The transition into Master Tengen's chambers felt less like walking into a room and more like stepping into something outside normal space.
Stillness.
Oldness.
Something that had been watching for far too long.
And the moment they arrived—
"BROTHERS!"
Choso moved instantly.
No hesitation.
No warning.
He closed the distance and pulled both Yuji and Takeru into a tight embrace.
Yuji stiffened for half a second.
"…Whoa—!"
Takeru didn't resist.
Instead—
he returned the hug.
Firm.
Direct.
Like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Choso exhaled sharply, gripping them both tighter.
"…You're here…"
Yuji blinked.
"…Yeah… we're here…"
Hakari let out a low whistle from behind.
"…Okay, that's a strong start."
Kirara quietly observed.
"…Hi Choso…"
Ryu tilted his head slightly.
"…Emotional guy."
Uro said nothing, but her eyes narrowed slightly at the unfamiliar presence dynamics.
Yuta stayed calm, simply watching the exchange.
Kashimo looked mildly uninterested—but not hostile.
Just evaluating.
Hana, standing slightly behind, observed quietly, taking in the emotional weight of it.
Then—
a new voice entered the space.
"…You're all louder than expected."
Master Tengen.
Not physically imposing.
Not loud.
But present in a way that made the air feel older.
Yuji stepped back slightly.
"…Oh, Hi Tengen…"
Megumi stayed focused.
"…We're inside their domain…"
Yuki Tsukumo stood in the background, arms relaxed, leaning slightly back like she was observing a situation she already understood wasn't simple.
"…Long time no see, everyone."
Hakari waved slightly.
"…Hey."
Kirara gave a small nod.
"…Yuki."
Takeru turned immediately.
"…Tengen."
A pause.
"…Where is the backside of the Prison Realm?"
The room shifted slightly.
Not alarmed.
But attentive.
Hakari's eyes narrowed.
"…So that's what we're doing here."
Yuta straightened.
"…We're going straight to retrieval."
Megumi's focus sharpened.
"…That fast…"
Choso still had one arm around Yuji but was now also partially holding onto Takeru, like he refused to let either go.
"…Since it helps my brothers…"
Takeru continued without breaking rhythm.
"…We have Angel."
A brief pause.
Hana stepped forward slightly at the mention.
"…Yeah…"
Yuki's eyes moved subtly toward her.
"…So you really found her…"
Tengen's presence remained calm.
Then—
it responded.
"…I am aware of the Prison Realm's back side."
Silence tightened slightly.
Hakari exhaled.
"…Of course you are."
Kirara murmured.
"…That's the key…"
Ryu smirked faintly.
"…So we're that close."
Uro stayed quiet.
But her stance shifted—more alert now.
Kashimo's eyes sharpened slightly.
"…Then let's move."
Takeru nodded once.
Still in Choso's grip for a moment longer.
Then—
he released.
"…Proceed."
And just like that—
the next phase of the plan began to take shape.