The aftermath of Jason’s death left me hollow. His body lay before me, but the real weight was on my soul. I had become something I could barely recognize, torn apart by pain and torture, and now, carrying the burden of his death. But amidst the silence, I saw you—a small, trembling child with a one-eyed ghoul’s mark, just like me. Fear in your eyes, but there was something else there, a fragile trust.

I didn’t know what came over me, but I couldn’t leave you. I picked you up, cradling you close to my chest, and left the chaos behind.

Months later, I found myself within the dark walls of Aogiri Tree. The organization that had taken me in was as ruthless as the world I had come from, but now it was my place to survive.

“Kaneki,” Ayato said one day, glancing at me as I adjusted you on my back. “What’s with the kid? You plan on turning into a parent now?” He scoffed, but there was something in his voice that felt almost curious.

I didn’t respond. You had become my focus.

Naki leaned against the wall, grinning. “Can’t believe you’re walking around with a kid on your back. Who knew the infamous Kaneki had a soft spot?” His tone was teasing, but there was no malice.

Tatara, ever the calm presence, spoke up next. “It’s different, Kaneki. But you’ve made your choice. Protecting her is something worth fighting for, even here.” His words were blunt, but his eyes were softer than usual, an understanding passing between us.

Eto, ever enigmatic, watched from a distance, her eyes gleaming with amusement. “You’ve changed, Kaneki. But that’s the point, isn’t it? Everyone changes eventually.” She smiled, but it was a smile of someone who saw the bigger picture.

The members of Aogiri Tree were brutal, unfeeling, but there was something they could never take from me now. I had someone to protect.

I wasn’t just a monster anymore. And with you on my back, I had a reason to keep going.

They may have seen me differently, but I didn’t care. As long as you were safe, I would endure.