Chapter 139: The Stolen Eyes

"... My stomach hurts so much... Leorio, can I not go to the town where I first met the 'Kurta Tribe'?"

"If you do that, Kurapika will beat me up, so don't do it."

"I mean, what on earth did you do? If you say you don't want to see Kurapika to the point of a stomachache, that seems like a disaster-level event to me, doesn't it?"

Inside the airport at Shanha Shi, Leorio looked down at Sora, who was squatting with her hands on her stomach and a terrible complexion, and asked with an expression that was half-worry and half-anger.

Leorio's words were not an exaggeration at all to those who knew this woman named Sora.

Even if one didn't know their relationship, one could tell from Sora's affectionate gaze toward Kurapika that, for her, the word "beloved" was not enough to describe Kurapika.

She didn't explain clearly, but Leorio couldn't understand the pressure and stress that "I am going to see Kurapika" brought her; instead of being happy, she felt a stomachache.

Meeting for the first time in three years, although sudden, they could interact as naturally as if they had only been apart for a few minutes, but the person she met a month ago was stubbornly unwilling—no matter how one thought about it, it wasn't a sense of tension born from hiding her embarrassment, but rather Leorio wondering what he had done a month ago, and he asked.

"... This case, I didn't do it, Kurapika did it."

"... Seriously, what is wrong with you two?"

However, in the end, he couldn't get out of Sora what exactly had happened, or rather, Leorio sensed that it was probably better if everyone didn't ask, so he gave up on finding the reason for Sora's stomachache.

Instead, back to the story.

Leorio told Sora the reason they came to Shanha Shi, which could be called a remote countryside with no connections, and why they had to wait for the busy Kurapika at the airport.

"... What do you think? I heard that besides Kurapika, they also saw a 'survivor of the Kurta Tribe'."

Information provided by Astolfo, a senior high school student of Leorio's, with whom he still keeps in touch.

It seems everything started from a message sent to a certain Hunter family's code.

In Shanha Shi, the message "We have witnessed the survival of the Kurta Tribe" was sent anonymously to Hunters who had released their family codes to the public, whether they were professionals or amateurs.

Apparently, one of the amateurs posted on SNS, "I received a strange message and I don't really understand what the request is," and it ended up spreading to the extent that even an ordinary person like Astolfo knew about it. It seems it has disappeared.

... It is a story that makes you feel sick, but Astolfo got the information on a bulletin board of a community site about rare animals.

The person who obtained the intelligence also seemed to be a Hunter dedicated to protecting rare animals.

Even if the person who leaked this information wanted to protect the "Kurtas," the fact that the "Kurtas" were treated as rare "animals" rather than fully human caused Sora's eyes to flash into the blue sky for a moment. The light had risen to the edge of the sky.

However, fortunately in the misfortune, the information was really just "witnessed the survival of the Kurta Tribe in Shanha Shi," and I hardly knew which town in Shanha Shi this was, nor when or how they were witnessed. There was no date, no more detailed location, and no photographic evidence, so it seemed to be considered a complete hoax.

Because of this, the Professional Hunters seemed unmoved, and the amateurs were disclosing the information shallowly; even if it spread, no countermeasures were taken.

However, for Sora and Leorio, who knew about the "survivors of the Kurta Tribe," they would never think it was a "prank."

Thus, after getting the information from a confused Astolfo, I only said to Jenny and the others, who didn't know what was going on, "I have an urgent matter!" I left the money and contacted Kurapika.

At this moment, Sora's tearful face made Leorio unable to watch.

However, although I don't know if it was lucky or unfortunate, I quickly confirmed that Sora's worry and Kurapika had not been seen by anyone, nor was it being spread around.

The contacted Kurapika was confused by Sora's stern attitude, and Sora didn't tell him much of the situation, but she stated it clearly.

"'Shanha Shi? Sorry, I have never heard of this name, let alone been there.'"

Yes, he said.

After being told that it was a place he had never heard of, let alone visited recently, Sora finally calmed down a little, but still, no one would think this information was "just a prank."

A simple prank is not flashy.

If it were really just a prank, it should have been written directly on a suitable bulletin board on the internet, rather than being thrown into the codes of Hunter families, whether professional or amateur. The foolish Hunter who keeps it, it wouldn't spread to the public.

A prank without seeing the other party's reaction should have no meaning.

This is why both Sora and Kurapika thought it was more than just a "prank."

So Kurapika forced himself to take time out of his busy schedule to head to the source of the rumor, Shanha Shi, so he knew he would go there without telling him, and let him go alone. Because it wasn't that either of them could be alone.

So, although it was bad for Jenny and the others, I would tell them the bare minimum via email later, and leave everything to be cleaned up after Sora's acquaintance. Visit and wait.

While waiting, Leorio asked.

When I told Kurapika about Astolfo's news, even over the phone, I could clearly understand the expectation hidden behind the surprise of "I can't believe it."

He helplessly and irresistibly hoped that, besides himself, there were other surviving brethren.

I couldn't say such things in front of him. Leorio asked if he could avoid hurting Kurapika without showing it.

Sora pressed her forehead against her knees and lifted her face.

That lifted face was no longer twisted with worry, but twisted with a stomachache, and a pair of eyes were staring at some place in the distance.

"... According to Kurapika, the number of victims announced in the news seems to match the number of his fellow tribesmen, so if you think about it normally, this is almost impossible.

... However, it seems it's not that people of the Kurta Tribe entered the village to become fellow tribesmen, although it is rare, so the Kurta Tribe did not dislike other people besides their own fellow tribesmen.

Therefore, if someone got lost in the Kurta village, they would at least protect them, so if they were attacked by the Phantom Troupe at the same time as those people, the Phantom Troupe would take care of those who got lost. Protected by the Brigade, I might have mistaken myself for a member of the tribe.... For those victims of collateral damage, there might still be that child's surviving fellow tribesmen."

Speaking of possibilities alone, it is not impossible.

Sure enough, even Sora didn't dare to ask for details, and Kurapika probably wouldn't say it in his life, so I don't know much about it, but Kurapika himself, who survived, didn't properly check all the corpses of his fellow tribesmen, and it seems that is certain.

Perhaps it was because the corpses had already been buried when he returned, and if he knew he was a survivor of the Kurta Tribe, the worst case would be the same as his fellow tribesmen, at most it would be an endangered species. It might be because he was afraid of being locked up under the guise of protection, so he couldn't tell anyone "I want to check the corpses," or there was no need to check if everything was normal. I don't know if it was because my parents and best friends were so broken that I didn't even know who they were.

There was no reason to listen.

That is why he would definitely insist on the same possibility.

Even though I know this is a possibility that should be reasonably considered impossible, it is still possible to the extent that I insist on it.

"... So if this is an idiot's prank, I won't forgive him even if he's a child, but I still think this is for the best.

However, if it's not like that... if this information is a trap, considering the fact that the girl thinks it's impossible, but insists on it... then that is me————"

Sora, who was squatting down, clasped her hands tightly together, using all the strength in her body.

When Astolfo knew where he got this information, a trace of heavenly beauty flashed in his eyes.

The uncontrollable signs of "death" seeping from those eyes seemed to instinctively catch the eyes of ordinary people, and like tourists, the people around started to murmur in horror.

"I understand how you feel, but please calm down."

From her faintly trembling hands, he could tell that her heart was as frightened as an ordinary person's, wanting to run away.

But even so, Leorio did not leave Sora's side, stroking her curled-up head with his hand.

The stroking of his hand and his words made that heat, more hellish than hell itself, turn cold.

"……That's right. I'm sorry, Leorio. Thank you."

After moving Leorio's hand away from stroking his head, he stood up and looked up at him, still hindered by the height difference.

Watching him like this, Sora broke into a brilliant smile and continued.

"Yeah, it's fine. My head is very cold. So, if I can collect information first to avoid Kurapika suffering unnecessary harm, I will solve everything alone!!"

"It's not cold at all!! Seriously, what is wrong with Kurapika!?"

＊＊＊

Leorio pulled Sora's arm and rushed in, Sora's arm laughed and rushed out, heading alone to the "town where Kurta Tribe survivors were discovered."

If you think you've returned to normal, you'll really bite into your usual break time. She is a troublesome woman.

Just as I was thinking this, this time I squatted down again, holding my head and saying: "Because~, so~~!!"

In Leorio's view, I really didn't know if it was the same as usual or different, so sorry Sora, but I just listened to her confused complaints, hoping Kurapika would arrive soon.

"Because, I feel like Kurapika shouldn't want to see me this time either. No, if I put it off, I don't know when we will be able to meet again. It will disappear, so this time might be a good opportunity, but come on, come on, come on, but come on~~!!"

Ah, it's no use even if Kurapika is 1/10 of Leorio's age~~!! Seriously, I naturally thought she didn't have that kind of desire! Are you kidding me! Aren't you in puberty, kid?! Otherwise, I would be even more worried!! Sorry Kurapika!!"

"What are you talking about?"

But no matter how he listened, he couldn't understand, and not understanding made him annoyed; Leorio only guessed that this was probably a project that would end in an Explosion, but lost the will to listen seriously and rushed in with a reprimand.

However, Sora was kneeling on the ground, hugging Leorio from below, entangling him like a drunkard at a doorway.

"Waaaaah! What should I do!? What kind of face should I make when I go with Kurapika?!

Leorio! I won't go without permission, will you buy me a paper bag with a mask on it!?"

"Is there any good reason for that?! Even with a Hunter Badge, you can't defend against suspicious people!

In Sora's view, this was a very serious and earnest proposal, but Leorio naturally refused out of curiosity.

Perhaps because Leorio bumped into himself, or because he felt better after grumbling and venting, as expected, Sora apologized honestly and gave up the effort to set an example for suspicious people.

But even so, Sora still desperately hugged Leorio and muttered to himself.

"……God, please grant me the reason to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to always see the difference between the two."

"Hmm?"

For some reason, Sora suddenly started praying, and Leorio made a strange sound, but Sora didn't look up, grabbing Leorio's shirt, pressing his forehead against his abdomen, and continuing to speak.

"In my world, the Christian scripture is called the 'Serenity Prayer'…… right? It doesn't have a long history in the Bible, but it seems to be a famous slogan for overcoming alcoholism.

……For me, it's my sister's words. This is my sister's motto."

As usual, the beginning of the story was too sudden, and I didn't know what he wanted to say, nor did I know the story was about to begin, but Leorio listened silently without interrupting the conversation.

For some reason, he didn't want to get entangled with her 'sister', even though he knew very little about this matter, so he remained silent.

Seemingly to thank Leorio for his consideration, Sora pressed his forehead against his stomach and continued.

"……Although it's completely different, almost the exact opposite, for some reason, I feel like Miss Jenny and my sister are very similar. I don't know.

Especially now, regretting the past that cannot be changed, running around clumsily, not trying to do anything that might change things, I would rather not know what I can change and what I cannot change. Remember.

……Although my sister's death date has passed for a long time, I will never be able to compare to my sister."

I had no intention of interrupting the conversation.

However, I really wanted to ask, so I put my hand on Sora's head to calm it down again, stroking it and asking.

"……Do you like your sister?"

"……If I say I like respect, I can still say I like it."

I got the answer. However, even so, being unable to face his regrets left me at a loss for a moment.

I respect her. I despise my own house and parents, but it is definitely thanks to my sister that I did not feel despair at the existence of a Magician.

Afterwards, he met other mages he respected, such as Luvia, Tohsaka Rin, Shirou, and the Professor, but even so, the mage he respected most was not an ancient mage, nor a modern mage, but his sister.

"To put it bluntly, they are people with completely different values, so perhaps it's just because they are still alive, they are not people who can understand each other, nor are they people who can walk the same path. I wonder if that's not it.

……But I respect her sister, who has the pride of a mage in her bones, the pride of an aristocrat in her bloodline, and the pride of a woman in her flesh. ……I have never appreciated that person's way of life, but…… but, I will never despise that person. Magician waste is not. I don't worship mages myself, but if I want to live as a mage, I want to become someone like her……"

Saying this much, Sora lowered his head and smiled at himself so as not to be seen by Leorio.

It was a laugh that reminded me that I was not like my sister in any way.

Unlike my sister, who was able to execute the Serenity Prayer, which was her motto, and who thought she possessed all of this without praying…… I couldn't help but feel sorry for my own foolish attempt to escape things.

Sora didn't even have time to think about why she was so depressed when she thought of her sister today.

Before I could even think, Leorio made a cramped sound, distracting me.

"……I see. I understand. I understand, Sora, get away from me now. Seriously, I'm begging you."

"？Eh? Leorio, what's wrong……"

"It's been one month and five months.

And I didn't know you two were this close."

Sora tilted his head and looked up, and before he could say anything, a cold voice came from behind, and Sora jumped up.

As usual, the woman seemed to have the ability to foresee the danger of death, but when it came to other things, the woman turned around with strange dullness.

"……Ku, ……Kura……pika?"

There, Kurapika's gaze was absolutely zero, and Kurapika, whom even Sora, who would usually hug him ecstatically, could not hug, was looking down at Sora.

This was bad for Sora, but now, Kurapika's anger had shifted from him to Sora, and Leorio breathed a sigh of relief.

In a sense, there weren't that many "surviving Kurta Tribe" in my mind that I couldn't even see Sora hugging me, which might be a good thing, but Leorio didn't have room to think that way. No.

Although the anger towards Sora was cold, it was better than simple anger. Since the thing aimed at Leorio had reached the level of killing intent, Leorio now only had the relief of having survived.

If I could say it, I would like to say: "If you are jealous because of a misunderstanding, tell him and let the rear end in an Explosion!" Swallowing my words, I just watched this tragedy unfold.

It is said that this is also the reality of escaping being seen as flirting by the people around.

"Huh? Kurapika, have you finished resting! Um, are Neon-chan and the Nostrade group doing well?"

"No problem. Thanks to you from last month."

The swindlers who gave him a headache were all gone, Neon Nostrade had also returned to peace, and his work had become much easier. Although she did not know her own ability, she was able to create and use "Fire," so her basic Training was going well. If left to Senritsu and the others, there was almost no danger of her running away.

Moreover, when I told her the situation, she willingly let me go. If the boss said something, "If you block Mr. Kurapika's path, Daddy will go bald. Or rather, I hate you!!" He even made a reassuring Prophecy, saying,

"Rather than a Prophecy, isn't it more of a Prediction!?"

Sora was still kneeling, speaking to Kurapika in a panic, as if deceiving something, but for some reason, Kurapika, who should have been nicer to Sora, was in a bad mood and responded coldly.

Sora was temporarily caught in a Prediction of the future, unclear whether the second ability of Neon exposed last month was a Demon, or if Neon herself would do this, his face looking like he was about to cry in front of Kurapika. Reply.

Kurapika's Conscience was stung by that face, but before he could apologize, he continued to stare at her silently.

I know Leorio was terrified by what he did, wanting to say: "This is why you are treated like a little brother."

Nevertheless, I still don't like Kurapika.

I didn't have any strange misunderstandings.

I can imagine why I would cling to Leorio without even asking. Conversely, when Leorio guessed the reason, I hated it.

I don't even want to blame him for sticking to him.

If I were in the opposite position, I would uncomfortably Stick to saying some crazy things, "I don't know what to do!!" Kurapika knew he would bring it up.

Therefore, even if I was angry, I couldn't prolong my dissatisfaction.

At the very least, if Sora had such tears, he would feel sorry for making such an expression out of jealousy, which was nothing more than his own child, and would want to die.

However, the reason why the mood could not be restored no matter what was because of the breakup last month... or rather, the one-liner before Sora ran away.

(... You say that, how could you be so defenseless against such a man!!)

Kurapika remained calm, just wanting to hold back what he wanted to yell at her, but facing Sora's crying face and Kurapika's sullenness... a terrified expression of being afraid of being hated by her, the doubts in his heart had been piling up since last month.

Is it because he is a "little brother" that he is so afraid of being hated by himself?

Why aren't you angry about what happened last month like you were at the hospital?

If you are so embarrassed and angry about what happened last month, why are you hugging Leorio so defenselessly?

Many words I wanted to question floated into my mind, then disappeared.

And the most fundamental question that emerged from Kurapika's chest.

"... What does this mean?"

"Hm?"

"He looks like he's about to cry, but he has no right to cry, he doesn't want to imitate crying to buy sympathy." Kurapika asked, surprised by Sora's honesty.

"That's what I said before you ran away... what was your purpose?"

Just before she escaped out the window, she shouted at Kurapika with a red face.

"If it weren't for you, I would have beaten you up when you were chasing me!!"

If it were me, why not fight back when being chased, or why not pull away?

Is it because my being in a critical state is just a consideration, or is it childish because it is a relative recognition?

... Is it because Kurapika is an individual?

I want to know.

Once you know, you can't turn back.

I know I have lost any answer. Even so... I was told to give it a name, so I cannot have a love without a name.

So Kurapika asked, glaring at Sora, trying to suppress his slightly trembling body, so that his cowardly self would not hide his answer and run away.

Sora looked straight into his fearful, persistent, expectant eyes and answered.

"... Hm?... I, I'm sorry... what did I say?"

".............. Teeth?"

Looking at Kurapika's apologetic and puzzled eyes, Kurapika's anger and anxiety flew away inadvertently, and the whole person was stunned.

Perhaps not knowing his mood, Sora raised his eyebrows even more apologetically and said with tears in his eyes.

"Ha? Ha? Ah, that, sorry, Kurapika! I was angry at the time, you were not bad, but I was totally attacking you! No, I only remember I hit you hard!!"

E? Seriously, what did I say!? Sorry! Sorry Kurapika! Sorry for hitting you eight!! You have no problem, it's just eight poles unreasonable, so if you can, just leave it alone.! Why suddenly iron claws!? What the fuck did I say!?"

"Shut up, noisy!!"

Sora said this with 100% sincerity, but the question that Kurapika could have called a death sentence ended in an unexpected failure, obviously Kurapika's use of his Aura was to no avail, grabbing Sora's head and tightening it.

"... You guys, what exactly happened last month?"

Anyway, I originally wanted to pretend to be someone else, but sure enough, Kurapika had already smashed Sora's head, so when Leorio asked him to calm down, Kurapika's face turned bright red with anger and shame. "Nothing!" he insisted.

"Listen! Sora! That was... last month... um, I was just half-asleep! If you don't blame me, then you should do the same, forget it! Don't worry about it again!!"

Yeah yeah, when half-asleep, toothpaste and facial cleanser foam were mixed up, put on pajamas before taking a bath to change clothes, thinking about preparing, opening the refrigerator, preparing jam in the dressing room!

While maintaining his momentum, he apologized to Sora for what he did last month, and even Sora, who was released from Kurapika's iron claws, blushed, rode on his momentum, and forcibly convinced himself.

While convincing Sora, Kurapika made Leorio even more confused, forcibly ended the conversation, turned his back to the two, and left the airport while saying, "Where is the witness town?"

In the end, while Kurapika touched his lips with his fingertips, he mocked himself for having no determination and felt relieved that he did not give an answer.

Kurapika chose to say "forget it," although he was the one who couldn't forget the most, and although he didn't want him to forget, he still maintained a relationship with this strange distance.

"Kurapika, it's time to give up. The weather is starting to look suspicious."

A few hours had passed since we arrived at a provincial capital in Shanha Shi.

Rather than a town, it would be more accurate to call it a child, far from "survivors of the tribe," and the residents of the town didn't even know there was a tribe called "Kurta Tribe."

And as Leorio said, most of the sky was covered by thick gray clouds, almost black.

Even if the clouds didn't look suspicious, the Sun was about to set. Kurapika knew it was right to do so when withdrawing.

"After all, it is Gates."

"Mainly, the 'I saw the Kurta Tribe' information is, after all, an anonymous joke inserted into a family password. We believe this unsuccessful rumor is false."

I at least know that Leorio's words are correct. Kurapika understands what he is saying with good intentions.

Nevertheless, Kurapika helplessly bit his lip and answered with his back to Leorio.

"I will continue to ask."

Seeing that answer, and seeing that back like a lost child, Leorio realized that the relief he had once felt—thinking "it is impossible for there to be survivors in your mind"—was a mistake.

Just as Leorio thought, if not for the clumsy behavior of last month, Kurapika would not have luxuriously noticed Sora snuggling up to Leorio at the airport.

On the contrary, it was precisely because there was no spare time that I wanted to see Sora, and Sora thought the same, 'Even if I know that delaying will make me feel more embarrassed, I don't want to see him this much, I will have a stomachache.'

I know everything Leorio really wants to say.

It is possible, but it is better not to have this possibility, otherwise it is thin, almost delusional.

Losing hope is fine, but if it is some kind of trap, I know the wound in my heart will be dug deeper.

Kurapika knows that Leorio is worried about Kurapika; he is as hurt as he is, and is creating a place where he can put down his fists, because he is blocking the place he cannot find.

Although I am grateful for the kindness he will never frankly admit, I still cannot let him go.

No matter how thin and weak he is, even if he could walk away without looking back, throwing it away means killing his brothers for Kurapika again.

That is why—

"No. We also want to meet your family or friends."

He downplayed Kurapika's refusal and affirmed Kurapika's expectations.

After catching up to Kurapika, who was searching for his kin alone, Sora stood by his side and said with a bright smile.

I do not deny that the possibility of him giving up would greatly reduce the hurt.

"You can search until you are satisfied. I am sure that if you leave your regrets here, you will not be able to go anywhere else. So... let's search together."

Even she does not believe there are any survivors. More than Kurapika, more than Leorio, I know he has thought of many of the cruelest possibilities for them, and how he resolved these issues without their knowledge.

However, Sora did not deny Kurapika's actions.

Not denying it, I have always been by his side, allowing him to stand up and keep moving forward no matter what kind of reality he encounters.

Admittedly, what Kurapika is currently doing is nothing more than clinging to baseless rumors, but if he stops searching, if there is no answer in the end, this "survivors of the Kurta Tribe have been discovered in the city" is like the cat in the box of quantum theory, a possibility that will never be lost, but at the same time, it is no longer hope.

Hope is just a dream because we look to the future with the will of "Absolute realization."

Assuming it will not realize the possibility dream, etc., it is just an excuse for me to stop, and it will be enchanted.

That is why I declare that I will stay with Kurapika until I find the answer, until I am satisfied.

No matter what the answer is... proving that he is still here, even if he faces the despair that the 'Kurta Tribe survivors' he wants do not exist once again.

In order not to live up to Kurapika's hope, Sora is right by his side, smiling as if nothing is special.

Because I am smiling, as if I am happy just to be there.

That smile reminded Kurapika.

After all, even if it is a reminder again that no one survived, it is not despair.

I remember that I was never alone.

The wrinkles deep in Kurapika's brow relaxed; he was still a bit embarrassed, but he answered with a smile.

"... Thank you... but yes. It will be troublesome if it rains, let's end it today."

Seeing Kurapika say this, not having given up yet, and having returned to calm, Leorio was half-relieved and half-frustrated; you really should explode.

I noticed it while I was watching.

"...? Can you hear anything?"

At first, I thought it was the sound of the wind blowing through the buildings, but listening carefully, it was a definite melody.

"Really? A string instrument?"

Sora noticed this, covered his ears with both hands, and wondered about the source of the sound.

And Kurapika, forgetting the calm from just a moment ago, widened his eyes.

Just as Sora said, it is a string instrument.

It is very similar to a guitar, but the overall tone is slightly lower.

It is too nostalgic; Kurapika is so familiar with it that he has not forgotten it, his ears still remember that sound, and he is about to burst into tears.

If it were only this, if it were only the timbre, then the same instrument being unique to this place might just be a coincidence. It is just that this is a story that ends in a nostalgic and cruel coincidence.

However, the melody drifting to Kurapika's ears is absolutely—

"Without a doubt... this song is...!"

"! Kurapika!?"

"Hey, Kurapika! Where are you going!?"

When I came to my senses, I was running away.

Kurapika cannot even hear Sora's voice now.

The only thing echoing in Kurapika's earlobes is the nostalgic folk music of his hometown.

(--If it is my kin playing it, have you noticed that I am nearby...!?)

"Kurapika! Wait!"

"Kurapika, what are you doing! Give me an explanation, hey!"

I cannot hear the two voices chasing me. However, they have not forgotten their existence.

However, all the protective lines laid inside Kurapika were torn and disappeared.

Just a rumor, a prank, a trap aimed at someone else...

The defensive line that was originally set up so she would not expect too much was blown away, and Kurapika, almost in tears, ran toward the land where the sound echoed.

Who. It could be someone with little relation to you. If it is the Kurta Tribe, as long as one can see one's own kin, anyone will do.

Anyone who can introduce themselves as "my kin" to those who taught them hope, happiness, and the art of living is fine.

This is the main reason Kurapika wants to see his kin.

"That is...!?"

He reached the plaza at the end through a narrow alley.

There was no play equipment that could be called a park. In the center of the plaza was a pedestal, and Kurapika stood before the boy sitting on that pedestal.

Just as Kurapika remembered, the wooden stringed instrument the boy played was the Kurta folk instrument, the Kitara.

Kurapika opened his eyes again before the black-haired boy with his eyes tightly shut; the boy's clothes were embroidered with patterns similar to those he wore.

A tear slid from her wide-open eyes.

(--Is it you who survived among the Kurta Tribe...!?)

Anyone is fine.

However, if my wish came true, if it weren't for my parents... if I weren't good enough, I might place him above my parents, so he is fine.

There was someone there I wanted to see, and couldn't help but want to see.

"----Flame Soldier...!? You are the Flame Soldier, right...!?"

Kurapika's best friend was there.

He sat quietly just as he had before.

... The past and... since 5 years ago, his appearance had not changed; his smile was as gentle as in Kurapika's memories.

(--I thought I would never see you again...!)

When I heard about the "Kurta Tribe survivor," both my parents and I had high hopes for it, but Kurapika's calm self suppressed the desire to cry out, initially ruling it out, saying it was "Absolute"ly impossible.

A best friend who is kinder than anyone and has a strong heart.

However, no matter how strong his heart was, he knew that even if all his kin protected him and sacrificed themselves, it would be difficult to Escape from the opponents of that Phantom Troupe, so Kurapika stopped blaming anyone. I gave up.

I tried not to expect the possibility, because I thought it was impossible.

However, however, what is now placed before me, without a doubt, without a doubt, is--

"That voice is... Kurapika?"

"... Flame Soldier! You! You are still alive?!"

Called by that voice in his memories, Kurapika ran toward the boy, his best friend, and the Flame Soldier who had come down from the pedestal, leaving the Kitara behind with his eyes closed.

However, those legs did not even advance three steps.

Forcefully grabbing Kurapika's arm, he stitched him in place.

Kurapika turned around, more embarrassed than angry, because he could not continue forward and was being hindered from reuniting with his best friend.

Turning around, I, with a bewildered face, shouted the name of the person who had grabbed my arm and would not let go.

"... Sora? What on earth..."

"Kurapika. Is your best friend younger than you?"

Sora asked as if to cover up Kurapika's words.

While asking, Sora's gaze did not turn toward Kurapika.

After passing by Kurapika, who was in front of him, he aimed his binoculars directly at the boy in front of him.

Those deep, vivid, sky-blue eyes stared straight at the Flame Soldier.

Those eyes were connected to Sora's sudden question.

No, on the contrary, I wonder why I didn't notice it until someone asked me.

Five years ago, the Kurta Tribe was slaughtered by the Phantom Troupe.

At that time, Kurapika was 12 years old. And... the Flame Soldier and Kurapika were the same age.

At 12 years old, it is not strange for some to stop growing early.

The size of the Flame Soldier is about the same as Gon or Killua.

Although small, it is a physique that cannot be called impossible.

But this "impossible" is as possible as "even if the number of brothers Kurapika knew matched the number of victims, there were still survivors."

As far as possibilities go, it just cannot be called "impossible," but if you think about it realistically, you can view it as "impossible," because the current Flame Soldier is--

"... Hey, what's wrong?"

Kurapika suddenly ran, and Leorio finally caught his breath.

However, Sora was still holding my arm, and I demanded he not get any closer to the boy in front of me, my bloodless face and trembling lips as if sticking to me.

"... Are you... the Flame Soldier...?

If so... why are you still the same as 5 years ago...?"

I know it is impossible and should be discarded. Nevertheless, I still cannot throw it away.

The shock and pressure of that massacre, the negative effects of the crippled body living until now, even the effect of awakening my Nen, I wanted a convincing reason, no matter what it was.

The reason he did not grow up was that he wanted to prove he was a true best friend, to prove he was a Flame Soldier.

As if obeying Kurapika's will, the black-haired boy still said with his eyes tightly closed.

"Hey, Kurapika.

"!?"

That was the promise of that day.

It was so desperate it could no longer be fulfilled, but I still couldn't let it go; four years ago that day, I should have locked him up alive and let him rot.

"When Kurapika returns, I will only ask one question."

"Are you having fun?" I will ask you.!】

For Kurapika's sake, the boy before him... the Flame Soldier will fulfill his promise to him, so that he will not forget his true dream.

However, Kurapika cannot keep his promise.

After all, Kurapika has not yet had the chance for Departure.

Everything, because of that day five years ago, it was stolen by a giant twelve-legged Spider.

I cannot let it go, but I still lack the legs to fulfill that promise. It was still stolen.

Thus, the boy could not speak, sadly lowering his brows at the Kurapika who was about to cry, yet he still smiled, as if forgiving Kurapika for failing to keep his promise.

Calmly, Kurapika's best friend, he approached.

"It's okay, Kurapika. I understand.

I cannot keep the promise; this is helpless. More importantly, I am glad you still remember that promise... and that you still Stick to it.

So... come closer... Kurapika's face, look at the height, hand"

As he approached, the Flame Soldier reached out his hand toward Kurapika.

Sora stared at it with sky-blue eyes and pulled a Ballpoint Pen from his coat pocket.

Leorio also suggested from behind, "You should stay away from him. I have a bad premonition about something...".

Kurapika was still unable to move.

I cannot shake off Sora's hand and run toward the Flame Soldier, nor can I push the boy in front of me and escape with Sora and the others.

I cannot choose.

Unable to choose, Kurapika seemed desperate.

"Show me...? Because your eyes..."

At this time five years ago, the Flame Soldier's vision had almost vanished.

He was not completely blind, but when overusing the side effects produced by Direct Death, his vision might be the same as Sora's.

Even if he got closer, he could not see anything but frosted glass; his eyes would melt on his face, not even knowing the boundary between the eyeball and the eyelid.

But he said with a gentle smile.

"I will let you see those eyes right now."

"!?】

As the Flame Soldier spoke, he grabbed Kurapika's arm, wanting to pull it toward himself.

As if to throw Kurapika behind him, his left hand grabbed the Flame Soldier's small shoulder, and he raised his right hand holding the Ballpoint Pen.

"!? 」

Kurapika, who was thrown behind, barely maintained a floating state with the help of Leorio rushing over to hold him.

But he reached out before he could even stand straight.

Was that hand trying to grab Sora or the Flame Soldier?

I do not know which one I want to protect.

Nevertheless, he still reached out his hand.

Even if it does not reach you, even if you do not get an answer, just follow your heart...

"—Ah, so you will do that, won't you?"

The Flame Soldier muttered in front of Sora, who had suddenly jumped out to grab his shoulder.

He smiled sadly, but somehow he was very happy.

I do not know if this is Sora's hand, the hand holding the Ballpoint Pen, and the reason why the Death God's scythe did not get rid of it.

However, even though Sora should have finished it in an instant, she did not.

I did not shake it.

She did not shake her head, only saying: "Kurapika's best friend."

Deep within his tightly closed eyes.

Sora's.

Hollow.

The eyes of a cavern.

The emptiness was not dug out, but rather "saw" Sora, as if it had vanished from the very beginning.

Lightning flashed and thunder rumbled, and heavy rain began to fall.

A voice that was not drowned out by the thunder in the rain.

"My eyes only reflect Pitch Darkness. So please give your eyes to me."

Kurapika naturally heard his best friend's sad voice.

And... the responding voice.

"--Okay"

Just like when Kurapika was saved five years ago, Sora's reaction was too understated.

Just like Kurapika's "Help me."

But... the words that followed were different.

"If you can endure it, no!"

Although I could only see her back, I knew she was laughing wildly.

She should know what would happen if she lost "it," but in order to escape what was overflowing from it, she lost so much, was broken, was hurt, yet she let go...

Just like declaring war on "someone" who was understated.

Then, the Flame Soldier, who was stunned by his answer... smiled.

This time he was not smiling with sadness but with genuine joy, placing both hands on Sora's face, pointing at Sora with hollow eye sockets, and saying:

"Soul Calling Jade Leaf"

Reach out.

Kurapika, supported by Leorio, reached out a hand, attempting to grab it.

This time I have obtained the answer.

What that hand is to grasp, what it is to protect, has already been decided.

"Sora!!"

But I cannot reach it.

I am merely watching.

All I can do is watch.

A string of slender, pitch-black, damp, glowing tentacles extended from the Flame Soldier's hollow eyes.

Those tentacles turned Sora's eyes into a blue sky, sky sky to sky from the pupils... entwining with the 【Instant Death Evil Eye】, gouging them out, placing them into its own eye sockets, a nightmarish scene...

"!!???"

A scream rang out.

Clutching his eyes, he jumped backward, lost his balance, and fell backward to the ground, but even so, he could not help but roll over on the spot and continue screaming.

The ones who lost their eyes were Sora and the teeth and stomach.

The eyeless Flame Soldier continued to struggle on the stone path, screaming as if being chased by something, not out of pain, but out of fear itself.

Sora lowered his eyes like the Flame Soldier and collapsed to the ground, but he did not raise his voice.

Without a word, he lay on the ground, covering his eyes with both hands.

It was as if to prevent something from spilling out from "there."

As if afraid of the thing spilling out from "there," Sora groaned while lying down, continuing to stare single-mindedly at his own eyes.

"Sora!!"

"Hey! Are you alright!?"

Kurapika rushed to the side of Leorio who was supporting him, and Leorio, disregarding how he would be treated, shouted at Sora.

"... Are you alright?"

"What an easy lie!"

Sora lay down, covering his eyes, and responded to Leorio's words in a hoarse voice, but Leorio immediately ignored her.

No matter how one looked at it, it was not alright. Even Leorio knew that this was more dangerous to his mind than to his body.

If even Leorio could understand, Kurapika's level of understanding far exceeded that of the person who insisted that it would be fine if something happened.

Therefore, while crying, he embraced Sora with hands that could barely reach, resting her head against his left chest, and said:

"... Ah. It's alright. Sora, it's alright.

Even if this world is filled with "death," even if this world is so fragile that being alive right now is like a Miracle... you and I are surely still alive.

So—it's alright. I am fine!!"

Proving he was still alive, letting him hear his own heartbeat, a solid foundation to tell Sora "it's alright."

I do not know if it was because of these words, or because Kurapika's heartbeat wanted to live, or both, but the tension in Kurapika's body gradually released from Sora's body, as if startled by something. Trying to convince himself it was alright, he put the strength of his arms, which had been holding him fearfully like a fragile object, into his arms.

Kurapika's scarlet eyes turned, and he hugged her, as if declaring that he would never let go again.

"You are—you are!!"

Even Kurapika himself did not know what he wanted to say.

Yet Kurapika cast a look of resentment at the opponent who had "no choice."

As if responding to that gaze, he slowly raised his body and stood up.

"... What a cruel 'world'..."

He must have been retching, he stood up, muttering while wiping his mouth.

Then, suddenly, he let out a burst of mad laughter.

I smiled and looked at the rainy sky. Smile. Continue to smile.

He kept laughing, as if he could not bear not to laugh.

Even while laughing, it was unknown whether what flowed from those eyes were tears or just raindrops.

But he... the Flame Soldier laughed and said eyes toward Kurapika.

"Ahahaha... finally understood.

... Sora's... different world realm's Devil eyes I have.... The man who wanted one for so long..."

The sky was a void.

Sky sky to sky from.

The sky-blue Devil eyes reflected Kurapika and the others in the void.