In Tokyo's 23rd Ward, the ghoul detention facility known as Cochlea housed a formidable array of captured ghouls. This peculiar prison, reserved exclusively for high-threat ghouls, held only those rated A-rank or higher. Low-ranking ghouls didn't qualify for incarceration here; they were typically eliminated on the spot by CCG investigators, deemed unworthy of the facility's cells. To put it in terms of bounties, you'd need a reward of at least 100 million to hold your own in a place like this.
If the ghouls imprisoned in Cochlea were released, they would become a devastating force, regardless of which organization they joined. Capturing these ghouls had cost the CCG immense resources and manpower. Should they escape en masse, Tokyo would descend into chaos.
Eto, a high-ranking leader of Aogiri Tree, issued an order to her subordinates: storm Cochlea and free the ghouls within, recruiting them into Aogiri's ranks. That was the public directive. Behind closed doors, however, Eto entrusted her most loyal aide, Tatara, with a darker mission: eliminate every ghoul in the prison.
To facilitate this, Altair provided Eto with ten large-scale smoke grenades. These weren't ordinary devices designed to obscure vision; they released a suppressant mist that spread through the air. Unless someone wore a gas mask and was fully sealed in protective gear, there was no escaping its effects. Eto's plan was ruthless, use Tatara to wipe out both the imprisoned ghouls and the Aogiri operatives sent to "liberate" Them.
Eto knew the nature of Aogiri's ghouls better than anyone. Initially, their strength was vital to counter the CCG and rival ghoul factions. But with districts 1 through 4 now cleared, their power was no longer essential. Eto intended to transform these ghouls into ordinary humans. Those willing to remain with Aogiri could continue serving in special operations teams. Those who refused would be left to fend for themselves.
With preparations complete, Eto tasked Gecko, a hardline representative of Aogiri Tree, with leading the combat teams to assault Cochlea. The facility's guards were completely unaware of the impending attack.
Recent gang conflicts in Tokyo had kept the CCG preoccupied, leaving them with little to do. Night patrols had become cautious, as even the CCG hadn't anticipated human gangs engaging in such brazen turf wars in ghoul-infested areas. As a result, CCG operations had slowed to a crawl, giving investigators an unprecedented period of downtime. Even the zealous Mado found himself with rare moments of rest.
The CCG's special-class investigators, typically the organization's strongest assets, were no exception. Always on edge and ready to deploy, they hadn't seen action in weeks. Some even enjoyed uninterrupted sleep, free from the constant threat of ghoul incidents, a strange and unfamiliar luxury.
At CCG headquarters, the special-class investigators lounged in their downtime. "It's odd." One remarked. "Being idle for so long is surprisingly boring."
"Yeah." Another agreed. "Before, we were always on edge, but at least it felt fulfilling. Now? Nothing."
"What's going on with the ghouls? It's like they've vanished. We can barely find any."
"According to the analysts, the ghouls are lying low, probably for some bigger scheme."
"If they're regrouping for a major move, we need to stay sharp." Another cautioned.
As the special-class investigators chatted idly, the door burst open.
"Emergency!" A subordinate shouted.
"What is it? Ghouls?" A special-class investigator asked, immediately assuming the hidden ghouls had resurfaced.
"No, not ghouls. It's the 23rd Ward's Cochlea!"
"What? Are ghouls attacking the facility?" The investigators pressed, tense with anticipation.
"No, it's not ghouls."
"Then what's going on?"
"It's an armed group. They suddenly attacked Cochlea."
"An armed group?" The investigators echoed, stunned.
"Yes. Four trucks crashed into the facility. A group of people in bulletproof vests and masks jumped out and started shooting. They're all speaking English. Our guards at Cochlea have suffered heavy losses. By the time we got the report, the attackers had already breached the interior."
"What?!" The investigators exclaimed.
An armed group, fully equipped with bulletproof vests and masks, speaking English, this was unprecedented. "Do we provide support?" One asked.
"How can we? They're an armed force. Do you think we can take on soldiers with our Quinques? We'd be gunned down before we got close."
The special-class investigators hesitated, unsure whether to act. "Should we alert the police?" One suggested.
"You think that'll help? They're clearly foreigners. The police might even side with them against us."
"Then what do we do? Just stand by and watch?"
"What other choice do we have?"
In reality, the attackers were all ghouls, including some who had been transformed into ordinary humans. They showed no intention of using ghoul abilities, relying entirely on firearms. To the CCG, they appeared as a foreign force, possibly American, shouting English slogans. The idea of an American group attacking a Japanese ghoul detention facility was baffling. Were they after specific ghouls in Cochlea? Or was there another motive?
The CCG was at a loss. They couldn't comprehend the attackers' intentions, but one thing was clear: if these were indeed foreigners, any resistance could provoke severe repercussions. The report reached the CCG's leadership, the Washuu family, who were equally confounded. They even contacted the government, only to be told that foreign affairs were beyond their jurisdiction.
Thus, despite knowing their facility was under attack, the CCG could do nothing but stand by, seething with frustration.
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