Talk:Ken Kaneki/@comment-26248049-20151109134237/@comment-10733658-20151109183301

I think you're missing one key detail already discussed -- we don't even know whether something like that even happened, or it's merely another time when the voices in Kaneki's head took on a specific form and taunted him. It's been previously established that Kaneki's subconscious has a habit of using a familiar form, and berating or taunting him during particular dark moments when he needs to act. That's all it could be.

I also think you're missing that a lot of us have already talked about how we think that Arima absolutely started out having zero empathy or attachment to Sasaki. It was very clearly started as part of his orders, and done to manipulate and control him.

However, I think there is sufficient evidence within the series to support the possibility that their relationship has changed over the years.


 * Kaneki is someone that unites people, and makes friends out of enemies. It is something that has happened over and over again, throughout both series. It's a central theme in the series.
 * Ishida has taken considerable time to establish how Kaneki and Arima are similar in many ways. This has been a driving force during the current series.
 * We know almost nothing about Arima as a person, other than the fact he is very isolated and alone. Ishida has also repeatedly shown us Arima seeking out time/attention from Sasaki, and humoring him in ways that draws disapproval from others.

These details strongly indicate the potential that things have changed. In my personal opinion, I don't think that change to some genuine affection will mean Arima would be merciful to Sasaki when the time for confrontation comes. I don't think he even has the capacity to go against his superiors, and would readily do away with Sasaki regardless of any personal feelings.

That said, I think Arima having come to care on some level is both more in line with the themes in the series and the better story. Arima simply not caring at all would have considerably less impact, and provide Ishida would a lot less to work with. It feels a lot more flat, with less of the wrenching emotional torment that Ishida loves to include in the series.