The Beginning

11:59

Tick. Tick. Tick.

Each moment in the cafe felt like an eternity. The peaceful atmosphere that was once accustomed had been filled with uneasy tension. Ghouls heard rumors that the CCG was coming in search of the One-Eyed Owl, but it was just that.

A rumor.

Without solid facts many continued their hunts unaware of the future that waits before them. In the end, a quiet ward would be a resonant war-zone. Tarnishing the lives of the many that lived and will live in this ward in particular.

}•{ • }•{

Later times at Antieku are usually uneventful with very few guest. Ring. The door's bell ringing brought Yoshimura from his wandering mind. An investigator, one that would sometimes come to the cafe with a young partner. It reminded him of what could have been, but never was. Nonetheless, he has a customer and would greet him like any other.

"The usual?" Yoshimura offered to the large investigator decisively searching for any clues as to why he is here.

Shinohara smiles feigning ignorance to the elder man's personality, " Yes I would enjoy that." The process in which he carefully created the coffee is one of wonder. Each step finally tune and fluid as if he has done this a thousand times before. Which led to s liquid that could warm your soul if you asked any of the regular occupants.

Silence maintained a momentary hold over the cafe, as the elderly man performed his work of art. "What makes your coffee so good?" Breaking the unnerving tension between the two factions as Yoshimura sits his cup before him.

With a smile placid on his face. Yoshimura answered, " I treat each bean with care. Allowing for any less than perfect beans to shine to a greater extent. You see, any high quality bean can be awful and any less than great bean can be good. Your touch determines the outcome not the bean's quality alone. Blending these factors together you can create a tasteful beverage."

The explanation made Shinohara think of his own charge, Juuzou. The boy was far from perfect, but with a good family he could be happier. At least, that what he hoped would happen for the young boy.

Finishing his coffee and standing up to pay for the drink. He is cut off as the manager speaks, " No need to pay. It is on the house." His smile never leaving as he declined the payment.

"You are kind old man. Maybe one day I can bring my family here to have lunch. However, business calls and I must be on my way. Thank you for the coffee." Shinohara promptly departs from the cafe his suspicions all but confirmed. The man was a ghoul, but he needed to tell Marude his thoughts on this manner.

Dim lights of Antieku spear the darkness, as night takes hold.

}•{ • }•{

Kaneki's attitude has slightly grown better according to Eto. He was more than willing to kill and cannibalize without the fear holding him back. She enjoyed it when he was bloody. According to her, he is "A mouthwatering snack." Nonetheless, his anticipation of the 20th wards inevitably raid worried him immensely. Facial features portrayed this worry quite clearly as he trained with Eto.

Speaking of Eto, she had been acting strange lately. Going to the bathroom more often than not and eating more human food caused him to be worried. Yet, when he asked she said "It was just a woman thing and nothing to worry about."