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.

The classroom was already tense when the door slid open quietly.


A teacher stepped inside, holding a bundle of question papers. Without a word, he walked up to the invigilator and handed them over. The invigilator gave a brief nod. The teacher turned and left just as silently, the door closing behind him.


"Alright. Everyone, keep your bags outside the classroom. Only your pen and admit slip."


Chairs scraped against the floor as students stood up at once. Haruto moved quickly, carrying his bag out into the corridor and placing it beside the others. Within moments, everyone hurried back in and took their seats.


The invigilator began walking down the aisles, placing question papers on each desk, one by one. When a paper landed in front of Haruto, he looked down.


The first page made his shoulders loosen.


His pen moved smoothly. The questions felt familiar, almost comforting. One after another, he filled them in, barely needing to pause. When he reached the end, he blinked.


The question–answer section stared back at him, long and heavy. The smile faded.


Before he could begin, the invigilator's voice broke the silence.


Haruto stiffened and raised his hand. "Yes, Sensei?"


The invigilator walked up to his desk, holding another paper.


"This question paper is for students who attended all classes last month," the invigilator said evenly. "You were absent due to medical reasons."


He placed the new paper in front of Haruto.


"This one contains the portions you completed before your leave."


Haruto looked at it for a second, then nodded. "I understand."


Haruto stared down at the new paper, his expression serious now.


He straightened in his seat, tightened his grip on the pen, and began again as the exam hall fell back into complete silence.


Chapter 28 - Between Silence and Resolve, Part2