The Quinx of Change

Summary: When it seems like all hope is lost, acceptance of that usually comes after. When Hide becomes worried about the possibility of getting out of Cochlea, he is given a surprise visit from the CCG reaper, claiming to have finalized his deal to let him out. But the process is far from easy, and may force his future and his friendship with an amnesiac Kaneki at stake. I guess you could say, Hide made a deal with the devil.

Cochlea

In Cochlea, Hide was, once again, trying to keep himself occupied, trying to not let his boredom get the best of him.

After around eight or nine months of being stuck in Cochlea, one may think it was impossible, but for those who are living in the actual place, one's mind has a lot of ways it can go.

Under isolation, one may be affected by it in many ways.

One may choose to try and continue interactions with the outside world to make up for the lost time. Others may reach out to those in their past, seeing them as the only one's worthy keeping.

Others, however, choose more unfortunate or tragic routes. One may accept isolation and choose to remain enclosed to the rest of the world. Not necessarily staying quiet and cold, but rather keeping some information private, up in a mask.

Then, there are those who may fall insane to the isolation; however, Hide knew that was a rare occurrence, and that he wouldn't be one of them.

Though, it did make Hide in a way, respect those who put up with this, it wasn't sustainable, but then again, they have murdered others, even if they need to to survive, kind of like a predator and prey interaction.

But whereas Hide's body was focused on keeping itself moving, remembering muscle patterns, another battle was going on in his brain, his thoughts.

The best way, for Hide usually to entertain his mind, was to listen to music and close his eyes, but once entertainment didn't fulfill him, and with the environment he is in, the next best thing was to think and ponder about certain unanswered questions he would think of, mainly about the CCG.

One of those involved a very unique question to Hide, who had been thinking about this for just over a month. What would happen if a human ate a ghoul? It was something he was sure no one had thought of. Humans, barehanded and alone, stands no chance against a ghoul, as ghouls are designed to eat humans.

But then again, humans could eat the meat of other animals, including themselves if they needed to, better known as cannibalism. In human culture, it was scorned upon, and for good reason, there was a lot of risks to that. However, Hide knew that cannibalism is common in nature, and that even ghouls can sometimes eat other ghouls, with some mutation effects on their rc cells, and humans can eat other humans, especially in the past.

So, what would happen if it was the other way around? Do ghouls taste good? Could humans digest them? They probably could if other humans could digest their own kind, or maybe the influx of rc cells would hurt the human?

As crazy as a question it was, Hide did find himself intrigued about it. Letting his mind run in a boring environment allowed him some form of a mental adventure in the small room he was stuck in.

As he closed his eyes, imagining the messed up, but curious scenario, he was unaware of Arima entering his room, until he felt a tap on his shoulder.

Hide opened his eyes almost immediately. "A-Arima! Sorry I was distracted!"

Arima gave a small nod in acknowledgment, putting his hand up, "It is alright, what are you thinking about Hide?"

Hide chuckled, "You know, I actually don't know, because it's such a weird thought." It was the truth somewhat. You never know how dumb an idea is until you get the perception of others.

"I'm pretty sure as weird as it maybe it's not impossible out of this world."

Hide chuckled, knowing Arima would say that, but he also knew that maybe he'd get in some sort of drama if he asked it.

But still, he was a relatively open person so he was going to ask it, "Arima, what happens if human eats a ghoul?" He asked at last, and he could have sworn Arima's face turn from his usual face to a confused one.

"Um, Arima?" Hide asked, after realizing Arima was in shock.

"O-Oh, out of all the questions you have asked me, that is the most unusual." Arima said at last, it was clear that despite Arima's insistence of hearing weird stuff, he ultimately couldn't live up to that promise.

Hide chuckled, "I knew I'd get that; it was so unusual that I felt that the answer is just no, or not even there."

Arima simply shrugged, "Well, I can't tell you because I don't know. I guess if a half-ghoul eats a ghoul, its technically a part human eating a ghoul, but I don't know about a human eating ghoul, because there is simply no reason to. They don't offer anything nutritious."

Hide sighed, it wasn't the answer he was looking for, but he understood. He was somewhat hoping for a weird answer or potential unique scenarios, but alas, the real life world was disappointing, "I see, very well, is there anything you need?"

Arima then straightened his glasses, "Oh, right. Well, I come to give you two relatively major updates."

Hide's eyes and facial expression turned to curiosity, before asking, "What are these updates?"

"The first is regarding your friend, he was seen fit to become a member of the CCG. Alongside the other members of what is to be the Quinx Squad, members of the CCG with a restrained kakuhou built into them. This experiment is to help the CCG fight against ghouls, while also seeming slightly more ethical."

Hide's head took it in, before asking, "What's ethical about putting a kagune of a deceased ghoul into a human? That's exactly what happened to Kaneki." He was somewhat skeptical, but knowing this was the CCG, he hoped he had heard it wrong.

Arima nodded, "Yes, but whereas his was unexpected and without consent, these individuals have openly signed up for the surgery, knowing very well what they were getting themselves into. They also have some added benefits as a result."

Hide slowly relaxed, slightly thanking that no one else was going through something they didn't want.

It made him a bit relieved, "So, he's the leader of this Quinx squad?" Hide asked, in which Arima simply nodded.

"Yes, he is currently looking at the new members, helping them move in, and beginning the process of fighting. Since he is already somewhat of a ghoul, we can use him as a training ground for the new members."

Hide nodded, saddened that his friend was somewhat turning into a pawn for the CCG, but also relaxing that at least he wasn't living in a small room, like he had been for a while.

"That does bring me onto my next update, however and it does involve you." Arima had spoken all of a sudden, and Hide looked up to Arima's face, seeing his stoic expression, again cloud his face.

It was somewhat unnerving to Hide, who wished he could either show something positive or negative, to at least gain an idea what he was facing.

"W-What is my involvement in this update?" Hide asked at last, trying to calm himself down from fearing the worst-case scenario.

In truth he worried that the CCG would perhaps charge him with more crimes with aiding ghouls or around that boat.

"Well, I have been speaking to some of the higher ups at the CCG headquarters, and I proposed a deal with them regarding your status in Cochlea, and we have managed to come up and strike a compromise."

That managed to have calmed Hide down significantly, as Arima had pretty much given Hide the hope that he was eventually leaving Cochlea.

"Oh, that's nice, so, what is this compromise, and will I actually be able to leave this prison?" Hide asked, not believing his ears. Despite his desires, nine months of isolation and with nothing but a grey wall to stare at has taken a slight toll on Hide's personality, even if he hid it well.

Arima nodded, taking out some papers from his briefcase that Hide just realized was there.

He was somewhat confused at these papers, thinking it was some contract that would somehow bind him to something he would have a tough time getting out of.

So, he looked closely, reading every small detail, noting that the paper was something to do with the Quinx surgery Arima had mentioned before.

"Quinx surgery?" Hide asked at last, and Arima nodded.

"Indeed, the other individuals, the first batch, had the surgery around a month ago, and are fully recovered, enabling the floodgates for more to take it. With that being said, however there were some problems, such as the number of volunteers." Arima recollected, as he looked at Hide.

Truth be told, Arima could see something in Hide. Not just because his father was a promising CCG investigator, whose premature death was the result of a fatal flaw, but also because of other factors.

He still retained his father's smarts, when he was interested and determined, but was also eager to interact with the other investigators. Arima had seen it when he was just meant to transport information, picking small details for himself, and he was only working half-time. His personality prevented Hide from having the same fatal flaw that got his father killed in action, which made Arima certain that Hide could potentially be a posing figure.

But the other, was his rc fluctuations. The result of the experimental regenerative surgery that allowed him to regrow his left arm, the first human case of a limb completely regenerating after being cut off, Hide now had a weird struggle with his rc cell levels. It wasn't ROS, where his cells were over-secreting, as the orange-haired boy wasn't displaying any of the symptoms of sufferers of ROS. He still contained the rc levels of a human, with only rarely reaching ghoul territory briefly, but in general, was abnormally high for a human.

To Hide's dismay, they had yet to find the reason or understanding behind the blonde boy's fluctuating rc count. As unique of an occurrence it was, it was more terrifying rather than intriguing to Hide, since it was happening within him.

But in terms of getting Hjde out of Cochlea, it was the first step, Arima thought.

"So, in order for you to be let out of Cochlea, you will have to follow some rules and operations." Arima started, and he continued when Hide was paying attention.

"Now, you are aware of your rc factor, right?" Arima asked him, who nodded.

"High for a human, but not ghoul territory, Akira keeps mumbling that, with the rc suppressants only really limiting the spikes I get some days." Hide answered and Arima nodded.

"Good, well you see, for those wanting the Quinx surgery, not only does the lack of volunteers make it difficult, but so does the requirements. You see, in order for you to be qualified as a good candidate for the Quinx surgery, a patient needs to have an abnormally high rc count, as the transition would be less detrimental and cause less stress to the patient's body."

Hide nodded, "I see, and judging from what you said, you want me to undergo the Quinx surgery?"

Arima gave a small smile to Hide's response, "Quick intuitions, very nice. Yes actually, because of that, they are asking for more possible candidates for it. With your fluctuations and abnormal rc count, it would make you a promising individual. Additionally, this already condition would also make your body surprisingly resistant to rc changing environments."

At that, Hide looked up in confusion, "What do you mean by that?"

Even Arima himself even unsure of the phenomenon happening within Hide. All he had heard at the time was the experimental procedure he had gone through. While Arima was concerned, he was glad hearing it had been successful, albeit with this unknown complication.

But even then, Arima was able to inform Hide on current findings so far, as most information would go to him, "So you weren't told, very well I shall do so. Anyways, because of the constant fluctuation of rc cells in your body, mixed with the already abnormal amounts of it due to the surgery, your body has developed a sort of resistance to any external factors that affects rc cell counts."

Hide still didn't get it, "I still don't really get it." Arima nodded.

"I understand, ever wonder why we eventually got you to stop using rc suppressants? It's simple, it was becoming less effective. We took a sample of your rc cells during a test, and found that these specific rc cells that were put into you during the surgery are unusually resistant, not just to rc suppressants and grenades, but also to ghouls. Because of your elevated rc levels, and because you're still a human, you'd be very good meat because of that."

"Wait, so it was the rc cells put into me that caused this?" Hide asked, and Arima nodded.

"We aren't entirely sure which ghoul they used, but when we do we can update you. Especially with what I have planned with you."

Hide gulped, he had already known that he was attacked by a ghoul, but was saved by Kaneki, the accident coming back to him, but to now have the possibility of more? Hide began to understand that even if he was able to leave Cochlea, he would not be safe.

"So, I wouldn't be safe, both from the CCG and the ghouls?" Hide ask, asking for a confirmation, and to his displeasure was given a nod from Arima.

"Unfortunately, yes, and unless we equip you with a quinque, you will not be able to defend yourself from them. As a result, we have managed to come up with a compromise, both for your safety and ours. We simply cannot let you go free like this."

Hide sighed, realizing that he'd probably have to remain in the CCG. "So, I am to remain in the CCG after my release from Cochlea?" Hide asked.

Arima shook his head, "Regardless of your intentions, you will not openly get invited back into the CCG, and as a result, will most definitely be ostracized for your actions. However, we have offered you some requirements for you to be reintegrated."

Hide looked at the paper, before looking at Arima, getting an idea. "So, the Quinx surgery-"

Arima raised his hand up, "The one place in the CCG where not much opposition will be generated will be in the Quinx Squad. As a result, you will be required to complete the Quinx surgery, before being reintegrated back into the CCG."

"I see." Hide simply stated, understanding that if he were to return to the CCG, many members and investigators would voice their opinions against it. The Quinx Squad was probably the only place he would be accepted after this. He may have done a noble thing, he thought, but to them, it was traitorous.

"With that being said, you will need to perform a rc test as usual, to see your current rc levels, before signing some papers approving of the surgery. Once you have completed such, you will be able to reintegrate into the Quinx Squad, where the CCG will provide you with housing, alongside the other members, and protection in your case." Arima stated.

Hide was taking this in. The CCG reaper wanted him to join the Quinx Squad, to help him fight ghouls. But before that, he needed to go back into surgery to get a ghoul's organ transplanted into him? This seemed too dangerous.

"Um, Arima, is there any other way? I don't want to become a ghoul." Hide asked.

Arima knew exactly what do say, as this was the main concern with the others, "You won't become a ghoul. The kakuhou will be restrained by quinque steel beams, allowing your body to remain human, but with ghoul organs to aid in your fight against outside threats. It will be unusual, bringing out a kagune, as one of your eyes will turn greyish black and red, and we will need to find out your type. However, you will still be able to eat normal human foods as fine."

Hide sighed in relief, "Oh okay, I thought you wanted me to lose the ability to eat all that food. I can't imagine it, having only to be able to eat humans and ghouls, nothing else."

Arima looked on in slight pity, before raising his voice, "These may be the conditions the CCG bureau set, but I have one more condition, that must be met."

Hide then turned his face to Arima, seeing a serious face. "And what is that condition?"

"Whenever you are in the presence of Haise Sasaki, you shall refer to him as such. No Ken Kaneki, as it may cause shock and may put strain on his body. You shall be able to see him, if we time everything right, and take it slow, but you must let him regain his memories when he wants to. Understand?"

Hide shuffled uncomfortably, this was hard, he though. "I-I actually don't know if I can't, seeing my best friend, be someone else..."

Arima looked on, "I understand how difficult it may be, but you must accept reality. We are being generous by allowing you to operate in the same team as him. You can use that time to maybe rebuild and restart it? Or you can wait until he comes back, it's your choice. The only condition I have is that you don't force any memories onto him, this includes your two's history, got it?"

Hide held his breath thinking, before sighing. "So, this is my only chance of getting out of Cochlea?" He asked desperately at last.

Arima nodded, "It may not be optimal or desired, but it was the only compromise we could agree to. We cannot have you roam freely, but also cannot let you stay in Cochlea; therefore, we can only let you reintegrate back here, despite the opposition of many, so expect that. So, sign this paper, which will determine your choice. I will come by tomorrow to see what you have chosen. If there is no signature, you will stay in Cochlea, if there is, you are accepting your integration into the Quinx Squad."

And with that, Arima left, leaving Hide to his own thoughts, which he was glad for once. This whole time, he always hated being left to that, but now, he was left with a major question to answer. One that would change the course of his life.

Was he to remain in Cochlea? Or accept Arima's proposal and see the surface again? Hide sighed, at least remembering that Arima had stated he'd get to see Kaneki every day. The problem of course, was that he couldn't refer to his best friend like that, unless he wanted to hurt his amnesiac friend. It was a tough situation, not just for Hide, but also for Kaneki.

Hide sighed, looking at the paper and the pen right next to it, spotting the underline where Hide was the write his signature.

"The approval for the insertion of a kakuhou, depending on the rc type of the individual..." Hide mumbled a line in the forum, before sighing.

Arima replied, adding onto it, "this goes back to the rc cells they inserted into you. They actually used a ghoul. In a normal patient, we would categorize by blood type, and rc kagune type, however with you, we will need to use the same ghoul prototype for your quinx surgery."

He wished he would have at least had some people who have gone through it, so that he could be proven that it was alright. He didn't want to go through another experimental surgery like that mysterious doctor performed. While he was thankful of him for regrowing his arm back, Hide had a suspicion that the mysterious man was using it for ill intentions.

Still, the thought of seeing Kaneki again was a big plus, all he wanted was for him and the guy to simply go back to their old lives, together at Kami, is all they wanted. They were sick of the fighting, the bloodshed and the cycle of violence. But here he is, with this paper in his hands, either cementing his side of battle. If he rejected it, he was undoubtedly a traitor in the eyes of the CCG, but if he accepted, he would have to fight ghouls.

"Imagine what my father is thinking..." Hide mentally told himself, chuckling in realization. In a way, he was glad. He was becoming the thing his father hated. But even when then, his father had already hated him and considered him a murderer, so would any chance at redemption really be of significance?

Still, even if he saw Kaneki, Arima stated it wasn't Kaneki anymore. He was amnesiac, going under a new name, and thus wouldn't remember Hide anytime soon.

Regardless, Hide's mind went back to that time where he defended Kaneki from Arima, successfully sparing his life, while in the process changing his own for the long run.

In truth, Hide no longer wanted to remain in Cochlea, he just wanted to spend time with his best friend, and live his life. If this was as normal of a life he could get, it was just tragic.

"The best word to describe my best friend. A tragedy." Hide said to himself.

"But I may just be as much of one as him, being experimented on for regenerative medicine, and now this?" Hide continued mumbling as he continued to ponder his choices, which would change his life.

Arima had stated he had no choice, and if he were trying to escape, he would be wanted, just like any ghoul, an arrest warrant on him like Dr. Kanou.

Hide sighed, in truth, all he wanted was to just see Kaneki smiling and living his life. All he wanted was his friend back. If completely this surgery and following Arima's terms was the only way back, then he would take it. Even if his best friend didn't recognize him, Hide would still be there, and they could maybe forge a new friendship.

"Maybe it's for the best." Hide mumbled, before taking the pen, and scribbling his signature above the black line, putting the paper and pen down before falling asleep, unaware of how late it was.

When Hide woke up to the sound of knocking from Akira of all people, he mumbled something, recognizing where he was.

"Wake up sleepy head, Arima had sent me down to see what you have decided." She neutrally stated.

Hide simply made a noise, pointing to the paper and pen not too far away from him, on his bed.

"Why are you sleeping on the floor?" Akira asked.

Hide mumbled, "It's warmer on the floor..." Before getting up, while stretching.

Akira looked at the paper, noting the signature, "Well, what do you know, you actually accepted..." She said in interest.

Hide knew what she was talking about, hearing her picking up the paper shortly before.

"Yeah, I did, though I had a mental battle for who knows how long..." Hide said, yawning.

Akira simple looked at Hide, bewildered, before walking out with the paper.

Hide had thought that would be it for today regarding her, but to his surprise, she came back down half an hour later, this time with another rc scanner, for a test.

"Uh, what are you doing?" Hide asked.

"Testing your rc levels, I didn't think you would actually accept this, so I didn't bother bring one." She said, as she took the machine.

Hide, again felt his stomach hurting, and the need to vomit, but he held it in, watching Akira look at the monitor, for any results that she would be intrigued to tell him.

"852, you rc levels are on the decline for now, meaning we should perform the surgery sooner rather than later." Akira said at last, before she moved to the room.

Before looking back at Hide, "Aren't you coming?" She asked, and Hide then realized he was going with her.

"Oh! Sorry, yeah I'm just getting my headphones and smartphone!" He said, not expecting to be leaving his room that quickly.

"So, we will send you to the special ward, designed for the Quinx surgery. We will discuss any concerns, your rc type, and any potential aftereffects if you so desire to. You will have one hour to dial anyone close to let them know of this, before you will put under a sedative state for the surgery. Once the surgery is complete, you will take time to recover before we check your functions, before you will be moved to live alongside the rest of the Quinx Squad, where you will finally be trained to fight ghouls."

"Wait, will I be going on-"

Akira cut him off, "Not immediately, you will obviously need training, therefore you will not be participating initially, until you gain an understanding of what it's like to fight against ghouls."

Hide nodded at that, "I see, I didn't know once I accepted it would be this immediately."

Akira simply nodded, "Understandable, now follow me up to the room."

CCG Headquarters, Medical Ward

As Akira brought the once imprisoned blonde up to the headquarters, for the first time in months, they had differing views. Akira was more focused on her task, while Hide looked around, as if it was his first time here.

Hide did what he was told but knew immediately that he was getting the strange looks from most of the investigators, who knew of his actions during the Owl Suppression Operation. Some were of shock, after seeing Hide after so long, while others looked on in fear and anger, why did they bring him back up?

Hide shook the weird looks away, continuing his travel to the room, but not before meeting Arima again.

"Ah, Hide, I see Akira has already brought you up for the surgery. I was very glad to hear from her that you accepted, her surprised tone being the funniest part of the whole ordeal."

Akira rolled her eyes, "I forgot the rc test, that's all."

Hide tried to stifle his laugh, knowing Akira had intentionally left the scanner back, thinking he would reject the proposal.

"Yeah, it took me some time, but I eventually decided to." Hide said, scratching the back of his head, a faint smile on his face.

In truth, Hide was still adjusting to the outside world. He had been isolated for around nine months, or a year if you counted the time in the hospital. The only people he had only seen was Akira and Arima themselves. To see quite the amounts of people in one area was a bit overwhelming for Hide himself.

Hide looked out a nearby window to see the sheer amounts of people walking across a sidewalk, going in and out of buildings, and overall interaction, it was quite the number for Hide to take in. So, he quickly looked away, telling himself he would take it one at a time.

Arima looked on at Hide in slight worry, "Is everything okay Hide?" He asked.

"Oh, yeah I'm fine, just feeling a bit uneasy about this surgery. Second one in a year." He joked laughing a bit before retaining a more serious face seeing the lack of reaction.

"Uh, poor joke." Hide concluded.

"Is there any concern you have regarding this surgery?" Arima asked, and Hide shook his head.

This surprised the two, "Really?" Akira asked.

"I kind of already asked and was answered some questions about it before I could actually ask in person, so I think I'll be fine. I guess I'm worried about how I will fight once I am done, and how the transfer will go, with everyone staring at me, but I guess I'll handle it one at a time." Hide finished.

Akira simply looked on, before motioning for Hide to follow her again. He continued following until he was in a room that resembled a hospital. It was slightly different, Hide could tell, judging from the walls, it was much newer than the other one.

"So, change in these clothes, and Dr. Shiba will be with you shortly." Akira stated before giving Hide his privacy.

After getting the clothing on, he walked towards Dr. Shiba, who was in a recovery room. "Ah, you must be Hideyoshi Nagachika." The doctor exclaimed.

"Put your stuff down here, and we'll make our way to the operating table." He added, and Hide nodded, putting his headphones and his other stuff down, before following Dr. Shiba towards the operation.

"So, I've been told that your rc cells have fluctuated ever since an experimental regenerative surgery, am I right?" He asked, and Hide nodded.

"Yeah, the rc suppressants have been ineffective after many months of use." Hide answered for Dr. Shiba.

"I see, well under these tests, your rc type seems to have remained the same throughout. Your rc type is a ukaku, you know the different rc types?"

Hide raised his head, "The ukaku's the one with speed, but poor endurance, the koukaku's the one with the defense, but poor mobility, the rinkaku's the one with great offensive and regeneration, but easily cuttable, and the bikaku's the average."

Dr. Shiba smiled, "Very good, you will be a ukaku, so you will excel in speed, at the cost of endurance."

"Why do they run out of endurance quickly?" Hide asked.

"It's rather simple, attacking quickly, and in a sort of mass assault uses a lot of rc cells, so they run out of steam quicker."

Hide nodded in understanding. Maybe if he fights, not with an onslaught, but rather using his speed to his advantage maybe could help with endurance, he had also seen evidence of crystalizing kagune's to be more powerful, that could help. Despite the uncertainty, Hide was actually somewhat excited for the procedure.

"I think I'm ready, Dr. Shiba." Hide said at last.

"You sure, so soon?" He asked, "You don't have any other questions you would like me to answer?"

Hide thought, "I guess if my rc levels will be fine, considering the problem, but I guess I'll find out soon."

Dr. Shiba raised his hand, "Actually, we know. It should remain the same, considering the kakuhou will be suppressed. So don't worry about an influx of rc cells, thinking you won't be able to eat again."

That did bring some weights off his shoulders, but as excited he was, he was also nervous.

He quickly recognized that feeling as anxious.

So, with a simple sigh, Hide looked out, getting himself on the table, pondering his next plans once he gets this surgery done.

This was because, once he was done, and he joined the Quinx Squad, he could see Kaneki again, and the outside world.

Regardless of the uncertainties with the violence he was being dragged into, he had to think optimistically.

That is, until he heard Dr. Shiba curse. "Why are his rc cells like that ghoul?!" He heard the doctor exclaim.

"I apologize Hide, we will have to wait a bit." Dr Shiba, mumbled before he unexpectedly ran out of the room.

That was strange, Hide thought, not liking when a doctor frantically ran off.

"So you are saying they used the ghoul with those rc cells?" Dr. Shiba asked Itsuki, who grunted in annoyance.

"I'm afraid so, and that may be why those rc suppressants weren't working any more…" Dr. Shiba replied, and Hide could faintly hear a noise from Itsuki.

"It's fine, we still have the ghoul prototype, so we will use the rc cells of her." Dr. Shiba said at last, before Hide saw him return.

"I apologize for the abrupt interruption, let us continue with the procedure, shall we?" Hide shivered a bit at how psychotic his doctor sounded, and Hide felt worried for his life temporarily.

Hide watched as the doctor began putting him on sedatives to get him to fall asleep. With the rc fluctuations, Hide was a bit nervous in the event that he would wake up in pain, but he also knew that the doctor ensures he'd be fine.

As Hide felt his vision field get narrower, and his eyes get heavier, Hide was wondering something.

"What will Kaneki be like after a year? What will the other members of this Quinx Squad be like? Will they accept me? Or will they ostracize me just like the rest, because I saved their leader? Will Arima optimize and change the conditions I needed to be free? Was that paper binding me to them?"

Some questions, Hide realized were only going to be answered afterwards, and with time. He did also have to get used to the outside world again, the shops, the road, the commotion and people after a year of isolation and solitude.

A.N / So Hide is getting the Quinx surgery to become a member of the Quinx Squad, after Arima came up with the proposal. Does Arima have an interest in Hide as well? Does Hide know exactly what he has gotten himself into? Will Hide reunite with his best friend after a year? The next chapter will focus more on Hide's recovery and discharge afterwards, meeting the rest of the squad, and moving in. This, for the record, is still in between the two series, so no notable events will happen yet.