It was 6:40 p.m.
The sky was a dull gray.
Nara Prefecture's famous beer and snack street was already packed.
People bustled up and down the lively street.
To let off steam after the stresses of everyday life.
Most office workers would invite one or two colleagues or friends they were close to.
They would find a suitable restaurant along the street and eat together.
After a mug of draft beer, whatever was bothering them would come spilling out.
And now, inside one restaurant.
A special group of guests arrived.
"Hello, welcome." The waitress at the entrance warmly opened the door for them.
Once inside, they could see plenty of people drinking and dining together.
"How many in your party?"
"Twelve. We made a reservation at noon," Natsume Kiko said with a smile. Although she was the captain of the Third Division's Devil Hunters, she always seemed approachable.
"Oh, it's you. Please come in. I'll show you to your room."
The waitress seemed to know who they were.
She hurried to lead the way for Natsume Kiko.
Everyone followed Natsume Kiko to the private room prepared in advance.
At the entrance, they took off their shoes and stepped onto the tatami flooring.
"Your recovery's been pretty quick, Natsume. I saw you in a wheelchair this morning, and now you're walking normally," Meng Fan said.
"I took a special medicine, so I recovered quickly."
Sword immediately chimed in from beside her. "Captain Natsume hasn't fully recovered yet, so she can't drink tonight. If you want a drink, Meng Fan, just come to me."
"Also, Denji, do you drink?"
"I don't. When's Miss Makima coming?"
"She apparently has something important to take care of, so she'll be a little late."
"As long as Miss Makima comes, that's great. I haven't seen her