Chapter 74 – To Walk Between Worlds

The morning sunlight filtered through the rice-paper windows of Shisui's estate. The air was fresh, tinged with festival remnants, but today marked a new beginning. A new journey.

Shisui stood alone in front of the mirror, wearing his full shinobi gear. His attire was unique: a loose-fitting, two-toned kimono shirt dyed in hues of light and dark yellow with pink swirls—its sleeves long and flowing like banners of resolve. A thick khaki-grey Ono-style belt held it tight against his body. He wore dark navy-black shinobi pants, calf-length sandals, and long black fingerless gloves that shimmered faintly with stored Arch Energy.

He adjusted the Hanagakure headband on his forehead with a firm nod, eyes determined. Strapped to his back was the sleek scabbard of his Soul Gear: Astradríga: The Void Crescent Fang. The dragon emblem on the hilt pulsed with dim cosmic light.

"Let's walk the worlds, old friend," he whispered to the blade.

Before leaving, he triple-checked his pouch — filled with kunai, Arch Energy explosive tags, smoke bombs, chakra wire, and shuriken. A long scroll for sealing and an emergency rations scroll were also tucked inside.

As he reached the front gates, Naoko and Himeya stood waiting, each holding a large cloth bag filled to bursting.

Naoko shoved hers into his arms. "Dried rice cakes, jerked meat, chakra-rich pickled roots, and preserved miso stew. Don't waste it."

Himeya handed hers with a softer touch. "Some homemade onigiri, tea leaves, and… dried lavender petals. It helps calm the mind in strange lands."

Shisui's heart swelled with warmth.

Liryssa then approached, a bit more hesitant. She wore a simple white robe and around her neck hung a blue crystalline amulet strung with violet flower-thread.

"This is infused with water-elemental Arch Energy. It will react to malice nearby and shield your heart from surprise attacks." She clipped it gently around his neck.

Shisui held all three of their gazes, eyes soft but resolute. "I'll return. To you. Always."

He turned to face the open training field and drew Astradríga. The blade pulsed. He lifted it overhead, channeling his will.

"Void Gatewalker: Dimensional Rift—Open!"

The blade split the air like glass, a swirling portal of stardust and violet flame opening in a thunderous spiral. Wind howled as reality parted.

Without hesitation, Shisui stepped through.