Chapter 8

Inspection

"Ng..." her eyes blinked several times, "Kaneki?"

Rize didn't find anyone sleeping beside her. She was looking to the window to check the time. It was still bright out there, she must have slept only for a moment. Rize glanced towards the digital clock on the bed side where she also put her glasses in front of it.

"4:13? I slept that long?" she asked to herself as if she has awaken from her 100 years of hibernation.

The ghoul saw a white shirt was lying on her side. It wasn't her size, so she knew right away it was the same shirt which her man wore.

"He left it here on purpose, that Ken..." Smiling to herself, Rize wore it and grabbed herself a new underwear. The violet haired ghoul didn't bother to pick up her glasses and just left it on the table.

Rize came out from the bed room, searching for her loved one. Yet she didn't see him in the living room where they had a conversation with Yamori this morning. The kitchen was also empty, and there was no sound of running water from the bathroom. Rize began to think where on earth was he going.

Then she remembered that usually at this time Kaneki would be upstairs in the training room.

The ghoul walked to the white stairs, hoping to hear a slightest sound. As she walked further, her ears caught the sound of punching and kicking. Immediately she knew that Kaneki was training himself with a sandbag as always.

Her conclusion was being proofed when she finally saw the man inside was doing what she exactly thought. Behind the clear glass, the room was only filled with a single sandbag, treadmill, and weight lifting. Feeling excited to greet him, Rize opened the glass door.

"Hey."

The training ghoul stopped his workout to see his awaken lover.

"Hey, Rize," he greeted back with a smile, "How was your sleep?"

"Good. I slept longer than I thought." Rize glanced over Kaneki's sweaty topless body. She felt butterflies inside her stomach again. "You left this shirt on purpose, didn't you?" She asked in amused tone.

Kaneki gave an awkward chuckle then he did something he rarely does, scratching his chin. "No I didn't."

Rize scoffed and shook her head. She knew all too well about Kaneki's habit. The young man would probably lie whenever he scratched his chin with his left hand. He did that several times in the past, until Rize could read him like a book.

"Don't lie to me, idiot. The shirt was obviously left there. I know when you're lying," Rize then stepped forward, closing her distance between the white haired ghoul, "I have known you for 7 years after all." she added.

The young man smiled. He felt sort of comfortable with that sentence. Maybe for knowing that the woman in front of him was the only one who could understand him the most and would always stand by her side.

Kaneki brought up his hand to pat on Rize's head. He didn't say anything, instead he kept on smiling. Yet it looked like the other party didn't seem to be quite amused.

"Stop that. I'm older than you, you know?" Rize pouted yet she didn't get rid of his sweaty hand. In fact she didn't feel disgusted at all.

"But I'm taller than you." Kaneki countered with a smirk. The Binge Eater got irked in return.

The white haired ghoul turned back to continue his training. When he turned around, Rize saw the red centipede tattoo on his back again. She already saw it this morning. Yet looking at that tattoo never failed to bring her mind back to the past.

"I want to use tattoo as Mukade's identity." said Kaneki as he played with a certain eerie arthropod. He didn't afraid of it nor feel disgusted. Even the centipede itself found comfort in his palm.

"Tattoo?" Rize asked, "I thought we could just use some sort of an identity card." she indirectly giving recommendation.

"Or badge?" Itori voiced her thought. Not that she wanted to wear one, but a badge would do.

"I have also thought about that but I think it's not very effective." the centipede began to crawl towards the white haired ghoul's arm.

"Why?" A big ghoul with long grey hair couldn't help his curiosity.

"Yomo-kun, could it be that you want an ID card?" A light voice called his name. The man was using a lot of piercings on his face.

"A tattoo would be frais, I believe." Tsukiyama agreed by using his usual french for 'cool'.

Yamori suddenly groaned as he cracked his neck a little bit, "Your foreign language really annoys me, fucking Gourmet. Stop acting all classy and neat." he complained. The other parties now reverted their attention toward those two giant ghouls.

Tsukiyama obviously got irked. His mouth widely smirked with a very unamused feeling, "Oh my, Monsieur Jason. It seems like you are looking for another fight with me, hm?" his words began to get menacing. The other parties could feel that The Gourmet was serious with his provocation. Since the first time the two S rated ghouls met, they had never really get along with each other.

On the opposite, Yamori amusedly grinned. "Bring it on. I'm pretty bored right now, actually. If you lose, I'll take your arm for my meal this week." the blonde ghoul snapped his finger deliberately, indicating that he was serious to spill some blood.

The atmosphere began to get tensed. Both ghouls were sharply staring at each other, digging daggers inside each other eyes. Just when they were about to clash their kagune, a cold voice stopped them.

"Tsukiyama, Yamori. I believe we were in the middle of a discussion. Do you want me to punish you both for interrupting us with your stupid argument and your indirect attempt to destroy this building?" the leader of the group threatened coldly. He wasn't kidding, he was dead serious. Even Yomo could tell that the younger ghoul would unleashed his kagune with no hesitation.

Tsukiyama suddenly flinched over the threat. However, Yamori only clicked his tongue. The blonde ghoul hid his little uneasiness with a snarl.

"Seriously you both. It's not even 15 minutes yet and you've already trying to kill each other." Rize saif follow with a sigh.

Knowing better than to argue more, Tsukiyama calmed himself as he faked a cough. "My most sincere apology, Kaneki-kun." he said as politely as possible.

Kaneki gave the purple haired ghoul a cold stare, "It wasn't entirely your fault." yet being a little considerate. Now the young ghoul's onyx eyes changed their gaze toward the blonde one, "Yamori. Stop being such a bastard. Also, if you're bored, then bear with it. You don't have any choice but to listen." Kaneki ordered sternly. He didn't have to put 'or else' in the end of his sentence to let the said ghoul know what would happened if he disobeyed.

Yamori who stayed unfaze by Kaneki's warning only groaned and sat back to his small seat. The man tried to make up his mess by giving his opinion for once, "I agree with tattoo. If you use ID card or badge, it would be easily replicated or stolen. That's what you think, isn't it?"

Uta who seemed calm throughout the small fight nodded in agreement. "That's right. Tattoo embedded in your skin and won't go anywhere. If Kaneki-kun decided on tattoo, then I'm willing to provide Mukade with my tattooing skill." Uta kindly offered. He was actually excited to show his skill as an artist. He would certainly be proud if every members have his original tattoo.

Kaneki smiled a little, which was a pretty rare sight. "I appreciate that, Uta. And Yamori is right. That's why I decided on tattoo." The leader took the crawling red centipede on his arm by its tail and swayed it in the air like a pendulum.

"Since our organization is named 'Mukade', then the tattoo will have to be a mukade (centipede) as well," Kaneki stopped swaying the arthropod and put it back on his right palm, "The style is up to you. It can also be drawn anywhere, as long as it's still a centipede." suddenly the young man's face lifted up, "Oh yeah, add the member's number on it too."

Rize smiled with a satisfied feeling, "I think that's a good idea. I agree with this." said the 21 years old ghoul as she turned to glance around every other members in the room.

The others also agreed by nodding or said 'me too' except Yamori who was just grudgingly stayed on his chair. Kaneki generally took it as a yes.

"Then it's decided. Uta, I'll make sure I pay you for your service." Kaneki said with reassuring eyes. He didn't like to owe anyone. It was also only fair to reward the pale, slender man for his skill.

Uta chuckled and gave the leader a kind smile in return. "Well, I wanted to volunteer but if that's what you want then... Thank you, Kaneki-kun." his unchanging black eyes didn't make his face any less kinder.

"Rize?"

A manly voice snapped her out of her past memory. Rize jerked up her head just to find Kaneki who was looming over her with a confused face.

"Are you okay? You suddenly went silent."

Rize blinked her eyes two times. It took seconds for her to realize that he was still in the gym.

"Ah... No, nevermind me. I was daydreaming." The Binge Eater said reassuring as she scratched her cheek awkwardly.

The young man raised one of his white eyebrow. He knew something was off, but he decided to just let it slide. The One Eyed patted his lover's head and leaned his face closer to kiss her forehead.

"Why don't you brew some coffee? I'm still staying for awhile." The young man said as he dragged his way back to the sandbag. He wanted to train his punches more.

"Do you want me to make another cup for you?" Rize didn't forget to offer before she left the room.

"No thanks. I'll get the canned one in the fridge." Kaneki replied. His body was picking up the boxing stance.

Rize nodded even though she knew her lover couldn't see her. So she left the gym room and went down to the kitchen.

The leader made three consecutive punches, followed with a hard kick. Every forces held his resolution for getting stronger, the will for not losing to anybody. The drips of sweat fallen from his bangs and white skin, yet it didn't make him stop his movement.

Suddenly a ringtone was ringing aloud. Grudgingly Kaneki stopped his training yet he was curious who would call him at this hour. The young man went to the blue bench where he put his towel, drink, and smartphone.

Kaneki took the phone and saw the caller's name.

"Banjou?"

The sweaty black nailed thumb swiped over the screen and Kaneki brought up the phone to his ear.

"Better be important." Kaneki cut to the chase.

"Leader, I'm so sorry but this is urgent. We need your help." The heavy voice from the other line seemed panic but it tried to control itself. This managed to pique Kaneki's interest.

"What happen?" compared to his last voice this time the leader sounded more serious.

"Me and Nishiki are currently in the Onikisu of 15th ward. There are two third-class Doves here."

"Yeah, so what? It's not rare for us to have Dove customers."

"No, it's just... they want to do a thorough inspection inside. The manager already told them that we don't want to but they insist. They said it's the order from CCG." Banjou paused, "What should we do, Kaneki-san? If we do anything reckless then..."

Kaneki sighed. How could there be a problem at 4 PM? The leader hated to be disturbed at this hour until 6. It was his precious break time.

"I get what you mean. If you kill them, Onikisu would be suspected." The white haired ghoul paused, thinking for a solution. Apparently something brilliant came up to his brain. "I'll go there. Tell them the owner will come himself."

"Huh!? But you said you wouldn't show your face ever to the Doves yet!?" Banjou asked frantically. What his leader said to him was unexpected.

"I know. But as I said this morning, it's almost time. This is also a great chance for my plan." the white-head picked up the bottle on the bench. "Leave it to me. Tell them to wait."

With that Kaneki hung up without giving Banjou any chance to reply back. The ghoul threw away the towel, put the phone inside his pocket, and drank the mineral water inside the bottle as he walked.

The white-head went down the stairs. Rize was there still with Kaneki's shirt and naked legs. She was busy brewing the coffee and really took her time to make a perfect one.

Kaneki went straight to his bedroom, going to the closet. There were lines of different fashion categories, but most of them were suits. The leader grabbed the the silk grey colored one. For such a short time the white-head changed himself with the full suit. Usually he would wear the matching tie, but this time he was too lazy to wear it. However being a half business man he was, Kaneki would never forget to wear his watch.

The leader stood in front of the mirror, looking at himself from head to toe. He was sure that he looked neat and professional. However, the man didn't forget to take the most crucial part of his looks.

"Where's my eyepatch?" he asked to himself.

Too lazy to take the white one he didn't even know where, Kaneki took another eyepatch he stored inside the drawer. The color was black and only have one string so he had to tied it behind his head.

"Let's go."

When Kaneki went outside the bedroom, Rize was seen sitting over the bar while reading 'Black Goat and White Wolf'. Kaneki approached her from the back and touched her shoulder.

"I'm going out for awhile."

Rize turned her head over to her right, "Huh? Where are you going?" confusion took over her. Just know Kaneki was training, but he suddenly wanted to go somewhere?

"Banjou called. Something urgent coming up in 15th ward," Kaneki let the reading ghoul's shoulder go and went to the fridge, "I'll be back before 6." he took one of 20 cans of coffee and closed the fridge back.

"Something urgent? Should I go with you?" Rize offered without closing her book. Truthfully she wanted to accompany him but she knew she wouldn't be necessary. Her lover didn't tell her anything beforehand.

"No need. It's something I need to take care alone." before he go the young man went over to his lover first, "Call me if something happen okay? But I know you can take care of yourself." he gave his lover's lips a quick chaste kiss.

"Mm, I understand. Take care." Rize said, giving the young man her sweet smile.

With that Kaneki disappeared to the corridor and the sound of opened door was heard. It closed again, and Rize was sure she was the only one in the house.

The Binge Eater sighed, she felt a sudden boredom. The book in front of her was in the part where things were the least interesting.

"...It has been 5 days. Should I go out?" suddenly her stomach released a grumbling sound. The woman smiled wickedly.

"Ah... Kaneki wouldn't get mad if I leave the house for awhile right?"

Kaneki was in his way to the 15th ward. He was driving on 80km/h speed. The young man didn't want to make his dear investigators waiting. He intended to make things done fast.

When his eye was focusing on the road, something caught up his mind.

"Now that I think about it... CCG had never inspected Onikisu before..." Kaneki clicked his tongue in confusion, "Why would they inspect my café now? Do they also do it in another branch?"

With the questions hanging in his mind, Kaneki drove a little bit faster to the location.

The leader had finally arrived in a short time. He parked his black ford right in front of the building. The young man opened the door and stepped out of the vehicle. His usual black loafers reflected the sunlight. Every passerby who saw him already got the impression of a rich, charismatic man.

Banjou and Nishiki were seen in front of the stairs. It seemed like they have already waited for the boss' arrival.

Banjou opened his mouth to greet him, "Kane-" but he was cut off by Nishiki's light elbow punch to the big ghoul's ribs which didn't feel light at all.

"Shintaro-san." Nishiki stressed the name, "Don't slip out, dammit. He just reminded you 15 minutes ago!" Banjou rubbed his ribs a little and nodded awkwardly.

Kaneki sighed, "That is my name that I always use for introduction with humans and filling necessary forms, so don't forget it, Banjou." the white-head walked pass through his two allies.

"R-roger!" The big ghoul felt guilty and embarrassed. Nevertheless he and the brunette one followed their leader from behind like bodyguards.

When the three ghouls walked inside, the cool air hit their faces gently. The mixture of white, black, and brown furniture gave the authentic colors of Onikisu. The presence of Kaneki Ken made all of the customers turned their heads around from their companions and their cup of coffee.

"Why are they staring at you all of a sudden?" Nishiki raised his eye brow, feeling uncomfortable. It wasn't like he hated them for staring at his leader. Nishiki just didn't like Kaneki to that extend, unlike Banjou. But he figured that probably the eyepatch was the magnet.

"Ignore them. Where are the investigators?" said Kaneki shoving off the unimportant subject as he looked around searching for his two enemies.

"So you really come. You must be Shintaro Tetsuya-san, Onikisu's owner."

Kaneki heard his fake full name was called. Two older men who were wearing white trench jacket and carrying silver briefcase stood tall in front of him.

Playing a part of his role as a business man, Kaneki gave the two elder his fake comforting smile that looked honest. "Yes, I am Shintaro Tetsuya. It is nice to meet you, gentlemen." Kaneki said introducing himself professionally. The way he spoke emits the aura of a leader.

The man with glasses tried to ignore the fact that the man who stood in front him was wearing an eyepatch. For him it was a pretty rare sight, and he was sure his companion felt the same. "Nice to meet you too, Shintaro-san. I am CCG's 3rd rank investigator, Eiichiro Aoba, and he is 3rd rank Yuzuha Kaito." said Eiichiro as he introduced his shorter friend beside him.

Kaneki, still with his charming smile, led the two Doves to the nearest table. "I see. Eiichiro-san, Yuzuha-san, I am sure we have a talk to do. So if you would like, please sit here." truthfully he wanted to cut both of their heads right here right now. But it wouldn't be a very smart move.

The two investigators nodded. They followed the man to the a brown wooden square table and sat side to side.

When they had got comfortable, Kaneki started first with a small talk. He tried to be an ideal entrepreneur in front of them.

"So, I heard from my two supervisors that you both are going to inspect my café?" Kaneki asked with no grudge in his tone. "I believe that this is the first time this ever happened. CCG had never attempted to inspect Onikisu café before." the white-head rested his arms over the table, leaned his body closer and put on a serious look on his face.

Eiichiro nodded, "Yes, you are right Shintaro-san. As we know, Onikisu is a popular café around Tokyo since 4 years ago. The upper ups should've inspect this café since 2 years ago. It's just that we haven't got a chance to do it." The blonde man pulled out a piece of paper from the inside of his trench coat, "This is our permission. We have already talked to the manager but she said she couldn't do it." he stated while giving the paper to Kaneki's reach.

The other man named Yuzuha finally talked for the first time. "It's stated there, if you don't want to cooperate then CCG will blacklist Onikisu and it's branches, plus you will be under level 2 suspicion."

Kaneki looked at the paper below his eyes with no interest at all. Honestly he wouldn't really care if CCG put them under suspicion. It was almost the time for Mukade to revealed themselves anyway. But he secretly thanked that Yuzuha guy for telling him what's the paper said. The white head was too lazy to read it.

Kaneki only nodded in understanding. His mind already trailed off to something aside this inspection. Something more important for Mukade.

"Before that, if you don't mind me asking," Kaneki put another smile and showed his polished manner of speaking, "Things have been going uproar lately for you isn't it?" Kaneki suprassed his will for smirking, "I've seen the news. CCG's bases are being raided by an unknown group of ghouls... Is it okay to do this while you're busy?"

Hearing that question, Eiichiro used his middle finger to adjust the bridge of his glasses. He appeared to be unfazed by the question. The same applied to his companion.

"You may be right. However this inspection is an order from the upper ups. We do not know anything else and obeyed. Me and Yuzuha are from the 5th division of 21st base."

"21st? I see... I guess we need a change of plan then..." Kaneki mused.

Yuzuha continued the explanation, "The main base is busy taking care of the problem. Inspecting coffee shops is part of their plan for preventing any further ambush. So they ordered the 21st base to inspect Onikisu and it's branches first."

Kaneki laughed a bit to melt the heavy atmosphere, "Ahaha, is that because ghouls can only drink coffee aside from water?"

"That's correct. It's surprising for you to know around that much." Eiichiro replied. Kaneki could feel a sudden suspicion from the glassesed man. But the white head remained calm naturally.

"I've seen a show about ghouls. This one old man with thick mustache who knows a lot about it said that ghouls can't eat human foods and drinks except coffee and water." Kaneki said nonchalantly and assuring. Honestly the white head didn't like that old hag too much. He acted like he knows everything and constantly mocking the ghouls.

Kaneki decided to end the coversation already. His eyes glanced at the watch, it was 4:45. "I think I have given those two enough time to secure everything."

Kaneki lifted up his head, showing the investigators his smile, "Alright gentlemen. You may inspect our café. Please come this way." the leader stood up from his seat, making the two Doves also did the same.

The manager of the 15th branch stood near the door that lead towards the inner room where staffs stay and the ingredients stored.

As Kaneki and the two investigators finally stood near her, the manager opened the door for them.

"Take your time. When you're done the manager will take you to the second floor." Kaneki said to the two Doves.

"Are you going somewhere, Shintaro-san?" Yuzuha asked the owner. Secretely he hoped he sounded polite enough.

Kaneki gave the shorter investigator his another one of his fake smile, "Yes I am. I have someone waiting for me at home. I apologize but I will entrust everything to her. Is that alright..." The white head trailed his eyes towards the small golden name pin on the manager's chest, "...Yukari-san?".

The manager who obviously was a ghoul nodded her head, "Of course, Shintaro-san. I will make sure that everything goes well." Yukari replied with full respect.

Eiichiro and Yuzuha looked at each other, reassuring themselves that it was okay. So they both went inside the room without the owner following them.

Kaneki turned his head around to meet the manager's eyes. Finally he got the chance to talk.

"Where is Banjou and Nishiki?" he asked simply, demanding a quick answer.

"Banjou-sama and Nishio-sama are currently waiting outside, sir."

"Are you sure they have taken out the classified documents and the invitation cards?"

"Yes, Kaneki-sama. I have already re-checked everything."

"Good. By the way, Yukari." The manager startled when her last name was called without any honority. She was kind of scared, afraid if she did anything wrong. But that's just how Kaneki adressed everyone, showing his authority as the highest.

"Yes, Kaneki-sama?" Yukari managed to control her stuttering.

"Don't call me 'Kaneki-sama'. I prefer 'Kaneki-san'. I thought everyone knew that already." Kaneki reproved. However, it still sounded scary in Yukari's ears.

"I-I'm sorry... It's just that.. I don't find it appropiate to call you that way, Kaneki-sa-"

"-san." Once again the scared manager startled by her leader's interruption. "Whatever you say, but I don't like to be called 'Kaneki-sama'. This is an order. Have I made myself clear?" Kaneki ordered as he looked sharply towards the other pair of pink eyes.

Yukari gulped down and nervously nodded her head, "C-crystal clear... Kaneki...san."

With that Kaneki found no more problems. Truthfully he didn't intend to intimidate the innocent manager with his demand. She only wanted to fully respect him and Kaneki understood that. However, the leader really found it uncomfortable when someone called him that way. It made him feel like a total tyrant because Kaneki was still a civilized man. He wouldn't decide on a decision without discussing it first with his most trusted member, except if it was an absolute order. But that attitude only applied to the Mukade members, though.

The young man walked outside the café still with the other customers' eyes trailing him. However, he paid it no attention. He walked towards the back of the store where there was a car parked outside.

Banjou and Nishiki were already wating there. The two ghouls who were leaning their backs on the car's door got back to stand properly after they saw the leader's figure.

"Where do you guys put it?" Kaneki asked as he approached them.

"Inside here, in the back seat." answered Nishiki with his thumb pointing back at the window.

"Have you told the all other branches to also do the same, Banjou?"

Banjou nodded, "Yes, I have. It seemed like they managed before us. They knew what to do. But um..." the sturdy ghoul hesitated.

Kaneki squinted his eye, "What is it?" His tone was more stressed than when he asked the store's manager to adressed him differently.

"U-uh... Onikisu in the 21st ward threw the invitation cards and the secret documents into a fireplace. They burnt them..."

Kaneki gave an 'are you kidding me' face in return. "...It doesn't really matter. I can just ask the manager about the report. It couldn't be help anyway. They are the closest with the base who's in charge of all this."

Nishiki raised his brown eyebrows after he heard that, "In charge? So that base is the only one who send their divisions for inspecting Onikisu?"

"Yes. Those two doves said it to me. Anyway, bring those documents to our mainbase and sort out everything tomorrow." Kaneki ordered as he turned on his loafers and walked towards his own car that was parked in front of the café.

"Roger." Nishiki and Banjou obliged at the same time.

The clicked sound of open door was the only thing that Kaneki heard. When he got inside, he called his lover's name, but he received no answers.

"Where is she...?" he asked to himself.

The TV was turned off. Her cup of coffee was still there not being washed. Kaneki decided to call the missing ghoul.

"She better pick up..."

Then the leader heard a familiar sound coming from the living room. When he followed the sound, he found Rize's ringing handphone was left there on the couch.

"Damn," Kaneki pulled away his phone from his ear, "where is she? How could she left her phone here?"

Kaneki decided to just grab another cold can of capuccino in the fridge. That was when he realized that there was a yellow note attached on the fridge's door.

I'm eating, honey. Will be back at night. Enjoy your lame small dinner!

Kaneki let out a bitter laugh.

"She is still The Binge Eater indeed."

I am so sorry for the long update. School and lack of determination haunted me! I had final exam this week and yeah, finally got the chance to finish this chapter today. Enjoy!

And btw... TOKYO GHOUL:RE CHAPTER 7 KILLED ME OUT OF EXCITEMENT. DAYUUUM~~~