Nine months passed.
Ren Akatsuki and his team rested at their hideout, enjoying a rare day off.
Suddenly, the government arrived.
An assistant named Ichiro Zenko asked for Captain Haru Kenzaki.
When the captain appeared, he asked what the organization wanted.
Ichiro replied, "There's a mysterious gate. No demons inside, but an overwhelming aura. We need your team to investigate."
"Why not send an S-rank team?" Haru questioned.
"We did," Ichiro answered. "Every S-rank and top team we've sent has failed. But your team... has been successfully clearing high-rank missions. We'll also assign an S-rank to assist you."
She added, "Be ready. The mission begins tomorrow."
After she left, Haru addressed the team. "We've received a mission. This one... everyone's going."
Some objected.
"Why not split up?"
"Why take the F-rank with us?"
The captain stood firm. "Ren is part of this team. I decide who stays."
Ren hesitated. "They're right, Captain. I'll slow you down—"
Before he could finish, Shoji Yagami, one of Ren's few true friends, spoke up: "He's trained hard. I'll support him."
The captain nodded. "He's coming. That's final. Rest up—we've got a mysterious gate to explore."
As others dispersed, still whispering doubts, Haru called Ren into his office.
"Don't give up," he said. "You may be the only F-rank, but maybe God chose you for something greater. That's why I brought you into this team. I see potential in you. I believe you'll forge history."
Ren interrupted, "But Captain... Shadow Bound can't change rank or anything. If the bonded shadow is pushed too far, it'll kill both the hunter and i/tself."
"True," Haru said. "But if we grow stronger through combat and skill... we can change our fate."
He smiled. "It's late. Get some rest."
"Yes, Captain," Ren replied softly and left.
The captain sat alone, whispering to himself:
"One day... you'll become something more."