Sword Art Online Crossover: They're all close friends, how did I become a player?

This is a dilapidated and desolate citadel, with a somber and bleak atmosphere permeating the air.

Yu Bai was currently in a room, which was completely empty and deathly silent. He glanced at a corner of the room, where several casual clothes were scattered about, which looked like the clothes of the Awataguchi short swordsmen.

However, the room was spotless and completely unfurnished, a stark contrast to the room of the Daggers in their own home, which was filled with toys and cushions given to them by the Daggers, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

These past few days, whenever he falls asleep, Yu Bai, just like before, falls into this strange dream. He arrives in this unseen yet audible place.

Fortunately, the situation was different today. He was no longer surrounded by darkness, but could see everything around him clearly.

At the same time, he could feel as if he were possessed by an object, unable to move.

Based on the clues he's heard over the past few days, he strongly suspects that he might have time-traveled again during the time he spends asleep each time.

This time, however, it wasn't about foreign history, but rather a journey to an unfamiliar citadel.

Moreover, the Saniwa of this citadel has a bad temper and a very poor attitude towards swords, especially the short swords that are easy to forge, which have become a major target.

The last time Ichigo Hitofuri was injured, it seems the Saniwa was unwilling to give him any help.

Plus……

If he wasn't mistaken, when he first transmigrated, he vaguely heard the sounds of several different short swords, but now, as time passed, Yu Bai could hear fewer and fewer of those sounds.

The helpless cries of the short sword and the painful groans of Ichigo Hitofuri during this time filled Yu Bai with some worry.

Although these swords were not from his own citadel, he still wanted to help them.

As swords that have protected their masters in history, followed their lords to the battlefield, and killed enemies, they should not be treated this way.

"Wow!"

A loud crash shattered the silence in the room. The door was flung open, and two figures, supporting each other, burst in.

Ichigo Hitofuri, the usually gentle and refined swordsman, was now pale-faced, his military uniform tattered and stained with blood.

He was extremely agitated, as if he were about to collapse.

The person supporting him was a black-haired, red-eyed boy named Kashuu Kiyomitsu.

Yu Bai had seen this knife when he first joined the company; when choosing his initial knife, Kashuu Kiyomitsu was one of them.

Although Yu Bai ultimately chose Yamanbagiri Kunihiro, a gift from the Time Government, it didn't stop him from researching those swords one by one on the Saniwa Forum after returning to the Honmaru.

Okita Souji's sword, Kashuu Kiyomitsu, son of Kawamoto. It is relatively easy for a martial arts master to handle, likes to act cute with the master, likes to wear red nail polish, and is somewhat concerned about his appearance, wanting the master to cherish his sword.

But now...

The battle uniform, like that of Ichigo Hitofuri, was riddled with holes. Through the tattered fabric, one could vaguely see the white bandages wrapped around the body, some of which already showed faint traces of blood, as well as the chipped nail polish on the fingernails.

All of this made Yu Bai's gaze darken, and his eyes narrow slightly.

"Let me go! Kashuu Kiyomitsu! Let me go!"

Ichigo Hitofuri's voice was hoarse and filled with grief and indignation. He tried to break free from Kashuu Kiyomitsu's support, but seemed somewhat powerless.

"Ichigo Hitofuri, calm down!"

With a hint of anxiety and worry, Kashuu Kiyomitsu tried to comfort Ichigo Hitofuri.

"Calm down? How can I calm down! The Saniwa sent my brothers to such a high-level map while I was away. I begged her to bring my brothers back. I would do anything for that!"

But now? All I got from the Saniwa was a dismissive statement: "All the short swords encountered danger in the battle formation, were overwhelmed by resistance, and were all...shattered... I don't believe it!"

Ichigo Hitofuri's words were filled with despair and anger, and tears welled in his eyes. He hated himself for not being able to protect his younger brothers.

Just a few days ago, his younger brothers were saying goodbye to him before his expedition, telling him to be careful. But when he returned, all his brothers were gone!

If... if he had disobeyed the Saniwa's orders and not gone on the expedition, would things have turned out differently? Would he have been able to protect his younger brothers?

"Phase one..."

Seeing Ichigo Hitofuri like this, Kashuu Kiyomitsu's face turned pale. He bit his lower lip tightly. He had a fairly good relationship with the short swords in the citadel. Especially after Yasusada was gone, it was they who pulled him out.

Thinking of this, Kashuu Kiyomitsu's voice choked with emotion, but he didn't know how to comfort the leader of the short swordsmen.

“…Prince California, please step aside. I am very calm now.”

After a long while, Ichigo Hitofuri's expression gradually changed from grief to determination, and a resolute light flashed in his eyes.

At that moment, he made a momentous decision in his heart.