Haise Sasaki

Haise Sasaki stands out thanks to his unique hair: white at the ends and black at the roots, giving him a memorable two-tone look. He usually wears glasses, especially after his eyesight starts to decline. His wardrobe is that of a formal investigator. He is 170 cm tall and weighs 58 kg.

Haise is cheerful, humorous, and responsible, but also deeply sincere. He cares for his subordinates and tries hard to support them, even when they challenge him. Despite his optimism, he is constantly tormented by the mysteries of his own existence and memories that elude him. He enjoys reading, though prefers more uplifting stories compared to Ken Kaneki, and has a surprising talent for cooking.

Haise Sasaki is the protagonist of "Tokyo Ghoul:re" and a CCG (Commission of Counter Ghoul) investigator. He was originally ranked as a Third-Class Investigator at the end of the first part, but is promoted to First-Class at the start of "Tokyo Ghoul:re." He serves as the mentor for the Quinx Squad, a team of four humans with ghoul abilities, guiding them through their missions. Haise's real identity is a "half-ghoul" and a former member of the mysterious Zero Squad, with his memories prior to joining the CCG erased. These memories, and his true nature as Ken Kaneki, gradually return throughout the series, causing Haise great inner turmoil.

Character Profile

• Affiliation: Quinx Squad Mentor under the Mado Squad, promoted from First-Class Investigator (75th term) to Associate Special Class Investigator (from Chapter 59 onward)
• Role: S3 Squad Clerk, Associate Special Class Investigator (from the Rose Arc onward)
• Birthday: April 2 (initial), December 20 (from the Rose Arc onward)
• Blood Type: AB
• Height: 170 cm
• Weight: 58 kg
• Age: 22 → 23 → 24
• RC Rating: 2753 / ??? (Rose Arc onward)
• Kagune: Rinkaku
• Quinque: Yukimura 1/3 (Koukaku – Rate B)
• Awards: Kinmokusei Prize, White Single Wing Prize, White Dragon Wing Prize (presumed)

Haise is a formidable investigator, having received direct combat training from Kishou Arima. His combat prowess is highly regarded, and he is a recipient of several prestigious investigator awards. He excels not just in handling his Quinque but also in hand-to-hand combat, able to overpower several Quinx Squad members during training. His RC value is nearly six times that of an ordinary human, far exceeding normal human limits; thus, he cannot eat regular food. When entering a berserk state, Haise is classified as an SS-rated ghoul.

Haise has a close and complex relationship with Kishou Arima, exchanging books and sharing a strong mentor-student bond. He is highly dedicated to leading the Quinx Squad, enduring many hardships for their sake. Haise gradually reconnects with figures from Ken Kaneki's past, such as Shuu Tsukiyama and Hinami Fueguchi, adding more layers to his already complicated existence.

Overview

Haise's journey is defined by his struggle between human and ghoul, memory and amnesia, mentor responsibilities, and inner conflicts. He seeks a sense of self and belonging amid a backdrop of ghoul investigations and organizational intrigue.

Orochi Arc

Haise leads his team in the investigation for the ghoul known as Torso, with team members like Kuki Urie and Ginshi Shirazu often causing him headaches. During the confrontation with Orochi, Haise unlocks the hidden power of his former self, Ken Kaneki, allowing him to gain the upper hand. However, the shock upon recognizing the masked ghoul's true identity prevents him from completing the mission, and the target escapes. This arc also marks a crucial moment where Haise considers changing leadership roles within his squad.

Human Auction Arc

Joining forces with Juuzou Suzuya’s team, Haise investigates the ghoul known as Nutcracker. He faces the powerful One-Eyed Owl in this arc and attempts to rescue Hinami Fueguchi, leading him to risk his own cover for her sake. The inner conflict with Ken Kaneki grows stronger, as they start to “coexist” within his mind.

Rose Arc

Haise proposes infiltrating a ghoul organization by disguising himself. During the operation, he learns that the infamous Eyepatch ghoul is his own past self. Interactions with Shuu Tsukiyama drive him into a nervous crisis, and he is forced to hunt down Tsukiyama. At the same time, Haise begins to feel rejected by Ken Kaneki’s persona within him. Kanae von Rosewald’s intervention leads to Haise losing an arm, triggering painful flashbacks of intense training under Kishou Arima and pushing him towards a berserk state. The arrival of Eto Yoshimura and further attacks leave him in an even more precarious situation.

After the Rose Arc

Even after regaining memories as Ken Kaneki, Haise continues working at CCG under his Sasaki identity. During the Aogiri Tree extermination operation, he serves as S3 Clerk and helps guard the facility known as Cochlea, ultimately aiding in a dramatic breakout alongside his friends. He discovers the truths behind CCG and hears Kishou Arima’s dying message. After escaping, he gradually embraces a new mission, joining with Take Hirako and the Zero Squad.

"I have nothing, but I'm still pretty happy with this."

"Is it really alright for me to keep fighting here?"

• Haise’s hobby is touring coffee shops, using his self-proclaimed “superior nose.”
• He started wearing glasses after experiencing worsening vision and pain in his eyes.
• He is talented in cooking and is often seen preparing meals for his team.
• Haise is somewhat a bookworm, often borrowing and lending novels with Kishou Arima.
• Despite his friendly and cheerful demeanor, many other investigators do not see him as a proper CCG investigator.

Despite his inner conflict and traumatic past, Haise Sasaki’s journey is about reconciling his present life with the memories and responsibilities of Ken Kaneki. His evolution from a cheerful but troubled mentor to a leader who bears both cruelty and compassion is central to the heart of "Tokyo Ghoul:re."