The Day Feels Different
Not darker.
Not colder.
Just… wrong.
Even the Wind Feels Watched
Every movement—
Every sound—
Feels noticed.
Hiroto Walks Alone
Not training.
Not resting.
Thinking.
The Blade at His Side
Quieter than before—
But not gone.
He Tightens His Grip Slightly
"…So they've decided…"
No response
But the silence feels heavier now
Footsteps Behind Him
Akari catches up
"…You're doing that thing again."
Hiroto glances at her
"…What thing?"
She shrugs slightly
"…Walking around like you're already in a fight."
A small pause
Hiroto exhales quietly
"…Feels like I am."
Akari doesn't joke this time
She looks ahead
"…Yeah…"
A pause.
"…Same."
Elsewhere
Kenzaku stands with Goro
Watching the outer edges.
Kenzaku speaks quietly
"…They're not gone."
Goro nods slightly
"…No."
A pause.
"…They're waiting."
Kenzaku's eyes narrow
"…For what?"
Goro answers simply
"…A reason."
That lands heavy
Back to Tamagichi
Standing alone again.
His gaze distant
Focused on something unseen.
Then—
A faint shift in the air
He notices immediately
A voice speaks from behind him
Calm.
Controlled.
"…You're preparing them."
Tamagichi doesn't turn
"…I am."
The presence behind him remains unseen
The voice continues
"…It won't be enough."
Tamagichi responds calmly
"…I know."
A pause
Then—
"…But it will delay the inevitable."
Silence follows
The unseen presence shifts slightly
Then says—
"…He's aware."
Tamagichi's eyes narrow slightly
"…Of course he is."
That confirms everything
The presence fades
Without a trace.
Back with Hiroto
He suddenly stops walking
Akari notices immediately
"…What is it?"
Hiroto's eyes sharpen
The blade pulses again
Stronger than before
But this time—
It feels urgent
"…They're closer."
Akari tenses
"…Again?!"
Hiroto shakes his head slightly
"…No…"
A pause.
"…Not them."
That's worse
Akari's voice lowers
"…Then who…?"
Hiroto doesn't answer
Because he doesn't know
But he feels it clearly
Something else has entered the field
Far beyond the settlement—
Beyond even the watchers—
A lone figure stands in silence.
Covered in black.
Still.
Watching.
"…So this is the one…"
To be continued…