The next morning, Haru Hoshizora slowly awoke, groaning as the warm, golden rays of sunlight streamed relentlessly through his bedroom window. The brightness pierced through the thin curtains, bathing the room in a gentle glow that made it impossible to ignore the call of the new day. Haru squinted against the light, letting out a long, tired sigh as he turned over in bed. He was naturally a lazy and laid-back person, someone who cherished the comfort of his sheets far more than the promise of morning.
The thought of leaving his cozy sanctuary felt like a cruel punishment. Still, he knew he couldn't afford to stay in bed any longer there was too much uncertainty hanging over him. He had woken up in a strange place with no recollection of how he got there, and he still had no idea what kind of world he had landed in. That unsettling thought gnawed at him, forcing him to push past his lethargy.
Reluctantly, Haru swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up, stretching until he heard the satisfying pops of his joints. He dragged himself out of his bedroom and shuffled toward the living room, hoping for a distraction.
After a quick scan of the room, he reached for the remote and turned on the TV, the flicker of images and the droning voices of newscasters providing a semblance of normalcy.
He didn't linger to watch, though. His stomach growled loudly, a harsh reminder that he hadn't eaten since waking up in this unfamiliar body. The prospect of food stirred him to life, and he made his way to the kitchen, eager to discover what his new home had to offer.
When Haru opened the fridge, his eyes widened in surprise and delight. The interior was meticulously organized, with containers neatly stacked and ingredients arranged in a way that suggested a mind far more disciplined than his own. Shelves were stocked with fresh produce, dairy, and a variety of meats enough food to last at least two weeks, if not longer.
Haru let out a whoop of triumph, grinning as he pumped his fist in the air. "Yes! Thank you, old body!" he exclaimed, grateful that whoever he had become had been thoughtful enough to stock up.
Feeling his mood lift, Haru quickly gathered a few ingredients and set to work preparing a basic breakfast. Eggs cracked and sizzled in a frying pan while the aroma of toasting bread filled the air.
He cooked with surprising ease, his hands moving instinctively as if guided by muscle memory. He could only assume his new body's previous owner had been quite the cook. As he flipped the eggs and plated the meal, Haru couldn't help but feel a small sense of accomplishment. It wasn't much, but a hot breakfast was a good start to figuring out this new life.
.
.
.
Twenty minutes later, the scent of a freshly cooked breakfast lingered pleasantly in the air as Haru Hoshizora slid his steaming plate of food onto the coffee table in front of the couch. He plopped himself down, sinking comfortably into the plush cushions as he reached for the remote and turned up the volume on the television.
The news channel's logo flashed across the screen before cutting to a solemn-looking anchor seated at a sleek desk, her expression a careful blend of professionalism and concern. Haru absentmindedly forked a mouthful of eggs into his mouth, the taste rich and satisfying, as the newscaster began to speak.
"Unfortunately, there have been twenty missing person reports filed this week," the reporter announced, her voice heavy with sympathy. "We send our deepest condolences to all the families who have lost someone. We eagerly await further updates from the CCG regarding the case, as it is suspected that Ghouls may be involved." Her words hung in the air like a dark cloud, and the image on the screen shifted to a stock photo of a grim-faced investigator standing beneath the bold, intimidating letters: CCG.
Haru's eyes widened, and the bite of food he had been chewing nearly lodged in his throat. Panic crashed into him like a tidal wave, and he nearly dropped his fork as his heart pounded against his ribcage.
He knew exactly what the CCG and the Ghouls were he'd watched Tokyo Ghoul in his previous life, and it was easily one of the top anime series he had ever seen. The idea of existing in that world, surrounded by monstrous, flesh-eating creatures and a ruthless organization dedicated to hunting them, was enough to make his blood run cold.
Quickly, Haru shoved his plate aside and snatched up the slim, outdated device resting on the table an iPhone 1.
The phone felt heavier than it should have, a relic from a time when smartphones were still novelties. With trembling fingers, he tapped on the internet icon and quickly typed into the search bar, his eyes darting anxiously as he waited for the results to load. When the page finally displayed, his gaze zeroed in on the date at the top of the screen: 2007.
Relief washed over him, and he let out a long, shaky exhale. Seven years he had a little over seven years before the bloody and brutal wars between the CCG and Ghouls would truly erupt.
That was time he could use to prepare, time to figure out his place in this world. The tension in his shoulders loosened slightly, but the relief was short-lived as a pressing question gnawed at him: What should I do?
Haru leaned back against the couch, drumming his fingers thoughtfully on the armrest as he weighed his options. The CCG was an obvious choice if he wanted to align himself with humanity and avoid becoming a natural enemy of mankind. After all, they were the world's best defense against the threat of Ghouls. But he couldn't ignore the darker side of the organization stories of corruption, human-ghoul hybrid experiments, and questionable ethics.
The CCG's strength came from their Quinque weapons, crafted from the deadly bodies of slain Ghouls. Without Ghouls to fight, their power would dwindle. It was a twisted cycle of violence, a necessary evil, but Haru had no desire to become a pawn in their morally gray crusade.
Yes, Haru would side with the Ghouls. He didn't particularly care about morals or the line between right and wrong.
Self-preservation had always been his driving force his survival, his comfort, and the safety of those he held close were all that truly mattered. He despised being controlled, shackled by rules and authority. His last life had been a miserable existence precisely because of that, and he refused to let history repeat itself.
But then, a crucial question interrupted his thoughts: How do I become a Ghoul? Haru frowned as the problem loomed before him, the gap between desire and reality feeling insurmountable.
He needed a way to transform himself, to gain the strength and abilities of a predator in this dangerous world.
'System?' he thought cautiously, hoping for a response.
!Yes, Master!
Haru let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. How do I become a Ghoul? he asked, leaning forward, anticipation coursing through him.
!You could use some KP to buy RC cells!
Haru's eyebrows shot up in surprise. KP? RC cells? The pieces were falling into place. RC cells the biological component that granted Ghouls their unique powers and regenerative abilities. It was exactly what he needed.
And how much would that cost? he asked, curiosity tinged with cautious hope. As he waited for the response, he absentmindedly picked up his plate and resumed eating, though his meal had grown lukewarm in the chaos of discovery.
!You can get 10 RC cells from one KP!
Haru blinked, stunned by how reasonable the price seemed. A wicked grin spread across his face as calculations raced through his mind. If his body had at least 500 KP, he could buy enough RC cells to undergo the transformation, becoming a true predator a Ghoul.
The possibilities thrilled him, and he imagined the strength and power he would wield. Haru's eyes glimmered with ambition, and the taste of victory was already sweeter than the cold food in his mouth.
Haru's eyes narrowed in determination as he focused on the system's interface. The idea of becoming a Ghoul was both thrilling and terrifying, but he needed to know the specifics before making such a drastic change. Steeling himself, he thought firmly, Okay, can you check how many RC cells I have in my body? And if I do become a Ghoul, can I choose my kagune's position?
The system responded promptly, its voice echoing within his mind.
!You have 613 RC cells in your body, and yes, you can choose your kagune's position. It only costs 10 KP!
Haru's jaw dropped, and a slew of curses flooded his mind. "Fuck!… You succubus of a system!" he spat mentally, running a frustrated hand through his hair. The price wasn't unreasonable 10 KP for such a life-altering transformation was a bargain but the revelation of having over 600 RC cells in his body already was a shock.
He hadn't expected to be this close to becoming a Ghoul from the start. It was almost too convenient.
He leaned back against the couch, tension rolling off his shoulders as he exhaled a deep, irritated sigh. The temptation was strong, but he was cautious. If he went through with it, would he even be able to control himself? The image of a bloodthirsty, rampaging Ghoul flashed through his mind insanity, hunger, and the insatiable craving for flesh.
That kind of existence would be worse than death. Grinding his teeth, Haru asked the question that gnawed at him, Will I at least be able to control myself?
The system's response was quick and reassuring.
!Because of the system's Anti-Insanity/Berserk Mechanism, you'll be perfectly fine. All you'll feel is slight hunger, but you can still eat human food!
A smile slowly spread across Haru's face, curling his lips until it stretched from ear to ear. Relief surged through him, the tension of uncertainty easing away. The system's safety net meant he wouldn't lose control and become a mindless beast.
He could walk the path of a Ghoul without the threat of madness lurking over his shoulder. "Oh, that's great!" he exclaimed aloud, unable to keep the excitement from his voice. The prospect of gaining a kagune and the abilities of a Ghoul was too enticing to resist.
But before he could make the decision final, a thought crossed his mind. Curiosity tugged at him, and he called out mentally, Login system.
The system's familiar prompt appeared, the words floating before his eyes.
!Host, you have claimed your daily login! And with great luck, you have gained an ability: Nail Enhancement!
Haru blinked, his enthusiasm instantly deflating. His face twisted into a look of utter disappointment, and he groaned aloud, "Bro, that's literally so lame."
He could barely believe it. Out of all the potential powers he could have gained, he got… Nail Enhancement? It felt like a sick joke. His shoulders slumped, and he let out a long, defeated sigh.
Grumbling under his breath, Haru grabbed his now-empty plate, stood up, and made his way to the kitchen sink.
He set the dish down and let the water run, scrubbing away the remnants of breakfast with more force than necessary. Frustration bubbled in his chest as he replayed the disappointing reward in his mind. Nail Enhancement? Seriously? he thought, feeling a spark of irritation.
But as he washed the plate, his eyes drifted to his hands. The light from the overhead lamp caught on his nails, making them gleam unnaturally. Haru's brows furrowed in confusion, and he lifted a hand to inspect his fingernails more closely.
They were sharper, subtly curved, and somehow more… intimidating. On impulse, he tapped his fingernails together, and a faint metallic clink echoed through the kitchen. His eyes widened in surprise his nails felt hard, almost like reinforced steel.
A slow, a wide smile spread across his face as realization dawned. It wasn't flashy, but Nail Enhancement could have its uses deadly ones, if wielded correctly. He flexed his fingers, admiring the way his nails glimmered in the light.
The thought of slashing through enemies with a swipe of his hand sent a surge of excitement through him. Maybe it wasn't so lame after all.
With a chuckle, Haru finished washing the plate and set it aside. He glanced at his reflection in a nearby glass surface, This world was shaping up to be more interesting than he'd imagined. And now, armed with a new ability, he was one step closer to the power he desired.
A heavy sigh escaped Haru's lips as he leaned back against the wall, fingers absently rubbing his temples. The tension in his muscles was apparent, and his gaze hardened with determination.
He had made up his mind this was the only way forward. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself before issuing a mental command.
'System, turn 40 KP into RC cells in my body and use 10 KP to give me a koukaku-type kagune.'
The response was instant, the system's voice echoing in his mind with a cold, mechanical efficiency.
!Use 50 KP: Confirm?!
Haru clenched his jaw as the weight of the decision settled upon him. The transformation was bound to be painful, but if he wanted power, he would have to endure it. Without hesitation, he walked to the bathroom, grabbing a clean towel from the rack. His movements were deliberate, the towel clenched tightly in his hand as he returned to his bed. He lowered himself onto the mattress and carefully positioned the towel in his mouth, biting down firmly.
The pressure of the fabric against his teeth was oddly comforting, a feeble attempt to brace himself against the inevitable pain. He was about to absorb 400 RC cells all at once an overwhelming surge that no ordinary human body was meant to handle. The agony would be unimaginable.
'Confirm', he thought, resolve hardening despite the anxious flutter in his chest.
!Transaction confirmed, starting now!
At first, it was just a faint throb in the back of his skull an uncomfortable but manageable migraine. A sharp ache spread across his upper back, like a pulled muscle after a strenuous workout. Haru closed his eyes, exhaling through his nose as he prepared for worse. The pain quickly intensified, radiating outward in jagged waves. His nails throbbed, pulsing with a searing heat that made his fingertips curl.
The pressure behind his eyes built until it felt like they were ready to burst. Pain clawed through his mouth and throat, leaving him gasping against the towel. His muscles twisted and cramped, tendons pulling taut as fire lanced through his arms, legs, and torso. Every inch of his body screamed in protest, writhing under the strain. The fabric muffled his cries, but his jaw ached from the force of his bite.
Minutes stretched on endlessly as agony wracked his body. Muscles tore and reformed, bones cracked and shifted, and cells morphed into something monstrous.
He felt his kagune forcefully integrate, flesh rippling with unnatural power. Every second was an eternity, a symphony of suffering that left him drenched in sweat, his vision swimming in blinding bursts of color.
.
.
.
After what felt like an eternity, the pain finally dulled, fading to a faint ache that thrummed beneath his skin. Haru's consciousness wavered, vision flickering until darkness consumed him. His body went limp, the towel slipping from his slackened jaw as he succumbed to unconsciousness.
An hour later, Haru's eyes snapped open. The familiar ceiling greeted him, though the room felt sharper, colors more vivid. He blinked, the pounding in his head reduced to a faint echo. A slow exhale escaped his lips, and he pushed himself upright.
There was a heaviness in his limbs a lingering soreness that told him the transformation had been no dream. Haru flexed his fingers experimentally, and a surge of power thrummed through his veins. He felt sturdier, more resilient, and the strength coiled beneath his muscles was undeniable.
Information flooded his mind unbidden—basic instructions on how to use his koukaku-type kagune. It was instinctual, the knowledge etched into his very being.
He could feel the kagune within him, a dormant power waiting to be unleashed. As he processed the sensation, Haru became aware of another change he was taller. Once 5'7", he now stood around 5'10", his physique leaner and more defined.
A glance down revealed the state of his bedding black and red liquid stained the sheets, a pungent, metallic scent lingering in the air. The transformation had left a gruesome mess, and Haru grimaced as he pulled the towel from his mouth.
The fabric was torn and frayed, soaked with saliva. With a sigh, he stood up, the covers clinging to his body from the dried fluids. Peeling the sticky material away, he bundled the stained sheets and carried them to the washer. The weight was lighter than expected, a subtle reminder of his newfound strength.
He loaded the machine and started the cycle, the hum of water and soap a comforting background noise. Turning toward the bathroom, he stripped off his sweat drenched clothes and stepped into a hot shower.
The scalding water cascaded over him, washing away the grime and remnants of his transformation. Steam filled the bathroom, and Haru ran a hand through his wet hair, feeling the familiar texture. His hair was still blonde, and his eyes retained their striking blue hue, yet something felt different an intensity that hadn't been there before.
Haru closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of the water as he clenched his fists. He could feel the power thrumming beneath his skin, a promise of the strength to come.
.
.
.
Later in the afternoon, Haru found himself lounging around with an undeniable sense of boredom creeping in. The hours had dragged on slowly, and he had nothing productive to occupy his time. Restlessness gnawed at him, and his mind wandered back to the transformation he had endured earlier the painful yet exhilarating process that had turned him into something far beyond human.
The memory of power surging through his veins was still fresh, and curiosity gnawed at him. He hadn't yet fully tested his abilities or explored what his koukaku-type kagune could truly do. The idea of wielding that terrifying power was too tempting to ignore.
With a slight smile tugging at his lips, Haru stood up and stretched, rolling his shoulders. He focused inward, summoning the kagune with a thought. The command left his mind with a firm resolve.
'Come out!'
The response was instantaneous. A sickening sensation slithered through his back as something tore its way free, erupting from his flesh. Pain was minimal this time, more of a dull ache than the searing agony of his initial transformation. The kagune unfurled from his back, extending forward as a nightmarish appendage. It took on the form of a skeletal, bony arm—long and unsettling, as if ripped from the corpse of some ancient monstrosity. The structure was hauntingly detailed, the surface cracked and weathered like aged bone, with faint purple pulses running along the grooves.
The sickly glow ebbed and flowed, casting eerie shadows that danced along the walls. Jagged edges and protruding spikes jutted out from the outer frame, lending the limb a twisted, deathly appearance. It looked like a grim reaper's claw, a weapon meant to reap the living.
Haru flexed his fingers, and the kagune obeyed. The sharpened, elongated fingers of the skeletal arm segmented, curling and uncurling in a smooth, fluid motion. Each finger ended in a wickedly sharp point, capable of tearing flesh from bone. The design was perfectly suited for slashing and grappling, allowing for precise, deadly strikes. The way the claw moved was eerily natural, responding to his thoughts as if it were merely an extension of himself. He felt an unsettling sense of familiarity with it, a connection forged through pain and adaptation.
A thought crossed his mind, and Haru brought the clawed fingers together. The transformation was seamless; each sharpened nail slid into perfect alignment, overlapping to create a deadly, curved blade. The bone-like structure locked into place, forming a smooth, razor-sharp edge.
The wicked curve gleamed under the light, hinting at the lethality it possessed. The blade's design was versatile—ideal for piercing, slicing, and even blocking incoming attacks. It was a perfect weapon for both offense and defense, capable of delivering devastating strikes or parrying blows with ease.
As Haru marveled at the transformation, he absentmindedly tapped the blade against the wooden table beside him. The effect was immediate and unsettling. The spot where the kagune made contact began to wither and decay. The polished wood darkened, splintering as it rotted away. The eerie purple glow intensified, radiating a sinister aura that made the air feel heavy and oppressive.
A faint odor of death and rot lingered in the room, and Haru watched in grim fascination as the decay spread slowly before halting. The kagune had a minor necrotic effect nothing extreme, but potent enough to damage and weaken materials over time. The idea of using this effect against living foes stirred something predatory within him.
He let out a low whistle, admiration creeping into his expression. The kagune was a monstrous thing, but undeniably powerful. It felt right an extension of his own deadly intent.
He flexed the skeletal arm once more, savoring the sense of power thrumming beneath his control. A fitting name came to mind, one that captured the essence of the weapon's appearance and deadly capabilities.
"I'll call you the Bone Claw," he murmured, the words carrying a finality that cemented the name. The sinister appendage twitched as if acknowledging its title.
(Picture here)
Haru walked into the bathroom, his bare feet padding softly against the cold tile floor as he approached the mirror. The fluorescent lights flickered briefly before casting a harsh, sterile glow across the room, illuminating his reflection.
He leaned closer, gripping the edges of the sink as he stared into his own eyes—eyes that were no longer entirely human. The sclera of his eyes had turned a deep, inky black, swallowing the whites entirely, while his irises glowed a sinister, faint red with a pulsating darkness swirling within.
The eerie effect made his gaze look predatory, a hunter's stare that promised death to anyone foolish enough to challenge him. The unnatural glow flickered slightly, like a candle flame caught in a draft, and Haru couldn't help but admire the menacing appearance.
He focused for a moment, willing the power away. The darkness receded as his eyes returned to their normal vibrant blue, the black sclera fading back to white. The faint red glow disappeared, leaving behind only the reflection of a young man who looked a bit too relaxed for someone who had just gained monstrous abilities. Haru's lips curled into a grin as he inspected his face, running a hand through his messy blonde hair. The thought of how intimidating he must have looked moments ago amused him.
"Not gonna lie, this is pretty cool," he muttered to himself, the smile still plastered on his face. Haru turned away from the mirror and walked back into his bedroom. He rummaged through his dresser, pulling out a pair of dark jeans and a fitted black T-shirt, opting for a casual but presentable look.
After slipping on his clothes, he gave himself a quick once-over, adjusting his shirt and making sure everything looked decent. He wasn't out to impress anyone, but it wouldn't hurt to blend in and not draw any unwanted attention.
Reaching into the top drawer of his dresser, Haru retrieved his wallet. He flipped it open and slid a crisp twenty-dollar bill inside.
It wasn't much, but it would cover a coffee or two if he ended up stopping by somewhere. Considering he'd woken up in a new world with very little information, it was probably a good idea to explore and gather some intel. The thought of Anteiku crossed his mind the coffee shop that served as a sanctuary for ghouls and a cover for their operations. If it already existed, it would be the perfect place to scope out the situation and maybe even make a few connections.
'Alright, I should be ready to go,' he thought, patting his wallet as if to reassure himself. He glanced around the apartment, eyes lingering on the slightly cluttered surfaces and worn-out furniture. The place was modest, but it would do for now.
Haru's fingers twitched as a wicked thought entered his mind—he could put his new abilities to the test. If he ran across a few criminals deserving of punishment, it might be a good opportunity to practice using his kagune. Justice might not be his primary goal, but it would certainly be satisfying.
With that decision made, Haru slipped on a pair of worn sneakers, cracked his neck, and headed toward the door. The faint anticipation bubbling within him wasn't fear it was excitement.