Late Afternoon
The settlement remains quiet.
Too quiet.
The Group Moves Through Slowly
Not exploring—
Observing.
Hiroto Walks Slightly Behind Now
Not by accident.
Just… thinking.
The Blade at His Side
Still.
Silent.
But—
Something feels different.
Tamagichi Walks Ahead
Hands relaxed.
Eyes not.
He's Watching Everything
The group.
The surroundings.
Then—
He stops.
Without warning.
Everyone Halts
Hiroto Looks Up
"…What is it?"
Tamagichi Doesn't Answer Immediately
Instead—
He turns slightly.
His Eyes Land on Hiroto's Blade
Silence
A long one.
Something Changed
Akari Notices It
"…What?"
Tamagichi Steps Closer
Not fast.
Not aggressive.
Just… deliberate.
He Stops in Front of Hiroto
His gaze doesn't leave the blade
Then he asks—
"…Where did you get that?"
Hiroto Blinks Once
"…Why?"
Tamagichi's Expression Doesn't Change
"…Answer the question."
The Air Tightens Slightly
Kenzaku Watches Carefully
He notices it too.
That shift.
Hiroto Responds Calmly
"…I found it."
A Pause
Tamagichi's Eyes Narrow Slightly
"…Found it…?"
Something About That Doesn't Sit Right With Him
He Steps Even Closer
Now within arm's reach
Yui Tenses Slightly
"…Hey—"
Goro Raises a Hand
Stopping her.
"…Let it play out."
Tamagichi Slowly Reaches Out
Not grabbing—
Not forcing—
Just hovering his hand near the blade
The Moment He Gets Close—
A Subtle Reaction
A faint pulse.
Barely visible.
But felt.
Hiroto's Eyes Widen Slightly
"…?"
Tamagichi Freezes
Just for a second.
Then—
He pulls his hand back.
Slowly
His Expression Changes
Not fear—
Not shock—
Recognition
Kenzaku Notices Immediately
"…What did you feel…?"
Tamagichi Doesn't Answer
Instead—
He turns away.
Walks a few steps forward
Then stops again.
Silence hangs heavy
Akari Frowns
"…You're not going to explain that?"
Tamagichi Responds Without Turning
"…It's nothing you need to understand right now."
That Irritates Her Slightly
"…Then why ask?"
A Small Pause
Then—
"…Because it shouldn't be here."
That Lands
Hiroto's Grip Tightens Slightly
"…What does that mean?"
Tamagichi Finally Turns Back
Eyes sharper now.
More serious.
"…It means…"
A pause.
Then he stops himself
He looks at Hiroto—differently now
"…You're carrying something heavier than you realize."
Silence
Hiroto Doesn't Look Away
"…Then I'll learn how to carry it."
A Long Pause
Tamagichi Watches Him Carefully
Then—
A faint, almost invisible smile.
"…We'll see."
The Moment Ends
But the feeling doesn't.
As They Continue Walking—
Hiroto Glances at His Blade Briefly
For the first time—
It doesn't feel like just a weapon.
Final Line
Far ahead—
Tamagichi walks in silence.
But his thoughts are no longer on the path.
"…So it really exists…"
To be continued…