However—
The moment Hinami Fueguchi took a step forward—
Yakumo Oomori moved.
Despite his massive frame, his speed was terrifying.
In a single instant—
His body flashed forward.
Like a cannonball.
He blocked Hinami's path.
Oomori lowered his head slowly.
Looking down at the tiny girl before him.
A cruel smile spread across his face.
"Oh?"
His voice was low.
"A lost little bird?"
His thick fingers reached slowly toward Hinami's trembling face.
But before he could touch her—
A figure stepped forward.
Ren.
Without hesitation, he pulled Hinami behind him.
Shielding her with his own body.
"Stay away from the child."
His voice was calm.
Yet sharp enough to cut through the air.
"Mr. 'Jason' of Aogiri Tree."
Oomori's hand froze midair.
Slowly—
He turned his head.
His crimson kakugan focused on the newcomer.
"Heh…"
A dark laugh escaped his throat.
"Interesting."
"Another bug crawling out of nowhere?"
His gaze shifted briefly toward the corner.
Where Fueguchi Asaki clutched his daughter.
Then back to Ren.
"Or…"
"You want to play hero?"
Behind Ren—
Hinami trembled.
Her tiny hands clutched his clothes tightly.
"Kiryu-nii…"
"Daddy…"
Her voice shook with tears.
"Hinami."
He spoke quietly.
"Close your eyes."
His gaze never left Oomori.
"Fueguchi-san."
"Take Hinami and retreat."
"The farther the better."
Asaki finally snapped out of his shock.
He rushed forward.
Scooping Hinami into his arms.
Then stumbled backward to the corner of the clinic.
Oomori's smile widened.
"Fine."
"Then I'll crush you first."
Before his sentence finished—
The floor cracked beneath his feet.
CRACK!
His massive body shot forward instantly.
The next second—
His fist descended.
Packed with overwhelming force.
A strike capable of smashing bone and concrete alike.
Oomori grinned viciously.
Certain he would crush this arrogant fool.
But—
The fist stopped.
It touched Ren's chest—
And halted.
Completely.
As if blocked by an invisible wall.
"What a shame."
Ren smiled faintly.
"Your punch…"
"…doesn't even tickle."
"What?!"
Oomori's expression froze.
Shock replaced his grin.
His full power—
Stopped effortlessly.
In that instant—
The air exploded.
SZZZZ—!
Crimson matter burst outward.
Expanding violently.
Twisting.
Multiplying.
The sound of flesh tearing and reforming echoed through the clinic.
Within seconds—
The human figure vanished.
In its place stood a towering crimson monster.
Nearly four meters tall.
Carnage.
The creature's monstrous body radiated pure violence.
Its pale eyes locked onto Oomori.
A kakuja.
A complete kakuja.
Oomori felt as if ice water had been poured over him.
All his arrogance vanished instantly.
The gap between a half-kakuja and a complete kakuja—
Was an abyss.
Even someone like him understood that.
"Why so quiet now?"
Carnage's deep voice echoed.
"…insect?"
Its massive claw lifted casually.
Then—
SMACK.
The claw slapped down onto Oomori's head.
Like swatting a toy.
THUD!
The impact rang through the clinic.
Oomori staggered.
Stars exploded in his vision.
His legs nearly buckled.
Humiliation and fear crashed into him simultaneously.
"You should thank your luck."
Carnage's pale eye shifted toward the corner.
Where Hinami clung to her father.
Eyes tightly shut.
Trembling.
"If not for the child…"
"…your rotten flesh…"
"…would already be scattered across the floor."
For a moment—
Oomori thought he might be spared.
Then—
THUD.
A wet sound echoed.
A crimson tentacle pierced through his abdomen.
Without warning.
"AAAGH—!!"
Oomori screamed.
The pain exploded through his entire body.
Blood poured from his mouth.
And the wound in his stomach.
His body collapsed heavily onto his knees.
For a ghoul—
It wasn't fatal.
But the pain was unbearable.
"This…"
Carnage spoke slowly.
"…is a warning."
Its massive jaws opened.
Revealing rows of sharp teeth.
"If you appear before us again…"
"…I will chew you…"
"…piece by piece."
The tentacle withdrew.
Oomori's body was tossed aside.
Like garbage.
"Get lost."
Humiliation burned in his chest.
But survival instinct was stronger.
Using the last of his strength—
Oomori staggered out of the clinic.
Disappearing into the shadows.
Leaving behind only blood.
And the heavy scent of iron.
Carnage watched coldly.
Once the unpleasant presence vanished—
The crimson mass began shrinking.
The symbiote receded like a tide.
Bones shifted.
Muscles reformed.
Seconds later—
Ren stood there again.
Inside his mind—
Carnage complained.
[Why didn't you let me eat him…]
He sighed.
"Think about the kid."
"…Okay?"
Carnage grumbled.
[Kids… annoying…]
Then fell silent.
Ren walked slowly toward the corner.
His expression softened.
"Hina."
"It's alright now."
"The bad guy is gone."
"You can open your eyes."