This chapter opens with a discussion between the ruling party and Ryuuzu. Ryu tells Ryu that he has found out that Mihashira has figured out the internal structure of the Yatsukahagi, and that he and the anchor have disguised themselves so that they will not be recognized as "terrorists" by the authorities. He asks Ryu to tell him more about the boy, whom he believes to be in love with the machine, and to learn more about his feelings for it. He is worried that the boy will run away with it, but Ryu assures him that it is dangerous for him to allow such a boy to do such a thing. He also tells him that the weapon ban is retribution for the damage done to the machine by the boy's father, and he wants them to pay for it with their talents. He says that he is certain that he would use his talents to reach the machine's creator, but he does not want to involve himself with the boy further, as he is sure that he will take advantage of the man's wondrous power. He adds that he cannot be so fair to anyone other than the master naoto, who is able to discern that which is "clear to see," and he would advise him to be "more selective of his companions" . He then goes on to tell Ryu about his disgust at the fact that the world will continue to turn without him. He remembers when he was young, when he could assemble a circuit and watch it fall from the sky. He feels that human beings cannot reach a god. He grows weary of the whole thing, and finally asks the boy to teach him to have limits.