On December 25th, 2023, the death game, Sword Art Online was cleared, freeing the remaining players. Suguha Kirigiya was elated to have her brother back, but he is different from the brother whom she once remembered, so she vows to make him feel better, no matter what it takes. Kirito x Suguha/Leafa KiriSugu

Using all his power, Kirito was barely able to save the lives of his guildmates, but his guilt of putting them in danger drove him to leave them anyways. However, he did not have to return to be a solo player, as there is someone who will always stay by his side. "Nothing is your fault," she assured him as they left together. (Kirito x Sachi)

A year has passed ever since the SAO incident was mysteriously resolved. Despite travelling to other worlds, Kirito has never felt true happiness again ever since that day. However, a fateful encounter leads him to someone who understands the pain he feels. Kirito x Yuuki, kiriuuki, KiriYuuki