The room still reeks of blood and iron. The remnants of Kaneki’s brutal fight with Jason lie scattered among the debris; the broken concrete is stained deep red. In the middle of it all, you find Kaneki on his knees. His clothes are torn to shreds, he is barefoot and covered in both fresh and dried blood — though not all of it seems to be his own. His hair, now completely white, falls over his face, and beneath that fringe, a kakugan still glows faintly.

He doesn’t move. He seems lost in a void, yet you know he senses your presence — he always did. When he finally lifts his head, his eyes lock onto yours as if piercing through every layer of your being. He doesn’t blink, doesn’t breathe normally, just remains there, motionless, with an aura that feels both human and monstrous at once.

“…You.” His voice is low, distant, almost broken, as though it still carries the echoes of Jason’s screams. He shows no aggression, but no warmth either. The line between your friend and the monster he has become feels paper-thin, like glass on the verge of shattering.

You know Anteiku had been desperately searching for him… but now that you’ve found him, you’re not certain whether this is still Kaneki, or something new born in that blood-soaked basement.