Back on schedule.
Just needed a little break, that was all!
So let's get to it shall we?
From shadows
We'll descend upon the world
Take back what you stole
From shadows
We'll reclaim our destiny
Set our future free
And we'll rise
And we'll rise
Above the darkness and the shame
Above the torture and the pain
Above the ridicule and hate
Above the binding of our fate
This was vexing…
Blake scrunched her nose and furrowed her brow, shadows dispersing before her.
Again… Why would it not stay solid?
Rubbing her temple in frustration, her golden eyes flickered.
Her Shadow had always done this. It would start solid the very first moment she used it to rapidly push herself away and avoid the oncoming attack rapidly. But as soon as she did, it lost its solidity and became an afterimage.
The fact that Naruto made contact told her how close to being struck by him she was… Otherwise, he would have passed through.
"Huh, so that's the difference," Naruto muttered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully and observing the Shadow fade. "Aura works so strangely… But that's kind of cool."
Raising her eyebrow and pursing her lips, Blake tilted her head. "You figure something out?"
"Kinda." Naruto squinted an eye and scratched his head. "Still don't understand how you're channeling or using your Aura. …Seems like you just will it to work…"
"Wait, so how does your… Um, energy work?" Blake started before furrowing her brow, realizing she didn't know how his powers worked.
All she knew was that he had a kind of energy similar to Aura…
"Chakra. Best way I can say what it is… It's the connection between one's physical and spiritual energy that everyone back home has. It's more complicated than that, but I'm not good at explaining." Naruto explained, scratching his head before holding out his hand before him. "Ack, I'm better at showing…"
Visible wisps of chakra began to leak from the palm of his hand as Blake watched curiously. Slowly spiraling in several directions and wrapping into a tightly condensed sphere as more wisps wrapped.
"This is chakra in its purest form," Naruto claimed as Blake stood in awe, watching the chakra spiral into an orb and swell. "Notice how there are several different paths? It's because it's almost like an invisible muscle that flows through everyone. I would know… When your chakra coils get hit, it hurts like hell."
Blake stared mesmerizingly into the spiraling orb of what Naruto called chakra. She heard him talking… Trying to explain it…
And a part of her understood. However, as her irises widened and glistened…
So pretty…
"Oum, that is so cool!"
A loud voice snapped Blake back into reality, nearly being shoved aside as Kerry rushed over, eyes sparkling. "Oh, oh! Can I learn that!"
"Can I touch it!" Ruby dashed in, rose petals hovering around her, dazzled by the display of chakra.
"Only if you want to lose your hand. This attack is meant to destroy whatever it touches. And it's very effective." Naruto dispelled the Rasengan, slowing its rotation and letting the chakra dissipate within his hands.
"Ah, never mind!" Ruby leapt away, cringing as she gripped her wrist.
"It was pretty, though…" Kerry pouted, genuinely upset the orb disappeared.
"Anyways…" Naruto turned his focus back onto Blake, who returned to her stoic demeanor. "What I noticed is that fundamental difference between how our energies work, and it's fascinating…"
"You're going through all the stages of clone technique in rapid succession. Like from Shadow Clone to the normal version and finally to an afterimage.." Naruto mused before pursing his lips in confusion. "I don't think your version is stable as you've yet to master it. Or something else is going on, so we got to figure that issue out first."
Blake's eyes shimmered before glancing down at herself.
Shadow wasn't stable? Did that mean…
Because of all her self doubts… She was causing…
"Mind filling me in on how Aura works?" Naruto grinned and chuckled, snapping Blake out of her stupor. "I might have an idea or two on how to improve it once I learn more about how everything works!"
"Gah! How many more of these do I have to do?!"
Naruto squinted before rolling his eyes and turning his attention toward Jaune, hanging onto a rope tied to the roof, desperately trying to pull himself up…
While Nora held onto his ankles, laughing and giggling the entire way.
"Until it's eight!" Naruto called out, placing his hand on his hip. "Nora! Keep him focused, would ya?!"
"Ay, ay, Sensei!" Nora saluted manically before pulling hard on Jaune's ankles. "Come on, slacker! Get moving!"
"You try climbing a rope with someone actively trying to drag you down!"
Squinting toward a partially unraveled scroll, a brush handle pushed against his pursed lips.
This isn't hard at all! Why did Ero-sennin make such a big deal of its difficulty…
Drumming his fingers on the desk, reading over the simplified annotations, Naruto grinned. Okay, I do have a bit of a cheat… Huh, Ashina and Mito know what they're talking about… Is this note by Mom?!
His eyes flickered and widened. She studied this scroll, too?!
He chuckled lightly and shook his head. He shouldn't be surprised…
It was from his clan.
"Gotta thank that crazy girl for sending this over…" Naruto's ears flicked, a ginger smile on his head as he took his brush and gently dipped it into ink before making a precise stroke on a pair of white bracers in front of him.
Was this better? It looked right… If Fukasaku or Shima were here…
Nah, Kakashi-sensei had a good point. Need to preserve my Yang chakra. Naruto shook his head, making another subtle stroke with his brush. I'll summon them later… See how everyone is doing in a week or two.
"Only one way to find out if this works… Mah, what is that noise?" Naruto squinted as a loud beep started to resound from his waist before his eyes shimmered.
His gaze intently focused on the light brimming from the horizon outside his window.
All the while, his scroll continued to beep incessantly until he snagged it off its holder.
"I didn't sleep all night! That's my alarm!"
Ears twitched. Folded on the top of her head.
Tap… Tap… Tap…
Her eyes flickered with indignation. The noise was driving her insane.
"Would you stop?" Blake hissed, eyes dilated as she glared across their row at a particular team member. "Whether or not your intentions were good, we're in detention! Stop making this worse!"
"My bad!" Yang fumbled her pen at the sudden snap, catching it while her homework scattered.
Chuckling sheepishly, Yang hopped over their row to grab her paper. "I'm sorry… Didn't mean to drag you all into that brawl. …Winchester deserved a good slug in the face for bringing that shit here from Signal. …Seems like Dad and Uncle Qrow couldn't straighten him out either."
"I'd give him another one if it wouldn't get me in trouble… I remember all the stuff they pulled on me before Uncle Qrow took me under his wing…" Ruby whispered while glowering, glancing a few rows above them.
"I know you are talking about me…" A tall student with burnt orange wearing his uniform jacket unbuttoned grumbled, returning the glare toward Ruby. "Don't think you can just talk about me and get away with it…"
"Pretty sure I could kick your butt!" Ruby seethed, jumping to her feet. "I'm not the same little girl you bullied before you left Signal! I can so take you now!"
"Not again…" Weiss groaned, palming her face, attempting to pull Ruby back down. "They're jerks! I know, but don't get into another fight! We'll be here all week!"
"Yeah, listen to your rich little friend! The princess knows her place." Cardin retorted, slamming his hands on his desk and rising to stand tall over them from his elevated position. "We can beat any of you! You just got the jump on us!"
"Yeah, you said it! You gals were just lucky!" His teammate, with a shaved head beside a lime green mohawk, grunted, laying back in his seat with a broad grin.
"You want to say that again." Weiss rose, her eyes glistening with a cold, withering glint, clutching her hands into tight fists.
"That broken nose of yours proves otherwise!" Yang snapped her pen and cracked her knuckles, ready to throw down after hearing the gauntlet be thrown down. "I knocked you flat with a single punch, and I will do it again, punk!"
"Like you are any better, Yang?" A serious-looking student with tan hair combed and parted toward the left replied blandly, sitting plainly in his chair. "How many fights did you start at Signal? Why don't you remind me again, for I lost count."
"She had a dozen in the last semester, if I recall right, Dove." The last member of their team grinned, leaning back and slightly behind Cardin.
"Huh, thought it was more… Guess I lost count." Dove shrugged apathetically while Yang gritted her teeth and bit her lip, her entire body shivering.
Wanting nothing more than to pound those losers!
"Enough."
Stepping beside Yang, softly placing her hand on her shoulder, Blake scowled. Her ears stiffened straight. Her eyes slowly dilating.
Her gaze locked with Cardin's before she responded in a low growl. "If you are looking for a fight… Why not me, Winchester?"
Cardin loured, his gaze glimpsing unflinchingly into Blake's golden gaze.
She dared speak to him? A mangy…
His eyes narrowed. Those eyes… Were familiar. Her figure…
He swore he had seen her before. He gnashed his teeth. Was she…
"Heh, so the animal speaks…" Cardin grunted demeaningly, smirking at the hiss that left her lips. "Heh. You really want me to train you, don't…"
His body went rigid. A loud thunk echoed.
A kunai drove deep into the desk, nearly through it, directly in front of him…
Between his legs and tickling his thighs…
Everyone's breath grew cold. Every breath labored.
"Shut your trap if ya know what's good for ya." Naruto directed an icy stare toward Cardin, the door shutting behind him as he slowly marched toward them, shifting his gaze to everyone else. "Sit down and get back to work. This is detention, ya know? You're gonna serve your time the easy way… Or my way."
"Yes, sir!" Cardin hurriedly took a seat, burying his face into his textbook along with the rest of his team.
He had seen what he did in the Emerald Forest against those horrific creatures… Struggled with his courses… Caught glimpses of his insane training method with those that attend his after-school lessons!
He didn't want to find out what hell his detention would take!
"But, they… Ugh! Fine!" Ruby glowered, scrunching her face as she heatedly took her seat, noticing Weiss took her seat without hesitation, timidly hunched over as she shakily picked up her book. "You okay…"
"Did you feel the death coming from him?!" Weiss quietly hissed, eyes flickering with rage. "I don't want that focused on me! What if I do something wrong in his eyes? He could… Ugh, you wouldn't understand!"
"Huh?" Ruby blinked at Weiss' temperament, pursing her lips in confusion. "Okay… Want to talk about it later?"
"No." Weiss gnashed her teeth, intently staring at her textbook, noticing Yang plop down in her seat beside her.
"Whatever… They'll get what's coming to them…" Yang grunted, plopping back down in her seat, poutingly crossing her arms. "I'll show them what's… Blake?"
"Is there a problem, Ms. Belladonna?" Naruto frowned, his intent entirely focused on Blake.
Who held a seething gaze toward Cardin before shifting it toward him.
"I need some air…" Blake hissed in frustration before stepping down the stairs.
"Yeah, seems like ya do." Naruto felt the agitation radiating from Blake as she stepped past him, heading toward the room exit. "As I said before…"
Blake hesitated, hearing his words. Knowing what he was about to say…
Then, she glowered, walking past without another word, the door slamming behind her.
Naruto exhaled, his gaze focusing on the two teams serving detention. He felt something was off with her…
If he could figure out what.
The sunset beautifully glinted outside through the window, bestowing its gorgeous light onto the academy.
Students wandering the premises, heading to their subsequent destinations. Some went to train or study, wanting to better themselves. Some took minor jobs from the board to fill their pockets. Some just hung out with friends or headed to town to enjoy themselves.
No choice was wrong. Their time was limited.
They deserved to use it how they wished.
It was truly a mesmerizing sight to behold.
Sighing softly, drinking from his mug, a melancholic glint sparkled within his eye. If only it were this easy to unite everyone like this…
A pleasant ding drew his attention. He knew who it was.
"What brings you?" Ozpin aloofly responded to the person stepping from the elevator. "She is as silent as she was when Glynda brought her in, unfortunately. And no, there have been no sightings of the Fae. I haven't seen or felt a hint from Gaea."
"Kinda figured on both accounts… No surprise on Neopolitan… She seems testy… And I could only sense her presence all around me when I returned to try and talk to her. Like she became one with the earth itself." Naruto scratched over his long ear on his head, repressing his leg attempting to tremor.
Why did that feel so good?
"Ah, so you must be here on school business? Having a particular issue?" Oz slowly rotated and turned his attention from the scenery below to Naruto. "Or is it someone in particular you are having an issue with, perhaps?"
"Don't like how you just know things…" Naruto scowled and squinted with annoyance.
If he was still spying on him…
"I have my ways." Oz chuckled and shook his head. "I've been around for a long time… I tend to know when something is off. Let's call it a hunch, shall we?"
Still staring at him, not entirely believing him, Naruto crossed his arms. "Blake…"
"Ah, Ms. Belladonna is your issue?" Oz nodded in understanding, strolling toward his desk. "I've been meaning to talk to you about her since all my instructors are aware of her situation. Her case… Is unique, you can say."
Deepening his scowl further, observing Oz activate something on his desk, Naruto pursed his lips as holo-monitors projected into the air. Playing videos…
Of Blake with a mask on? And a young man with striking red hair… Were those horns on his head?
Wait… Was that building on fire?
"I had to do a bit of work to bring her into the academy." Oz sighed, watching the videos displayed carefully. "She… Her record is far from clean, but…"
"I believe everyone should have the chance of redemption, don't you agree?"
It had been over a week… No. It had been two weeks now.
He had been waiting here this entire time, and nothing had happened? What was taking so long?
Where were the toads? Had he not summoned them this entire time? Wasn't he supposed to stay in contact?
Gnashing his teeth, tomoe spiraling in irritation as he looked down upon the village he once called home from his spherical perch on the top of the Uzumaki Estate, Sasuke took a deep breath.
Didn't need his ire to be displayed visibly for anyone to come upon him…
Like right now…
"What do you want, Kakashi?" Sasuke flatly spoke, glancing behind him without turning his head, as he caught the soft pitter of someone landing behind him.
"Chipper, as always, I see," Kakashi responded monotonously, pocketing his hands as the cold air wisped around them. "Mah, you'll catch a cold just hanging out here all day and night. Winter is almost upon us."
Sasuke clicked his tongue before rolling his eyes. "Concerned for my well-being? …There is no need. I'm fine."
"Why wouldn't I be? You are my student. I care for each of you, regardless of what you have done or your affiliation." Kakashi gazed down at his seated student, observing the town as he waited for news.
Exhaling, a cold breath of mist floated in front of him; Sasuke grunted. Should have expected as much.
"Ya know, it would be warmer to wait inside?" Kakashi frowned beneath his mask before chuckling. "Although, she may assault you the moment you go inside…"
"I'm fine." Sasuke retorted stoically, and his gaze focused on the rebuilding village below. "When news comes about the toads being summoned and returned, I'll be here."
Kakashi shifted his frown to the side. His brow furrowed. "What are you really waiting for, Sasuke? I told Naruto to conserve that chakra and to only use it for summoning sparingly, you know that. He may need it. He's in an unknown world. Who knows what threats could be hidden."
Glowering, his gaze sharply gazing back toward his sensei, Sasuke leered at him. Of course, he would detect something was amiss…
Sasuke scoffed, turning his gaze to the starry sky above. Seemed like he was still predictable…
"I am more than aware… But we need to act quickly." Sasuke muttered, his tomoe swirling, noting the peculiar glimmer of the moon above. "We don't have much time left. I fear I cannot handle what will come on my own…"
Reaching underneath his poncho, he withdrew a book and held it up for Kakashi. "I've been translating this since only the Sharingan and Rinnegan can decipher this book. We are in trouble, Kakashi."
Taking the book offered, squinting as he opened the book, Kakashi scrolled through the first few pages.
His body stiffened. He clenched his free fist as he scanned over the words.
Kakashi's gaze snapped up towards Sasuke, a sense of worry crossing his face. "Where did you get this? Was this really written by… Her?"
"From one of her pocket dimensions," Sasuke replied simply, answering his question with one statement, closing his eyes and letting the brisk night air soothe him. "Found it when I was searching for him… Attempting to locate where I could feel his presence. …I don't know how much more time we have…"
"But they are coming, and I need him at my side to win this fight."
Every movement was painful… It was agonizing.
His legs were numb besides the intense burning he felt through his calves and thighs. He could barely inch them forward. His arms dragged limply, dragging him toward the ground. They were so heavy…
What did he do? How could they weigh so much?
"Mah, pick up the pace! I'm hungry! Wanna see what the cafeteria's got today! …So many new foods to try out! Think I want to try a cheeseburger next… Wait… That's only for lunch and dinner. Damn."
Gasping, feeling the air being sucked from his lungs, blue eyes glimmered scornfully, looking directly into the gaze of his tormentor.
The one who brought this torture upon him…
Jaune cursed. He did ask for this… If only to not be a burden.
But this was ridiculous! He thought he was gonna get sword training or something!
Not have to run a gauntlet of physical exercises that pushed him far beyond exhaustion!
Was he trying to kill him?!
"You're doing well, Jaune." He felt a pat and soothing circles rubbed into the crook of his neck.
His gaze turned to peer into the purest emerald eyes he had ever seen. The brightest and most caring smile he had ever known…
"This is a challenge for even me…" Pyrrha closed her eyes and tilted her head, rubbing the bands worn on her wrists gently. "Never thought gravity could be used in such a manner. It's fascinating… I wonder how this works."
Relief washed over Jaune. Pyrrha found this challenging? …That made him feel better.
Grunting as he struggled to lift his body, his breath came in soft, short spurts as he stood upright. Yet Jaune smirked and weakly nodded his head. "Thanks… I needed to hear that."
"I could tell." Pyrrha smiled before sheepishly rubbing the back of her neck and pointing behind them. "It could also be worse…"
"I hate you, Naruto!" Ruby wailed, lying flat on her back, her entire body rigid as she stared directly into the sky. "Why do I have to do this?!"
"Because Jaune beat you in a hand-to-hand spar when you couldn't use your ability!" Naruto squinted, placing his hand on his hip. "Gotta work on your strength and stamina too! You may be faster than everyone here, but it means squat if you can get overpowered by civilians without your weapon!"
"You suck!" Ruby cried before grunting, forcing herself to a seated position before mumbling. "Dad always told me the same thing… Stupid jerks… I'll show you…"
"And now I feel less confident…" Jaune hunched over, expressing his dismay openly.
"I thought beating Ruby last night was a triumph…"
She was left in utter silence—Awestruck with terror.
Everyone was left with their mouth agape at the scene unfolding before them. What was she witnessing?
Food from her tray was disappearing. And she wasn't the one causing it to disappear!
"Um… Ruby…" Yang leaned back as her sister scarfed down every scrap of food around her. "Uh… How you doing this morning? Something wrong…"
"Clearly, there is." Weiss squinted after recovering from the traumatic scene, grabbing her tray and pulling it away from the ravenous fiend. "Get back! It's mine!"
"But I need it! I'm starving!" Ruby wailed against the table, eyes glistening tearfully as she tried to give Weiss a pitiful stare.
"Not working on me!" Weiss snapped, glaring at Ruby, giving her no sympathy. "What did he do to you this morning? You've become rabid… No offense?"
"None taken. I agree with you here." Blake twitched, morbidly curious about precisely what Naruto's training entailed to turn Ruby into this monster before their very eyes.
Even Jaune and Pyrrha had heftier trays than usual.
"She's just stocking up on her calorie intake." Pyrrha refrained from giggling, hand over her mouth as she shook her head. "Burned through a lot, and her muscles crave energy."
"I get why," Blake gave a piercing glare toward Pyrrha, making her chuckle further. "We were wondering what he did to cause… This."
"A morning jog." Pyrrha lifted an apple from her tray and took a bite from it. "If you wish to know more… Perhaps you should join us."
Blake and Weiss narrowed their eyes. Shared a glance with one another; one frowned, and the other one shrugged suggestively.
Weiss scowled and hung her head. "Fine… We'll join tomorrow. …Damn my curiosity…"
"What kind of jog would do this?" Yang bellowed, glowering toward Pyrrha. "I'm a Queen of the gym and working out… This should not be someone's reaction from a jog!"
"How about a jog from hell?" Jaune tiredly retorted, weakly taking a bite of his omelet.
It wasn't that he wasn't hungry…
He could barely move his arms, so every bite was a struggle.
"No longer curious." Weiss blanched as terror gripped her entire being, shaking her head toward Blake. "You can't make me…"
"Not gonna." Blake shrugged as she mulled over, getting seconds to stock up from this jog from hell. "You don't have to come… But I won't tell you about it."
"You… Fine!" Weiss hissed before sighing in irritated exasperation, giving in. "I'll go…"
"Let go of me!"
"Velvet?!" Blake hissed as everyone tensed, recognizing the voice, her head on a swivel, searching for where it came from.
Her hair stood on end. Pupil dilated slowly as her eyes trembled. Her lips gnarled while she gnashed her teeth. A violent hiss rumbled through her chest.
Velvet was being restrained in a rear choke lock…
Her ears being tugged on by him.
"Please stop…" Velvet whimpered, desperately pleading with the assailant while wincing with each tug of her ears.
Only if she was a little stronger…
"Huh, so they are real?" Cardin mused, tugging once more for good measure. "See, told you guys."
"Damn, lost a thousand Lien on that bet." Russel snapped his fingers mockingly before handing a white card over to Sky. "Hey, think she bounces like…"
"That is enough!" Blake roared, landing before them in a crouch, rising menacingly as purple Aura shimmered around her being.
"Blake?" Velvet whined, grasping at his wrist while tugging her head fiercely, trying to break free of his grip.
She didn't want others to get involved… If they were targeting her… They would target her, too!
Eyes fully dilated as she bore her seething gaze into Cardin's. "Let her go…"
"How 'bout… No?" Cardin mocked, whipping Velvet to his side, tightening his grasp around her throat.
Velvet gasped, the air sucked out of her. He was holding her too tightly… She couldn't…
"Nah, not gonna just sit here and let this happen." The pitter of several footsteps crept behind.
And Fox and Yatsu stood beside Blake, one's gaze and the other's intent sharply fixated on Cardin.
"I suggest doing as Blake said…" Fox firmly reiterated, cracking his knuckles from balling his fists.
Yatsu nodded. His words were not needed.
His thousand-yard glare was more than enough.
"Alright! For Oum's sake…" Cardin spat, ruffling his hair with his free hand. "Give us some space…"
"Let her go now, or we'll break you." Coco's voice echoed from behind as her boots clicked against the floor, strolling toward the four of them unflinchingly.
"I said back off!" Cardin barked, yanking Velvet into a tighter clutch.
Her soundless gasp and tears stopped Coco in her tracks.
"I'll let her go as soon as you…"
"I'm done with people like you!" Blake roared, lunging forward, her vision tunneling on her target.
If he wasn't going to let her go… She was going to make him listen.
Just like they did to his family…
She snarled as her movement was halted.
A tight grip clutched around her wrist and pulled her to a stop. She snapped her attention to the offender stopping her.
Only to freeze as an object rolled out of his hand and onto the floor.
He knew? No… No, no, no…
Cardin shivered, his eyes shimmering. Her grasp was mere inches from clutching his throat…
A clink drew his attention to the floor. An object rolled between his feet.
His entire body went limp. All his strength was sapped from him.
Velvet, with one last gasp, broke his clutch, landing on her rear. She shuffled as fast as she could away from him, only to be petrified once she saw the object…
"Mah, enough of this." Naruto scolded, the air weighing heavily on everyone as his eyes scornfully gazed directly into Cardin's. "I think it's time to settle this once and for all… That sound good to you, Professor Goodwitch? I hardly think a simple detention has any merits here."
"I am inclined to agree with you, Professor Uzumaki." Glynda scowled, striding toward the scene with purpose.
Her gaze faltered to the dropped item. It only fouled her mood further. She was more than aware of its meaning…
"What is it you propose we should do?" Glynda inquired while Naruto released Blake's restrained wrist.
"You're taking over my class tomorrow, correct?" Naruto's gaze shifted to Glynda's as Blake staggered from him. "For tournament preparation and spars?"
"I am." Glynda's gaze squinted at the young instructor, sensing where this line of questioning would lead.
"I would like to request a particular match, if you wouldn't mind." Naruto stood straight, his gaze scanning over the horrified Cardin, rooted to the spot by the item at his feet, while Blake clutched her chest, dread overwhelming her. "Ms. Belladonna here to take on Mr. Winchester… So they can solve their issues once and for all."
"Naruto, I can explain…" Blake shrunk away in terror, shaking her head.
"I already know." Naruto scowled, shaking his head before sighing. "I kept asking… Now I know."
Blake's irises dimmed. Her head hung shamefully. The disappointed tone was wounding…
"Very well." Glynda sternly frowned, somewhat disapproving of this measure.
However… Saw the merit within it.
"Mr. Winchester, Ms. Belladonna. You will have the opening match tomorrow to settle your dispute. Prepare wisely for it." Glynda gazed upon them with derision. "I could easily expel both of you if I so chose, so considering this your last warning. Mr. Winchester, do not let this happen again… Ms. Belladonna…"
"Pick it up. Let it remind you that you're here by our good grace." Glynda finished with a stony and cold stare that pierced through Blake.
Swallowing the lump in her throat, Blake shivered. She did as requested, reaching up and picking up the sphere with a fuse attached to it remorsefully.
She could never get away from what she had done… It would always follow her for the rest of her life…
This fire bomb was a reminder of her mistakes.
It was a breathtaking view.
The stars sparkled within the void, giving the perfect light to take the sight in.
The world glistened before his very eyes.
"Now, isn't this a surprise… This planet has grown significantly. Could it be…"
"Who are you?"
"Ah, so you noticed my presence, boy?" A giant, burly yet pale-featured man took in the vivid world full of life before him before his lone visible, pale eye shifted toward a younger man with a pale complexion.
His eyes held shut despite focusing in his direction.
"Oh, dear… They removed your eyes, didn't they?" The giant of a man frowned disdainfully. "Now that won't do…"
"I asked who you were." Toneri furrowed his brow, scowling at the presence before him.
It felt… Familiar. Was he…
"Family, my dear boy." The man chuckled, turning his full intent onto Toneri, moving to hold his hands behind his back. "I've come to check the disturbance I felt here and check on dear Kaguya and deliver the news to my lord… And now you stand before me like this? What have they done to you, my dear child."
Toneri's scowl deepened, clenching his fist before impassively schooling his features. Family… He was…
So, the time his forefathers feared had come.
"Well, this should be interesting," Toneri muttered under his breath before smirking as a thought crossed his mind.
It was worth a shot…
"It's a long story…" Toneri drew out his words and exhaled pitifully.
"I have ample time." The man nodded before the glistening of the world garnered his attention. "We will have plenty of time to discuss it once we have harvested this world…"
"And given its fruit to Lord Momoshiki."
Toneri repressed his scowl and kept his demeanor visibly calm. That wouldn't do…
This world was his. No one else could touch it!
One more for the road.
Your comments help me more than you know, so if you have a moment, it means so much.
I can never sing enough praises to everyone for supporting this story.
Even if you got a question, ask away! It might be something that isn't clear and I need to fix it or at least explain it better!
I'm not perfect! I make mistakes!
So until next time,
Got a poll going on about how you would like me to update this story after Volume 2 is complete.
Basically to do as I've been doing and go chapter by chapter or to wait until I finish a Volume and release each chapter every few days or so.
If you can't vote on the poll, for whatever reason, just let me know.
Peace my friends!