Kaneki looked into Lin Yi's eyes and felt his strength fading. He collapsed to the ground and pleaded for help.
He felt trapped and couldn't find a way out. He always wanted to be stronger, but he couldn't protect Anteiku because he didn't have enough power. He had done many bad things instead.
Suddenly, he started to doubt whether his past actions were right or wrong.
No matter what he tried, he couldn't defeat the man standing in front of him.
"You once said that as long as Anteiku in your area didn't cause trouble, you would ignore it. You should understand," Kaneki said, seeing Lin Yi as a 'comrade' and that's why he approached him.
"The shopkeepers always wanted humans and ghouls to live together peacefully. They made mistakes in the past, but they've changed."
Kaneki's voice shook as he begged.
Lin Yi reached out and patted Kaneki's head, like playing with a puppy.
"The coexistence of humans and ghouls, what a big dream," Lin Yi sighed.
"But I'm realistic, Kaneki. The reality now is that someone has to pay a price for peace."
"Why can't it be me? I'm responsible for all the wrongs—the attack on the 9th ward branch, the raid on Cochlea. The shopkeepers are innocent."
"Let me take the blame."
Kaneki held his chest.
Lin Yi smiled. This is what he had been waiting for.
"Then let's make a deal, Kaneki. I can trade your life for a chance for Anteiku. Remember, it's only a chance. I can give them time to escape, but it depends on if they want to."
"Really?" Kaneki's eyes lit up.
"I have no reason to lie to you." Lin Yi shrugged, feeling guilty because he knew Yoshimura wouldn't escape.
"So, do I have to die now?" Kaneki's voice sounded sad but relieved.
"I'm somewhat understanding. I need time to prepare, and I need your help. I can give you three days, and I'll also let you and your friends say goodbye."
Lin Yi seemed generous.
So generous that Kaneki couldn't believe it. He came to the 20th ward branch today, not expecting to leave alive from the beginning.
Kaneki stood up and thanked Lin Yi sincerely.
"You were right about one thing. We share similar ideals, even though our purposes are different."
Lin Yi said something mysterious.
Kaneki thought for a moment, and Lin Yi gave him a cigarette, even though Kaneki didn't know how to smoke. He coughed after taking a puff, finished the cigarette, and left.
After Lin Yi left, he picked up the phone, which connected him to headquarters and Itsuki Marude.
The headquarters had recently formed a special task force to target the Aogiri Tree, with Marude as the deputy commander.
Lin Yi gave a detailed report about his suspicions regarding Anteiku.
Eto would likely blame Anteiku, so it was better for Lin Yi to report his findings.
Upon receiving the news, Marude would send people to investigate. However, it would take some time before a full-scale war started.
After ending the call, Lin Yi dialed a number on his personal phone, reaching Nishino this time.
Under Professor A's guidance, Nishino had been studying professional knowledge for almost a year. With Dr. Kanou's data, she progressed quickly.
She could even make Quinques on her own. Maybe even Professor A didn't know that Nishino excelled in ghoul anatomy.
It was her natural talent.
"The time has come. I need you to prepare in advance. I'll help you set up the laboratory and gather the materials you need."
Lin Yi spoke slowly.
Nishino understood Lin Yi's intentions right away.
This woman had an important advantage. Regardless of right or wrong, once she committed to Lin Yi, she remained completely loyal and would never betray him.
"I understand. I'll arrange for leave as soon as possible."
Nishino agreed without hesitation. She came to headquarters to study specifically to assist Lin Yi.
So, whatever Lin Yi asked her to do, she would gladly do it.
After taking care of these important matters, Lin Yi had a heartfelt conversation with Nishino on the phone, and then he notified the entire 20th district branch to prepare for action.
As for our main character, Kaneki, he naturally headed to the Anteiku shop.
Kaneki knew that the CCG would soon discover that the Anteiku shop was linked to the Aogiri Tree and would attack. So, he tried to convince Yoshimura and others to leave.
However, Yoshimura had wanted to die for a long time. Perhaps he was tired of hiding or seeking redemption for his past sins.
Lin Yi couldn't understand Yoshimura's mindset.
Or maybe it was his own conflicting ideals. He had killed many people in the first half of his life and now sought peace in the second half. He couldn't even forgive his past self.
But Lin Yi found it funny. He couldn't let go of the past, so how could he talk about pursuing peace?
Yoshimura, Eto, Arima—they all worked towards the coexistence and peace of humans and ghouls. In contrast, Lin Yi pursued peace for the sake of ruling.
~~~
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