Chapter 21: Journey to Paradise: Farewell

After the incident, Kuronami-jima was no longer the cursed island it had been for ten long years.
Troops patrolled its restored grounds, and the sky—once eternally gray and heavy—was now bright, clear, and almost smiling upon everyone who walked across the reborn land.

Masahiro and Airi stood near the temporary command post, quietly discussing the tragedy of the previous day. Meanwhile, Mikoto faced a crowd of reporters, confidently declaring that the island was now peaceful and safe, that the threat had ended.

Elsewhere, Kamito, still exhausted, slowly opened his eyes. He stepped out of his tent and looked toward the sea and the bright sky above. The fresh coastal breeze brushed past him.

“I’m glad… it’s finally over.”

He left his tent and wandered through the island. As he walked, Kamito saw the returning evacuees—people who had been gone for a decade—helping one another rebuild their abandoned homes. The sight moved him, and he stepped forward to help them without hesitation.

They thanked him warmly once the work was done, and Kamito continued his quiet walk across the island.

Eventually, he found himself near the old harbor ruins, where he unexpectedly came across Sera Amanai. He approached her, and she spoke softly:

“This is the place… where my mother died protecting me.”

Kamito looked around. The once-desolate harbor was now bustling with workers and soldiers clearing debris and rebuilding the docks. Everyone looked tired, but there was determination in their eyes—the determination to reclaim what was once lost.

Amanai invited Kamito to accompany her. During their walk, she shared something she had never said before:

“After I finish my work with TUADF… I want to build a home here. I want to retire peacefully on this island.”

Their steps continued up a small hill overlooking a vast forest and the sea—
a place Amanai used to visit with her mother.

“With my strength now… I’ll protect this island.”
She made that promise quietly to the wind.

The two of them continued until they reached the beach area, where Masahiro, Airi, and Mikoto were already waiting—this time dressed in beachwear.

Masahiro twirled awkwardly.

“Kamito, how is it? Do I look good in this outfit?”

Kamito immediately looked away, flustered. His eyes accidentally shifted toward Airi—

“D-don’t look at me like that, you idiot!”
Airi snapped, her face bright red.

Then a loud voice cut through the commotion.

“Everyone! Are you ready to swim?”

Mikoto shouted boldly, bouncing with every step—
BOING
BOING
BOING

Kamito instantly nose-bled.

Masahiro and Airi turned furious in unison, while Amanai… quietly chuckled for the very first time in a long while.

Later, Kamito withdrew to his tent to rest. By the time evening approached and the sun began to set, Amanai gently opened the tent flap.

“Kamito… do you have a moment?”
She signaled with a small gesture of her fingers.

Kamito stepped out immediately.
“What is it, Amanai-san?”

“Come with me for a bit. There’s something I want to talk about.”

They walked to the quiet shoreline, watching the sun sink into the western horizon, painting the water gold.

Suddenly, Amanai stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him tightly.

“Kamito… thank you. For everything.”

Kamito froze for a heartbeat before replying.

“It’s nothing. That’s what friends are for… when we need each other, right?”

Amanai slowly released him, her expression soft.

“Whenever you need help… I’ll always be there. Anytime.”

Then she added:

“Tomorrow, you and the others can return to Tokyo. I’ll be staying here for a while… helping the remaining residents with the soldiers.”

Night fell. The next morning, Kamito, Masahiro, Airi, and Mikoto boarded the VTOL bound for Tokyo.

Before departure, Kamito turned around to bid farewell to Amanai.

“Goodbye, Amanai-san. Take care—”

But before he could finish, Amanai grabbed his wrist—
and kissed him.

Right on the lips.

Masahiro and Airi stiffened, eyes twitching in jealousy. Mikoto simply gasped.

Amanai stepped back, smiling faintly.

“Thank you again, Kamito-kun… and farewell.”

The VTOL lifted off, rising into the clear blue sky, carrying the team back to Tokyo—
while Amanai stood below, watching them leave with a quiet, hopeful smile.