Saki and Satoru leave Maria behind with Mamoru in care of the Monster Rats and return to the village. Saki is grilled by the Board of Education but is released after Tomiko again intervenes on her behalf. Tomiko reveals that the members of Group 1 were selected for special treatment since childhood. They have been spared most of the hypnotic conditioning and memory alteration that is routinely used to instill obedience and docility. Tomiko predicts that the Board will order the destruction of both Mamoru and Maria, but says she can delay this for three days. Saki and Satoru head off to try to bring the others back before this deadline.