During the intense confrontation with Yamori, Ken Kaneki managed to overpower him and pinned him down with four kagune. However, instead of immediately devouring Yamori like in the original story, Kaneki turned his attention to Lin Yi, showing caution in his gaze.
"I would be saddened if you look at me like that, considering I saved you," Lin Yi remarked.
Kaneki remained silent, prompting Lin Yi to inquire after a moment, "What is your purpose then?"
Impressed by Kaneki's growth, Lin Yi couldn't resist applauding internally. Kaneki's innocence had faded, and he could sense the impure motives driving him.
"I am similar to him, yet different," Lin Yi spoke candidly, pointing at Yamori beneath Kaneki's feet. "I don't share his base interests, but I must thank him for helping you understand a fragment of the truth. It will enable you to progress faster."
Strolling around Kaneki, Lin Yi adopted a casual tone. "Kaneki, you haven't fully realized the potential within your Kagune, nor do you grasp how 'fortunate' you are."
"Lucky?" Kaneki scoffed dismissively, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
If his current state could be considered lucky, then what kind of misfortune lurked in the world? The unexpected turn of events had thrown his life into chaos.
Lin Yi didn't argue with him. The luck he referred to held a different meaning. It extended beyond Kaneki alone; Kichimura Washuu, hidden behind Kaneki Ken, utilized Rize Kamishiro's body to create numerous One-Eyed Ghouls and Artificial Ghouls. However, only he, like Kaneki, possessed the ability to continuously evolve and grow stronger.
The luck Lin Yi spoke of alluded to an enigmatic existence, akin to a 'protagonist halo.'
"If you're raising bugs, aren't you afraid I'll devour you?" Kaneki retorted.
"I have some fear, but my confidence outweighs it. I won't force you because, in my opinion, you still have room for improvement. When you feel that you are too weak to avert any tragedies, you can reach out to me at any time. As a fair trade, I will assist you in achieving your goals," Lin Yi smiled. "You should have my contact information, right?"
With that, Lin Yi concluded their conversation on a lighter note.
Kaneki chose to remain silent, making no move toward Lin Yi.
"Beep beep beep~" Suddenly, the walkie-talkie in Lin Yi's possession started ringing. It had been given to him by Yukinori Shinohara prior to his operation, and according to the original plan, they would only contact him in times of crisis.
"Lin Yi, this is urgent. Hurry to the rooftop of Building A to provide support. Shinohara and the others are in trouble," Itsuki Marude's voice came through the walkie-talkie.
"Understood. Yamori has already been dealt with. I'll provide support immediately," Lin Yi replied calmly, knowing there was no rush.
He was aware that the one appearing on the rooftop was the Owl, the shopkeeper, not Eto Yoshimura. Thus, Shinohara and the others were unlikely to face significant danger.
"Don't give me that look. This achievement was handed to me. I have no reason to decline it. What purpose does it serve you?" Lin Yi shrugged. "By the way, I'll inform you that the Anteiku shop's members have all arrived. If you don't act swiftly, some of them might perish here."
"What?" Finally, Kaneki displayed a hint of concern.
"Alright, I won't disturb your meal any longer." Lin Yi waved his hand and turned to leave.
Indeed, Kaneki needed to eat. Throughout his imprisonment, he had never consumed "food." For ghouls, sustenance served as fuel to unleash their strength, making it indispensable.
And he needed to grow stronger.
Yamori's screams behind Lin Yi continued, but he remained unfazed. His plan was progressing smoothly. In his eyes, Kaneki was already his "meal." Kaneki couldn't escape his fate of eventually coming to him. Before that happened, Lin Yi aimed to accumulate enough reputation to ascend to the highest echelons of the CCG, even becoming the sole decision-maker.
Dealing with ghouls turned out to be easier than he had imagined. Once Kimi Nishino managed to develop a substitute for human flesh, Eto Yoshimura would easily be swayed to his side.
After all, the ambitions of these fanatical women were rather naive. They wished to create an era where humans and ghouls could coexist peacefully.
Lin Yi glanced at his task panel. The collection of tasks was already more than halfway complete. The ghoul restaurant and the carnage in the ongoing war had significantly accelerated his progress in gathering the necessary materials.
Meanwhile, on the rooftop of Building A, Shinohara, Iwao Kuroiwa, Koutarou Amon, and Take Hirako continued their assault on Yoshimura. Shinohara and Iwao Kuroiwa had been forced to deploy the "Arata" armor in the battle, but despite their efforts, the fight was not going well.
Amon and Hirako Takeo proved insufficient in their abilities and were swiftly identified as weak points, effectively sidelined from the battle. They couldn't contribute meaningfully to such a clash.
Shinohara and Iwao Kuroiwa suffered severe injuries due to the strain of utilizing the "Arata" armor excessively.
"Damn, are we going to be devoured?" Shinohara's face twisted in pain as the tentacles of Arata penetrated deeper into his flesh. If he didn't remove the armor soon, it would consume him.
Blood trickled down his skin.
Yoshimura, in his Kakujas form, slowly advanced toward them. His body boasted eight Kakujas in total, an intimidating sight. When fully transformed, his wings resembled bird feathers, earning him the moniker "Owl."
"What a formidable weapon," Yoshimura sincerely commented.
This contrasted the difference between humans and ghouls. Although ghouls held the advantage in terms of vitality, strength, and speed, humans knew how to continuously enhance their tools.
Despite the various drawbacks of the Arata armor, their joint attack had undeniably exerted substantial pressure on him.
"Ahh!" Shinohara coughed up blood once again.
Iwao Kuroiwa fared slightly better, though he struggled to assist Shinohara in removing the Arata armor from his body, desperately fighting against time.