Tatara is a major character in the manga series "Tokyo Ghoul." He is a powerful and ruthless Chinese ghoul who stands as a central figure and de facto leader of Aogiri Tree, acting as one of the closest aides to the One-Eyed King. Instantly recognizable by his all-white outfit and striking red iron mask, Tatara is known for his icy, pragmatic, and commanding nature. He will not hesitate to sacrifice even his own allies for the sake of organizational goals. Despite this, he shows a unique softness toward Eto Yoshimura, hinting at a deeper connection. Tatara wields a formidable kagune infused with searing fire, capable of overwhelming even top investigators. His origins and ultimate fate reveal a life filled with ambition, loyalty, and tragic loss.
Tatara stands 186 cm tall and weighs 96 kg.
He is always seen wearing a white robe that covers his entire body and a distinct red iron mask which hides his mouth.
Under the mask, there are visible stitch marks, similar to those seen on Kanae von Rosewald when under Eto's brainwashing.
His hair is white, and his eyes glow red, distinctive traits of a ghoul.
His formidable presence is enhanced by the imposing, ceremonial look of his attire.
Tatara is strictly cold-hearted and calculating.
For the sake of achieving a goal, he discards even other Aogiri Tree leaders without any hesitation.
He regards his subordinates as expendable pieces.
However, Tatara reveals rare moments of gentleness or respect toward Eto Yoshimura.
Despite this, his choices reflect strategic thinking and not simple cruelty.
He maintains a neutral stance, always thinking two steps ahead in organizational affairs.
Tatara, whose real name is Zhu Lu, is a Chinese ghoul.
He formerly belonged to the Chinese ghoul organization called "Red Tongue," where he was the younger brother of the group's leader, En.
Tatara holds a deep hatred towards Kousuke Houji, as Houji turned his comrades into Quinques.
Tatara is rated SS or higher, and his kagune is classified as an ukaku, specifically a tail-type (oukaku).
He can produce thick, long kagune tentacles and wield them with remarkable speed.
When Tatara transforms into his kakuja form, his upper body becomes completely enveloped in kagune, and club-like protrusions emerge from his shoulders.
His primary weapon is the ability to unleash flames from his mouth—these Rc-cell flames reach extreme temperatures of 4000°C and are known as the "Tongue of Flame."
This unique power comes from his family bloodline and forms the origin of the names "Red Tongue" and "Tatara."
- Eto Yoshimura: Tatara is one of her most loyal aides and shows her a rare softness.
- Akihiro Kanou: Tatara assists him by providing CCG investigators for human experimentation.
- Kousuke Houji: Tatara harbors a burning grudge against Houji for killing and desecrating his former comrades.
- "I decide whether you live or die."
- "Hey there★"
- "…E…to…"
Early Appearance and Authority
Tatara is first introduced in volume 6 at the Aogiri Tree hideout.
He impales Ken Kaneki, confirms his status as a half-ghoul, and deems him unworthy, assigning Ayato Kirishima to handle him.
He delegates command to Noro while luring the CCG to the 11th Ward.
Afterwards, Tatara joins Eto Yoshimura and launches a violent assault on the 23rd Ward ghoul detention center, Cochlea, freeing dangerous ghouls to bolster Aogiri Tree’s strength.
Owl Suppression Operation
During the "Owl Suppression Operation," Tatara storms the battlefield with his iconic phrase, "The King will walk through," and abducts a large number of CCG investigators.
He hands these over to Akihiro Kanou for use as experimental subjects in ghoulification procedures.
Tokyo Ghoul:re — Ruthless Tactics
With Aogiri Tree's power weakened in "Tokyo Ghoul:re," Tatara leads the organization’s resurgence, spreading their forces across regions.
He treats subordinates as expendable pawns, exposing his cold, unsentimental leadership.
Despite this apparent cruelty, his tactics are ultimately calculated and strategic.
The Battle of Rushima and Death
In the Rushima Island final battle, Tatara faces off against Kousuke Houji’s squad.
Tatara transforms into his kakuja form and demonstrates overwhelming power, incinerating opponents with his 4000°C flame.
He is eventually cornered by Houji, but is defeated following the unexpected intervention of Seidou Takizawa.
Takizawa impales Tatara through the abdomen, resulting in Tatara's death.
In his final moments, the story reflects on Tatara’s feelings for Eto Yoshimura and the One-Eyed King, and the wishes he never managed to fulfill.
Though usually composed and intimidating, Tatara displays quirky sides in bonus comics, such as secretly worrying about Ayato Kirishima’s height or obsessively searching for the artist who dared draw his true face.
- Real Name: Zhu Lu
- Height: 186 cm
- Weight: 96 kg
- Kagune: Tail-type (oukaku)
- RC flames can reach 4000°C
- Rating: SS or higher
- Hobbies: Playing Go, reading (especially works by Sen Takatsuki)
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