Tokyo, 24th Ward.
The ghoul organization that currently dominates nearly the entirety of the 24th Ward is called "Labyrinth."
Its leader was known as the "King of the Labyrinth" and also held the title of the "Administrator of the 24th Ward."
Due to the limited manpower that the CCG could send to investigate the 24th Ward-and the fact that these expeditions usually ended in failure; the ghouls within the 24th Ward faced no external threats.
As a result, the 24th Ward was in a constant state of chaos.
However, the lack of food sources forced the ghouls here to make a cruel choice: either risk venturing into other wards to hunt humans, or resort to cannibalism.
Even though eating their own kind was repulsive to most ghouls, they had no other way to survive.
Because of this, the 24th Ward was filled with extremely dangerous ghouls, especially Half-Kakuja and full Kakuja-level ghouls.
"The 'One-Eyed Owl'...?"
"That little brat from back then only had one kakugan, but I never thought she'd grow so fast. Now she's actually strong enough to threaten us."
"Tch... If it weren't for that bastard Noro getting in the way back then, I would've eaten that brat already."
"Still... I can't shake the feeling that her kagune and Kakuja form look a lot like a certain someone..."
At this moment, several high-ranking members of "Labyrinth" were discussing the "One-Eyed Owl."
It was clear that they had encountered her before.
However, back then, she had yet to be called the "One-Eyed Owl."
By the time they realized the threat she posed, she had already grown too powerful to be easily eliminated.
And now, with her organization, "Aogiri Tree," she had become a direct threat to them.
Just then, the leader of Labyrinth, the "King of the Labyrinth," entered the meeting room.
Labyrinth's stronghold was an underground base built by themselves.
Stealing construction materials from human society wasn't difficult, it was certainly less risky than hunting humans.
"Aogiri Tree will soon launch a large-scale attack on us. Are you all ready?"
Wearing a plain black mask without any patterns, the tall, imposing ghoul known as Ishikari Takeshi swept his scarlet kakugan across the assembled officers.
The ghouls nodded. "Yes, we've replenished our RC cells."
And of course, the way they "replenished" was through cannibalism.
Labyrinth had always ruled the 24th Ward through brutal tyranny.
"But aside from the 'One-Eyed Owl,' Aogiri Tree supposedly has another leader-the 'One-Eyed King.' The one who led the attack on the 23rd Ward's Cochlea facility... Their strength shouldn't be underestimated."
One of the officers spoke in a grim tone.
"A troublesome opponent, no doubt. But our base is built for defense-hard to attack, easy to hold. We'll use the terrain to our advantage and grind them down. Let them understand-challenging us comes with a heavy price!"
As Ishikari Takeshi's kakugan glowed ominously, a bloodthirsty aura filled the room.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Byakuya had arrived.
Appearing in his "One-Eyed King" persona, he stood alongside Yoshimura Eto.
They were ready to lead Aogiri Tree's forces into battle against Labyrinth.
Currently, Aogiri Tree was still in its early stages. Not all its members were S-rated ghouls or stronger.
In fact, a large number of them were B- and A-rated ghouls.
As long as they were willing to join, Aogiri Tree accepted them.
All combat personnel in Aogiri Tree were at least A-rated ghouls.
Those ranked below A were ordered to remain at their base and would not be participating in this assault.
As for Roma Hoito, who was currently working at Anteiku in the 20th Ward, Byakuya didn't see the need to summon her back, they weren't lacking in manpower.
"Our King has finally arrived!"
"With him here, we'll crush that so-called 'Labyrinth' for sure!"
"Wait... I think it was the 'One-Eyed King' who freed me from Cochlea last time..."
"Yeah! And he did it all alone-broke in from the inside and tore the place apart! We barely had to do anything. It's a shame we didn't get to see the 'King' in action... But this time, we'll witness his power firsthand!"
With Byakuya's arrival, the morale of Aogiri Tree surged dramatically.
After all, to them, the 'One-Eyed King' was the strongest ghoul in existence.
"It's time to move out."
Tatara's calm yet commanding voice echoed through the crowd.
"Yes, Tatara-sama!" the ghouls replied respectfully.
But the next moment, something caught their attention.
They saw Eto sitting comfortably on the One-Eyed King's shoulders.
This unusual sight sparked whispers among the group.
"Hey... does anyone else think Eto-sama's relationship with our 'King' seems... special?"
"She's practically sitting on his head. Could they be-"
"Father and daughter? Siblings?"
"I mean, 'One-Eyed Owl' and 'One-Eyed King'-the names alone kinda give off that vibe..."
"Nah, I don't think so. Their kagune are completely different. If they were related, their kagune should look more alike."
"Then that means... it's something more... intimate?"
"Shut up! If they hear you, you'll die for sure!"
Despite leading the way, Tatara could still hear their hushed gossip. But he said nothing. He simply thought to himself: "Idiots."
Meanwhile, Eto had also heard them. She simply didn't care.
As Byakuya and Eto led Aogiri Tree deeper into the 24th Ward, Eto suddenly leapt off of Byakuya's shoulders.
"My King, they're just up ahead~" she spoke in a teasing tone.
Ahead of them lay a vast darkness, but at its deepest point, a faint glow flickered in the distance. That was the enemy's base.
"Prepare for battle."
Tatara gave the order in a low voice.
Nearly one hundred elite combatants charged forward without hesitation.
But suddenly; Byakuya raised a hand, signaling them to stop.
The passage ahead was narrow, and the walls seemed off.
Unlike the usual organic kagune structures found in the 24th Ward, these walls were unnaturally smooth and dense.
Just then, shadows emerged from the depths of the tunnel. Several ghouls stood at the front. Their distinct attire immediately identified them as Labyrinth officers.
"We knew you'd come," one of them spoke with a mocking grin.
"So we prepared a little surprise. Let's see just how tough you really are!"
As his words fell, a mechanism activated.
Heavy kagune walls slid into place from the sides, sealing off the passage behind Byakuya and his forces.
Not only that, countless thick, razor-sharp kagune spikes lined the walls, not only that but even smaller spiked objects appeared on their surface.
Right in the next instant, they began launching the tiny spikes at high speed, raining them down upon Byakuya's group like a deadly storm.
Yet, Byakuya remained unfazed; His Mangekyō Sharingan spun to life.
And then, the spikes passed right through him. His clothes remained untouched. No injuries. No blood. It was as if his body wasn't even there to begin with.
This was the power of "intangibility", the power of Kamui.