An hour passed in the blink of an eye. The tears that had once spilled down Hinata's face had long since dried, leaving him in a state of complete tranquility.
He felt no pain, no fear, no regret, no guilt — it was as though a single conversation with Aoki had wiped away every mixed feeling that had been churning in his heart.
In just one year he had gone through what no high schooler should ever have to endure, but this was simply his life. Out there, there were thousands of people who desperately wanted to live yet ended up dying, but him, even through all of this — he was still standing.
His lips curved into a faint smile that felt brighter than any he had ever worn.
Rising to his feet, he glanced back at the house, only for Aoki's granddaughter to come rushing out holding two katanas he recognized very well.
"Hey big bro, Grandma said I should give you these. She also said I should tell you that she had been keeping them safe for you."
