Tokyo Ghoul: Madara Template Strikes Back!-Chapter 105 - 103: The Operation Starts

Kanzaki Ryoma knew exactly what kind of plan Manager Yoshimura would start to contemplate the moment he heard those words.

Even without his suggestion, Ryoma figured the old man would take the fall for his daughter. Without the brute force of Yamori, Aogiri Tree would struggle to hold off the CCG's advancing assault led by Special Class Investigators Shinohara and Kuroiwa. Especially since they were bringing along the new upgraded koukaku quinque, Kura, based on Kuzen's kagune. Their overall firepower had escalated significantly.

The only noteworthy member left on Aogiri's side was Noro. The Bin brothers wouldn't last long, especially against someone like Koutarou Amon. Ryoma's subtle pressure was simply an extra nudge to ensure Yoshimura made his move. Not for cruelty, but to accelerate his own advancement. The faster he climbed the CCG hierarchy, the faster he'd gain fusion points—and control.

Most importantly, he didn't want Eto reaching the 23rd Ward just yet. If something unexpected happened, it could spiral beyond his grasp. For now, everything was under control.

Returning downstairs, Ryoma spotted Kurona Yasuhisa and Nashiro Yasuhisa talking quietly with the others. The employees of Anteiku were friendly and open, but the sisters were reserved as ever. That was just how they were—guarded, introverted.

Still, it was clear there was no hostility between them. They were getting along well enough, and with food supplies sorted, Ryoma had no reason to worry about them adapting here.

He returned to his seat in the corner without interrupting.

"What were you and that old man talking about?" Rize asked, her tone casual but curious.

"We spoke about the Washuu family and the upcoming Aogiri operation," Ryoma said plainly. "The manager knows more than he lets on. I think he might have ties to the Washuu."

He couldn't exactly tell Rize he knew Yoshimura had once been a V cleaner. That would raise questions he had no answers for.

"The old man's name is Yoshimura, right? I remember... wasn't there a cleaner named Yoshimura who worked under V? Wonder if it's the same guy."

Rize's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.

"Might be," Ryoma muttered. "No way two SS-class ghouls with that much influence just happen to share a name. Especially one who managed to make the Devil Ape and Black Dog put aside their blood feud."

"If it's really him," Rize added, "then the CCG's ranking is crap. He'd easily be SSS-class. I didn't expect it. He doesn't look like someone that powerful."

"Which just proves you're probably the safest person in this entire ward right now," Ryoma said, smirking. "Anyway, I'll be heading out soon for the operation. You'll need to stay alert here in case anything happens."

"I'm not a kid," Rize said, giving him a flat look. "Worry about yourself."

She paused, her voice dropping into a chilling deadpan.

"If you die and leave me here, I'll dig up your corpse and eat every last piece. Bone and all."

Her eyes stayed cold and serious. If it was a joke, it was the kind of joke only a ghoul like Rize could make.

Ryoma gave a soft chuckle. He'd long gotten used to her way of showing concern. Of course, he wasn't ruling out the possibility that she really might do it.

"Relax," he said. "Victory is guaranteed."

Rize didn't argue. But she looked away, and for just a moment, her calm cracked. She was still worried.

She knew who led Aogiri Tree. She knew the One-Eyed King wasn't just a myth.

She didn't know Arima's identity, but she knew enough.

And she was already planning what she would do if Ryoma didn't come back.

---

The CCG headquarters in the 1st Ward was already abuzz when the briefing for the 11th Ward Operation was announced. Investigators from all over had been summoned, including Ryoma and Kōsuke Hōji.

Leading the meeting would be Special Class Investigator Marude Itsuki.

"Shinohara-san, you were recalled too?"

Kureo Mado looked surprised as he and Koutarou Amon approached the hall.

"Looks like Shinohara-san's part of the strike force," Mado said grimly. "That increases our chances."

He didn't say it, but the weight behind his words was clear. They were going up against Aogiri Tree, possibly even the One-Eyed Owl.

"Apparently I was summoned by the commanding officer of the special task force for this op," Shinohara replied with a sigh.

"A big name then?" Suzuya Juuzou asked, walking behind Shinohara with his usual blank smile.

Juuzou had been partnered with Shinohara ever since being pulled from the Academy. It was part of a special program, backed by Chairman Washuu himself.

"A big name indeed," Shinohara said. "So don't cause trouble."

Juuzou tilted his head. "I'll try not to."

"I mean it. No stunts, no messes," Shinohara added, clearly worried about how the boy might behave.

Meanwhile, Amon frowned. He could already guess who the commander was. And he wasn't a fan.

Not far down the corridor, Ryoma and Ui koorui appeared. The pair had only just arrived when the others caught sight of them.

"Oh, First Class Investigator Kanzaki, and Special Class Investigator Ui," Mado greeted them immediately. "This operation's team is stronger than I expected. I feel like I can finally take revenge."

His eyes burned with emotion, and for a moment he looked ten years younger.

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"Ryoma!"

Suzuya waved energetically when he saw him, voice ringing with enthusiasm.

He hadn't changed much, but after graduating from the Academy, he seemed a little more human.

Even if it was just a little.

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