Silence Holds
No one moves.
Tamagichi stands still—
Yet somehow…
It feels like he already has control.
His Eyes Stay on Hiroto
Unblinking.
Measuring.
Hiroto Doesn't Look Away
Not challenging—
But not backing down either.
A Small Shift
Tamagichi steps forward.
One step.
The Air Changes
Subtly.
Heavier.
Yui Feels It First
"…What… is this…?"
Kenzaku's Expression Tightens Slightly
Not fear—
Recognition.
"…He's doing it on purpose…"
Akari Narrows Her Eyes
"…Doing what?"
Kenzaku Answers Quietly
"…Testing presence."
Tamagichi Stops
Now just a few steps from Hiroto.
No Weapon Drawn
No stance.
Just… standing there.
And Yet—
Hiroto feels it.
A pressure—
Not overwhelming—
But precise.
Like Being Examined From the Inside
Tamagichi Speaks Calmly
"…You've seen something you shouldn't have."
Hiroto Responds
"…If you mean the ruins—"
Tamagichi Cuts Him Off
"…I'm not asking."
Silence
Hiroto Doesn't React Emotionally
But his focus sharpens.
"…Then say what you want."
A Small Pause
Tamagichi's Eyes Narrow Slightly
"…Good."
Suddenly—
He moves.
No warning
Hiroto reacts instantly
Their distance closes in a flash
CLASH
No blade drawn—
Just impact.
Hiroto blocks with his forearm
Barely—
The force pushes him back
But—
He stabilizes mid-step
Tamagichi Stops Immediately
Silence Returns
Akari Tenses
"…What was that—?!"
Goro Raises a Hand Slightly
"…Don't interfere."
Kenzaku Watches Closely
Eyes sharp.
"…He's not attacking…"
Hiroto Straightens Slightly
Still calm.
"…That wasn't necessary."
Tamagichi Tilts His Head Slightly
"…It was."
A Pause
"…You didn't break."
Hiroto's Eyes Narrow Slightly
"…That's your standard?"
Tamagichi Responds
"…That's the minimum."
That Lands
Tension Sharpens Again
Tamagichi Steps Closer
Now within striking distance again—
But doesn't attack.
Instead—
He circles Hiroto slowly.
Observing Everything
Posture.
Breathing.
Grip.
He Speaks While Moving
"…Your stance is controlled."
A step.
"…But not complete."
Another step.
"…Your timing is good."
A pause behind him—
"…But not consistent."
Hiroto Doesn't Turn
He listens.
Tamagichi Stops
Behind him.
Then says—
"…And your awareness…"
A beat.
"…is still narrow."
Hiroto Moves Instantly
Turns—
Their eyes meet again
No fear
Just focus
"…Then widen it."
A Brief Silence
Tamagichi Smiles Slightly
Not impressed—
But interested.
Kenzaku Watches This Carefully
Something clicks in his mind.
He's not testing strength…
He's testing foundation.
Goro Speaks Calmly
"…Well?"
Tamagichi Doesn't Look Away From Hiroto
"…He'll live."
That's It
Akari Blinks
"…That's your conclusion?"
Tamagichi Finally Steps Back
"…For now."
Yui Looks Confused
"…That doesn't sound reassuring…"
Tamagichi Turns Away Slightly
"…It's not supposed to be."
A Pause
Then—
"…If he stays the way he is…"
He glances back slightly
"…He won't survive what's coming."
Silence Drops Heavy
Hiroto Speaks Quietly
"…Then I'll change."
Tamagichi Stops Walking
A small pause.
Then—
"…Good."
Without turning back, Tamagichi says—
"…Because what's coming…"
A slight pause.
"…doesn't care if you're ready."
To be continued…