After collecting the sample, they checked the time.
6:00 PM.
Shino:
"This was already dangerous… and now we have to wait two more hours. Amazing, isn't it?"
He looked around, his expression serious.
Shino:
"Stay close, everyone. And stay alert. This place is about to get very dark."
They stopped to rest in a small open clearing deep inside the jungle.
That's when Shizuku noticed something.
A small, adorable rabbit stood near a massive tree, staring directly at her.
She turned to Shino.
Shizuku:
"Can I touch the rabbit?"
Shino:
"No."
Shizuku:
"Please… it's really cute. Look, it's staring at me."
Shino:
"No. Absolutely not."
Shizuku:
"Just once, please."
Shino sighed, clearly annoyed.
Shino:
"Fine. But don't take too long—and be careful."
While the others were busy talking among themselves, Shizuku quietly walked toward the rabbit.
She gently petted it, smiling as it stayed completely still.
Just as she was about to leave, the rabbit suddenly spat a strange liquid straight into Shizuku's face.
She collapsed instantly, unconscious.
From behind the tree, several monsters emerged, grabbed her, and vanished into the darkness.
The team didn't even realize what had happened.