As they walked through the winding streets of the Shadow Realm, Takahishi's curiosity finally got the better of him. "Shinro, where are we heading to?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Shinro nodded towards a small house in the distance. "We're here to meet our squad captain, Shinjikawa Kazahana."
As they approached the house, Shinro knocked on the door, and a deep, resonant voice replied, "COME IN!"
Shinro slid the door open, and the four of them entered the house. The air inside was chilly, like stepping into a refrigerator. Takahishi shivered, rubbing his arms to warm himself up.
Inside, a man sat on the floor wearing a Grim hunter uniform with distinctive red lines on the sleeves and collar. On the back of his uniform, a massive print of a skull with two swords protruding from its eyes seemed to glare at them. Shinro and Shina knelt down before him, their faces respectful.
Captain Shinjikawa's eyes sparkled with warmth as he greeted them. "How did your mission go?" he asked, his voice deep and soothing.
Shina rose to her feet, her expression serious. "It was a success, Captain, although we encountered some difficulties and had to involve other people in the process."
The captain's gaze shifted to Crinix and Takahishi, a smile spreading across his face. "So, I've heard. The Grand Reaper has already informed me and asked me to take these two under my wing and prepare them for the survival test."
Shina introduced Crinix and Takahishi to Captain Shinjikawa, who welcomed them with a cheerful face. "I look forward to working with you both," he said, his eyes twinkling with warmth.
Crinix studied the captain, trying to read his character. Shinjikawa had a ponytail hairstyle, an eye patch covering his left eye, and two earrings on his left ear. Despite his intimidating appearance, he seemed like a kind person, always wearing a cheerful smile.
As they chatted, Takahishi's stomach growled, reminding him of his hunger. "And get us food, man," he added, rubbing his belly.
Shinro nodded, asking to be excused. "I'll show you to your quarters. You can rest and start your training tomorrow."
As they followed Shinro to their new quarters, Takahishi couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with trepidation. What lay ahead for them in this strange new world?
Their quarters consisted of a small house with two beds and a lamp in the corner. Shinro bid them farewell, promising that their food would be delivered soon.
As the door closed behind Shinro, an awkward silence fell between Crinix and Takahishi. They hadn't spoken much to each other since leaving the asylum, and the tension was palpable.
Suddenly, a knock on the door broke the silence. Four women entered, carrying trays of food, which they placed on the floor. They wore white jackets with buttons on the left side, their faces expressionless.
"Dinner is served" one of them spoke and with that they all turned to leave.
As soon as they left, Takahishi pounced on the food, his eyes shining with excitement. "Damn, it's about time! I thought I was going to die of hunger!"
Crinix, however, remained seated on his bed, his food untouched. "Takahishi," he whispered, his voice laced with concern. "Do you think it was worth it, coming to this place? For all we know, our lives are on the line here. We might even die."
Takahishi's face contorted in a comical expression, his mouth full of food. "Crinix, let's eat now and die tomorrow!" he joked, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
Crinix chuckled, shaking his head. "Sometimes you act weird, you know?" He smiled, joining Takahishi in the meal.
As they ate and shared stories, the tension between them dissipated, replaced by a sense of camaraderie. They talked long into the night, their laughter and conversation filling the small room.
As the night wore on, exhaustion finally caught up with them. They drifted off to sleep, their bellies full, their hearts lighter.
A new journey awaited them, one filled with danger, uncertainty, and adventure. But for now, they slept, their dreams fueled by the promise of tomorrow.