章 220: A Sudden Unexpected Reunion

Kazuichi's breath caught in his throat as he lifted the hood, revealing a face he hadn't seen in years. His heart pounded, emotions crashing over him like a tidal wave as he stared at her. Hasegawa Himeno—alive, standing before him when she was supposed to be dead.

The shock rendered him speechless. Memories of the past surged to the forefront of his mind, moments of laughter, tears, and the warmth of her presence in a world that had once been so cold to him.

"H-Himeno…?" Kazuichi's voice trembled, barely a whisper, disbelief flooding his senses.

Himeno, her expression a mix of relief and sorrow, met his gaze with eyes that had seen too much. "It's been a long time, Kazuichi," she murmured, her voice soft, yet steady.