Tick. Tick. Tick.

Each moment in the cafe felt like an eternity. The peaceful atmosphere that was once accustomed had been filled with uneasy tension. Ghouls heard rumors that the CCG was coming in search of the One-Eyed Owl, but it was just that.

A rumor.

Without solid facts many continued their hunts unaware of the future that waits before them. In the end, a quiet ward would be a resonant war-zone. Tarnishing the lives of the many that lived and will live in this ward in particular.

Later times at Antieku are usually uneventful with very few guest. Ring. The door's bell ringing brought Yoshimura from his wandering mind. An investigator, one that would sometimes come to the cafe with a young partner. It reminded him of what could have been, but never was. Nonetheless, he has a customer and would greet him like any other.

"The usual?" Yoshimura offered to the large investigator decisively searching for any clues as to why he is here.

Shinohara smiles feigning ignorance to the elder man's personality, " Yes I would enjoy that." The process in which he carefully created the coffee is one of wonder. Each step finally tune and fluid as if he has done this a thousand times before. Which led to s liquid that could warm your soul if you asked any of the regular occupants.

Silence maintained a momentary hold over the cafe, as the elderly man performed his work of art. "What makes your coffee so good?" Breaking the unnerving tension between the two factions as Yoshimura sits his cup before him.

With a smile placid on his face. Yoshimura answered, " I treat each bean with care. Allowing for any less than perfect beans to shine to a greater extent. You see, any high quality bean can be awful and any less than great bean can be good. Your touch determines the outcome not the bean's quality alone. Blending these factors together you can create a tasteful beverage."

The explanation made Shinohara think of his own charge, Juuzou. The boy was far from perfect, but with a good family he could be happier. At least, that what he hoped would happen for the young boy.

Finishing his coffee and standing up to pay for the drink. He is cut off as the manager speaks, " No need to pay. It is on the house." His smile never leaving as he declined the payment.

"You are kind old man. Maybe one day I can bring my family here to have lunch. However, business calls and I must be on my way. Thank you for the coffee." Shinohara promptly departs from the cafe his suspicions all but confirmed. The man was a ghoul, but he needed to tell Marude his thoughts on this manner.

Dim lights of Antieku spear the darkness, as night takes hold.

Kaneki's attitude has slightly grown better according to Eto. He was more than willing to kill and cannibalize without the fear holding him back. She enjoyed it when he was bloody. According to her, he is "A mouthwatering snack." Nonetheless, his anticipation of the 20th wards inevitably raid worried him immensely. Facial features portrayed this worry quite clearly as he trained with Eto.

Speaking of Eto, she had been acting strange lately. Going to the bathroom more often than not and eating more human food caused him to be worried. Yet, when he asked she said "It was just a woman thing and nothing to worry about."

Not raising the question further, Kaneki decided to let her be. If it was important she would tell him... he hoped anyway. Eto was his wildcard always doing the unexpected, so why should this be any different?

He has more troubling things to ponder about and how things are going to go against the CCG. The 20th Ward will be a battleground between Aogori, CCG, and Antieku. Factions waring in the depths of Tokyo and he would be apart of it. For the sake of his friends and Eto he will fight through till the very end...

Eto's frame all but rigid as she lays on the bed peacefully with soft snores. If you had ask him would this be his life currently? He would have disagreed whole heartedly, maybe in another life. But, in this one. He will achieve what needs to be done and will move forward like a centipede.

Shinohara's demeanor was far from serious all the time, yet in this moment he is deadly serious. Discussing the potential location of the Owl's location and planning for an attack on the 20th Ward. No joking matter indeed.

Ituski Marude, Division 2 commander, listened in on Shinohara's gut feeling about the Owl. The details would need be precise and accurate if they have any hopes on defeating the Owl once and for all.

"Are you certain that this old man could be the One-Eyed Owl?" Marude asked again for a third time trying to wash away any uncertainty.

"Marude, I am certain that this man is the famous ghoul. He has a certain air around him, that just screams out at me. I'm not one with all the science facts and knowledge, but I can say for certain that I have met him before," Shinohara expresses from his seated position. The disinterested facial expression on Ituski said it all. Was it really worth the time to go check on a feeble old man and his shop?

"I'll inform Yoshitoki and see when we can prepare for the operation. If it is successful lets have a drink on me of course." Itsuki laughs as he sips the alcohol from his shot glass.

"Thank you Marude, but I will have to hold you to that another time. It is late and I should be headed home to my family," Shinohara politely declines as he exits the room leaving Ituski to his drinking.

Watching his comrade leave, Ituski sighs and contemplates on how they will handle this situation effectively. The clock reads 11:59, so the night is young and he would drink it away until tomorrow.

Yoshimura admires the night sky enjoying the silence that entraps him. However, that silence is broken as multiple fingers appear before him on the balcony.

"Old friend, how have you been?" The leader of the mysterious bunch speaks.

"Have you finally come to dispose of me... Kaiko?" Yoshimura looks at the man with an absence of emotions.

The newly revealed Kaiko leans on Yoshimura a smile gracing his face, " There would be a lot of us if we had come to kill you. Nonetheless, are we not good friends after all? So, I'm here to ask you... where is the brat?"

"What do you mean?" Curiosity escaping Yoshimura's mouth as he questions his former friend.

"Do not play stupid with me Kuzen... The One-Eyed Owl, your brat. Her existence alone is a betrayal of V that you have created. And the organization, Aogiri Tree, is ruining the equilibrium that we have had in place."

I will not tell you anything.

Yoshimura stayed silent through the discourse opting to listen.

"This is your last warning Kuzen. Give us your child and pled loyalty to V. This is your only way to continue survival," Kaiko solemnly stated.

"I do not know of an One-Eyed Owl, although you can check elsewhere for such an accusation. And I have no child to speak of." Yoshimura's statement angered Kaiko as he tipped his fedora.

"So be it... Die Kuzen. You are a bird in a bird cage and there is no escape." Kaiko and the other figures disappear from the balcony.

Yoshimura continues his stargazing, while pondering on his actions. That's why I am floundering like this.

A lone star shimmers almost as if it were a signal to a better future...