"Thank you, Touka" Watching Tsukiyama leave, Hayashi lifted his head, a gentle smile on his face.
"Don't get the wrong idea. I just happen to dislike Tsukiyama, so I wanted to chase him out. I'm not doing it for you, so don't get any funny ideas."
Touka let out a haughty hum, a faint blush appearing on her delicate, icy face. She didn't even know why she felt compelled to defend Hayashi, even knowing it might anger Tsukiyama. At that moment, she felt an unmistakable sense of irritation. It was as if someone had touched something that belonged to her, or worse, eaten her cake. That feeling… was extremely frustrating!
Yet even she couldn't explain why she felt this way.By the time she realized it, the words had already left her mouth.
"Regardless, you did help me, and that's a fact"
Looking at the icy, tsundere beauty before him, Hayashi smiled faintly. Hearing that gentle voice and seeing her refined features…For some reason, Touka's heart beat a little faster, her breathing growing slightly rapid.
"I… I should get back to work~" Perhaps feeling her cheeks heat up, she turned and left, using work as an excuse.
"How adorable" Watching her flustered, clumsy retreat, Hayashi's lips curved into a smile. Indeed, tsundere types paired with icy, clumsy beauties were the perfect match — such contrast truly had no equal.
After finishing his coffee, he lingered a little longer to rest. By the time noon approached, Hayashi stood and paid the café, planning to head out for lunch.
As he stepped outside, he immediately noticed Tsukiyama standing by the entrance.
"Mr. Tsukiyama?" He approached and greeted him proactively.
"Ah, Mr. Hayashi~ I've been waiting for you here~" Tsukiyama's face lit up when he saw him, a gentle smile forming.
"Waiting for me?" Hayashi's interest was piqued.
"Yes. Isn't it lunchtime? I'm here to invite you to have a meal with me~" Tsukiyama gave a gentlemanly bow, looking perfectly elegant.
"Lunch together?" Hearing the word "meal" Hayashi immediately understood his intentions. Tsukiyama was likely planning to lure him into his ghoul-exclusive restaurant. Then, in front of a crowd of noble ghouls, a chef-cum-dismemberer would probably… well, the thought alone was enough. This was the exact method used on Kaneki back then.
Though Hayashi understood Tsukiyama's predatory intent, he was far from wary — he was actually intrigued. With his protective charms in place, he felt virtually untouchable.
Just as these thoughts crossed his mind, a system notification rang in his head:
[Ding! You have triggered a Time-Limited Mission: Feast of Blood]
[Objective: Accept Tsukiyama's invitation to the banquet and cleanse the venue in blood]
[Reward: Random weapon]
Hayashi's eyes gleamed at the notification.Perfect timing!He had already intended to stir up some excitement, now he had the perfect opportunity.
"I'm hungry too, then I won't refuse~" He nodded, excitement clearly evident.
"I know a very delicious restaurant. I'll take you there~" Tsukiyama smiled, slightly amused. He hadn't expected this boy to be so easily fooled. Originally, he had other strategies in mind if this one failed. Yet, one try and success — Hayashi really was naive!
Feeling a surge of anticipation, Tsukiyama swallowed, unable to hide his excitement. Soon, they arrived at the restaurant.
The décor was gorgeous, almost extravagant.
"Don't worry, I reserved a private room~" Tsukiyama nodded with slight relief as he glanced at Hayashi.
"Is that so?" Recognizing the layout, Hayashi confirmed silently. Indeed, this was the same place Kaneki had been taken by Tsukiyama in the anime. On the surface, it seemed like a normal restaurant, but beneath, it was actually a massive coliseum.
Noble ghouls occupied the viewing seats above, watching humans being slaughtered and dismembered, then consuming them as a refined, exquisite meal.
Entering the private room, it was even more luxurious than outside.
"I've already ordered the dishes. Please, have a seat and wait a moment." Tsukiyama politely pulled out a chair for him, ever the gentleman.
"Thank you." Hayashi nodded, sitting naturally and surveying the surroundings.
"I've been here many times. The food is excellent, widely praised" Tsukiyama said softly, hands folded on the table.
"I heard even Takatsuki-sensei visited often; maybe we might run into her!"
Hayashi wasn't interested in such remarks. He only wanted to eat, as his hunger had grown.
Soon, the dishes arrived — over a dozen plates, brimming with food.
"So many dishes? Quite a spread, Mr. Tsukiyama" Hayashi's mouth watered. Truly the work of a top chef — each dish looked delectable.
"No worries, as long as it pleases you" Tsukiyama smiled, satisfied.
'Eat, eat as much as you like. The hungrier the prey, the more exquisite the taste.'
He watched silently, hands folded, as Hayashi devoured the meal.
"Mr. Tsukiyama, aren't you eating?" Hayashi looked up, curious, mouth full.
"I'm not hungry. I ate a little while waiting." Tsukiyama patted his stomach apologetically.
'Of course, I'll save my appetite for you! Humans taste best when they're hungry — that's the mark of a true gourmet.'
As a seasoned gourmet, this was crucial.
Soon, Hayashi had almost finished the tableful of dishes.
"You don't like steak?" Tsukiyama gestured toward the mostly untouched steak, curious.
"I don't eat beef." Hayashi wiped his mouth, eyes clear and innocent.
"After the meal, there's a special performance. Let's go take a look." Not caring about his beef preference, Tsukiyama nodded.
"Before the show, however, there's a rule: you must bathe first. Only clean guests may enter."
Hayashi nodded, knowing it was about time.
"Good, I'll go now" Tsukiyama's eyes gleamed subtly.
'Once he emerges, he'll be personally received. Everything is set.'
Suppressing his excitement, Tsukiyama coughed lightly, wearing a gentle, false smile.
Hayashi finished bathing, changed into a crisp suit, and reemerged.
"Please come here, we've prepared coffee for you"A masked attendant guided him to the table and then left.
Hayashi drank the coffee in one gulp, waiting patiently.
After a moment, the surrounding lights went out. The floor beneath him slowly rose. As the ceiling rotated, a dazzling white light poured down. When the floor was fully elevated, several beams of light shone on him.
"Hm?" Hayashi inspected the surroundings with interest.
The arena's floor was stained red with blood, scattered with limbs — a gruesome sight. Above, many masked noble ghouls in the viewing seats murmured excitedly at the sight of him.
"Esteemed gourmets, today's delicacy is provided by MM-san!" The crowd cheered as Tsukiyama, masked, emerged from the top seats, flanked by two beautiful women.
"Allow me to introduce, this is the ultimate gourmet I have discovered! A one-of-a-kind existence in the world. Today will be the most unforgettable day of your lives!"
He spread his arms, voice passionate and excited.The noble ghouls below whispered among themselves, equally thrilled.
"Smell it, savor it — this unparalleled aroma, this unique flavor… exquisite~" Tsukiyama breathed deeply, intoxicated by the scent.
"This aroma is irresistible!"
"Absolutely divine! Can a human really smell this delicious?"
"Exquisite, truly exquisite. Please, allow me to taste."
"MM-san is unmatched, the true leader of gourmet delights!"
Perhaps stimulated by the scent from Hayashi, the noble ghouls grew more excited.
"Now, let's not wait any longer. Bring forth the chef-dismemberer provided by Lady A!"
At Tsukiyama's signal from the top seats, the cage below was unlocked.
"Upon hearing MM-san brought a supreme delicacy, I brought along my favorite, Taro~" A female ghoul with green glasses proudly revealed her small face behind a fan.
Rumble~
With a loud crash, the cage doors swung open.
A large, burly figure emerged.
"Please guide me, hehehe~" The red-hooded Taro carried a massive saw on his shoulder and bowed to the noble ghouls.
"I'll saw you, I'll saw you, I'll saw you~" Singing as he walked, his rotund body swaying.
Hayashi ignored him entirely, turning instead to Tsukiyama above.
"Thank you, Mr. Tsukiyama, for allowing me to attend this banquet~" He bowed in return, a slight smile on his lips.
'The Feast of Blood… is about to begin!'