Chapter 86: Chapter 71. Trial of White and Black
Kuoh Academy
Kuoh, Japan
It's been a week since the incident with Kokabiel in Kuoh, and life at the town has returned to a semblance of normalcy.
At the nearby cafe, Satria's clone drinking his ice latte, relaxing under the afternoon sun. However, the tranquility was short-lived, as a group of persistent individuals surrounded him.
"Can you all just leave me alone?" Satria muttered lazily, not even bothering to open his eyes. "I know I'm handsome, amazing, and all that, but invading my personal space? Now that's crossing the line. And for the last time, I'm not joining your circus troupe, Road Gremory."
"IT'S RIAS GREMORY!" Rias barked, her face flushing with irritation. "And this isn't about that! We need your help—this is serious!"
"It's true!" Issei chimed in, desperation evident in his voice. "Koneko-chan… she's in danger! A guy named Black Flash has taken her hostage, and we need your help to save her!"
Satria's eyes opened slightly, a mock expression of concern masking the amusement brewing inside him. 'Oh, this is rich. They came to me of all people? This'll be fun.'
"Someone's got a soft spot for our adorable little junior~," Akeno teased with a sly smile.
"Cut the nonsense," Satria snapped, sitting up and feigning irritation. "Tell me what happened to Koneko, now."
"If you want to know, follow us to the meeting room in our school. This is bigger than just Koneko," Sona interjected firmly. "We also need answers about what you did during the Kokabiel incident. I promise—on behalf of the Sitri family—this isn't a trap."
He stood and dusted himself off. "Fine. Today's an exception. I'll help because Koneko is involved. Lead the way."
•
The room buzzed with tension as Satria made his entrance. Unlike the rest, who seemed uneasy, he carried himself with unbothered confidence, slouching into a chair with one leg crossed over the other.
Two imposing figures sat across from him: Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan, the Maou of the Underworld. Satria sized them up, noting their casual demeanors but sensing the raw power they exuded.
"You must be Shin Matsumi," Sirzechs began, his tone polite. "The one who helped my sister during the Kokabiel incident."
"Yeah, that's me," Satria replied nonchalantly, lighting a cigarette. "Can we skip the pleasantries and get to the point?"
"Mind your manners!" Rias snapped, furious at his casual attitude.
"And smoking is prohibited here!" Sona added, glaring at him.
"I don't care if you're a king, a god, or a demon." Satria's tone was sharp, his gaze unwavering. "Respect is earned, not given. So if you want mine, prove yourselves first."
"You—!" Rias started, but Sirzechs raised a hand, silencing her.
"Relax, Rias," Sirzechs said, his smile unfaltering. "You're an intriguing man, Shin-kun. Who are you, really? Are you even human?"
"I'm just an ordinary high school student," Satria replied smoothly, exhaling a puff of smoke. "Lucky enough to have a great teacher who turned me into what I am today."
"A teacher?" Rias repeated, stunned. "You're saying someone trained you?"
"Exactly." Satria leaned back, a nostalgic smirk on his face. "My master is the leader of the Shadow Garden, the darkness of this world. A man of true gender equality—he wouldn't hesitate to drop-kick a woman if she deserved it." He leaned back casually. "But these days, he's chosen a peaceful life with some annoying water goddess. If you need protection or, I don't know, a kick in the ass, I'm your guy. Consider me your contact for Shadow Garden's services, dear customers."
He delivered the lines with a straight face, making it impossible to discern the absurdity of his words.
Sirzechs blinked, visibly processing. "A mercenary group? I've never heard of this Shadow Garden. And the woman with the Excalibur-like weapon—is she part of your organization too?"
"Of course," Satria said smoothly. "She went through the same grueling training as I did under our master. Don't worry, we're not a threat—unless someone makes themselves one to us." His smile was sharp. "Now, it's your turn to introduce yourselves."
Grayfia narrowed her eyes. The way Satria spoke, with such pride and mystique about his so-called master, was unsettling. 'The darkness of the world? And living with a goddess of water? Who is this master of him, and how does someone like him stay hidden from us?'
Sirzechs nodded. "Fair enough. I'm Sirzechs Lucifer, one of the Four Great Maou. The woman beside me is my colleague, Serafall Leviathan."
"Levi-tan~!" Serafall chimed, striking a magical girl pose. "Nice to meet you, Shin! I heard you fought Kokabiel in a unique costume and called yourself the God of Vaporeon. That's… honestly pretty cool."
Satria raised an eyebrow, biting back a laugh. "You're both Demon Kings? You don't look like it. Especially you, Magical Girl. But I guess this is what they mean by 'don't judge a book by its cover.' But it looks good on you... Keep it up!"
To their surprise, Satria's tone carried no trace of fear or reverence. He spoke to them as equals, something few dared to do.
Serafall beamed. "You think the costume suits me? Thank you, Shin-kun! Finally, someone gets it."
"I do. In fact," Satria leaned forward, "I can help you become a real magical girl. Your passion for the character is inspiring. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Everyone's unique, everyone's special—embrace that, and you'll shine."
Serafall's cheeks flushed slightly, her usual hyper demeanor faltering. "R-really? I'm… beautiful? And… you could really make me a real magical girl?"
"Nothing's impossible for a gentleman of my caliber," Satria said with exaggerated confidence, earning a mix of disbelief and amusement from the room.
Serafall laughed, hiding her flustered reaction. 'At first, I thought he'd be boring or uptight, but he's… something else. Weirdly charming.'
Tsubaki leaned toward Sona, whispering, "Do you think they'd suit each other? Serafall-sama seems more comfortable with him than I've ever seen her with anyone else."
Sona frowned, adjusting her glasses. "One of her is already hard to handle. Adding him to the mix would be a nightmare."
Sirzechs cleared his throat, bringing the room back to order. "Interesting as this is, let's focus. Shin-kun, we've identified a new threat called Black Flash. He's taken Koneko hostage. Do you know anything about him?"
At the mention of Black Flash, Satria's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a chilling intensity. A faint but unmistakable murderous aura filled the room, freezing everyone in place. His eyes burned with fury, as if recalling a personal vendetta.
"That bastard…" he muttered, his voice low and venomous. "He's not just dangerous—he's one of the people my master hunts."
Sirzechs tensed. "You mean… there are more like him?"
Satria's grim expression deepened, his words carrying a weight that made even the Maou uneasy. "You have no idea. The universe is vast, and he is just one of many. Monsters like him—beings that thrive on chaos—exist everywhere. We've always done our best to keep their kind from entering this world. But now that one's here… perhaps we can't afford to stay secretive anymore."
The room fell silent, the gravity of Satria's words sinking in.
"But he claims to be from the Shinto Pantheon," Serafall ventured cautiously.
Satria groaned, dragging a hand down his face in exasperation. "And you believed that crap? I thought Demon Kings were supposed to be smart and cunning."
Serafall flinched at his bluntness, while Grayfia's stern expression faltered for the briefest moment.
"What are you saying?" Sirzechs asked, frowning.
Satria crossed his arms, his voice steady but sharp. "He's a fraud. An opportunist using the Shinto Pantheon's name to cover his tracks and sow confusion. If you'd spent half as much time dealing with beings beyond this world as our group have, you'd know the difference."
Rias stared at him, wide-eyed. "So you're saying he's not just a threat to us but to the entire world?"
Satria's gaze turned steely. "Not just this world. If we let him roam unchecked, he could draw others like him here. This isn't just a local problem—it's cosmic."
"What are you going to do now? Are you going to help us?" Serafall asked, her tone hopeful yet cautious.
Satria smirked, his aura shifting to one of confident resolve. "Don't worry, ladies and gentlemen. Nobody gets away with kidnapping my favorite junior or causing trouble in my neighborhood. As a righteous man, let me help you defeat this Black Flash who dares disturb the peace."
His bold declaration brought a mix of relief and satisfaction to the room. For Sirzechs, keeping such a powerful individual close was an ideal outcome. "Thank you, Shin-kun. You're certainly different from the impression my sister gave me." He glanced toward Rias, whose cheeks flushed as she looked away.
Sirzechs continued, "As a token of our gratitude for saving Rias from Kokabiel, I'd like to offer my assistance. Tell me what you desire, and I'll do my best to grant it."
Before Satria could respond, Serafall jumped jumped in with her characteristic enthusiasm. "I'll top that offer! How about becoming my Queen, Shin-kun? You'll have everything you've ever wanted if you join my royal family. We'd have so much fun together! What do you say?"
The room froze, everyone stunned by Serafall's unprecedented move.
"I refuse."
The rejection was instant and decisive, reverberating like a thunderclap.
"He rejected her immediately!" Issei and Saji exclaimed in unison, utterly baffled.
"How could he refuse Maou Leviathan's invitation?" Sona and her peerage stared in shock, unable to comprehend the boldness of such a refusal.
Rias stepped forward, her voice tinged with disbelief. "Are you serious? It's Maou Leviathan we're talking about. People would kill for a chance to join her peerage, let alone as her Queen!"
Serafall,, though taken aback, remained composed. "Can you explain why, Shin-kun? Becoming a part of the Demon King's peerage comes with countless privileges. You'll gain immense strength, magical power, and access to ancient knowledge. You'd be elevated to High-Rank Devil status instantly, with wealth and resources beyond your imagination. You could even form your own peerage. Eternal life, luxury, power—doesn't any of this appeal to you?"
Her tone carried genuine curiosity and a hint of disappointment. For the first time, someone had made her feel that she wasn't enough to sway them.
Satria's expression turned serious, his voice calm but firm. "First, I was born human, and I'll die human. Second, eternal life doesn't interest me. Third, your offer sounds too good—there must be strings attached. Lastly, I don't let anyone put a leash on me. Let me remind you: never underestimate humanity, devil."
As he spoke his final words, an icy pressure blanketed the room. The air felt heavy, suffocating even the strongest among them. The younger devils struggled to breathe, their eyes wide with fear.
"You know nothing… of humanity's infinite potential for evolution," Satria said coldly, his presence radiating authority and conviction.
For the first time, both Maou felt genuine fear of a human. His words weren't mere boasts—they were a declaration of unshakable truth.
And just as quickly as it appeared, the oppressive aura vanished.
"Oops, sorry about that!" Satria scratched the back of his head sheepishly, the atmosphere instantly lightening. "Forget what I just said, haha. Anyway, for my reward, I'd appreciate it if you could fund my project."
The sudden shift left everyone stunned.
"Don't wish for the impossible," Sirzechs, Serafall, and Grayfia muttered in unison, their instincts cautioning them against underestimating this young man.
Curiosity piqued, Sirzechs leaned forward. "What kind of project, Shin-kun?"
Satria smiled, pulling out a sleek folder from his dimensional storage. "Here. It's all laid out for you—mission, values, business model, target market, marketing strategy, and everything else you need to know."
He handed the folder to both Maou, who immediately began skimming through it. As they read, their expressions shifted from surprise to amusement, then to admiration.
"This… is brilliant," Sirzechs admitted, clearly impressed. "For a high school student, you've crafted a remarkably well-thought-out concept. I don't mind investing in this."
Serafall beamed, her excitement evident. "How long would it take to bring this to life, Shin-kun? This could be a game-changer—not just for you but for everyone involved!"
Satria's grin widened. "About that…"
•
Uzumaki Training Ground
Forested Massachusetts
Koneko stood at the edge of the training field, her usually pristine uniform replaced by sweat-drenched, torn workout clothes. For the past seven days, she had been enduring what could only be described as hell. Under the joint tutelage of Satria and Naruto, her training pushed her to limits she never knew existed. From controlling chakra to mastering balance and speed, making split-second decisions, and refining her hand-to-hand combat techniques, every session left her questioning her life choices.
But today was just another day in the inferno.
For two days straight, she had been forced to walk on boiling water while maintaining precise chakra control, all while engaging in hand-to-hand combat on the water's surface. Exhaustion wasn't an option—Satria or Naruto would replenish her stamina the moment she faltered.
Satria's methods were particularly sadistic. He ordered her to do push-ups with a single finger, balancing a leaf on her head using only chakra. Every five minutes, she had to switch fingers, and heaven forbid if she dropped the leaf. There was also the torturous split stance where she balanced buckets of water on her hands and feet while perched atop sharp spikes Naruto had created. If she fell, the punishment was immediate and merciless.
Naruto's training wasn't much better. If she failed, she had to refill the buckets, climb back up, and set everything up again. Over and over.
And so, there she was, wobbling atop the spikes, her legs shaking like leaves in the wind.
"Gotta say," Satria called out, his tone mischievous as he perched comfortably atop a spike, flipping through one of Jiraiya's less-than-reputable novels. "You look good in that outfit, Koneko. Really good. I can almost imagine us doing… a different kind of training on top of these spikes, under the stars. What do you think, love?"
Koneko's cheeks turned scarlet as his words registered. Her balance faltered.
"P-Pervert senpai! You're worse than Issei-senpai!" she stammered, but the vivid image in her mind made her slip further. Before she could recover, she lost her footing entirely, plummeting 300 feet toward the ground.
"Ahhhh!" Instinctively, her devil wings flared to catch her, saving her from a painful crash.
Unfortunately for Koneko, her moment of relief was short-lived.
Satria caught her mid-air with telekinesis, pulling her back to the spikes. His smirk widened, and a dark, almost gleeful aura surrounded him. "Tsk, tsk, Koneko-chan. What did we say about using your wings during training?"
Koneko gulped, her body trembling under his scrutinizing gaze.
"Oh, lucky you," he continued, cracking his knuckles. "It's my turn to enforce the punishment. We're going to have so much fun, kiddo." His tone was far too cheerful, which only made it more terrifying.
"S-Senpai… please be gentle~" Koneko's ears drooped as she made the cutest face she could muster, hoping for even a shred of mercy.
Satria leaned in closer, a devilish grin on his face. "Gentle? Oh, don't worry, Koneko. I'll be as gentle as this training has been so far."
Koneko groaned internally. This was going to be a very, very long day.
•
Savage Land
"What are we going to do first, my Lord?" Fran asked Satria, her voice steady despite the unease in her eyes.
Satria smirked and activated a unique ability, combining his Stand's power to halt time with the Ope-Ope no Mi. A transparent sphere enveloped the two of them, shimmering faintly as the flow of time slowed dramatically within its boundaries.
"What's this?" Fran asked, wide-eyed as she observed the strange phenomenon.
"I call it Time Zone," Satria explained, crossing his arms confidently. "Within this sphere, the concept of time moves differently. I developed this skill recently—it's useful for training and, more importantly, for saving time. While a single day passes for the outside world, weeks or even years can pass here."
Fran's eyes sparkled in awe. "Wow! That's amazing!"
The First Year: Foundations
The initial phase of Fran's training was deceptively ordinary, focusing on the fundamentals.
1. Combat Training: Satria began by teaching her Silat, a martial art he believed was perfectly suited for Fran's small and agile frame. He emphasized quick strikes, counters, and adaptability. "If you're ever separated from your sword, you'll need to rely on your body as a weapon," he had told her. Fran quickly discovered how to turn her small stature into an advantage, using speed and precision to overwhelm larger opponents.
2. Magic Lessons: Though Satria's knowledge of magic was limited compared to the true magicians of Fran's world, he shared crucial tips:
Control and Concealment: "Never let anyone gauge the full extent of your mana. Always conceal your true capabilities. Show them only 10% of your potential—nothing more, nothing less except the situation forcing you."
Creative Applications: He demonstrated how spells could be combined for greater effect: water and wind to create wood, fire and wind for devastating flames, wind and ice to generate blizzards.
Satria handed her a special mana-absorbing paper he had acquired through the Dimensional Chat. "This will help us identify your elemental affinities. Infuse it with your mana."
Fran obeyed, and the results were astonishing. The paper burned, wrinkled, tore, soaked, and crumbled—indicating affinities for Fire, Lightning, Wind, Water, and Earth. Among these, Lightning and Wind stood out the most.
"Five elements," Satria muttered, impressed. "Looks like I've got my work cut out for me."
3. Soldier's Discipline: Satria instilled in Fran the discipline of a soldier, teaching her survival tactics for various terrains, the importance of adaptability, and strategies for maintaining composure under pressure.
4. Haki Mastery: Over time, Satria introduced Fran to the three forms of Haki.
Observation Haki: Sensing enemies and predicting movements.
Armament Haki: Enhancing her physical strikes and weapons with invisible armor.
Conqueror's Haki: An advanced ability he pushed her to unlock, emphasizing that her strong will could subdue even the most fearsome opponents.
By the end of the first year, Satria judged Fran ready to move on from basic training.
Satria grinned, his tone taking a dark edge as he announced, "You've completed the basics. Now, the real training begins."
Fran felt a chill run down her spine. She noticed the slight smirk on his face and realized something terrible was about to unfold.
Before she could respond, a notification from the Dimensional Chat appeared before her.
___
[Special Mission Generated: Survive the Savage Land]
Objective:
Complete three trials within the Savage Land.
Avoid death or incapacitation.
Demonstrate mastery of combat, survival, and strategic thinking.
___
The details sent a wave of apprehension through Fran, but she clenched her fists, determination flaring in her eyes.
"Remember," Satria said, his voice calm but firm. "This is a test of everything you've learned so far. Out there, it's just you and the wilderness. Survive, adapt, and evolve. Show me the blade you're meant to become."
Fran nodded, her fear melting away into resolve. "I won't disappoint you, my Lord."
And with that, her nightmare—and greatest challenge—began.
•
Koneko POV
An isolated peak in the Everest region, far removed from any human presence. The air was razor-thin, the cold biting deep enough to freeze one's soul, and the howling winds screamed like banshees. This was no place for comfort—this was a crucible.
Day 1: Arrival at Hell
Koneko stared at the desolate, frozen wasteland before her. She shivered, clutching her coat tightly. The journey here had already pushed her to her limits, but her "trainer," Satria, looked completely at ease, standing atop a boulder as though he owned the mountain.
"Senpai," she called out, her voice trembling from the cold and fatigue, "are we really training here? I can't even feel my fingers anymore!"
Satria smirked, his breath visible in the freezing air. "Feel your fingers? You're lucky you still have fingers." He clapped his hands, the sound echoing across the snow-covered peaks. "Listen up, Koneko. Senjutsu is about sensing and controlling the natural energy around you, blending it with your own. This mountain is alive—its energy is pure, raw, and untamed. If you can't handle it here, you don't deserve to use Senjutsu."
Koneko frowned. "But—"
"No buts." His tone turned sharp, cutting through her protest. "This is an unlock or die situation, kid. You either master this, or the mountain consumes you. Simple as that."
Koneko's blood ran cold. She wasn't sure if it was from the temperature or the gravity of his words.
Day 3: The First Trial
Satria placed Koneko on the edge of a sheer cliff. Below her was a drop so deep that the bottom disappeared into a swirling mist of snow. He pointed to a small patch of rocks halfway down.
"Your first task," he announced, "is to meditate on that ledge. Feel the energy of the mountain. Let it flow into you."
Koneko blinked. "On that ledge? I'll fall!"
"Exactly." Satria grinned. "The fear of death sharpens the senses. Now go."
Koneko hesitated, her body trembling, but Satria's unrelenting gaze offered no sympathy. She took a deep breath and leapt, her hands and feet finding purchase on the icy rock face. Slowly, she climbed down to the ledge, her heart pounding with every movement.
Sitting cross-legged, she closed her eyes and tried to focus, but the howling winds and biting cold made it nearly impossible. Her mind raced with doubts and fears, the mountain's overwhelming presence pressing down on her.
"You're overthinking!" Satria's voice boomed from above. "Stop fighting the mountain. Let it flow through you. Become one with it!"
Koneko gritted her teeth and tried again. This time, she slowed her breathing, letting the cold seep into her bones. She began to sense something—a faint, pulsing rhythm in the earth beneath her.
Day 7: Survival of the Fittest
After days of grueling trials, including running barefoot through the snow and meditating under waterfalls that threatened to freeze her solid, Koneko was near her breaking point. Her body ached, her mind was frayed, and she hadn't eaten anything but scraps of dried meat Satria tossed her like a feral animal.
"Senpai," she gasped, collapsing into the snow, "I can't do this anymore."
Satria knelt beside her, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Do you know why I'm pushing you so hard?"
She shook her head weakly.
"Because Senjutsu isn't just a power—it's a connection to life itself. To wield it, you need to understand the balance between life and death, between fear and courage. Right now, you're standing on that edge. The question is: will you fall, or will you rise?"
Koneko closed her eyes, his words sinking in. She took a deep, trembling breath and forced herself to stand.
"Good," Satria said, his smirk returning. "Now, the final test."
The Final Test: Becoming One with Nature
Satria led Koneko to a narrow bridge of ice spanning a chasm so deep it seemed to pierce the earth itself.
"Walk across," he commanded.
"What?!" Koneko stared at him, horrified. "That's impossible! The ice will break!"
"Exactly." He crossed his arms, his gaze unyielding. "The only way to survive is to use Senjutsu to sense the ice's natural energy. Feel its strength and weakness. Walk in harmony with it."
Koneko swallowed hard, her heart pounding. This was it—the moment of truth. She stepped onto the ice, her legs shaking. She closed her eyes, reaching out with her senses.
At first, all she felt was cold, but then she began to notice subtle vibrations beneath her feet—the shifting currents of air, the tension in the ice. She adjusted her steps, moving with the flow of energy rather than against it.
Halfway across, the ice cracked beneath her, but instead of panicking, she leapt forward, landing on a stable patch.
By the time she reached the other side, she was gasping for breath but grinning triumphantly.
Satria clapped slowly. "Not bad, kitty. Not bad at all."
As they descended the mountain, Koneko felt different—stronger, more connected to the world around her. She could sense the energy of the mountain, the wind, even Satria himself.
"You've done well," Satria said, his tone unusually kind. "But remember, this is just the beginning. Senjutsu isn't a skill you master overnight—it's a lifelong journey."
Koneko nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "I'll make you proud, Senpai."
Satria chuckled. "You already have, Koneko."
•
After witnessing Koneko's remarkable improvement, Naruto couldn't help but feel both amazed and curious. Her movements were sharper, her aura more controlled, and she carried herself with newfound confidence.
"Oi, Satria," Naruto called out, crossing his arms. "What the hell kind of training did you put her through? Do you know how to use Senjutsu or something?"
Satria, sitting casually on a rock while munching on some jerky, waved him off lazily. "Me? Nah, I don't use Senjutsu. I just know the basics, y'know? The theory, the concept of natural energy, how to balance it with your life force, yadda yadda. I just… put it into practice and bam! Results." He snapped his fingers for emphasis, grinning like it was no big deal.
Naruto stared at him, completely dumbfounded. "Bam? Seriously? That's your explanation?!" He scratched his head, frustration evident on his face. "I don't even know what you're talking about, brat, but somehow you've managed to make it work. How is that even possible?!"
Satria shrugged, leaning back with a smug grin. "Talent, maybe? Or my natural charm."
Naruto groaned. "Yeah, sure. Let's go with that."
Turning to Koneko, Naruto asked cautiously, "What exactly did he do to you? How did he manage to get these results?"
Koneko froze at the question, her face going pale as if reliving a nightmare. Her hands clenched, and she shivered slightly. "He's… he's the most sadistic tutor in the world!"
Satria, feigning offense, placed a hand on his chest as though her words physically hurt him. "Sadistic? Me? Really, Koneko-chan? After everything I've done for you? The blood, sweat, and tears I poured into making you stronger? I thought we had something special!" He pouted dramatically, looking away as if heartbroken.
Koneko shot him a glare, her ears twitching in irritation. "Special? You made me meditate on an icy cliff for three days with no food or water, pushed me into a pit of wolves to 'bond with nature,' and made me balance on a pole above a raging waterfall while dodging falling rocks! How is that special?!"
Satria tilted his head, looking thoughtful. "Huh. When you say it like that, it does sound a bit extreme."
"A bit?!" Koneko and Naruto yelled in unison.
Naruto shook his head in disbelief, pointing at Satria. "You're insane, you know that? Who trains like that?!"
"But it worked, didn't it?" Satria shot back, smirking. He gestured at Koneko. "Look at her now—stronger, faster, and way more in tune with natural energy. My methods might be unorthodox, but they get results. Can you argue with success?"
Naruto sighed, rubbing his temples. "I guess not. But you're still nuts, dattebayo."
Koneko crossed her arms, muttering under her breath, "Nuts is an understatement."
Satria grinned at her. "You're welcome, by the way."
Despite her annoyance, Koneko couldn't completely suppress a small smile. As much as she hated his methods, she couldn't deny that she'd grown stronger—and for that, she was grateful.
•
Savage Land
The Savage Land, a realm of untamed wilderness, was a living nightmare filled with monstrous predators and relentless dangers. It was here that Fran's training reached a level most would deem cruel, inhumane, and utterly brutal.
The journey began with the trio—Satria, Fran, and Bobon—cutting through hordes of ferocious beasts. Their teamwork kept them alive, but every battle tested Fran's limits. The stakes were high, and failure meant death.
To make matters worse, Satria applied a weight seal gifted by Naruto to both himself and Fran. For Fran, the seal added two tons to her body, turning even the simplest movements into grueling tasks. For Satria, it was an unimaginable 85,000 tons, a testament to the immense power of an Ultraman. He wanted Fran to understand the gap in strength and the heights she needed to climb.
From his usual goofy demeanor, Satria transformed into a cold and merciless instructor. Without warning, he launched surprise attacks on Fran from sunrise to sunset, pushing her to her breaking point. Every strike came with lessons—how to counter, how to adapt, and how to survive.
When night fell, he left her alone in the forest. The darkness was alive with predators—dinosaurs, colossal insects, and carnivorous plants that showed no mercy. Fran and Bobon had had no choice but to fight for their lives. Escape wasn't an option; survival was the only goal.
Satria's approach was unforgiving. He stripped Fran of her sword and began teaching her how to turn her body into a weapon. He introduced his own versions of Shigan and Rankyaku, devastating techniques from One Piece, adapted to utilize Fran's magical enhancements.
The process was relentless. First, he explained the mechanics:
Shigan: Using a concentrated burst of energy, she could turn her fingers into piercing weapons capable of puncturing even tough hide.
Rankyaku: By enhancing her kicks with magic, she could create sharp, blade-like air slashes to strike enemies from a distance.
The moment Fran showed a glimmer of understanding, Satria wasted no time. He hurled her into a raptor nest, forcing her to master Shigan in life-or-death combat. The next trial was even worse—he dropped her into the domain of Pteranodons, where she had to perfect Rankyaku or be torn apart.
The weight seal made every movement agonizing. Each failed attempt resulted in deep wounds and heavy bleeding. Her body accumulated damage with each trial, but her willpower kept her going.
At night, the forest was a waking nightmare. Fran, battered and bleeding, faced relentless attacks from monstrous predators. The ground shook under the steps of colossal dinosaurs, while the air buzzed with the wings of carnivorous insects. Even the plants were out to devour her.
Despite the horrors, Fran pushed forward. Satria's cold words rang in her ears:
"Surpass your limits or die. That's the only way to grow."
Bobon, her loyal sword, was furious. He hated seeing Fran suffer and cursed Satria at every turn. But Satria ignored the insults, his eyes fixed on Fran's progress. He trusted her to endure.
Fran's sheer determination bore fruit. Within three days, she achieved the impossible: mastering the basics of Shigan and Rankyaku and evolving from a Black Cat to a Heavenly Tiger Kin. Her new form was proof of her growth, radiating power and pride.
But her victory came at a cost. Fran's body was a patchwork of bruises, cuts, and exhaustion. Even standing was a miracle. Yet, she stood tall, her resolve shining brighter than ever.
Bobon wept for his wielder, lamenting her suffering. But Satria only gave a small, satisfied nod. He wasn't heartless—this was his way of showing trust.
Fran's success wasn't just about brute force or endurance. It was about trust. Satria believed in Fran's kindness, intelligence, fearlessness, and loyalty. He saw the potential in her, and his brutal methods were the fastest way to unlock it.
"You have what it takes, Fran," Satria said quietly as she stood before him, battered but unbroken. "You're more than just a girl with a sword. You're a warrior who's going to change the world."
•
Fran POV
It hurts.
Pain courses through my body like I've never felt before. It's sharp, relentless, and all-consuming. Even the torment I endured as a slave, the cruel lashes and beatings from those bastards who once owned me, feels like a distant shadow compared to this.
This is different. This is something new.
My armour hang in tatters, barely clinging to my trembling frame. Every muscle screams in agony, every inch of my body feels like it's on fire. Moving is a near-impossible feat, and hunger gnaws at my stomach, parched lips cracking with thirst.
I want to cry. Desperately. But I won't. I can't.
I refuse to show weakness—not to him.
Surprisingly, I don't resent him for putting me through this. I should, shouldn't I? But deep down, I'm… grateful.
He doesn't treat me like a fragile girl. He doesn't coddle me or tell me to stop because it's too hard. No, he demands more, pushing me to limits I didn't even know existed. For the first time, someone looks at me and sees more than a broken girl. He sees potential.
"Stop!!! You DAMN MONSTER!!! That's enough!!!"
Master Bobon's voice cuts through the haze of pain. I manage to lift my head slightly, catching sight of his desperate expression. I know he means well—he cares for me, maybe even sees me as a daughter. But this is my trial.
"Hey," Satria's voice snaps my attention back to him. He stands there, arms crossed, his gaze piercing and unyielding. "Don't just lie there. Are you done already, Fran? Where's the spirit you showed me on the first day? What happened to that fire in your eyes?"
I grit my teeth, his words cutting deeper than any blade.
"It's laughable," he continues, his tone cold but with a spark of something else—a challenge. "The one who claims to be my blade, lying there, defeated by pain. Show me, Fran. Show me that you're not just a little girl who needs pity. Prove to me that you're capable of surpassing your limits!"
His words light a fire in my chest. The ache in my body doesn't vanish, but it dulls in the face of my growing determination. He's not mocking me out of cruelty—he's testing me, challenging me to rise above, to become stronger.
With a trembling hand, I push against the ground, my arms quaking under the strain. My legs feel like lead, but I force them to move. Slowly, shakily, I rise to my feet.
"I'm… not done yet," I manage to say, my voice hoarse but steady.
Satria smirks, just barely. It's not a mocking grin but one of approval, faint and fleeting, but there nonetheless.
"Good," he says simply. "Now, show me what you've got."
Fran, despite the pain, managed a small smile. She didn't resent him. In fact, she was grateful. For the first time, she felt truly strong—and she knew it was only the beginning.
To be continued...