So I forgot to mention this for a while because I keep forgetting to mention it, but Enatsu actually has an arm sleeve, called the Shinobi Gauntlet, which adds few little advantages to his left arm. To compensate for the slight retcon, we'll just say that he decided not to use it for as long as he wasn't in direct combat positions, like if he were at home, since he would have no use for it.
Also side note; with the help of a friend of mine, I've determined that the affliction Enatsu is under is effectively a curse that will push his consciousness to the back of his mind, and his body will obey whatever either Cryptor or the Overlord command him to, like for example to duel Yumiko, or to act a certain way, i.e. act impassive, etc. However, he will nonetheless act more aggressive, as his consciousness is constantly battling for dominance again. I hope this clears things up, in case anyone was wondering. (Note: for as long as he's under this "curse", I will be referring to him as just "Enatsu" or another title, but never his first name)
With that, I hope you enjoy the chapter.
Chapter 24: Broken Promises
No P.O.V., 3 hours following "Severed Ties"; 10:00 PM
"Are you ready to face your new lord?"
". . . Yes."
Cryptor nodded to his newest weapon. "Then go, prove yourself to our cause."
Rising from his eased stance, Enatsu flexed his Shinobi Gauntlet, testing for his tools, many of which resembled those found in Swiss knives, in addition to many other, more deadlier, gadgets.
As Cryptor opened the grand door, Enatsu swiftly followed him in, before dropping to his knee once he approached the Overlord.
"You child, youare my destined champion. Will you, chūjitsuna shinobu (faithful shinobi),serve me as your lord?"
"Hai, omo yo (Yes, lord)." The soldier kept his head lowered, a traditional sign of respect. After a moment's beat, the Overlord waved his hand, allowing him to focus his gaze on his new master.
"Rise, you are now one of us. From now on, all men here are to treat you with the utmost respect, Cryptor included. If any dare to refuse you, report to me at once, and they will be punished accordingly. You are my master weapon against the ninja, whom you will infiltrate. Your trigger word shall be 'faith', and you will act on that onlyif I am to say it, understood?"
The shinobi nodded. "I understand loud and clear, my lord."
"Good, good. And remember child, you are not to use the Shinobi Gauntlet unless you are provoked, yes?"
"Yes, Master. I understand."
Yumiko P.O.V., 4 hours, 34 minutes following "Severed Ties"; 4:34 AM
"–you've gotta wake up, Yumi. Marasu's back."
As Yumiko's eyes slowly fluttered open, she saw Kenshi, sitting by her side, gently shaking her arm, trying to awaken her without triggering her protective instincts, honed from years of combat. Gradually beginning to sit up, Yumiko scanned the room, eyes searching for any unwanted guests.
Kenshi grinned suddenly, much to Yumiko's bewilderment. "What? Is there a fairy on my head?"
The swordsman shook his head, chuckling softly. "No, but Masa's back. Figured you should be the first to know, seeing as to how everyone else is still asleep."
Yumiko's face instantly lit up, much to the older man's happiness. "Really? Where is he? Can I see him now?"
Kenshi laughed quietly. "Yes, but know this: when I first brought him up, I saw him with a the Shinobi Gauntlet on, which raised a few red flags, but I let it slide, figured he'd wandered around, and had kept it on for protection. Now I'm not trying to spoil the moment, but keep an eye on him, I'm not quite sure this is the same Marasu that you've shared a bed with."
The younger Kobayashi nodded, her mind beginning to form wild theories. "Yeah, I'll be careful, promise."
The older man nodded, extending his hand to pull the former out of bed. Accepting the hand, Hibana allowed herself to be pulled out of the warm embrace of bed, and towards her beloved. As she entered the kitchen, her senses were immediately bombarded with the distinct smell of death. As she lay her eyes on Enatsu, she noticed multiple gashes littered across his bare back and shoulders, some overlapping the dragon tattoo sleeve, others reopening scars closed long ago. Rushing forwards, she wrapped him in a warm embrace, careful not to put too much pressure on the wounds.
"Yumi, I'm fine, don't worry so much." Enatsu winced, careful not to show that he was in too much pain.
Eventually, she released him, a lingering hand still lightly resting on his shoulder. "Okay, I have faith that Kenshi can patch you up?"
While the Takahashi nodded, Enatsu's eye twitched, a movement that did not go unnoticed by the eldest man's keen eye. "Yeah, we'll be fine. Right Masa?"
The younger man nodded in agreement. "Yep, we will be just fine."
Kai P.O.V., 2 hours following "Severed Ties"; 6:30 AM
Many people cannot function properly without a cup of coffee in the morning. Kai was one of those people, so when the on-board phone began to ring, he was visibly agitated. Despite this, he still wheeled over to pick up, ready to unleash a few very choice words.
What he wasn't ready for however, was a conversation with his assumed dead brother.
"Hello? Is this the Ninja?"
Kai, voice still coarse from lack of use, cleared his throat, be fore proceeding. "Yeah, Kai speaking. Who are you and what do you need?"
A moment of silence, then a sigh. "Kai, it is Zane. The one who was pitched over the deck of the Bounty?"
And with that, Kai was instantly awake. "Wh–what? Shit, Zane, I am so, so, sorry. I haven't heard you speak in so long I think I was starting to forget the sound of your voice. Here, hold on a sec, lemme go get the other guys."
The nindroid's distinct voice rang through clearly. "Of course, take all the time you need."
Hurriedly wheeling himself down the hall, he firmly knocked on all the doors, all whilst yelling, "Zane's on the phone! Zane's on the phone!"
Out of said rooms emerged three ninja and a samurai, eyes clouded over with drowsiness, but still eager to hear from their long-lost brother. Quickly following Kai back out into the kitchen, where the phone lay, Zane waiting patiently on the other end.
Before Kai could reach over to pick up the phone, Jay snatched up the phone, shakily bringing the phone up to his ear. "Z–Zane? Is that really you?"
A soft chuckle on the other end. "Yes, Jay, it really is me. If you would not mind, I would like to request a vehicle to be sent to me. I am currently residing in Senpou Temple, just outside the city."
Jay smiled, thankfully to the gods above that his brother wasn't really dead, but currently safe, in the welcoming hands of the monks in Senpou Temple.
"Yeah, I'll come over soon. I'll bring you some new gear, in case your old set got lost. I even upgraded a few thing for you while you were gone."
Another quiet laugh. "Alright then, Jay, it is agreed. Would Saturday be a good time to meet? The monks are often busy everyday except for then, and they do not mind visitors then."
"Sure, Saturday it is. Stay safe until then."
"As to you, brother."
So, I'm not so happy with this chapter, but I need to stick to the schedule again, so please bear with me.
As always, reviews are much appreciated, and help encourage me to write better. If you have the time, please consider dropping a review. Tell me what you did, or didn't like.
Stay safe everyone, and have a good day/night.
~The Titan's Shadow