Hina's Perspective- Shina
"Let me through! I told you I'm here for an interview!"
Yuki's familiar voice rang above the commotion, cutting through the noise of reporters, emergency vehicles, and the countless conversations filling the plaza around Tokyo Tower.
My shoulders immediately stiffened.
"...What is she doing here?" I muttered beneath my breath, unable to hide the embarrassment creeping onto my face.
Of all the places she could have gone after today's incident...
She chose to come here.
Even after witnessing monsters, explosions, and an entire district turned upside down, my best friend still hadn't abandoned her dream of documenting everything with her camera.
I really should have expected this.
She was, after all, Yuki.
Near one of the temporary police barricades, two officers stood with their arms stretched across the entrance, preventing civilians from entering the restricted area.
Yuki stood on the opposite side, clutching her phone tightly against her chest.
Her expression was determined.
"I already explained!" she insisted. "I only want a few minutes! Please!"
One of the officers sighed apologetically.
"I'm sorry, miss," he replied in a calm voice. "I'm only doing my job. This area is still considered dangerous."
"But the battle's over!"
"The investigation hasn't."
"I promise I won't get in the way."
"I'm afraid I still can't allow anyone inside."
Watching the two continue arguing made me let out a quiet sigh.
"...If this keeps going..."
I rubbed my forehead.
"...She's going to get herself arrested."
Ryuna giggled softly inside my mind.
"Your friend certainly is persistent."
"That's one way of putting it."
Without another word, I stepped away from the reporters surrounding me.
The police officers immediately made room as I approached the barricade.
The moment the officer noticed me, he stood a little straighter.
"H-Hero?"
I smiled politely.
"It's alright."
I gestured toward Yuki.
"Please let her through."
"I don't mind speaking with her."
The officer hesitated only for a moment before respectfully stepping aside.
"Understood."
Yuki's eyes widened in surprise.
Then they sparkled with excitement.
She hurried toward me before stopping a respectful distance away.
For a moment...
Neither of us spoke.
She simply looked at me with genuine admiration.
Then she bowed her head.
"Thank you..."
Her voice was quieter than before.
"I'm sorry for disturbing you."
She looked up again, offering a grateful smile.
"I just wanted to thank you."
"Thank you for saving us."
For a brief second, I forgot that she had no idea who I truly was.
She wasn't speaking to Hina.
She was speaking to Shina.
A mysterious heroine she had only met today.
A warm smile naturally appeared on my face.
"It's alright."
Protecting people...
That was exactly why Ryuna had chosen me.
"It's my job to protect everyone."
I looked directly into her eyes.
"But promise me something."
She blinked.
"What is it?"
"Please don't put yourself in danger again."
My voice softened.
"Today's battle could have ended very differently."
"You were lucky."
"I don't want you risking your life for a story."
Yuki scratched the back of her head with an embarrassed laugh.
"I know..."
"I got carried away."
She smiled sheepishly.
"I'll be more careful next time."
I wasn't completely convinced.
Knowing Yuki...
She'd probably chase the next mysterious incident without hesitation.
Still...
At least she understood how dangerous today had been.
After a brief silence, she nervously tightened her grip on her phone.
"There is..."
She hesitated.
"...one more thing."
I tilted my head.
"What is it?"
She looked down before speaking.
"If it's too much to ask..."
"I'd really like to interview you for my page."
Her cheeks flushed slightly.
"I completely understand if you don't want to."
"But..."
"I'd really appreciate it."
Seeing her speak so timidly felt strange.
Normally she was bursting with confidence.
But now she looked more like an excited fan than an aspiring reporter.
I couldn't help smiling.
She really was doing this because she admired us.
Inside my mind, however, Ryuna suddenly spoke.
"Shina."
Her voice had become noticeably more serious.
"Your Essence Form is reaching its limit."
Before I could answer, I noticed faint pulses of white light flickering across my gloves.
My arms briefly shimmered before returning to normal.
"...Already?"
The transformation and restoration had consumed far more energy than I realized.
"You must return home soon," Ryuna warned.
"If you transform back here..."
"...Everyone will see."
I nodded inwardly.
"Okay."
A few seconds later, Ryuna's tone softened.
"The interview is fine."
"Just not today."
"You need to leave before your transformation ends."
She was right.
As much as I wanted to make Yuki happy, revealing my identity would create even greater problems.
I smiled apologetically.
"I don't mind giving you an interview."
Yuki's eyes immediately brightened.
"But..."
I raised one glowing hand.
"My transformation is about to end."
"Can we schedule it another time?"
For a split second she simply stared at me.
Then—
"Really?!"
She jumped excitedly.
"You promise?!"
"I promise."
She clasped both hands together before letting out a delighted squeal.
"Yay!"
Watching her celebrate over something so simple made me laugh quietly.
Even after everything she'd witnessed today...
She was still the same cheerful Yuki I had always known.
"I'm glad," I thought.
"I'm really glad she's safe."
I took one step backward.
"I have to go."
I turned toward the nearby rooftop, preparing to leap away before my Essence Form disappeared.
But just as I bent my knees—
Someone gently caught my wrist.
I turned around.
It was Hirito.
His crimson red eyes met mine.
For the first time since we'd met...
His playful expression had disappeared.
There was only sincerity.
"Will I ever see you again?"
His voice was quieter than usual.
Almost uncertain.
For a brief moment, I simply stared at him.
Then a small smile formed on my lips.
"Of course."
"We're partners now."
I pointed toward his shoulder.
"It seems your transformation is ending too."
He looked down.
Small particles of black light had begun flickering across his body, just like the white glow surrounding mine.
He laughed awkwardly.
"I guess you're right."
Neither of us had much time left.
Without another word, we exchanged one final nod.
Then—
We leaped in opposite directions.
I landed gracefully atop the nearest rooftop before continuing across the city's skyline.
The evening wind rushed through my white hair as building after building disappeared beneath my feet.
Behind me, Tokyo slowly returned to peace.
Ahead of me...
Home awaited.
And with every jump, the white glow surrounding my body became just a little fainter.
Hanato's Perspective — After the Battle
The cool evening breeze brushed against my face as I leaped across the rooftops of Tokyo.
The city looked completely different from only an hour ago.
The screams had disappeared.
The smoke had begun to clear.
Emergency sirens still echoed faintly in the distance, but they no longer carried the same sense of hopelessness. Ambulances moved through the streets below while firefighters inspected damaged buildings. Police officers helped frightened civilians reunite with their families.
Life was slowly returning to normal.
"...We really did it."
A smile unconsciously formed on my face.
The image of Shina standing beneath the evening sky replayed itself over and over inside my mind.
The way she fearlessly stood before Vetrex...
The way she comforted the frightened civilians...
The way she restored everyone who had been corrupted...
She truly deserved to be called a hero.
Ryuhou chuckled softly inside our Essence Link.
"You seem happier than usual, Master."
"I'm just relieved."
"Is that all?"
I sighed.
"...Maybe."
Ryuhou laughed knowingly.
"You're thinking about Shina again."
"W-What?"
"Your heartbeat says everything."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
"Of course you don't."
I rolled my eyes.
There was no winning against him.
A few more jumps carried me over the walls surrounding my family's estate.
The sprawling mansion came into view beneath the fading light of sunset.
I landed gracefully on the second-floor balcony outside my bedroom.
The moment my feet touched the polished stone floor, the black aura surrounding my body flickered.
"So... this is it."
I quietly stepped inside my room before closing the balcony doors behind me.
The room was silent.
Only the ticking of the clock could be heard.
I took a slow breath.
"Release."
Dark particles floated away from my body.
The black leather suit dissolved into countless fragments of shadow before disappearing completely.
The long scarf faded into smoke.
The black hair that framed my face gradually returned to its familiar blue, while the crimson glow within my eyes slowly faded until they were once again their usual sapphire color.
Within moments...
Hirito disappeared.
I was simply Hanato Hamagi again.
The transformation had barely ended when a soft thud echoed beside me.
I looked down.
Ryuhou had fallen onto the wooden floor.
"...Ryuhou?"
I quickly knelt beside him.
The proud dragon that had confidently explained the history of the Essences only hours earlier now looked completely different.
His body had shrunk dramatically.
Instead of being as large as a toy car, he was now scarcely larger than my clenched fist.
Even his breathing seemed slower than before.
Concern immediately crossed my face.
"Ryuhou..."
"Are you alright?"
The tiny black dragon slowly opened one eye before giving a tired smile.
"I'm... fine."
His voice sounded noticeably weaker.
"I was just wondering..."
I carefully lifted him into my hands.
"Why are you so much smaller than before?"
Ryuhou shifted into a more comfortable position on my palm.
"The form you first saw..."
"...was my Spirit Form."
He let out a tiny yawn.
"This..."
He glanced at his own tiny body.
"...is my true form."
I blinked.
"So you've actually been making yourself look bigger?"
He nodded.
"The Spirit Form allows an Essence Spirit to temporarily draw upon stored Essence energy."
"It makes communication easier for newly chosen vessels."
"But after a transformation..."
He smiled sheepishly.
"My energy reserves become nearly exhausted."
"I need time..."
"...and food..."
"...to recover."
Despite how serious he was trying to sound, his exhausted expression made him look oddly adorable.
I couldn't help smiling.
"So all this time..."
"...you've been showing off."
Ryuhou puffed out his tiny chest.
"I have to maintain the dignity expected of the Spirit of Shadow."
"...Even if I'm exhausted."
I laughed.
"You really are something."
Standing up, I carefully carried him toward the kitchen.
"Would you like something to eat?"
His red eyes immediately sparkled.
"...That would be appreciated."
A few minutes later, I returned carrying a small plate.
Resting on it was a slice of my favorite dark chocolate cake.
The sweet aroma filled the room.
Ryuhou's eyes practically glowed.
"...Master."
"You truly understand me."
I set the plate beside him.
He immediately began taking tiny bites, each one seeming to restore a little more life to his body.
Watching him happily eat somehow made the entire exhausting day feel worthwhile.
Outside my bedroom window, the last rays of sunlight slowly disappeared beneath Tokyo's skyline.
Hina's Perspective — Home Again
The familiar rooftops of my neighborhood finally came into view.
Even though my body felt lighter than ever in my Essence Form, I could tell my transformation was nearing its limit.
The white aura surrounding me flickered weakly with every leap.
"I need to hurry..."
One final jump carried me onto the roof of my house.
Thankfully...
Mom hadn't come home yet.
I quietly climbed through my open bedroom window before gently closing it behind me.
The instant both feet touched the floor, my body began glowing brilliantly.
"...Release."
Warm white light surrounded me.
The elegant white-and-blue outfit dissolved into countless particles.
My white hair gradually darkened until it returned to its familiar silky black.
The glowing blue in my eyes faded, revealing my natural emerald-green gaze once more.
Within seconds...
Shina disappeared.
I was Hina Hanzaki again.
A soft little thump came from my bed.
I quickly turned around.
Ryuna had landed on the pillow behind me.
Unlike before...
She was tiny.
Much tinier.
Her body had become so small that she could comfortably curl up in both of my hands.
She looked utterly exhausted.
"...Ryuna!"
I hurried over.
"Are you okay?"
She slowly lifted her little head before giving me a gentle smile.
"I'm alright..."
Her voice was barely above a whisper.
"I'm simply... very hungry."
"I need to replenish my strength."
Carefully scooping her up with both hands, I couldn't help smiling.
Somehow...
She looked even cuter now.
The little dragon gave a sleepy yawn before curling her tail around herself.
I gently placed her atop my pillow.
"Wait here."
"I'll bring you something."
After quietly making my way downstairs, I searched through the kitchen until I found a vanilla doughnut left inside the pantry.
Perfect.
Returning upstairs, I broke off a small piece before placing it in front of Ryuna.
Her tired eyes brightened immediately.
"...Thank you."
She happily nibbled on the sweet treat while I sat at my desk.
My phone had already received tomorrow's study module from Ms. Temi.
As much as I wanted to rest...
Homework came first.
The scratching of my pen soon filled the room.
After several quiet minutes, curiosity finally got the better of me.
"So..."
I glanced over my shoulder.
"Why are you so much smaller now?"
Ryuna swallowed another bite of doughnut before answering.
"This..."
She looked down at herself.
"...is my true form."
"The dragon you first met was my Spirit Form."
"It requires a great deal of Essence energy to maintain."
She tilted her head.
"If you'd prefer..."
"I could always return to that appearance once I've recovered."
I shook my head almost immediately.
"N-No."
A small laugh escaped me.
"I actually think your real form is adorable."
Her tiny blue eyes widened.
"...Really?"
"Really."
"I like this form."
"It's much less scary."
Ryuna laughed softly.
"I'm glad."
She smiled warmly.
"I'm happy you're my vessel, Hina."
A gentle warmth filled my chest.
"And..."
I smiled back.
"I'm glad you're my Essence Spirit too."
For a few peaceful moments...
The two of us simply laughed together.
It was the first truly quiet moment we'd shared all day.
Time passed peacefully.
Eventually I finished copying every note from the module.
Just as I closed my notebook, I heard the familiar sound of the front door opening downstairs.
Mom was home.
I hurried down to greet her before she retired to rest after another long day at work.
Once she was settled, I quietly returned to my bedroom.
Ryuna had already fallen asleep beside the half-finished doughnut.
Her tiny body rose and fell peacefully with each breath.
Careful not to wake her, I switched on the television.
Almost immediately, upbeat music filled the room.
A cheerful news presenter appeared on the screen.
"Your head may be in the clouds, but get ready—here comes the scoop!"
She smiled brightly.
"Good evening, Tokyo. I'm Rachael Tsuna, bringing you today's biggest story."
Images from the afternoon battle appeared behind her.
"Earlier today, Tokyo came under attack by a mysterious monster identifying itself as 'Razorblade.'"
Footage showed the chaos spreading through the streets.
Police officers firing desperately.
Citizens running for safety.
"The Tokyo Metropolitan Police responded immediately and fought bravely to protect civilians."
The footage shifted.
"...However, despite their efforts, conventional weapons proved ineffective against the monster."
Then—
The screen showed two familiar figures.
A girl dressed in white.
A boy dressed in black.
My heart skipped a beat.
"...Oh no."
It was us.
Someone had recorded the alleyway battle where Hirito and I rescued Yuki and Shouji.
The footage transitioned to our battle at Tokyo Tower.
The cameras captured Hirito's incredible shadow techniques.
Then...
My speech.
The promise I'd made before everyone.
I buried my face in my pillow.
"I actually said all of that..."
It was unbelievably embarrassing hearing my own words replayed on national television.
Yet...
Despite my embarrassment...
I didn't regret saying them.
Every word had been sincere.
The reporter smiled warmly toward the camera.
"To the mysterious heroes known as Shina and Hirito..."
"On behalf of everyone in Tokyo..."
"Thank you for protecting our city."
The broadcast then switched to footage of Mayor Shiniki addressing the public as the people gathered around him applauded their newfound protectors.
Outside my bedroom window, the city lights shimmered peacefully beneath the night sky.
For the first time in what felt like forever...
Tokyo could finally sleep.