The days following Yuta's rebirth passed in a blur. He found himself adjusting to his new life, balancing the memories of his previous existence with the reality of being a 6-year-old once again. Each day brought new challenges, but also new opportunities.
Yuta was sitting in the living room, playing with a toy sword his father had given him to practice with. His movements were awkward and clumsy, a stark contrast to the graceful techniques he remembered from his previous life. Still, he persevered, determined to master the basics before his formal training began.
His mother watched him from the kitchen, a soft smile on her face. "Yuta, you're really dedicated to this, aren't you?" she said, her voice filled with warmth.
Yuta paused and looked up at her, nodding. "Yes, Mom. I want to be strong."
His mother walked over and ruffled his hair. "Just make sure to take breaks and have fun, okay? You're still a child."
Second Person POV
You nod at your mother's words, understanding her concern. But you also know that you need to prepare yourself for the challenges ahead. Your thoughts drift to Rika. Meeting her in the park had been a surreal experience. She was just as cheerful and kind as you remembered, and you felt a strange sense of comfort around her.
You decide to visit Rika again. It's important to build that bond early, especially considering the future you know is coming. Grabbing your toy sword, you head out to the park, ready to see your friend.
As you approach the swings, you see her sitting there, humming a little tune. She spots you and waves excitedly. "Yuta! Over here!"
You smile and walk over to her. "Hi, Rika. Want to play?"
Her eyes light up, and she jumps off the swing. "Yes! Let's play!"
Third Person POV
Yuta and Rika spent the afternoon playing together, their laughter filling the air. It was a rare moment of peace and normalcy, a brief respite from the weight of Yuta's memories and the responsibilities he felt. As the sun began to set, the two friends sat on the grass, catching their breath.
"Yuta," Rika said, looking at him with a serious expression. "You seem different. Did something happen?"
Yuta's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected her to notice so soon. He took a deep breath, deciding to keep things simple for now. "I've just been thinking a lot," he said, trying to sound casual. "About being strong and protecting the people I care about."
Rika nodded, accepting his answer. "Well, whatever it is, I'm here for you. We can be strong together."
Yuta smiled, feeling a surge of determination. "Yeah, we can."
As they walked back home, Yuta felt a renewed sense of purpose. He might be in a new world, with a new life, but some things remained the same. Friendship, determination, and the will to protect those he loved. With Rika by his side, he knew he could face whatever challenges lay ahead.
A/N:
This chapter focuses on Yuta's adaptation to his new life and his deepening bond with Rika. Next time, we'll explore the beginning of his formal swordsmanship training and the development of his cursed energy control. Stay tuned!