From the age of four, Haruto has borne the weight of a life destined for sacrifice. During the Third Great Shinobi War, he lost both of his parents, and his infant younger brother perished alongside them, leaving young Haruto to face a world of shinobi clans, hidden powers, and political intrigue alone. At eight, he also lost his twin sister, and soon after, he and his twin brother were separated, forcing him to navigate a life filled with enemies, uncertainty, and betrayal.

By twelve, Haruto is no ordinary boy. Haunted by past losses and thrust into deadly conflicts, he must survive relentless hunters, uncover the treachery of trusted leaders, and confront enemies that strike from both shadow and light. Alongside friends—and secret allies whose loyalty is tested to the extreme—he fights to restore peace while struggling with the heavy burden of responsibility no child should bear.

Even as victories are won, dark forces stir. Hidden rebellions, ruthless political schemers, and mysterious powers from beyond the known world threaten everything he holds dear. With each mission, Haruto learns that true strength isn’t just skill—it’s the courage to protect those you love, even when the world seems determined to tear them away.

As Haruto grows, so do the scale of his battles. Friends lost, secrets unraveling, and enemies waiting in every corner, he must prepare for a war that could change the very balance of his world—and discover the truth behind his own mysterious powers before it’s too late.

Renjiro looked down at Haruto's trembling hand for a moment.


Another horn echoed faintly in the distance.


Renjiro spoke before the fear could settle deeper.


"…You remember what I told you before?"


But another rush of movement passed across the rooftops outside.


Kaito looked toward the window nervously.


Ayame silently moved closer to both of her brothers.


Even now, Ayame was observing instead of reacting.


A distant voice suddenly echoed through the streets.


Another voice followed somewhere farther away.


The village sounded alive in a way it normally never did at night.


Akari walked toward the children slowly.


"…This is only a mobilization order."


but his grip on Renjiro's sleeve still hadn't loosened.


Akari's eyes softened slightly at that.


Then another flare briefly lit the distant sky blue through the window.


Kaito looked down quietly after hearing that.


For a few moments, the only sounds were the distant horns and the movement outside.


"…If orders come," Renjiro answered softly,


Even Ayame's eyes shifted slightly at the answer.


Another group rushed over the rooftops.


Fast enough that their shadows flashed across the room ceiling for an instant.


The atmosphere felt heavier with every passing minute.


She looked at the three of them carefully.


then finally let go of Renjiro's sleeve and stepped forward too.


For a moment, the distant war sounds outside faded behind the warmth of the embrace.


Because beyond the walls of the house—


the village was still preparing for something unknown.


Chapter 160 - Chapter 27 — The First Night of Fear, Part5