere inside the container grew heavy.
If they could not even escape, then their final destination would be the 24th Ward.
And even if they fled there, they would merely become turtles hiding in their shells.
After purging the surface ghouls, the CCG would undoubtedly turn its attention to the 24th Ward.
Their destruction would only be a matter of time.
"Mommy..."
Fueguchi Hinami timidly hid in her mother's arms.
She had thought their happy life would continue forever.
Who would have imagined that it had all been nothing more than an illusion?
Fueguchi Ryouko was equally lost, but she forced out a smile.
"Hinami, it's alright. Mommy and Daddy will always protect you."
Ayato remained expressionless, though he too felt lost.
Back when he was with Aogiri Tree, their boss got injured every other day, usually after being beaten senseless by Uesugi Ryu.
He was not stupid. He understood that following Aogiri Tree offered no future.
After Yoshimura Eto got beaten up by Uesugi Ryu again and again, he finally came to his senses and ran back home.
Seeing how heavy the mood had become, Yomo Renji said calmly,
"Let's wait a little longer. Aogiri Tree is still around. When the CCG moves against them, there might be an opportunity."
Nishio Nishiki let out a long sigh and stared up at the metal ceiling.
"What a horse-shit world."
"So, does that mean we should thank the Washuu Clan for letting us live this long?"
"Speaking of which, that guy really is a monster. What is he? Divine punishment sent by the world?"
A slightly puzzled voice suddenly sounded.
"Who are you talking about?"
"Huh? What idiot would even ask that? Obviously Uesugi Ryu!"
Nishio Nishiki snapped irritably.
He turned toward the source of the voice.
"Long time no see, Anteiku."
Uesugi Ryu was suddenly sitting in the chair beside Kaneki Ken.
He spoke calmly.
The moment Nishio Nishiki saw him, he instantly realized what had happened.
Large beads of sweat rolled down his forehead.
Everyone's eyes focused on the suddenly appeared Uesugi Ryu.
Each of them instantly tensed like they were facing a great enemy.
Kaneki gently closed the book in his hands and turned toward Uesugi Ryu.
His voice was slightly hoarse as he greeted him.
"Uesugi..."
Uesugi Ryu had no interest in idle chatter.
Just his presence alone was nearly scaring these people to death.
He nodded and quickly said,
"Take your people back to Anteiku."
"It hasn't been destroyed. Everything is still exactly the same."
"Hide is in charge of that area now. He's waiting outside nearby."
As soon as he finished speaking, his figure gradually faded away.
But before vanishing completely, he gave Nishio Nishiki a deep look.
"Nishio Nishiki, was it? I'll remember you."
Uesugi Ryu came quickly and left just as quickly.
After he was gone, everyone present looked utterly incredulous.
Uesugi Ryu, the very man who had declared on television that he would exterminate all ghouls, had done something like this.
Ayato frowned.
"Is this for real?"
Kaneki stood up, a relieved smile appearing on his face.
"Let's go back, everyone. Sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I wasn't completely sure myself."
Nishio Nishiki swallowed nervously and pointed at himself.
"What about me?"
After insulting Uesugi Ryu earlier, Nishio Nishiki had nearly scared himself to death.
That meaningful look Uesugi Ryu gave him before leaving remained burned into his mind.
Touka rolled her eyes at him.
A slight smile curved her lips as she said mercilessly,
"That guy holds grudges. Shit Nishiki, you can stay here and wait to die."
Nishio Nishiki looked horrified and quickly turned to Kaneki.
"Hey! You're joking, right? Kaneki, save me!"
Kaneki stroked his chin thoughtfully, wearing a serious expression.
"Nishio Senpai should stay here. Maybe Ue will come back for you soon. We'll head out first."
With that, he grabbed Touka's hand and walked outside.
"What the hell? There should be a limit to messing with people!"
"Kaneki, when did you become just as awful as Shit Touka?!"
Nishio Nishiki jumped to his feet and hurried after them, grumbling the whole way.
Beside him, Nishino Kimi looked at Kaneki worriedly.
"Kaneki-san, Nishiki-kun won't really get killed, right?"
Ayato crossed his arms over his chest and glanced at the Kaneki who was desperately trying not to laugh.
Then he delivered the final blow.
"Hard to say."