From the age of four, Haruto has borne the weight of a life destined for sacrifice. During the Third Great Shinobi War, he lost both of his parents, and his infant younger brother perished alongside them, leaving young Haruto to face a world of shinobi clans, hidden powers, and political intrigue alone. At eight, he also lost his twin sister, and soon after, he and his twin brother were separated, forcing him to navigate a life filled with enemies, uncertainty, and betrayal.

By twelve, Haruto is no ordinary boy. Haunted by past losses and thrust into deadly conflicts, he must survive relentless hunters, uncover the treachery of trusted leaders, and confront enemies that strike from both shadow and light. Alongside friends—and secret allies whose loyalty is tested to the extreme—he fights to restore peace while struggling with the heavy burden of responsibility no child should bear.

Even as victories are won, dark forces stir. Hidden rebellions, ruthless political schemers, and mysterious powers from beyond the known world threaten everything he holds dear. With each mission, Haruto learns that true strength isn’t just skill—it’s the courage to protect those you love, even when the world seems determined to tear them away.

As Haruto grows, so do the scale of his battles. Friends lost, secrets unraveling, and enemies waiting in every corner, he must prepare for a war that could change the very balance of his world—and discover the truth behind his own mysterious powers before it’s too late.

Haruto slammed the window shut, his whole body shaking. He grabbed his futon and pillow and hurried into Akari's room, laying the futon down by himself.


He lay there alone, staring up at the ceiling, his body still trembling.


He stared up at the ceiling, unable to stop shivering.


"…Am I scared because he said he'll beat me up?" he whispered to himself.


"I'm scared because… if he told the truth…


Downstairs, the house slowly grew quiet.


Akari looked at Ayame and Kaito, who were still sitting at the table with their books open.


"Alright," Akari said gently, "it's late. You both need to sleep."


Kaito tightened his grip on his notebook.


"But Aka, tomorrow's exam is important. I want to get the top rank."


"Me too. I'm not sleeping until I finish revising."


Before Akari could reply, slow footsteps approached from the hallway.


Renjiro appeared, still looking tired, rubbing the back of his neck.


"That's enough for today," he said calmly. "You'll think better after sleep."


Ayame and Kaito exchanged a look, then reluctantly closed their books. Renjiro guided them toward his room, lightly steering them along.


"You can study more tomorrow," he added. "For now, rest."


Upstairs, Akari quietly slid open the door to her room.


Haruto was already asleep on the futon, curled slightly, his silver eyes hidden behind closed lids. His breathing was uneven, and every now and then, soft murmurs slipped from his lips.


Akari froze for a moment, concern tightening her chest.


She knelt beside him, gently adjusting the blanket over his shoulders.


"It's okay," she whispered softly. "You're safe."


Haruto stirred slightly but didn't wake, his voice fading into quiet breathing.


Akari lay down nearby, watching him for a moment before closing her eyes.


The house finally settled into silence—


unaware of the warning that now rested in Haruto's dreams.


Chapter 24 - Hope exists — but it is fragile, Part5