The portal closed behind them with a soft whisper, leaving Ren and Aiko beneath the branches of the imposing Sacred Sakura, the same place where their adventure had begun. The pink petals fell around them like magical rain, but the magic of the moment was clouded by the pang of nostalgia Ren already felt.
"We're home," he said, with a forced smile, as he helped Aiko to her feet.They took a taxi home. The surprise of their parents at seeing them safe and sound was indescribable. Tears, hugs, hurried questions... Emotion overflowed in the small apartment. Aiko, exhausted but happy, let herself be carried away by the whirlwind of family affection.The following days were spent between hospital visits, medical checkups, and long talks to update their parents on their incredible experiences. Ren, however, felt like a stranger in his own life. Classes, video games, outings with friends... everything seemed bland and empty compared to the adventures he had experienced in the yokai world.The image of Kiko, with her radiant smile and her eyes full of life, haunted him constantly. He remembered their last kiss, the promise to meet again... And a deep sadness seized him.One afternoon, while walking through the park, he ran into Dr. Sato. The woman looked at him with an enigmatic gaze."Are you alright, Ren?" she asked softly.Ren hesitated for a moment, but decided to confide in her. He told her about his longing for the yokai world, his love for Kiko, his desire to return...Dr. Sato listened attentively, and finally said: "Ren, I know your heart is divided between two worlds. But you must remember that your destiny is linked to the yokai world. You are the chosen one, the one who must protect the balance between both worlds."Her words echoed in Ren's mind like a prophecy. Was he really the chosen one? What challenges awaited him in the future?"There is a place you must go," Dr. Sato continued. "An ancient temple, hidden in the mountains. There you will find the answers you seek."With one last mysterious look, Dr. Sato said goodbye to Ren, leaving him immersed in a sea of questions.