I'd be happy about a vote!
---
He had watched enough TV dramas to know this trick all too well!
A classic scene!
As long as someone with amnesia is made to relive the moment they lost their memory, it can trigger their hidden potential and help them recall everything.
And that's exactly the method Kael was using!
"Next up... is your arm!"
Before Monka could fully regain consciousness, Kael suddenly stomped on his arm.
Years ago, Kuro had humiliated him in this exact same way!
And truth be told, this method worked exceptionally well!
Feeling the sudden force on his arm, Monka's instincts kicked in—his DNA practically screamed in recognition.
Knowing what was coming next, he hurriedly cried out with his bloodied, mangled mouth:
"Wait! Wait a second!"
Even though he hadn't figured out which version of himself he was now…
One thing was certain—he didn't want to get beaten anymore!
Terrified, he shouted:
"I remember now! Sir! I remember everything!"
"Kuro wasn't killed by me! I was hypnotized! It was all fake!"
"I remember it all now!!!"
Monka rattled off everything in one breath at a speed he had never spoken before.
"Oh?"
Kael raised an eyebrow, somewhat surprised.
"You remembered this quickly?"
"And I was only halfway through the process~"
Kael hadn't expected his "treatment" to be so effective.
He'd honestly planned to land a few more kicks for the sake of the citizens of Shells Town.
But considering that the "real" Monka had once been a righteous Navy officer, he lifted his foot and let him go.
"Tashigi, go ahead and treat him a little."
Kael waved casually.
"Yes, sir!"
Tashigi quickly nodded.
During Monka's unconscious state, she had learned from Kael about the tragic story behind him.
Feeling sympathy, she flicked her wrist, releasing a green spiritual light that enveloped Monka's jaw.
Before long, his previously bloodied and mangled face began slowly healing.
The pace was slow, but at least the wound wouldn't worsen.
This was another use of spiritual energy—a special healing Kido technique known as Kaido.
Noticing the subtle change in Monka's expression, Kael didn't waste time. He sat casually on the railing and spoke:
"Since you remember everything now…"
"I'll get straight to the point!"
Kael's demeanor shifted as he suddenly became serious.
"I'm a direct agent under the command of Fleet Admiral Sengoku from Marine Headquarters."
"I came to East Blue to investigate the Navy's situation here, and I stumbled upon your case."
"Unfortunately, Captain Monka, your record doesn't justify you remaining commander of G153."
"And given the damage you've caused to Shells Town over the past two years, you're likely facing prison time!"
Once again, Kael invoked the authority of Admiral Sengoku.
Old trick, sure—but it worked like a charm!
Hearing Kael's words, Monka's eyes widened with shock.
Marine Headquarters!? A direct agent under the Fleet Admiral!?
So that's it! That explains everything!
The pirate who attacked the base was actually a Marine agent…
Now it all made sense!
At that moment, Monka felt like he understood everything.
But accepting the fate Kael laid out for him… was a whole different matter.
No matter which personality was in control—neither could accept that outcome.
The just and honorable part of him had devoted his life to the Navy—he couldn't accept punishment.
The dark, arrogant side of him? Even more unwilling.
"Wait!"
Suddenly, Monka jolted as a thought hit him.
He remembered the invitation Kael had made earlier!
He blinked a few times, as if understanding something, and weakly asked:
"Sir, that choice you mentioned before…"
"Is it still available?"
"Choice?"
Kael grinned. Seeing Monka take the hint, he nodded.
"Of course. You can still make your choice."
Monka's eyes lit up—as if he'd rediscovered purpose in life.
"I choose… to join your pirate crew, sir!"
No doubt about it.
He believed joining Kael's crew was the backup plan the man had left him after uncovering his past.
Becoming an undercover agent and redeeming himself!
It was the only path left for someone guilty like him!
In that moment, Monka was overcome with emotion.
This man was just too kind!
He was even willing to take in someone like him—a disgraceful fool toyed with by pirates.
Clutching his aching jaw, Monka sincerely praised his future captain.
"Welcome aboard."
Kael formally pulled Monka up from the ground and cheerfully patted the dust off his body.
Half an hour later.
Having mostly recovered, Monka was now leading a group of Navy soldiers, moving all the valuables from the base onto the Tiga.
Every soldier wore a face full of rage.
Who would have thought their captain—Captain Monka—would surrender and join a pirate crew?
To them, it was a disgrace of the highest order!
And yet…
Under the crushing force of Kael's power, they had no choice.
Before long, the Tiga was packed to the brim!
All the Beli, weapons, ammo, and valuables from the base were "confiscated" by Kael and moved aboard.
Monka was a bit suspicious, but didn't dare question Kael's orders.
Because now…
He had been "reconstructed" by Kael.
And gained a new, mysterious power!
A power known as…
Kagune.
[Companion: Monka (Yamato Oomori)]
[Grade: C]
[Level: 1]
[EXP: 0/100]
[Combat Power: 27]
[Total Aptitude: 270]
[Strength Aptitude: 90]
[Endurance Aptitude: 100]
[Agility Aptitude: 50]
[Spirit Aptitude: 30]
This was Monka's full stat panel after being assigned a character template.
"90 in strength, 100 in endurance—those stats are even better than Tashigi's, and she's using a Zanpakuto!"
"Looks like not all C-rank characters are trash after all!"
In the captain's quarters of the Tiga, Kael sat in a chair, eyes gleaming.
Just like Tashigi, Monka had been given a character template based on the Tokyo Ghoul villain "Yamori"—and thus inherited the exclusive ability of a Kagune.
Since it came from the system, Monka didn't have any of a ghoul's actual biology.
He wouldn't crave human flesh or gain power from eating it.
Kael had expected this.
Just like how Tashigi had spiritual power within her, yet didn't instinctively know how to channel it into her Zanpakuto to awaken its abilities.
Even though they inherited a power system and its knowledge, they could only grow stronger through leveling up.
All the rules were firmly under the system's control.
Kael had once found that restrictive—it limited Tashigi's potential.
But after receiving Yamori's character card, he realized how crucial that restriction really was!
It allowed Monka to perfectly inherit ghoul-like abilities—without bearing any of the consequences.
Shapeshifting Kagune, powerful regeneration, and even the potential to awaken as a half-Kakuja ghoul in the future!