When Ren returned to the 20th Ward, he instructed Carnage to land inside a deserted alley.
The massive crimson creature descended with a heavy thud, leaving a shallow crater in the concrete.
The scarlet symbiotic matter covering his body receded like a tide.
Soon—
His human form emerged.
He stepped out of the alley and onto the familiar streets of the 20th Ward.
Streetlights were already lit, casting dim yellow halos through the twilight.
Yet something felt wrong.
The usually lively shopping street was completely empty.
Shops had their shutters tightly closed.
Many windows displayed signs that read:
"Temporarily Closed."
The papers fluttered slightly in the wind.
Large electronic billboards still glowed above the street.
But instead of advertisements—
Only one message repeated endlessly:
"Emergency Notice: Please remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel."
A gust of wind swept down the empty road.
Loose flyers tumbled beneath the streetlights before settling on the wet pavement.
"…Too quiet."
Ren frowned slightly.
"There's not a single person here."
This area was normally one of the busiest places in the 20th Ward.
Even on weekdays the streets were packed.
Now—
Not even a stray cat remained.
[…It's more than quiet…]
Carnage chuckled inside his mind.
[…Most people have already left…]
Ren quickly understood.
"The Commission of Counter Ghoul evacuated the civilians."
"They moved faster than I expected."
If the CCG had already cleared the district—
Then the operation would begin soon.
Probably tonight.
Carnage suddenly spoke again.
[…Wait…]
"What is it?"
Ren paused.
A crimson tentacle slowly extended from behind him.
Pointing toward a distant building.
[…Three ghouls…]
Carnage murmured.
[…Two familiar auras…]
[…Up there…]
[…Should we take a look…?]
Ren considered briefly.
"…Alright."
"Let's see what they're doing."
Just then—
A faint chill touched his cheek.
He looked up.
Snowflakes drifted slowly from the grey sky.
Tiny white specks falling silently across the deserted streets.
It had been a long time since Tokyo had seen snow.
Before he could think further—
Three scarlet tendrils burst from behind him.
They shot upward—
Embedding themselves into the cracks of a nearby building.
The tendrils tightened.
Then snapped forward.
His body launched upward like a projectile.
At the top of the building—
Three figures stood beneath the falling snow.
A petite girl sat casually on the edge of the rooftop.
Her body wrapped completely in bandages.
A red cloak fluttered behind her.
It was Eto Yoshimura.
Behind her stood a tall man wearing a red mask and white coat.
Tatara.
Beside him—
A young man with dark blue hair and a black jacket.
Ayato Kirishima.
"It's snowing."
Eto extended her hand.
A snowflake landed softly on her bandaged palm.
Then melted into water.
"Tatara. Ayato."
Her voice carried a playful tone.
"How many people do you think will die tonight?"
"I don't know."
Tatara replied calmly.
His voice was cold and emotionless.
Ayato remained silent.
His eyes were fixed on the falling snow.
The sight stirred distant memories.
Winter.
Snow-covered yards.
Building snowmen with his sister.
Their father watching quietly beside them.
Helping roll the snowballs bigger.
"…Are Touka and Dad alright?"
Ayato wondered silently.
That bastard should be protecting them.
After all—
Even Jason had died easily at his hands.
"Someone's coming."
Tatara suddenly spoke.
Ayato's body instantly tensed.
Feather-like kagune began forming behind his back.
"Good evening."
A calm voice sounded from the darkness.
"Members of Aogiri Tree."
Several crimson tendrils retracted into Ren's body.
He stepped forward slowly.
Snowflakes landing quietly on his shoulders.
"The CCG has already sealed the 20th Ward."
He said calmly.
"So why aren't you at Aogiri headquarters?"
"What are you doing here?"
His gaze swept across the three figures.
Finally stopping on Ayato.
"Oh?"
He smiled slightly.
"Ayato is here too."
"Touka and Mr. Kirishima talk about you often."
Ayato froze briefly.
Then anger surged.
"…You…"
He hissed.
"Don't say my sister's name so casually!"
Ren ignored the outburst.
Instead he turned toward Tatara.
"Good evening, Mr. Tatara."
He said in fluent Chinese.
Then he pulled a red cigarette case from his pocket.
Offering it casually.
"Want one?"
Tatara paused.
A faint flicker of surprise crossed his eyes.
"No."
He replied calmly.
"I don't have that habit."
"Perfect."
Ren pocketed the cigarette case.
"Neither do I."
His smile faded.
"Now then."
"What exactly are the three of you doing in the 20th Ward?"
"Don't tell me you came to help fight the CCG."
Snow continued to fall.
Covering the rooftop with a thin white layer.
Finally—
Eto turned around.
Still sitting on the edge of the building.
City lights blurred behind her through the snowfall.
She tilted her head.
Looking at him with playful curiosity.
"Kiryu-kun."
She asked softly.
"How many people do you think will die tonight?"
Ren met her gaze calmly.
"No one."
"They will all return safely."
For a moment—
Only snow fell between them.
Then Eto suddenly smiled.
"Kiryu-kun is as confident as ever."
She stood up.
Brushing imaginary snow from her cloak.
"Then let's see what happens."
She turned toward the stairwell.
Tatara followed silently.
Ayato glanced at Ren one last time.
His lips moved slightly.
But he said nothing.
Then he turned away.
The three disappeared into the darkness of the stairwell.
Their footsteps faded.
Eventually swallowed by the wind.
Snow continued falling across the silent 20th Ward.
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