Chapter 36: Preliminary Arrangements

Shuu Tsukiyama takes Kaneki to play squash and finds him hopeless at sports. Afterward they visit the cafe Tsukiyama had mentioned, where he orders iced coffee and lectures Kaneki on the clothing that would best suit his build and character. He produces a French gourmet volume he recommends, and as they discuss it Kaneki nicks his finger on the pages. Tsukiyama offers his handkerchief to stanch the blood. Asked about his history with Rize Kamishiro, Tsukiyama says she worked for his club but scorned his fixation on flavor and cuisine, likening him to foolish humans; he holds a grudge, branding her a pig for mocking him.

Tsukiyama carries the bloodstained handkerchief into the restroom, where his fixation on the smell of Kaneki's blood is laid bare as he calls him his ultimate feast. Once they leave, he proposes introducing Kaneki to top-tier taste through his Gourmet Club. Kaneki hesitates, then agrees, solely to collect the information Itori wants.

On arrival, Tsukiyama hands Kaneki off to one of his club members, and it becomes clear he is indeed scheming against him.

Tsukiyama continues cultivating Kaneki's trust while secretly obsessing over the scent of his blood, obtained through the paper-cut handkerchief. His past resentment toward Rize is revealed.

Kaneki accepts an invitation to the Gourmet Club to gather intelligence for Itori, walking straight into the trap Tsukiyama has prepared.

The chapter's title underscores that everything Tsukiyama does is preparation for the ambush to come. His confirmed scheming closes the buildup and launches the Gourmet's banquet across the next chapters.