# CHAPTER 59: "JUDGMENT" (REVISED)
## SCENE 1: REUNITING
**12:30 AM - Hachiko Square**
Ren arrived first.
12:30 AM exactly. Right on time.
He stood beneath the statue of the loyal dog, watching the square's late-night rhythm. Fewer people now than at 7:45. Mostly salarymen heading home, college students walking to late-night food spots, a couple holding hands by the fountain.
Normal life. Unaware of the trials happening in the shadows.
His feet ached. His ribs throbbed—old injuries from the Kotekai fight, aggravated by hours of walking. He was also completely broke. ¥5,500 poorer than he'd started the night.
But he'd helped five kids eat tonight.
*Was it enough?*
Footsteps behind him.
"Ren!"
Shiinchiro emerged from the crowd, looking like he'd been through a war. Hair disheveled. Dark circles under his eyes darker than before. But something different in his expression.
Relief. Maybe pride.
"You made it," Ren said.
