Spirit Island's resort was back to normal chaos.
People were eating.
Playing.
Arguing about volleyball rules that didn't exist.
Some cursed spirits were still somehow better at beach sports than humans.
Naoya stood stiffly near the edge of the resort area.
Still here.
Still processing.
Still very aware he had not been allowed to leave.
Takeru walked up beside him casually.
Hands in pockets.
Calm as ever.
Then he pointed at the resort.
"…Alright."
A pause.
"Your punishment."
Naoya narrowed his eyes immediately.
"…Punishment?"
Takeru nodded.
"You have to spend an hour talking to the girls."
Silence.
Naoya blinked.
"…That's it?"
Yuji overheard from nearby and immediately reacted.
"…That sounds like social damage, not punishment."
Megumi nodded.
"…Depends on the group."
Hakari leaned in.
"…Honestly could be worse."
Kirara crossed their arms.
"…Could also be way worse."
Takeru shrugged.
"Well, not that bad."
A pause.
"…But still."
Naoya looked unconvinced.
"…Why would I do that."
Takeru tilted his head slightly.
"Because I said so."
Silence.
Then—
Gojo appeared behind them instantly.
Satoru Gojo
"…Oh this is perfect."
Geto followed a step behind.
Suguru Geto
"…This is going to be exhausting."
Naoya slowly turned his head.
"…Why are there so many people enjoying my suffering."
Fred lifted a sign from the sand nearby.
"Character development event."
Takeru already started walking.
"Come on."
Naoya hesitated.
Then followed anyway.
Meanwhile—
near the resort seating area—
the girls were already gathered.
Reina, Aika, Yorozu, Hana.
Maki and Nobara nearby.
Utahime watching cautiously from a distance.
Even Angel quietly observing.
Yuji whispered to Megumi.
"…This feels like a setup."
Megumi nodded.
"…It is."
Naoya was walked right into the group like a scheduled appointment.
Takeru stopped.
"Hour starts now."
And stepped back.
Silence.
Naoya looked at the group.
The group looked at Naoya.
A full hour.
No escape.
Fred slowly lifted a sign one more time.
"Good luck."