"My training method is based on pain…"
Staring coldly at Ais, Yuki leaned in, his smile vanished, replaced by an icy aura, akin to a sharp blade ready to strike.
"From the moment you asked me to be your master, you should have been prepared for this to happen."
Watching Ais's pitiful appearance, Yuki smiled cruelly. Experiencing a fall from great height, facing one of her greatest fears, and being trampled like a worm left both physical and psychological wounds on her.
However, Ais said nothing. She only gasped for breath, clutching her stomach in pain.
But none of this mattered to Yuki.
"...I will teach you to break your limits. You will experience accelerated growth, a significant boost in strength, and combat-rich experience. But."
As if the pain faded with each word, Ais opened her mouth wide. This was what she wanted to hear—the power this man offered was too tempting.
However, from a different perspective, it was eerily similar to the sweet temptation of a demon.
And Ais was an easy prey...
[Toki Hami no shiro]
*Bam
Breaking the ground beneath their feet, an incredible chakra was released, enveloping their surroundings in infinite darkness.
"Do you have what it takes not to give up? Are you prepared for the pain? Do you have the courage to stake your life for power? Once inside, there is no turning back. What you will experience is unlike anything you've known before."
Narrowing his eyes, Yuki clenched his fists, creating a small ripple in the air.
"My path is not for the weak or the cowardly. It is a path for the unfortunate, for those without talent, forged through hard work—a path where you are always moving forward. Only those who want to become strong can tread this path."
Recalling the boy with bushy eyebrows and his incredible passion, Yuki was touched by that perseverance. He had no doubt that if anyone worked harder than him, it was undoubtedly that boy.
"I'll ask again..."
[Zafkiel]
Summoning his angel, a huge golden clock with an inorganic appearance appeared behind Yuki. Simultaneously, his chakra fluctuated more strongly, altering his surroundings.
"Are you prepared for the pain? If not, then leave. Don't waste my time."
*Bam
*Tick, tock
Creating another chakra ripple, Zafkiel's hands moved, while Yuki's face was covered in shadow, revealing only a pair of monochromatic eyes.
"But if you accept, take my hand. I will lead you on a path full of pain, but also one with great power."
Extending his hand, Yuki stared intently at Ais on the ground, pouring all his power into this moment.
His feet were covered in crystals, and the air around him became heavy.
Ais could see it too—his powerful killer instinct was almost tangible, like a beast with sharp fangs at her neck, leaving her breathless.
She didn't know how many lives had to be taken to have such murderous intent.
Despite that, Ais saw light in infinite darkness. She didn't know what it was or how a ray of light pierced the darkness.
But it existed. There was light in the murderous intent, there was hope in those words.
And that's all she needed.
She needed those words; she wanted to believe in those words.
She wanted to step out of the darkness and cling to that single ray of light.
"I accept... I'll do anything. Please, don't let that light go out."
With a face filled with deep longing, she reached out and firmly grasped Yuki's hand. This was the end.
A smile formed on Yuki's face. At the same time, the inorganic clock and the darkness disappeared without a trace.
---
(TN: bro really wanted to act cool 💀)
---
"Get up! None of my disciples will fall to the ground!"
"Yes!"
Using her hand as leverage, Ais stood up, albeit with difficulty. But Yuki didn't care; after all, several ninja weapons emerged from his shadow.
"You're a swordsman, and I'm a ninja. My path is very different from yours, but from today, our paths will merge through pain!"
With his Sharingan spinning, Yuki crossed his arms.
"We all feel pain! Whether physical or emotional, pain binds us all. So choose your weapon and come at me! This will be your first test! I will make you experience pain!"
With one hand behind his back, Yuki canceled his astral suit as well as the Sharingan, leaving only his Anbu suit. At the same time, he took a battle stance, waiting for Ais to make her move. He wasn't going to use anything to fight her, only skill.
Ais, on the other hand, only saw multiple weapons on the ground. She was surprised; many of those weapons were of high quality. However, she didn't choose any of them, just walking to pick up her buried sword. Even though Yuki's clothes changed, his aura did not. She knew she couldnt even touch him
"Haaa... This is my weapon."
Sighing, Ais also took a battle stance. Although she had to admit she was scared and her opponent was someone of a higher level, she wouldn't back down.
"All right! Today, I'll show you the difference between us. But don't worry; everything will be fair."
Raising a hand, Yuki continued,
"I've analyzed your parameters; I'll match mine to yours. Since it's the first time, I won't use weapons, only my bare hands."
Clenching his fist and cracking his knuckles, Yuki smiled. He was waiting for this, even though he was restricted. Yuki didn't mind.
"But..."
Ais, on the other hand, had strong doubts. Yuki not using weapons signaled that he was underestimating her. It would be one thing if he used all his power, but if their parameters were equalized and she had a weapon, she had a clear advantage.
"I make the rules! Don't worry about me!"
However, Yuki only frowned at Ais's doubts.
"We have two hours until dawn. Until then, attack me. You can use any means, but you have to hurt me. I warn you, take it seriously because each time you fail, there will be consequences. So prepare yourself."
*Gulp
Swallowing hard, Ais complied. She didn't question or speak anymore. After all, even though she thought Yuki was underestimating her, she knew what the boy in front of her was capable of. In the end, she swallowed her words and took a battle stance.
"Ready?... Begin!"
---------------
TN: Path of M..?