"The man's abilities displayed in the 20th Ward were indeed not simple." Shinohara Yukinori recalled the casualty reports, his hand unconsciously clenching.
"Blocking Yoshimura Kuzen's Kagune with one hand, instantly defeating dozens of Ghouls and Investigators—such strength truly exceeds existing classification standards."
Yasuhisa Kiyoko flipped through the medical department's assessment report: "All the injured were precisely incapacitated but not fatally wounded. This level of control…" She looked up at Arima, "The target is like playing a game with cheats, and we NPCs are the treasure chests he's targeting."
Furuta Nimura in the corner of the conference room suddenly chuckled: "Oh dear, even our undefeated legend can't sit still~"
Under the displeased gazes of everyone, he exaggeratedly spread his hands, "But it's true, isn't it? This is the first time in twenty years that a target has prompted Mr. Arima to volunteer."
Washuu Tsuneyoshi's sharp gaze swept over everyone present, finally resting on Arima Kishou—the white-haired Investigator was quietly wiping his glasses, the cold light reflected by the lenses obscuring his grey-blue pupils.
As a half-human from the Sunlit Garden, Arima had never tasted defeat in his 32 years of life. From a First-Class Investigator to a Special Class, the legends he created were enough to fill the CCG's hall of fame. At 19, he could sever the Owl's arms, and at 22, he severely wounded Renji Yomo. These battle achievements were like invisible weights, completely tipping the scales.
"Approve the establishment of a Special Operations Unit." Washuu Tsuneyoshi finally decided, "Arima Kishou will serve as the leader, with all members of the Zero Squad cooperating." He paused, "Remember, we want him alive."
Arima put his glasses back on and slowly spoke: "I will bring him back." It was a plain statement, yet it made the atmosphere in the entire conference room solemn, simply because behind these few words lay the absolute prestige accumulated over the undefeated Ghoul Investigator's career.
When the meeting adjourned, at the end of the corridor, Furuta Nimura toyed with a scalpel, gazing at the setting sun outside the window: "How exciting~ The White Reaper against the Black Devil…" The sharp blade reflected his twisted smile, "Who will be the victor of this century's showdown?"
...20th Ward, Anteiku Cafe.
Kaneki Ken wiped coffee cups, occasionally looking out the window. Since that night, the entire 20th Ward had been shrouded in a tense atmosphere.
"Don't get distracted." Kirishima Touka tapped the counter.
"Sorry." Kaneki Ken lowered his head.
The doorbell rang, and a familiar figure walked in.
"A cappuccino, please."
Kaneki Ken's hand trembled, and the cup almost fell to the floor. Kirishima Touka immediately stood in front of him, her Kagune eyes almost manifesting.
Allen casually found a seat by the window and sat down. The other customers in the cafe didn't seem to recognize him and continued to quietly drink their coffee.
Yoshimura Kuzen came out from the back kitchen, personally carrying the coffee to Allen's table.
"Is there something you need this time?" The old man's voice was soft.
"Just coffee." Allen took the cup, "Don't be nervous."
Yoshimura Kuzen did not leave: "After that night, the CCG has increased surveillance on the 20th Ward."
"I know." Allen took a sip, "It tastes good."
His fingers lightly tapped the table, his gaze sweeping over every corner of the cafe. Kaneki Ken hid behind the counter, his body trembling slightly. Kirishima Touka stood by the coffee machine, her fingers unconsciously tightening. Irimi Kaya pretended to wipe cups, but her eyes frequently darted over.
"It seems I've caused everyone quite a bit of trouble." Allen put down his coffee cup, a slight smile playing on his lips.
Under Yoshimura Kuzen's apron, his muscles subtly tensed: "You didn't just come for coffee this time, did you?"
Allen didn't answer directly. Instead, he pulled a photograph from his pocket and pushed it across to the old man: "Do you know this person?"
The photograph showed a grim-faced middle-aged man in a kimono, stepping out of a luxury car. Yoshimura Kuzen examined it carefully for a moment, then shook his head: "I don't know him."
"His name is Washuu Tsuneyoshi." Allen's voice was soft, yet it made Yoshimura Kuzen's pupils suddenly contract, "The CCG's Chairman, and also the head of the Washuu Family."
The air in the cafe seemed to freeze. Yoshimura Kuzen's hands involuntarily began to tremble: "How do you know these things?"
Allen took back the photograph: "That's not important. What's important is, do you know the Washuu Family's secret?"
Yoshimura Kuzen remained silent for a long time, finally slowly shaking his head: "I only know that they have controlled the CCG for generations and are the Ghouls' greatest enemies."
"Enemies?" Allen chuckled lightly, "An interesting way to put it."
He stood up, pulled a few banknotes from his wallet, and placed them on the table: "Tell your children not to go out for a while. The CCG will be making a big move soon."
Yoshimura Kuzen wanted to say something more, but Allen had already turned and walked towards the door. The doorbell rang crisply, and his figure disappeared down the street.
Kirishima Touka immediately rushed to the window: "He's gone?"
"For now." Yoshimura Kuzen took off his glasses and wearily rubbed his temples, "Notify everyone, we're closing early again tonight."
Kaneki Ken nervously rubbed his hands: "Manager, what exactly does that person want?"
Yoshimura Kuzen looked out the window, the sunlight illuminating his wrinkled face: "I don't know, but one thing is certain—Tokyo is about to change."
Night fell, and the CCG Headquarters building in the 1st Ward was brightly lit.
Washuu Tsuneyoshi stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, overlooking Tokyo's nightscape. The door to his office was softly knocked.
"Come in."
Arima Kishou pushed the door open, his white hair particularly striking under the lights: "Chairman, the Special Operations Unit is ready."
"Good." Washuu Tsuneyoshi turned around, "That man appeared at the Anteiku Cafe in the 20th Ward today. We must preempt him."
Arima Kishou nodded: "The Zero Squad has surrounded the 20th Ward and is ready to act at any moment."
"No, wait." Washuu Tsuneyoshi walked to his desk, opened a drawer, and took out a metal box, "Take this."
Arima Kishou took the box, his brow slightly furrowed: "This is?"
"A new type of Quinque, specially prepared for him." Washuu Tsuneyoshi's voice was low, "Remember, we want him alive."
Arima Kishou didn't ask further, turning to leave. The moment the office door closed, Washuu Tsuneyoshi's expression turned grim. He picked up the phone on his desk and dialed a number:
"The plan is moved up. Operation tonight."
A respectful reply came from the other end of the line: "Yes, Family Head."
Hanging up the phone, Washuu Tsuneyoshi walked to the window. The glass reflected his distorted face: "No matter who you are, you won't destroy the Washuu Family's centuries-old foundation."
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