The vial labeled "Phase V Catalyst—Subject: Shisui Morinaka" weighed heavier than steel in Shisui's pouch.
He didn't speak much on the journey back. Not even Kaien's questions or Himeya's worried eyes could break through the storm forming in his mind.
Why me? What did Father know?
Once back in Hanagakure, he went directly to the Hanakage's Tower.
The Hanakage, a stern woman named Lady Kaoriko, watched him closely as he placed the sealed vial on her desk.
"Where did you find this?" she asked.
"In a hidden bunker. The same lab where the Hollow Bloom project was developed."
Her eyes narrowed. "That project was supposed to be decommissioned. Locked away under the previous regime."
Shisui's jaw clenched. "Yet they labeled me as a future subject. Phase V."
Kaoriko stood, her robes sweeping like petals in wind. "I'll convene the Council. We must uncover how deep this betrayal goes."
As Shisui turned to leave, she added, "If your father's involved… you'll need to be careful. The nobility protects their own secrets."
Outside, the air felt heavier.
Later that evening, Shisui sat in his mansion's garden. Naoko came beside him, sitting in the moonlight with her knees to her chest.
"You found something, didn't you?" she asked softly.
He nodded. "They were experimenting with Arch Energy. Twisting people… and I was supposed to be next."
Naoko reached out, placing her hand on his. "You won't become what they want. You'll become what you choose to be."
For a long time, they sat there—quiet, but connected.
In the distance, the wind rustled the garden's blooming flowers. And beneath them, secrets buried years ago began to stir once more.