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Chapter 55 - "Hayato and Konan."

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"Why are you following me?" Hayato couldn't help turning around, frowning at the little girl who had been tailing him the whole way.

He had saved her from a group of cannibals. What he didn't expect was that ever since then, she had been sticking to him like glue.

"C-Can I come with you? I… I have nowhere else to go. My parents… they're already gone," the little girl said, her voice nervous and pitiful. Her small hands were tightly wringing the hem of her clothes.

Hayato frowned as he looked at her. Honestly, he'd always been alone. Sure, he felt lonely sometimes, but he'd learned to live with it. He had to.

After all, he never knew when he might turn into the Hulk again—a mindless, raging beast that would destroy everything in its path. Anyone who stayed with him wouldn't be safe.

That's why he always chose to be on his own.But now… now this little girl wanted to tag along?

If it were an adult, Hayato would've said no without hesitation. Even if it were an older kid, he'd still turn them away.

But this girl looked like she was only five or six years old. And with that sad little face of hers, it was hard to ignore. Not to mention, she'd nearly been eaten alive not long ago…Hayato went silent.

But to the girl, his silence felt like rejection. The hopeful look on her face faded. Her eyes started to dim with disappointment and fear—like she had no clue what would happen to her now.

Finally, Hayato turned and said, "First off, let me make something clear—I'm a monster. If you're not scared of that, then come along."Then he started walking again.

The moment she heard his words, her eyes lit up. Without missing a beat, she hurried to catch up.

As for that "monster" talk, she didn't care.She'd already seen real monsters—people who looked human but ate other people. Compared to them, Hayato felt warm, even when he killed without hesitation.

She followed behind him, beaming with a big smile. Just walking after him like this was enough to make her happy.

Hayato didn't say a word the whole way. But the girl didn't seem to mind. She just kept trailing behind, stealing glances at his back.Every time she saw him, she'd smile, like his presence alone made her feel safe.

Hayato still didn't speak, but without realizing it, he slowed his pace so the little girl could keep up. He didn't want her getting left behind.

And even though he wasn't talking, having someone walk behind him made him feel… a little less lonely.

They found shelter in a half-collapsed, old house. Outside, a light drizzle was falling. Inside, the two of them sat in front of a small campfire.

Some dry rations were roasting on a makeshift grill. The smell of food made the girl swallow hard, and her stomach gave a loud growl. Her cheeks turned a little red.

Still, she didn't ask Hayato for any food. As far as she was concerned, him letting her tag along was already more than generous.

"Here. Eat," Hayato said, handing her a piece of hot, toasted dry rations.

"A-ah… Thank you!" Her eyes lit up with surprise and joy.

"Hayato ...Hayato. That's my name. You?" he asked. After all, they'd be traveling together from now on—it only made sense to know each other's names.

"Konan. My name's Konan," she said, her smile even brighter than before.

"....."

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