Time rewinds to when Eto rescued Uta and Yomo.
Following Byakuya's suggestion, she casually tossed them onto the second floor of Anteiku without much care.
In reality, Byakuya had given her two options; either have these two ghouls join Aogiri Tree or Anteiku.
But after asking for Byakuya's honest opinion, she learned that he preferred for Uta and Yomo to go to Anteiku.
So; she did just that.
Since it was broad daylight and there were people on the streets, Eto had long since deactivated her kakuja form.
But even in her normal state, she could still move at high speed using her ukaku.
She carried Uta and Yomo, roughly tossed them through an open window into Anteiku's second floor lounge, and left immediately after.
She didn't linger for even a moment because she really didn't want to meet Yoshimura Kuzen at this time.
Meanwhile, on the first floor, Kuzen, Koma Enji, Irimi Kaya, and Uruka Minami all heard the commotion upstairs.
They could even smell the scent of blood.
Kuzen simply gestured for them not to worry.
"I'll go check. Stay here."
Upon reaching the second floor, Kuzen saw an unconscious Renji Yomo and half the body of Uta.
He remained silent for a moment before retrieving some stored human flesh from the freezer and feeding it to them.
Even though refrigerated meat had low RC cell activity, it could still greatly accelerate regeneration.
"Cough…!"
Yomo was the first to wake up, letting out a hoarse cough.
At the same time, Uta's severed body had begun regenerating.
As Yomo regained consciousness, he found himself lying on a couch and spotted Uta close beside him.
The environment was completely unfamiliar.
Holding his forehead, he tried to recall what had happened.
He remembered fighting that black-clad investigator, being utterly defeated by him and then being carried away by some massive figure.
But he had no idea who that figure was, nor why they saved him.
"You're awake."
Just then, Kuzen walked into the lounge, holding a cup of coffee.
Seeing this kind-looking older man, Yomo immediately asked:
"Did you save us?"
"Not exactly."
Kuzen shook his head.
"I don't know who brought you here. I'm simply the owner of this café."
Smiling, he added:
"I just fed you both some human flesh. As expected, you're ghouls too."
"Mm…"
Yomo didn't deny it, after all, it was clear this man was also a ghoul.
"So… you have no idea who brought you here either?"
Kuzen asked.
Yomo shook his head slightly.
"All I remember is… that a 'kakuja' rescued us, I've never seen a kakuja that massive before; wearing a dark red cloak…"
Then, something flashed through his mind.
"Right, its mask had only one kakugan."
That one-eyed mask had left a deep impression on him.
"…I see."
Kuzen immediately realized who Yomo was talking about.
Based on his description, there were only two possibilities:
Himself; or Eto.
But since Kuzen obviously hadn't intervened…
The answer was obvious; it was Eto.
Kuzen sighed internally.
Why did she suddenly leave these two ghouls here?
Kuzen continued speaking with Renji, trying to learn about what had happened to him and Uta.
Although he still didn't understand Eto's intentions, he decided to take them in.
Perhaps… this was his own small way of making up for his guilt toward Eto.
"The investigators are probably still searching for you in the 4th Ward; Why don't you stay here for now?"
Kuzen extended an invitation.
"..."
Yomo hesitated.
His older sister and the others were still in the 4th Ward; He couldn't just leave them behind.
"Is there something else there that you can't let go of?"
Kuzen asked gently.
"Yes… I have family in the 4th Ward.
I can't just abandon them."
Yomo replied honestly.
"Then bring them here, Anteiku welcomes all ghouls."
Kuzen stated directly.
"…Anteiku?"
Yomo found the name somewhat familiar.
"Wait, is this… the 20th Ward?"
"That's right. This is the Café 'Anteiku' in the 20th Ward, I am its owner; and also the 'Manager' of this Ward."
Kuzen revealed his identity.
"I see…"
Yomo was a little surprised.
The outside world often rumored that the 20th Ward was weak and filled with old and sick ghouls.
But he knew more than the average ghoul.
Years ago, the 20th Ward had two powerful ghoul factions:
The Devil Apes and The Black Dobermans.
But ever since the new 'Manager' took over, those two groups vanished overnight.
This could only mean one thing; The new Manager's strength was definitely above both of them.
Although he didn't know how strong Kuzen was exactly, one thing was certain:
This place was safe.
And Kuzen had helped him.
If he could ensure his sister's safety, then he would gladly serve Anteiku.
"I'm willing to join Anteiku but first, I need to bring my sister and the others here."
Yomo stated his condition.
"Of course, I'll protect you from the shadows."
Kuzen agreed without hesitation.
Yomo nodded, then added:
"I want to leave immediately, Uta won't wake up anytime soon and even if he does, he won't cause trouble."
"That's fine."
Kuzen remained as understanding as ever.
"But before you go, you should at least meet your new colleagues."
"…Alright."
Yomo was a bit reserved.
He wasn't sure what kind of work he'd be doing here.
Kuzen then led Yomo down to the first floor.
"These three will be your coworkers.
Go ahead and introduce yourself."
He said.
Anteiku originally only had two employees.
But a few days ago, Uruka Minami had also begun working at the place.
Every day after school, she would come here to work part-time while also receiving Anteiku's support.
She no longer hunted humans as she could sustain herself on stored up flesh.
"…I'm Yomo Renji."
After hesitating for a moment, Yomo still chose to say his real name.
Evening, as usual.
"I'm back~"
Eto entered the apartment, tossing off her shoes and flopping onto the bed like an exhausted office worker.
"Welcome home."
Byakuya was already inside.
Though even if he hadn't been, Eto now had a spare key.
She could just come and go as she pleased.