Crinix and Takahishi lounged on a bench under the shade of a tree, basking in the warm morning sunshine. The gentle rustle of leaves and chirping of birds filled the air, creating a serene atmosphere.

Their peaceful morning was disrupted by the emergence of a shadowy figure behind them. "I see you're already awake," a familiar voice said.

Crinix and Takahishi tilted their heads, their eyes locking onto Shinro's grinning face. "Good morning, Shinro," Crinix greeted him with a warm smile.

Takahishi's expression was less welcoming. "Hey, jerk," he snarled, his eyes narrowing.

Shinro's grin faltered for a moment before he chuckled. "I see you're still angry about yesterday," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.

Takahishi's expression turned sullen, and he averted his gaze, focusing on the ground ahead.

Crinix intervened, his voice calm. "Are you here to help us with our training?" he asked, his eyes locked onto Shinro's.

Shinro's grin returned, and he nodded. "Yes, that's what I'm here for, but before that, I need you guys to come with me."

Takahishi's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing. "Huh? Come with you where?"

Shinro's smile was enigmatic. "Just come with me. Think of this as part of your training."

With that, Shinro turned and started walking towards the buildings ahead, leaving Crinix and Takahishi to follow. They quickly rose from the bench, their eyes fixed on Shinro's retreating back.

As they trailed behind Shinro, questions swirled in their minds. Where were they going? What was the purpose of this mysterious outing?

Their walk led them to a deserted house on the outskirts of the Shadow Realm. The building loomed before them, its windows like empty eyes staring back.

Takahishi's confusion deepened, his brow furrowed. "What are we doing here, man?" he asked, his voice laced with frustration.

Crinix's eyes were fixed on Shinro, his expression calm and expectant.

Shinro's gaze swept over them, his expression serious. "We are going to the human realm. I need to pick up something."

Takahishi's eyes widened in surprise. "What couldn't you do it by yourself?" he exclaimed.

Shinro's expression turned fierce, his eyes blazing with intensity. "Shut up, fool. Just follow me."

With a swift motion, Shinro stretched forth his hand and muttered, "Aperio portal!"

A blue light erupted in the air, coalescing into a shimmering doorway. The portal pulsed with an otherworldly energy, inviting them to step through.

Takahishi's eyes grew wide with wonder. "You should really teach me how to do that portal incantation," he exclaimed.

Shinro's smile was cryptic. "I told you, this will be part of your training. So, right now, I hope you learned something."

With a curt command, Shinro jumped into the portal, vanishing from sight.

Takahishi hesitated, his eyes fixed on the portal. "What if this thing sends me to a death trap?" he muttered to himself.

Crinix, however, didn't hesitate. With a quiet confidence, he stepped into the portal, disappearing from view.

Takahishi's anxiety spiked, and he called out, "Shinro! Crinix!" But there was no response.

With a deep breath, Takahishi picked up a nearby stick and tossed it into the portal. The stick vanished, and Takahishi steeled himself, closing his eyes before stepping into the unknown.

As he opened his eyes, he found himself face to face with Shinro's fierce expression. "What took you so long, fool?" Shinro growled.

Takahishi's laughter was nervous, and he averted his gaze, taking in their surroundings. They stood in a narrow alley, surrounded by towering buildings that seemed to stretch up to the sky. The air was thick with the smells of food and exhaust, a cacophony of sounds assaulting their ears.

Takahishi's eyes widened as memories flooded back. He recalled the day Shina found them at the asylum, and the events that followed.

Crinix's voice broke the spell, his eyes scanning their surroundings. "I almost forgot how this place looks like."

Takahishi nodded in agreement, his gaze drifting over the alley. "Yeah, it looks different. It feels like I haven't been to this place for ages."

Shinro stepped forward, his eyes locked on some point ahead. "This is not why l brought you here, let's get out of here," he said, his voice low and even. "Follow me."

Without waiting for a response, Shinro turned and led them down the alley, weaving through the crowded streets with a confident air. Takahishi and Crinix followed close behind, their eyes scanning the unfamiliar surroundings.

As they walked, the sounds of the alley gave way to the hum of a bustling street. Neon signs flashed overhead, casting a gaudy glow over the crowded sidewalks. Shinro led them through the throngs of people, his eyes fixed on some point ahead.

They finally arrived at a small, unassuming cafe, its existence announced only by a discreet sign etched in elegant letters. The glass door, adorned with a subtle pattern of etched leaves, reflected the vibrant hues of the surrounding streetlights.

As they stood before the door, Crinix's curiosity got the better of him. "What are we doing here?" he asked, his eyes fixed on Shinro.

Shinro's head tilted slightly, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "I'm here to see an old friend," he said, his voice low and mysterious.

With a slow, deliberate motion, Shinro reached out and grasped the door handle, twisting it open. As they entered, a small bell above the door jiggled, announcing their arrival.

Inside, the cafe was cozy, with only a handful of patrons scattered about. Shinro's eyes scanned the room, his gaze locking onto a booth in the corner. He strode towards it, his long legs eating up the distance.

Crinix and Takahishi followed close behind, their eyes taking in the warm, inviting atmosphere of the cafe. As they slid into the booth, a young waitress with fiery red hair and a white uniform approached them.

"Hello, can I take your order?" she asked, her voice soft and kind.

Shinro's head rose, his eyes locking onto the waitress. A wide smile spread across his face, and he greeted her warmly. "Hello, May. Long time no see."

The waitress's eyes widened in shock, her face pale. She took a step back, her eyes fixed on Shinro as if she had seen a ghost. "Shi-Shinro," she stammered.

Crinix and Takahishi exchanged a curious glance, their eyes darting back to Shinro and the waitress.

May's expression turned cold, her eyes flashing with anger. "I told you to never show your face here again after what you did to my sister," she snarled, her voice low and menacing. "You have some nerve, Shinro."

Shinro's smile faltered, his eyes narrowing. "Is that how you greet an old friend, May?" he asked, his voice dropping to a whisper.

May's face twisted in anger, her eyes blazing. "You're no friend, Shinro. After what you did, I don't consider you a friend."

Her hand shot out, pointing towards the door. "Now get out before things get ugly!"

The cafe's patrons turned to stare, their eyes fixed on the tense scene unfolding before them.

Shinro's face remained calm, but his eyes flashed with a hint of anger. He rose from his seat, his movements fluid. "Let's go, guys," he muttered, his gaze flicking towards Crinix and Takahishi.

Without a word, they followed Shinro out of the cafe, leaving the tense atmosphere behind.

As they stepped into the bright sunlight, Crinix and Takahishi turned to Shinro, their eyes eager for answers.

"What the heck was that, man?" Takahishi asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

Shinro's expression was enigmatic. "It was just a misunderstanding," he said, his voice low and mysterious.

Takahishi's eyes narrowed. "That was no misunderstanding. Things looked tense in there, man."

Shinro's gaze drifted away, his eyes fixed on some point in the distance. "That was just a friendly greeting," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Crinix's eyes locked onto Shinro's face, his expression serious. "That was no friendly greeting, Shinro. What happened?"

Shinro's shoulders sagged, and he let out a deep sigh. "There's a lot that you guys don't know about me," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Takahishi's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Then tell us what happened," he urged.

Shinro's gaze snapped back to Takahishi's face, his eyes flashing with a hint of anger. "Let's get out of here," he growled, turning to stride away.

Takahishi's face fell, his eyes wide with disappointment. "This jerk left us full of questions," he muttered.

Crinix's hand closed around Takahishi's shoulder, his eyes serious. "Let's stay out of this one, Takahishi," he advised.

As they trailed behind Shinro, Takahishi's curiosity got the better of him. "Are we going to meet another old friend?" he asked, his voice laced with sarcasm.

Shinro's response was curt. "We're going to a flower shop."

Takahishi's eyes widened in surprise. "A flower shop?" he repeated.

Shinro stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes flashing with anger. "Can you shut up, or do I have to shut you up?" he snarled, his face inches from Takahishi's.

Takahishi's eyes went wide with fear,

Shinro led the way, leading them to a quaint flower shop in no time. The exterior was a riot of colors, with an assortment of flowers arranged artfully outside the shop. Shinro halted, turning to face Takahishi.

"I want you to go and get a special package for me inside that shop," he instructed, handing Takahishi a small card. "Just give the shop owner this card, and they'll give you the package."

Takahishi's eyes flicked to the card, but he didn't ask any questions. With a nod, he turned and headed towards the flower shop.

As he pushed open the door, a soft bell above it rang out, announcing his arrival. Inside, the shop was a haven of tranquility, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. An elderly woman, her silver hair tied back in a neat bun, looked up from watering a bouquet of flowers.

"Excuse me, ma'am," Takahishi said, approaching her.

The woman's face creased into a warm smile as she turned to face him. "Hello, young man. How can I help you?"

Takahishi held out the card Shinro had given him. "I'm here to pick up a package."

The old woman's eyes sparkled as she took the card from him. "A special package for Shinro Akiyama, I see. I know this one; he comes to get this kind of package every year."

She chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement, before turning and disappearing into a back room. A few minutes later, she emerged carrying a delicate vase filled with stunning red lily flowers.

"Here is your package," she said, handing the vase to Takahishi.

Takahishi's hands closed around the vase, cradling it carefully. "Thank you, ma'am," he said, smiling, before turning to leave.

As he pushed open the door, he was suddenly bumped from behind, sending the vase flying out of his hands. Time seemed to slow as Takahishi's eyes locked onto the vase, his heart racing with fear. He felt helpless, unable to move, as the vase hurtled towards the ground. Oh no Shinro is gonna kill me for sure...