Kaneki looked at the mysterious figure, as he could still feel the pain from the battle that had taken place recently.
"Who are you?" He asked weakly.
"I am here for you." The figure pointed at him, and the bandages twisted.
Kankei was taken back as the figure made its way toward him.
"What could you possibly want with me? I am no one special." He said, memories of his mother's words still ring in his head.
"On the contrary, Kaneki, you just so happen to be a rare anomaly. One that I want to experience with, and even connect to..." The mysterious figure remarked. They grabbed the boy by his throat, lifting him with inhuman strength.
"You won't break on our first time, will you?"
The bandaged figure had a surprisingly feminine voice. He had expected something deeper, rougher. It would have calmed him if it weren't for the fact that they hadn't lifted him like a book to a high shelf.
Kaneki's struggle intensified as he desperately tried to break free, his hands clawing at the figure's arm. But his efforts were futile against the figure's otherworldly strength. Pain shot through his body as he felt himself slammed against the unforgiving wall once again.
"I have to break free."
As he fought to break away from the figure's iron grasp, he felt the oxygen running out as he gasped for air while the figure's grip on his throat tightened. The pain was excruciating, his vision blurring at the edges. Panic surged through him, but he mustered his remaining strength to resist.
His voice strained, Kaneki managed to speak out, "Why... are you doing this?"
The figure's obscured face leaned in closer, its eyes glinting with an unsettling mix of curiosity and anticipation. "Because, Kaneki, you possess something truly extraordinary. Your suffering, your persistence; your duality fascinates me," they whispered, sending a shiver down Kaneki's spine.
They bit into the Kaneki's flesh, loving the fresh taste of his sweet blood. It was almost...orgasmic. They wanted more and more of his flesh. To devour him, to have him as theirs alone. Time went by as they cannibalized parts of the boy's arm.
Kaneki's struggle intensified as he desperately tried to break free, his hands clawing at the figure's arm. But his efforts were futile against the figure's otherworldly strength. Pain shot through his body as he felt himself slammed against the unforgiving wall once again.
His screams of pain were the only thing that echoed through the night as the figure licked their lips in sadistic pleasure. Pleased with their mini appetizer, they decided to end the boy's misery.
"If you die, Kaneki, then you were never really meant to live the life of a ghoul. You won't even be fit to die on the cold concrete beneath you. However, I'll give you a gift."
The figure's lips kissed Kaneki's cold lips and stabbed her kagune into him while pulling his body closer as their tongues intertwined.
The blood hitting her tongue signaled the end of this small gift as they threw him into the nearby buildings."I hope you didn't die from that small toss; we still have more fun and can play more."
Giggling in joy the figure's voice remained eerily composed as they continued, "I want to push your limits, to unravel the depths of your mind. Our paths are intertwined, Kaneki."
Fear mingled with defiance in Kaneki's eyes as he mustered a whisper, "I won't... become… your plaything." Gasping for air and clutching his injured throat. As he fought to regain his breath, he couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that his life had taken a dark and irreversible turn.
A wicked smile tugged at the corner of the figure's concealed mouth. "Oh, Kaneki, the struggle is what makes it exhilarating."
With a surge of speed, the figure appeared in front of Kaneki, its features still obscured by the wrappings that looked at Kaneki with fascination and anticipation.
"Rest now, Kaneki. When you're ready, the real journey will begin." With those cryptic words, they turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Kaneki.
Kaneki lay on the cold floor, his body trembling with a mixture of pain, confusion, and a newfound sense of foreboding. Every breath he took was a struggle, his throat raw and aching from the figure's vice-like grip. He couldn't comprehend the true intentions of this mysterious person, but one thing was clear: they had something to do with the fact that the doctor did this to him.
Slowly, he pushed himself up. Kaneki glanced around the dimly lit area, his surroundings cast in haunting shadows. The encounter had left him shaken, his mind reeling with questions. Who was this figure? What did they truly want from him? And most importantly, what was this "real journey" they had alluded to?
The enigma surrounding this encounter filled him with dread and curiosity. He knew deep down that he couldn't escape this twisted fate, that his life had taken an irrevocable turn.
Rising unsteadily to his feet, Kaneki felt the weight of his fractured reality pressing down upon him. He knew he had to confront the darkness within himself, to uncover the depths of his potential.
Struggling against his physical limitations, Kaneki pushed himself forward with sheer determination. Every movement was an agonizing battle against the pain that consumed him. Memories of his past, fragments of his childhood, flickered in his mind, adding emotional weight to his already burdened journey.
His body trembled with exhaustion, and his vision blurred, making it difficult to discern reality from the hazy recesses of his mind. Kaneki's weakened form crawled along the desolate- streets, his hands scraping against the cold pavement. With each labored breath, he felt as if the weight of the world bore down upon him, threatening to crush his spirit.
"How could life be this painful?" his thoughts echoed with sorrow. The cruel hands of tragedy seemed to have a tight grip on his existence, refusing to release him from its suffocating embrace. The once vibrant colors of his dreams had faded, replaced by the haunting shadows of his reality.
Kaneki's energy waned; his body threatened to surrender to the overwhelming anguish. He longed for the solace of home, a sanctuary where he could seek respite from the world. But even that flicker of hope was fading, slipping through his trembling fingers like sand.
In his weakened state, Kaneki's senses dulled, and he could no longer distinguish the fine line between consciousness and unconsciousness. Darkness threatened to swallow him whole, pulling him into its abyssal depths.
Yet, just as his spirit began to relinquish its hold, he felt a presence, a pair of hands gently lifting him from the cold ground. A mix of relief and resignation washed over him as he surrendered to the unknown. He closed his eyes, his final thoughts a bittersweet reflection on the tragic nature of existence.
Yomo patrolled the area, collecting his nightly provisions, when he detected the overpowering scent of blood. Intrigued by the mysterious occurrence, he ventured into the concealed section of buildings to investigate.
Unfazed by emotions and detached from typical human or ghoul sentiments, Yomo's stoic expression faltered when he stumbled upon Kaneki, a new worker from Anteiku. Kaneki, a broken and battered figure, caught Yomo's attention. Without hesitation, Yomo scooped him up and carried him to the safety of the cafe.
The creaking door stirred the drowsy residents of Anteiku. Touka, Enji, Kaya, and Yoshimura emerged from their sleeping quarters to find Kaneki in Yomo's arms, covered in blood and barely clinging to life. Concern etched across Touka's face as she urgently inquired about his condition.
"He seems to have been involved in a fight," Yomo relayed in his monotone voice, sharing the little information he had gathered.
Yoshimura's voice resonated with authority as he instructed, "Place him in the back room to rest and recover." Yomo complied silently, carefully laying Kaneki on the bed before closing the door, hoping for a swift recovery.
Touka, visibly distraught by Kaneki's broken state, questioned, "Who could have done this to him?"
Yoshimura responded with a note of wisdom, "There are numerous possibilities. We can only hope for answers once he regains consciousness."
With a shared understanding, the staff of Anteiku retreated to their respective resting places.
"Kaneki." A soft voice echoed through the air, causing Kaneki to search for its source. It didn't take long for the figure of Rize to materialize before him. Her presence sent shivers down his spine.
"Have you been enjoying your meals, Kaneki?" Rize taunted, her tone filled with amusement. "The taste of fresh human flesh is quite addictive, or perhaps you'd prefer the flesh of your fellow ghouls?"
"I-I don't enjoy consuming human flesh..." Kaneki stammered, shaken by Rize's reappearance. "And I have no desire to kill anyone."
Rize's cold fingers grazed Kaneki's face as she stared into his eyes. "Oh, my little monster, do you simply relish the thrill of killing then?" Her words dripped with twisted delight.
"I am not a monster, and I will never kill for food," Kaneki declared defiantly.
Rize's sickening smile widened as she taunted him further. "What would your mother say to her son, the one who cannot even take a life? A disappointment to her bloodline, perhaps? Maybe she wished she had never brought you into this world. After all, it's because of you that she met her untimely demise, K-a-n-e-k-i."
Kaneki's grip tightened on his head, his heart heavy with the guilt of his mother's death. The weight of her sacrifice and the stress she endured to provide for him weighed heavily on his conscience. He blamed himself for her tragic fate. Tears streamed down his face as the sky darkened, reflecting his inner turmoil.
"See, Kaneki? You are nothing but a monster. You brought death upon your mother and even me. No one loves you, Kaneki. Why don't you embrace your true nature and continue killing? It's what you excel at," Rize sneered, her eyes fixed on him.
Kaneki's tears flowed uncontrollably, for Rize's words struck a painful chord within him. She was right. If he hadn't been born, his mother would still be alive. She would be happy, and maybe your father would still be here. Gazing up at the darkened sky, he heard a whispered phrase echoing in his ear.
"Can you just die now?" Rize's chilling words echoed, and the world around him crumbled into darkness.
Kaneki jolted awake his body was barely responsive. The recent fight had taken a severe toll on him, but the mental torment he had just experienced surpassed any physical pain he had endured.
All he wanted was to lie in that bed and wallow in the pain he believed he deserved. Going back to school wouldn't erase the anger Hide held toward him, especially after the events of the previous night.
Touka knocked on the door of Kaneki's room, aware of his fragile state. However, there were pressing matters at hand, such as the increased activity of the CCG in neighboring wards. "Kaneki! Get up. We have errands to run today," Touka called out, her voice filled with urgency.
Not receiving a response from Kaneki, Touka burst into the room only to find him shirtless. Her face turned red, but she managed to stammer, "Be ready in five minutes," before swiftly exiting.
Kaneki sighed as he got up from the bed and started getting dressed. "I seem to sigh a lot these days," he said. Making his way downstairs, he found an impatient Touka waiting for him.
"We'll be back, Enji and Kaya," Touka informed the others in the cafe as they left, their destination unknown to Kaneki. They walked silently, with Touka only mentioning that they had errands and someone special to meet.
"We're here," Touka stated, opening the door to a mask shop. Stepping inside, Kaneki was greeted by a wide array of masks, ranging from simple Halloween designs to terrifying creations that could instill fear in anyone who saw them. Each mask exuded masterful craftsmanship, a testament to the skill of the artist behind them.
Kaneki's fingers grazed the surface of each mask, admiring the intricate details. Suddenly, cold fingers touched his neck, causing him to jump in surprise. Touka burst into laughter, her face turning as red as a strawberry.
"That was a good one, Uta," she complimented the man who had removed the blanket from over him.
Uta, a tall man with long black hair and various tattoos covering his body, including one encircling his neck, inquired about their visit. "How can I assist you today, Touka?" he asked, intrigued by the reason for her visit.
"He," Touka pointed at Kaneki, "needs a mask. That's why we've come to you." Uta's interest was piqued. He motioned for Kaneki to sit in the chair as he picked up his measuring tape, studying Kaneki's face.
"So, Kaneki, what's your favorite genre? Any specific preferences when it comes to consuming flesh? And what about your favorite book?" Uta bombarded Kaneki with questions, seeking inspiration and insight into the person behind the mask.
Overwhelmed, Kaneki could only stare blankly at Uta, finding it difficult to form a coherent response.
Sensing Kaneki's unease, Touka stepped in, her tone sweet but threatening. "Uta, I think Kaneki has had enough questions for just a mask," she said.
Uta understood the message and decided to halt his barrage of inquiries, despite it being his usual practice with customers. "I have all I need," he assured them. "The mask will be ready in a week. Come back then."
Relieved by the sudden end to the questioning, Kaneki nodded silently, grateful for the respite. They left the shop, leaving behind the enigmatic artist to work his craft, and Kaneki eagerly anticipated the day when he would don his new mask.
Kaneki couldn't help but think that Uta couldn't get any weirder with his eccentric personality, but witnessing him swallow an eyeball took it to a whole new level. The tattoos on his body, particularly the one on his neck, intrigued Kaneki. He could have spent the whole day pondering over the enigmatic man, but Touka's impatience urged them to leave the shop.
"Let's go, Kaneki. We still have school to attend," Touka declared in a tone that made it clear she wouldn't tolerate any argument. Kaneki sighed, and together they headed towards Kamii University, bringing back memories of his time spent with Hide at the college. Kaneki realized he hadn't spoken to Hide since his encounter with Rize. Although Kaneki was present at the school, Hide seemed to be nowhere in sight.
Touka glanced at Kaneki, noticing him drifting off into his thoughts. She understood that he missed his friend, but she suspected the fear of cannibalizing Hide had kept them apart. "Kaneki, I'm going to class. See you at the shop, alright?" She informed him, receiving only a nod in response. She shook her head, and then made her way to class, not wanting to be late.
Kaneki decided to text Hide. At the very least, his friend deserved to know that he was present at the school. Summoning his courage, he sent Hide a simple message: "I'm here." Kaneki sat by the nearby fountain, longing to explain everything to Hide, but couldn't bring himself to do it.
Hide would see him as a monster. He would despise Kaneki. The mere thought of it instilled intense self-doubt and sadness within him.
"You're finally back, huh?" a soft voice spoke, instantly recognizable to Kaneki. "Hide," Kaneki simply uttered, avoiding eye contact with his friend.
Hide sat beside Kaneki, expressing his worry. "You have no idea how worried I've been. You never respond to my messages. What's bothering you, Kaneki? We're supposed to be best friends, but now I feel like you don't trust me," Hide expressed, his tone containing a mix of frustration and concern.
Kaneki remained silent, hanging his head low, accepting the harsh reality. If only Hide knew the truth. "I'm okay," he murmured.
Realizing that forcing Kaneki to open up wouldn't be productive, Hide invited his friend to join him in helping out their senpai. Patting Kaneki on the back, he said, "Hey, Kaneki. How about joining me? It'll be fun, I promise." Hide's beaming smile brought a soft smile to Kaneki's face.
"Sure, Hide," Kaneki responded, standing up from his position and allowing Hide to lead him to their destination within the pharmaceutical department. They knocked on the door, but receiving no response, Hide decided to open it, revealing a surprising scene inside.
"Ah!" Hide exclaimed, startling the girl and guy who were making out. "Oh, it's you, Nagachika. What do you want?" the man asked, swiveling his chair to face them.
"I brought someone too," Hide replied. "You said you needed help, so I brought myself and my friend here."
Kaneki observed the man called Nishiki, taking in his appearance. The ruffled orange hair, slightly darker than Hide's, the glasses, and the nonchalant demeanor gave Nishiki a careless aura that seemed out of place in the pharmaceutical department. Kaneki felt unsettled, but he chose not to question it. Recognizing him as the ghoul from when he first met Touka.
"I have everything we need at my place. Follow me, and we can get started," Nishiki said. Everyone nodded in agreement, and they set off. The warm autumn sun provided some comfort to Kaneki as they walked.
As they followed Nishiki through the streets, Kaneki couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He decided to strike up a conversation to break the silence.
Kaneki spoke tentatively, "Nishiki, I'm curious... How did you end up studying in the pharmaceutical department?"
Nishiki glanced back at Kaneki with a smirk. "Oh, you want to know my story, huh? Well, it's a long and twisted one," he replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Let's just say that life has a funny way of leading us down unexpected paths. The pharmaceutical world isn't exactly where I imagined myself, but here I am."
Kaneki furrowed his brow, sensing there was more to the story. "I can't help but notice your unique... talents," he remarked, alluding to the unexpected display of strength earlier. "Is there something special about you?"
Nishiki chuckled darkly. "Special? You could say that. But it's not something I readily share with just anyone. Let's just focus on the task at hand for now."
Unsatisfied with the vague response, Kaneki decided to press further. "And what exactly are we doing? Why did you need our help?"
Nishiki's smirk widened. "Well, let's just say there's something I've been experimenting with, a project of sorts. But it requires a delicate touch, and that's where you two come in. You'll see soon enough."
Hide, who had been silently following along, finally chimed in. "Hey, Nishiki. You could at least give us some more details. We're risking our necks for you here."
Nishiki turned his head slightly, his gaze meeting Hide's. "Trust me, Hide, this is something that could benefit all of us. Just consider it an opportunity. Besides, you owe me for that time I saved your ass, remember?"
Hide grumbled in response but begrudgingly accepted Nishiki's explanation.
As they continued walking, the warm rays of the autumn sun embraced them, offering a temporary respite from their worries. The conversation lulled, but Kaneki's mind was still buzzing with questions. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Nishiki's intentions and his involvement in this peculiar endeavor.
"You annoy me," Nishiki remarked, suddenly delivering a powerful roundhouse kick to Hide, sending him crashing into a dark alleyway.
"Hide! Why did you do that to him?" Kaneki demanded, anger welling within him at Nishiki's act of aggression.
"Simple. I'm going to enjoy your little snack," Nishiki sneered, pressing his foot against Hide's head. "What are you going to do about it?" he taunted, increasing the pressure and causing Hide to groan in pain, still unconscious from the impact. The glimmering kakugan could be seen in the dimly lit alley as Nishiki continued his torment.
Having seen enough, Kaneki charged at Nishiki—an ill-fated decision. Nishiki swiftly struck him in the stomach with a forceful punch, causing Kaneki to cough up blood. Despite the pain, Kaneki didn't relent in his assault. In response, Nishiki unleashed a powerful kick to Kaneki's back, then grabbed him by the wrist, dragging his face against the rough concrete.
"You're so weak, Kaneki. This is child's play. I know you're a ghoul, so go ahead and activate your kagune or lie down and die with your snack," Nishiki jeered, the kagune within Kaneki beginning to stir.
"H-Hide!" Kaneki's voice quivered angrily as he confronted the man who had kicked his friend. His fists clenched tightly at his sides. "Why did you do that to him!?"
Hide, still unconscious from the brutal blow, lay helpless on the ground while Nishiki pressed his foot into his head. Nishiki wore a sadistic smirk as he taunted Kaneki. "Simple. I'm going to enjoy devouring your little snack," he sneered, increasing the pressure on Hide's head. Hide groaned in pain but remained unconscious, unaware of the danger.
The glow of kakugan pierced through the dark alley, revealing Kaneki's growing rage. He could no longer tolerate this sight. Without a second thought, he charged at Nishiki, hoping to free Hide from his torment.
A grave mistake.
Nishiki swiftly retaliated, delivering a powerful punch to Kaneki's stomach. The force behind the blow caused Kaneki to cough up blood, forcing him over in pain. Yet, despite the excruciating agony, Kaneki refused to give up. He lunged forward again, determined to protect his friend.
With lightning speed Nishiki swung his leg, connecting a devastating kick to Kaneki's back. The impact sent him crashing to the ground, his body skidding across the concrete. Blood stained the pavement as Kaneki's face was dragged mercilessly, scraping against the rough surface.
"You're so weak, Kaneki," Nishiki jeered, his voice filled with contempt. "This is child's play for me. I know you're a ghoul, so go ahead and unleash your kagune, or just surrender and die alongside your precious snack."
Kaneki's eyes burned with defiance as he struggled to rise. His kagune, a manifestation of his ghoul powers, flickered to life behind him, radiating red hues. It was a desperate attempt to stand against his tormentor.
But before Kaneki could fully unleash his kagune, Nishiki struck him with a swift and brutal stab, impaling Kaneki's abdomen. Agonizing pain coursed through his body, causing him to gasp in agony. His trembling form lay vulnerable on the ground, his strength waning.
"You're truly pathetic, Kaneki," Nishiki sneered, looking down at the wounded ghoul. "As a ghoul, I expected so much more from you." His words echoed in the alley, a cruel reminder of Kaneki's perceived failure.
But despite the pain and despair, a flicker of determination ignited within Kaneki's eyes. He refused to accept defeat. With a mixture of anguish and defiance, he whispered through gritted teeth, "I... won't... give up..."
Kaneki's mind was clouded by pain and desperation. Amid his torment, a sweet and alluring voice whispered to him, offering a way to save Hide. The voice belonged to Rize, the ghoul who had caused him so much suffering. Her words resonated within his fractured psyche, tempting him with the power to enact vengeance.
The overwhelming desire to save Hide consumed Kaneki. In his shattered state of mind, he was willing to grasp any means necessary to protect his friend. With a flicker of madness in his eyes, he succumbed to Rize's manipulative embrace.
"Yes!" Kaneki's voice trembled, his sanity slipping away. "I must kill him! I will save Hide!"
A dark smile played upon Rize's lips as she reveled in her hold over him. With a tender kiss on his head, she solidified the pact that would forever change Kaneki's path.
At that moment, Kaneki's transformation began. The boundaries between his human and ghoul self blurred, merging into a formidable force. The depths of his kagune awakened a manifestation of his newfound power.
With newfound strength coursing through his veins, Kaneki rose from the ground, his gaze fixated on Nishiki. The aura surrounding him was infused with an otherworldly presence, a testament to the darkness that had taken hold.
Nishiki, taken aback by this change stared at Kaneki in disbelief. He had underestimated the depths of Kaneki's determination and the resilience within him.
Driven by an overwhelming surge of adrenaline, Kaneki lunged at Nishiki with unparalleled speed. His movements were no longer hindered by pain or doubt but guided by an insatiable hunger for retribution.
The clash between them was fierce. Kaneki's kagune twisted and contorted, striking out at Nishiki with deadly precision. Each blow reverberated through the dark alley, leaving trails of devastation in their wake.
As the battle raged on Kaneki's newfound powers began to exact a toll on his body. The strain was immense, threatening to consume him from within. Yet, fueled by a burning desire to protect Hide, he pushed himself beyond the limits of his endurance.
Nishiki, realizing the terrifying transformation Kaneki had undergone, fought back with every ounce of strength he possessed. But the once meek and feeble Kaneki was no more. In his place stood a formidable adversary driven by desperation. The same desperation had turned the feeble meat sack into a bloodthirsty ghoul.
Their clash continued to blow for blow, as a testament to Kaneki's determination and the price he was willing to pay. The sound of kagunes clashing echoed through the alley, a symphony of violence and language only ghouls could understand.
At that moment, Kaneki had embarked on a path of no return. The consequences of his choices weighed heavily upon him, but he knew he had to save Hide at any cost. With every strike he carved a path through his despair, inching closer to the salvation he sought.
But as the battle raged on, the question lingered: would Kaneki's newfound power be enough to save Hide, or would it ultimately consume him in the process?
The battle raged on, and Kaneki's body trembled with the raw intensity of his newfound power. The kagune, his ghoul appendages, swirled around him like serpents hungry for their prey. Bloodlust surged through his veins, urging him to embrace the darkness within.
Yet, amidst the chaos and violence, a flicker of hesitation remained within Kaneki's heart. He couldn't ignore the whispering in his mind, tempting him to give in to his darkest desires. The voice promised power, liberation, and the ability to protect those he cared for. But at what cost?
With every strike, every brutal blow delivered to his Nishiki, Kaneki felt the boundary between his humanity and his ghoul nature blur. He grappled with conflicting emotions, torn between the desperate need to save Hide and the growing fear of losing himself.
Hide, unconscious and vulnerable, lay before Kaneki, a stark reminder of their unwavering bond. Their friendship had been his lifeline during his struggle, a connection to his human self. The thought of harming Hide, of giving in to the insatiable hunger, sent a pang of anguish through Kaneki's heart.
In a brief respite between clashes, as the chaos momentarily subsided, Kaneki locked eyes with Hide's still form. He saw the trust and hope reflected in those eyes, the unwavering belief that Kaneki could find a way to protect them both without succumbing to the darkness.
With a newfound determination, Kaneki pushed back against the overwhelming urge to consume. He fought not only his physical adversaries but also the internal battle within him. He tapped into the depths of his strength, not just as a ghoul but as a human.
Every strike, every maneuver was now fueled by a different purpose. Kaneki fought not only to defeat his enemy but also to find a way to save Hide without succumbing to the insidious hunger within him. The power that had once threatened to consume him became a tool, a means to protect what he held dear.
As the battle reached its climax, Kaneki's resolve shone through. The struggle had transformed him, as Nishiki could only think, " What the fuck."
Before being impaled repeatedly and gruesomely, his blood spilled everywhere staining the ground and walls with his blood.
"I'll DIE! I'll DIE!" He screamed in horror as the kagune's appendages mercilessly tore into him where they struck and how hard they impaled.
Kaneki looked at the man with glee as he could taste the fresh blood in his mouth and the screams of terror from the man. After pulling out the kagunes, Nishiki fell limp onto a pile of bars. Kaneki ran over to Hide, but the ghoul's hunger took over before he could look at his friend.
"Eat him. Feel your desire to taste his flesh and the blood that tastes better than any wine. Devour him." The voice whispered into his ear constantly, getting louder and louder as each second went by.
"I-I can not eat him. He is my best friend. My only friend..." Kankei stated weakly, as the thoughts of devouring Hide were overcoming him. So much so; that his mouth began to drool, and his face was but an inch between Hide's own. Before he could give in to the temptation, footsteps alerted him.
Touka's kagune pierced Kaneki's body, causing him to stagger backward in pain. The shards lodged in his flesh, momentarily suppressing his insatiable hunger. As he fought against the overwhelming desire to consume, his eyes locked with Touka's determined gaze.
"Touka... please..." Kaneki pleaded, his voice strained. "Help me... I don't want to lose control."
Touka's expression softened, her grip on her kagune loosening slightly. "Kaneki, I'm here for you. I won't let you become a monster."
She stepped closer to Kaneki, eyes staring with concern and determination. Using no effort, she withdrew the shards from his body, causing him to wince in pain. As the hunger threatened to resurface; Touka swiftly placed her hand on his forehead, channeling her strength to help calm his ravenous urges.
"Focus, Kaneki," she urged, her voice gentle but firm. "Remember who you are. You're not a mindless ghoul. You have the power to control your desires."
Kaneki trembled, his body still aching from the wounds inflicted upon him. But he nodded, accepting Touka's guidance and support. With each passing moment, the hunger began to subside, replaced by a sense of clarity and self-control.
"Thank you, Touka," Kaneki whispered, his voice filled with gratitude.
Touka smiled softly, placing her hand gently on his shoulder. "You're not alone, Kaneki. Antieku will help you face these challenges together."
As they stood in the aftermath of the violent encounter, Kaneki's focus shifted back to Hide. He rushed to his friend's side, checking his pulse and assessing his injuries. Hide's breathing was shallow, but he was still alive.
"We need to get him to help," Kaneki said, his voice tinged with concern.
Before he could move any further, he passed out. Hearing the fading voice of Touka calling out to him as his blurry vision turned black.