Re: Tokyo Ghoul Beginning
A fractured mind, a new name, and a dangerous path through Tokyo's shadows begins here.
This entry covers the opening narrative arc of the sequel series Tokyo Ghoul: re, often referred to by fans as the Beginning phase. It introduces Ken Kaneki under his new identity, Haise Sasaki, following a significant time skip after the original events. This period establishes the foundation for the Quinx Squad and explores themes of memory loss within the Commission of Counter Ghoul.
- Key Location
- Tokyo CCG Academy and Urban Areas
Lore & Background
During this time, Anteiku remains destroyed from the original series, no longer serving as a safe haven. The tension between the CCG's new methods and the underground ghoul society creates a volatile environment. Haise struggles with fragmented memories regarding his past identity as Ken Kaneki, though he holds no association with the title 'One-Eyed King' at this stage.
In Their Own Story
Rain slicked the pavement of the Tokyo streets as Sasaki adjusted his coat, the weight of his quinque familiar yet distant in his grip. He looked toward the Academy gates, where students walked unaware of the monsters among them. A whisper of a memory flickered—a red mask, white hair—but vanished like smoke. He tightened his fist, ready to lead his squad into the unknown.
Reader's Guide
The story begins with Haise Sasaki waking up in a CCG facility with no recollection of his past life as Ken Kaneki. He is assigned as an instructor at the Academy and leader of the Quinx Squad, a team of ghouls stabilized by experimental drugs. Touka Kirishima reappears running Anteiku, creating a complex dynamic between her and Haise who does not recognize her initially. The squad undertakes missions to eliminate rogue ghouls while maintaining their cover as students within the human organization. As operations continue, Haise begins experiencing flashbacks triggered by combat stress and interactions with former allies. The arc concludes with a major revelation regarding his true identity, forcing him to confront the conflict between his CCG duties and his ghoul nature.
Did You Know?
- The name Sasaki was chosen by Arima as a common surname to help Haise blend in, not because it sounds like the word for 'White'.
- Anteiku did not reopen during this timeline; it remained destroyed and could not function as a ghoul sanctuary.
- Haise Sasaki begins his tenure with the CCG as a First Class Investigator, not a Special Class Investigator.