KAGE

My body ached.

The wound had been wrapped in crude but careful bandages. Anyone with a keen eye could tell they had been applied by someone with little to no experience treating injuries.

After my mother's tight embrace—the original Ren's mother—the other children joined in. However, the affectionate hug pressed against the wound on my abdomen, making me groan in pain.

"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." my mother apologized after realizing what her embrace had done to my injury.

"It's alright. What happened to that group?" I asked anxiously, trying to change the subject.

My mind was in complete chaos.

I had just reincarnated.

I had a massive wound and didn't even know whether I'd survive until tomorrow.

I was living in a new body, with no idea if anyone would notice something was wrong with me.

And on top of that, there was a group of people hunting us down.

If this isn't starting the game on Abyss difficulty, then what is?

At least... I still have my family.

"They're all dead," my mother replied.

"But why?" Uzumaki Hikari suddenly shouted, no longer able to hold back her tears. "Why do they hate us so much? How much longer will they keep hunting us? Wasn't it enough that they destroyed our homeland and slaughtered our people? Why won't they stop?"

Her sobs carried years of resentment and grief, emotions born from being hunted for more than half her life.

"Crying is useless," my mother answered firmly. "Right now, we need to leave before more reinforcements arrive."

Before she could say anything else, a violent cough echoed through the room.

It came from my father.

His condition was far worse than mine.

While I only had a long wound stretching from my abdomen to my chest, courtesy of the enemy ninja...

He was barely alive.

To put it mildly, he had lost an arm and a leg. His body was covered in deep wounds, and one glance was enough to tell he wouldn't live to see another sunrise.

"Masaroni-kun!"

My mother hurried to his side, tears streaming down her face as she gently held his remaining hand.

"Forgive me, Aoi... but I think my journey ends here," he said, his voice filled with regret.

The helplessness in his tone was unmistakable.

"No... You can't leave us!" my mother cried between sobs.

From the memories I had inherited from the original Ren, I knew she had loved my father ever since they were children.

According to the stories, my father had always been the pillar of our family.

Especially after the tragedy that destroyed our homeland, he had become the one holding everyone together.

And now...

He was dying.

"Call Ren. There are things I must tell him before I leave."

Ignoring the pain in my wound, I slowly stood up and walked over.

I looked into his blue eyes, clouded with helplessness, and silently waited.

"From this day onward... you are the head of this family."

"I know things haven't been easy for you. I know you've always believed you've disappointed our family because of your lack of talent."

"But everything happens for a reason."

"Perhaps it's a blessing that your talent isn't exceptional. Maybe it's Heaven's way of telling us to live peaceful lives instead of pursuing revenge."

He paused before continuing.

"I know that deep down, you believe it's your duty to avenge our family... our homeland."

"I won't lie to you. I felt the same way."

"After all, we did nothing wrong. Yet, out of greed, every nation turned against us. Even our allies betrayed us. I watched the people I loved die before my eyes, and I was forced to flee like a coward."

"As a man, I wanted nothing more than for my family to live happily..."

"...yet instead, we've been forced to hide like frightened rats."

His breathing became heavier.

"But now that I've reached death's doorstep... I've gained a moment of clarity."

"Life is lived only once."

"Now that I'm dying, I've realized that all this hatred and resentment mean nothing compared to the hope that all of you can live healthy and happy lives."

"My wish... and I believe it was your grandfathers' wish when they sent us away... is for all of you to find peace."

"If possible... find a quiet place and live in peace."

"Forget your hatred."

"Forget the clan."

"Forget the homeland."

"Just... live happily."

As he spoke, he tightened his grip on my hand with the only hand he had left.

His strength was surprisingly firm.

"Promise me, Ren..."

"Promise me you'll let go of your hatred and live a happy life with our family."

"They're going to need you."

His eyes were filled with hope as he waited for my answer.

I could have answered immediately.

I could have told him exactly what he wanted to hear.

After all...

These were his final moments.

He deserved to leave this world in peace.

But how could I?

Should I lie?

Normally, I would have.

Yet, ever since I became Ren less than ten minutes ago, all of his memories and emotions had become mine.

The respect he felt for his father...

I had inherited it as well.

I couldn't lie to him.

Seeing the conflict in my eyes, the hope within him slowly faded.

A disappointed smile appeared on his face.

Tears rolled down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry..." he whispered. "I shouldn't have pressured you."

"After all... I couldn't let go of my own hatred, even when your grandfathers asked me to."

"So I have no right to judge you."

"I only ask one thing..."

"Be careful with the choices you make."

"Before you act, remember that there are people depending on you."

"Your family will need you."

"From this day forward, every decision you make will affect all of them."

He closed his eyes for a moment before speaking once more.

"Call the others."

After that, he spoke with each of the children one last time.

When my mother came to his side, he apologized once again for not being able to stay with her.

Then...

The light faded from his eyes.

My father died...

Disappointed in me.

Simply because I couldn't even comfort him with a small lie so that he could leave this world in peace.