Shinjikawa savored the rich, malty flavor of his Golden Dragon Ale, the cool liquid sliding down his throat as he lifted the small, ornate bottle to his lips. His one eye gleamed with a hint of pleading as he gazed at Yashimoto. "Come on, Gramps, Kinski said this punishment is a bit too harsh, don't you think?"

Yashimoto's gaze snapped towards Shinjikawa, his voice dripping with venom. "Shinjikawa, this is all your fault to begin with." He leaned forward, his eyes blazing. "If only you had managed to control your squad members, this wouldn't have happened."

Shinjikawa's face twisted in a scowl as he set the bottle down on the low table in front of him. He crossed his arms, the sleeve of his leather jacket rustling softly. "Don't blame this on me, Gramps. I was busy, so I asked Shinro to keep an eye on them."

Shizuki, seated beside Shinjikawa, snorted in disgust, her nose wrinkling. "That's so like you, Shinjikawa. You weren't too busy drinking your Golden Ale, were you?" She raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Shinjikawa's grin spread across his face, his eye crinkling at the corner. "Well, Shizuki, Golden Dragon Ale is what gives me strength," he said, picking up the bottle again. He took a slow sip, his eyes closing in appreciation. "Mmm... nothing like it."

Shizuki rolled her eyes, her expression turning even more disgusted. "Shinjikawa, you and your Ale..." She shook her head, chuckling.

Yashimoto's patience wore thin. "SILENCE, BOTH OF YOU!" he thundered, slamming his hand on the desk.

The room fell silent, the only sound the heavy breathing of the occupants. Shinjikawa's grin faltered, and he set the bottle down, his expression turning serious. But his eyes still sparkled with amusement, and his hand lingered on the bottle, as if reluctant to let it go gaze narrowed, his voice laced with defiance. "So, now what, Gramps?"

Yashimoto's expression remained unyielding. "I have nothing to say. These boys are going to be expelled from Hunter Academy."

Crinix and Takahishi exchanged a panicked glance. They remembered the threat Yashimoto had made when they first arrived in the Shadow Realm. If they were expelled, would they be executed? And what about Shina and Shinro? Would they suffer the same fate?

Takahishi's eyes darted towards Niski, expecting to see a similar look of panic. But Niski stood calm, his expression unreadable.

Takahishi's face reddened as he shouted at Yashimoto, "Hey, old man, you can't just expel us like that! It's not like it was our fault!"

Yashimoto's eyes narrowed, his voice firm. "Huh? It wasn't your fault, then whose fault was it?"

Takahishi's lips clamped shut, refusing to answer. Yashimoto's gaze bore into him, demanding a response. "Well, are you going to answer me, boy? Whose fault was it that you got into all this trouble?"

The silence stretched out, with Takahishi still refusing to speak. Yashimoto's expression turned thoughtful, and he nodded to himself. "Okay, tell you what, boy. If you tell me who caused all the trouble, I might consider not expelling you."

Yashimoto's eyes locked onto the three boys, his voice taking on a calculating tone. "But the one who is to blame will be the only one who is going to be expelled. Meaning that you and the other person won't be expelled, but only the trouble causer will be expelled from Hunter Academy."

Takahishi's eyes darted towards Crinix, then back to Yashimoto. He knew this was their only chance to escape the situation. He took a deep breath, steeling himself to speak, but before he could utter a word, Niski stepped forward.

"Oh, this again," Niski whispered, his eyes glinting with amusement. He took two steps forward, stopping in front of Yashimoto. "Long story short, it's all my fault. I'm the one who is to blame for all the trouble that's been happening."

Niski's gaze flicked towards Crinix and Takahishi, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "They both don't deserve to be expelled. Only I am to be, and I didn't plan on becoming a hunter anyway."

The room fell silent, with all eyes fixed on Niski. Yashimoto's expression turned thoughtful, and he shook his head. "Niski Narukami, the younger of Kinski, I didn't expected this type of behavior from you."

Yashimoto's gaze shifted towards Takahishi and Crinix, a hint of a smile on his lips. "That settles it, I guess. You two won't get expelled. You are both free to—"

Just as Yashimoto was about to finish his sentence, Crinix spoke up, his voice firm.

Crinix's voice was low and firm as he addressed Yashimoto. "Old man, I'm afraid we can't do that."

Takahishi's eyes widened in shock, his mouth hanging open. "Huh, what the hell, Crinix?" he shouted, his face reddening.

Yashimoto's expression turned puzzled. "Huh, what is this now?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion.

Crinix's gaze locked onto Takahishi and Niski. "Takahishi, forgive me, but I can't allow Niski to take all the blame, we are all equally responsible . If he goes down, then we all go down together, even if it means we all get expelled. After all, Niski is our friend. "

Takahishi's face contorted in outrage. "Hell no, I'm not going down with Niski! It's all his freaking fault! There's no way, no way!" he cried out, his voice rising.

Crinix turned to face Takahishi and Niski, his expression resolute. "It doesn't matter if it was Niski's fault or not, but he's our friend, no matter what."

Niski's voice was barely audible as he muttered Crinix's name, his eyes welling up with emotion.

Suddenly, Yashimoto's laughter boomed through the room, catching everyone off guard. The others stared at him in surprise as he continued to laugh.

Crinix, Takahishi, and Niski exchanged bewildered glances. Yashimoto's laughter slowly subsided, and he wiped tears from his eyes.

"Crinix, boy, you continue to surprise me, You remind me of my old self " Yashimoto said, a broad smile spreading across his face. " I see myself in you and l would have done the same thing you just did"

Crinix's eyes widened in confusion "Grand reaper, l don't understand"

Yashimoto's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I am eager to see what a fine Grim Hunter you will turn into. For this purpose, all of you are no longer expelled ."

Takahishi's eyes widened in confusion. "Huh, wait, what?"

Yashimoto's smile grew wider. "Anyone who sticks up for their friend, even in the worst situation, is considered a true friend. And for that, I couldn't break your friendship spirit. So, none of you will be expelled."

The room erupted into laughter, with Shinjikawa chuckling. "I guess he's soft after all."

Takahishi's face still reflected his confusion. "You really mean that we aren't getting expelled anymore?"

Yashimoto's expression turned stern. "Yes, yes, now get out of here before I change my mind!"

With that, Yashimoto dismissed them, and the three boys left the room, accompanied by Hiruki. As they walked, Takahishi continued to shout at Crinix, scolding him for his actions.

"What were you thinking, Crinix?" Takahishi yelled. "If Yashimoto had expelled us, we'd have been in serious trouble! You should have just kept your mouth shut!"

Crinix walked silently, his eyes fixed on the floor, as Takahishi's tirade continued.