Uchiha Saya didn't ask why Hikaru was looking for the small girl in front of him.
To her, Hikaru was everything. She didn't care what he did or why—so long as she could stay by his side, that was enough.
Just like that, Hikaru held Konan in his arms and brought her into a small cave.
He unsealed the supplies he'd just bought, handed Saya a few logs to build a fire, and started grilling the fish.
Then, he placed two of the Flowertail fish into an iron pot, added a couple of rice balls, and started cooking porridge.
Time passed quietly. Eventually, Konan's consciousness began to stir.
Why doesn't my body hurt? Why is it… so warm? Did I die? Is this the Pure Land…?
Konan forced her eyes open and slowly sat up. Her old linen clothes were gone. Instead, she wore an oversized black long-sleeved shirt—the sleeves so long they brushed the ground, the hem covering her knees like a dress.
"Where… am I?"
"You're awake?" Hikaru said casually. "Since you're up, come eat."
He and Saya sat near the campfire. Saya picked up a white porcelain bowl, filled it with porridge, and set it gently beside her.
Konan looked down and realized she was lying on a warm bedding mat.
So I'm not dead… That warmth I felt… it came from this quilt?
She shook her head to clear the fog and walked barefoot over to them. She sat beside Hikaru, picked up the bowl, and began eating slowly.
The rich aroma of rice and fish warmed her from the inside out. After only a few spoonfuls, she felt life returning to her limbs. Subconsciously, she looked up at Hikaru and Saya.
"Thank you for saving me."
"You guys… aren't eating?"
Saya gently patted Konan's head.
"We already ate," she said softly. "This is all for you."
Hikaru nodded. "Your body's too weak. You can only handle liquid food for now."
"Don't force yourself. Just eat enough to not feel hungry."
"When you're better, we'll get something more filling."
Konan stared at them, wide-eyed. Her vision blurred as tears welled up and rolled down her cheeks.
"Why… did you save me? Why are you treating me so kindly?"
Hikaru reached out and flicked her forehead lightly.
"Too many questions," he said flatly. "I just felt like saving you, that's all."
"Don't you want to live?"
Konan flinched at the light pain, and her gaze focused again. Her voice came out small but firm.
"…I want to live."
"Then quit talking and finish your porridge before it gets cold."
So she did. Slowly, one sip at a time.
After she finished eating, Konan curled up next to the fire with them, feeling its warmth seep into her. Then the questions began.
"Brother… and Sister… why do you always wear masks?"
"Because we're too ugly," Hikaru replied seriously. "We don't want to scare you."
Saya added cheerfully, "Since my brother wears one, I wear one too!"
"I don't care if you're ugly," Konan said. "You're both so kind. That's what matters."
"…Besides," Hikaru continued with a straight face, "the Bull Warrior never takes off his mask."
"Bull Warrior?" Konan tilted her head. "Then should I call you Brother Bull? And her, Sister Bull?"
"Hmm… how about just 'Masked Brother' and 'Masked Sister'?" Saya suggested, grinning beneath her mask.
...
"Masked Brother, what are your names? I can't keep calling you that forever, right?"
"I'm just a passing by Kamen Rider," Hikaru said solemnly.
"…Then I'm the passing Kamen Rider Sister!" Saya chimed in.
...
"Masked Brother, where are you two from? Why are you here?"
"We come from the faraway M78 Nebula," Hikaru said, tone serious. "We're on a top-secret mission."
"M78 Nebula? Where's that?"
"…"
...
"What kind of mission needs both of you?"
"Our mission is to reclaim the infinite energy being sought by Seer from the traitor Belial of the Magic Fairy Castle," Hikaru said with dramatic flair, "and bring it back to the Armored Warrior headquarters, where Captain Dragonfly awaits—for a marble showdown!"
"…Huh?" Konan blinked. "I… I understood every word, but I don't understand anything you just said!"
Saya's brain short-circuited trying to follow along. "Uhhh… Magic Fairy Castle… Belial… Seer… Dragonfly Showdown???"
"I don't get it either," she said, finally giving up. "The intel's all in my brother's head."
Hikaru basked in the bizarre, joyful mood he'd created. Even though only he found it entertaining, something about the chaos made it feel… warm.
Meanwhile, Sword's voice echoed in his mind.
"You're just referencing Earth nonsense again. How are Saya or Konan supposed to get any of this?"
"It's fun. You get it, don't you?"
"Barely. And are you sure they're enjoying it?"
He briefly probed their chakra flow.
Saya… was flushed beneath her mask, legs squirming slightly. He quickly withdrew.
Then he turned to Konan.
She was desperately trying to visualize everything Hikaru had said—him with horns, a towering dragonfly monster, buildings shaped like steamed buns…
She was taking it all seriously.
A dull flick to her forehead brought her back.
"Oww…"
"Masked Brother, what was that for~? I haven't figured it all out yet!"
He activated his Sharingan, three tomoe spinning, and looked directly into her orange eyes.
Konan fell asleep immediately, sinking into vivid dreams of everything Hikaru had just said.
As for Saya… the blush under her mask deepened. She unconsciously pressed her legs together.
Once Hikaru confirmed that Konan wouldn't wake until morning, he activated a barrier that sealed the cave completely.
Saya placed a hand over her mouth, trying not to make a sound.
But she didn't need to worry. Konan, deep in Hikaru's illusion, wouldn't stir until dawn.
...
...
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Bonus Chapter at 150 Power Stone
Second Bonus Chapter - 300 Power Stones
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