Chapter 1: Perfect Life Shattered

Haruki sat at his desk, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he diligently worked on the latest project. He had a great job, a best friend who had been with him through thick and thin, and a life that seemed nothing short of perfect. The news of his recent promotion had elicited awe and admiration from his coworkers, with one of them remarking, "Wow, man, you're so lucky!" Haruki smiled modestly and replied, "Just work harder, and you'll get there eventually." With a sense of accomplishment, Haruki reached for his phone and texted his wife, Mai, about the promotion. The simple response, "Congrats :)," filled him with warmth and contentment. He couldn't wait to share the news with her when he got home. As the workday came to a close, Haruki entered his house to find a scene he never expected. Surrounded by friends and family, Mai beamed with joy. "Surprise!" they all shouted, revealing a party meticulously planned to celebrate his achievement. Overwhelmed with emotions, Haruki hugged his loved ones tightly, feeling a surge of happiness coursing through his veins. The revelry gradually subsided, and the exhaustion of the day caught up with Haruki. He retired to bed, his mind filled with dreams of a future brimming with success and a new addition to their family. Little did he know that the tranquility of his perfect life was about to be shattered. Haruki awoke the next morning to find himself disoriented and perplexed. He had overslept, something that had never happened before. Searching for his watch, he realized it was nowhere to be found. In a rush, he hurriedly dressed and left, his mind clouded by confusion. Arriving at his office, Haruki's bewilderment grew. The familiar workspace he had occupied for years had vanished, replaced by a place that seemed foreign to him. Puzzled, he frantically dialed the numbers of his wife and friends, only to find his phone devoid of any contacts. Panic gripped his heart as he realized he couldn't remember his own name or where he lived. Lost and disoriented, Haruki wandered aimlessly, desperately trying to make sense of his fragmented reality. Weakness overcame him, but the passersby remained indifferent, their gazes gliding past him as if he were invisible. It was in this state of despair that his eyes met those of an old lady. The old lady's eyes widened as she observed Haruki, pointing directly at him. Suddenly, the world around him shifted, and a wave of relief washed over him. He felt an unfamiliar strength coursing through his veins. His attention turned to the necklace around his neckâ€"a crystal pendant that seemed to emit an ethereal glow. Intrigued and somewhat apprehensive, Haruki approached the old lady. "What did you do?" he asked, his voice trembling. With a serene smile, the old lady responded, "I gave you a temporary cure to your curse." Haruki's brows furrowed. "Curse? What curse?" he questioned, his voice laced with confusion. "A curse that strips away everything from a person, erasing their existence and transferring their life to the one who placed the curse upon them," she explained. Haruki shook his head in disbelief. "But I don't have anyone who would want to curse me." The old lady's expression remained unchanged. "I doubt it," she replied cryptically. Thoughts raced through Haruki's mind, and he couldn't shake the suspicion that his ambitious coworker, always envious of his success, could be the one responsible. Yet, before he could delve further into his doubts, the old lady continued. "I can sense that you don't remember your full name or where you live," she said gently. "It will remain that way unless you accumulate good deeds to empower the crystal in the necklace. Engaging in acts of kindness will strengthen your bond with your past life. However, beware, for the necklace will crack if you commit bad deeds, hastening the curse's effects." She handed him a set of keys, pointing to an old, weathered house nearby. "That will be your temporary refuge until you can reclaim your former life. Rest assured, food will be provided, and there are clothes waiting for you inside." Haruki absorbed the information, his mind grappling with the weight of his situation. "How long will it take to break this curse?" he inquired, desperation evident in his voice. The old lady sighed, her eyes filled with compassion. "It's a potent time curse, and its hold is formidable. You must undertake numerous good deeds to weaken its grip. The length of your journey depends on your actions. Now, go forth and begin." With a mix of resignation and determination, Haruki turned towards the old house, the weight of his fragmented memories heavy upon his shoulders. As he entered, he took a moment to breathe, allowing the water from a much-needed shower to cleanse his weary soul. Dressed in fresh attire, Haruki stepped out onto the street once more, only to realize he was trapped within an unseen barrier. Frustration welled up inside him, but before he could turn back, a commotion in an alleyway caught his attention. His anger ignited as he witnessed three men harassing a defenseless girl. It was as if a fire had been lit within him. Haruki stormed forward, his voice filled with a righteous fury, "Leave her alone, or you're dead." The three men scoffed, their taunts directed at his appearance. "Oh wow, an Itachi cosplayer trying to be a hero," one sneered, while another corrected, "You idiot, he's Luffy from One Piece." Ignoring their mocking words, Haruki engaged in a fierce battle, his body moving with a fluidity and skill that surpassed his own understanding. With a display of impeccable hand-to-hand combat, he swiftly defeated the aggressors, leaving them sprawled on the ground in defeat. Panting, Haruki felt a surge of energy coursing through him. He glanced at the crystal pendant, which glowed with renewed intensity. The girl he had saved expressed her gratitude, her eyes filled with genuine admiration. Curiosity sparked within Haruki as he contemplated the mysteries surrounding his newfound abilities. Sensing a breakthrough, he decided to confide in the girl, sharing his name and fragmented memories. However, she could only see him as an ordinary person, unaware of the extraordinary circumstances that surrounded him. Exiting the alley, Haruki was astonished to find that the barrier had expanded, granting him a newfound freedom. His heart raced with a glimmer of hope as he rushed back to the old lady, desperate for answers. Perplexed yet intrigued, Haruki asked the old lady about the meaning behind the girl's perception of him. The old lady's response sent chills down his spine, "It's because you saved her." And so, the following day, Haruki embarked on a path of benevolence, seeking to help others with their everyday struggles. Little did he know that his destiny would lead him straight into the midst of a bank robbery. As the chaos unfolded, Haruki's instincts kicked in, and he resolved to confront the criminals head-on. With remarkable agility, he subdued two of the robbers, his every move a testament to his newfound abilities . But as the third robber raised his weapon and pulled the trigger, a gunshot pierced the air, striking a security guard. Agony seared through Haruki's body as the necklace cracked, mirroring the pain inflicted upon him. In the midst of the chaos, he fell to the ground, his world fading into darkness. Chapter 1 concluded, leaving Haruki's fate hanging in the balance, a hero born from the remnants of a shattered life.

Chapter end