The spacecraft traveled through a desolate expanse of deep space. Masashi Otani propped his chin on his hand and watched the planet behind them gradually shrink, his gaze thoughtful. Once, Masashi Otani had merely been one of the countless ordinary people of this world. But after That One suddenly emerged and brought the entire world to its current state, everything became completely different. Masashi Otani still remembered his parents once saying that if he wanted to rise above others, the only way was to become a ninja, because ninja were the most prestigious profession in the world, without exception. But later, Masashi Otani realized that his parents had not been wrong. Those lofty ninja truly did rule the world with such pride that they had reduced it to a state where it had to live at the mercy of others. But Masashi Otani refused to accept that. Yet what could his unwillingness change? He had merely been an ordinary person. Then That One appeared. That One's arrival brought a ray of light to that dark world, letting Masashi Otani see another path. In order to distinguish himself on that path, Masashi Otani paid a great deal. He studied tirelessly and struggled relentlessly, until at last he became someone That One would summon. Along the way, he also became the boldest and most unusual among the world's many Scientists. This was Masashi Otani's pride. He had always known what he needed to do, so he kept trying, researching, and striving. And now, Masashi Otani had gained a new opportunity, a unique chance to board a spacecraft and explore this world. Masashi Otani signed up eagerly. He had already decided to devote everything to this world. As long as That One needed it, Masashi Otani would do it.
Still, although he knew