After two minutes of waiting, Ais crawled to the surface, blood flowing from her body, taking deep breaths. Despite Yuki limiting his strength, Est, being the strongest Sword Spirit, a simple cut was more than enough to leave Ais gasping in pain.
"Ais... Let me tell you a secret."
Observing her pitiful state, Yuki sent Est back to the spiritual world; he didn't need her at the moment. After all, Ais had once again reached her limit. This happened all the time; this girl was forced to reach her limit every day, doing absurd physical exercises and engaging in brutal fights, sustaining serious injuries. Thanks to Zafkiel and medical ninjutsu, she couldn't die.
"..."
Ais, on the other hand, endured the pain while doing her best to maintain her wind magic.
"There are many things you still don't understand, but if you want to break your limits, you must clarify your strength."
There were many factors that a human had for wielding a sword, but regardless of the reasons, they must face reality and be clear about their goals.
"To battle in order to save a loved one, the desire for battle is born... Whenever there is love, there will also be hatred."
For example, Yuki's motive for wielding a sword is for the future, to prevent a tragedy like that of his clan from happening again. He had a deep love for his mother, but that love had now transformed into hatred—a hatred that the Third Hokage, Danzo, Itachi, and Tobi must face.
"I don't care why you fight, but you must understand the reason for your fight."
"..."
Raising her head, Ais stared into Yuki's eyes, where a trace of sadness passed, albeit very quickly. Although it was brief, Ais could see incredible loneliness in his gaze.
"Ais, when you're surpassed and don't know what to do, remember... Always become stronger, stand up, and keep fighting for your goal. Don't give up even if you fall."
Bending down, Yuki placed a hand on Ais's head. This girl had given him many surprises, and now he understood why she still remained weak. She lacked someone to guide her, someone who had fallen and successfully risen.
"Let me tell you one more thing." Extending his hand, Yuki continued. "You have power and ability, but you lack something essential, something that will make you the king on the battlefield."
"What is it?"
Seeing Yuki leave her in suspense, Ais gripped his hand tightly, urging him to continue. After all, she needed to know; if something was missing, she would do everything possible to obtain it.
"Do you want to know?"
"Yes! Please, Yuki-sama... I want to know."
With small tears running down her eyes from pain and impatience, Ais bit her lip. She didn't know how many times she had cried, but since they started this training, she cried every day.
Yuki, on the other hand, smiled. Teasing this girl was always fun, especially when she tried her best to increase her strength.
"That's easy... The answer is: Instinct."
Looking at Ais's eyes widen in disbelief, Yuki thought about several things. At the rate she was going, increasing her strength would take a long time. She needed a catalyst, a boost, something that would take her parameters to another level.
She needed a challenge—a challenge where she could break her limits and unlock the Eight Inner Gates.
But for that, Yuki needed to set up the perfect scenario.
(In any case, she's ready.)
After helping her up, Yuki pulled her out of the lake, bringing her to land and, as usual, inspecting her body after healing her. After taking her to the sky and leaving her breathless, Yuki spoke while Ais trembled on the ground.
"The training is over; starting today, you have two days off... You can use this time as you please, rest, or kill monsters in the dungeon. I allow it... Until then, goodbye."
Leaving these words, Yuki returned her to her family, not letting Ais speak. After all, with how troublesome this woman was, Yuki was sure she would cling to him, begging him not to leave.
Contemplating the beautiful lake, Yuki sighed, and many other thoughts crossed his mind. After all, he had marked his third partner, and it was necessary to take her home.
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That same night, after the group finished their activities in the dungeon and returned home to rest.
Yuki once again snuck out of his house. This night was very important, and Yuki wanted to strike while the iron was hot.
(Alright, it's clear.)
Sneaking out carefully, Yuki looked around for Mana or Kurumi. Seeing everything clear, he entered his shadow.
But it's a pity because Kurumi caught him in the act...
"Ara~ ara~ Just when I was coming for a little water... What is Yuki-san doing?"
Feeling a terrible chill run down his spine, Yuki had no choice but to come out.
"Hehe, what a coincidence... I also came for a glass of water."
Scratching his head, Yuki smiled, although inside his mind, he cursed his bad luck.
It was evident that Kurumi was waiting for him, and he had fallen into a trap.
"Is that so? Let's go then."
Without giving him the option to refuse, Kurumi headed to the kitchen. Following behind her, Yuki sighed.
After all, he had let his guard down. Kurumi was getting stronger every day, so his tricks were no longer useful. He needed to improve if he wanted to stay off her radar, especially since Kurumi's silence only increased his anxiety.
After all, he didn't know what his girlfriend was plotting.
"Here, Yuki-san."
"Thanks."
Handing him a glass of water, Kurumi lazily stretched her arms, making those little white bunnies look splendid.
*Gulp...
Swallowing saliva, Yuki looked at her with a side glance. After all, this girl was wearing a cat-themed pajama, activating Yuki's fetish. She knew him very well, as she didn't hesitate to buy this pajama just so Yuki would visit her room more often. Although it worked, in the end, it didn't stop Yuki from leaving.
"Yuki-san... Is she so important to you? Is it necessary to save a prostitute?"
While Yuki felt a cold sweat due to Kurumi's silence, he suddenly froze at her words. After all, she was staring at him intently, with a look that said, 'Don't lie to me.'
"Well... I want to save her. I want her to live a life of adventure, just as she desires."
"I see... I've prepared her room; I'll see you tomorrow... Good night."
With those last words, Kurumi took a sip of water, leaving Yuki in total confusion.
After all, Kurumi's words were very meaningful, as if she knew exactly what was going on.
"I understand... Thanks, Kurumi. I love you."
Even though he didn't exactly know how Kurumi found out or if she used the Fifth Bullet again, Yuki was grateful. Moreover, he thought about how wonderful it was to have her as a partner, even if she wanted to devour him.
"I love you too, Yuki-san~"
Smiling, Kurumi didn't turn her gaze away, taking a big gulp of water as she headed to her room.
She needed to rest, after all. She wasn't like Yuki, who could be active 24 hours a day. She had to replenish her spiritual power if she wanted to be in perfect shape for tomorrow.
Watching her leave, Yuki was also swallowed into the darkness.
(I'm truly blessed.)
Not everyone could accept that their boyfriend had more than one woman, especially Kurumi, for whom he was someone extremely important. After all, they were soulmates.
Kurumi must have made a very difficult decision by letting him go. After all, with her abilities, she could spoil his plans, but she didn't. Instead, she gave her approval and waited for him.
This was more than Yuki could ask for; that's why being with this woman made him happy. No matter how much she tried to devour him, in the end, they always ended up together in bed, sharing their 'time' and creating wonderful memories.
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TN: I want kurumi too 😭