The fifth Story Arc of the Tokyo Ghoul series consisting of chapters 47 - 79 from the original manga, and episodes 9 - 12 of the first anime season and episode 1 of the second season. The arc revolves around Kaneki being taken captive by the ghoul organization, Aogiri Tree, and the CCG's assault on their base of operation.
Aside from a couple scenes in later chapters involving the battles between CCG and Aogiri, the first anime season cuts off near the end of chapter 66, with the arc continuing through episode 1 of the second anime season. The end of the episode goes into anime-original territory.
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Short Summary
Being given information on Gourmet, Itori reveals to Kaneki that Rize is not the ghoul's real name, and that Kaneki should look into her backstory if he wants the truth revealed to him.
At CCG Headquarters, Amon is given a new quinque, and is introduced to a well-known ghoul investigator, Juuzou Suzuya; the CCG's powerful problem-child. In addition, alongside a young investigator named Seidou Takizawa, his partner Kousuke Houji, and Suzuya's mentor, Yukinori Shinohara, the group join forces with Amon as they decide to take on the ghoul cases related to the 20th Ward. In the meantime, the CCG members of the 11th Ward led by Commander Itsuki Marude prepare their attack on the ghoul organization, Aogiri Tree, which has been discovered to be hiding out in the 11th Ward.
Elsewhere at Anteiku, Nishiki is now a full member of the café, and are visited by an 11th Ward ghoul, Kazuichi Banjou, who is also looking for Rize. However, they are interrupted by newly arrived members of Aogiri Tree; Ayato Kirishima, Nico, and Yakumo Oomori (Yamori). The three claim to be looking to bring Rize before their leader, the One-Eyed King, as a brief skirmish takes place within Anteiku. However, the Aogiri ghouls discover that Kaneki is a One-Eyed Ghoul, and take him captive as Rize's replacement.
At the hideout, Kaneki is brought before one of Aogiri Tree's superiors, Tatara, who, after stabbing into Kaneki's torso, confirms that Rize is dead, and that Kaneki was of no real use to them. Kaneki is then locked away, but is greeted by Banjou, who invites Kaneki along to attempt an escape with several of his followers. However, despite holding off the pursuit of the Bin Brothers, the escape doesn't go as planned as Yamori and Nico had ambushed them, and put the lives of Banjou's group at risk; forcing Kaneki to go with them in exchange for their lives.
At Anteiku, the members of the café, alongside Tsukiyama and Uta, plan Kaneki's rescue mission while Suzuya leads the charge to help the CCG break into Aogiri's Hideout. However, in another room of the compound, it is revealed that Kaneki had been chained up, and forced to endure endless torture from Yamori to the point of having his hair turn white from the stress. Throughout the torture, Rize appears in his mind to help Kaneki confront the issues of his past, such as accepting that his mother wasn't all she was cracked up to be. Reaching a breaking point, Kaneki decides to stop being the guy who gets walked on, and accepts his ghoul form.
Battles between CCG and Aogiri take place throughout the hideout as Kaneki breaks free, and battles Yamori to the point of Kaneki eating his Kakujya kagune. Having defeated Yamori, Kaneki breaks into the hideout's prison; freeing Banjou's group, and proclaiming himself as their new leader. Suzuya, upon walking into the torture room, finds what's left of Yamori, and believes to have found what will be his quinque; finishing Yamori off.
In the meantime, the ghouls of Anteiku break into the hideout to search for Kaneki. Yoshimura's group scouts out the enemies for information while Yomo's group follows the info provided to go the safest path through the hideout towards Kaneki. Yoshimura then decides to join the fray as his legendary One-Eyed Owl form in order to stall the CCG's advance for more time. However, Yomo's side reaches a CCG roadblock that forces his group to split up; leaving Touka alone to fight her brother, Ayato.
Flashbacks to a life the siblings once had growing up with, and without, their father, Arata, occur as the duel between Touka and Ayato rages on. About to defeat her sister, Kaneki interrupts at the last second, and takes over the duel claiming that he will offer Ayato a half-death to not have to kill him for the sake of his sister, but still teach him a lesson. Elsewhere, the battle between CCG and Yoshimura goes down where Shinohara and Kuroiwa are forced to activate their non-tested Arata forms with their quinques in order to stand a chance against Owl.
The duel between Kaneki and Ayato breaks out where Kaneki eventually discovers that Ayato had been hiding, deep down, his efforts to protect his sister. Despite Ayato's denial, Kaneki eventually wins the duel by pulling off the half-death; breaking every bone on the right side of Ayato's body, which knocks Ayato unconscious. The ghoul, Noro, suddenly appears before them to retrieve the defeated Ayato, and battles Yomo's group for a brief moment before retreating. Having been rescued by Yomo's group, Kaneki's role in this battle was finally over, and was asked to rest.
Meanwhile, the CCG continues to clear out the rest of the hideout as Amon is able to kill the Bin Brothers by showing off the strength of his new quinque. Not wanting to kill anyone, Yoshimura escapes the battle against Shinohara and Kuroiwa before their Arata powered quinques could fully consume their hosts. At that point, the battles of Aogiri Hideout had officially come to an end.
After the battle, it is discovered that Tatara and Eto had used their hideout getting assaulted as a diversion to attack, and are able to free ghouls as high as SS-rank, from the CCG's 23rd Ward prison. Nico also survived the assault, and believes that it is about time to reunite with his old colleagues.
Kaneki reunites with Banjou's group and his rescuers from Anteiku. However, he tells the ghouls that he won't be returning to Anteiku as there's stuff he needs to go out and accomplish away from the café. Banjou's group, and Tsukiyama, offer their support to help complete his quest. Touka does so as well, but Kaneki rejects her coming along in order to see her accomplish her goal of going to college, and bids Touka farewell. At this point, Kaneki's gang away from Anteiku has officially been formed.
Long Summary
At the CCG Headquarters, Amon is continuously doing investigations without getting any proper sleep. He is offered to investigate the Rabbit ghoul they previously encountered, but turns down the opportunity. It is revealed that the 20th ward has become a dangerous place, and that Amon blames himself over Mado’s death; therefore, becoming fully dedicated to his work.
Kaneki tells Itori of his experience with the Gourmet ghoul, but she nevertheless berates him for not getting information on the Gourmet club. Itori mentions that Kamishiro Rize doesn’t exist, and that she supposedly changed her name to that. She also suggests that Kaneki research more about Rize’s backstory before she came to the 20th ward.
On the way back home, Kaneki bumps into a young boy whom he notes to have a very delicious scent. Before he could even notice, his wallet was already stolen. The boy finds a hiding alley, and starts to examine Kaneki’s library card, money, license and Student ID. He notes that he can’t eat anything wholesome with just three thousand yen, but unbeknownst to him, two ghouls are waiting ahead to kill and eat him.
Kaneki tells Touka and Hide of his pick pocket incident. It turns out that Nishiki is working at Anteiku under the manager, whom has decided to provide him with meat so that he could live a relatively crime free life. When Nishiki expresses his ideas of humans and ghouls co-existing, Kaneki realizes that he has changed. It's also made known that more CCG personnel have been dispatched to all the wards of Tokyo.
The pick-pocket from earlier is approached by the two ghouls, but as they eventually beg for him to spare them, he subsequently slits both their throats.
Back at CCG, Amon decides to go to Meeting Room 2 to meet the newly deployed investigators from the CCG main office. He meets Yukinori Shinohara and Kousuke whom were former partners of Mado. He also meets Takizawa, an investigator who admires both Arima and Amon himself. It is revealed that a partner for Amon is currently pending by the main office. Amon learns that the 11th ward is in chaos, to the point where its CCG branch is powerless, for most humans there have been annihilated. Amon and the others therefore come to the conclusion that ghouls are becoming organized, with a goal to crush the CCG. They then decide to focus solely on the investigations involving the The Gourmet, The Binge Eater, and Rabbit.
Shinohara is told to meet his new partner, who is considered to be a problem child. When they arrive at the police outpost, Amon questions whether he is a boy or girl, and doubts his belonging to the CCG. When the officer refuses to apologize to him for not believing him when he said he is a ghoul investigator, the boy slucks out the ear bones in one of the officer's ears, much to Amon’s and Shinohara’s disgust. He then kindly introduces himself as Juuzou Suzuya, a Rank Three Ghoul Investigator.
Amon goes back to Meeting Room 2 where he meets Suzuya once more. Suzuya claims that he was first to arrive, but Amon finds flaws in the way Suzuya dresses; telling him to wear a suit and tie, and desist from eating in the meeting room. Amon then questions the stitches on Juuzou’s arms since they were not put there for medical reasons. Suzuya reveals that it’s called Body Stitch, and that a Body Modification Aficionado had put it there. He then attempts to show Amon an example of how it is done. However, Amon is repulsed by this; concluding that Juuzou is a strange boy.
Takizawa enters the room, and orders Juuzou to put away his candy only to have his nostrils broken by Juuzou; causing them to bleed. The meeting begins, and the Investigators discuss various ghouls. Shinohara and Juuzou then decide to take on the case of the Binge Eater, since it was pending for over two months. It is also made known that the number of victims of the Gourmet ghoul has dropped for the past couple weeks.
At Anteiku, ghouls are hardly visiting since the doves are being vigilant. The 11th ward is also in chaos, for ghouls are hunting and killing Investigators. Kaneki goes to see Touka, whom has just fed Loser. Touka mentions that Loser is in an unfortunate situation; as he is trapped in a cage and can’t fly around. Touka admits that she couldn’t kill Kimi, causing Kaneki to relate Touka’s situation with Yoriko and that of Kimi and Nishiki.
A ghoul of the 11th ward, Kazuichi Banjou, visits Anteiku for the first time. Banjou asks for the shop Manager, and when asked his purpose for being at the coffee shop, he mentions that he’d like to know about Rize Kamishiro. Kaneki decides to take him further inside, and asks Banjou to prove that he is a ghoul. Banjou mentions that he and Rize once resided in the 11th ward, but came to Anteiku in search for her. Kaneki suspects that Banjou doesn’t know about Rize’s death, but becomes agitated that Banjou sniffs off him, hence detecting Rize’s scent. Banjou grabs Kaneki, accusing him of being Rize’s boyfriend. Banjou then picks a fight with Kaneki, throwing his fist, but when Kaneki accidentally hits him in the face with his elbow, Banjou faints.
While Banjou was sleeping, his followers told Kaneki that he had fallen in love with Rize, and admired how she lived her own life, using her own power. When she left the 11th ward, Banjou felt insignificant, but still led the ward at his best since Rize entrusted it to him. Kaneki also learns that Banjou knows about Rize’s past, and has decided that he wants to talk with Banjou.
Back at the Aogiri hideout, a young man is angered at the fact that Banjou had not answered his phone calls. He reveals that he is also in search for Rize, and is asked about his life while growing up in the 20th ward. He mentions that the 20th ward is peaceful, and even his family was peaceful. He is then introduced as Ayato Kirishima; a ghoul of the 11th ward.
Yoshimura and Yomo roam the 20th ward, where they converse about a group of ghouls called Aogiri Tree, led by the One-Eyed King. Yoshimura then senses that Kaneki might be in trouble, deciding to return to Anteiku.
Banjou wakes up and Kaneki brings him a glass of water. Kaneki then apologizes about earlier, but is told that he is indeed stronger than he looks. Kaneki insists that he had no sort of relationship with Rize, and Banjou bows in apology, admitting that Kaneki’s scent is different from Rize’s. Kaneki concludes that Banjou isn’t a bad ghoul. When Banjou asks where Rize is, Kaneki says that she moved from Anteiku, instead of saying that Rize was already dead. Banjou then asks a favour of Kaneki, to inform Rize that the One-Eyed King of Aogiri Tree is after her, and that she must run away. Banjou also mentions that Aogiri will soon come to the 20th ward, therefore telling Kaneki that he must run away too.
Ayato suddenly shatters a glass window, barging into Anteiku and kicking Banjou, breaking his bones in the process. Ayato then threatens to give Banjou another beating. Touka suddenly intervenes, and shocked to see her younger brother, she asks where he wandered off to. Kaneki then realizes that Ayato is Touka’s younger brother. Yamori and Nico arrive, and Ayato becomes agitated at the fact that Yamori had come to Anteiku before him. Nico, due to his high sense of smell, reveals that Kaneki is indeed the one that smells like Rize, and should therefore be taken back to the 11th ward.
Touka puts up a resistance, saying that she would not let them take Kaneki. She charges toward Yamori, but is quickly thrown to the ground. He then grabs Kaneki by the throat, and slams him into a wall. Kaneki activates his kakugan, and Yamori is shocked that he is a One-Eyed Ghoul. Touka is enraged, and she attempts to make another strike against Yamori. She is instead confronted by Ayato, who punches her in the face. They begin to argue about their father, and with her Kagune activated she prepares to fight him. Ayato pledges to show her that ghouls are above humans; and using his own kagune, he takes her down effortlessly. Ayato then orders Banjou to stuff the unconscious Kaneki in a bag, while Yamori calls Tatara to tell him of their discovery of the One-Eye.
Yoshimura and Yomo arrive, and upon realizing that Kaneki was taken, he decides to shut down Anteiku for a while.
At school, some students converse about the chaos of the 11th ward, and worry about the safety of the 20th ward. Yoriko looks over at Touka’s empty desk, and decides to take her some food later on in the day.
Shinohara and Juuzou visit the crime scene of two or three ghouls that were murdered via disembodiment of their limbs, into roughly two hundred parts. Shinohara mentions that the person who committed the murder was very skilled at using knives; concluding that it was Juuzou. Upon confirmation, he lectures Juuzou about the countermeasures laws against ghouls. Juuzou then becomes disappointed when Shinohara tells him that he is not allowed ownership of a quinque. On the subject of quinques, Shinohara goes into full details about the types of Kagune, Kakuhou, Rc cells, and the rival for each type of type of kagune.
Hide sits in his apartment watching the news of the uproar between ghouls and Ghoul Investigators. He then looks at his phone, wondering about Kaneki’s safety.
At the Aogiri Hideout, Kaneki is kicked into waking up, where he meets Ayato. Kaneki starts to wonder what happened to Touka, and is told to follow Ayato. When he asks about Touka’s well being, Ayato kicks him, telling him that he is not allowed to speak. Kaneki then contemplates that Aogiri might want Rize’s organs, which is why he was brought there in the first place. Ayato gives him advice, telling him that the Aogiri superiors aren’t as “soft” as he is.
Ayato takes Kaneki to a meeting held among the superiors and one hundred ghouls, whereby Tatara takes charge of Kaneki. Tatara shoves his arm into Kaneki’s torso, concluding that Kaneki is a one-eyed ghoul, and that Rize is therefore dead. He then tells Ayato that Kaneki is no good and not needed, and should therefore do what he wants with him. Kaneki becomes puzzled when Tatara mentions Dr. Kanou. Tatara then informs Kaneki that it was not a kidney that was transplanted into him, adding that he could still use the one-eye for fighting.
Tatara then tells Eto to follow him, so as to execute their plan, for the doves would be there any minute. Kaneki is seen locked away in a room, thinking about Kanou and Yoshimura. Banjou approaches him, and suggests that they should run away from the hideout. Kaneki contemplates on whether he could make the decision to run away, and Banjou insists. Kaneki wonders if he could trust Banjou. They converse about Rize’s death, and Banjou tells Kaneki that he was being considerate of his feelings when he lied about Rize at the coffee shop.
Upon meeting with the rest of Banjou’s followers, everyone is thrilled by the fact that Kaneki is a One-Eyed Ghoul. Banjou explains about each of the leaders of Aogiri Tree: Tatara serves under the One-Eyed King, Noro is temporarily incharge of the 11th ward, Yamori came from the 13th ward, and Ayato Kirishima was dragged into joining the tree. Banjou also explains the daily activities, and subsequently studies what to do after he escapes the hideout. They decide that they’ll head to the 20th ward after escaping.
At the CCG Headquarters, Amon, Shinohara and Juuzou visit Itsuki Marude, whom introduces a problem which he claims to be the biggest in history, and that he needs help in the 11th ward countermeasures unit for a while. Amon and Shinohara notice that one of the listed enemies is Jason of the 13th ward. Shinohara explains that his killings are usually very brutal and sadistic and that even first class investigators are reluctant to fight him. Also, Shinohara mentions to Amon that after breaking his previous Quinque, Amon is to receive one of the quinques used by Kureo Mado.
Meanwhile, Kaneki struggles to dismantle the bodies killed by Aogiri Tree as he and all the other members are ordered to. Banjou offers to help him, but Kaneki is unwilling to rely on Banjou. One of the other members catches Kouto trying to take some of the meat and nearly hits him, when Banjou quickly defends Kouto and lies that he told him to steal the food.
Later, Banjou tells Kaneki that he is determined to help his followers escape before he is killed. Yamori is also seen talking with Nico; wondering if a One-Eye is difficult to crush.
With Ayato at an Aogiri meeting, and Yamori having left to go to town, Banjou and his followers finally attempt to escape. However, they are caught by an Aogiri ghoul who unexpectedly comes out and screams out an alarm to the guards. The ghoul is instantly killed by Ichimi, Jiro and Sante, but one of the Bin Brothers is already chasing Banjou's group. Kei trips while running away, and is nearly attacked by the Bin Brother that was chasing them, when Kei's son, Kouto, steps in front of her, determined to protect his mother. However, Banjou immediately pushes Kouto away and is the one to take the attack. As the group watch in horror, Banjou orders them to run away, which they hesitantly do, until Ichimi, Jiro and Sante explain that Banjou cannot use his Kagune. They tell the others to escape as they, along with Kaneki, help Banjou. As the Bin Brother is about to kill Banjou, Kaneki stops him with his own Kagune.
Kaneki engages in a one-on-one battle with the Bin Brother whom was attacking Banjou, and manages to knock him down. At that point, the other brother appears. However, before he can join the battle, Yamori unexpectedly appears, dragging Kei and Usu and holding the decapitated heads of Moku and Tetsu. Nico also arrives, holding Kouto.
Usu, who is severely wounded, apologizes to a distraught Banjou, stating that they were ambushed. Yamori makes a deal with Banjou's group, offering to spare their lives in return for taking Kaneki, stating that he wishes to use him as his subordinate. At first, Kaneki is reluctant to agree and believes that Yamori is lying to him. Yamori threatens to kill Kei immediately if Kaneki does not choose to go with him, and this provokes the Bin Brothers to state that they disapprove of Yamori's ways. However, when Nico says that it doesn't matter that Yamori is not loyal to Aogiri, the Bin Brothers lose interest and leave. Once again, Yamori asks Kaneki whether he is going to go with him in order to save his friends. Banjou tries to persuade Kaneki not to agree, but for the sake of protecting his friends, Kaneki decides to go with Yamori, satisfying him. Yamori assures Kaneki that he is kind to his subordinates. He then quietly orders Nico to put the remaining of Banjou's group in his isolation cell.
At Anteiku, Touka is worried about Kaneki while she, and the other members are in a meeting. Yoshimura announces that he believes that they will not have any more contact with Kaneki. Touka is shocked at the revelation while Nishiki confronts Yoshimura about his statement wondering if Kaneki is already dead at this point. Hanami starts to cry wishing to one day see Kaneki again, but Yoshimura informs her that he hasn't concluded yet if Kaneki is dead-or-alive, and a rescue may be possible. However, he also adds that a worst-case-scenario could very well be possible.
Nishiki asks if they are going to go rescue him since there is a possibility, but Yoshimura explains breaking into the Aogiri Tree Hideout is no simple matter due to housing ghouls who live just for the sake of fighting. He also reveals that the CCG have also begun to move, and are planning to have a force deployed to the 11th ward to wipe out Aogiri Tree. With no room to interfere, Yoshimura concludes that their chances of being annihilated during the rescue are too great to attempt it. The ghouls of Anteiku remain silent as Nishiki butts in again wondering if they are truly just going to abandon him. However, Touka interrupts by stating that she will go alone due to their policy to always help ghouls in need. Nishiki then states that he will also go since he owes him, as well as Hinami since she had been saved by Kaneki.
Hearing their declarations Yoshimura informs them he doesn't wish to be misunderstood, revealing that rescuing Kaneki had always been his intention, and was testing to see if they truly understood the situation. He advises the three to put their lives on the line for Kaneki's sake, and that he and Yomo will protect them to help succeed in their goal. Yoshimura then asks if the three of them can hold up Anteiku's policy to help fellow ghouls, which the three claim they can.
He then adds that Irimi will come along as well for extra backup, and then introduces another support member as he just enters the doorway. Standing before them was the Gourmet ghoul, Shuu Tsukiyama. Touka and Nishiki ready themselves for combat asking how he's still alive. Tsukiyama explains that he followed Touka's advice and discovered that he can eat himself to rejuvenate his wounds. Touka then asks why he's here, which Yoshimura answers that he brought him in; that their chances of success will increase having him as an ally. Feeling honored, Tsukiyama claims that he too can feel sadness, and wishes for nothing to happen to his friend, Kaneki. However, neither Touka or Nishiki believe his claim. Touka informs Yoshimura that Tsukiyama just wants to eat Kaneki down the line, but Yomo steps in claiming that he will keep a watchful eye on the Gourmet ghoul. Tsukiyama claims that he has turned over a new leaf due to his affection for Kaneki, but thinks to himself that he will find a moment in the enemy stronghold to eat him. Nishiki reminds Tsukiyama of the Kimi kidnapping incident, but admits to have any interest in that thing, which angers Nishiki. Touka steps in to stop the fighting as Itori and Uta enter the room.
Itori comments that they are being brought in to offer supplies for the rescue as Itori and Uta hand over a rough sketch, and a bag, to Yoshimura. Uta asks if he can go along with Yomo as Touka asks if he was going as well. Uta admits that he is doing it for exercise, but also wants to see something due to his job as a mask maker, he then gives Hinami her own ghoul mask as well. Yoshimura informs the group of the teams: that Hinami and Irimi will go with him while Touka, Nishiki, Tsukiyama, Yomo and Uta will be the second team. Koma then interrupts wondering what his objective as the Devil-Ape ghoul is, which is simply to protect the shop. He accepts the role, as the rest of the group begin picking on him.
Being left alone with Yoshimura, Yomo asks him if what they were doing was the right decision. Yoshimura admits that he is partly to blame for this incident due to inviting Kaneki into Anteiku. He dreads that Kaneki may not be the same anymore after this event.
At CCG, Vice-Commander Iwao Kuroiwa watches on as the 11th ward Commander, Itsuki Marude, is heard giving an inspiration speech to his fellow investigators who are ready for their assault on the Aogiri Hideout.
Hide can be seen at home watching an interview going on with Marude as they announce that they've already surrounded the Aogiri stronghold with over 1000 members of CCG, and have evacuated the surrounding residents. On December 19th, 11:05pm, the CCG began the attack.
At the hideout, a ghoul is seen holding the CCG back with a firearm. Commander Marude berates a nearby investigator for praising the ghoul's usage in stolen CCG guns as he watches another ghoul deflect bullets with a kagune shield to protect the ghoul shooter. Marude figures that the shooter was trained as a mercenary, and is the primary cause as to why the ghouls have been well-trained using guns.
Suzuya is watching the battle with Amon and Shinohara asking why they are on standby. Amon answers that the threat of being sniped is too great for the moment, and trying to attack from the other sides of the Aogiri compound would be an extremely high risk due to being covered by forests and sea. Suzuya next asks if their normal bullets can truly damage ghoul kagune, which Amon also answers that they use melted down bullets of kagune to counter the types that a specific kagune is strong against. Shinohara adds that using a quinque is still a much better alternative when its just a one-on-one duel, which he regrets not having currently, and wishes Arima was around. Suzuya asks if his Scorpion quinque will be effective, which Shinohara answers it should be, but should still stay clear of the stronger ghouls such as Jason and the Tailed Brothers. Suzuya remembers Amon being given a new quinque, and hopes to see his koukaku-type in action. Suzuya asks to lend him it, but Amon rejects him.
At that point, 11th-ward Vice-Commander Kuroiwa walks over to Suzuya's group. Shinohara asks about the current situation, which Kuroiwa admits that they are currently in a deadlock, and are thinking about trying alternatives to break into the hideout. Suzuya notices a nearby motorcycle, which he learns from Shinohara to be Marudes.
Getting impatient over the deadlock, Marude takes a nearby investigators gun, and shoots the ghoul defending the mercenary shooter in the head. He berates his nearby investigators for being useless as he notices Suzuya getting on his bike nearby. Marude realizes his keys have been swiped as Suzuya turns on the bike claiming to borrow it. He warns everyone to move as everyone watches Suzuya race off toward the hideout. Marude attempts to grab his bike, but is forced to let go upon seeing Suzuya perform a jump to the upper levels of the compound.
Suzuya jumps off the motorcycle and begins to kill off the surrounding ghouls, as well as the mercenary shooter that's been holding the CCG back. Suzuya shows the heads of the ghouls to inform the CCG that they can enter Aogiri's Hideout now as Marude orders the charge. All Amon could do was stand in shock wondering what the boy actually was.
Hearing that the mercenary's team failed to stall the CCG's invasion, Ayato complains about Yamori's whereabouts. In another room, Yamori can be seen holding Kaneki's head, whose hair has turned white.
Kaneki dreams fondly of his mother, who tells him that instead of being a person that gets hurt, become the person getting hurt. She says that a kind person will be happy with that. The scene switches to 10 days earlier when Yamori first lead Kaneki into the room to be tortured. In the room, Kaneki sees Yamori's previous torture victim, with a bucket of toes between his legs. Kaneki wonders if the victim is dead. Then Yamori asks if Kaneki knows about RC suppressant fluid, which allow ghouls to be injured like humans, and where such and injection is given. When Kaneki answers no, he plunges the syringe filled with RC suppressent into Kaneki's left eye. Yamori tells him that even ghouls are weak where a mucous membrane is exposed. Kaneki finally realizes he was targeted for torture from the very beginning. Yamori tells him the torture will be worse than he can imagine.
Days go by as Yamori is shown torturing Kaneki, who thinks to himself that the torture is really worse than he imagined. Yamori cuts out Kaneki's toes with a plier, and Kaneki screams. He tells Kaneki to count down from 1000 by 7. At first, Kaneki doesn't know why he was told to do so, but then he realizes it was so he can remain concious through torture. With his ghoul power suppressed, Kaneki feels human and weak. When the effects of the RC suppressent wears off, Yamori feeds him and waits for him to heal before torturing him again. This is done repeatly.
When Yamori can no longer control himself, he calls over Nico and stabs him. Over half of Nico's stomach is destroyed, but Nico heals imediately while looking delighted. The meanless torture makes Kaneki feel hopeless and he thinks that he would feel more at ease if he was tortured for a secret.
Then Yamori tells him how he discovered the enjoyment for torturing others. It was when he was prisoner in the Ghoul Detention Center where he was still called Jason. Yamori was tortured by an insane investigator for information on the 13th ward. He mentions that the Clowns were just coming to power. Under torture, Yamori blamed his misfortune on his lack of ability. Desperate to escape the pain as the days dragged on, he began to imagine that he was the investigator instead of the victim. When he took on the role of his torturer, their roles reversed in reality. Though he was only able to torture the investigator for an hour, he felt like he was truly human. It was an unforgettable excitment, and it was from the investigator that he learned about the injections and how to toture ghouls.
Yamori tells Kaneki humans and ghouls die easily, but Kaneki is the exception because of Rize's regenerative power. He tells Kaneki about Kanou using Rize to create the Half-Ghouls. Yamori then puts a red-headed centipede into Kaneki's ear, as he begs Yamori not to. Kaneki hears someone laughing in the distance. Then he realizes that it is his own voice. Kaneki thinks it would be nice to go mad like he is now, and begs to be killed. Kaneki wonders if Touka and Hide are okay, and whether he grew to be a person his mother would be proud of. It is then that Rize appears in his mind. Rize tells him he is boring and that he is actually thinking that his mother's teachings are wrong. Rize cups Kaneki's face while saying his name.
Still in his mind, Rize sees that Kaneki's hair has gone white, and asks Kaneki if he truly believes the saying that his mother had told him. Kaneki admits that its something his mother had taught him as Rize points him towards a funeral casket. Kaneki realizes it was his father's, but states that he doesn't remember him much since he died when Kaneki was only four years old. He admits to remembering feeling scared picking up the cremated bones of his father, and Rize tells him to continue. Kaneki states that he was always curious as to what his father was like; knowing that he was a bookworm like himself, and that reading books his father read was like having a conversation with him.
Rize next points Kaneki towards a stage play. Kaneki watches as a younger Kaneki performs in a play that he was forced to participate in due to knowing the story. Seeing Hide performing as well, Kaneki admits that they were somehow able to pull the play off.
Rize next asks about Kaneki's mother, which Kaneki answers that she was nice, taught him kanji, and never felt alone despite being an only child living with a widowed mother. Kaneki admits that his mother was his pride, and joy, as she came off as a respectable person that was equally nice to everyone. He also liked the food she made, but has forgotten what it tasted like due to being turned into a ghoul.
Hearing his appreciation for his mother, Rize asks if his mother truly was a respectable person. Despite Kaneki's confusion, he remembers back to a moment in his life when his aunt had stopped by to hound his mother for cash. Despite having no money, Kaneki's mother caves, and is forced to work jobs day-and-night to obtain enough money for everyone. Never seeing his mother rest, Kaneki asks his mother to take a break, but she makes a hand motion saying she's fine, even though the hand motion revealed her obvious lie. As a result, Kaneki's mother one day overworks herself to death.
Being asked by Rize if going that far was necessary, Kaneki remembers that he was now ten years old at this point. He had been adopted by his aunt, who, at first, felt guilty about causing the death of Kaneki's mother. However, as Kaneki tried to adjust into his new family, she developed a severe case of inferiority due to her adopted son doing better in school than her own flesh and blood son, Yuuichi, and began to hate Kaneki. As a result, his adopted family just passed him off some money to take care of himself, and began to completely ignore him.
Kaneki thinks about his later life. He had no family to care for him, but he still had Hide to support him. He remembers back to a memory at a playground where Hide asks Kaneki if ghouls are real, and if he should eat a classmate named Yoshikawa for liking Kanaki. Enjoying his time with Hide, Kaneki admits that his friendship with Hide is what saved his life. Rize asks if Kaneki truly felt lonely, which Kaneki finally admits that he did. Rize then tells Kaneki that it will be his fault for his friends dying, which confuses Kaneki once more. However, Yamori returns to the torture room at this point, which causes Rize to disappear from his mind.
Yamori steps toward Kaneki, who states that he is going to try something different since he learned from the previous torture that his mind and body are surprisingly tough. Getting Kaneki's attention, Yamori shoves the mother and child from Banjou's group, Kei and Kouto, into his view, and asks which he should kill. Kaneki explodes in anger upon realizing that Yamori lied about letting the others go. Yamori reminds him that he doesn't tell boring lies, but is having too much fun at the moment watching Kaneki's struggle.
Yamori asks again which one he should kill, but despite hearing Kei asking for her death, Kaneki can't bare to make the choice knowing that he is basically killing someone. Seeing Kaneki refuse to answer, Yamori orders Kaneki to give an answer, which Kaneki orders for his own death instead. Yamori states he understands, but moves to kill Kei anyway. However, Nico, who's been watching, states that he is taking his hobby too far at this point. Yamori threatens Nico if the okama is telling him what to do, and instead goes for the kid under the belief that the boy wouldn't have to suffer watching his mother die. Yamori begins to strangle Kouto to death as Kei is forced to watch her son die. Seeing Kei crying over her son's body, Yamori stabs her with his kagune to shut her up, which angers Kaneki to try to break from his chains. Yamori leaves the room calling Kaneki a hypocrite, but Nico uses his kagune to treat Kei and Kouto's corpses for a proper goodbye as he had been unable to save them.
Left alone again, Rize returns to Kaneki's mind as he blames himself for the position he's been put in to the point of begging for help. Rize reminds him that help is not coming, and that she is just a figment of his imagination.
Kaneki begins to break as Rize calls him out for being a weakling that is relying too much on luck. She states to Kaneki that the only reason he's in this position is because of his lack of ability to change anything; that because of this lack of ability, he had been tricked by Rize, and experimented on to become a monster by Kanou. That everything is his fault to begin with. Rize brings up his mother's saying again, and is amazed at how kind Kaneki turned out to be in the end. She makes fun of Kaneki for being unable to save the mother and child from Yamori, as well as his mother failing to turn her sister away. Rize continues by saying that if his mother truly loved him, she would have chosen a life with her son rather than trying to please her sister. At this point, Kaneki finally breaks down in tears.
In a rage, Kaneki asks why his mother left him all alone. Rize watches on as Kaneki admits that he has always felt lonely, because his mother didn't choose him; even if it meant that choosing him was going to cause his aunt to die. Rize congratulates Kaneki for finally understanding that his mother failed for trying to save both worlds; that she was weak for being too kind, and not coming to a proper resolution. Rize reminds Kaneki that he is still on the side getting hurt, and if he is ok with it, and with people such as Yamori doing such atrocious things. Kaneki admits that he can't forgive him, or even the Aogiri organization he's a part of.
Rize informs Kaneki that should Aogiri gain power, it will threaten the 20th ward that he holds dear. Kaneki states that he can't let that happen, and won't forgive anyone that threatens the peaceful life he was finally able to find at Anteiku. Rize asks if Kaneki was still reluctant to use their kagune since he was previously afraid of being able to control it, but now, Kaneki states that he will. Kaneki takes a bite of Rize in his mind and admits that all he has to do is surpass her. As Kaneki eats her, Rize congratulates him once more for understanding that in order to live, and consume others, Kaneki must accept his ghoul form.
Elsewhere within Aogiri's Hideout, the battle between CCG and the ghouls of Aogiri continue within the first building. Investigators Gori Misato, Hirako Take, Tainaka Hirokazu and Chino Mutsumi can be seen using their quinques to kill several ghouls in the area as Amon comes in afterwards to clean up the ghouls remaining with his new quinque. Amon orders the group to continue to the next building, and is told by Shinohara that Suzuya is currently M.I.A. Having captured the first building of the compound, Commander Marude, who's overseeing the battle, sends the order to split off into two squads to enter the adjacent buildings, and kill all ghouls in sight.
At another location in the hideout, CCG Investigators are seen struggling to kill Ayato, who ends up killing his dove attackers. He gets word that the Bin Siblings have been sent to another location that the doves appeared at, and are waiting for Noro to make his move. At another location, Noro is seen smiling as he watches a timer begin at the start of December 20th, 12:00am, and begins to move.
Returning to the torture room, Yamori is seen informing Kaneki that the doves have invaded their hideout, and tells him a story of how a ghoul cannibalizing on another ghoul will increase their strength. However, as Yamori moved in to begin his meal, Kaneki takes a bite out of his cheek. Kaneki claims the taste to be bad as he breaks off from his chair, and begins to strangle Yamori with his chained hands.
Breaking the chains, Yamori throws Kaneki off him as he realizes that Kaneki had bitten his other cheek. Kaneki taunts Yamori that him trying to eat is no different than what Yamori was attempting, which enrages Yamori. Yamori moves in for a choke-hold, but Kaneki kicks his hand away. Yamori instead grabs his leg claiming to never let go, but Kaneki purposefully breaks his leg by twisting it, and getting a kick in with his free leg. Yamori goes flying into the wall as Kaneki spins his twisted leg back to normal. Yamori comes out of the wall with his full-power kagune now clad over his body; claiming that he will kill, and devour, Kaneki. Ready to continue fighting, Kaneki cracks his knuckle; a trait he acquired from Yamori. Yamori lets out a roar as the two start the next portion of their fight.
It is now December 20th, 12:22am. as the CCG moves through the hideout. Kuroiwa talks to Amon worrying if Suzuya encounters the Jason ghoul on his own. He tells the tale of how cannibalism has been a recurring issue within the 13th ward he's been in charge of, and how Jason has evolved into a ghoul through said cannibalism. These type of ghouls have increased RC cells, and can now clad their bodies in kagune that the CCG has decided to nickname them as either Kakujya or Kushu ghouls.
Amon turns to Shinohara, and asks if he ever fought these cannibal ghouls before, which Shinohara answers that there was one time ten years ago. Shinohara tells Amon of the legendary Fukurou battle where he, Mado and an investigaor named Iba, formed a trio team under Commander Marude, and had to team up with Arima in order to take down the Kakujya ghoul known as Fukurou. Remembering the toughness of the fight, Shinohara leaves off hoping that Suzuya doesn't end up in that kind of fight.
At another location in the hideout, Suzuya is seen shooting the bodies of several dead ghouls that he already killed. He then looks out the nearby window at a building in the distance that has caught his attention.
Back to the torture room, Kaneki is seen dodging Yamori's kagune attacks. Kaneki stabs Yamori with his own kagune, but learns that it was no effect due to Yamori's high regeneration. Kaneki strikes again cutting into one of Yamori's arms, but is stabbed by the arm anyway, and realizes that he's still cutting to shallow. Yamori then throws Kaneki into the wall. Kaneki comes out of the wall claiming that it's his turn as he shows off his kagune.
At a staircase in the hideout, Aogiri ghouls are seen complaining about Yamori not coming to help. One of the ghouls states that he is probably within his hobby room at the back of the hideout playing with a new toy. The ghoul next asks what squad the other ghouls he's with are from, but has his head instantly cut off. Taking off their Aogiri masks, they reveal themselves as the Touka, Nishiki, Yomo, Tsukiyama and Uta group of Anteiku.
Tsukiyama then leads the Anteiku group through the hideout; killing all the ghouls he comes across. As they walk through the hideout, Tsukiyama and Yomo put on their normal masks, and believe that they have all the information they need to find Kaneki. Touka thinks back to their meeting at Anteiku when Yoshimura revealed Uta's Aogiri mask replicas they will be wearing. Yoshimura reminds them that the CCG are planning to invade the hideout, so time was short.
Back to the present, Touka deduces that all they have left to do is get to the room Kaneki is at as Uta asks if Yomo noticed something. Yomo states they should continue through the hideout as going to the building with Kaneki from the outside would make them stand out too much. However, he also got word from Yoshimura's group that the CCG has taken the left most buildings, and is currently fighting Aogiri in the northwest most structure. Worried, Touka asks the group if Kaneki will truly be alright
At another hideout location is the Yoshimura, Irimi, and Hinami group of Anteiku scouting out the Aogiri compound. Yoshimura watches on as Irimi can be heard giving Yomo an order to continue through areas that the CCG hasn't appeared yet. Hinami watches in amazement as Irimi teaches her that ghouls have excellent senses allowing for them to hear any sound that a person causes. However, she can't hear into the soundproof building they believe Kaneki to be in, so she asks Hinami to try. She is able to break through the barrier, and hear the ongoing battle.
In the torture room, Kaneki is seen looking at his kagune; realizing that it gives him four extra limbs. Kaneki thinks over the current fight, and deduces that Yamori's fast healing rate is the most troublesome, and figures that the best course of action would be to tear the Kakujya kagune off his body. Kaneki sends an overpowering attack with his kagune, and throws Yamori to the ground. He then continues to overwhelm Yamori and is able to cut off a large chunk of the Kakujya kagune. Kaneki then locks Yamori to the ground with stabs from his four kagune limbs and stands on Yamori's head.
Kaneki hits his head several times, and pulls out the centipede that Yamori had put through his ear earlier. Kaneki reminds him of how he had just been told that cannibalizing another ghoul will make the cannibal stronger, and informs him that eating Yamori's kagune will stop him from regenerating. Stabbing into Yamori once more, Kaneki asks him to begin subtracting 7 from 1000. Yamori eventually breaks and begins the countdown while Kaneki eats away at his Kakujya kagune; finding Yamori's taste to be gross.
Standing on the beaten Yamori whose kagune was now gone, Kaneki thinks over the situation, and sees Yamori as a victim similar to him that was subjected to cruel abuse. However, Kaneki claims that he wont end up like Yamori who kills for pleasure and leaves him to die at the hands of the incoming CCG investigators. As Kaneki exits the torture room, Yamori is left begging not to leave him alone.
At a new location in the hideout, Banjou is in a caged room with the rest of the followers that attempted to escape. Jiro worries if Kaneki, Kei and Kouto are ok at the hands of Yamori as Banjou slams the ground out of frustration for being a weak leader; wishing to be stronger. However, before they could decide anything, Kaneki enters the room, and destroys a portion of their prison cell.
Banjou and Kaneki notice each other, and are glad that both sides are safe despite Banjou's surprise at Kaneki's change of hair. Banjou asks what happened to Yamori, which Kaneki states that he defeated him, and left him for dead. Jiro asks what happened to Kei and Kouto, which Kaneki informs the group that he couldn't save them due to his lack of ability. Banjou breaks down crying believing it was his fault. However, Kaneki asks Banjou not to suffer anymore since it was clear that he was forced into a mission he was not strong enough for. Instead, Kaneki claims that he will take over as leader to take away Banjou's stress, and from now on, be everyone's protector. Kaneki informs the group that the CCG are currently attacking the hideout, and asks Banjou's group to follow him. Banjou takes note the change Kaneki went through; seeing him stronger, but sorrowful.
At Yoshimura's group, Hinami claims to have heard parts of the battle between Kaneki and Yamori; having confirmed his location in the soundproof room. Yoshimura asks Irimi to tell him the locations of all the current forces at play, which is their location in the southeast, Yomo's group moving towards Kaneki's location, a ghoul stalling the CCG in the northwest structure, and a CCG force continuing east through through the southern structures. Knowing a CCG force was heading for their location, Yoshimura decides to head out as a means to stall for more time, and leaves Hinami to Irimi; believing that Yomo's group will reach Kaneki in time. At Yomo's group, they move into the next building as he warns the group that they are closing in on fights going on between CCG and Aogiri. Tsukiyama is thrilled at the thought of finally fighting humans, but Yomo warns him that there is no time at the moment for extra meals.
Touka thinks back to a time at Anteiku when she taught Kaneki how to make coffee. She remembers when he failed to show off to Yoshimura what Touka taught him, but claims to just not be very good yet; even though he is seen doing the hand motion that reveals his lie. Back to the present, Touka doesn't realize the CCG investigators about to attack her, and is saved by Uta and Tsukiyama. Touka apologizes for losing concentration as the group continues to move through the hideout.
Peaking around a corner, Yomo's group is stalled by an idle CCG unit. Yomo gives the order that he, Uta and Tsukiyama will force their way through this force, while Touka and Nishiki take a different path. Despite Tsukiyama wishing to go as well, Yomo orders him to stay as Touka and Nishiki leave the group. The two reach a stairwell to find another route as Nishiki calls out Touka for failing to concentrate on the mission. Touka counters calling him a sex-maniac as the two reach the top of the stairs. However, they are greeted by a ranged attack that Nishiki steps in front of to shield Touka with his body. Touka looks toward their attacker, and sees her brother, Ayato, leading a group of Aogiri ghouls; asking what she is doing here.
Stepping toward Touka, Ayato deduces that she has come to save Kaneki. Touka asks him to move, but Ayato reveals to her that Kaneki is already dead since he was given to Yamori to toy with. Despite ordering Touka to go home, Touka attacks him out of anger for his last comment. Ayato blocks her punches and kicks, grabs hold of Touka, and throws her down the hallway. He orders his Aogiri followers to deal with what was left of Nishiki as he takes on Touka himself.
At the torture room, Suzuya comes across a dying Yamori. Suzuya asks if he is the ghoul known as Jason, which he admits to being; wondering if what he was talking to at the moment was an angel. Suzuya asks why he dying, which Yamori, again, answers that he was defeated, and left-for-dead, by a demon more powerful than him. Yamori begs for food, and reveals to Suzuya that Kaneki didn't eat his kakuhou ghoul organ; having enough strength to still eat something close to him. Yamori stands up ready to attack, but Suzuya pulls out a knife and continuously stabs at Yamori until his death.
Having decided that Yamori will be his quinque, Suzuya decides to drag him back to CCG, and wonders who the person was that weakened him earlier. Suzuya looks at his shoe, and notices that a small device got stuck on it, as he pulls Yamori's corpse out of the torture room.
On the CCG's side, Shinohara catches Amon up on the current state of the battle having almost cleared out their third structure of the hideout. Running through the hallway, Amon takes a peak at Misato's long-ranged type quinque, but is ordered to stop staring. Led by Commander Kuroiwa, the investigators prepare to move on to the next structure of the hideout, but are suddenly brought to a halt by the appearance of a mysterious figure. Seeing the ghoul, Kuroiwa realizes that the One-Eyed Owl stands before them.
In a flashback, the Shinohara, Mado, Iba team is seen taking a breather from a previous battle. Due to Iba's injuries, he orders them to go on without him in order to take down their nemesis, the SSS ranked One-Eyed Owl. Having already taken out all other investigators around him, Arima steps forward to battle Owl, and slowly works his way through the ghoul's defenses to eventually inflicting a fatal wound. The Owl retreated after the hit, and has vanished from sight ever since. Back to the present, it's revealed that it was Yoshimura's flashback when he was Owl as he prepares to battle the CCG unit in Aogiri's Hideout. He recgonizes Shinohara amongst the CCG, and congratulates him for rising through the ranks, but also taunts him over what he did to Iba in the past.
Outside the hideout, Commander Marude gets word of Owl's reappearance. Knowing that only Arima stands a chance against the ghoul, Marude orders Shinohara to challenge Owl with just a small squad of elite soldiers while the rest of the investigators continue to the next building to keep meaningless deaths against Owl to a minimum. Shinohara accepts the order as he, Commander Kuroiwa, and several other strong investigators, stay behind to fight Owl while Amon, Misato, and a rest of the CCG unit, are ordered to press on following after Investigator Chino.
Amon rejects the order wishing to fight against Owl, which reminds Shinohara of a time when he noticed Amon taking the CCG Academy serious. Shinohara approaches Amon, and punches him in the face. He orders Amon once more to follow after Chino, and asks Amon not to underestimate the special class investigators of CCG. Shinohara gives Amon praise for his hard work as Amon stubbornly accepts the order, and catches up with Chino's group. Turning back to Owl, Shinohara asks a nearby investigator, Hirako, what his strongest ghoul kill was, which Hirako answers was only as high as an S rank. Seeing himself expendable compared to his superiors, Hirako asks how Shinohara and Kuroiwa plan to fight without quinques, but is surprised to see that the two of them were now wearing their quinques similar to a Kakujya kagune.
On the roof of Aogiri's Hideout, Arata taunts Touka for being weak as the two are seen continuing their duel. Touka calls out Arata for being crazy enough to join an evil organization, which also prompts Arata to call Touka crazy for pretending to be their father. Dodging through Touka's punches and kicks, Arata bites down into her back; claiming that he will rip out her incomplete wing.
A flashback occurs as a young Touka and Ayato are seen walking with their father, Arata. An old women named Satou offers them a pot of stew as the three thank her for the meal.
Back to the present, Ayato eats into Touka's kagune, but finds it disgusting. Touka kicks her brother off him, but Ayato continues to scold her for being weak, and will eventually end up going the same way as their father.
The flashback returns as Arata asks Touka and Ayato to eat Satou's stew. Touka complains that human food is disgusting, but is told by her father that as ghouls, they must learn to blend in with humanity. Ayato asks why the ghouls aren't considered normal compared to humans, which Arata answers that they live in a world completely separate from humanity, and that they must endure everything thrown their way in order to protect that world. At that point, the three begin to eat the stew. At night, Touka and Ayato listen to their father read to them a bedtime story as the two eventually fall to sleep.
On another day, Touka and Ayato come across an injured sparrow as their father tells them to bring it home with them until the bird is fully healed. They acquire a birdcage from Satou as the siblings head out to find some bug food. After collecting several insects, they return home, and Touka receives praise from Arata for having her mother's trait of not fearing bugs.
Some time later while the siblings are out, they are given a free fish for food. At home, Arata cooks the fish, and is asked why he bothers to cook the food. He admits to Touka and Ayato that he does it as a gift for others, and gloats over being known as a skilled cook despite not knowing what the meals taste like. Arata next notices that Touka's clothes are torn, and figures that he has to buy her new ones at some point. He then grabs Touka and Ayato, and gives them a hug. He orders for Touka to be the big sister that will teach Ayato a lot of things, and that Ayato must protect his big sister when she's in trouble. He then puts the two kids to sleep and heads off. Arata is out collect corpses for food, but this time around, he is spotted by investigators Mado and Shinohara.
Some more time passes, and the sparrow is now fully healed. Touka is seen to be jealous at how the bird seems to have bonded with Ayato over her, but begins to worry that their father is returning home late this time around, which Ayato notices as well.
Returning to the present again, Touka lies motionless on the ground begging to see her father. Ayato questions why she still bothers to call for him, and reminds her that he is no longer with them.
The flashback continues showing Mado and Shinohara asking the nearby citizens for information on two strange children that they have confirmed to be ghouls. The investigators leave and discuss how they should approach the ghoul children under the belief that the two still haven't developed their kagunes. The two decide that their best option would be to leave it up to the CCG's branch office.
At their home, Touka and Ayato are still worrying about their father not returning yet. Touka continues believing Arata's word that he will never leave them alone, but Ayato remains scared that the investigators got to him. At that point, Satou appears at their house, and invites herself in. Touka stops her brother from revealing what happened to their dad as Satou offers them a bite to eat. However, Satou pulls back the plate of food she's holding, and shoves her hand in Ayato's mouth to confirm if they truly were ghouls.
CCG Investigators enter the room, and attempt to capture the two by throwing a net on them. However, Touka activates her kagune for the first time, and injures one of her attackers; allowing the two for a chance to escape the room. Touka and Ayato attempt to take their pet sparrow with them, but the bird pecks Touka's face, and flies away. They are then forced to go on the run moments after. Believing that their father was discovered. Ayato begins to regret getting involved with humans. Trying to make sense of their situation, Touka figures that their best option was to continue running. Touka, reaffirming to herself as the big sister protector, gives Ayato a piggy-back ride due to his hurt foot, and the two continue on their way.
Years go by, and the Kirishima siblings have increased their strength after being taken under by Yoshimura. The two siblings run into Tsukiyama one day who challenges them to a duel, but end up separated during the fight as Touka returns to Anteiku alone. Yoshimura asks Touka if she had been noticing Ayato becoming increasingly violent, and decides that Touka should begin attending a human school in order to gain enough knowledge of the world around her to help protect Ayato. As payment, Yoshimura offers Touka a waitress job at Anteiku café.
In the present, Ayato continues to look down at a beaten Touka as another flashback occurs with Touka returning home from school. She tries to tell Ayato of a girl she befriended named Yoriko. However, he ignores it, and questions Touka why she bothers to interact with humanity when they are ghouls. Touka tries to explain that it's for their future to learn about the world they live in, but Ayato complains that she will eventually mess up, and go the same way as their father. Ayato runs away afterwards, and Touka gets word from Yomo one day that her brother had been making a name for himself in the 14th ward's feeding ground. Touka is later seen sitting by herself; saddened that Ayato has left her.
Back to the present, Touka thinks back to losing her mother, father, and brother, and states that she doesn't want to be alone. Ayato attempts to put her to sleep with a final attack, but is interrupted by the arrival of Kaneki who charges in, and carries Touka to safety.
Moments beforehand, Kaneki and Banjou's group are seen escaping to a safe location away form the hideout as something catches Kaneki's attention. Before heading off, he tells the group that there's something he needs to finish, and to continue on without him. Elsewhere, Nishiki can be seen battling the ghoul's that were a part of Ayato's group. Struggling to finish the fight quickly, Nishiki figures that the ghouls he's battling aren't average pushovers, but is left shocked upon the sudden arrival of Kaneki, who kills the Aogiri ghouls instantly. Taking a look at Kaneki, Nishiki asks what happened to him. However, all Kaneki states is that they should get moving.
Currently, Nishiki watches on having witnessed Kaneki protect Touka from Ayato. Touka looks upon her savior, and is shocked to see the state that Aogiri has left him in. Kaneki sees the Touka was also a mess, and apologizes for being the reason that she put herself in danger for his sake. Ayato sends an attack that stabs into Kaneki, but he ignores it, and hands Touka over to Nishiki. Kaneki is then handed his ghoul mask from Nishiki, and, after putting it on, prepares to fight Ayato.
Ayato taunts Kaneki upon noticing that he has gone through a major change, and unleashes a powerful ranged kagune attack. Kaneki dodges every attack as Ayato asks why Kaneki isn't using his full potential. Kaneki answers that he can't go for the kill since it would make Touka sad to lose her only brother. Ayato believes Kaneki's answer to be naive, but is quickly hit back by an attack from Kaneki's kagune that forces the sibling to fall into a roow below them. Ayato is then forced to look upon Kaneki as the One-Eyed Ghoul claims that he will only be giving Ayato a half-death.
Confused upon hearing half-death, Ayato orders Kaneki not to get cocky just because he got one surprise attack in. Kaneki then instructs Ayato that while the sibling excels at long range fighting, his kagune isn't designed for close-combat, and reveals that he had forced Ayato into a narrow room that doesn't benefit his ability. Kaneki then unleashes his kagune and begins to fight Ayato up close. Getting some hits in, Kaneki informs Ayato that as siblings, he should be taking better care of his sister. Ayato ignores the comment, but gets thrown up into the air. Kaneki claims that he will win if Ayato turns out to be weaker than Yamori as Ayato orders him to stop talking, and claims that close-combat is actually what he specializes in.
At another location in Aogiri's Hideout, the battle between Yoshimura, and the CCG, continues. Shinohara and Kuroiwa show off the strength of their Kakujya quinques in a two-on-one close-combat fight against Yoshimura's One-Eyed Owl form, but are struggling to make any progress. Shinohara takes a moment to think over their situation, and comes to the conclusion that against a ghoul who's mastered his kagune, they stand no chance. He notices Investigator Hirako nearby ready to join the fight, and thinks back to his past. About how Hirako was someone who paired with Arima to attain many achievements, and had the best chance to learn Arima's fighting style that was able to force Owl to go into hiding.
Hirako thinks about his past with Arima, and how he failed to understand Arima's explanations due to being a normal person compared to him. However, he comes to the conclusion that if Shinohara and Kuroiwa can make up at least half of Arima's strength, then he is probably strong enough to make up the other half. Hirako dodges a swing to his head, and gets a slice in across Yoshimura's chest, but upon seeing the result, still doesn't believe that the three of them will be enough to defeat Owl.
Hirako claims that the fight has reached a conclusion due to Owl's indefinite firepower. The remaining CCG soldiers act confused as Hirako explains that no matter what they do, they won't be able to inflict wounds upon Owl's kagune due to using quinques that are only at the strength of S-ranked level ghouls. Yoshimura charges forward as the close-combat fight against Shinohara and Kuroiwa continues. However, none of the attacks are able to damage Owl, and the remaining soldiers begin firing their weapons fruitlessly.
Shinohara asks Kuroiwa how far they can push their Kakujya quinques, and states that he is about to try something reckless. Kuroiwa agrees that it is their only option left as they both prepare to activate their quinques for Arata form. Commander Marude, who has been watching the battle, looks away in disgust; hating the thought that they had to resort to using Arata.
On Yomo's side, they have wrapped up their side of the battle. Uta and Tsukiyama discuss why Uta hasn't been using his kagune to fight, which leaves Tsukiyama disappointed over wanting to see Uta go all-out. Yomo notices something major happening above them, and warns the others to be ready once they arrive at the location. On the roof, Nishiki wonders to himself if Kaneki will be alright.
The duel between Kaneki and Ayato continues as Kaneki is seen dodging the next attacks. Ayato jumps forward, and lands a hard knee to Kaneki's face. He then launches a ranged attack that sends kagune spikes into, and through, Kaneki's body, which forces him to the ground. At this point, Kaneki begins to realize that Ayato had also not been using his full power previously for some reason.
Ayato taunts Kaneki for being careless against him, but Kaneki responds by asking Ayato to reveal what he's been hiding. Ayato is confused by Kaneki's question, but Kaneki claims that the sibling joined Aogiri for a specific reason buried deep in his heart. Despite Ayato telling him to shut up, Kaneki explains that after fighting him, he now understands why Yamori tired to keep his distance; that Ayato had a hidden strength. Ayato charges forward to try once more to shut him up, but Kaneki counters with a knee to Ayato's gut, and orders him to stay quiet until he finishes. Enraged, Ayato admits that he has hated Kaneki since the moment he met him due to talking in a similar fashion as his father.
He continues to attack Kaneki, who tells Ayato that Yamori was indeed a strong opponent that very few would live against. Kaneki reminds Ayato about the skirmish at Anteiku, and remembers that Ayato had gotten in the way of Touka attempting to fight Yamori. Despite Ayato's denial, Kaneki asks if his action was an attempt to protect Touka. Thinking back to the situation on the roof, Kaneki also noticed that Ayato had been in a position to easily kill her, but didn't finish it. As a result, Kaneki states that Ayato's secret is being a half-assed bastard who hides his true self in order to try to accomplish something in Aogiri.
Ayato continues to deny it, but is interrupted by a thought of Touka without her kagune. In actuality, Kaneki had delivered a kick to Ayato's head, and claims that he is done talking. Kaneki throws Ayato against the ground, and reminds him that he will half-kill him as he shoves Ayato through several floors of the hideout.
Having Ayato locked against the ground, Kaneki informs him that he spent some time figuring out the definition of how to half-kill someone, and came to the conclusion that the answer is in a person's bones; to break 103 of the 206 bones in a person's body. Starting from the arm, Kaneki breaks every bone on the right side of Ayato's body until reaching the final one. Looking down at Ayato's destroyed body, he leaves off stating that the pain he is experiencing currently is still nowhere close to what Touka has gone through.
At that moment however, CCG investigators appear on the scene. They take note of Kaneki's ghoul mask being a new one as Kaneki prepares for his next fight. However, Noro shows up before him as well to retrieve Ayato. Kaneki stands by stunned as he watches Noro quickly cut through, and kill, all the investigators. Kaneki realizes Noro is a part of Aogiri, and gets ready to fight him, but is stopped by Yomo at the last second. Having appeared on the scene with Tsukiyama and Uta, Yomo tells him that he's done enough, and that Kaneki deserves a rest. However, Kaneki falls to his knees; believing that he has to continue fighting. Uta covers Kaneki with a blanket, and tells him to leave the next fight to them.
Yomo, Tsukiyama, and Uta stand before Noro as Tsukiyama launches his kagune toward their foe, but is easily deflected. He was distracted enough for Uta to stab his hands through Noro's chest, but notes that his attack didn't actually affect him. Yomo orders Uta to hold him from that position as he slices Noro's head off the body. However, the three watch as string-like kagune reconnects the sliced pieces of Noro's body back together; showing off the power of his high regeneration to the group.
Noro looks to his clock to show December 20th, 2:00am, which seems to be his time limit to stop fighting. Picking up Ayato, Noro leaves the area. Yomo then walks up to an exhausted Kaneki, who offers to help him, but Kaneki states that he will walk on his own.
Within another of the hideout's structures, a battle between Aogiri ghouls, and the investigators of CCG, continues. Cutting through the ghouls is Chino's group that Amon and Misato were forced to go along with in order to continue clearing out the compound. Standing opposite them are ghouls led by the Bin Brothers as they charge towards the CCG. Amon stands before the group to take the Third-combo attack from the Bin Brothers, and came out of it with just a minor graze injury.
The Bin Brothers next attempt their First-combo attack as Amon thinks back to words given to him from Mado. He explains that because ghouls are physically stronger than humans, its impossible to catch up to them in strength. However, because Amon strengthened his kinetic vision during his days at the CCG Academy, he can now watch, and steal tactics from his opponents, to keep himself alive longer than most other CCG investigators against the ghouls. Showing off this tactic, Amon changes the form of his quinque to a style similar to what the Bin Brothers have been using, and is able kill them by slicing through both at once. The ghouls stand in shock at the sudden loss of the Bin Brothers as Chino orders his unit to crush the remaining enemies.
With the battle over, Amon is congratulated for his effort, and takes a break worrying about how Shinohara's group is doing against Owl. Amon looks out the nearby window, and notices Kaneki running from the hideout. Kaneki notices Amon as well as the two stare at one another for a moment. Amon wonders if Kaneki had also been fighting here as he watches Kaneki turn around, and continue running.
From the roof of the hideout, Suzuya is also seen watching Kaneki run away, and remembers back to the time that the two met on the street. Suzuya asks himself why a normal person would show up at this place, but before he could come to a conclusion, he is greeted by Noro (still carrying Ayato). The ghoul notices Yamori's corpse by Suzuya, but he claims that it belongs to him now. Noro then turns around as Suzuya bids him farewell.
At the location of the battle against Owl, Shinohara and Kuroiwa active the Arata form of their Kakujya forms, and charge towards Yoshimura. A close-combat two-on-one battle erupts as the investigators note that the two are actually beginning to push Owl back. Hirako observes the battle having deduced that the two have reached a level where they are moving similar to ghouls, but wonders how long they can endure fighting in their Arata quinques.
The two take a breather as Shinohara notes that he has started to lose control of his quinque, and is beginning to be consumed by it. Yoshimura notices what the quinque is doing to him, and claims it to be a hideous weapon that was created through the anger and sorrow that people have against ghouls. Confused at his words, Yoshimura states that it's become clear to him that Arata does not wish for the investigators to use his power. However, instead of continuing the fight, Yoshimura chooses to exit the battle through a nearby window.
With the fight over, CCG orders the medical team to help Shinohara and Kuroiwa. Kuroiwa thinks back to the first battle against Owl ten years ago. However, he finds it strange that despite Owl's overwhelming strength, he only ever injured his enemies, and never actually killed anyone in either battle. He also believes that the Owl from back then was a lot stronger than the one they just fought.
Commander Marude then gets word that the CCG have officially taken all eight structures of Aogiri's Hideout. He tells his assistants to announce their victory as he gets word that Arima is trying to contact him from CCG Headquarters. Marude gloats over the phone of the mission's success to Arima, but despite Arima congratulating him, he orders Marude to call the squad back to the 23rd district due to Aogiri Tree being discovered to have attacked the ghoul prison there. Marude is left confused at the sudden event as Tatara and Eto are seen walking on the roof of a 23rd district structure.
Talking to Eto, Tatara finds it laughable that humanity fell for such a diversion, and informs Eto that they were able to reach the level of SS-ranked ghouls to free from the prison. Tatara concludes that they have accomplished their objective, but Eto asks him how many died at the Aogiri Hideout. Tatara informs Eto that around 200 died, which leaves Eto to state that they should do their best to kill for the sake of all the ghouls that died for their cause.
Overlooking Aogiri's Hideout, Nico is seen talking with Souta; saddened over the loss of his love-nest. Souta asks if the One-Eyed King truly exists in Aogiri, which Nico reveals that such a being doesn't actually exist. Nico then tells him of how he finds people on the edge of despair to be beautiful; how Kaneki had gone through such a horrible change due to the torture he endured from Yamori. Realizing he hasn't been in contact with his colleagues recently, Nico decides that it is about time to show his face before them again, and states that the last laugh will be from him.
Out in the woods, Kaneki catches up to Banjou's group, and the ghouls that came to rescue him from Anteiku. Yomo claims that the battle has officially ended as they take one last look at Aogiri's Hideout. Nishiki can be heard being excited over the thought of returning back to his normal life as Touka looks in Kaneki's direction. She asks Kaneki if they should dye his hair black when they return to working at Anteiku. However, Kaneki states to her that he still has stuff to do, and won't be returning to Anteiku.
Kaneki explains that he needs to get stronger in order to discover answers to things that have been bugging him. Banjou steps forward, and asks to cooperate with Kaneki as his shield to thank him for saving his life. Kaneki accepts the offer, which delights Banjou. Jiro, Ichimi and Sante decide to go along as well knowing that Banjou will be Kaneki's follower.
Tsukiyama is the next to step forward claiming that he will be the opposite of Banjou, and play the role of Kaneki's sword. Kaneki is seen disappointed upon realizing that Tsukiyama had survived their previous fight, but accepts his offer knowing that Tsukiyama would make a strong ally. However, Kaneki makes it clear to Tsukiyama that if he proves useless, he will kill him. Kaneki acting like a badass arouses Tsukiyama's appetite to want to eat him even further.
Touka is the next to speak wanting to follow him as well, but Kaneki interrupts; reminding Touka that she still has a life ahead of her to go to college. Kaneki states that he will still stop by Anteiku once in awhile, and wishes to see Touka's art. Kaneki then gives Touka a final good-bye as she runs away in sadness. Nishiki chases after her, but gives Kaneki a few parting words to not act rash, or die, during his quest. Uta states that he is happy to have joined the rescue mission; stating that he got to see a mask that suited Kaneki.
Watching from afar, Irimi can be seen worrying about Yoshimura's injuries as Hinami looks over towards Kaneki. Kaneki is seen looking up at the sky thinking back to the words that Amon had once told him during their duel; that the world is wrong. Kaneki comes to the conclusion that everything existing in the world has been warped to be incorrect.
Back in her room, Touka is lying on her bed thinking about her mom and dad. Saddened, and holding her dad's ring, Touka states once more that she doesn't want to be alone, and states to herself that Kaneki should go to hell.
Aogiri Arc Tropes
- A Day in the Limelight: The CCG begin to get much more spotlight here due to the introduction of their own semi-protagonist in Suzuya. Though some could argue that Amon has already established himself as the main-face for the CCG.
- Arc Villain: The first arc where there are villains on multiple fronts.
- The CCG and Aogiri Tree organizations serve as this for the ghouls of Anteiku.
- Aogiri Tree serves as one against CCG.
- Kaneki primarily has to deal with Yamori and Ayato.
- Character Development: Kaneki goes through a major dark transformation due to his torture at the hands of Yamori.
- Heel–Face Turn: Tsukiyama joins the Anteiku ghouls to help rescue Kaneki. Banjou's group also bail on Aogiri Tree.
- Killed Off for Real: Apart from the many CCG and Aogiri Mooks, Kei, Kouto, Yamori, Arata, and the Bin Brothers, die.
- Not Quite Dead: Tsukiyama survived his fight from the previous arc because he ate himself.
- Pragmatic Adaptation: For the anime adaptation:
- The content between Kaneki's capture, and his torture, did not make the cut. This includes meeting Tatara, as well as the escape attempt with Banjou's group.
- Kaneki's torture is also changed a bit, with Kei and Kouto being replaced by lovers Shuu and Haru.
- Scenes throughout the CCG vs. Aogiri battle occur at different times due to the first anime season coming to an end.
- The season ends on a massive cliffhanger since the anime concluded mid-arc. Made even more apparent by the fact that the second season goes into anime-original territory at the end of the first episode, which concludes the arc whilst changing Kaneki's decision from forming his own gang to joining Aogiri Tree.
- Torture Porn: There's a lot of emphasis on the physuical and psychological torture Kaneki receives.
- Wham Episode: The first in the series. The arc sees Kaneki go through massive Character Development that leads to him leaving Anteiku, changing the route of the series. Likewise, the introduction of Aogiri expands the scope greatly as it creates a clear villain faction, something the story had lacked prior.
