Saki and the others follow Mamoru's tracks until finding him in a shelter. They also meet Squonk, a Monster Rat who Saki saved from drowning years before, who has just saved Mamoru's life. Mamoru reveals to them that he left the village in fear because he has been followed for some time an Impure Cat and was led to the location near the courtyard by his teacher, signs that the Board of Education decided to dispose of him.