TG: Starting with Mangekyo

At this moment, Byakuya and Eto had already reached the location of the Aogiri Tree members.

Although the 24th Ward was an underground labyrinth, it was ultimately constructed by ghouls using their kagune. Modifying a specific area to create a base that could house dozens of people was not particularly challenging.

"Eto is finally back!"

"But... who is the person standing next to her? Is he one of us?"

"Must be. Eto wouldn't bring someone here unless they were on our side"

"..."

The members of the "Aogiri Tree" began murmuring among themselves.

Seeing the mask on Byakuya's face, they naturally assumed he was a ghoul.

In truth, as a half-human, Byakuya did possess ghoul blood, specifically from the Washuu clan.

"Everyone should be present, right?"

Eto halted her steps and cheerfully announced to the group, "I have an important announcement tonight: The One-Eyed King of our 'Aogiri Tree' has appeared."

The One-Eyed King?

The members exchanged confused looks.

In their understanding, Eto — dubbed the 'One-Eyed Owl' by the CCG— was their leader. So, how could there now be another One-Eyed King?

Even Tatara, who stood nearby, was visibly puzzled. "Eto, what's going on?"

Noroi, on the other hand, remained silent as always.

"No need to panic, everyone~"

Eto raised her right hand, gesturing toward Byakuya beside her. "This is our true King."

The moment Eto's words fell, Byakuya activated his Mangekyou Sharingan. The scythe-like tomoe of the Double Kamui spun momentarily before locking into place.

Eto hadn't noticed Byakuya's eye transformation until the next moment...

Suddenly, there was a change around Byakuya.

A massive, blue skeletal rib cage formed around him, towering over two meters in height.

(For reference, it resembled Madara's initial Susano'o form)

This was the initial stage of Susano'o. Normally, Susano'o was formed through chakra materialization. However, in Byakuya's case, it consumed RC cells instead, leading to a mutation.

Unlike the usual semi-transparent appearance of Susano'o, Byakuya's was fully solid, resembling a ghoul in its kakuja form.

Under his intentional control, two large, blue skeletal arms grew from the sides of the ribs — fully corporeal as well.

"Is this... a kakuja? Just like Eto!"

The members stared in shock at Byakuya, whose form mimicked that of a kakuja.

Although his Susano'o didn't envelop his entire body like a proper kakuja, it was far more developed than a half-kakuja.

For context, Kuzen Yoshimura, in his weakened state, couldn't fully manifest his kakuja form, yet he was still recognized as the SSS rated.

The faster-reacting members immediately knelt in submission before the One-Eyed King.

The rest soon followed suit, fearing for their lives.

Although they didn't fully grasp Byakuya's strength, the fact that Eto —whom they regarded as their strongest — acknowledged him as the King was more than enough.

Even Eto herself was momentarily taken aback by Byakuya's sudden 'kakuja form'.

Isn't this guy supposed to be a half-human?

Without a kakuhou, when did half-humans start manifesting kagune like ghouls?

Or... was this bastard lying to her again?

That seemed like the most likely explanation...

Meanwhile, Tatara was still struggling to process the situation.

Out of nowhere, a "One-Eyed King" had appeared—and he was also a kakuja.

After a short while, Byakuya dispelled his initial Susano'o form.

His reason for using it was simple: to intimidate the Aogiri Tree members into unquestioning submission, avoiding unnecessary complications.

As expected, the tactic was highly effective.

In the world of Tokyo Ghoul, even the initial form of Susano'o was enough to leave an impression.

Moreover, maintaining its initial form was not overly taxing for Byakuya, allowing him to sustain it for brief periods without issue.

As long as he avoided recklessly advancing to higher stages — such as the first, second, third, or final forms — there was no risk of overexertion.

...

The members of Aogiri Tree unanimously accepted their "One-Eyed King" without a shred of doubt.

Now, Byakuya stood in a private meeting with Aogiri Tree's leaders.

Originally, there were only two executives: Tatara and Noroi. However, with Eto now claiming the role of an executive, their numbers had increased to three.

"Eto, can you explain what's going on now?" Tatara couldn't help but ask.

"He's the black-haired, black-eyed ghoul investigator who attacked us in the 2nd Ward — he's also a Cleaner for the V" Eto explained.

Tatara and Noroi were trustworthy, so Eto didn't hide the truth from them.

Byakuya, understanding this, made no effort to stop her.

At this point, he casually removed his mask, revealing his normal black eyes, as his Sharingan had already deactivated.

"It's you..."

Tatara immediately recognized him from the earlier encounter.

"I told you before, if it weren't for him letting me go, I wouldn't be alive now" Eto continued. "His ideals align with mine, and his strength surpasses mine. He's the only one fit to be our true King — the One-Eyed King"

"I see" Tatara finally understood.

Knowing Eto wouldn't lie about something like this, he accepted it completely.

And he willingly submitted to the One-Eyed King.

Tatarra knelt on one knee before Byakuya. A king whose strength surpassed Eto's would undoubtedly surpass his own as well.

Noroi, silent as ever, followed suit.

Afterward, Tatara and Noroi left the room.

Only Byakuya and Eto remained.

At this point, Eto tore off the white bandages on her face, revealing a dangerous smile.

"Care to explain, Mr. Liar? What exactly was that just now?"