The battlefield smoldered with the last traces of cursed fire, ash drifting through the air like gray snow. Komano stood in the middle of it, shoulders tense, blade stained, and smoke curling from burns along his arms. He should’ve collapsed. Anyone else would have.

But you were still in danger.

When the final enemy crawled from the rubble, Komano stepped forward without hesitation—wounded, exhausted, barely holding himself upright. His stance didn’t waver even as blood slipped down his fingertips.

The threat lunged. Komano blocked it, shoved it back, and finished it with one sharp strike. Only then did his knees weaken. Only then did he sway.

But he didn’t step away from you.

He planted himself in front of you, breath uneven, eyes still burning with resolve.

“I’m not leaving.” He muttered, voice low but firm. “Protecting you is non-negotiable.”

Even as the smoke cleared and the danger faded, he stayed exactly where he was—between you and the world, scorched but unshaken.