That is my question.

Ok, another TG-related post again. What can I say? I love this series to bits. It’s my favorite series right now, and I’m quite up-to-date on all things TKG, so yeah. As the very opinionated person that I am, I’d like to toss a few cents out there. Every time a new chapter comes out, I have a gazillion thoughts plaguing my mind. I just don’t have that time to sit on it and pour my guts out. But I’m in desperate need to write this thought about Haise Sasaki. You know, the newest amnesic protagonist of Tokyo Ghoul:re.

So what about him? I really, really love him. If I were to choose between Kaneki (both Shiro and Kuro) and Haise, I’d choose Haise in a heartbeat. Don’t get me wrong, I love Kaneki, both of his personas, but unlike Haise, it took me awhile to love his character. It took a couple of convincing moments for me to truly love their personalities. Kuro-neki was really easy to like though; he was so vulnerable that he needed support and understanding as he transitioned to this new life of his. But when things were going well, BAM! Shiro-neki was born, with a totally opposite personality from Kaneki’s that I’m used to. At first, it took me some time to get used to it. It was a very fast evolution for me: a couple of things were badass, but there were still a few things that were questionable. Sure, even though he changed, I firmly believed that his humanity was (and still is, with Haise) intact. Despite his debatable mental state, I think this aspect of his is quite resilient because it remained consistent and was even carried over to this new person, Haise.

Now, let me talk about Haise. I love him. Like so much it hurts! I’m always on the lookout for spoilers every week and have alerts when a new chapter is out. Yep, I have that sense of urgency to read it. I really love RE. More so than the original series. Granted, TKG was darker in terms of the theme (but I think it’s too soon to compare, amirite?) and RE has some sort of light feel to it (barely, just minimal), and although this is far from the humor I usually get from my other action-oriented series, the tone is evidently slightly different. I’m quite hopeful, actually. Maybe this time it will have a good ending for our protagonist.

So, Haise, from the get-go, he already had me hook, line, and sinker. I don’t know; perhaps the way he dresses, his aura, his new-found purpose? His style? Well, whatever it is, I loved it! He even made me love CCG more than I used to back then. There’s something about him that I found solid, despite his lost memories. Plus, I love that he has a purpose now. Unlike before, sure, he had good intentions when he formed the group with Banjou & co. but I think he’ll accomplish more if he is associated with a group like CCG. Not that CCG is crystal clear with their objectives or methods (and I don’t know what they will do to Haise afterwards, even though it hinted at something really bad), but I think that being part of a group with a clear purpose is better than his rogue team before.

Now that the sequel has hit its biggest arc, many are hoping for the return of Shironeki and his centipede mode. And I was like, I hope he’ll be able to defeat high-ranking ghouls just with quinque. If it’s true that he sort of went through some training under Arima; is it more of a true showcase of strength if he’s able to defeat ghouls without the use of his last resort? I think so. I really do think so.

I actually think that Haise will not remember anything yet. The story is still in its early stages. And I also think that he won’t go berserk this time. I still believe he was that way with Serpent (Nishiki) because he triggered something in him. If the route does lead to Takizawa vs. Haise, the events will be different. First, they weren’t acquainted. They don’t have that kind of history like Nishiki and Kaneki do. There’ll be a big moment that might happen, though. No, I’m certain that something big will happen. But not to the extent that Haise will lose himself again. But I’m undeniably on the hype boat if the match does occur.

So with all these ramblings, what is really your point, you say? That I don’t want Haise to change. I don’t like him to revert back to either Shiro or Kuro Kaneki. Haise, for me, has a great blend of the two. I want him where he is now, and I like his character as it is now. He’s not passive as Kuro-neki or callous as Shiro-neki. That makes him ideal compared to the other two. At least for me, Haise beat his former selves in this aspect. And if he ever remembers his old self, I wish he wouldn’t quit CCG. He is still Haise—that is his current self. That is what he is now. But in order for him to grow, he must know his past. I know that too well.

Also, I don’t think Haise will be mad (to the point of wanting to kill him, no, not to that extent) at Arima. When I think about it, he did give him a second chance. He was about to throw it away then (even with Tsukiyama’s desperate plea didn’t stop him), but he was given an opportunity to do something…worthwhile.

In short, I love who Haise is, what Haise does, how Haise does it, and where Haise is now. I think I hold such an unpopular opinion when it comes to how Haise will be (or who I want him to be). But everything about this new Kaneki is simply something I love. Much thanks to Ishida-sensei.

This post is brought to you by Haise Sasaki’s recent birthday celebration.