Yoshimura's Kagune fully unfurled, and the oppressive presence of an SSS-rated ghoul seemed to weigh down even the falling rain. Sol Mirek's lips curled into a faint smile. Now this is more like it.
Their figures clashed in the downpour, each impact sending water splashing across the street. Yoshimura's Kagune struck like a raging storm, relentless and powerful, yet it failed to break through Sol's defense.
"Good strength," Sol said casually.
He stepped aside in a smooth motion, his right hand slicing toward Yoshimura's neck. The old man barely evaded the strike, though it still grazed his shoulder. Blood quickly soaked into his white shirt.
Sol did not follow up. Instead, he glanced at the surrounding ghouls.
"Come at me all at once. Don't waste my time."
They hesitated for a moment before exchanging looks. Then someone shouted, and dozens of ghouls rushed forward together. Their Kagune illuminated the rainy night, forming a deadly web closing in on Sol.
He stood still.
Strange red patterns spread across his skin.
As the first wave of attacks reached him, he moved.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
Heavy impacts echoed one after another. The ghouls who charged in were sent flying back even faster. Sol's movements were nearly impossible to track, each strike landing with precision on vital points. Even so, he held back just enough to avoid killing them.
From the side, Kirishima Touka attacked. Her Ukaku shot straight toward his throat.
Sol did not turn. His hand reached back effortlessly, catching her wrist with perfect timing.
"Miss, you're too reckless."
With a flick of his wrist, she was thrown away, only to be caught by Yoshimura.
Kaneki Ken remained in the corner, his Kakugan active, yet he had not moved.
"Not going to try?" Sol glanced at him. "One-eyed brat."
Kaneki's body trembled. His Kagune burst out uncontrollably.
Sol raised a finger and beckoned.
"Come on."
Kaneki charged, his Kagune lashing forward like a whip. Sol dodged with ease, then lightly tapped a finger against Kaneki's forehead.
"Too weak."
Kaneki froze instantly, as if struck by lightning.
Sol withdrew his hand and looked around.
"Anyone else?"
The rain intensified, water pooling around their ankles. Fallen ghouls and investigators groaned across the street. Only Yoshimura and a handful of stronger fighters remained standing.
Sol shook the water from his hand.
"Is this all you've got?"
Yoshimura wiped the blood from his mouth.
"What exactly do you want?"
"I told you already," Sol replied, stepping forward. "I'm testing your strength. Looks like the 20th Ward still needs work."
A faint excitement stirred within him. Traveling between worlds had its advantages. As long as he stayed within limits, he could keep growing, keep improving. At this pace, even the so-called God from his original world would not stand a chance.
Rain blurred the street into a hazy scene. CCG investigators struggled to rise. Aogiri Tree members regrouped. The Anteiku ghouls gathered cautiously around Yoshimura.
"What do you want?" Yoshimura asked again, his voice heavier this time.
No one believed someone this powerful would appear out of nowhere just to test strength.
Sol's crimson gaze swept across them.
"I already told you."
His tone remained steady.
"If you can still talk, then you clearly need more training."
Kirishima Ayato clutched his injured arm, teeth clenched.
"You're insane!"
Sol's eyes shifted to him, a faint smile forming.
"Maybe."
He vanished.
In the next instant, he appeared in front of Ayato, gripping his neck and lifting him off the ground.
"But at least I'm strong."
"Stop!"
Touka rushed forward again, her Ukaku aimed at his back.
Sol waved his hand behind him. The force alone sent her flying several meters away.
He released Ayato, letting him drop.
"Don't rush to die."
Several Special Class investigators forced themselves upright, Quinques raised.
"Who are you? Human or ghoul?"
Sol turned toward them, rain tracing down his figure.
"Does it matter?"
He stepped forward.
"Power is power."
They instinctively retreated.
Sol suddenly paused, glancing toward the distant skyline.
"Looks like we've got more spectators."
Reinforcements were arriving. More CCG forces. More Aogiri Tree members.
Sol nodded, pleased.
"Good. The more, the better."
Yoshimura's Kakugan glowed faintly.
"What are you planning?"
Sol chuckled.
"Planning? Nothing complicated. I just want durable punching bags."
He vanished again, reappearing atop a CCG armored vehicle. With a single kick, he flipped it over.
"Come on. Show me your limits."
The fight erupted once more.
Sol moved through the battlefield like a phantom. Every strike dropped an opponent, yet none were fatal. Rain mixed with blood as chaos spread across the street.
Kaneki finally shook off the lingering fear. His Kakugan burned brightly, but he still hesitated. His eyes followed Sol, filled with confusion.
What is he trying to do?
He was not alone. Everyone shared the same thought. The uncertainty of Sol's purpose was more terrifying than his strength.
Sol suddenly turned, locking eyes with Kaneki.
"One-eyed brat, what are you waiting for?"
He gestured again.
"Let me see what you've got."
Kaneki's body trembled once more.
Yoshimura stepped in front of him.
"Kaneki, don't act recklessly."
Sol tilted his head, amused.
"Protecting your student? Not bad."
He appeared in front of Yoshimura and drove a punch into his abdomen.
"Too bad it's not enough."
Yoshimura dropped to his knees with a grunt.
Sol stepped back, scanning the battlefield again.
"Anyone else?"
A deep voice suddenly echoed through the rain.
"This ends here. All of this stops now."
Sol turned toward the sound.
A tall figure emerged from the downpour, masked and imposing, followed by a large group of Aogiri Tree elites.
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