**Tokyo – Luxury Hotel Suite, Late Morning**
Sunlight streamed through the tall windows like warm honey, painting golden stripes across the cream carpet and the massive king-size bed. The room smelled softly of fresh cotton sheets, citrus hotel soap, and the faint sweetness of leftover chocolate cake from last night. Outside, Tokyo was already alive—distant train chimes, bicycle bells, the low hum of morning crowds—but inside the suite, time moved slower. For the first time in days, there was no blood, no roaring crowd, no holy sword. Just quiet. Just them.
Astra kicked off his sneakers the second he stepped inside, shuffled across the carpet, and collapsed face-first into the plush comforter with the longest, most dramatic sigh a 10-year-old could manage.
"Ahh… this is real comfort," he mumbled into the pillow, voice muffled and sleepy. "I hope the vacation will be good. No more swords through my stomach, please…"
He rolled onto his back like a starfish, arms flung wide, silver eyes half-lidded with exhaustion and something softer—relief. His torn tournament clothes were gone now; Yuki had helped him change into soft gray sweats and a loose black hoodie. The bruises and cuts from the fight were already fading fast thanks to his dragon blood, but the emotional weight still showed in the slight tremble of his small hands and the way he kept glancing at the door like he expected danger to walk through it.
Across the room, Yuki, Uraka, and Wano sat on the cream armchairs near the window, legs tucked under them, steaming cups of green tea in their hands. They were still in comfy clothes—oversized hoodies, messy hair, no makeup—but they looked different now. Softer. Human. Safe.
Uraka leaned back, blowing gently on her tea, voice quiet but thoughtful.
"Yuki?"
Yuki glanced over from where she was staring out at the skyline, mask off now that they were alone.
"Yes?"
Uraka set her cup down carefully, pink eyes drifting to the boy sprawled across the bed.
"Don't you think… Astra changed now?"
Yuki tilted her head, confused but curious.
"Hmm… why?"
Uraka's voice softened, almost reverent.
"The way he fights. The way he talks. The way he thinks—plans—everything. He isn't a kid anymore. Not really. He's… evolving."
Yuki looked over at Astra again. His small chest rose and fell steadily. Even in sleep, there was something different—something older in the set of his jaw, something wiser in the faint silver glow that sometimes flickered behind his closed eyelids. She remembered the boy who used to hide behind her legs during thunderstorms, who used to cry when she left for idol practice, who used to hug her so tightly she could barely breathe.
Now he had stood against a Divine Judge. Now he had smiled through a sword in his stomach. Now he had refused to die even when the world told him to.
She smiled—small, proud, a little sad.
"So… it's more awesome."
Wano nodded slowly, cradling her tea like it was a lifeline, voice gentle.
"He isn't just evolving. He's becoming intelligent too. Strategic. Calm under pressure. That moment he escaped Lui's Evil Illusion… that wasn't just strength. That was understanding. He understood his own fear and refused to let it control him. That's not something a child does. That's something a leader does."
Uraka let out a soft laugh, shaking her head in quiet wonder.
"By the way… we will start exploring Tokyo from today?"
Wano smiled, eyes sparkling.
Yuki glanced at Astra again, then shook her head gently.
"I don't think so. We should rest today. Astra fought for so long… he deserves some real rest. No rushing. No schedules. Just… being together."
Uraka smiled warmly.
"Okay then."
Wano stretched her arms above her head with a contented yawn.
"Okay, so first let's sleep… then go outside for buying food later. I'm starving."
Yuki nodded.
"Sure."
They all turned toward the bed.
Astra was already fast asleep—mouth slightly open, soft snores escaping, one arm flung over the edge, silver hair messy across the pillow.
Uraka chuckled quietly.
"He sleeps fast."
Yuki stood up slowly, walked over, and sat on the edge of the bed beside him. She reached out and gently patted his head, fingers brushing through his soft hair.
"By the way… I have to wear a mask if we go outside."
Wano tilted her head.
"But why, Yuki?"
Yuki smiled sheepishly.
"Just because I'm an idol… and I'm pretty popular here in Japan, besides Paras City. If people recognize me, it'll turn into chaos."
Uraka raised an eyebrow.
"Then the people from Japan and Paras City who came to the tournament… they didn't recognize you?"
Yuki's smile turned mischievous.
"That's only because I was using my Invisible power. So Blu, the other presidents, you two, and Astra could see me. Everyone else… couldn't."
Wano blinked, impressed.
"Nice brain. I wish I had that."
Uraka's body suddenly shifted—pink slime rippling over her skin until she melted back into her cute little slime form. She bounced once on the carpet, then yawned adorably, voice higher and softer.
"Ahh… I've been human for too long. Let's sleep and rest in my real form."
Wano nodded with a gentle smile.
"Okay, no problem."
Yuki pulled the curtains closed, dimming the room into a soft golden twilight. She turned off the overhead light, leaving only the faint glow of the bedside lamp. Then she slipped under the covers beside Astra, curling up protectively around him like she always did when he was little.
Astra stirred slightly in his sleep, instinctively nuzzling closer to her warmth, small hand finding hers.
Wano curled up on the long sofa, pulling a blanket over herself.
Uraka bounced once more, then settled into a little pink puddle on the carpet near the bed.
The room fell quiet.
Only the soft sound of breathing, the distant hum of Tokyo outside, and Astra's tiny snores filled the space.
**Inside Astra's Dream – A Void of Silver Light**
There was nothing.
No trees. No sky. No ground. No people.
Just endless darkness.
Astra stood alone in the center of it, scratching his head, confused.
"Where… am I?"
From the darkness, a silver light approached—slow, gentle, beautiful.
A shadowy figure emerged, tall and powerful, radiating an aura so strong it made the void itself tremble.
The figure called softly.
"Astra."
Astra's eyes widened. He took a step back, voice shaking with shock and wonder.
"Wait… who are you?! And why do you sound like me?!"
The figure stepped closer. The silver light flared brighter for a moment, revealing glimpses—a stylish gi far more elegant than Astra's, silver-white hair spiked perfectly, sharp jawline, glowing silver eyes filled with calm wisdom and quiet strength.
The figure spoke again, voice deep, warm, and unmistakably Astra's—but older. Much older.
"Actually… I am you. But far senior."
Astra scratched his cheeks, confused.
"Senior? Me? What are you talking about?"
The aura around the figure rose—perfectly mastered silver flames sparking with rainbow-crystal effects, lightning dancing along the edges, beautiful and terrifying all at once.
Astra's mouth fell open.
"Woah!? That's my silver aura! But it's… too powerful… and beautiful!"
The figure glowed for a moment—revealing himself fully for just one heartbeat.
He looked like Astra grown up—handsome, confident, powerful beyond imagination. Truly an adult dragon prince in his prime.
Then the light dimmed again, and he became shadow once more.
Astra blinked rapidly.
"You… really look like me."
Future Astra chuckled—low, warm, fond.
"Because… I am Astra too. From the future timeline."
Astra's face lit up with pure childlike excitement.
"You really look handsome and hot! I need your looks so I can make a girlfriend!"
Future Astra laughed outright—genuine, joyful.
"Sure… but for now, grow up and glow up. Girls will automatically get attracted. But I reject them all."
He placed a large, gentle hand on Astra's head.
"My version, kid one… I believe that you will become a real legend. The Primordial Prince of Infernos. Just like me."
Astra smiled so wide his cheeks hurt.
"Sure I will!"
Future Astra snapped his fingers.
Beside him, several shadows emerged—four males and three females, all radiating power.
A female shadow stood closest, holding his hand tenderly.
Another shadow stood with arms folded, giving a dramatic "hmph."
More shadows lingered behind them—silent, strong, loyal.
Future Astra gestured proudly.
"See… this is my team."
Astra's jaw dropped.
"Woahhh!!! You have so many people in your team! But why are they shadows? I can't see them clearly. Not even you."
Future Astra laughed softly.
"It's because I don't want to let you see them—or even me—fully. If you do, the future of surpassing limits will be boring. The joy is in discovering it yourself."
The female shadow beside him tilted her head.
"So… this is how you looked like in kid version?"
Future Astra grinned.
"Yeah. It's me. Am I cute, right?"
She turned away, voice tsundere-sharp.
"Nah… you aren't cute."
Astra leaned toward Future Astra and whispered loudly.
"She's a tsundere… Does she beat you?"
Future Astra gulped dramatically.
"Of course… she's really a bad girl and useless."
The female shadow whipped around.
"What did you say!?"
Future Astra raised his hands in surrender.
"Nothing… just talking."
Astra laughed, sweating nervously.
"So… I have to handle people like this in the future?"
One of the male shadows—arms still folded, attitude dripping—spoke up.
"So… that's you, Ares? It's impressive. Even after being a kid, you were already intelligent."
Future Astra smirked.
"Yeah yeah yeah… I was always strong, handsome, chill, super cool, and hot enough to get every girl attracted…"
The female shadow turned on him again.
"Don't you dare do something like this!"
Another shadow chuckled darkly.
"Oh wait wait… the circus of Astra being beaten is about to start, right!?"
Future Astra sighed dramatically.
"You are really enjoying this well, huh?"
Astra scratched his head, eyes sparkling.
"You guys are too cool…"
Future Astra's voice softened.
"Not everyone is cool here… some are fools as well."
The tsundere shadow snapped.
"Look? A fool himself saying others are fools."
Astra laughed nervously.
"But… why am I seeing you all?"
Future Astra's expression turned serious.
"Okay… let me tell you something about the future."
He stepped closer.
"In the future timeline, when you grow up… you will discover that there is a gang called the Crimson Dragon gang. They are survivors of the Cursed Dragon Clan. They want to destroy or capture worlds, wipe out humanity and mortals."
Astra's eyes widened.
"So… it's really serious."
Future Astra nodded.
"Our team handles them… but each of their members is really strong. They have their own clothes, their own powers, their own pride, their own goals. They were all made by betrayal and hatred… so they turned into villains. It's not entirely their fault either."
Astra tilted his head.
"But… there are many other dragon clans besides Inferno or Cursed, right?"
Future Astra chuckled.
"Yeah, of course. There are many. Some are strong, some are evil, and some don't care about reality at all."
He waved his hand gently.
"Alright… enough information for today. Sleep with your sister."
Astra panicked.
"I have many questions!!"
The dimension began to fade—silver light pulling away.
Astra shouted desperately.
"Wait wait! One last question! Will I be married in the future with a cute woman!?"
The dream faded completely.
**Back to the Hotel – Late Morning**
Astra sat bolt upright in bed, sweating, breathing hard.
"What was that dream…?"
He looked around.
Yuki stood in front of the full-length mirror, adjusting her casual outfit—jeans, a soft pink hoodie, hair tied back loosely.
Uraka (now in human form again) was sitting cross-legged on the carpet, happily eating a chocolate bar she'd found in the minibar.
Wano lounged on the sofa, scrolling through videos on her phone, legs dangling.
Yuki turned around, smiling warmly.
"Oh, Astra? You woke up? It's now evening time. We will explore Tokyo."
Astra rubbed his eyes, still dazed.
"We are going?"
Uraka grinned, chocolate smeared on her lips.
"Yeah, of course. We're all ready. Just waiting for you to wake up."
Astra scratched his head.
"Oh… okay…"
He shuffled to the bathroom, splashed water on his face, and came out a minute later—completely transformed.
He now wore a stylish purple long coat over black pants, crimson chain necklace glinting at his throat, hair perfectly spiked, a single red rose tucked into his coat pocket.
He struck a pose.
"How do I look?"
Yuki giggled, eyes sparkling.
"You actually look awesome…"
Wano moved her finger in the air, a small holographic interface appearing. She clicked on a car icon and booked a cab.
"I booked a cab. It will take us to Shibuya."
Yuki nodded approvingly.
"Shibuya first? Nice choice, Wano."
Wano received the driver's confirmation call.
"Okay everyone, come outside! The cab came."
Uraka bounced up.
"Yeah yeah, sure…"
Yuki pulled on her mask, voice soft.
"Okay."
**Inside the Cab – Back Seat**
Astra sat squeezed in the middle between Wano and Uraka, Yuki on the far left. He was blushing furiously, trying to make himself smaller.
"Uhh… actually… I'm not used to staying like this… especially tightly around beautiful girls like you all."
Wano giggled, leaning closer on purpose.
"See? He called us beautiful."
Uraka smirked, also leaning in.
The cab moved smoothly through Tokyo's glowing streets. Neon lights reflected off the windows—pink, blue, purple—turning the inside into a kaleidoscope.
Astra watched the city through the window, eyes wide with wonder.
"Woah… it's more developed than our Paras City…"
Wano suddenly looked at her phone sadly.
"Nooo…"
Uraka turned.
"What happened, Wano?"
Wano sighed.
"We can't see Cat Street today. It's already late…"
Yuki reached over and squeezed her hand.
"I wanted to visit it too… Don't worry, we can go tomorrow."
Wano smiled softly.
"It's okay, Yuki… we can go to Yoyogi Park instead."
Uraka perked up.
"Nice. I've heard about that place many times."
Wano nodded.
"We should come in the morning because it looks beautiful then. But night time is okay too…"
Astra sat quietly in the middle, listening.
Wano turned to show Uraka something on her phone—and accidentally fell against Astra's face.
"Hey, Uraka! See this Sakura tree!"
Astra blushed, flustered.
"Ahh!! You smell like strawberry… but don't fall on me!"
Uraka leaned over to look—and also fell against him.
"Ohh, you're right. This tree is too beautiful!"
Astra was now completely squeezed from both sides, face red as a tomato.
"Help! I should have slept all day instead of this…"
Yuki laughed from her seat, eyes sparkling.
"Poor Astra. See how he's struggling."
The cab finally reached Yoyogi Park's gate.
The door opened.
Yuki stepped out first. Astra stumbled out after her, dizzy and red-faced. Wano and Uraka followed, still giggling and discussing the trees.
Yuki stretched.
"See… we reached finally."
They took a group selfie at the gate—Yuki's phone flashing. Astra made a peace sign. Uraka stuck out her tongue. Wano winked. Everyone looked happy.
**Inside Yoyogi Park – Night Walk**
They walked along the quiet paths. Street lamps glowed softly. Sakura trees lined the way, petals drifting in the breeze like pink snow.
Astra's hands were behind his neck, a floating silver cane holding a drink in front of his mouth. He sipped through a straw, looking around in awe.
Yuki snapped photos of the trees.
Wano spotted a local girl walking a cute puppy.
"Is that puppy yours?"
The girl smiled shyly.
"Yes."
Uraka crouched down.
"This little thing is so cute…"
She gently picked it up, hugged it, then set it down again.
The puppy trotted straight to Astra.
Astra looked down.
"This thing likes me?"
He crouched and patted its head.
Suddenly the puppy barked and nipped his hand.
Astra screamed dramatically.
"Ahhh!! Nooo!! I can't… die—"
He collapsed onto the grass like he was dead, tongue lolling out.
The girl's face went pale.
"Wh… what!? Did my pet just kill him!? It… can't be!"
She turned to Yuki in panic.
"Please!! I'm innocent! I didn't know the puppy would be poisonous!"
Yuki sighed, smiling.
"First of all, puppies aren't poisonous. Plus… he's acting. He isn't dead. Just relax. He's always like that."
The girl's expression changed to relief.
"Oh… okay."
She scooped up her puppy and hurried away.
Yuki breathed heavily.
Wano laughed in the background. Uraka face-palmed.
Yuki leaned down to Astra.
"Wake up… you aren't dead yet."
Astra cracked one eye open.
"I… am not dead?"
Yuki smiled.
"Yes… you aren't."
Astra jumped up.
"Yay! I survived the dog!"
Uraka muttered.
"He is dumb… and intelligent… no, he is both…"
Wano giggled.
"More like dumb in situations."
They continued walking. More photos—chicken dumplings with Astra lying dramatically in the background like he was posing, sitting on benches while Wano chased a tiny squirrel, silly selfies with funny filters.
The final group photo: Uraka stood arms folded, Yuki raised two fingers smiling, Astra's mouth stuffed with ramen while holding two more bowls, Wano winked and held the phone.
Wano looked at the time.
"Alright… let's go somewhere else. This is our last location. Then we return to the hotel."
Yuki perked up.
"So where are we going?"
Wano smiled brightly.
"Let's go shopping! In Shibuya Parco Mall!"
Yuki clapped her hands.
"Yes!! I love shopping!!"
Wano booked another cab through her phone.
They climbed inside.
Astra took the front seat this time, breathing a sigh of relief.
"Uhh… alright… no danger finally."
The cab glided through Tokyo's glowing streets.
Soon they reached Shibuya.
**Shibuya – Night Arrival**
The cab stopped at the edge of the famous scramble crossing. The doors opened, and the neon wave hit them all at once.
Pink, blue, purple, red—vertical LED signs climbed every building, flashing kanji, anime characters, idol posters, claw machine ads. The smell was fried chicken skin + sweet crepe batter + cigarette smoke + expensive perfume. The sound was a living thing: laughter, music spilling from stores, train announcements, street buskers, delivery bikes zipping past.
Astra stepped out first, eyes wide, coat fluttering dramatically.
"Woah… this is… insane."
Yuki pulled her mask up, but her eyes were sparkling.
"Welcome to Shibuya."
They crossed the scramble together—four friends holding hands so they wouldn't get separated. Astra gripped Yuki's hand tightly. Thousands of people moved around them like water, yet somehow they stayed together. When the light turned green, the tide surged. Astra laughed out loud—pure, childlike joy—as he was swept along, silver eyes reflecting every color.
They reached the other side, breathless and grinning.
Uraka pointed up.
"That's the famous Hachiko statue."
They walked over.
The bronze dog sat faithfully, paw raised, ears perked. People touched his head, his folded ears, his paw. Couples took photos. A drunk salaryman leaned against Hachiko's back, talking quietly to the statue like an old friend.
Astra crouched down and gently touched Hachiko's paw.
"He waited nine years…"
Yuki crouched beside him, voice soft.
"Yeah… loyalty like that… it's rare."
Astra looked up at her, eyes shining.
"I'd wait forever for you."
Yuki's throat tightened. She pulled him into a side hug.
"I know, gremlin."
They lingered a few minutes longer, just watching people come and go—some laughing, some crying, some just standing quietly with the dog.
**Center Gai – The Neon Heartbeat**
They walked down the narrow, glowing street of Center Gai. Multi-story facades were covered in vertical LED signs—purikura studios, maid cafés, claw machines, ramen shops with red lanterns, host clubs with sharply dressed men calling out invitations.
The smell was overwhelming and perfect: fried chicken skin + sweet crepe batter + cigarette smoke + perfume.
A group of high-school girls in sailor uniforms laughed and linked arms, passing them with shy glances at Astra's cool coat.
A street busker played "First Love" on acoustic guitar. Nobody walked past without slowing down.
Uraka stopped at a claw machine filled with limited-edition Kuromi plushies.
"I'm winning one."
She spent ¥2,000 and came away with nothing but determination.
Astra watched, then stepped up.
"Let me try."
He won on the second try—perfect claw drop.
He handed the Kuromi to Uraka with a shy grin.
"For you."
Uraka's eyes widened. She hugged it tightly.
"…Thanks, gremlin."
Wano found a tiny stand selling strawberry mochi and bought one for everyone.
They sat on the curb—four friends eating mochi under neon lights, watching the world go by.
Yuki took 47 photos in 3 minutes.
Uraka laughed.
"You're gonna fill the entire cloud."
Yuki grinned.
"I want to remember every second."
**Shibuya Sky – Rooftop at Sunrise**
They took the elevator to the open-air rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square—230 meters up.
The city sprawled beneath them: the crossing looking tiny and orderly, trains sliding into Shibuya Station like silver threads, the faint silhouette of Mount Fuji on the horizon.
The wind was cold. People spoke in whispers. Someone always cried quietly—not from sadness, just from the sheer scale of being alive in a place this big.
Astra stood at the railing, coat fluttering, eyes wide.
"It's… so big."
Yuki stood beside him, hand on his shoulder.
"Yeah… but you're bigger than all of it."
He looked up at her, silver eyes shining.
"Because I have you."
Yuki's throat tightened. She pulled him close.
"Always."
They stayed until the sun rose fully, turning the sky pink and gold.
**Back to the Hotel – Late Night**
They returned to the suite exhausted but happy.
Astra collapsed onto the bed again.
"Today was… really good."
Yuki sat beside him, patting his head.
"Yeah… it was amazing. I took 1200 photos."
Uraka spat out her drink.
"1200 what!?"
Yuki grinned.
"1200 photos."
Wano blinked.
"You have enough storage for that?"
Yuki nodded proudly.
"Yeah… 256 TB + 64 TB extra."
Wano stared.
"Who the hell gave you this phone?"
Yuki shrugged.
"I just bought it."
They changed into night suits, turned off the lights, and climbed into bed.
Astra closed his eyes, smiling softly.
Inside his mind, he whispered.
"I guess… Earth isn't bad after all…"
And with Yuki's arm around him, he drifted off—safe, loved, and dreaming of tomorrow.