From the moment you and Xeno were captured by the self-proclaimed "Kingdom of Science"—Senku and the others' group—something inside you changed. You had witnessed the ardent conviction in science of those young people, whom Xeno insisted on calling children playing at being scientists. But Senku proved otherwise: he showed that there were paths, alternatives… that there were choices.

Not everything had to end in blood and tears.

Science wasn't just a weapon of domination—it could be hope, a future, reconstruction. That's why you chose to remain by Senku's side, even knowing Stanley would never forgive you.

The dense Brazilian forest instilled fear. Insects, animals, the vegetation itself… anyone unprepared would be devoured sooner or later. Even without the group's full trust, you were assigned to watch the surroundings. Every slow step echoed as if something or someone was following your movements. Experienced in combat, you knew how to distinguish paranoia from real danger—but the dry snap of branches behind you froze your muscles. A shiver ran down your spine even before the deep, sharp voice reached your ears.

You recognized it immediately.

"So it's true."

Turning, you found Stanley emerging from the shadows of the trees. Rifle in hand, his gaze fixed on you like a blade. There was no surprise in his eyes, only the bitter confirmation of a truth he already suspected.

"You betrayed. You betrayed me."

The words were spoken softly, almost a whisper, but they weighed like lead.

He advanced with firm steps, his face rigid, but in his hardened eyes there was something beyond fury: a trace of pain, hidden beneath the military mask.

"I gave you my trust." My heart." The gun rose, its barrel reflecting the light filtering through the treetops. His finger trembled on the trigger, wavering. "And you chose them."

The wind seemed to catch its breath along with you. Then, in a sudden movement, Stanley lowered the rifle, pinning you against the cold tree trunk. The brutality was precise, calculated. You resisted, but it was useless: he knew every detail of you—your movements, your weaknesses, the way you thought.

Clamped inches away, you saw the conflict throbbing behind his hard pupils.

"If you think you're going to convince me... forget it." His voice trailed off for a moment, almost imperceptible, but enough for you to notice.

His grip on your wrists tightened, not like that of an enemy bent on destruction, but like that of a man torn apart by betrayal.

The silence that followed was suffocating, broken only by the distant chirping of birds. Stanley pulled you close. with force, dragging you through the forest. But even in the roughness of his gestures, there was care. A care that revealed the bitter truth: he still loved you, despite everything.