Troubled Kaneki and Childhood/Best friends advice

August 16, 2042*

After getting an invitation from Kaneki saying that he wants to go around Akuma castle with them, Shino and Yuuka prepared themselves to meet up with Kaneki in Akuma castle.

Shino: it's a bit strange that he just invited us out of the blue yesterday. It feels off.

Yuuka: yeah, but this is some good progress I mean we usually just chat late at night through text and now that he invited us and it's a good opportunity to get closer again.

Shino: yeah, you're right. Although shouldn't he also invited Miku?

Yuuka: she might be busy right now, Anyways should we get going?

Shino: yup!

Yuuka took out her gift from Kaneki and stared at it for a little bit.

Yuuka: did you lock all the doors in my house?

Shino: yup!

Hearing that, Yuuka pressed on the button and a black goo appeared underneath their feet.

Yuuka: alright! To Akuma castle we go!

Shino: let's go!

And then, they were teleported to Akuma castle.

Shino: wow, that thing is so useful.

Yuuka: yup! This darkness watch is really awesome!

Kaneki: I'm thankful that you think it's awesome.

As heard Kaneki's voice when they arrived, the two instantly become overjoyed.

Shino & Yuuka: Kaneki!

They immediately looked at him with smiles on their faces.

But when they saw Kaneki's face.

Kaneki: H-Hey Shino, Yuuka...

Shino & Yuuka: huh?

Kaneki: anyways, let's go look around we might see some-

Shino: Wait a minute!

Noticing that there was something wrong with Kaneki, Shino immediately stopped him from talking.

Yuuka: the reason you invited us here wasn't to simply look around right? You wanted to talk, don't you?

Kaneki's thoughts*

(Man have I'm so bad at keeping my intentions a secret)

Kaneki: man you two caught me... Yeah that's right I want to talk.

Seeing how he was immediately found out by them, Kaneki decided to stop acting.

Shino: I see, what do you want to talk about?

Kaneki: ...

Yuuka: c'mon we're listening.

Kaneki: sigh~ I... I've learned something about Millie I shouldn't have.

Yuuka: what is it?

Kaneki: I... Man this is hard to explain.

Shino: c'mon just tell us.

(They really are listening huh? I have to tell them)

Kaneki mustered up some courage to tell them and then.

Kaneki: i-i want to help Millie.

Shino & Yuuka: EHHH?!

Kaneki: I didn't mean help her in bullying Miku! Please hear me out!

Shino and Yuuka looked at each other with concerned faces and looked at Kaneki again.

Kaneki: you two listening?

Shino & Yuuka: nods*

Kaneki: okay so this is what happened.

Kaneki explained the entire situation with him hearing Millie's thoughts and learning about her being potentially being disowned by her own parents if she didn't hurt Miku.

After listening to Kaneki's entire explanation, Shino and Yuuka was left shocked.

Shino: n-no way, I can't believe Miku's biological father would go so far just to hurt Miku.

Yuuka: yeah, it's horrible I can't believe Millie was forced to do this.

Kaneki: I know, but now that I know about it I want to help her.

Shino: By hurting Miku?!

Shino yelled at Kaneki because she was worried that Kaneki would hurt Miku but.

Kaneki: of course not! I wouldn't do anything to harm my own sister!

She and Yuuka were relieved that Kaneki said that but.

Kaneki: but, I don't know anymore I'm conflicted in the other hand I want to protect Miku and in the other I want to help Millie and I don't know what to do!

Seeing how stressed Kaneki is Yuuka asked, why do you want to help Millie?

Kaneki: ... Her eyes.

Shino & Yuuka: eyes?

Kaneki: her eyes, they looked like Chi-chan's eyes back in middle school, when I was unable to help her. Shino, Yuuka what do I do?

Shino's & Yuuka's thoughts*

(I get it now, he wants to help her because she reminded him of Chi-chan from back then)

Kaneki was did nothing to help Chikao in middle school when her parents constantly abused and hurt her and it made Kaneki feel really guilty, even when she was saved Kaneki still felt that guilt and went into a depressed state.

Both Shino and Yuuka knows that very well, and seeing how Kaneki wants to help Millie, the two told him.

Shino: which one do you want to help? Miku?

Yuuka: or Millie? Or maybe

Shino & Yuuka: both?

Kaneki: is both really an option? Is it even possible?

Shino: of course, but do you?

Kaneki: huh?

Yuuka: do you want to help her?

Kaneki: I...

Shino: Kaneki is really kind.

Kaneki: eh?

With Shino's sudden remark, Kaneki was left puzzled.

Yuuka: that's right, when Kaneki see's someone in need of help he would go and help them immediately.

With Yuuka's remark Kaneki got more confused.

Shino: even if he's a bit violent, he is a kind person deep down.

Being really curious Kaneki asked them.

Kaneki: w-what are you two talking about?

Yuuka then got close to his face and said.

Yuuka: the fact you helped out many people shows that you know what the right thing to do is.

Kaneki: what? I don't understand.

Shino: in that case let me ask you, do you think helping someone who is sad the right thing to do?

Kaneki: ...

Kaneki stared at both of them looking confused, suddenly Shino placed both of her hands on Kaneki's cheeks and repeated her question.

Shino: tell us Kaneki, do you think helping someone who is sad the right thing to do?

Kaneki closed his eyes and went inside his mind.

In Kaneki's mind*

???: c'mon tell them, do you think it's the right thing to do?

Kaneki: ...

Back in reality*

Kaneki: I-i think so?

Yuuka: do you think helping both Miku and Millie the right thing for you to do?

Kaneki: maybe?

Hearing Kaneki's answer, both Shino and Yuuka told him.

Shino & Yuuka: we'll support you no matter the decision you make.

Kaneki: ...

Shino: you need time to think about it, so I suggest you go home and take a bath so you could relax and think carefully.

Yuuka: yeah do that and once you make your decision, do what you think is right. Kaneki.

Kaneki: ... Okay, I'll think it over.

A black goo then appeared underneath Kaneki's feet and before leaving he said.

Kaneki: thanks for the talk, and I'm sorry for bothering you two.

Yuuka: it's alright, we're happy to help.

Shino: if you feel troubled just tell us okay?

Kaneki smiled and then.

Kaneki: Darkness travel.

He left.

Shino: I'm glad he called us for help.

Yuuka: yeah I'm a bit disappointed we weren't able to sight see with him here in Akuma castle, but I'm happy he went to us for help.

Shino: well since we're anyways want to go sight seeing?

Yuuka: sure.

Shino and Yuuka then started walking around Akuma castle.

30 minutes later*

In the Higanbana residence, Kaneki was sitting in the bathtub filled with hot relaxing relaxing water.

Kaneki: haa~ that's good, thank you Shino and Yuuka.

As Kaneki started to relax.

Kaneki:..

He began thinking.

Kaneki's thoughts*

(Alright, I should start thinking now.)

Will Kaneki come to a conclusion? If so what will it be?

Meanwhile*

Shino: what the?! Are those Japanese kanji?

While sight seeing in Akuma castle, Shino and Yuuka came across a Mural depicting a Demon with words written in Japanese kanji.

Shino: what does it say?

Yuuka: "When he unite's as one, the-"

Shino: "the" what?

Yuuka: can't you read? some of the text are missing.

Shino: oh yeah, sorry, but what is this?

What was written in the mural inside Akuma castle? And what does it mean?