Itori immediately shuddered when she heard his voice. Gritting her teeth, she hissed,
"What on earth do you want from me? I told you—I really don't know anything!"
Tsukiyama Shuu, watching the exchange with great interest, grew more and more curious about Shiro Sakamaki's identity.
He knew a bit about Itori's background. Her current reaction—pure fear—made it clear: this man was no ordinary threat.
Who could make her tremble like this?
Shiro smiled calmly. "Don't worry. I've already obtained the information I wanted earlier. I won't trouble you over it again."
"You've already got it?!" Itori was stunned.
"Yes. Between Dr. Kanou and you, you've both proven somewhat helpful. But now... I need one more favor."
Itori's heart skipped a beat—this was the real reason he'd come.
"Help me locate the headquarters of Organization V."
He spoke casually, but the sheer weight behind his words made it impossible for her to refuse. His tone left no room for excuses.
While it was true that Yoshimura, the café's manager, was a former "Cleaner" for Organization V and likely had intel, Shiro didn't believe in putting all his eggs in one basket.
He was already here—no harm in asking more than one source.
"If you can help me find the V headquarters," he added, "I'll leave you alone. For good."
"Really?" Itori's eyes lit up.
"Really. Not just you—anyone connected to this."
"…Deal."
With that, the two concluded their exchange.
Tsukiyama Shuu, who had been silently listening the entire time, absorbed every word. Though he knew little about V—only vague rumors passed down from his father—he understood enough to know they were not to be trifled with.
As Shiro left without even glancing in Tsukiyama's direction, the gourmet ghoul felt a sting of irritation. But he restrained himself.
After all, as the heir of a powerful and prestigious family, Tsukiyama knew how to weigh threats. His eccentric tendencies aside, he wasn't foolish.
Until he knew exactly who Shiro was… he would wait.
Itori, catching the flicker of intent in his eyes, offered a rare warning.
"Master Tsukiyama," she said quietly, "for the sake of our long-standing cooperation, allow me to give you one piece of advice: Do not provoke that man."
"Oh? And what's so special about him?" Tsukiyama asked, raising an elegant brow.
Itori gave him a long, steady look. "Nothing special," she replied. "Except that he's unreasonably strong."
"Strong?"
"Yes. Strong enough that he doesn't need to follow reason."
Tsukiyama fell silent.
Itori wasn't a powerful ghoul in combat herself—but her information network was vast and reliable. If she spoke of someone with this kind of fear and reverence…
Then this man was truly dangerous.
Before walking away, Itori looked back at the coffee shop and extended a single finger toward it.
"He's the kind of man who, if he decided to kill you," she said, "could wipe out this entire place—in an instant."
Tsukiyama's pupils shrank.
He had guessed Shiro was powerful, but this?
He held back any rash decisions—for now.
…
Back at the table, Kato Megumi sat quietly, flipping through a magazine while waiting.
"Shiro-kun, finished talking?" she asked softly.
"Mhm."
"Would you two like anything else?" came a gentle voice.
It was Kaneki Ken, holding a tray as he approached. Despite being older than Shiro, Kaneki's gentle demeanor and slender frame gave him a more boyish presence.
He had already served their drinks and desserts, but had returned to check in.
Shiro turned to Megumi. "Want anything else, Kato-chan?"
She shook her head. "No thanks. If I drink any more, I won't sleep tonight."
Shiro smiled and said to Kaneki, "Thanks. We're good for now—we'll call you if we need anything."
Kaneki nodded and turned to leave, but Shiro stopped him.
"Wait."
Kaneki turned back. "Yes, sir?"
"I'd like to speak with your store manager."
"Are you an acquaintance of his?"
Shiro chuckled. "Not exactly. But I have a few questions. I was hoping to meet him in person."
"I see. Unfortunately, the manager—Yoshimura—is away this week, restocking our coffee beans. He won't be back until next week."
"Ah… I understand. Thank you."
The moment he learned Yoshimura wasn't around, Shiro's interest in the place evaporated.
He had no desire to linger in a café full of ghouls eyeing them like meat on display. It was grating.
"Let's go, Kato-chan."
Megumi nodded. She wasn't the type to pry. If Shiro wanted to tell her something, he would. If not, she wouldn't force it.
And that was exactly what Shiro appreciated about her.
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