[You have obtained a random talisman: Horse Talisman
The noble horse dispels all external forces within the body]
Hearing the system prompt in his mind, Hayashi couldn't help but swallow hard.
It's here. It's finally here!
Among the twelve talismans, the one he had anticipated the most had finally arrived!
Since childhood, out of all the twelve talismans, he had always thought the Horse Talisman was the most useful.
After all, with the Horse Talisman, he could heal from any injury infinitely, never needing to worry about being harmed.
That meant he could act without hesitation, without fear of consequences.
And in the world of Tokyo Ghoul, the Horse Talisman was even more invaluable.
At first, what made ghouls so troublesome was the fear of being ambushed and wounded.
Although his body was already tough and resistant, staying constantly on guard was exhausting.
But now, with the Horse Talisman, he didn't need to worry about that anymore.
"Now, I lack nothing!"
Exhaling a hot breath, Hayashi felt golden light surging through his body.
As the talisman's power merged within him, he felt an immense life force flooding his core.
Hoo—
With a long breath, Hayashi fully fused with the Horse Talisman.
The sensation was exhilarating!
It felt as if he had taken a potent stimulant — his entire body brimming with inexhaustible energy.
"Senpai?"
Watching this scene, Suzuya's eyes flickered with curiosity and confusion.
Perhaps it was an illusion, but Hayashi's aura seemed to have changed.
More than his appearance, his presence had shifted—becoming stronger, more oppressive.The pressure was suffocating, almost overwhelming.
"It's nothing. I'm just a little tired now. You should head back."
Hayashi finally snapped back to himself, realizing Suzuya was still there.
"All right then. Rest early, see you tomorrow."
Suzuya nodded, then turned and left.
As he stepped outside, he paused, gazing at the dazzling sunset painting the sky.
"Don't worry, Senpai. I won't let you down!"
Clutching the dagger in his hand, his delicate face carried a look of pure admiration.
"From now on, I'll work even harder. One day, I'll be an investigator of the highest rank, just like you!"
...
"Finally, he's gone!"
The moment Suzuya left, Hayashi rubbed his hands together excitedly.
He could hardly hold back anymore — he was dying to test the Horse Talisman's power.
First, he carefully locked the door and shut all the windows.
Then he slipped into the kitchen, grabbed a kitchen knife, and wiped the blade clean.
Gulp—
Staring at the sharp tip, Hayashi swallowed again.
But there was no fear or hesitation in his eyes—only anticipation.
He trusted in the power of the Horse Talisman.
In the next instant, the blade flashed, and Hayashi slashed down with full force.
Crack—
The knife blade snapped clean in half.
The impact was so great that the broken fragment shattered midair.
A red line appeared along his arm, spreading open.
But before he could even react, golden light shimmered across the wound.
By the time he registered what was happening, the gash had completely healed.
The recovery was so fast, blood didn't even have time to flow out—no trace of injury remained.
"As expected of the Horse Talisman. Truly heaven-defying!"
Hayashi whispered in awe.
Now, not only was his body stronger, but his recovery surpassed even that of a ghoul.
At this rate, who could even tell if he was ghoul or human?
Closing his eyes, he exhaled with a grin.
"With the Ox and Horse in hand, the world is mine! As the saying goes — work like an ox, run like a horse, and take on two at once!"
Feeling the dual power coursing through him, Hayashi released another breath.
Aside from the rapid healing, he noticed something else critical:
Because the healing was so instantaneous, he didn't even feel pain.
Which meant, even if he were injured in the future, there would be no suffering at all.
Wait—if wounds didn't hurt and healed instantly…
Didn't that mean even if female ghouls tried to devour him, he could regenerate unharmed?
He wouldn't die, wouldn't feel pain—nothing could stop him.
That meant he could engage with them without fear.
Not just through words or emotions… but perhaps in far deeper, more intimate ways.
The thought alone made Hayashi's throat tighten. His body felt hot, restless.
...
The next day.
After lunch, Hayashi pushed open the door to Anteiku Café.
Perhaps he had arrived a bit early — there were very few people inside.
Even so, someone had beaten him there.
In an instant, his eyes landed on the elegant, intellectual beauty with purple hair — Rize.
"Good afternoon, Touka."
Stopping at the counter, Hayashi ordered a cappuccino and greeted her in passing.
"You again?"
Touka glanced at him coldly, her tone as frosty as ever.
"This place is quiet. I like the atmosphere here."
Hayashi smiled gently, his clear features softening.
"But more than that, I like the coffee you brew, Touka. It's really good. I mean it."
Touka huffed lightly, her face still cold, but her attitude softened just a fraction.
After greeting her, Hayashi naturally took a seat across from Kamishiro Rize.
"Hayashi, you're quite early. A full hour and a half before our agreed time."
Rize sipped her coffee, her delicate face graced with a sweet smile.
"I just couldn't wait to see you, so I came early."
Hayashi answered without the slightest restraint.
Now that he had the Horse Talisman, he no longer feared being eaten.
That gave him the confidence to act and speak freely.
"You certainly have a way with words, Hayashi."
Closing her book, Rize leaned forward slightly, her posture elegant yet alluring.
"Let's hope your heart matches your words. Don't disappoint me."
Her breath carried a sultry warmth, making it hard to resist.
"Of course. I could never deceive a woman."
Hayashi smiled faintly, and this time, he didn't pull away.
The two of them drew closer, close enough to sense each other's warmth, their scents mingling in the air.
But just before their lips could touch—
Clink!
A crisp sound broke the moment.
"Your coffee."
Touka set the cup down firmly before walking away without another word.
"What a pity. That was such a perfect chance, ruined again."
Rize adjusted her glasses, her eyes shimmering with hunger.
"But no matter. We still have plenty of time ahead."
"When the moment comes, we can do whatever we want…"
Just as Hayashi opened his mouth to reply, something else caught his attention.
In the corner sat a thin young man with medium-length black hair, quietly holding a book.
The title read The Black Goat's Egg.
That alone revealed his identity.
Hayashi froze for a moment before unconsciously blurting out his name:
"Kaneki?"