"The Keeper reigns supreme! But Old friends have arrived?"
The two brothers Hanzo and Tashi help Kaneki unsteadily to his feet, the wound in his chest already healed over and he could feel the Rc Cells begin to flow through his body again. "What?... How is this possible? My whole body is a Kakahou I don't understand…" Hanzo grins and gives Kaneki a pat on the back. "For someone who's as much of a badass as you you're surprisingly oblivious. Humans and Ghouls have Rc Cells in their bodies whether they have a Kakahou or not. Your Rc factor is insanely high, so your body literally made a new Kakahou…"
Doctor Li steps forward with Tashi and Lord Ebara. He shakes Kaneki's hand profusely. "You left China without us ever having the chance to thank you for all that you did. You saved the Sanctuary, Zero". Ebara, not one to be outdone cleared his throat. "Indeed. The Council thanks you for your efforts, Ken Kaneki… The One Eyed King…" to the surprise of Li and Hanzo, and Kaneki himself, The Leader of the Sanctuary, joined by Tashi and the other Sentinels drop to their knees, silently swearing fealty to his cause.
"Ebara-san, Tashi-san. I am not the kind of King that asks to be bowed to. But I am glad you're here…" His voice had taken on its usual confidence. He was shaken but fear could be overcome. A plan was formulating inside his mind. He looks up into the buildings around them. "Clowns! I know you're there. Come to me!" On cue, Uta, Roma, Itori and Nico leap out of the windows and land gracefully in front of Kaneki, bowing mockingly. "We did what you ordered us to Ken Kaneki. It seems you have failed…"
Kaneki shakes his head. "This has only served to lower the Keeper's guard. Right now he thinks he's won, he thinks that I won't dare move against him again and that even now I lay dead. He thinks that the One Eyed King is the Kakahou in his hands. And he's right. I won't move against him yet. You will". Uta frowns, his single Kakugan narrowing in suspicion. "What do you mean us? What will you be doing?" Kaneki looks to the south and sighs. "I still have someone I need to meet one last time…" Uta suddenly realises what's going to happen and he nods mutedly. "If that's what you have decided… then fine. We'll continue on ahead and clear out the revived Ghouls inside". With that the Clowns move off inside the lobby of Hakka Tower, loud crashing noises ensuing from the building as soon as the One Eyed make their entrance.
Kaneki turns back to the Sanctuary Ghouls and smiles. "You may have just made the difference in saving this world ladies and gentlemen. Are you willing to fight for me? To die if necessary?" As one the assembled force of over 300 Sentinels snap to attention and cry out "The King's word is law! We shall obey!" This surprises him but he continues nonetheless. "Good. I need to stay here and take care of something so you warriors will need to go south to Rue Island and provide backup for the CCG still alive at their HQ" Ebara shakes his head viciously.
"Why on earth would we save them? Surely it would be more logical to kill them all off while they're weakened?" Kaneki suddenly takes a few insanely fast steps towards the aging man, staring him right in the face. "This isn't Xiang Province old man. This is my home. Every single human on earth has just been turned into a Ghoul so technically every one of those Investigators are your allies at the moment. YOU WILL DO AS I SAY!" Ebara nods swiftly and orders Tashi and the Sentinels to set off for the island. As the warriors move away in unison, Hanzo and Li stay behind expectantly. "You want us to achieve some other purpose don't you?"
Kaneki nods. "You two need to free an old friend of mine from prison. Here's where they're located…"
…
Kuzo spits out blood and looks back up at the revived Fujikisho looming over him. To his left, Suzuya lay dead, felled by the Kagune of the newly revived Chinese foot soldiers. "Well after all of this, it looks like it's the end for you, Kuzo Alexander. A pity, you really surprised me with your power for an instant but now that power is gone. I have defeated you and now I will feast upon your flesh…" As the One Eye raises his clawed arm to remove Kuzo's head from his shoulders, a shout from the street intersection behind them causes Fujikisho to drop Kuzo and look up at the newcomer. An oddly bearded man stood in front of a group of Gas Mask wearing ghouls with coloured tracksuits.
"Sorry to interrupt you guys, but it seems that you're in our way". Fujikisho stares at the ghouls as if assessing their strength then laughs loudly. "You think you can best me with this little pack of runts? Get real!" The leader of the ghoul group raises his eyebrows as if remembering something. "Sorry I might have used the wrong word. This literature stuff is annoying as hell. I meant you're in their way". He jerks a thumb over his shoulder and almost on cue a horde of over 200 red robed ghouls materialise from the shadows, staring down the One Eye. One of them nods to the man. "We can take it from here, 6th Ward Leader Banjou-senpai". Banjou nods as the Ghouls of the Aogiri Tree make their return by rushing at the Chinese Soldiers and utterly decimating Fujikisho's force. The One Eye splutters and stamps his feet while Kuzo stares up at this man Banjou. "Who are you?..." Banjou laughs out loud, kneeling down to help pick Kuzo up onto his feet. "The name's Banjou. I'm a friend of your dad. This is Aogiri Tree". Kuzo blinks. "Aogiri? Impossible. They've been gone for over 25 years". Banjou nods patiently. "Yeah it took me a while to gather them all up. They were waiting underground. Told me that Tatara had ordered them to wait for me… I hear he's dead now".
Kuzo looks away. "I was only doing my job". Banjou slaps him on the back painfully. "Of course. And now you have another job. He's waiting for you up ahead you know. He wants to talk with his son…" Kuzo stares at Banjou, his expression hardening. Fujikisho stops paying attention to the Aogiri Ghouls and turns to Kuzo. "Come here runt I'll finish you off quick-"
He's cut off as Kuzo unleashes his Kagune and lobs off both of Fujikisho's arms. As the One Eye screams in pain and anger, Kuzo steps past him, looking over at Suzuya's body before continuing on down the street. Banjou kneels over Fujikisho as the grotesque ghoul heals his wounds. "You were in the way of Kuzo Kaneki. What did you think was going to happen?" The last thing the manservant of the Keeper ever saw was the retreating back of the son of the King. He passes on with a look of surprised wonder on his face. Banjou rises to his full height and waits for the Aogiri Ghouls to finish eliminating the enemy while looking up at the giant cage of Kaneki's creation…
…
Urie and Arima supported each other as they all stared in wonder as the Sentinels of the Sanctuary descended upon the American Ghouls, tearing them to pieces in a matter of minutes. Every time a new wave of enemies would land on the island, the Sentinels would decimate each and every one of them. With the assistance of the remaining Investigators, still calm despite having suddenly developed Kagune, Rue Island was slowly coming back under their control.
The Director turns to one of the Sentinels who wore no mask, his pale, almost porcelain features reminding Urie of a doll. Tashi approaches them and bows. "Kuki Urie, Director of the CCG. Kishou Arima, the Reaper". He rises and smiles. "I was sent to help by the King. Are you alright?" Arima is about to nod when Urie laughs. "No we aren't you idiot. Can't you see we're dying here?" He coughs up a gobbet of blood and Arima goes to help him when the fiery pain in his side causes him to almost collapse… Urie laughs again through gritted teeth. "Don't even try to save us. Our time is almost up… Those bastards really fucked us up didn't they Arima?" The Reaper nods mutedly, unable to do anything but lay on the ground.
Tashi blinks in surprise as Urie lays on the dewy grass next to the Reaper, staring up at the sky. "Kaneki sent you hear to save us because he's selfish. He can't bear to have anybody dying on his watch. But this is a war and people are sacrificed in wars…. That's just the way it is…" Arima breathes deeply. "Ken Kaneki was like the son I never had… And now it's my turn to lay down my life for a second time… Tell him… tell him that we fulfilled our duty. The enemy army is defeated and Tokyo remains safe… Please, tell him I said goodbye…" He trails off as his life drains away. The Reaper's soul had been reaped itself for the last time…
Urie sighs. "So he kicked the bucket before me huh… Guess I need to say something as well then…" He stares up at the sunrise in the east in wonder. "Kaneki's been to this place many times hasn't he? The Doors of Death… He's always been so strong and never realized it. Pissed me off". Tashi gasps. This man was staring at the Gates of Death themselves and he was there to learn what they were like? "Please, tell him that he was still loved by a lot of people. He wasn't just a walking corpse… Tell him that I hope he makes the right choice….See ya later you punks…" And so Kuki Urie departs in his own way, his eyes closing for the final time…
Tashi sees the unconscious form of Hiyori Arima and attempts to pick her up but she suddenly tears away from him and begins sobbing at her dead brother's feet. The Sentinel sighs, looking around the silent park as the assembled Investigators salute in unison in respect for the passing of two of the greatest Investigators to ever live…
…
Kaneki and Kuzo clashed with their Kagune, each one unable to get past the other's defences. As they draw close again at the base of Hakka Tower, Kaneki breaks the staring hold first. "You've gotten stronger. That's good". Kuzo laughs fleetingly. "Is that all you have to say, dad? You abandoned me, even made me kill my own mother… You're a really shitty father you know that?" They clash again, and Kaneki bites his lip. "I know that. I didn't even know I had a son until we met in China. It surprised me".
They break apart and stand facing each other, a roiling storm of emotions racing through their bodies. "You're Ken Kaneki… The One Eyed King. The one who's supposed to make all of this better right? You've been discovering things about this world that nobody else does. Pretty much a God". Kaneki suddenly laughs, shaking his white hair. "I'm just a weakling who became strong. I have my own part to play in all this yes, but so do you… I know that I don't deserve your love, but could you listen to my first and last request?"
He suddenly disappears from Kuzo's vision and suddenly his father is right at his ear, whispering. As Kaneki pulls away again, Kuzo is shaking. "Him? I can't believe all of this. You're so far ahead of that guy… Fine. I'll do it. But only as long as you save everything I hold dear!" Kaneki nods. "Thank you. I really wish I could have been a real father to you Kuzo… You know, I chose your name when Eto and I were both a part of Aogiri… It was just an afterthought but I really did respect your grandfather a lot. Kuzen was a great man".
Kuzo sighs. "All of this time I wanted to beat you so badly but now? I just want for all of this to end…" Kaneki nods in understanding. "I will do what I must… I've lived for too long Kuzo. I've lived far too many lives and stolen the most important thing from someone I care about. You know… I might die. Be prepared for that outcome". Kuzo nods and begins to move off into the tower waving behind him. "It was good talking to you pops. Don't worry. I'll also do what must be done…" Kaneki smiles as tears streak down his face while his son enters the den of the enemy. "Good luck"…
…
The Keeper rose the steps from his office to the roof of the Hakka Tower. As he hears something from behind, he lashes out with the Kagune stolen from Ken Kaneki at Itori who falls backwards, a look of shock on her face as her blood sprays over the stairwell. He continues up onto the roof and out the emergency door as he breathes in the cool air. Ever since Kaneki had fallen his first One Eyed Creations, the Clowns as they called themselves, had been attempting to heed his progress. What pitiful things they were. Nobody had the power to stop him now. He smiles. After the humans and ghouls of this world had finished devouring each other, he would focus on seeking out the second enemy who had only recently appeared in his dreams.
He scowls as he recalls it. A new enemy, following the One Eyed King that would bring true defeat upon you. The letters forming the name of his new foe floated into position…. "Hide"….. He frowns. Who was this "Hide"? And where could he possibly be? Was he human or ghoul? The dreams never said so. That's why it has taken him ten thousand years to track down the One Eyed King… He turns as Uta and Roma burst out onto the roof, Roma bleeding from a wound he had given her in the hip. He opens his arms in mock greeting. "Welcome, Romadria, Utarelt. It's been such a long time since me met like this hasn't it? Say, do either of you know of the person called "Hide"
Uta frowns. Hideyoshi? That was Ken Kaneki's childhood friend. The one who had died? He shakes his head. "You're time is up. You cannot escape from us here. As one both of the Clowns unleash their Kagune and dart towards the Keeper, his superior Kagune batting away their own easily. Why did they continue to fight when their "King" was dead? It made no sense to him. As he pierces Roma's abdomen with his Kagune Uta slashes him across the chest painfully, causing his hot, human blood to spray into the air. He tuts. This was annoying him…
As he prepares to engage the Clowns for the last time, someone else steps out onto the roof from the stairwell. This newcomer causes Uta and Roma to raise eyebrows. Another person steps up behind the first, this one a woman. She licks her lips. "So many cute men up here. Hey Uta-san it's been a long time". Uta blinks. "Rize? But you were-"The infamous Binge Eater raises a finger to her lips, winking. "Yes yes I died and all that. But I'm much better now as you can see. Now then, who's his old man?"
The Keeper frowns. "You're the one who once carried the blood of the King… And this young human with you, you are Hide?" Hideyoshi Nagachika grins widely at him. "Hey man what's up? Do you know me or something?" The Keeper slams his Kagune into the ground at their feet. "Enough! I can tell that you're both far too well informed to have merely come by accident. Who sent you to this place?" Hide shrugs. "I'm just waiting for Kaneki to get his ass up here man. Have you seen him? Boy is he gonna be mad at me for not telling him I was alive…"
"Ha! Well I'm afraid to be the one to tell you this but, Ken Kaneki is dead! I killed him with these hands right here!" To his chagrin, Hide simply sighs. "Come on Kaneki… You can do better than that. Getting thrown out of windows and all that…" Rize hugs him tightly. "This attitude of yours is why I love you so much Hideyoshi-san. Now then…" She suddenly turns more serious and looks directly at the Keeper. "You wanted to know why we came here. Well that's easy. We came to tell everyone who you really are". The Keeper frowns. Hide steps forward and bows. "I'm sorry that I invaded your privacy like this, but the thing is, I've known who you were for a long time. Almost 40 years actually. See, I was looking into the death of Yasuhisa, the father of Kurona and Nashiro Yashuhisa. I know for a fact that you are Yasuhisa, and that you faked your own death to rid yourself of the memory of having birthed two children and to remove yourself from modern history. You do this same cycle every hundred years or so to avoid being noticed".
The Keeper, Yasuhisa, laughs in surprise. "Colour me impressed. Yes I've gone by many names but the one I've had for the last 100 years is indeed Yasuhisa. You're the first person to figure that out. Now I want you to help me figure out how you're still alive after being eaten by Ken Kaneki?" Hide looks at him as if he were foolish. "Well that's because I'm half Ghoul dummy. Sorry, I guess I've never properly introduced myself. I'm Hideyoshi Washuu. I'm the only successful Demi Human that was born when the Washuu were trying to turn Ghouls into Humans through breeding. I just regenerated after he had gone…"
This stunning revelation brought gasps and Yashuhisa frowns. This was a concern. How hadn't he noticed this before? Hide was the second enemy and an obvious threat. He needed to be dealt with. He's about to raise his Kagune again when something long and black latches onto the edge of the rooftop, something being flung through the air before landing on one knee with a hand splayed out on the concrete. Yasuhisa's eyes widen. "You…. That's impossible…" Ken Kaneki raises his head and smiles at Hide. "To think that I didn't know you were a Ghoul this whole time. You still surprise me even now, Hide". Hideyoshi grins at his best friend, both of them looking just as young as they had back in V14. "Thanks Kaneki. Now go and do your thing".
He rises to his feet, Kagune coiled around his body as he looks Yasuhisa directly in the eye. "Did you honestly think that you could kill me Yasuhisa? Looks like I'm not the only fool in disguise around here". He cracks his finger and points a Kagunefied hand at the Keeper.
"Checkmate"…
"All the pieces are in place. The King advances?!"
End Tokyo Ghoul: Crimson 11
Next Time: Haise