When Touka falls ill, Kaneki pays her a visit that has unexpected consequences. Meanwhile, as Nishiki is still recovering from his run-in with Kaneki, he is nearly preyed upon by other ghouls. Tsukiyama remains consumed with the idea of having Kaneki.

After several weeks go by, everyone tries to return to their normal lives. Hinami moves in with Touka, and despite her aversion to birds, they nurse an injured cockatiel they name Hetare back to health. Kaneki visits Itori to try to learn more about Rize.

Kaneki and Ayato rescue Naki, one of Jason's old cohorts from CCG custody, and prepare to storm the maximum security prison for Ghouls known as "Cochlea". Meanwhile, Tōka pays a visit to the university were Kaneki used to attend, where she has an encounter with Hideyoshi.

Yoshitoki is granted permission to execute the operation to eradicate the Owl. The many CCG officers involved in the mission take time beforehand to write any last words they might have, as the 20th Ward is cordoned off and its civilians evacuated.