Prologue

13 years ago

The girl stood apart from the rest of her kindergarten class as they charged into the playground with recess having started. The smallest of her class, she stood a mere three foot six, with some of the boys practically towering over her by comparison. She had shoulder-length black hair with a butterfly clip and a precocious mind that belied her small form.

"Hey there," a voice beckoned from behind her. Mitsuha turned and saw a girl about her size. Her hair was slightly shorter down to just below her neck and she wore a mischievous expression that was both disarming and inviting. "You just moved into this town, right? So did my family." She offered her an extended pinkie as a sign of friendship. "I'm Michiko Nakamura!"

"Mitsuha Yamano..." she reciprocated, linking her pinkie to Michiko. "Nice to meet you!"