Chapter 85: Chapter 70. The Deathmarch
Uzumaki Training Ground
Forested Outskirts of Boston, Massachusetts
The echoes of clashing energy and thunderous impacts reverberated through the dense forest, filling the arena with tension. Naruto, in his Sannin Mode, stood poised and focused, his golden aura flaring around him. Across from him, Valiana in her Balance Breaker hovered midair, her icy-white armor radiating a chilling brilliance.
Naruto smirked as he formed a familiar hand seal. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"
In an instant, twenty identical clones materialized around him, their stances ready for combat.
Valiana narrowed her eyes, her analytical mind working overtime. "He can clone himself too? Interesting… No wonder hubby warned me about him. But why does he always say that Senjutsu users are our worst matchups?"
The deep, ancient voice of Albion rumbled in her mind. "Senjutsu is a dangerous power, especially when wielded by someone as experienced as him. Only a handful of beings, like that monkey Enma, can harness its full potential. This human… is exceptional. We need to tread carefully."
Naruto's confident voice interrupted her thoughts. "Are you ready, Valiana-chan? Let's give it our all!" He pulled a set of Hiraishin kunai from his pouch, twirling them deftly in his fingers.
Valiana grinned, a competitive spark lighting up her crimson eyes. "Bring it on, Naruto! And don't you dare hold back!"
Naruto's smirk widened. "As you wish."
With a flick of his wrist, he scattered the kunai across the battlefield, embedding them in trees, rocks, and the ground. Then, his hands blurred through a rapid sequence of seals.
Valiana frowned. "What's he planning with those kunai?"
Naruto's voice boomed across the field. "Requiem of the God of Thunder!"
Suddenly, the air around her crackled with electricity as Naruto and his clones began teleporting in rapid succession. Each flicker of movement was accompanied by the ominous hum of gathering lightning energy.
"Lightning Style: Chou Odama Rasengan Barrage!"
A symphony of giant, spinning lightning-infused Rasengan orbs came hurtling toward Valiana from all directions. The sheer intensity of the attack sent shockwaves rippling through the ground, uprooting trees and shaking the arena.
Valiana's eyes widened as she hastily conjured a glowing magical barrier around herself. The Rasengan strikes battered her shield relentlessly, cracks spreading across its surface like spiderwebs.
"Damn it! I was careless… Think, Valiana! You can't let yourself look weak in front of your family!"
As the barrier began to buckle, she stomped her foot down hard, releasing a burst of energy that propelled her into the air. She soared above the fray, taking a moment to catch her breath.
Albion's voice growled in her mind. "Valiana! Watch those kunai—he's using them to teleport. He can attack you from any angle!"
Her eyes darted across the battlefield, noting the scattered kunai. "So, that's his game… And his clones can teleport too. What a troublesome opponent."
The Dragon of Supremacy's tone turned serious. "You can't afford to stay grounded. He's controlling the battlefield. What's your next move, Partner?"
Valiana clenched her fists, her mind racing. "I can't let him dictate the fight… I'll need to force him to adapt to my pace."
She smirked, a wild idea forming in her mind. "Albion, let's try something new. Get ready to amplify me!"
•
"It's truly remarkable," Itachi said, his calm voice laced with a hint of admiration. "Who would have thought that the little blonde boy I met at the inn would grow to be so powerful?" His crimson Sharingan eyes followed the intense battle below.
Beside him, Jiraiya grinned with pride. "He's not just powerful; he's a genius. Naruto's mastery over the Hiraishin surpasses even his father's. And combining Rasengan with multiple elements? That's something Minato never dreamed of. Watching my student like this—it's like a dream come true."
Meanwhile, Satria watched from the sidelines, a mix of amusement and pity flashing across his face. 'Canon Naruto could never. Poor guy didn't even get to learn his father's signature move. At least his son can use it. But this version of Naruto? Overpowered… and a playboy. Still, one thing canon Naruto has over this guy: loyalty. This bastard would make his family in canon story cry.'
Satria's thoughts were interrupted by an excited laugh. Fatalis leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Ohhh! Look at her! Valiana's about to use that!"
Curiosity flickered across Artoria's stoic face as she glanced toward the battlefield. "What is she planning to do?"
Fatalis wagged her tail playfully. "Ah-ah, no spoilers! It's more fun to watch without knowing, isn't it?"
Esdeath smirked, folding her arms. "For once, I agree. Let's enjoy the surprise."
Satria cupped his hands around his mouth, cheering with enthusiasm. "Show him what we worked on, Princess! Land a clean hit on that blonde bastard's smug face, and I'll take you on a romantic cruise to the Maldives. Just the two of us. Oh, and I'll teach you some new techniques while we're there!"
The promise caused an immediate reaction from the group of women around him.
Fatalis leaned back with a sly grin. "A private trip to the Maldives, just you two? How nice for Valiana~ Fufufu."
The temperature seemed to drop as Kurumi, with her signature unsettling smile, tilted her head toward Satria. "Oh? A cruise, just the two of you? My, how thoughtful. And what about us, dear?"
Koneko, normally reserved, narrowed her eyes. "Senpai… Are you playing favorites now?"
Even Fran, who rarely spoke, gave him a sharp glare that pierced through him like a blade.
Beads of sweat formed on Satria's forehead as he felt the weight of their combined stares. 'Why… why do all the girls around me have to be so terrifying? I swear, someone cursed me with this kind of luck.'
He raised his hands defensively, trying to placate the brewing storm. "W-wait, ladies! It's not what it sounds like! I was just—uh—encouraging her!"
Kurumi's smile widened dangerously. "Oh, we understand perfectly, Satria-kun. Encouragement, you say? Perhaps we'll need extra encouragement to remind you of your priorities."
Fatalis laughed, clapping her hands. "Oh, this is getting good! Don't backpedal now, Satria~!"
•
Valiana's eyes lit up with excitement as she processed Satria's words. 'A date… just the two of us? Hehe, that sounds perfect! I won't let you down, husband.'
She closed her eyes, focusing all her energy. Mana surged through her body, coiling into a concentrated point at her core. With a deep breath, six pairs of devil's wings unfolded dramatically from her back, their appearance like shards of obsidian against the sky. This was one of her most advanced techniques—a devastating attack forged through relentless training with Satria.
On the battlefield, Naruto's senses sharpened. His golden eyes flickered with surprise as he felt the energy radiating from Valiana. "What kind of dangerous skill has that brat taught her?" he muttered, beads of sweat forming on his brow.
Valiana's grin widened, her voice ringing out across the field. "DIMENSIONAL BLAST!!!"
The air around her cracked and warped as she unleashed the attack. A massive shockwave of pure destructive energy erupted from her position, ripping through the battlefield with devastating force. Trees, rocks, and everything in its path were annihilated in an instant, leaving a gaping void where her attack had landed.
Hovering above the aftermath, Valiana panted heavily, her confidence surging. She scanned the obliterated terrain and let out a triumphant laugh. "Did I… win? Hahaha! I did it! Hahaha!"
"Oi, oi… Did you kill him? This might get us into trouble," Albion warned, his tone unusually concerned.
•
The battlefield stood still as the aftermath of Valiana's Dimensional Blast settled. Dust and debris clouded the air, and the sheer destructive force left everyone watching in stunned silence.
"So… this is the power of the White Dragon Emperor?" Koneko murmured, her golden eyes wide with awe. The sheer scale of the attack made her question how Naruto could possibly stand against it. 'How is that pervert senpai going to defeat her? It seems… impossible.'
Kuroka, standing nearby, whistled in admiration. "Nya~ I've never seen Vali use a move like that before. It's something new."
Kurumi, intrigued, turned to Satria. "What exactly was that technique? Care to explain, dear?"
Satria smirked proudly. "It's a product of our training. I helped her channel her strength, speed, and dimensional energy into a single devastating point. Once we figured out the proper connection and timing, we created a technique capable of destroying almost anything in its path."
Kurumi's crimson gaze narrowed thoughtfully. "Interesting… In that case, would you be willing to give me some pointers? I'd love to add more weapons to my arsenal—to better protect our family, of course."
Satria chuckled, nodding. "Of course. We'll have our own training session later. There's a lot we can do with your powers, Kurumi. I already have a few ideas."
Meanwhile, Fran tilted her head, observing the battlefield. "If Naruto-san isn't moving… does that mean Valiana won?"
Esdeath scoffed, her voice calm but confident. "Impressive, yes, but don't jump to conclusions. That attack alone isn't enough to defeat Naruto. He's no ordinary opponent."
The others on Naruto's side nodded in agreement.
Satria, however, sighed heavily as he watched Valiana's triumphant laughter echo across the battlefield. 'She's laughing already? I told her not to let her guard down under any circumstances. Looks like I'll have to toss her over the waterfall again until she learns some inner peace.'
Fatalis leaned over with a teasing grin. "Poor Valiana. I pity her already. That waterfall routine of yours is brutal."
Suddenly, a purple portal tore through the air behind Valiana. Without warning, a colossal black hand shot out, gripping her and slamming her into the ground with terrifying force.
Everyone froze, their eyes widening in shock.
From the swirling darkness of the portal, Naruto stepped out. His golden flaming robe shimmered, his Rikudou Mode illuminating the battlefield like a beacon of divine power. Behind him, nine black orbs floated ominously, radiating an overwhelming presence. His chakra pulsed with an intensity that made the air feel heavy, commanding absolute attention.
For a yokai like Koneko, the effect was even more profound. She clutched her chest, her breath hitching. 'This chakra… It's the very essence of divinity. Captivating, powerful… if I hadn't met Senpai first, I might have been completely enthralled by it.'
•
Before Valiana could respond, a swirling purple portal materialized behind her. The air grew heavy with an oppressive energy as a colossal black hand emerged from within, its very presence exuding an aura of dread.
"Valiana! Behind you!" Albion's panicked shout snapped her attention to the portal.
She turned, her eyes widening in terror as the massive hand grabbed her, its grip cold and suffocating. As she struggled, her gaze drifted beyond the hand into the portal, and what she saw froze her blood. A dark, incomprehensible figure loomed within, its form barely discernible but radiating an overwhelming sense of malice.
For the first time in her life, Valiana felt true fear. Her breaths grew shallow, her limbs trembled. The hand flung her to the ground with a brutal force, leaving her gasping for air.
From the portal, Naruto emerged, now cloaked in his Rikudou Mode, the golden glow of his form contrasting sharply with the abyssal darkness inside the portal.
Albion's voice broke the stunned silence. "What… is that? That darkness—it's deeper than any abyss I've ever encountered. It's terrifying. Even Ophis doesn't invoke such fear, but this? This is something else entirely."
Valiana forced herself to stand despite her shaking legs, defiance flickering in her crimson eyes. 'I... The White Dragon Emperor afraid of someone? No. Impossible! I won't allow it!'
Her body trembled, but her resolve hardened. "I'm not done yet!" she shouted, forcing herself to face the figure who had just humbled her.
Naruto observed Valiana with a calm but determined expression. "You've got incredible power, Valiana-chan. If this were my former self from seven years ago, you might have won already. But now… it's my turn."
Drawing in the Earth Chakra, a glowing Rasengan began to form in his palm, swirling with destructive energy. In a flash, Naruto vanished, using the Hiraishin mark he had cleverly planted on Valiana earlier.
"Uzuhiko Rasengan!"
Before she could react, the spiraling Rasengan connected, sending Valiana flying through the air. She crashed into the ground, the impact leaving her visibly battered.
"Ugh… unacceptable!" Valiana groaned, her body struggling to respond. Suddenly, her vision blurred, and the world began to spin. She stumbled, unable to even stand upright. "What… what's happening? Why is my vision spinning? What did you do to me?"
Naruto smirked knowingly. "This is a technique I call Uzuhiko Rasengan. By infusing the ever-spinning chakra of the Earth into my attack, I've disrupted your equilibrium. That chakra is running wild in your body now, making it impossible for you to tell up from down or left from right. Your balance is completely destroyed. I'd suggest you surrender, Valiana-chan. It's over."
Valiana's fists clenched in fury at his words. "Surrender? Don't… look down on me!!!" she screamed, her dragon wings flaring as she activated her Divine Dividing ability. "Divide!!!"
Naruto's energy split in half as Valiana absorbed his power, her own power surging dramatically. "You're finished, Naruto!" she shouted, a confident smirk returning to her face.
Naruto chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Absorbing my power, huh? That takes me back to my fight with Pain. But let me warn you… my power isn't so easy to handle. I'd stop if I were you."
"Valiana, STOP!" Albion's voice thundered in her mind, panic lacing his usually calm tone. "His power… it's Senjutsu! It's the worst kind of power for us! You can't control it!"
"What are you talking about?!" Valiana snapped, but her confidence quickly turned to horror as her body betrayed her. Her wings began to harden, turning to stone before her eyes.
Satria, watching from the sidelines, moved instantly. "Dumbo!" he growled, producing Luna Extract, a special remedy he'd prepared for emergencies. In a flash, he was beside Valiana, purging the wild Senjutsu chakra and the lingering effects of Uzuhiko Rasengan from her body.
Cradling her in his arms, Satria carried her to safety, setting her down gently on solid ground.
Valiana, overcome with shame, refused to meet his eyes. Her earlier bravado was now replaced with bitter regret. "Husband…" she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "I'm sorry. I couldn't bring you victory. I talked so big… but I'm weak. I couldn't even save myself." She knelt, bowing her head in apology.
Satria crouched down, lifting her chin gently. "Stand proud, Valiana," he said softly, his tone warm. "You're strong."
Her tears spilled over as she looked at him in disbelief. "What… is this? You're… not angry with me?"
He smiled, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "Angry? Why would I be angry, silly girl? Stand proud Valiana, you are strong. You gave it your all. This loss is just a lesson—use it to grow stronger."
Unable to hold back, Valiana buried her face in his chest, sobbing openly. "Thank you… thank you for being in my life. I don't know how I'd live without you, husband."
Satria hugged her tightly, his hand gently stroking her hair. "I'll always be here for you. Always."
The heartfelt moment lingered, the two lost in their own world.
"Eto… are you two done yet?" Naruto's voice cut through the sweetness, his amused tone breaking the atmosphere. "Seriously, lovebirds, this is a battlefield, not a romance drama."
Satria pulled back with a sheepish grin. "Sorry about that! Thanks for the patience, Dobe. We're done now."
Naruto crossed his arms, his brow furrowed in thought. "Okay… let's get down to business. How long are you planning to stay here? And what's your next plan? We can't afford things to go south."
Satria turned to his girls, a rare seriousness settling over his usually casual demeanor. "Ladies," he said firmly, motioning for them to gather around him. They complied, curious about his tone. "Do you all truly want to become stronger?"
Each one nodded with determination, their eyes reflecting their resolve.
Satria's smirk widened as he stomped the ground, drawing a bold line in the dirt with his foot. "I'll be honest—I won't go easy on you just because you're my precious ones. The training I have in mind will push you beyond your limits. If you're willing to face death itself to gain true strength, cross this line. But know this: once you cross, there's no turning back. You'll spend one month in hell—a nightmare of unrelenting hardship. This choice is yours and yours alone. Stay in peace, or walk into chaos to become more than you are now. Choose wisely."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, scratching the back of his head. "What the heck are you planning for them, brat? Sounds ominous."
Without hesitation, Valiana stepped forward, her expression fierce. "I've never backed down from a challenge, and I won't start now! My name is Valiana Matsumi, the White Dragon Emperor, and I'll walk through hell if it means gaining more power!"
Kurumi followed with a sly smile. "My name is Kurumi Tokisaki, soon to be Kurumi Matsumi. I'll gladly embrace the challenge, Satria-sensei. I look forward to your special guidance."
Fran crossed the line next, kneeling before him with the utmost respect. "I am Fran Matsumi, your blade. As your weapon, I must be strong enough to protect you and this family. I am ready to endure anything, my lord."
Naruto whistled softly, impressed by their conviction. "Geez, they're more fired up than I expected. You sure you're not a cult leader, Satria?"
Satria ignored him, his gaze softening briefly as he glanced at Fran. 'Fran's resolve… it's like looking at two different people in one body. Perfect. Now, The time has come to crush weaknesses like Malenia crushed me—until you're reborn as warriors.' His smile turned slightly wicked, revealing a sadistic edge.
Fatalis, noticing his expression, leaned over with a teasing grin. "Satria, dear, your face looks like a predator about to pounce on his prey. Let me fix that." She grabbed his cheeks, forcing him into an awkward smile. "See? Much better."
"Stop ruining my cool moment, idiot!" Satria growled, batting her hands away. Then he grinned mischievously. "You know, since you're here, Fatalis, it means you're joining the training, right?"
"Huh? No! I didn't mean it like that! I have important things to do—like sleeping, culinary, and collecting video games of this world!" she protested, trying to backtrack.
Satria's eyes gleamed. "Didn't you hear me, Fatalis? Cross the line, and you're in. No exceptions. We're going to have so much fun together."
"No! I'm not joining your sadistic boot camp!" Fatalis backed away in mock fear, only to find Kurumi clinging to her arm.
"Come on, Fatalis-san," Kurumi purred, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "It can't be that bad, can it?"
Fatalis gave her a desperate look. "You don't know him in drill mode! He's—"
Before she could finish, one of Satria's clones appeared, snatching her up and vanishing in a blur of speed.
"That takes care of her," Satria said nonchalantly, turning to the last member of the group. "Now… Koneko. What's your choice?"
Koneko stepped forward resolutely, her expression stoic. "My name is Koneko Matsumi. I'll do whatever you ask, Senpai, without hesitation. I want to be stronger than I am now."
Satria nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, let's begin this hellish training."
In an instant, Satria created three clones, each standing beside Valiana, Kurumi, and Fran. Without warning, the clones teleported the trio away to their respective training locations, leaving only Koneko behind.
"Dobe," Satria said, turning to Naruto. "I need you to teach Koneko how to control her chakra. The devils she trained with never taught her, and her potential is being wasted. Also, we're going to work on her speed—raw strength without precision is meaningless."
Naruto sighed, scratching the back of his head. "Tch, kids these days have no respect for their elders. Fine. I'll help, but don't boss me around, brat."
Koneko bowed politely to both of them. "Thank you, Naruto-san. Senpai."
Naruto placed a hand on her head, ruffling her hair. "Don't thank me yet, kid. This won't be a walk in the park. Now, let's see what you're made of."
•
Fatalis's POV
In the frostbitten heart of Antarctica lies a gateway—a shimmering portal concealed in the Land of Full Snow. Beyond it lies Jotunheim, the frigid domain of the Frost Giants, ruled by the imposing and merciless King Laufey. The icy winds howled as Fatalis found herself standing at the edge of this strange, hostile world.
Her sharp golden eyes narrowed as she glanced at Satria. "How did you even find this place, my love? It's your first time here, isn't it? And what are we doing in a land ruled by literal giants? This place gives me the creeps."
Satria smirked, crossing his arms. "Perk of super speed, my dear. I can find a lot of interesting places. As for why we're here, it's simple—your training." He gestured dramatically toward the endless expanse of snow and jagged ice formations. "You'll survive everything this realm throws at you for an entire week. For a mighty dragon like Fatalis-sama, that should be easy, right?"
Fatalis's jaw dropped, and a growl rumbled low in her throat. "You've got to be kidding me. This is a death sentence! I don't even know this place, let alone how to survive here! And what if I'm in danger? Those guys out there"—she pointed to a group of towering, fully armed Frost Giants patrolling nearby—"don't exactly look like friendly neighbours!"
"Don't be such a spoiled little girl," Satria teased, stepping to the cave entrance with a devilish grin. "Here comes your first challenge. Hey! YOU BIG, STUPID IDIOTS!" he suddenly yelled, his voice echoing across the icy terrain.
The Frost Giants turned, their massive heads swivelling toward the sound. Their cold, glowing eyes locked on the human duo, and their growls rumbled like distant avalanches.
"A human?" one of them snarled, his breath frosting the air. "How dare a weakling enter our realm?"
Another giant grinned wickedly. "No, brothers. We won't kill them yet. Let's play with them first. Then we feast."
Satria smirked, raising his hand in a crude gesture. "Hey, ugly! You know what this means?" He slid his thumb between his fingers, a mocking grin plastered on his face. "It's the size of your dick when you try to screw your mom. No wonder she's disappointed in you, LOSER!"
The Frost Giants froze for a moment, their brows furrowing as they processed the insult. Then, their fury erupted like a blizzard.
"GRAAAAAAAA!!!"
"KILL THEM!!!"
"TEAR THEM APART!!!"
The giants charged toward the cave, their massive weapons gleaming in the icy light.
"Run, bitch! RUN!" Satria shouted gleefully before bolting out of the cave at light speed.
"What?! IDIOT SATRIA! IDIOT!" Fatalis roared in frustration, chasing after him. The sound of heavy, thunderous footsteps behind her sent her heart racing. She darted through the snow, glancing around wildly. "Where the hell did you go, you bastard?! You just left me here?! What kind of husband abandons his wife in a nightmare like this?!"
Her voice echoed unanswered across the icy wasteland. Satria was nowhere to be seen.
Fatalis skidded to a stop, her sharp claws digging into the ice as she turned to face the oncoming horde of Frost Giants. Her golden eyes blazed with fury, and her wings flared wide. "You know what? Fine! If that idiot won't help me, I'll handle this myself!"
She pointed a clawed finger at the approaching giants, her voice echoing like a thunderclap. "Come at me, you disgusting, overgrown snowflakes! I'll burn every one of you to ashes!"
•
Valiana's POV
Satria and Valiana trudged through an endless expanse of snow, the frigid wind biting at their faces. This desolate corner of the world seemed devoid of life, with only the crunch of their boots breaking the silence. Yet, the sheer isolation carried a sense of hidden mystery.
"Is this the place you were talking about, husband?" Valiana asked, her voice firm despite the chill in the air.
Satria nodded, a grin tugging at his lips. "Yeah. This is it. A perfect place to begin your training. Amazing, isn't it? I stumbled upon these ruins while running around the area. Talk about fate."
Valiana's sharp senses flared as she scanned the surroundings. "You never fail to surprise me. But… there's something faint in the air. A dragon's scent. It's distant, but it's here."
"Good instincts, as always," Satria praised her, his expression growing serious. "Valiana… someone's here. Don't let your guard down."
Both of them turned their attention to the north, where the silhouette of a massive, ancient temple loomed in the distance. As they approached, the gates creaked open, revealing a figure stepping out.
The man was tall and bald, his skin a striking blue hue that shimmered in the pale light. His commanding presence radiated power, and his gaze was sharp as a blade.
"Visitors?" the man spoke, his deep voice resonating like thunder. "How rare. Who are you, strangers? And what brings you to this sacred land?"
Satria stepped forward, maintaining his calm demeanor. "Greetings. My name is Satria, and this is my wife, Valiana. We've come here for training. Now, it's your turn—who are you?"
The man paused before giving a slight bow, his expression unchanging. "I am Lei-Kung the Thunderer, guardian of K'un-Lun and its ancient secrets. If you have come to seek enlightenment, then you are in the right place. I can help you—particularly you, Lady Valiana, bearer of the White Dragon, Albion."
Valiana's eyes narrowed. "How do you know about me and Albion? What do you want from me?" Her tone was cautious, yet curiosity flickered beneath her guarded demeanor.
Lei-Kung's lips curved into a faint smile, though his presence remained imposing. "For generations, I have awaited the arrival of someone like you. The power of the Dragon is immense, yet it is untamed. I offer you a chance to master it, to wield it with precision and purpose. I want you to become a vassal of the Iron Fist."
•
Kurumi POV
The stench of vice and decay clung to the air like a foul miasma. Kurumi stood at the heart of Madripoor, a lawless zone infamous for its rampant corruption and brutal inequality. The city's neon lights flickered over shadowy alleys teeming with criminals, its vibrant colors masking the rot beneath. This place was the ultimate playground for the wicked.
"Why did you bring me here?" Kurumi asked, her voice laced with disdain as she observed the debauchery around her. A man shoved a child into the gutter while another casually peddled weapons from a rusted truck. "Just looking at these bastards makes me want to puke."
For the first time, Kurumi felt a genuine desire to commit atrocities against humans. Such sinful creatures. What she saw here was proof that mankind, at its worst, was irredeemable.
Satria stood beside her, his gaze cold and unyielding. "I brought you here because I want you to understand the depths of humanity's darkness. Madripoor is the epicenter of evil—a cesspool of greed, violence, and corruption. And it is where your training begins."
Kurumi turned to him, her crimson eye glowing ominously. "What do you want me to do in this disgusting hellhole?"
"I want you to learn," Satria said simply, his voice as firm as steel. "Learn everything about the evil that festers here. Infiltrate the underworld, gather valuable information, and expose its darkest secrets to me. Most importantly, become the boogeyman of this city—a nightmare that even the most depraved criminals fear to speak of."
Kurumi tilted her head, a mischievous smile forming on her lips. "The boogeyman, huh? Sounds like a delightful title~" She let her hand trail down her flintlock musket, her mind already racing with ideas. "You're telling me I can do whatever I want here, right?"
"Yes," Satria confirmed, his expression unwavering. "Do as you please. Cleanse this place of its filth, feast on the souls of the wicked, and show them that even in the darkest pits of depravity, justice comes with teeth."
Kurumi's eyes gleamed with anticipation as she gazed at the chaos before her. The streets were crawling with prey—criminals whose sins practically dripped off their bodies like blood from a fresh wound. This city, with its crime-riddled alleys and vile populace, was a feast waiting to happen.
"Oh, Satria~" Kurumi whispered with a playful yet menacing grin. "You really know how to make a girl happy. This place… it's perfect. I'll turn Madripoor into my personal hunting ground. By the time I'm done, even the shadows will fear to exist here."
She took a step forward, her flintlock gleaming under the dim streetlights. The ground seemed to tremble as her aura darkened, sending an invisible ripple of dread through the streets. The criminals didn't know it yet, but a storm had arrived.
Satria watched her with pride and a hint of amusement. "Go on then, Kurumi. Show this city the true face of terror."
As Kurumi vanished into the labyrinthine streets, the wails of her first unfortunate victims echoed in the distance. Madripoor had welcomed a new monster, and she was ready to make it her domain.
•
Fran POV
The icy chill of Antarctica gave way to a stark contrast: a lush, tropical land surrounded by volcanoes, known as the Savage Land. Here, prehistoric creatures roamed freely, a reminder of a time when humanity was not yet the dominant force.
Satria, Fran, and Bobon tread cautiously through the dense jungle, eyes scanning for both opportunities and threats.
"Why did you bring us to this dangerous land?" Bobon demanded, his voice sharp with irritation. "And how dare you send me alone into that damned desert earlier? If I were human, I'd be nothing but a dried-up husk by now! APOLOGIZE TO ME!"
"You're still alive, aren't you? That's the point," Satria replied nonchalantly. Without warning, he turned to Fran. "Hold this for me."
Before Fran could react, Satria grabbed Bobon and hurled him toward a Velociraptor stalking them from behind.
"Don't throw me like a toy, you asshole!" Bobon screeched as he wrestled with the startled dinosaur.
Fran's eyes widened in disbelief. "You knew we were being followed? How did you sense it without even looking?"
Satria smirked, turning his sharp gaze toward her. "This is what I aim to teach you, Fran. The ability to sense the presence of others—Observation Haki. It allows you to perceive enemies even when you can't see them. With enough mastery, you'll not only predict their movements but also catch glimpses of the future."
Fran's awe was palpable. "That's incredible. I want to learn this skill!"
But before Satria could respond, Fran's instincts flared. "My lord! Behind you!"
A colossal white serpent, a Titanoboa over 100 meters long, surged from the foliage. Its pale scales shimmered ominously under the dim light, and its predatory eyes locked onto Satria.
Satria turned, his grin unwavering. "Lesson two: Armament Haki. Watch closely, Fran. This is how you wear invisible armor inside your body."
The Titanoboa lunged, its jaws wide open, intending to crush him in a single strike.
"SATRIA!" Fran screamed.
"HE'S DONE FOR!" Bobon shouted.
The massive tail of the serpent swung like a battering ram, aiming to flatten Satria. But with a single, deliberate movement, Satria raised his arm, coating it with advanced Armament Haki. His hand shone faintly as if encased in an invisible shield of steel.
With a deafening crack, he deflected the Titanoboa's tail effortlessly, sending a shockwave through the jungle.
Fran and Bobon froze in awe, their mouths agape.
"How is this possible?" Fran whispered. "His strength... it's overwhelming."
Satria smirked, his voice calm. "Time to finish this."
In a blur of motion, Satria leapt onto the Titanoboa's head, his palm pressing against its thick skull. "Let me borrow a move, Sir Genzen," he murmured, twisting his body into position.
"Raksasha Palm!" He unleashed a devastating spiral strike, the force of the blow traveling from his back through his shoulders and forearms, amplifying as it twisted into the serpent's skull. The Titanoboa roared in agony, its massive body convulsing before collapsing with a thunderous crash.
Satria stood atop the fallen beast, his figure framed by the chaos of the jungle. His calm demeanor only magnified the sheer dominance he had displayed.
Fran stared at him, her heart pounding. He wasn't just powerful—he was awe-inspiring.
Satria turned to her, extending a hand. "Now, Fran, I'll ask again. Do you want to train under me?"
Fran fell to her knees, her voice trembling with determination. "Yes! I want to learn. Please, my lord, guide me!"
Satria's grin softened into a proud smile. "Good. Then let's begin."
To be continued...