[Prologue]

As night crept along the tranquil residential streets nestled in the heart of Tokyo, a modest two-story home stubbornly clung to the glow of life. Enveloped by a small garden, where neatly trimmed bonsai trees adorned the entrance, the dwelling exuded a sombre and melancholic atmosphere under the haunting radiance of the moon. Portraits and pictures, frozen moments of a once-happy family of three, adorned the walls, yet the settled dust on the wooden frames whispered of an unsettling eeriness.

On a futon within, Ren Kobayashi (蓮小林) lay motionless, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. With sharp, dark brown eyes and tousled brown hair, his toned arms stretched behind his head spoke of an athletic build that seemed incongruent with the despondency etched on his face.

A heavy sigh escaped Ren's lips as he reflected on the journey that brought him to this desolate moment.

"Where did it all go wrong?" His thoughts echoed through the silence, a mere shadow of the vibrant self he once knew. Despite graduating at the top of his university cohort, Ren found himself trapped in an abyss of exhaustion, unable to summon the energy for anything more.

"I wonder how different it would be if my parents were still here if they hadn't died in that car accident."

Memories of a past life, a time when he was a cheerful young boy surrounded by the warmth of loving parents, flooded his mind. The accident had stolen it all from him, leaving Ren colder, quieter, and more withdrawn. As high school unfolded, he distanced himself from those around him, channelling his focus into studies in a feeble attempt to distract himself from the empty void that seemed to want to swallow him whole.

In the realm of anime, Ren discovered a refuge, particularly in one titled 'Naruto.' Despite scoffing at the protagonist's naivety, he found himself envying his unwavering optimism, the bonds forged, and, above all, the power wielded by the main character.

"If only I had that kind of power. Would I still fear losing those I love?"

The question lingered in the quiet room as Ren closed his eyes for reprieve.

As his weary form succumbed to the embrace of sleep, a gentle purple light materialised, hovering over him. Expanding swiftly, it covered the room, the house, the garden, only to halt abruptly. The ephemeral glow dissipated, leaving no trace behind. In the bedroom, Ren lay still, breathless, as though the light had swept him away. Leaving the only traces of his existence being the house that entombed his still body and the items stowed away within it.