Everyone was still battered from the jungle incident.
Bandages. Crutches. Eye bags.
They all stayed a full week in the hospital before they finally recovered.
That evening, the squad met up at a small local ramen shop to celebrate surviving.
Except Shizuku — she stayed home to rest.
As they slurped their ramen, an old man slid onto the stool beside them.
He ordered a bowl of beef ramen… then glanced at Akaimo's group like he already knew everything.
Old Man: "You kids… you're lucky. And smart. A Kaito monster isn't something you just 'escape' from.
Even one at Reberu 1–2 is enough to wipe out one or two Legendary eye users."
The whole table froze.
Jeisuke: "W-Wait… that thing was THAT strong?"
The old man nodded.
Old Man: "Kaito monsters are naturally intelligent. And the one you met— well, let's just say surviving it without strong visual power is impressive. I did my own research. You're all alive… that alone is a miracle."
Shino narrowed his eyes.
The strategist in him immediately sensed something off.
Shino: "You… sound like you know way too much about monsters.
And about our eyes.
Who exactly are you?"
The old man smiled, calm and mysterious.
Old Man: "If you want answers… come to my house. I'll explain everything."
Shino didn't hesitate.
Shino: "Akaimo. Go call Shizuku right now.
We're not hearing this without the whole team."
Akaimo nodded and bolted out of the ramen shop.
The next chapter of their fate had already begun.