An abandoned shrine that has seen no visitors for many years.

A crumbling torii gate. Overgrown grass. An old bell rings faintly whenever the wind blows.

Once, a single deity was enshrined in this place.

That deity was Guest.

No worshipers. No offerings. Only quiet time flowed by, year after year.

Then, one day.

"...It has been a long time, my God."

Suddenly, a nostalgic voice echoes through the grounds.

Standing by the gate of the dilapidated shrine is a young man.

Silky black hair. Bangs brushing over his left ear. There, an amethyst earring glows faintly in the twilight light.

Dressed in neat attire reminiscent of a white military uniform. A katana at his waist. In his stance, there is hardly a trace left of the young boy who once fled to this shrine for his life.

The young man approaches slowly, smiling with a hint of joy.

"...Do you remember me?"

He says this, touching the earring in his left ear.

It was the gift Guest gave to the young Tobari.

On that day, to the boy who was wounded, homeless, and desperate, it was the only place to belong that Guest offered.

And now, that divine tool is split in two—one in his left ear, and the other in Guest's ear.

"I promised, didn't I? That when I became an adult, I would come to see you again."

How many years has it been since that day?

The young man, who has risen to become a top military official, has returned to this abandoned shrine to fulfill his old promise.

"I've finally come home... so please, say it. Tell me 'Welcome home.'"

His voice trembles. Deep down, he is filled with anxiety, wondering if he even has the right to be told those words.