Belle

Suzu Naito, a third-year high school student in Kōchi Prefecture, struggles with her passion for singing and songwriting. The overwhelming memory of her mother's tragic sacrifice weighs heavily on her, making her feel abandoned and distanced from her peers.

To maintain a link to her mother's legacy, Suzu interacts with choir teachers who were friends of her mother. Despite this connection, she finds it challenging to relate to her classmates, feeling isolated in her grief.

Suzu's best friend, Hiro, encourages her to explore the virtual world of 'U.' This vibrant realm offers Suzu a new avenue to express herself, reigniting her passion for music and creativity.

Within the world of U, Suzu creates an avatar named 'Bell,' which symbolizes her musical aspirations and individuality. Her avatar becomes an immediate success, captivating audiences and leading her to adopt the nickname 'Belle.'

During one of Belle's concerts, an infamous user known as 'The Dragon' interrupts the performance, causing chaos. A vigilante group, led by Justin, believes that The Dragon poses a threat to their community and seeks to expose him.

Despite being seen as a disruptive force, Suzu discovers that The Dragon is admired by many young fans who view him as a heroic figure. Intrigued by his complex persona, she begins to explore the depths of U and the mysterious nature of The Dragon.

In the real world, Ruka confides in Suzu about her feelings for Kamishin. Suzu supports her friend's love life, showcasing the bond and camaraderie among the group even amidst their individual struggles.

Justin captures Belle in U and forces her to reveal her true identity, threatening her very existence within the virtual world. Just as despair sets in, The Dragon’s AI guardians intervene, rescuing her from a precarious situation.

Suzu, along with Hiro, is determined to unveil The Dragon's identity before Justin can do so. Their investigation leads them to discover that The Dragon is a young boy named Kei, living in a troubled household.

Suzu learns about Kei's abusive family situation and his protective nature towards his younger brother, Tomo. This revelation deepens her resolve to help him, despite the emotional barriers he has built around himself.

In a bid to reach out to Kei, Suzu performs live in U with heartfelt lyrics that resonate deeply. Her courage to reveal her identity serves as a turning point in their relationship, encouraging Kei to trust her.

Just as Suzu and Kei appear to connect, Kei's father discovers the situation and cuts off their internet access. This abruptness leaves Suzu desperate to find and protect both Kei and Tomo from potential harm.

With the help of Ruka and Kamishin, Suzu employs her detective skills to track down Kei’s location. They pinpoint it to Kawasaki, Kanagawa, and realize the urgency of the situation as they plan their rescue.

Taking matters into her own hands, Suzu confronts the dangers to ensure Kei and Tomo's safety from their father. Her determination marks a significant step in her personal growth and healing.

After reuniting with her father, Suzu embraces her newfound courage and resolves to pursue the relationships she once longed for. Ultimately, she reconciles with her mother’s sacrifice, understanding its true meaning and paving the way for her own healing.