Beneath the Boughs

Kaito sat cross-legged on his bedroom floor, the bracelet lying before him. The soft glow of its seal markings pulsed faintly in the dim light, taunting him with its seemingly incomprehensible secrets. He furrowed his brows, leaning closer, trying to decipher the fragmented map etched into the delicate surface. His fingertips glowed faintly as he channelled a minute pulse of chakra into the bracelet, but the lines refused to change.

"Why won't you work?" Kaito muttered to himself. His system notifications had stopped chiming, leaving him in frustrating silence.

[Mission: Investigate Aiko's Disappearance

Objective: Gather information without drawing suspicion.

- Found clue .

- Find .

Rewards:

+100 EXP, +2 INT, +5 REP with Daichi & Yuriko Hoshizora

Failure:

Faction grows stronger]

Behind him, Miyu was anything but silent. She sat perched on his bed, swinging her legs back and forth, watching Kaito with a mix of curiosity and impatience. "Kaitooooo~" she began, drawing out his name in an exaggerated whine, "are you going to teach me how you did that cool katra thing or not?"

Kaito groaned, not bothering to look up. "It's called CHAKRA and you don't even know anything about it yet."

"Well, maybe if someone taught me, I would!" she shot back, hopping off the bed and plopping down beside him. "Come on, show me. Pleeease? I'll be the best captain ever if you do!"

"Captain of what, Miyu? Being annoying?" Kaito snapped, his focus breaking. He glared at her, clutching the bracelet protectively.

"Captain of annoying you, duh." she said with a grin, lunging forward to grab the bracelet.

"Hey! Stop that!" Kaito yelped, pulling it away.

"You're not even doing anything with it!" Miyu retorted, grabbing his arm.

Before either of them realized it, they were brawling on the floor, the bracelet clutched tightly in Kaito's hand as they rolled and scuffled. Miyu tried to pin him down, but Kaito wriggled free, retaliating by ruffling her hair into a wild mess.

"You're so frustrating!" Kaito hissed, narrowly avoiding an elbow.

"AND you're impossible!" Miyu shot back, laughing despite herself.

The door slid open with a sharp snap. "What in the world is going on here?" Grandma Sachi's voice cut through the chaos like a blade. Both children froze mid-scuffle, Kaito awkwardly half on top of Miyu with her hand firmly gripping his wrist. They scrambled apart, sitting up with guilty expressions.

Grandma's sharp gaze swept over them before landing on the bracelet in Kaito's hand. Her eyes narrowed as the faint markings glowed once more. "What is that?" she asked, her tone steady but with an edge that made Kaito swallow nervously.

"It's… Aiko's bracelet," Kaito admitted, holding it out hesitantly. "We found it at the park yesterday. It has these seals, and they make a map."

"A map?" Sachi murmured, stepping closer. She crouched beside him, her gaze fixed on the glowing lines. Her fingers hovered over the bracelet but didn't touch it. "Explain."

Kaito recounted the events quickly but clearly—how he and Miyu had found the bracelet near the jungle gym, the strange seals, and how Miyu had seen her mum put chakra in similar seals before. He hesitated briefly, glancing at Miyu, before admitting he'd been experimenting with his chakra to try and unlock its secrets.

Grandma listened silently, her expression unreadable. As he finished, her hand moved unconsciously to the necklace she always wore. The light caught its surface, and Kaito noticed something he hadn't before—markings, faint but deliberate, etched into the pendant.

[Analyse]

His system chimed softly. 

[The Hoshizora Betrothal Necklace]

[Gifted to Sachi by Kazuya Hoshizora, rich in history as well as price, this necklace is said to have been passed down in generations of proclamations of love. Once owned by the First Daimyo's Wife, it became a symbol of enduring love after being recovered from tragedy. Inscribed with unknown seals.]

Sachi's lips curled faintly, but her tone remained measured. "Similar, yes. Your grandfather was a curious man, always seeking out hidden places and unravelling old secrets. He said it was his way of 'keeping the village safe'. Of course, it got him into trouble more often than not. That mischievous old fool."

Her small smile softened her stern demeanour, and for a moment, she seemed less like the no-nonsense matriarch Kaito knew and more like someone who carried a treasure trove of untold stories. It was the first time Kaito felt like he was seeing a more human side of her.

She rose to her feet abruptly, brushing off her hands. "Naturally, you know I'll have to inform Daichi about this, don't you?"

Kaito froze, his thoughts racing. She's a snitch too? He scowled inwardly, imagining a younger version of his grandfather hiding things from her for good reason.

When Daichi arrived, his expression was stern, his usual warmth replaced by a deep furrow in his brow. Kaito stood stiffly as his father examined the bracelet, his gaze lingering on the glowing seals.

"This is just what I needed." Daichi said finally, his voice calm but heavy with disappointment. He looked directly at Kaito. "Why didn't you come to me as soon as you found it?"

"I…" Kaito faltered, his grip tightening on his sleeve. "I thought I could figure it out first."

Daichi sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Kaito, this isn't just about you. This is about Aiko—and all the other children who might be in danger. You should've told me."

The words hit Kaito like a punch to the gut. He looked down, shame pooling in his chest. "I'm sorry," he mumbled.

Daichi placed a hand on his shoulder, his tone softening. "You're smart, Kaito. Smarter than most. But this is bigger than just us—This is putting lives in jeopardy. You can't treat this like a game."

Kaito nodded, his throat tight. Daichi turned to Sachi. "I'll inform the Hokage about this. If there's any chance this map leads to Aiko, we need to act quickly."

As Daichi left, Kaito slumped against the wall, his head bowed. Sachi sat beside him, her usual sharpness softened into something gentler.

"You're being hard on yourself." she said quietly.

Kaito didn't respond, but his silence spoke volumes.

Sachi continued. "You remind me of your grandfather. Always trying to solve everything on his own. Always treating everything like the next big adventure and bearing the weight of the world. But even he learned—eventually—that strength isn't about doing everything alone."

"I let Dad down," Kaito muttered.

"You made a mistake," Sachi corrected. "But you also found something no one else did. And you'll learn from this, won't you?"

Kaito nodded slowly.

"Good," Sachi said, standing and dusting off her hands. "Now, if you're done moping, I think we have somewhere to be."

Kaito blinked up at her. "Where?"

Sachi's lips curved into a faint smile. "The Old Library. It's a place I used to frequent when I was your age. I think it's time we revisited it."

Is she going to make us read? Kaito thought, his suspicion rising as he glanced at Miyu. Her face immediately fell, taking the idea as punishment.

"Books?" Miyu muttered with a groan. "I didn't sign up for homework!"

Sachi chuckled lightly, a rare sound that made Kaito blink. "Don't worry, Miyu. You won't be cracking open any dusty scrolls today. At least, not yet."

The Old Library loomed ahead, its stone facade weathered with age but imposing in its quiet grandeur. Kaito stared at it, his brows knitting together in confusion. "Why are we here?" he asked, glancing at Grandma Sachi as they approached.

"This place is REALLY close to the playground," he added, suspicion lacing his voice.

Grandma Sachi smirked. "Well, we need to make sure little Aiko can see some kids her age, don't we?"

Miyu's eyes lit up, her earlier quiet replaced by newfound excitement. "This is the place on the map, isn't it? Oh, this is so cool! We're going on a real mission!" She dashed ahead, her voice echoing faintly as she pushed open the creaky library doors.

Kaito hesitated, his eyes narrowing. "Isn't this place dangerous?" he asked, his tone skeptical.

Grandma Sachi chuckled in that knowing way of hers, shaking her head as she walked past him. "It's been cleared out already," she said with a wave of her hand. 

'That was quick.'

She stepped through the doorway, the faint light from the outside casting strange shadows on the walls. The dark shapes seemed to ripple unnaturally as if alive.

Kaito froze, staring at the shadows, his instincts prickling. His system chimed softly as he say multiple tags hovering on the walls.

[Bear - Konoha ANBU - LV??]

[Wolf - Konoha ANBU - LV??]

[Weasel - Konoha ANBU - LV??]

[Cat - Konoha ANBU - LV??]

[Snake - Konoha ANBU - LV??]

His eyes widened slightly as he realized the shadows were not alive but masked ANBU operatives blending seamlessly with the dim surroundings. Each one was perfectly still, hidden from the naked eye, their presence completely untraceable at his current level. only given away thanks to his system.

Miyu, oblivious to the tension in the room, ran ahead, weaving through the dusty shelves. "Where is she?" she called, her voice bouncing off the high walls. "Aikoooo! Are you here?"

When there was no response, she stopped in the middle of the room, looking around in confusion. "Where could she be?"

Grandma Sachi leaned against a nearby shelf, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "Maybe she's in another library." she said, her tone light.

Kaito blinked, caught off guard by the casual Mario reference. He smothered a laugh, though it bubbled up internally. 'What even is this world?'

Still, his mind raced as he pieced things together. He had studied the seals on the bracelet for hours, and now, standing in the library, the layout of the walls felt eerily familiar. The blueprint of the space matched the map's intricate lines almost perfectly. A realisation clicked into place.

"She's not on the ground floor," Kaito murmured, half to himself. "The only place she could be… is below."

[System Notification: WIS +1 for critical insight.]

[RANK UP: Chakra Conditioning (F)] -> [Chakra Control (E)]

[Chakra Control (E) LV10 EXP: 0.00%]

[A movement skill that allows the user, who has mastered the art of horizontal walking, to walk like an upright human. Be careful not to get a speeding ticket.]

[Mission Update: Uncover the Hidden Passageway Below the Library.]

The system's notification caught his attention. His mind buzzed as he felt his chakra flow become steady and recalled his earlier attempts to pulsate chakra. If he could attempt it, he might be able to sense the surroundings in more detail. Focusing, Kaito concentrated his chakra in his palms, releasing faint waves of energy. The first pulse faltered, showing only flickers of the room. The second attempt was smoother, revealing a faint outline of his immediate surroundings within a five-meter radius.

He swept his hands carefully across the floor and shelves, his focus narrowing as the pulses grew steadier. Near the far end of the library, a subtle shift in texture registered under the floorboards—a pressure plate.

"There," he said, moving toward it. He knelt and pressed lightly on the plate. A soft click echoed through the room, and one of the nearby shelves shifted slightly, as if it were on hidden hinges.

Encouraged, Kaito scanned further. A faint outline of a button appeared just behind a loose brick in the wall. He pressed it, another soft click adding to the puzzle. His pulses detected a final clue—a small indent near the base of a statue. It was shaped like a badge.

"A badge…" he muttered, his eyes scanning the room. His gaze landed on a book that looked brand new, its corner protruding awkwardly from a nearby shelf. Pulling it free, he flipped it open and found a bronze badge nestled inside, the edges worn with age.

Holding the badge, Kaito couldn't help but smirk. "This feels like something out of Resident Evil," he muttered.

"What's a Resident Evil?" Miyu asked, tilting her head.

"Never mind," Kaito said quickly, inserting the badge into the indent. The room fell silent for a moment before a low rumble shook the walls. The shelf swung open, revealing a dark, narrow passage carved into the brick wall.

The ANBU operatives stirred for the first time, their positions shifting slightly as if assessing the development. Grandma Sachi's eyebrows lifted in surprise, though her composure remained intact. "Well," she said, her voice tinged with amusement, "This is a surprise."

Miyu peered into the passage, her excitement quickly turning to unease. "It's… really dark," she murmured.

Kaito stepped closer, his pulses revealing faint outlines ahead. His eyes narrowed as the passage opened into a larger chamber. Beyond the faint light, he could just make out the shapes of metal cages lining the walls. In one of the cages, a small figure huddled, motionless.

But it wasn't the children that caught his attention—it was the silhouette of a man standing at the far end, his posture stiff with confusion. "Huh?" the figure muttered. "What's this? Didn't think they'd find this place… and with kids?"

The system chimed softly as Kaito took a step back, his heart pounding.

[Mission Update: Save the children.]

"Grandma," he said quietly, his voice taut with tension. "There's someone in there."

Kaito squinted into the dimly lit chamber, his pulse quickening as the figure in the shadows stepped into the faint light. His system activated on instinct, overlaying the man's details in glowing text.

[Analyse]

[Gento Arasawa - LV 25

[Title: Slave Trader]

[Class: Genin]

[HP: 200/200] [CP: 180/180]

[Stats]

STR: 35

VIT: 20

DEX: 25

INT: 18

WIS: 10

CHA: 5

LUK: 6

[Description: A former Genin who failed to advance in rank and turned to a life of crime. Specializes in trafficking children with ninja potential to sell to the highest bidder. Known for his ruthlessness and knack for evading capture. He is currently devising a plan to escape whether it be taking a hostage or in cold blood.]

Kaito's stomach churned as he read the description. A ninja-turned-slave-trader. The idea sickened him. "A ninja..." Kaito murmured under his breath, just loud enough for Grandma Sachi to hear.

Her expression hardened. "Stay behind me."

The man, Gento, scratched his unkempt hair and sneered, his eyes darting around the room. "What's this? Didn't expect to see pups coming out of the shadows. Did they send you little brats to negotiate with me?" His voice dripped with mockery.

Before Kaito could respond, Miyu cupped her hands around her mouth and called out, "Hey, are you stuck in there too?"

Kaito shot her a flat look. "Seriously? Why would he be outside a cage if he's trapped?"

"Maybe he's too fat for one," Miyu replied without missing a beat, her tone innocent.

Kaito let out a small, disbelieving snort despite the tension. "You're unbelievable."

Their banter was interrupted by a faint voice from the cages. "Help… please help…"

"Aiko?" Miyu gasped. She took a step forward, her hand outstretched. "We're here! We're going to—"

Before she could finish, Gento lunged toward one of the cages and yanked the small girl out by her arm. Aiko cried out in fear, her tiny frame trembling as the man held her in a vice-like grip. "NOBODY MOVE!" he bellowed, his kunai pressed dangerously close to Aiko's neck. "I know you're here, ANBU! I can smell your cowardly hides in the shadows. You think you can just sneak around and catch me off guard? Let me tell you how this works—I make the demands, and you obey."

[Aiko Yukimura - Caged Spark - LV2]

[HP: 15/50] [CP: 30/30]

Kaito's fists clenched at his sides. His system displayed Aiko's name and stats briefly, her health bar flickering ominously low. He glanced at Miyu, who had frozen in place, her earlier boldness replaced by wide-eyed fear.

"I'll make this simple!" Gento continued, his voice echoing in the chamber. "I walk out of here, unharmed, and you all stay put. If you try anything, this little girl dies. And don't think I won't do it. I've done worse."

A voice spoke from the shadows, calm but edged with authority. "You're not going anywhere, Gento."

'Hope dad's a decent hostage negotiator.'

Daichi stepped into the light, his face shadowed but his posture commanding. His expression was grave as he glanced briefly at Kaito and Sachi before fixing his eyes on the trafficker. "Release the girl."

'Guess not.'

Gento's sneer faltered for a moment before twisting into a grin. "Ah, a proper shinobi at last. Let me guess—they sent you to clean up this mess? Or maybe…" He tilted his head, his grip on Aiko tightening. "Maybe they sent you because you've got a soft spot for kids. I like kids too. They're… profitable."

Daichi's jaw tightened, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "This is no place for children," he said, his voice directed more toward Sachi than Gento. "They shouldn't be here."

"Then maybe you should have made sure you did your sweep properly." Sachi replied coolly. Her tone was light, but her eyes burned with intensity.

Gento laughed darkly. "This is hilarious but I'm not hearing anything I like. So here's my new demand. I take the girl, and that boy"—he pointed directly at Kaito—"escorts me out of the village. If anyone follows, the girl dies. You have ten seconds to decide."

The tension in the air was suffocating. Kaito's mind raced, his system flashing notifications about skills being levelled up.

[Bloodlust detected - 10 meters away]

[Bloodlust (D) (Passive) LV3 EXP: 17.23%]

His gaze darted to Aiko, her tear-streaked face and trembling form making his chest tighten. 

'If not for my [Gamer's Mind], I'd be bawling too.' He realised as he clenched his fists. 'There has to be a way…'

Before Gento could make another move, a silver light flashed behind him. A split second later, his kunai clattered to the ground, and he stumbled forward, disarmed. He cried out in pain as a blade pressed against the back of his neck, forcing him to his knees.

Kaito's eyes widened as he took in the figure standing behind Gento. Long silver hair caught the faint light, framing a face that exuded calm authority. His system lit up instantly as if reading his mind.

[Analyse]

[Sakumo Hatake] [LV??]

[Class: Jonin]

[Title: The White Fang]

[Affiliation: Land of Fire, The Hatake Clan]

[A legendary shinobi of Konoha, known for his unparalleled skill and unwavering sense of duty. A hero to some, a shadow to others. He is about to incapacitate Genin Gento and regrets not being able to shield this scene from the eyes of children.]

"Gento Arasawa," Sakumo said, his voice quiet but firm. "Your time is up."

The trafficker's eyes darted wildly, his earlier bravado shattered. "Who—how—"

"Doesn't matter," Sakumo cut him off. "You're done."

Miyu, still frozen beside Kaito, suddenly let out a small gasp. "Oh my gosh," she whispered, her cheeks flushing. "He's so handsome!"

Kaito blinked, deadpanning at her. "Seriously? Now?"

"What? I'm just saying," Miyu whispered back, clearly flustered.

Sakumo ignored the exchange, keeping his blade steady as ANBU operatives emerged from the shadows to secure Gento. The trafficker's hands were bound, and he was dragged away, his threats and curses fading into the distance.

Daichi approached Kaito, his expression unreadable. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Kaito nodded, though his mind was still racing. "Yeah… I'm fine."

Daichi glanced at Sakumo and gave a curt nod. "Thank you."

Sakumo sheathed his blade, his piercing gaze briefly meeting Kaito's. "Good instincts," he said simply before turning and disappearing into the shadows as quickly as he had arrived.

Miyu sighed dreamily. "What a hero."

Kaito groaned. "You're impossible."

Grandma Sachi stepped forward, placing a hand on Kaito's shoulder. "You did well," she said, her voice steady. "But this isn't over yet."

Kaito glanced toward the cages, where the children were still huddled, their eyes wide with fear. The faint glow of the bracelet in his pocket reminded him of the task still ahead.

Aiko huddled in the corner of her cage, her knees pulled tightly to her chest. Her heart still pounded from the chaos earlier. The memory of the scary man's grip on her arm lingered, leaving a phantom ache. She glanced toward the group in front of her—the boy and girl who had called out to her, the older woman who seemed to be in charge, and the familiar stern man who had subdued the scary man alongside the silver-haired shinobi. She didn't know what to feel—relief, fear, or confusion.

The older woman, Sachi, crouched beside her cage, her expression soft but steady. "It's okay now," she said gently. "You're safe."

Aiko hesitated, glancing between Sachi and the boy standing a few feet behind her. His dark eyes seemed to see through her, not in a scary way, but as though he was piecing everything together. The girl next to him gave Aiko a wide, reassuring smile.

"Who… who are you?" Aiko asked, her voice trembling.

Sachi tilted her head slightly, her smile kind. "I'm Sachi Hoshizora. This is my grandson, Kaito, and his friend, Miyu. We came to help."

Miyu waved enthusiastically. "Hi! Don't worry. That creep's gone for good."

Aiko stared at them for a long moment before lowering her gaze. "Why would you help me? You don't even know me."

"Because you needed it," Kaito said simply. His voice was calm, almost matter-of-fact, but there was no malice in it.

Sachi shifted closer, her tone soft. "Can you tell us what happened, Aiko? How did you end up here?"

Aiko bit her lip, her eyes darting toward the now-empty space where the trafficker had been standing. Slowly, she nodded. "Okay," she whispered.

---

~Aiko's Flashback~

Aiko stood in the orphanage's courtyard, balancing a basket of freshly washed clothes on her hip. The sun was warm, and she had spent most of the morning helping the matron with chores. The other children were playing nearby, their laughter carrying on the breeze, but Aiko didn't join them. She never did.

"Thank you for your help today, Aiko," the matron said as Aiko set the basket down. "You've been working so hard lately. I think it's time we found you a proper home."

Aiko's heart skipped a beat. "A home?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

The matron smiled, though something about it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yes, a foster family. Somewhere you can finally belong."

Aiko's chest tightened. She had dreamed of this—leaving the orphanage, starting fresh. Maybe she could find a place where she wouldn't feel so alone. "Really?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.

The matron nodded. "You've earned it. Now, come with me."

Aiko followed her inside, her small hands clasped tightly in front of her. The matron led her to a side door she had never noticed before, its hinges creaking ominously as it opened. Beyond it was a dark staircase that spiraled downward. Aiko hesitated, glancing back toward the bright courtyard.

"Don't worry," the matron said, her tone unusually curt. "Your new family is waiting for you down there."

Aiko swallowed hard and stepped forward, the door creaking shut behind her. She descended the stairs slowly, her unease growing with every step. When they reached the bottom, her breath caught in her throat. The room was cold and dimly lit, lined with cages. A man stood in the center, his greasy hair falling over his face as he turned to look at her.

"This one's young," the man said, his voice rough. "She'll fetch a high price."

Aiko's blood ran cold. She turned to the matron, her eyes wide with panic. "Wait—what is this? You said—"

The matron's expression was blank, devoid of any warmth. "Be quiet," she snapped, grabbing Aiko by the arm and shoving her forward. The man caught her roughly, his grip like iron.

"No!" Aiko screamed, struggling against him. "Let me go!"

But her cries went unanswered. She was thrown into a cage, her face slamming the metal bars as the door shut behind her. The man locked it with a heavy clang, his smirk sickening.

For days, she sat in the dark, her tears long since dried. The other children whispered words of comfort, their small voices breaking through the silence. "It's going to be okay," one of them had said. "Someone will come for us."

Aiko wanted to believe them. But deep down, she wasn't sure if she ever would.

'Mommy..I'm scared..'

---

Aiko's voice wavered as she finished her story, her hands clutching her knees tightly. "I thought no one was coming. I thought I'd never see the sun again."

Miyu's eyes shimmered with tears as she looked over all the bruises laid over her body, her earlier cheer replaced by a fierce determination. "You're out now," she said firmly. "And no one's ever putting you in a cage again."

Aiko looked up, her gaze flickering between Miyu, Kaito, and Sachi. "Thank you," she whispered. "For finding me."

Daichi stepped forward, his expression gentler than before. He crouched beside Aiko's cage, his voice low but warm. "Aiko, you don't have to go back to the orphanage. If you'd like, you can come home with us. We'd welcome you as part of our family."

Aiko stared at him, her lips trembling. For a moment, she considered it—the idea of a real family, a real home. But then she thought of the other children, still huddled in their cages, their wide, fearful eyes.

She shook her head firmly. "Thank you," she said, her voice steady. "But I can't leave them. They need me. I want to stay with them and take care of them. I want to make the orphanage a place where no one has to be scared anymore."

Daichi blinked, surprised by her resolve. "Are you sure?" he asked.

Aiko nodded. "That's my dream."

Sachi smiled faintly, her gaze softening. "A noble dream," she said. "Just like your mother's."

Aiko's breath hitched. She looked at Sachi curiously. "You knew my mother?"

Sachi hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Yes. She was a brave woman. When you're older, perhaps you can visit, and I'll tell you all about her."

Aiko's eyes shone with a mix of sadness and gratitude. "I'd like that," she said softly.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of activity. The orphanage was placed under new leadership, its hidden horrors dismantled. The children were returned to safety, their futures brighter under the care of trustworthy new matrons.

Back at home, Kaito sat quietly at the kitchen table, the only thing to calm his racing thoughts was the giant translucent screen presenting a

[Mission Completed! : Investigate Aiko's Disappearance]

Rewards:

+100 EXP, +2 INT, +5 REP with Daichi & Yuriko Hoshizora

*DING*

[LEVEL UP!]

[Name: Kaito Hoshizora] [Lvl 8]

[Class: The Gamer]

[Title: Re-Life Player]

[Affiliation: None]

[HP: 230/230] [CP: 130/130]

[STR: 6]

[VIT: 23] 

[DEX: 6]

[INT: 13 (73)] 

[WIS: 7 (33)] 

[CHA: 28] 

[LUK: ??] 

[Status: Re-Life Player (10x EXP Multiplier until you reach Lvl 10), ? (+3 VIT & +1 LUK per Level), ? (+2 CHA & increased likeability with ?)]

[Kaito Hoshizora is a player in the world of Naruto, and is the son of Yuriko Hoshizora and Daichi Hoshizora. He regrets how abruptly his life ended and is determined to live this one to the fullest, touching lives of those around him in the best way possible. He is ecstatic at having finished his first proper mission before he even became a ninja.]

[EXP Required Until Next Level: 500]

[Stat Points Left: 41]

[Ryo: You may have pockets now, but still no dough.]

His parents exchanged a glance before Daichi cleared his throat.

"Kaito," he began, his tone firm but kind. "We need to talk."

Kaito blinked up at him, willing the screen away, his small face a mix of confusion and curiosity. "About what?"

"Your future," Daichi said simply, his expression unreadable.

Kaito frowned, his mind already spinning with possibilities. What did they mean by "his future"? And why did it feel rushed?

The system chimed faintly, offering no guidance, only a cryptic message:

[Mission: Between Shadows and Hearths.]