The Hidden Uchiha Gamer

Where was this protector? The thought gnawed at me after spending six exasperating hours simply running around, trying to locate the evasive critter.

The forest was dense, almost unnaturally so, with tall, twisted trees that reached skyward like skeletal hands. Their branches knit together tightly above, weaving a canopy that filtered the sunlight into fragmented patterns of gold and green. The silence around me was eerie—no rustling leaves, no chirping birds, no signs of life. It was as though the entire area was holding its breath, waiting for something.

Tracking footprints had proven futile; the forest floor was soft with moss and fallen leaves, erasing any trace the creature might have left behind. I'd attempted to sense chakra signatures, focusing intently on even the faintest flicker of energy, but I haven't developed an exact skill for that yet. Thus the Usagami's presence seemed veiled, masked by quite literally one of the few skills I have yet to learn.

I crouched on a low branch, surveying the forest below taking a moment to rest my tired body. Closing my eyes, taking a slow, deliberate breath. Pushing past the frustration I knew I was feeling, I began to think.

Was it testing me? The thought crossed my mind, but there was no time to dwell on it. I had to find it, and quickly. The moment I had been waiting for, the moment I had been chosen for, was drawing near. I couldn't afford to falter now.

And then, there it was.

A flash of red. A flicker of movement, swift and almost imperceptible. The Usagami.

The creature was magnificent, standing tall with its lithe frame, dark brown fur blending into the surroundings, and eyes glowing with an unnatural green light. Its crimson ears flicked, sharp and alert. The moment our eyes met, a surge of energy pulsed through me. It was as if the very essence of the forest had come alive in that moment, recognizing my presence.

I took a cautious step forward, my voice, calm and collected, "I know you're there. I've been searching for you."

The Usagami didn't move. Its gaze locked onto me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. Then, in the blink of an eye, it vanished—gone without a trace. Not a sound, not a leaf disturbed. The sudden silence was deafening.

Before I could gather my thoughts, the creature reappeared, this time directly in front of me. It was fast, far faster than I had anticipated. Its crimson ears twitched as it circled me, its green eyes gleaming in the dim light.

I felt the air shift, as it got behind me. I barely sidestepped it's kick, then I turned around, as my leg left the ground, carrying momentum from the spin, into a strong, tornado kick. It stepped back, avoiding the kick, but with that the back of my wrist rushed into it's jaw within an instant dealing a truly devastating blow.

-5 HP

Yeah, this technique does hurt the user as well. Eagle Strike. 

Following that, I began using Wing Chun to land a flurry of powerful punches all over it's body. Abdomen, up to it's neck, I did not stop raining blows onto it. I did not give it a moment of rest as each strike, powerful rained upon it.

Suddenly, a crackling sound filled the air, followed by a faint shimmer in the air around the creature. A faint outline of a barrier, translucent yet sparking with lightning, flickered to life around the Usagami. Lightning arcs, small and controlled, emanating from its body at such a speed that it harmed me simply by being close to it.

-150 HP

I leaped back to avoid the lightning barrier. I stared at the Usagami as it remained poised within its protective cocoon of lightning. The creature's glowing green eyes met mine again, unreadable, almost challenging.

"Alright," I muttered, cracking my knuckles. "If that's how you want to play this."

The air was heavy with static, the barrier around the Usagami humming faintly, like a living thing. The arcs of electricity licked outward sporadically, leaving scorch marks on the forest floor. I flung 2 low grade Kunai, both with swirling auras of air that increased their speed and piercing power. "Futon: Kaze Kunai." 

The lightning faltered against it's natural weakness. The Kunai's, enhanced by the Wind Chakra infused into them cut the lightning, piercing into the Usagami but what I was interested in was the seconds it took to restabilise the lightning barrier.

This was only just beginning. 

Tiger → Rabbit → Dog → Ram → Dragon, "Futon: Kazzekiri," I drew my Asauchi in a Iaido like motion creating a diagonal air blade to fly forwards as I leaped forwards, following the speeding blade of wind. Right in front of the Usagami, as the wind blade disturbed the creatures shield of lightning, I slashed it, cutting it's flesh cleanly, and precisely, almost akin to a surgeons cutting precision. The Lightning had been disturbed, allowing this to happen.

I leaped back dodging as the Lightning flickered back to life. Sheathing the Asauchi, I began thinking through my current plan of attack.

Usagami, it's fast, but it's not that skilled at hand to hand. It's relying on that barrier, but it's seen that I can bypass it through my Futon so it will switch tactics if it had instinctual levels of intelligence. I guess I should just use 2 Kunai up close, with Futon: Kaze Kunai. 

I pulled 2 Standard Kunai out, "Futon: Kaze Kunai," I dashed forwards, and began a series of stabs and slashes against the Usagami that has failed to keep up with. The arcs of lightning faltered against the slashes of Kunai enhanced by Wind Chakra.

I slashed up, stabbed, slashed down, stabbed. A repeated sequence of moves that never ended. The Usagami was forced to try and defend itself, which it did. Using it's claws to block my strikes, deactivating it's lightning barrier, to focus on me. 

Then, rather suddenly it just vanished then a split second later I was sent hurtling forwards and into a tree, as I realised what happened. That speed increase, it's even better than those Weak Chakra rabbits. Pain surged from my back and then front when I crashed into the tree which was strong enough to withstand such an impact. After that, I turned around, trying to locate the critter as it had just vanished.

-1000 HP

Fuck, I can not take more of those hits. Fine, Gates it is.

"KAIMON!" I shouted, opening the first of the Eight Inner Gates as I drew my Asauchi from it's sheathe, readying it in a neutral Katana stance.

Reflexively, I bring it up into a block, parrying the attack of the Usagami with ease, then, I bring my downwards, slashing it across the chest quickly. Then in one quick move, I pivoted 180 degrees as I rotated, I bring my rear leg up, chambering it as it neared 270 degrees of it's original position, then fired it forwards in a powerful kick. It connected with it's gut and from there, I twisted around delivering a powerful spinning back kick with my other leg to it's stomach. Sending it flying back.

The Usagami was sent hurtling backwards from the devastating spinning back kick, and I launched 3 Shuriken, which it dodged using that speed up technique, but it was fine, they were low grades and it was just place myself in a better position alongside accurately deducing he exact increase.

I dashed forwards, and slashed horizontally which it averted, then it slashed at me with it's claw. I ducked, and then severed it's arm from it's body. It had lost that arm, and thus claw, blood spurting out from the wound at a rapid rate. It reacted kicking me full force in the face had I not kept it at bay with my elbow, sending me skidding backwards.

-250 HP

I blocked it's with the flat of my Asauchi, then jumped back getting away within an instant but it disappeared again, this time I turned around barely blocking it's kick with my shin and then countering with it, but it disappeared before it could hit.

-150 HP

Pain flared from the shin but I didn't falter.

Anticipating it's movements my leg moved to the stance of kicking like a mule, instantly, I hadn't had time to properly prepare this, but my leg snapped back for a back kick once more hitting it square in the chest before it could hit me. It had tried to use the same attack twice but failed because I acted upon my intuition. I turned around with a slash aimed it's head but it once again disappeared. It reappeared further away, having used it's ability to gather distance. 

I felt my body pumping with adrenaline as I watched it unleash a burst of lightning from its mouth, carving through the terrain, it travelled at a high speeds. I narrowly dodged it, causing me to see the lightning eat through several trees. I sheathed my Asauchi, then I began to form Hand Seals.

"Genjutsu: Yume no Kage," with the Shadows it was seeing right now, I had it distracted. I leaped into the tree branches and used a t shaped Hand Seal, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu," 3 me's appeared in a burst of smoke, then I travelled through the trees with one, the other 2 followed the opposite pathing.

The Usagami may have broke the Genjutsu but there was now 4 me's to look at as all 4 of us split apart, getting into what was an X like formation surrounding it. It aimed at one but there was no point in worrying about that now that we had it right where we wanted.

Ram → Horse → Snake → Dragon → Rat → Ox → Tiger, all hand seals performed with excellent precision in sync, "Katon: Karyu Endan," the flames rushed forwards from all of our mouths.

The Usagami's green eyes widened, and its lightning barrier erupted in a desperate surge, arcs of electrical energy surrounding it as the flames formed a roaring dragon that split off into 3 directions. All 4 attacks were relentless, converging from all sides in a synchronized assault breaking the barrier with ease, scorching the target in a sea of red and oranges that became so hot that it turned white for a split second. I had to look away to avoid being blinded from such an attack. 

2,732 to 2,912 degrees Fahrenheit. That was the power of white fire as it burned a literal crater around the Usagami, when I turned back, all I saw was the scorching earth that was like burning hot coal in a small crater surround the Usagmi. It's body was scorched all over, and it was still burning from flames on it's fur, burning it further. I saw it wincing in pain from the attack. 

My clones rushed it, keeping it busy with precise punches and kicks, synchronising their attacks for maximum efficiency whilst I formed another set of Hand Seals, my clones dispersing as I landed on the final seal.

"Futon: Kazzekiri," I drew my Asauchi slashing the air twice, in a V shape, then after they started flying forwards, I slashed horizontally making a third and final blade that flew after the other 2, following their path as the final piece of attack.

The wind blades I launched soared through the air with deadly precision, each one leaving a faint, shimmering trail as they neared their target. The first two collided with the Usagami's claws as it raised them defensively, sparks flying as it attempted to parry. The final blade struck true, slicing across its chest, carving deep into its flesh. Blood spattered against the scorched earth, as I saw an opportunity. 

With a burst of chakra-enhanced speed, I closed the gap between us, gripping my Asauchi tightly. The Usagami's resolve was unshaken—it pushed itself upright, despite its scorched and bleeding form. Its glowing eyes locked onto mine, and what was not fear, not anger, but defiance. And clashed it's lone claw against the blade. 

The clash of my Asauchi against the Usagami's remaining claw sent vibrations throughout the air as sparks flew. It's claw crackled with lightning—something I just learned it could—in an attempt to overpower me, yet it was still struggling against the technique and skill I held with the blade. It was also the truth that it having lost it's other claw, 

The Usagami pushed back with a feral snarl, its claw sparked with renewed vigour. It swiped horizontally, forcing me to duck, then brought the same claw down in a vertical slash. I forced it to over extend, then twisted the blade with a flick of my wrist, forcing its claw further downward and into the ground. With a kick the Usagami staggered, and I took the opportunity to step into its guard, delivering a vicious elbow strike to its exposed jaw as my blade was holding it's sole claw down. The impact was solid, the sharp crack of bone echoing through the clearing. 

The Usagami stumbled back, its jaw visibly dislocated from the force of the blow. Blood dripped from its mouth, staining its once-majestic dark brown fur. Its glowing green eyes flickered, their intensity waning with each passing second. The feral defiance that had once dominated its gaze was now laced with desperation.

I didn't give it a moment to recover. I stepped forward, my Asauchi flashing in a precise arc. The blade sang as it sliced through the air, aiming for the creature's exposed neck. The Usagami twisted its body at the last second, my blade biting into its shoulder instead. The wound was deep, a crimson spray staining the ground beneath us, but it wasn't fatal.

The creature roared, a sound that was equal parts pain and fury. It lashed out with its hind legs, its powerful muscles propelling it into a desperate kick. I anticipated the move, sidestepping just in time to avoid being launched into another tree. Instead, I countered with a spinning sweep of my Asauchi, the blade carving into its hind leg and forcing it to stumble to one knee.

"You're fast," I admitted, my voice calm despite the adrenaline surging through me. "But speed without precision won't save you."

The Usagami snarled, its crimson ears flicking as it summoned the last vestiges of its strength. A surge of chakra erupted from its body, and the air around us crackled with renewed electricity. I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end as it unleashed a desperate attack—a final, chaotic burst of lightning aimed to overwhelm me.

A torrent of lightning erupted from its mouth, carving a path of destruction directly toward me. The sheer force of the blast tore through the ground, carving bits of earth as I reacted leaping into the air with a chakra-enhanced jump. The lightning surged beneath me as mid-air, I formed a series of rapid hand seals. Completed in a second.

Ram → Horse → Snake → Dragon → Rat → Ox → Tiger, "Katon: Karyū Endan," I kneaded fire chakra in my mouth and then from it erupted a roaring dragon of flames, its fiery form coiling and twisting through the air with destructive intent. The heat was palpable, the sheer intensity turning the air around me into a shimmering mirage.

It surged forwards, then split itself into 3 different parts, aiming to attack it from 3 different areas, all at once. The Usagami's eyes widened in recognition of the technique, and soon it grew desperate as the blazing flames illuminated the darkened forest with a hellish glow. Its crimson ears twitched, and with a final, defiant cry, it attempted to leap away, but its injured hind leg gave out beneath it. The creature stumbled, its speed now a shadow of what it had been, and the triple flames engulfed it completely.

The roaring flames enveloped the Usagami entirely, consuming its form in a fierce blaze of red and orange. The heat seared the air, and the forest floor beneath it began to char, releasing a sharp, acrid scent of burning fur and flesh. Its defiant cries were drowned in the roar of the fire, and for a moment, it was as if the entire world had been swallowed by the dragon's fury.

When the flames finally receded, the battlefield was left in a deafening silence. The once-majestic Usagami lay still, its dark brown fur now scorched black, its crimson ears wilted and lifeless. The creature's green eyes, once blazing with intensity, were now dull, gazing unseeing at the sky. The fight was over.

You fought valiantly, never giving in, I can respect that. So stand proud, for you are strong. 

I couldn't help but praise the creature in my thoughts—even with that stolen line—it had been a tough fight. I closed the Gate, and moved my hand to my sheathed Asauchi, the adrenaline still coursing through my veins slowly began to vanish, and I was hit with a large amount of pain. The adrenaline of the exhilarating fight had kept my mind off the pain, but now that I could feel it.

Oh yeah, I certainly broke a few bones. Agh, that's uncomfortable. Breaking me out of my thoughts several small translucent boxes appeared in front of me.

Shugo no ano Usagi: Usagami has been killed

+25,000 EXP, 5x Great Rabbit Fur, 5x Great Rabbit Feet, Elemental Essence (Lightning)

Quest Cleared

Complete The Enchanted Glade by defeating its boss.

25,000 EXP

10,000,0 Ryo

Suiton: Bakusui Shōha Jutsu Scroll

Doton: Doryūheki Jutsu Scroll

C ranked Jutsu Creation Scroll 

Achievement "Perfectionist" has been Achieved. 

"The measure of greatness lies not just in completing the task, but in redefining what completion means."

Rewards:

Title "Trailblazer" has been received.

All Stats increase by 20 Points

+5% CC

1 B-Rank Jutsu Creation Scroll

Katon: Hosenka Jutsu Scroll

+10,000 EXP

You are now LVL 61

Skill Increases:

Master Martial Arts (All) is now LVL 12

Eight Inner Gates has reached LVL 10: You can now open the 2nd Gate.

Chakra Dash has reached LVL 10

Chakra Leap has reached LVL 10

Katon: Karyū Endan is now LVL 5

Futon: Kazzekiri is now LVL 4

Genjutsu: Yume no Kage is now LVL 4

Trailblazer

Effects when Equipped:

50% increase to EXP obtained in battles

50% increase in healing received by items

Increases Rare Drop Chance rates

I read over the stream of notifications, focusing on the Eight Inner Gates, I had kept it active, and surprisingly it reached the point where I could now open the 2nd Gate: Kyūmon.

The revelation that I could now access the 2nd Gate: Kyūmon, or the Gate of Healing, sent a surge of what was probably anticipation through me. It was a turning point—not just in my physical capabilities, but in how far I could push my limits. The 1st Gate had given me a taste of power, doubling my speed and strength. The 2nd Gate? It promised even more. 

But as exhilarating as the thought was, the ache in my bones reminded me that this kind of progress came at a cost. My fight with the Usagami had pushed my body to its threshold, and I had no desire to find out what would happen if I recklessly opened the next Gate without proper preparation.

I dismissed the notifications for now, making a mental note to explore the Kyūmon's effects once I was fully healed.

The Jutsu Scrolls however were the most appealing part. Suiton: Bakusui Shōha was a reward that would get more usefulness when I got more Suiton Jutsu's. A water-based jutsu of this calibre would grant me a lot of versatility in combat. It created a large volume of water and dealt damage making it incredibly helpful. Granted I might not need this Jutsu if my plans for Nise no Mugen worked out. 

The Nise no Mugen was an idea I came up with whilst searching for the Usagami. Although it was only a theory for now, I can describe how it works.

Water Molecules—or air molecules as an interpretation of this technique—the advanced concept focuses on condensing water vapor in the air as a baseline, actively manipulating these molecules at a fine, nearly atomic level to create a "veil" around the user. This should create a dynamic barrier around the body. This "veil" is not going to be static but is in a perpetual state of flux, with the water molecules constantly shifting, dividing, and reforming in response to incoming attacks adapting to them perfectly thus it simulates the effects of the Achilles Paradox in reality. A Nise no Mugen; a False Infinity.

Granted I'm years off of making that Jutsu yet. I have to get a lot done before I even attempt making that and it's a lot of theory work being put into practice. 

The other Jutsu Scroll I got: Doton: Doryūheki was a defensive jutsu that I've needed. Creating a solid earthen wall on command meant that I now had a way to control the battlefield, block attacks, or create temporary barriers. It added to something I had been lacking. An actual defensive Jutsu. 

The Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu was another welcome addition. It was brilliant for a person like me. Multiple small fireballs scattered in seemingly random patterns would make it harder for opponents to dodge, and the opportunity to embed projectiles within the flames opened up even more tactical options. It wasn't just firepower—it was finesse. 

By the way, I also noticed that the Forest was beginning to die, the trees no longer illuminating me with it's bioluminescent glow, the trees looking far older, and seemed to be rapidly aging, the grass beneath me dying out.

Right, I should head back now, huh? I looked forwards as a Gate, opened up, allowing me to step through the portal to find myself back where I had been before I started the dungeon, looking up at the sky, it was somewhere around 18:30. I had spent, the last 12 hours in that place. Oh, they were probably worried. 

I put all of my Equipped items into my Inventory, changing into normal civilian clothes. All my items being de-equipped in the process. Outside the Ring I wore on my index finger.

I started heading back to the Orphanage walking through the streets on the way. My eyes trailing up and looking at the sky. I then stopped, making a detour on the way home.

I hope I can find the perfect gift. I think to myself.

The streets of the village buzzed faintly with the chatter of early evening life. Lanterns flickered to life, casting pools of warm light across cobblestone pathways as vendors began packing away their wares. I walked among them, blending into the crowd in my civilian clothes. The scent of freshly baked bread mingled with the sharper tang of grilled skewers as I passed a bustling food cart, but I paid little attention to the aromas.

My mind was elsewhere, replaying the events of the dungeon—the ferocity of the Usagami, the surge of power when I opened the First Gate, and the toll it had taken on my body. Even now, I could feel the lingering ache in my muscles, a dull reminder of the battle. Yet, despite it all, there was something else simmering beneath the surface—a quiet warmth that I couldn't quite name.

I turned a corner and found myself standing before a modest shop. Its window display was simple but inviting, filled with an assortment of trinkets and accessories that gleamed softly in the lamplight. My gaze fell on a pair of hairpins near the centre of the display— 2 light blue, diamond-shaped pins, each one connecting to a delicate yellow flower-shaped clip. There was something about them that caught my attention.

Shiina would like one, perhaps I'll get one for myself too. Thinking that I, without any hesitation, I stepped inside.

The shopkeeper, a woman with silver-streaked hair and an aged smile, greeted me, "Looking for something special?"

"Just browsing," I replied, though my eyes had already returned to the hairpins. I moved closer to the display, examining the intricate craftsmanship. They weren't extravagant, but they held a simple elegance that resonated with me. One for me, and one for Shiina. A small gesture, but one that felt significant.

Significant for what Shiina has done for me.

"These are lovely," I said, looking at the pins.

The shopkeeper beamed. "A fine choice. They're part of a matching set, meant to symbolize harmony and connection. Perfect for close bonds."

Already reaching for my pouch I spoke, my tone holding a hint of warmth in it, "I'll take them."

The woman wrapped the pins carefully, placing them in a small velvet-lined box before handing it to me. I slipped it into my pocket, thanked her, and stepped back out onto the street.

As I walked through the village, I let my mind wander. The streets were quieter now, the earlier bustle giving way to a more subdued rhythm. I noticed the faint creak of a sign swaying in the breeze, the way the shadows of leaves danced across a shuttered storefront, the soft murmur of voices drifting from an open window. Everything felt sharper, more vivid—as if my senses had been heightened by the events of the day.

A cat with a collar darted across my path, its sleek body blending seamlessly into the shadows. I watched it disappear into an alley, watching its fluid movements as it avoided a band of Genin searching for it. The details around me seemed endless, each one a thread in the tapestry of the village. It was a habit I'd developed, this constant observation, born from the need to stay vigilant. But tonight, it felt different. Tonight, I wasn't just observing—I was seeing.

When I finally reached the orphanage, the familiar creak of the gate brought a small sense of relief. The building stood quietly, its warm glow spilling through the windows. I made my way inside, my steps careful on the wooden floorboards as I moved inside. 

Shiina was sitting cross-legged on the floor as I entered my room. She looked up as I entered, her emarald eyes brightening as she saw me. "You're back!" She exclaimed, setting the book aside. "I was starting to think you got lost or something."

"Lost?" I raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at my lips, "Do you really think I'd get lost in this village?"

She grinned, unrepentant, "Maybe. You've been gone all day, you know."

"Busy," I replied simply, pulling the box from my pocket, "Here."

She tilted her head, curious, as I handed her the box. She opened it slowly, her eyes widening as she took in the delicate hairpins inside.

"They're beautiful," she murmured, her fingers brushing over the light blue diamonds, "Are these for me?"

"One of them is," I said, sitting on the edge of my bed, "The other's for me. They're a set."

Shiina looked up at me, her expression a mix of surprise and something softer—something I couldn't quite place, "You didn't have to—"

"I wanted to," I interrupted, my tone firmer than I intended it to be, but holding a softer tone to it then she was used to, "It's… to symbolize us. Our bond."

For a moment, there was silence. Then Shiina smiled, a genuine, heartfelt smile that made something in my chest loosen, "Thank you," she said softly, "I'll treasure it."

She pinned one of the clips into her hair, turning to show me, "How does it look?"

"It suits you," I said, feeling a rare warmth spread through me, "Here," I took the other clip and fastened it into my own hair, the metal cool against my fingers, "Now we match."

Shiina looked away, seamlessly lost in thought, before she asked 2 questions a hint of insecurity in her tone as she did so, "We're best friends, right? Like are we actually that close for something like this?" 

"I wouldn't have brought the pair if I didn't think so, Shiina," I said, the words carrying more weight than I expected. For so long, I'd kept myself distant, focused solely on my goals. But in this moment, something shifted. I was no longer the girl from the White Room who planned and calculated every move thinking of people as nothing more than tools. I was Akari Inori, someone who cared—truly cared—for the girl sitting across from me.

Shiina looked at me, her emerald eyes searching my face as if trying to gauge the sincerity of my words. I could see the insecurities flicker across her expression, faint but present, like ripples on still water. It was an unfamiliar sight—this moment of vulnerability from her—and it stirred something inside me.

Without thinking, I moved closer, closing the distance between us. My arms moved with a deliberate slowness, hesitant for just a second, before wrapping around her in a gentle embrace. It was a gesture so alien to me, but somehow, it felt... right.

Shiina stiffened for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden contact. But then she melted into the hug, her arms circling around me tightly, as if anchoring herself in this rare moment of closeness.

"You're not just my best friend, Shiina," I said quietly, my voice low but steady. "You're the one person I trust—truly trust. And I'm grateful for that."

For a heartbeat, neither of us spoke. The warmth of the hug seemed to linger, as though it had chased away the faint chill of doubt that had hung between us.

When Shiina finally pulled back, her eyes shimmered with a mix of emotions—gratitude, relief, and something that could only be described as hope. She wiped her eyes quickly, laughing softly, "I didn't think you were the hugging type."

I allowed a small smile to surface, the corners of my lips tilting upward just slightly, "Neither did I."

At that moment, the air seemed to hum faintly, a subtle shift that was both familiar and new. I felt it before I understood it—a connection, intangible yet undeniably real, forming between us. A soft, ethereal glow seemed to flicker around Shiina, growing brighter and clearer with each passing second.

A vision of a radiant star, its light piercing through the darkness, shimmered briefly in my mind. It was steady and unyielding, its glow a symbol of guidance and hope.

Social Link Established: The Star"

"When bonds are formed, even the faintest star can illuminate the darkest of skies."

Rank 1: Hope's Seed

Shiina gains a permanent boost to her learning rate during training sessions with you.

I embraced Shiina still, holding her, not caring for the fact that I had just gotten my first Social Link, rather, I was focused on the person that truly matted most to me. 

Shiina tilted her head, oblivious to what had just occurred--an undeniable glow of happiness in her expression. "You're weirdly soft sometimes, you know that?"

"I'll take that as a compliment," I replied as she laughed lightly.

For the first time in a long while, the room felt lighter, as though the weight of the burden I'd been carrying had eased ever so slightly.

*Illustration here, using AI Art. Only shown on the Webnoval version.*