"To protect is not only to fight, but to restore what was lost."— Hoshino Souta
Early Morning, Training Begins
The soft light of dawn slipped quietly through the translucent shoji doors, painting delicate patterns on the tatami mats. Souta sat cross-legged in the center of the room, his posture calm but his mind a storm of resolve. His eyes were shut tight, brows slightly furrowed as he concentrated on something unseen, breathing steady but deep.
Beside him, Happy—the small, ever-cheerful teddy bear—curled up contentedly, occasionally twitching its button eyes as if sensing Souta's intense focus. From the doorway, Aqua and Ruby lingered, silent witnesses to their younger brother's solitary ritual.
Souta's thoughts drifted back to the day's earlier chaos.
"I saved Mama… but only for a fleeting moment," he thought bitterly. "If I don't grow stronger—really strong—next time, I might fail. I won't forgive myself if that happens."
His eyelids fluttered open, revealing golden eyes steady and glowing faintly in the soft morning light.
"I have to master this power," he whispered to himself, voice soft but unwavering. "Undoing. To erase damage. No matter who caused it. No matter what it is."
First Attempts, Small Successes
Souta's fingers twitched, and he slowly raised his hands toward a cracked tea cup resting on a low table. His mind zeroed in on the fragile object, envisioning its restoration—every tiny fissure sealed, every chip smoothed away.
A gentle, warm glow shimmered at his fingertips, spreading like liquid gold over the porcelain. The cracks wavered, then vanished as if they had never existed.
Happy clapped its tiny paws excitedly, the soft sound echoing in the quiet room.
"Sugoi, Souta-kun!" it exclaimed in high-pitched delight.
Across the threshold, Ruby smiled softly and exchanged a glance with Aqua, both clearly impressed.
"It's just the beginning, but you're already powerful," Ruby said, stepping inside.
Souta returned a small smile but shook his head, his voice firm yet thoughtful.
"This isn't enough. Fixing a cup is easy. But I have to undo memories… pain… even the power used against us. That's where the real challenge lies."
Undoing Others' Actions
That afternoon, as the sun climbed high, Aqua approached Souta with a troubled look shadowing his usual calm demeanor.
"There's a problem at school," Aqua said quietly, eyes flicking away. "Some students are spreading rumors about Ai-san again. Hurtful things."
Souta's expression tightened.
"Rumors… lies," he said, voice low but steady. "I can undo those, right?"
They walked together toward the schoolyard, where a small cluster of students whispered behind a low brick wall, casting furtive glances.
Souta closed his eyes briefly, picturing the harmful words like ink spilled on a crisp white sheet—thick, black blotches staining the truth.
Slowly, he extended his hand. A soft golden light pulsed from his palm.
"Undo," he commanded gently.
The whispers faltered, the dark ink dissolving into the air like mist in sunlight.
The group looked confused, the tension melting from their faces. The hostility had vanished, replaced by uncertain curiosity.
Undoing Emotional Wounds
Night wrapped the house in a quiet embrace. In her softly lit room, Ai sat on the edge of her bed, shoulders heavy with the weight of countless judgments and harsh public scrutiny.
Souta approached quietly, careful not to startle her.
"Mama," he said softly, "Can I try something?"
Ai looked up, eyes meeting his with a faint, weary smile. She nodded.
Souta knelt beside her, placing a gentle hand on her temple, closing his eyes to focus deeply.
He reached into the tangled web of her pain—the memories of lies, loneliness, and relentless pressure.
Slowly, like a gentle tide, he felt the knots loosen, the raw edges of her emotional scars smoothing.
Ai's body sagged with relief, tears spilling silently down her cheeks.
"Thank you, Souta," she whispered, voice barely audible. "I feel lighter… somehow."
Boundaries of Power
Souta opened his eyes and gave a soft, tender smile—serious but full of warmth.
"I can undo many things," he said thoughtfully, "but not everything. Some pain… it's part of growing. Part of becoming who we are."
Ruby leaned closer, her voice quiet but sure.
"That's why we're here, right? To help each other. To carry each other."
Souta nodded, his gaze steady.
"Exactly. My power… it's just a tool. But love—that's what truly heals."
Souma's Dark Reaction
Far from the peaceful home, somewhere dim and cold, Souma's eyes narrowed as he observed the Hoshino family's growing strength.
"Undoing memories, pain… intriguing," he murmured with a chilling smile. "Power like that always draws attention. And not everyone who watches has good intentions."
His fingers pressed a button on a sleek device. A new shadow flickered across his screen, twisting and shifting.
"It's time," he said quietly, voice laced with menace, "for the next test."