That evening, Shisui stood alone atop a cliff overlooking the bioluminescent sea, his Void Crescent Fang embedded in the ground before him. He channeled his chakra into the soul gear, focusing on its dimensional properties—something he hadn't tried since the accidental portal.
Liryssa approached from behind, her hand in his.
"You're going back," she said gently.
"I have to," he replied. "But I'm not leaving you behind."
He poured his full Arch Energy and Aetherion Eye power into the blade.
A ripple formed.
Then a swirl of light.
A glowing portal opened.
This time—stable.
Shisui turned to the royal family. "With your blessing, I'd like to take my wife and a few of my trusted companions to Hanagakure."
King Neryth nodded. "You've proven yourself. Go—and may the seas favor you."
Liryssa smiled, stepping through the portal with Shisui.
Behind them followed her attendants:
– Marena, her childhood handmaid and water healer.
– Ryzo, a merfolk tactician.
– Thalyn, a stealthy scout with webbed blades.
– And Lyssari, a priestess-in-training, curious about the surface world.
—
They emerged into Hanagakure, inside Shisui's mansion courtyard under a moonlit sky. Naoko and Himeya ran out in surprise.
"Shisui!" Naoko gasped. "Where have you—?"
Then she saw Liryssa, glowing with elegance.
"It's… a long story," Shisui said, smirking. "But I brought back more than just answers."
Himeya blushed, eyeing the exotic guests curiously. "I'll start dinner."
Shisui wrapped an arm around Liryssa's waist and looked around at the home he had missed.
"I'm back."
And the next chapter of his life—one of kings, worlds, and love—was just beginning.