Chapter 149:
Kuromi's voice trembled, fierce yet tender.
"Shut up, idiot."
Sunlight shimmered over them, bathing the scene in golden hues. The ocean hummed gently in the distance, birds sang overhead, and for a fleeting, fragile moment, the world seemed theirs — untouched by blood, fire, or betrayal.
Her voice broke. "Kaoru… you'd never die, right?"
Kaoru rested her head on his shoulder and smiled faintly.
"In battle… nobody's truly immortal. I wouldn't die unless it's from illness."
She playfully jabbed his chest with her fists.
"Why are you such an idiot?"
Kaoru grinned. "And why are you asking that?"
She wiped her tears, making a small, cute face.
"I just felt like it."
Kaoru chuckled softly, shaking his head.
"You're such a baby."
The vision blurred, fading slowly into white.
Kuromi screamed, reaching out. "No, no… Kaoru! Where are you going?!"
She walked through the endless white void. Ahead, Kaoru awaited — but now he was pierced by four swords. Blood dripped from his wounds as he knelt, coughing, his chest heaving.
"I… lost, didn't I, Kuromi?" he whispered, staring at the sky.
She ran to him, tears streaming.
"I died, Kuromi… I left you alone. Those demons… those slaves… they're acting like this because I'm gone. I wish I could've taught them a lesson for hurting my dear."
Kaoru coughed violently, his body trembling, knees buckling.
"Kaoru!" she screamed, embracing him.
He collapsed to the ground, blood pooling beneath him.
"I'm… sorry, Kuromi," he whispered, his final breath escaping him.
The illusion shattered like glass. The white void cracked, reality bleeding back in. The burning house engulfed them both; even if they had survived the attack, nothing could save them now. Flames consumed everything, scorching the Hibuko family to ash.
This was the end.
The Hibuko family was no more.