Disclaimer: This chapter is entirely in Eto's perspective instead of Kaneki's.

One Month After Chapter 7

Today's the day. The day I make my mark onto the CCG. After this battle, I'll start the real plans and begin forming Aogiri Tree. I have some powerful individuals to consider, but I'll begin searching for them after this mission is complete. I'll probably begin with Tatara, the Chinese ghoul whose clan was annhilated by the CCG. He'll be a strong asset for Aogiri...

I stopped thinking about the future and put on my old torn cloak around me.

A mask... I need a mask to hide my identity...

I searched my apartment and only found a roll of bandages in one of my drawers.

No mask, huh... These bandages will do.

I wrapped the bandages all around my body and face to hide myself. It was suspicious, sure, but no one would be able to make out who I was.

Alright, I'm ready. I'll have to jump through the window so people don't see me leaving the apartment. It was the dead of night, and leaving my place from the front would raise some eyebrows.

I carefully opened the window and climbed out of it, closing it on my way out.

The 2nd ward CCG branch. That's my target. It's quite far away from here, so I'll have to get there quickly.

I leapt from building to building using my kagune until I finally reached the CCG office. It was huge, at least 15 stories tall. Still, it was nothing before me.

This is it... I know I can do this. Kaneki's waiting for me. I'll cause as much damage as possible and leave. ...I've thought about every scenario multiple times. There's no way I'll fail.

I took multiple deep breaths before investigating the building for a way in.

It's midnight, so every door should be locked. I'll just break one of the windows from the top floors and drop in with my kakuja... You'd think the CCG would have more protection on their headquarters,but I guess they've never really thought that a ghoul would try to go straight for the building itself.

I reached one of the top floors with my kagune and shattered it. It broke extremely easily, not reinforced one bit.

I entered the building and looked around. There weren't any doves on this floor.

I'll just do this straight away... no need to sneak around.

I activated my kakuja form, which enveloped my entire body in kagune-like armor.

I've definitely gotten stronger, alright. I can feel the power pulsing through me. ...This might be a bit too easy for me.

I jumped up and dove straight down, crashing into the ground of the 1st floor, where all the investigators were located.

BOOM!

The noise of my landing echoed loudly throughout the entire building. All of the doves turned their head to see a massive beast in the middle of their workplace, to their horror.

Hah... How's that, CCG?

I heard yelling and screaming from civilians that were in the vicinity. More and more investigators appeared around me and attempted to surround me.

[Investigator: "It's the S-rated ghoul 'X'! Everyone, be on guard!"]

It's time to begin my rampage. I'm feeling a bit... excited. It's been a while since something this exhilarating has happened... besides confessing to Kaneki.

The investigators opened their quinques and opened fire.

[Eto: "BAHAHAHAHA! That tickles, you know!"]

I taunted them as I took the pea-shooter bullets without a scratch.

I dashed across the ground quickly while slashing at the doves as if they were flies. I heard the shrieks of death all around me. Blood splattered everywhere.

[Investigator: "S-special class Urie and Kuroiwa have arrived! Continue to fire!"]

It seems the big fish have arrived. No matter.

I opened up my ukaku wings and prepared to unleash a plumage of shards straight into the enemies.

It rained like hell for a couple of seconds, doves falling left and right. Those that lived were horrified on the sight of seeing their dead comrades lay next to them.

[Eto: "COME ON! You'll need more than that!"]

I continued to rush the investigators at incredible speeds, using the dead bodies as meat shields whenever I felt like it.

[Urie: "Kuroiwa. Formation C."]

[Kuroiwa: "Mmm!"]

The big fish are finally beginning their assault... This'll be fun.

The two special class investigators rushed towards me from both sides, one wielding a quinque that resembled a sword and shield, while the other used a blunt-type quinque.

A frontal assault...? They're running straight towards me. Such idiots.

I jumped straight up right as they were about to make contact with my kakuja.

[Eto: "AHAHAHA! Are you idiots serious?!"]

The two doves were directly under me as I was about to land and crush them from my kakuja's weight, until one of them muttered something.

[Urie: "Remote activation."]

He detached his shield quinque and laid it where I was going to land. It shapeshifted from a shield into some sort of trap that electrocutes whatever is caught in it.

Oh... this might be bad. It was too late to redirect myself and there were no walls near me to jump off of. I have to take the hit.

I readied my ukaku shards as I fell into the trap.

[Eto: "AGGGGHHHH! FUCK, THAT REALLY HURT!"]

The quinque electrocuted me, but I shot out my ukaku in all directions so whoever tried to follow up would get impaled.

I destroyed the quinque after a moment of struggling, and ran towards a couple of dead bodies to replenish on.

[Eto: "Aw man, this guy tastes really good!"]

I continued my endless slaughter until there was nothing but bodies on the floor. The 2nd ward CCG branch has nothing to fend off something like me. How pathetic.

[Investigator: "Special Class Kuroiwa and Urie! We should retreat until Special Class Arima arrives!"]

Arima...? Could it be? The CCG's reaper was on his way? Hahaha, now I'm REALLY excited.

[Urie: "I'll hold off the ghoul while the rest of you retreat!"]

The special class primed himself for battle, with a half-broken quinque.

[Kuroiwa: "Mikito...! You'll die!"]

[Urie: "...I'm just doing my job. Kuroiwa, tell Kuki that I... I'm sorry. ...Now, go!"]

The one named Kuroiwa tried to round the remaining survivors to retreat while reinforcements came. Pathetic.

[Eto: "I admire your bravery, Special Class! I feel bad for your child, though."]

I battled the lone dove for a while. He wasn't half bad, but a single investigator couldn't do a thing to me.

His attacks only bruised me, and I eventually broke the quinque and impaled the dove with my kagune blade. Blood spilled from his guts and mouth, leaving a lifeless corpse in front of me. How delicious!

[Eto: "Come on, I'm getting bored..."]

[Investigator: "Special Class Arima has arrived! All investigators, cease fire! Don't get in his way!"]

Ahahahaha... he's finally here! I'm so giddy right now, like a child on Christmas Day. I can't wait to see what the strongest investigator is like.

Arima Kishou stepped into battle, quinque in hand. He did not utter a single word, as he leapt towards me.

I shot my ukaku bullets at him, but he gracefully dodged all of them.

What...? Humans don't have that type of physical capability. Is he a... nevermind. That's impossible.

I traded blows with the monster of a human. I felt every hit connect through my kakuja and into my body.

[Arima: "You're a one eye."]

His first sentence is that...? How keen of him. No one else has realized that.

We continued to dash across the CCG, destroying the walls and shattering windows.

[Eto: "...That's... right!"]

I'm running out of stamina. How can a human keep up with the speed of a ukaku? I was panting hard; the reaper didn't give me a chance to reenergize myself.

[Eto: "Haah... You... You aren't human, are you? Why do you fight for the CCG?"]

I was sure of it. Arima Kishou is not human. He didn't have a kakugan, so not a ghoul. He was something else, but I knew it was anything but a human.

[Arima: "Saturday, 10 A.M. Come to Anteiku."]

H-huh? Why...? What is he planning? Maybe Arima is working undercover or something. I'll... I'll go to Anteiku that day, I guess. I have to find out more about this.

[Eto: "Huh...?! Whatever. I'll take you up on your offer."]

His attacks were letting up. Was he giving me a chance to escape? I knew he could easily defeat me here and now if he wanted to. I'll just take the opportunity and get out before I really do die.

[Eto: "...I've had enough fun here! Bye bye~"]

The front entrance was completely blocked off. I used the last of my energy to scale up the CCG walls back to the window I came from. I came out of my kakuja, bloody and battered up from the slaughter I had just done. I climbed out the window, and jumped out. The investigators could only watch and shoot their petty bullets as none of them could keep up with my speed.

This'll take a while to heal. Arima really did a number on me. I wonder what he wants to do at Anteiku. He'll either try to kill me, or... I don't know. Arima seems like the type of person who has an unreadable mind. I really don't understand what he's trying to do, but it seems like an interesting opportunity that'll only get to come up once. I have to take it.

I finally reached my living spaces after a long while. I took off my bloody ragged cloak and set it aside, then slowly unraveled the blood-drenched dangling bandages I wore.

I took a cold shower to clean off the blood and to regain my senses.

I'll be busy while organizing plans for Aogiri, but I should come up with something in my free time as a human. I've considered becoming an author, but I've heard the process is difficult... I'll try writing a couple of stories on my own and having Kaneki review them. ...He should be able to help me while I act as a human, as he can't do anything while I'm a ghoul.

I grabbed a nearby towel and dried myself as I proceeded to grab my clothes.

What should my first story be titled? ...Maybe something simple, like... "Dear Kafka." It'll be a novel following a boy who has problems with his father... something like me. I can imagine a plethora of ideas just from the plot alone.

I finished putting on my clothes and

jumped into bed face first into my pillow, my arms and legs splayed out.

I hope it'll be good enough for me to quit my current part-time job so I could make a name for myself as a famous author...

I'll have to make a pen name, though. Something interesting...

How about "Takatsuki Sen"? "Takatsuki" meaning something like a large tree, and "Sen" which can mean spring. ...I like it.

I'll have to put these ideas aside for now, though. I have to deal with my appointment with Arima first. If he wants to fight, I should probably sleep right now. It was already midnight, after all.

I closed my eyes and slowly drifted to sleep.

The Next Morning

...I'm feeling kind of tense. I'm on my way to meet the CCG's god of death, Arima Kishou. I was dressed in plain looking clothes, with my hair tied up into a little ponytail to help conceal my identity.

Anteiku entered my view, and Arima was standing near the entrance, wearing his usual all-white investigator suit. He held his quinque case in his left hand, and stood patiently without a care in the world.

Is there anyone with him...?

I scouted the area, looking for other doves. There were none, to my surprise.

I guess it's safe for me to approach him. I should still keep my guard up, though.

I walked up to the angel of death without saying a word. He looked at me with a deadpan face and spoke first.

[Arima: "...Let's make this quick. I am not your enemy."]

Not my enemy, huh. He says that while having damaged me severely.

[Arima: "Follow me."]

Arima walked away from Anteiku and entered an abandoned park, where there was no one nearby to eavesdrop.

We stood, facing each other with heavy tension. I didn't say a word.

[Arima: "I am not human nor ghoul. ...I am a half-human, a species that is the offspring of ghoul and human parents."]

Half... human? Not a half-ghoul? That explained why he didn't have a kakugan, but I've still never heard of this species before.

Arima continued to speak before I could respond.

[Arima: "...The Sunlit Garden. A place where the Washuu breed human and ghouls together to try and create powerful offspring. Cases like you where the product is a half-ghoul is extremely rare. Half-humans are just humans with sped up aging and increased physicial capabilities. ...Nothing else."]

This... is a lot of information to take in. I knew the Washuu's, the family that owns the CCG, were all ghouls. And they created the Sunlit Garden to try and become human. ...Well, it makes sense, at least.

I looked towards Arima and noticed his blue hair had traces of white strands all over it.

His enhanced fighting prowess, and his hair turning white... what Arima was saying was true, for the most part.

[Eto: "...So? That's interesting and all, but what did you really bring me here for?"]

Arima kept a straight face and a stern pose as he replied.

[Arima: "...I share the same cause as you. I wish to see ghouls become free, and live with humans without fear."]

...This doesn't make sense. Why would he work for the CCG? Was he forced to...?

[Arima: "That's why I devised a plan. ...We'll create a myth. A god of ghouls, as you may call it. The 'One-Eyed King' shall be its name."]

If ghouls had some sort of leader to look up to, it'd help to achieve our goals. I had thought about this before, but there's no one that I know of that can hold that title.

[Eto: "...And who'll this so-called 'One-Eyed King' be?"]

[Arima: "We'll have to find a potential candidate. Until then, you and I will share the title of 'One-Eyed King'. We'll both try to find and raise someone that'll take that title from us. ...Once they become strong enough to kill me, they'll take over the throne and become the hope of all ghouls. After all, there has not been a single ghoul capable of defeating me."]

The ghoul that kills Arima Kishou will become the One-Eyed King. I'm not sure where we'll find someone like that, but it doesn't seem too far out of our reach. ...This plan might just actually work.

[Arima: "You and I will continue what we've been doing. I'll keep working for the CCG while you rebel against us."]

On the outside, we'll look like two enemies fighting against each other. Underneath this cover, will reveal a common goal...

Honestly, if I'm able to keep fighting Arima, then that's just an added plus to this plan. There's no other human that can overpower me except for him. There's no other viable option but to accept his proposal. It's a win-win for the both of us.

[Eto: "...Fine. This plan doesn't seem too bad. I'll do what you've described. It has to be a half-ghoul, doesn't it? They have to be someone that understands both sides of the same coin."]

[Arima: "Yes, it does. I'm aware that you're the only half-ghoul the world has seen, but there'll be more soon enough."]

I didn't really understand what he said. How did he know that there were going to be more half-ghouls? ...Whatever. I won't poke holes into matters that aren't related to my mission.

[Eto: "Well, I'll keep you updated if I see someone fit for the crown. ...I'll see you later, Arima."]

We both turned around and walked away, dispersing the tension between us.

...I really wasn't expecting any of that. He was so straightforward, too. No greeting, no farewell. He just got straight to the point, leaving me little room to comprehend his words. ...I'm not even sure if he can be considered an ally. We're both working towards the same thing, so I guess technically we are. In the end, it doesn't matter. We're still going to engage in combat multiple times. It should be interesting.

I quietly walked back to my apartment, with tons of thoughts stuck in my mind.

Today's entirely free for me, so I should probably sort out all of my ideas...

I should try to begin writing my novel. After that, I'll start to build Aogiri. I'll find some stray ghouls in the 24th ward and try to search for powerful rogue ghouls while I'm at it. I'll find the one named Tatara and have him join my cause. ...I'm sure he'll be a great asset to Aogiri.

...Ugh, there's so many things for me to do... I just have to deal with all the stress. I have to be determined.

*knock knock knock*

Someone's knocking on the door. ...It's probably Kaneki! He's the only one that comes to my place anyway.

Excitedly, I jumped up and pounced from my desk to the door, quickly unlocking and opening it.

[Eto: "Kaaaneeeekiiiiiii~~!"]

I leapt towards him, arms wide open as soon as I caught a glimpse of his face.

I embraced him and held him tight.

Whenever he's here with me, I feel like I could do anything. All of my previous problems and exhaustion is wiped clean. His very presence gives me strength. ...I've been waiting to see him ever since I got back from the raid. I'm so... happy.

Kaneki was surprised from my sudden hug, but managed to collect his thoughts faster than usual.

[Kaneki: "...Why are you so excited? I'm happy to see you're okay, but tell me what happened."]

I'll have to explain what happened last night and this morning. ...I should keep the stuff about Arima secret, for now. There's no reason for me to tell Kaneki about it.

[Eto: "I'm just happy to see you, that's all. I'm about to start writing my first story! I'm going to try and get it published, so I can become a real author. I'll tell you about what's happened while I write it, so just come in and relax."]

[Kaneki: "...O-okay. I know you've been busy lately, so I hope I can help you with your story."]

He walked over to my bed and sat down on it.

Kaneki's so sweet. He's always thinking about me. ...He really doesn't know just how important he is to me.

[Eto: "I won't let you read it until it's done, though! You'll just have to sit and wait."]

[Kaneki: "...That's fine. If you need any help, just ask me. I'll stay here until night."]

I told him about my rampage in the CCG building and my meet up with Arima as I wrote my novel. I didn't tell him about what he actually said, though. I just told Kaneki that Arima was a good guy.

[Kaneki: "That Arima person seems really strange to me. ...You should be careful. He's still the most powerful investigator, after all."]

[Eto: "I've been writing for an hour and a half now... let's take a break, shall we?"]

I wore a teasing grin on my face. Kaneki knew I was going to do something to him. He waited in anticipation, until I made my move.

[Kaneki: "E-eto?! What are you do-"]

I stood up and put my hands over his mouth. I jumped on top of him, pinning Kaneki onto my bed. I set him on his side and I laid myself right next to him, gazing at his eyes. We were dangerously close.

I want to kiss him... I want to kiss him... Dammit Eto, control your urges! I can't assault Kaneki!

We were facing each other, lying in the same bed. I rested my fingers on his face.

[Eto: "You're used to sleeping with girls, right Ka-"]

Kaneki suddenly put his face even closer to mine, and I felt a warm, but soft sensation on my lips.

Oh crap, what's happening?! Don't tell me Kaneki actually k-k-kissed me?! What the hell?! And I was over here trying to hold myself back!

[Kaneki: "T-this is what you wanted, right? I-I can read you like a book, Eto."]

I leapt back, embarassed from the sudden contact. My face was filled with red.

[Eto: "T-that was... my first kiss... you idiot..."]

Kaneki sat up, blushing, and touched his lips.

[Kaneki: "W-well, it was mine too, so be grateful, okay?"]

We both sat apart from each other awkwardly.

[Eto: "...How am I supposed to tease you if you do things like this before I can even make my move?"]

[Kaneki: "You're just gonna have to attack faster, then. I won't let you get a hit in so easi-"]

I grabbed Kaneki by the collar and pressed my lips against his. Unlike before, it wasn't a simple peck. We remained in this position for a bit longer.

...So enlightening. This is what a real kiss is like. I better embrace this feeling.

Kaneki pulled away first, gasping for air.

He looked lightheaded and his face was as red as a strawberry.

[Kaneki: "I-I knew you were going to do something like that! D-dammit!"]

I smiled and looked at Kaneki's eyes with contempt.

[Eto: "I guess you're going to have to think faster, Kaneki..."]

Chapter 8 ~ Perception

END