That night, Ghoul Restaurant
Johnny found himself facing the restaurant from the invitation and noticed the many masked figures making their way inside. Looked like it was a popular place for whatever reason... still how exactly was he suppose to get inside if it was invite only... seems he'll have to do this the hard way... unless-

A few minutes later and Johnny couldn't believe the luck he'd had. He should count himself lucky for all the times he's had to sneak into a place uninvited. Compared to the other times, this one was probably the easiest. To think all he needed was to wear both the mask and cloak from that ghoul he'd knocked out and boom, everyone thought he was one of them

'All this sneaking around is pointless'

'Unless you want to draw attention to ourselves, we aren't going in guns blazing'

The teen walked around the place, a slight headache present which he ignored for the time being as he felt his attention being pulled towards the very front. Johnny makes sure not to get noticed by the other ghouls present, and yes he noticed they were all ghouls... it was easy to tell due to the lack of food provided

Since he isn't entirely sure if they can make out whether he's a ghoul or not with the clothing on, Johnny tries not to spend to much time in the same area. Bad enough it seems he smells differently from other humans due to his status as the Ghost Rider

He soon finds his attention being drawn towards something as he stares down at what reminds him of the days gladiators fought... but well in a restaurant instead of a stadium

Johnny ignores the introduction given as he wonders just what Zarathos had wanted him to see. His answer is given when Kaneki and two others are seen below. So his original plan just went down the drain. The blonde noticed the crowd perking up and glared when one of the people Kaneki had tried to help sold him out. He didn't even feel bad when the one named Taro roasted the female as he felt she deserved it

Still he had to admit that Kaneki was at least doing a good job for a non-fighter. One look at him and you can tell he isn't much of the combat type. Johnny wonders if that's the reason Yomo had wanted him yesterday evening. He did find it slightly funny when Kaneki took off his jacket and used it like that of the Spanish bullfighting, making the overgrown human crash to the ground

Of course, just because he's doing fine doesn't mean he's a pro as he watched the tables turn when Kaneki suddenly couldn't move 'Damn it! I might not be able to become Ghost Rider, but at least I'm still able to use my powers in human form. Good thing the mask helps protect my identity otherwise I'd be putting everyone back at Anteiku at risk if they see me'

Johnny drops down to the stage, as he uses all his strength (including some added strength from Zarathos) with the metal pole in his hands to hit Taro away from a paralyzed Kaneki. The crowd became silent as they stared at the unknown party crasher. Tsukiyama in particular decided to pay close attention and see how this would play out

Kaneki couldn't make out who was behind the mask, but hoped they were friendly... otherwise he had to worry about dealing with two opponents. He was barely able to keep up with one, he did not need to add another

Taro recovered quickly from the hit as he sprints towards Johnny, who in turn pushes the still paralyzed half-ghoul outta the way and takes the attack head on as the crowd cheers at the uninvited one getting smashed

Of course none of them were expecting for Johnny to stand back up as if he didn't just get slammed into a wall. He's gone against the Hulk before, this is nothing compared to that. He twirled the weapon in his hands like if he were holding a lightsaber before he allows the metal pole to catch fire

Many react to this in surprise, not having expected that. Kaneki on the other hand had his eyes widened at the familiarity of this, mind flashing to that day in the alleyway with the CCG and could swear he saw a slight glow behind the mask where the eyes should be

Johnny jumped as he dodged the fury of attacks before he dug the flaming metal pole into Taro's flesh, not caring as he heard Taro scream in pain at the burning sensation... serves him right for almost killing his friend. The crowd wasn't sure what to make of this as they glanced at each other uneasily. Kaneki however was shaking like a leaf as he watched in disbelief before hearing a few ghouls from the crowd mumbling to one another

"Who is that guy?"

"Is he a ghoul?"

"Probably an experimented human!"

"No way, you watch too many movies!"

"How do you explain the flaming pole in his hands! It lid up out of nowhere!"

"Special effects or a freaking holoprojector!"

Tsukiyama clapped and laughed. Never in his wildest dreams did he expect this, if anything he enjoyed it! For now he'll sit back and watch the show. If he were a human, he'd bring out the popcorn as they tend to say. However, Tsukiyama couldn't help the feeling of familiarity coming from the... let's called him enhanced human for the time being... like he knew the guy from somewhere but couldn't figure out where

Back in the arena, Johnny was thrown off by Taro, sending him near to where the black-haired teen was. He was starting to miss his chain. If he'd been transformed, this Taro would be nothing but charcoal by now... but with so many witness' here, there was no way Johnny was willing to risk more exposure then he already has, especially if they somehow find out his identity

Meanwhile, a lot of the ghouls watching were all thinking about how they'd kill to have someone with Johnny's abilities on their side. What they could do with that kind of power at their hands!

Course no way that was going to happen since he only went after those who've spilled innocent blood. Heck all these ghouls present had a high level of sin among that it was making Johnny's headache become ten times worse than normal. Times like this make him wish he had some Tylenol or Advil on hand

'Any chance you can turn down the whole sin detection!' Johnny mentally shouts, avoiding being grabbed by Taro and feels the headache reduce slightly, noting that it was more tolerable

The problem is that Johnny can sense sin easily among anything that has a soul. To be in a place full of sinners like this restaurant is overwhelming his senses. He knew that headache he was feeling before had something to do with his powers. Wherever he goes he's always been able to sense sin, but it's mostly been faintly... it almost felt as if it's been cranked to eleven! Is this how Spider-Man feels?

However as much as it was assaulting his senses, he isn't here to punish them, much as they deserve it. No, Johnny's here to get his friend out of this mess and not become desert in the process. Though if he burns a few ghouls in the process... he wouldn't lose any sleep over their deaths

Johnny saw as Kaneki was slowly making his way towards him. He knew the half-ghoul must have recognized him as the figure who'd helped them out before since who else does he currently know that possesses fire abilities?

"T-thank you... for the save... back there" Kaneki thanked, feeling he owed him that much for now at least. He'll make sure to repay them back somehow in the future... if they get the chance to leave this mad house that is

Johnny doesn't say anything in response, knowing Kaneki would easily recognize his voice since he wasn't transformed and instead just nodded his head at his words. They both turned back around when they heard Taro closing in on them both. Johnny really had enough of the modified overgrown human at this point as he stood back onto his feet

Kaneki also seemed to have had enough. He wasn't going to sit on the sidelines or be burden anymore as he picked himself up from the ground and moved beside the teen. However both had to jump away as Taro slammed his weapon onto the ground before turning around to face the black haired teen

Swinging it as if he were playing baseball, Kaneki ducks underneath the stick as Johnny takes the opportunity to slam a kick into the side of Taro's head, before getting thrown across the room. Kaneki took this chance to try and attack only to caught by Taro as he struggled to get free

Johnny was back on his feet and about to counter attack when Kaneki suddenly was able to get free. The half ghoul was panting, Johnny watching with wide eyes not having expected that. He wondered if perhaps Kaneki was holding back or doesn't know the strength he possesses. His eyes widened as he watched Taro making his way to Kaneki

Just as Taro prepared to swing his weapon down yet again, something happened that made him look back. Standing behind him was the masked ghoul known as MM. Johnny could already tell this was Tsukiyama before the ghoul revealed himself. He didn't stick around feeling Kaneki was no longer in danger, but he could tell he'd need to keep on eye on Tsukiyama especially now that he knew Kaneki was in fact a half ghoul

Finally this chapter is done! I had this page open, 80% done for a couple of weeks with writers block! Like I looked at both the anime and manga just to see how I could include Johnny into this battle, yet also make it so Tsukiyama discovers Kaneki is a half-ghoul