Hey there, story lovers! If you haven't watched the video yet, check it out above! This chapter sets the stage with the Cherry Blossom Festival turning into a battlefield. How do you think Haruto's past shapes his actions today?

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the Cherry Blossom Festival in Kawagoe. Laughter and music filled the air, mingling with the sweet scent of sakura blossoms that danced gently in the breeze. Haruto stood at the edge of the festival grounds, his tall frame silhouetted against the vibrant backdrop of pink and white petals. The townsfolk, adorned in colorful yukatas, twirled and celebrated, yet Haruto felt an invisible weight pressing down on his heart. Each laugh echoed like a distant memory, a reminder of the joy that had been stolen from him when the war claimed his parents. (gasp!)

As he watched the festivities unfold, Haruto's thoughts drifted to the past. He could almost hear his mother’s laughter, bright and melodic, as she spun him around beneath the cherry trees. But that laughter had been silenced, replaced by the haunting whispers of regret that lingered in the corners of his mind. The festival, meant to celebrate life, felt like a cruel mockery of his loss. Here's where it gets interesting...

Suddenly, a commotion erupted near the center of the festival. Haruto's gaze snapped to the source of the disturbance, where a group of figures clad in dark armor emerged from the shadows. Kazuki, the leader of a rival faction, stood at the forefront, his muscular build and spiky hair unmistakable. The air thickened with tension as Kazuki's faction advanced, their intentions clear. The stakes of the ongoing war had come to Kawagoe, shattering the fragile peace of the festival. (*BOOM!*)

As the first clash of metal rang out, the vibrant atmosphere turned dark. The townsfolk scattered, their joyous cries replaced by screams of panic. Haruto's heart raced, not just from fear, but from a deep-seated resolve. He could not let the town he loved fall into chaos. [Plot Twist]

Amidst the turmoil, a single blossom began to bloom at the heart of the festival—a Regret Blossom, its petals shimmering ominously. Haruto felt a chill run down his spine; this was no ordinary flower. It symbolized the unaddressed regrets of the townsfolk, and if left unchecked, it would unleash a toxic mist that could consume them all. With determination igniting within him, Haruto vowed to protect Kawagoe and uncover the truth behind the Regret Blossom. He would confront his own past, not just for himself, but for the sake of everyone who had suffered. As petals swirled around him, Haruto stepped forward, ready to face the darkness that threatened to engulf his home. (You can bet your last paycheck on this!)