"Why should we just sit back and take it when these foreigners attack us?" A voice demanded, thick with frustration.
"That's a question for the Japanese government." Another replied coolly.
"Damn it, why should we have to endure this like the rest of them?"
"Because, like it or not, we're Japanese too."
"Does Japan have no sovereignty? The Tokyo government doesn't even dare make a sound!"
"That's because Japan doesn't have true sovereignty. Military movements here answer to foreign powers. Or do you think the U.S. bases are just for show?"
A loud bang echoed as a fist slammed onto the table, the owner too furious to speak further.
This was a meeting of the Washuu family, the leadership of the CCG, convened to address the assault on the Cochlea ghoul detention facility. But decision-making was a generous term, what transpired was more akin to venting frustrations.
The Washuu family, once a powerful ghoul clan from the Middle East, had risen through relentless cannibalism to become the strongest of their kind. After relocating to Japan, they infiltrated the upper echelons of society, founding the CCG to cloak themselves in the guise of human justice. Yet now, this formidable family found itself powerless, confronted by what they believed to be American forces.
"We should've gone straight to America back then." One member grumbled.
"And get caught for their experiments?" Another shot back.
"It would've been better than this."
"Hmph, you're too optimistic. We've stayed hidden for so long, and they never made a move. Now, with this blatant attack, it's clear they're ready. They've planned this."
"Remember that American, Arthur, who wanted to join the CCG a few days ago? He's got to be their spy."
"Outrageous! Sending a spy so openly, he's probably CIA!"
"Idiot, the CIA handles foreign operations. FBI is domestic."
"Fine, CIA then. That guy claimed he was here to hunt ghouls, but all he does is stroll around, spending our money!"
"So what? You want to move against him? Touch him, and the next second, a squad will storm CCG headquarters to drag us away."
"Our strength can't stand up to the U.S. military?"
"Why don't you ask if Japan could take on their forces?"
Silence fell, punctuated by a muttered, "Bastards!"
Ghouls were formidable, superhuman warriors, but even they couldn't withstand the destructive power of advanced weaponry. A single devastating strike could wipe them out entirely.
"So, what's the point of this meeting?" One member finally asked.
"To figure out what we do after the foreigners leave."
"They're clearly targeting ghouls for research. We don't know what they're studying or which agency is behind it. We can't confront them directly. We wait, and they'll come to us if they need something."
"As for Cochlea, let them take whoever they want. Those ghouls aren't exactly harmless. I hope they stir up trouble for their new captors."
"Heh, it'd be great if they did. A few SS-rank ghouls are due for their suppressant injections soon, right? Without those, if they bite someone, the foreigners will have a real headache."
"Don't get too excited. If something goes wrong, they'll come after us first."
"How? It's their mess!"
"They'll say we set them up since the ghouls came from our facility."
"That's absurd!"
"When did you start thinking they'd play fair?"
The room fell silent again.
The Washuu family's conclusion was to do nothing. As Japanese citizens, and not even human ones at that, they had to let the supposed foreigners act freely. They also had to ensure no harm came to these attackers, lest the repercussions fall on them.
While the Washuu deliberated, the so-called "Americans" breached Cochlea's gates. These were Aogiri Tree's combat teams, trained by Altair to operate like elite special forces. They stormed the facility with relentless precision, blasting through doors with grenade launchers and using RPGs for thicker barriers. Altair had equipped them with both conventional and suppressant weaponry. The suppressants were lethal to ghouls but ineffective against inanimate objects, so standard munitions were provided to break through walls and doors.
The Aogiri team didn't pause, cutting a direct path to the detention hall. Once inside, they opened fire, eliminating the patrolling CCG guards with ruthless efficiency before forcing open the cell doors, often with gunfire.
The ghouls imprisoned in Cochlea, notorious for their heinous crimes, emerged from their cells in a daze. They were greeted not by fellow ghouls or CCG investigators, but by soldiers in tactical gear. The idea of humans rescuing them was baffling.
Their confusion deepened when Kirishima Ayato, the team leader, removed his helmet, revealing his kakugan, the telltale red-and-black eyes of a ghoul. The rest of the team followed suit, those still possessing ghoul abilities displaying their kakugan as well.
The imprisoned ghouls were stunned. Had the world changed in the years they'd been locked away? Were ghouls now forsaking their kagune for firearms?
"We're from Aogiri Tree." Ayato declared. "We're here to free you. Who among you is willing to join us?"
Before anyone could respond, several smoke grenades dropped from above. Thick white mist erupted, enveloping the hall and everyone in it.
Ayato covered his mouth to avoid inhaling, but the mist touched his skin, and he immediately felt his strength draining. "Ambush! Get out now!" He shouted.
But it was too late. A Tomahawk missile plummeted from the ceiling, its impact imminent.
***
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