Chapter Ninety-One: The Prerequisite for Protection Is Strength
“Is the world’s consciousness interfering with my favor toward Kaneki? It can, but whether Kaneki remains in this world is another matter entirely.” Muyang smiled to himself, thinking that if even Sadako could be taken out of her original world, then why not Kaneki as well? The world’s consciousness probably wouldn’t agree, of course, but since it had acted in this way and let him discover it, Muyang was not concerned. Even if the world’s consciousness objected, as long as Muyang explained clearly that there was more than one world, and that he had the means to take Kaneki away, make him stronger, and help him find other food sources for ghouls—if he presented enough evidence—he had no doubt Kaneki would be willing to leave…
Meanwhile, in the consciousness of the Tokyo Ghoul world…
“If I can succeed in this cycle of reincarnation, I’ll be able to evolve into a mid-level world. This time, the Child of the World must not die. Even if it means falling out with the Guardians, as long as I reach the status of a mid-level world, I’ll have the right to be free of duty, even if I lose protection. The Child of the World absolutely cannot die! The Paradise Travelers must not be allowed to kill them!” the world consciousness muttered to itself…
The manager watched Muyang with a pleasant smile, then said, “Should I call you the Shepherd’s Master, or simply a Shepherd? Or perhaps just Muyang?”
“Call me Muyang. We’re not enemies, at least not at the moment,” Muyang replied.
“To have created the Shepherds, such a promising organization that can almost rival Aogiri Tree, and to have done so in such a short time, it seems there’s more to you than meets the eye, Muyang,” the manager observed.
“You’re not lacking in background yourself, manager—the SSS-rated ghoul, the One-Eyed Owl who spares lives. Let me share a bit of information, though you might already know: your daughter is the leader of Aogiri Tree, and also the novelist Takatsuki Sen. She seems to hold some resentment toward you, perhaps due to events from her childhood. Am I right?” Muyang said with a gentle smile.
As Muyang spoke, the manager, who had seemed so composed, suddenly had his eyes turn black, his expression darkening with anger. His hand trembled, and for a moment he seemed about to lash out, but he restrained himself and instead asked, “What do you mean by Shepherd’s Master? Where did you hear such things?”
“I can’t tell you my sources, but as I said, we aren’t enemies—at least not yet. I know you want to create a safe zone for ghouls, and even believe that the 20th Ward and its ghouls are now under your protection. But what will you do when you no longer have the strength? Who will you be able to protect then? You haven’t fed in a long time, have you, manager? Each of your kagune must be at its lowest consumption state, perhaps even on the verge of degeneration,” Muyang continued.
“I’m not asking you to join me, nor do I have any great demands. I only want your help to steady the Shepherds at their most dangerous moment. In exchange, I’ll give you one of my arms each day,” Muyang offered.
The manager listened intently, and when he heard the reward—one of Muyang’s own arms each day—he couldn’t help but feel a trace of sympathy for this man. What could drive someone to such lengths against himself?
But in the end, the manager agreed, for Muyang’s assessment was accurate—his kagune were already at the brink of degeneration, some parts already deteriorating. If he did not feed soon, he might truly be unable to protect Anteiku Café. Yet if he ate human flesh to restore his RC cells, the sheer amount required from ordinary humans would be enormous. Muyang’s flesh, on the other hand, was different. Three days—one of Muyang’s arms each day—and he could return to his peak, perhaps even surpass it.
“A pleasure working with you,” Muyang said with a smile, tearing off one of his own uninfected arms…