Episode 20: Old Nines

When Ken Kaneki asks Yoshimura about the One-Eyed Owl, the manager relates the sorrowful history of a youthful ghoul called Kuzen. Killing anyone in his path to survive, Kuzen drew the notice of a secretive organization that put his strength to use as an assassin. Even among them he felt isolated. He grew close to a waitress at a cafe he frequented, and though Ukina discovered his nature, she embraced and accepted him before he could kill her. Their bond deepened and she became pregnant. Kuzen warned that a child of a ghoul and a human could not survive, but Ukina was set on a miracle and delivered a healthy one-eyed child. The organization opposed the family, and Ukina was slain during their escape. Kuzen hid the baby to confront their pursuers, and though he butchered them, the infant was gone when he came back. The Owl who later emerged despised the world, and Yoshimura confirms it is his own child.

Life at Anteiku carries on warmly despite unusual crowds. Touka Kirishima, still away from work, finds her nerves eased after seeing Kaneki and can enjoy school again, though she and Yoriko Kosaka now dwell on their futures with college ahead. Once Touka returns, the cafe stays busy but manageable. Enji Koma jokes about summoning their "ultimate weapon," which Hinami Fueguchi learns means Renji Yomo, a former waiter whose coffee was superb and manners poor. Touka and Hinami plan to stay with Yomo during Anteiku's renovation, but before taking them home, Yomo speaks with Yoshimura to confirm grim news.

Shinohara files a report after visiting Anteiku, and Itsuki Marude questions its lack of hard evidence while conceding it is hard to dismiss a trusted veteran acting on instinct; unknown to Shinohara, Marude has quietly dispatched a reconnaissance team beforehand. As intelligence filters in, the office buzzes, catching the interest of Hideyoshi Nagachika, who presses Seidou Takizawa for an explanation and is brushed off. After closing time, Shinohara drops in on Yoshimura and they drink together, their talk about coffee beans turning into a meditation on treating each one individually to draw out its potential. Yoshimura waves off payment, and once Shinohara accepts and leaves, Koma and Kaya Irimi report that their preparations are complete. Gazing out the window, Yoshimura tells Ukina his wish went unanswered. Marude and Yoshitoki Washuu then approach chairman Tsuneyoshi Washuu of the CCG, seeking clearance for the operation against the Owl, its target being Anteiku.

Yoshimura reveals the Owl's origin, recounting his life as Kuzen, his love for Ukina, and the birth of their one-eyed child, and confirms the Owl is his offspring. Anteiku prepares for renovation as Touka and Hinami arrange to stay with Yomo, who confirms bad news with Yoshimura. Shinohara pursues his instinct about the cafe, and Marude secretly deploys a recon team. The CCG leadership secures the chairman's approval for an operation whose target is Anteiku.

The episode adapts manga chapters 119 and 121. Much of its runtime is devoted to Yoshimura's backstory as Kuzen, framing the coming assault on Anteiku through the tragedy that first produced the One-Eyed Owl.