The Demon World Tournament had come to a close. Yusuke had returned to Keiko to continue on their journey towards marriage. Kurama was attending a local university, and frequently visited Kuwabara, who was a full time student at the sister school Kurama attended.
Hiei was working border patrol with Mokuro and many others, both volunteers and members that had been elected to join the patrol. Now, walking down the halls of the bug machine, Hiei made his way to Mokuro's office.
He was almost startled to see the Lord of the Reikai seated at the late Lord Mokuro's desk, however his demeanor did not give his surprise away.
"Good to see you, Hiei." A teenaged Koenma said. When he received no reply, Koenma continued. "I came here to speak with Mokuro on giving you leave from your patrol duties."
"Hn. She is not my time-keeper, nor does she control any decisions I make." Hiei retorted, agitated at how blatantly Koenma had made the assumption Hiei and Mokuro were in relations with each other. It was a mistake the mass populous seemed to make; that Hiei and Mokuro were mates. How wrong they were.
"I did not come here to debate your ties to Mokuro. I came here to request your help for a special case."
"I should have figured the Spirit World and its lackeys wouldn't be able to maintain their end of the bargain. Have you gone stupid, or have you chosen to ignore the fact I no longer work for you?" Hiei spat.
"I have spoken with Mokuro already. You will be allowed to return to the Human World for an indefinite amount of time during this case. Once it is closed, you will be allowed to return. Or to not return. Mokuro has agreed to accommodate whichever choice you make. What will your answer be?"
Hiei shifted from one leg to the other, a sign he was intrigued by the deal Koenma was offering. "What is this case you are talking of?"
Koenma smiled, knowing that was as good of an acceptance to the terms he was going to get from Hiei. "Lord Enki has adopted a set of five musicians. They are demons, living in the Human World. He needs our help to escort them to his castle safely."
"Why doesn't the buffoon go fetch them himself?" Hiei more stated that asked.
"Lord Enki is a very busy man, unable to escape his desk as often as I do."
At this Hiei scoffed. "So you came seeking me. Tell me, why not ask Yusuke or Kuwabara to help you? I'm sure both of them would leap at the opportunity to be the heroes of Human World again."
"This mission will require the lot of you to work together again as a team."
"Have the others been notified?"
"Yes. They are awaiting our arrival in the Spirit World." Koenma informed him.
"Hn, then let's go." Hiei knew, deep down where his stomach knotted in the most unusual way, that this last statement would be the one that would forever change his life.