Natsuki: Sorry for the intrusion.
Natsuki was first to enter the room, catching Atsuo and Aiya's attention.
Aiya: Oh Natsuki-san... Welcome.
Atsuo: Thank you for visiting...
Though both adults were depressed at the sight of their son's current condition, they were glad that his close friend came to visit.
But Atsuo wasn't in a good mood.
Atsuo: But Kotori... What are you doing here?
Kotori came inside with Natsuki and because she was also involved with helping Shino, Yuuka and Miku which also led to Kaneki's strange condition.
Atsuo was also a little mad at her.
Kotori: Hello Papa... I'm sorry for coming without any notice.
Atsuo: ...
Aiya: Now dear, calm down we talked about this.
But compared to Atsuo, Aiya was a lot more calm.
Atsuo: Haa~ You're right, sorry for my tone. So? What brings you two here?
Natsuki: W-Well...
Natsuki hesitated but she pushed herself to talk.
Natsuki: Haa~ It's about Miku, Shino and Yuuka.
Atsuo: What is there to talk about?
Natsuki: !!!
Even though Atsuo seemed calm, Natsuki could easily tell how furious Atsuo was by using her ability.
Natsuki's thoughts*
(He's really mad! His colors are so terrifying!)
The colors of Atsuo's soul were almost as terrifying as Kaneki's when he was enraged from Miku's capture by the Clad of Black Wings.
(Calm down Natsuki, you must talk.)
Natsuki: I've learned some things and... Miku, Shino and Yuuka said those mean things to Kaneki against there will.
Natsuki was able to tell Atsuo about Shino, Yuuka and Miku saying those things to Kaneki unknowingly against their will.
Atsuo: What? What are you talking about?
But Atsuo wasn't having any of it.
Atsuo: YOU SAW WHAT THEY SAID IN THEIR MEMORIES!
And immediately flew into a fit of rage.
Atsuo: WEREN'T YOU FURIOUS AT THEM JUST TWO DAYS AGO?! WHAT'S WITH THE SUDDEN CHANGE?! DON'T TELL ME YOU SIDED WITH THEM?!
Natsuki: !!!
He started yelling at Natsuki.
Aiya: Dear! Calm down!
Atsuo: HOW CAN I BE CALM?! SHE'S SIDING WITH THOSE THREE WHO HAD HURT KANEKI!
Aiya came in and tried to mediate the situation, but it was useless.
Aiya: Please just listen to what they have to say!
Atsuo: NO! WHAT IF THEY JUST END UP HURTING KANEKI OR WORSE?!
He refused to listen, to her as he was too angry.
Swoosh!
Kotori: Papa!
Atsuo: !!!
Kotori suddenly got in front of Atsuo and in her hands-
Atsuo: !!!
Was the sword containing Tohru, and she was offering it to him.
Kotori: I know you're really mad at us, and you don't want to listen... But please...
Kotori couldn't find the words to tell Atsuo that Tohru wanted to talk to him as well.
Atsuo: ... Fine.
But he understood her intentions and accepted it.
Atsuo: Give her to me.
He took out his hand and ordered Kotori to hand Tohru to him.
Kotori: Yes...
Kotori gently placed Tohru on Atsuo's hands and then.
Flash!
Atsuo: !!! W-Where am I?!
After making contact, Atsuo was blinded by a bright light and found himself in a dark space.
Swoosh!
Atsuo: Huh?
Tohru: Atsu-chaaaaaan!
Suddenly Tohru came flying at him with her arms wide open.
Hug!
Thud!
And upon reaching him, Tohru gave him a hug and accidentally pushed him down.
Atsuo: Ouch!
Tohru: Hehe~ Sorry Atsu-chan, I just got very excited after seeing you after all this time.
Atsuo: T-Tohru?
The sight of his dead wife was unbelievable, Atsuo couldn't believe that Tohru was in front of him.
Tohru: Ara? Hehe~ did you miss me that much?
Tohru reached for Atsuo's cheek and wiped off a tear that was going down.
Tohru: I don't blame you. I really missed you too, my dear husband.
Atsuo: Tohru...
Both husband and wife stared at each other for a while, but not long Atsuo remembered.
Atsuo: Wait... That's right! Our son! He's-
He wanted to tell Tohru about Kaneki.
Tohru: It's alright dear, I already know.
But to his surprise, Tohru already knew.
Tohru: Kotori-chan already filled me in with everything that had happened.
Atsuo: She did?
Tohru: Yes. And the part where those three said some mean things to Kaneki-chan. It made no sense at all.
Atsuo: Huh?
Atsuo was surprised to hear her say that.
Atsuo: But... They've hurt our son and got him hospitalized...
Tohru: Hehehe~
Tohru giggled to Atsuo's words and responded with a question.
Tohru: Same old Atsu-chan, you didn't try to listen to them didn't you?
Atsuo: Well...
Tohru: And did Aiya-chan tried to calm you down?
Atsuo: Y-Yes...
Tohru: But you didn't listen again, did you?
Atsuo: ...
She hit multiple nails and made Atsuo lowered his gaze a bit embarrassed, but he soon responded.
Atsuo: But they-
To which Tohru already knew what he was going to say.
Tohru: Abandoned our son and hadn't talked to him since the entrance ceremony.
Atsuo: You...
Tohru: Of course, have you forgotten? I've been with Kaneki-chan for most of his life including at school as Sword-san. Obviously I'll know everything.
Atsuo: ...
After hearing this, Atsuo remembered how attached Kaneki was to Tohru as Sword-san.
Tohru: Unlike most of you, Kaneki-chan was a lot more honest with me. So I immediately understood the situation when Kaneki-chan experienced his heart being shattered.
Atsuo: Then you hated them for that as well!
Tohru: Incorrect, although I was angry at first. It clicked to me that Shino-chan, Yuuka-chan and Miku-chan's action from that day didn't made any sense. Why would they abandon our cute, adorable and loving son for some total stranger?
Atsuo: Well...
Atsuo couldn't answer.
Tohru: See? You couldn't answer, although from what I heard from Kaneki-chan. Miku's case was a bit more explainable because of similarities on the face and such. But why would they throw away a nearly 10 year old bond for someone they never met?
Atsuo: But it was their memory-
Tohru: Just because you saw it happening in a memory, doesn't mean you see the whole truth.
Atsuo: Whole truth?
Atsuo understood what Tohru meant, but he couldn't believe it.
Tohru: That's right, as I said what they said doesn't makes sense considering their personality, they've put so much effort trying to get close to our son again and even somewhat used Natsuki-chan out of desperation. But to throw that all away? Why would they do that? For fun? Are they the type of girls who would play with other people's feelings for fun?
Hearing Tohru making several points, Atsuo calmed down and agreed with her
Atsuo: Y-You're right... And it seems like Natsuki-san has forgiven them... And why would they...
Tohru: I know you have a lot of questions, I can answer but it's better you hear it from our daughter and Kaneki-chan's friends.
Atsuo: ...
Tohru: I understand you can't trust Kotori-chan and those girls as well, but please dear.
Atsuo looked into Tohru's saddened eyes, as she stared back at him.
Atsuo: ... Fine... I can't win against you.
Seeing his wife begging for him to listen, Atsuo had no choice to agree.
Tohru: Thank goodness! And here I thought that you wouldn't listen to me!
Atsuo: Sigh~ I need to apologize to Aiya for my outburst.
Tohru: That's right! You shouldn't be making your wives cry you know? Maybe I should teach her some things to calm you down.
Atsuo: ...
Atsuo looked depressed after agreeing with Tohru, she immediately noticed and asked.
Tohru: What's wrong? You look sad.
Atsuo: How can't I? Our son is in a horrible state... And once again I couldn't protect him...
Tohru: Atsu-chan... I understand how you're feeling, I couldn't do the same as well.
Atsuo: Why hadn't I noticed Kaneki's and Miku's behavior towards each other for the past few months? If I had noticed and confronted them sooner... Maybe this wouldn't have happened.
Tohru: Yeah. And if I had urged Kaneki-chan to talk to them, maybe this could all be prevented.
Atsuo: Tohru...
Tohru: We aren't the best or perfect parents, same goes for Aiya-chan. But our kids need to guide our children, teach them what's right and what's wrong.
Atsuo: Yeah...
Tohru: That includes punishment and you can punish them however you like.
Atsuo: R-Really?
Tohru: Yeah, just don't hurt them too bad okay? Aside from Miku-chan the rest of them aren't your daughters.
Atsuo: I know that, I'll just ask their parents.
Tohru: Good.... Hey Atsu-chan, I'm sorry we couldn't reunite at better conditions.
Atsuo: You don't need to apologize.
Tohru: Thanks. Now then, go listen to what the girls have to say okay? Kaneki-chan would definitely appreciate it.
Atsuo: ... I will.
Flash!
With their conversation now over, Atsuo's consciousness was returned to his body.
Atsuo: ...
As he opened his eyes he saw Natsuki, Kotori and Aiya staring at him.
Aiya: Dear?
Worried Aiya got closer to Atsuo, before he started apologizing.
Atsuo: I'm sorry for yelling Aiya.
Aiya: Thank goodness! Tohru-san able to calm you down!
Atsuo: Yeah... I'm sorry for worrying you.
Aiya: It's alright, now then let's listen to what they have to say.
Atsuo: Yeah... Kotori, Natsuki-san.
Seeing Atsuo now calmed down.
Kotori: As Natsuki-chan was saying, someone else was involved in all of this.
Kotori and Natsuki began explaining everything to Atsuo and Aiya.
The high possibility of someone else being involved and manipulating Shino's, Yuuka's and Miku's actions.
Their guilt for deceiving them, and them wanting to fix their relationship with Kaneki.
Atsuo: ... That's a lot to take in.
Kotori: I know Papa, but you got to believe us.
Atsuo: ... Where is Shino, Yuuka and Miku? I want to see them.
Natsuki: J-Just a moment.
Natsuki went outside to get Shino, Yuuka and Miku.
And very quickly.
Shino, Yuuka & Miku: ...
Sachi & Chikao: H-Hey...
Shino, Yuuka and Miku went inside alongside Sachi and Chikao who were both very nervous.
Atsuo: I'll deal with you two later.
Sachi & Chikao: Y-Yes!
Atsuo then focused his attention at Shino, Yuuka and Miku.
With a cold and stern face, Atsuo questioned and ordered them.
Atsuo: Do you have anything to say? Now is a good time.
Seeing his expression Shino, Yuuka and Miku attempted to apologize.
Shino, Yuuka & Miku: W-We're-
Atsuo: Apologizing will not fix Kaneki.
But Atsuo cut them off coldly, and this frightened the three of them.
Atsuo: What I want to know is, do you three really want to fix your relationship with Kaneki?
Miku: Y-Yes dad.
Shino & Yuuka: Yes uncle.
Atsuo: I see. Kotori and Natsuki-san told us about you three saying those horrible things to Kaneki against your will. I'll believe it.
All 5: !!!
The rest of the Higanbana girls were surprised by this, but he soon added.
Atsuo: Although you girls needs to be punished for lying to us for a long time, so I'll be contacting your parents Shino, Yuuka. So be prepared for some harsh punishments.
Shino & Yuuka: Y-Yes...
Atsuo: As for you Miku, I'll be thinking of what to do with you later.
Miku: I understand...
Atsuo: You kids are idiots, if you told us adults about your situation with Kaneki non of this would have happened.
Aiya: Dear-
Atsuo: I know, were part to blame as well for not noticing their strange behavior and not confronting them about it. But you three are the ones who are most responsible.
Miku: We know...
Atsuo: It will take a while for you to gain my trust again, so you better be prepared.
Shino: W-We will...
Yuuka: We'll take our time to rebuild your trust in us...
Atsuo: Good. As for you two.
Atsuo then turned his attention to Sachi and Chikao.
Sachi & Chikao: !!!
Atsuo: Your punishments will be decided by Kaneki once he wakes up, although I'll make sure he gives you hard ones.
Sachi: I understand uncle...
Chikao: We accept it.
And lastly he turned to Kotori.
Atsuo: And Kotori, once your brother is awake you're not allowed to go near him for an entire week.
Kotori: WHAT?!
Atsuo: You've hidden information about Kaneki's situation from me, and even hypnotized me, Aiya and these girl's parents.
Kotori: W-Well... I did...
Atsuo: You did try to help, but for someone who calls herself a super artificial intelligent. You could've thought of a better way. And since you really like being around Kaneki, this punishment if fitting.
Kotori: Ngh... I understand...
Atsuo: And Natsuki-san, I'm sorry for everything these girls have put you through.
Natsuki: It's alright, they apologized to me yesterday. Although it will take a while for me to fully trust and forgive them.
Atsuo: And again... I'm sorry for how i acted earlier and the other day.
Aiya: It's alright dear, we understand why you did it.
And so they were done facing Atsuo after he told them about their punishments, but Aiya soon noticed something.
Aiya: Hmm? Kaneki?!
Drip~
Aiya turned towards Kaneki's body and saw that he was no longer shaking and his completely black eyes were shedding normal and clean tears.
Atsuo: What happened?!
Both adults went closer as most of the girls were shocked, but before everyone would blow into a full panic.
Natsuki: Wait!
Natsuki looked closer to observe the current state of Kaneki's soul and smiled before shedding her own tears.
Natsuki: Kaneki's soul is stable!
Compared to when Kaneki was first brought to the hospital, where his soul was seemingly glitching. It had somewhat gotten back to normal.
Kotori: Stable? Looks like those two spirits were able to heal him!
Atsuo: Go get the doctor!
With the situation with Atsuo now over, and Kaneki now seemingly getting better-
Meanwhile~
"ጮሃ የዐሠቹዪ ጎነ ፏዪዐሠጎክፏ~"
Ryueki: So what now? It won't be long until that damned Mob character recovers.
"ⶴቹ ጎነ ሠቹልኡ, ሠቹ ርልክ ክዐሠ ፪ቹፏጎክ"
Ryueki: I like the sound of that.
"ዪቹፕዪጎቹህቹ ጮሃ ፪ረዐዐጋ, ጎ'ረረ ፏ፱ጎጋቹ ሃዐ፱ ፕዐ ጎፕ"
Ryueki: Haha... HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! JUST YOU WAIT YOU STUPID MOH CHARACTER! WE'LL RULE THIS WORLD AND CREATE THE GREATEST BAD END FOR YOU!
The worst is yet to come.