Akaimo rushed to Shizuku's house to pick her up.
But the moment he rang the doorbell, her family blocked the entrance.
Shizuku's Mother: "We don't want her going anywhere with you kids anymore.
What happened in that jungle was unacceptable."
Akaimo stood there, speechless…
But Shizuku wasn't having any of it.
She slipped out through the back door minutes later, hood up, quiet footsteps — rebellion mode activated.
She met Akaimo halfway down the street.
Shizuku: "Let's go. Everyone's waiting."
The old man had left them an address earlier, saying only:
"Come at 5:30 P.M. Don't be late."
At exactly 5:30, the squad reached his home…
And froze.
The place was massive — way too big for a random old guy.
He welcomed them inside like he had been expecting them for years.
They sat down, surprised by the neatness and warmth of the house.
The old man brought out snacks — tea, biscuits, even fruit — like he was hosting honored guests.
Shino leaned forward.
Shino: "We want answers. About Merus monsters. Kaito monsters. Everything."
The old man went quiet… for a long moment.
Then finally:
Old Man: "I'll answer.
But only if your answers satisfy me first."
Shino frowned.
Shino: "What kind of questions?"
Old Man: "Start by telling me everything that happened in the jungle.
Every detail."
Shino took a deep breath and explained everything — the noises, the low-tier monsters, the Kaito monster, the panic, the sacrifices, the escape, everything.
The old man nodded slowly.
Then he turned to Jeisuke.
Old Man: "Jeisuke… with your eye abilities, your speed, and your combat sense, you could've escaped alone using your friends as cover.
Why didn't you?"
Jeisuke didn't even hesitate.
Jeisuke: "Because they're my friends.
And only a traitor abandons his team."
The old man's eyes warmed a little.
Then he turned to Shino.
Old Man: "Shino. You're clearly the brains of the group.
So why didn't you use that brain to save yourself?
Sacrificing one friend could've increased your survival chance dramatically."
Shino clenched his fists.
Shino: "Because… I don't know how to live without them.
Even losing one person…
I would've fallen apart."
The old man leaned back.
A long silence filled the room.
Then he smiled.
A smile that felt ancient, heavy, and wise.
Old Man:
"My name is Shinjinbukai.
You may call me Shinji."
He looked at all of them — Jeisuke, Shino, Shizuku, Momoshimo, Akaimo.
Shinji:
"And you've passed my test.
Now…
I will answer every question you have."