Regarding Byakuya's kakuja form, though Eto was somewhat surprised, she didn't find it particularly strange.
This was because kakuja forms could, to a certain extent, be altered through imagination. The same applied to kagune.
Just as Eto's kagune had become a kaleidoscope of colors—though she had only revealed her kagune in the original story's later arc when she planned to capture and torture Kaneki. At all other times, she appeared in her One-Eyed Owl kakuja form.
Her kakuja form was also a product of imagination.
Perhaps this was why she could become a famous author.
One could say Eto's kakuja form was unique. Among all ghouls capable of becoming kakuja, only hers took on such a monstrous appearance—influenced by her rich imagination.
Kaneki's "Centipede" half-kakuja form worked the same way. The torture of having a centipede placed in his ear by Yamori had left such a deep impression that when he lost his sanity through cannibalism, he subconsciously thought of centipedes. The new kakuhou gained through cannibalism then grew into a centipede-like kagune.
Even when he eventually transformed into Dragon, it took the form of a centipede. One could only say that Yamori-sensei's "caring attention" had affected Kaneki's entire life.
Though Byakuya's Susanoo clearly had a different texture from normal kakuja forms, Eto could only attribute this to some mutation caused by his imagination.
"You... you go..."
"I'm not going! If you want to die, don't drag me into it..."
"Shouldn't Tatara-san and the others make a move? We're no match for a kakuja!"
"..."
The Aogiri Tree ghouls had all lost their nerve. Some tried to goad others into going first while secretly retreating themselves.
Miza was grateful she hadn't been as impulsive as Naki just now, or her fate would have been just as miserable.
For the first time, Shachi's attention shifted away from Rize. The man who had accompanied Rize here was becoming increasingly interesting.
He didn't particularly care about the man's strength or kakuja capabilities. What mainly concerned him was how close this guy was to Rize—even holding her hand—and Rize showed no resistance whatsoever.
The key point was this "complete lack of resistance." Based on his understanding of Rize, he couldn't believe she would act so docile in front of any man...
"Since Uchiha-san calls our Aogiri Tree a childish game, then in your eyes... what wouldn't be a childish game?"
Eto spoke up again.
"I have come to change this world. I will achieve this through my plan."
Byakuya said flatly. "Only one person can lead the entire world, and that is me."
"However, I'm not entirely unreasonable. Those willing to submit to me, step forward now."
Byakuya spoke directly.
This was clearly "poaching" right in front of everyone, and quite aggressively at that.
Facing such provocative behavior, the Aogiri Tree ghouls present could only seethe in silence, not daring to voice their anger.
This was clearly their territory, yet they could do nothing against him.
Because his "kakuja" was still active. Unless Tatara-san and the other executives were willing to fight, anyone else who stepped forward would be walking to their death.
At that moment, Shachi seemed to realize something.
He pondered briefly, then walked out from his corner.
The ghouls blocking his path all stepped aside. They wondered whether Kamishiro-san was going to teach the man a lesson, or... defect to him?
Shachi, wearing a black martial arts outfit, slowly walked up to Byakuya and spoke with deep feeling. "Thank you for taking care of my daughter all this time."
He knew Rize couldn't have changed this much on her own. Something must have happened during the time he wasn't around.
Based on his experience, he could imagine how much effort it must have taken.
With that, Shachi stood beside Byakuya, making his position clear.
"Kamishiro-san, how could you—!"
Facing those questioning, uncomprehending stares, Shachi simply ignored them.
As a father acting for his daughter's sake, he needed no reason.
Besides Shachi, Ayato had almost wanted to do the same, because the masked man's true identity intrigued him greatly.
But he quickly calmed down and dismissed the thought.
In the end, only Shachi decided to leave Aogiri Tree.
The other ghouls were all displeased by Byakuya's domineering behavior. They naturally wouldn't defect to him.
Yet Byakuya couldn't care less about their feelings.
His objectives had been achieved. First, he had intimidated these Aogiri Tree members somewhat, paving the way for his future plans. Second, he was taking Shachi with him.
Not only could this reunite father and daughter, but Shachi also had a high probability of becoming a member of the Akatsuki Organization.
Continuously strengthening Akatsuki's power was something he needed to do.
Though in one respect he was like Madara—preferring to trust in his own absolute strength—that didn't mean there was no need to grow Akatsuki's power.
As for Shachi's departure, Eto couldn't care less. She had always known Shachi had only joined Aogiri Tree for Rize's sake. She would use him when useful; when not, it didn't matter.
Seeing that Eto showed no reaction, Tatara also remained neutral.
At that moment, Byakuya deactivated Susanoo, and his Mangekyo Sharingan closed as well.
"Let's go."
He released Rize's hand and turned to leave.
Shachi and Rize followed behind him.
Every Aogiri Tree ghoul watched Byakuya with hostile eyes, but not a single one actually dared to stop him.
Eto and Tatara simply watched as the three departed.
"Eto... what benefit does this bring us...?"
Tatara quietly asked Eto, somewhat puzzled.
"Tatara-san, the enemy of my enemy is my friend. That alone is enough."
Eto explained simply.
Though it was just this vague explanation, Tatara more or less understood.
He said nothing more, willing to trust Eto's judgment.
Besides Arima and Noro, Tatara was the person within Aogiri Tree whom Eto trusted most.
But she still didn't reveal much about Byakuya to Tatara, mainly because she herself didn't know much about him yet.
Therefore, she would definitely continue to uncover everything about this man...
...
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