Chapter 49: Heart Troubles

The team was alarmed when they discovered that Akira was missing from his tent the next morning. They immediately began searching for him, calling out his name and scanning the surrounding area for any sign of him. It wasn't long before they stumbled upon an old, abandoned shrine deep in the forest.

As they cautiously approached the shrine, they noticed an old Yokai statue guarding the entrance. Upon closer inspection, they realized that it was a guardian Yokai, tasked with protecting the shrine and its secrets. The statue spoke, its voice deep and reverberating.

"Greetings, travelers," the guardian said. "What brings you to this place?"

"We're looking for our friend," Yori said. "He's gone missing."

"Ah, I see," the guardian replied. "And who might this friend be?"

"His name is Akira," Kumiho answered.

The guardian's eyes seemed to brighten at the mention of Akira's name. "Ah, yes. I have heard of him. He is a kind soul, but troubled."

"What do you mean, troubled?" Hana asked, her eyes narrowing in concern.

"He carries a heavy burden in his heart," the guardian said. "It weighs him down, and he struggles to find peace."

The team exchanged worried glances. They had all noticed that Akira had been quieter than usual lately, and they had wondered if something was bothering him. Now they knew for sure.

"Can you tell us where he is?" Sayuri asked.

The guardian nodded. "He is not far from here. Follow the path to the west, and you will find him."

The team thanked the guardian and hurried down the path, their hearts heavy with worry. As they neared the end of the path, they heard a faint sound in the distance - the sound of someone crying.

They rushed towards the sound, and soon came upon a clearing. There, sitting on a fallen log, was Akira. He had his head in his hands, and tears were streaming down his face.

The team approached him cautiously, not wanting to startle him. When he looked up and saw them, he quickly wiped away his tears and tried to put on a brave face.

"What are you guys doing here?" he asked, his voice hoarse.

"We've been looking for you," Yori said gently.

"We were worried about you," Hikari added.

Akira looked down at his hands. "I'm sorry," he said softly. "I didn't mean to worry you."

Kumiho sat down next to him and put a comforting arm around his shoulders. "You don't have to go through this alone," she said. "We're here for you."

The rest of the team gathered around him, their faces filled with concern and care. They didn't force him to tell them what was bothering him. Akira looked up at them and felt his heart swell with gratitude.