The fort had finally collapsed into a proper sleeping arrangement by the end of the night—pillows everywhere, blankets half-wrapped around people who had fallen asleep mid-conversation.
Even Hakari had eventually gone quiet.
Even Yuji.
Even Panda.
Morning came fast.
Soft light crept through the curtains of the resort room.
Yuji was the first to sit up.
"…Ow…"
Hakari stretched loudly.
"…That was actually a good sleep."
Panda yawned.
"…I require more hours."
Megumi was already awake, sitting up quietly.
"…Of course you are."
Yuta blinked a few times.
"…Morning…"
Kirara was already standing near the door, ready.
"…Breakfast."
Gojo was leaning against the wall, somehow looking fully rested.
"…Food time."
Takeru sat up last.
Rubbed his eyes.
Then nodded once.
"…We proceed."
Yuji pointed at him.
"…You say the most serious things like it's normal."
Takeru didn't respond to that.
Just stood up.
"…Breakfast first."
Hakari grinned.
"…Finally, a mission I understand."
At the breakfast area
The resort dining hall was bright, open, and full of noise.
Buffet lines. Tables. Ocean view in the distance.
The group arrived together.
Yuji immediately locked onto food.
"…I'm getting everything."
Hakari already followed.
"…Same."
Panda carefully picked up a plate.
"…Balanced intake is important."
Megumi went quieter.
"…Just something simple."
Yuta smiled.
"…This is nice."
Kirara scanned the area.
"…Crowded."
Gojo waved lazily.
"…Good morning, world."
Takeru paused at the entrance.
Then spoke.
"…We regroup here after eating."
Yuji turned.
"…Wait, regroup for what?"
Takeru answered simply.
"…Girls."
Silence.
Hakari grinned.
"…Oh yeah, that's right."
Panda nodded.
"…Scheduled reconnection."
Megumi sighed.
"…Of course there's a schedule."
Yuta blinked.
"…We're making this structured now?"
Takeru nodded.
"…Efficiency."
Gojo smiled slightly.
"…I approve."
A few minutes later
The girls arrived separately at the meeting area outside the dining hall.
Maki crossed her arms.
"…You all look too awake for morning."
Nobara stretched.
"…I feel like I slept on rocks."
Kirara nodded slightly.
"…Same."
Maki glanced around.
"…Where's the rest of them?"
Just then—
Yuji waved from inside.
"…FOOD FIRST!"
Hakari followed behind him.
"…THEN EVERYTHING ELSE!"
Panda gave a small nod.
"…Nutritional priority."
Yuta smiled.
"…Morning."
Megumi gave a small wave.
"…Hey."
Gojo appeared last.
"…Hello, everyone."
Takeru stepped forward slightly.
Calm again.
Reset.
"…We regrouped as planned."
Yuji pointed.
"…We just ate like normal people for once!"
Hakari laughed.
"…Barely."
Maki sighed.
"…So what now?"
Takeru looked at the group.
Then slightly toward the ocean beyond the resort.
"…We continue analysis after breakfast."
Nobara blinked.
"…Analysis of what exactly?"
Takeru paused.
"…The tree."
Silence.
Maki narrowed her eyes slightly.
"…You're still on that?"
Takeru nodded.
"…It is not resolved."
Gojo placed a hand in his pocket.
"…And it won't resolve itself."
Yuji groaned lightly.
"…Can't we have one morning without mysteries?"
Hakari smirked.
"…Nope."
And just like that—
the calm breakfast ended.
Not with chaos yet.
But with something waiting just under the surface again.