"Thank you," Hakkai said politely to the man, who nodded once before turning to leave their table. Goku sat in round-eyed silence for a full minute, trying to assimilate what he had heard. He waited for the others to say something. When each of them went back to calmly eating their meal, it became evident that this was not going to happen.

"Well?" Goku burst out, "What are we gonna do?!"

Hakkai picked up his teacup and took an unhurried sip before answering.

"Goku, we really should not precipitate credence in such specious information."

Goku blinked twice, then shouted, "What?!"

"Stupid monkey," Gojyo chimed in, "He said that we can't be too quick to believe that pile of bullshit."

Everyone was still for a moment. It passed, and the movements and sounds of the foursome at supper resumed once again.

Sanzo glanced at Gojyo with narrowed eyes. His suspicion had been confirmed. The only way that much of Hakkai could possibly rub off on Gojyo was through full-body contact.