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The following is a fan-based

FICTION

Tokyo Ghoul, Tokyo Ghoul Root A and Tokyo Ghoul:re and other products related to the TG Series are all owned by Sui Ishida, Shin Towada and Shueisha.

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Interlude 22 – Second Degree Plotting

Arima sighed tiredly as he finished removing the last piece of light armor from his body. The small 'secret' room within the general armory was meant to be filled with the top-grade equipment that was produced by the CCG. Sometimes it also had some prototypes that have been barely tested on a safe environment and needed further verification through action in the field.

It was how he ended up discovering the potential of IXA back when it was first introduced to him. The powerful Quinque was indeed one of the few rare specimens that was viable for deadly instances. Sadly enough, it was also very difficult to use on close range despite it having some potential in that department too. The real issue was being the weight and how unstable its form was in its composite frame. Something that for now Arima had solved through including a blade as swift and stable as Narukami. A deadly combo that in the hands of some common investigator could end up to waste due to the weight and natural discomfort of using two Quinques so similar.

His mind returned to the action at hand. Tiredly closing the locker with his things, Kishou spared a brief look to the rest of his team. All of them were half-humans just like him, siblings from the same father and his concubines. Some were really young, even younger than when he first started being an investigator. It was only for the 'best' that they were introduced to the field as quickly as possible. It was an upsetting circumstance since the young men and women weren't completely familiar with the lifestyle behind the job and they would usually follow his guidance rather than act on their own. One mistake, one slip up about him forgetting to lead them around, and there would have been a possible death.

And as much as Arima was familiar with death, that didn't mean he was completely immune to it. Especially when it was those members of his family that he could relate to and understand. There were so many instances of the younger siblings looking up at him when it came to specific situations they weren't accustomed to. It was like handling a large group of deadly ducklings that still didn't know how to properly kill hiding Ghouls and coming up with good plans. This wasn't ideal for multiple reasons.

Not only it made it clear to him that they were sent to him like this just so he could be the one teaching them his own understanding of this 'war', but also it reminded him that they weren't meant to rule anything. Their mindset was too conditioned to be submissive to commanding officers, especially those that were highly regarded by the Washuu Clan as a whole. They were unable to form individual thoughts that could even minimally threaten the stability of their plans.

It was during these thoughts tied to what unfolded during the latest mission that one idea started to take form. An idea that was beneficial for many sides, especially his own. It came from the detail that someone like his current subordinates, Hairu to be specific, was someone that enjoyed a pleasant learning into modern traditions and societal elements that their normal education within the Sunlit Garden didn't offer. Something learned through experience and just enough assistance from others in case of misunderstandings. In his mind, that was a brilliant plan. So brilliant that he didn't hesitate to bring it up to the director, the elder Washuu listening and growing fascinated by the concept itself.

"And you believe this would increase their efficiency, Kishou?" The old man inquired with an intrigued look, giving off the clue that he was invested in this proposal for some reason.

"While their performances are impressive, they lack a solid grasp over the need to put individual effort when their leader is distracted, occupied, or even unavailable for a reason or another," The white-haired young man brought up. "Their true potential is hindered behind a painfully excessive amount of submission to a chain of command, one that isn't as extended and stretched to accommodate with ease their steps during the time spent on the field."

"Yet you would entertain the idea of just one individual being behind this entire operation. I suppose there is a good enough reason behind this or I might not lend you my son-in-law."

I don't recall Kaizo marrying Rize just yet.

Arima didn't ask, but he thought about this comeback. It wouldn't be the first time that he had to endure this kind of deflection, especially since Tsuneyoshi seemed particularly eager about that very event. He didn't question it, merely didn't see how being obsessed by it could help in any way to this situation.

"He has experience and has already helped one to attain a higher grade of understanding of this job," Kishou explained with a nod. "Plus, he is loyal and knows the truth, so there are no risks of sabotage on his part."

"That is quite a fair share of points. I feel like we could proceed with this plan, yes," The elder agreed with a nod. "But this also raises a point I really wished to discuss with you, Kishou."

Arima frowned, but nodded and remained quiet as he waited for what other plan the old man was interested in.

"You see, in recent months I had the chance of… finding something interesting about your sister, Hairu. While she and Kaizo are friendly with one another, I also couldn't help but notice that she harbors feelings that expand beyond mere friendship. I would like to know your opinion on the chances of Kaizo actually being accepting or not of a polygamous relationship."

And as soon as he brought this argument up, the White Reaper felt a deep stab that pierced through his mask. A tiny scowl briefly flashed, one that was spotted by the elder by the clever look he took the moment he noticed it. There was no doubt that this was something he had expected, especially with how tied his son was to the other siblings. Especially the pinkette.

"I doubt he would be open to this."

"And yet I believe Rize would. Because as much as a Ghoul she might be, she still inherited some of the interest within the practice," Tsuneyoshi pointed out. "I had the chance of having some trustworthy agents bring me some bits of her search history."

For several good reasons, Kishou could only tense up at the evidence that the old man was bringing up. He wasn't completely familiar with the term itself, but he was well aware that many didn't like to have their 'search history' leaked to the public or to those they weren't in good relations with.

"She tried to find good points to initiate a relationship between three or four people. As far as I'm concerned this is a sign that she has noticed this herself and has taken action to adapt and accept the development instead of finding it a challenge to her claim," The elder pressed on. "In fact, I would believe that would be the best route for Hairu considering how troublesome her life would turn into in case she didn't find such a good candidate as a husband."

I can't just… Why is this even a thing between us?

One day Arima was going to think about these conversations and be glad that the director had died and wouldn't have been able to cause them any issues about this kind of stress. As much as the White Reaper wanted to refuse that point of view, it would be foolish of him to expect this to be debatable. Hairu didn't have high chances of survival without medical efforts that only the Washuu clan could dispense. Her and the rest of the half-humans. He was long gone, but the others could be saved. All because Tsuneyoshi had allowed a benevolent element to enter the chessboard and be set in a position where many things could be changed for good.

Of course to a price, one that Kishou had yet to really comprehend due to the attention Kaizo was getting from multiple sides. He was a connecting point for so many factions here in Tokyo, some of which were incredibly dangerous and eager to hurt him one way or another.

Hopefully he could grant him as much assistance as possible. There was no way he was going to allow his family's ticket to safety to be killed by the ambitions of V and the obsession from Eto.

AN

Arima is setting up some interesting cases. It would seem that Kaizo is about to level up as a 'babysitter'. Expects lots of half-human 'ducklings' trying to understand the world around them and… unconsciously stopping a massive plot from unfolding.

Also Tsuneyoshi started getting confident about his matchmaking skill. Hairu wouldn't be sure if she should be happy or not for the unexpected help 'from above'.

REVIEW Q&A!

Danielhaywoodsnow: I believe you should read Juuzou's wiki page because I believe he can't share any girls with him. Just check why and 'if' that happens, then it should be fine. Just trust me and check on his background.