Chapter 183: The Last Gift
Malik stood in front of Hanzaki, the leader of the Fūma Clan, who towered over him. The dimly lit room held the weight of history, its walls etched with the scars of countless battles and the stories of their ancestors. Malik had one final gift to bestow before leaving, something that could help ensure the Fūma Clan's future.
"I have one more thing for you," Malik said, floating a few feet off the ground to reach Hanzaki's height. The leader gave him a curious look, unsure of what to expect.
Without another word, Malik placed his hand on Hanzaki's forehead, focusing his mana as he activated Ancestral Resonance Lv. 12. Power surged through Malik's hand and into Hanzaki, invoking both Ancestral Memory and Genetic Fortification. The air hummed with magic as Malik pushed the memories and experiences of Hanzaki's ancestors into his mind, granting him centuries of knowledge and the physical and mental fortitude to teach his clan what they needed.
At first, Hanzaki remained steady, his body absorbing the flood of ancestral wisdom. But then Malik noticed the strain—the leader's face contorted in discomfort, his muscles tensing as the influx of information overwhelmed him. Hanzaki's legs buckled, and before Malik could react, he collapsed, unconscious, onto the floor with a heavy thud.
Malik winced, glancing down at Hanzaki's out-cold form. "Well... that was a bit much, huh?" he muttered to himself, trying to downplay the situation. "Guess the ancestors had a bit too much to say all at once."
Knowing he couldn't leave the clan leader in this state, Malik quickly pulled out an empty book from his satchel, still linked to Hanzaki through the skill. He channeled the knowledge that had overwhelmed Hanzaki into the book, filling its pages with the techniques, insights, and forgotten abilities of the Fūma Clan. The process took only a few moments, but when Malik was finished, the once-empty book was now brimming with invaluable information.
Carefully, Malik placed the book on top of Hanzaki's unconscious body, patting it for good measure. "This should help when you wake up," he said softly, hoping no one would walk in and find him standing over the fallen leader. He tiptoed out of the room, trying to leave without attracting attention.
Later that morning, as Malik was preparing to leave the base, packing up his few belongings (which was mostly just himself), he was visited by Sasame. She appeared in the entranceway, her eyes bright but filled with a certain sadness. Malik, ever the tease, couldn't resist.
"Caught me just in time, huh? Guess you're gonna miss me," he said with a sly grin, stretching his arms over his head. Sasame rolled her eyes but didn't argue, her expression softening as she stepped closer.
"Maybe a little," she admitted, her voice carrying a note of gratitude. "But seriously, Malik, thank you—for everything. For saving the clan, for helping me... and for reminding us of what we lost."
Malik smiled, his gaze warm as he looked at her. "I didn't do it alone, Sasame. You're the heart of this clan. Never forget that." He paused for a moment, then stretched out his arms again, preparing to leave. "Though I'm happy I could play my part."
As he moved to leave, he hesitated, looking at Sasame one last time. A question had been burning in his mind, and now seemed like the only time to ask it. "If you had the ability to bring your cousin Arashi back from the dead, would you?"
Sasame's eyes widened at the question, clearly taken aback. She was silent for a moment, considering her response, before finally speaking, her voice soft and conflicted.
"I don't know," she admitted. "Part of me wants to say yes, that I'd do anything to see him again—to bring back the Arashi I remember before Orochimaru twisted him. But... after everything I've seen, after everything we went through, I don't know if he'd ever be the same. The Arashi I loved might already be gone, and bringing him back might just bring more pain."
Malik nodded, understanding the weight of her words. He had seen the toll that Orochimaru's influence had taken on the Fūma Clan, and on Sasame's heart.
"I think that's the right answer," Malik said gently. "Sometimes, it's best to let go of the past so you can build a better future."
Sasame gave a sad smile, stepping closer to Malik. "Thank you, Malik. For everything. I don't think the Fūma Clan would have survived without you."
Malik chuckled, brushing off her praise with a wave of his hand. "Nah, you would've made it just fine. I just gave you a little nudge in the right direction."
They stood there for a moment longer, the air between them filled with unspoken words. Then, with one final smile, Malik turned and walked out of the base, the misty forest ahead of him filled with promise. Behind him, the Fūma Clan had a chance to rise again, stronger and more united than ever before.
As Malik disappeared into the fog, Sasame whispered to herself, "We'll make sure your help wasn't in vain."
And with that, the next chapter of the Fūma Clan's story began.
Malik wandered through the dense, misty forest, his thoughts drifting from one subject to another. The events of the past weeks weighed lightly on his mind now, like a passing dream. The towering trees, the cool dampness of the air, and the muffled sound of his steps on the soft ground kept him grounded in the present, but there was a sense of finality to his journey here. He wasn't quite ready to summon GrubGrub and fly home yet, savoring the quiet solitude the forest offered.
Just as Malik was beginning to enjoy the peaceful stillness of the woods, a sudden movement caught his eye. Kagerō swooped down from the sky, her blue wings glowing faintly in the mist as she descended like a phantom. Her arrival was quick and elegant, and just before she landed, her dress billowed in the air, giving Malik an unexpected—and entirely unapologetic—view up her skirt.
Malik chuckled to himself, catching sight of her full mint-green bush in all its glory. "Still not a fan of underwear, I see," he teased with a grin. "Love a woman who keeps it natural."
Kagerō's expression remained blank as always, but Malik could swear he saw the faintest flicker of amusement in her eyes. When she finally landed in front of him, her dress seemed to return to its normal, less revealing state. Malik noticed this little change and filed it away in his mind—perhaps her outfits weren't as random as they seemed.
"Sorry I didn't come to say goodbye," Malik said, genuinely apologetic. "I was planning to sneak out quietly. Didn't think anyone would miss me too much. And tell Kotohime goodbye for me too, alright?"
Still silent, Kagerō took a few steps closer, closing the distance between them. Malik tilted his head slightly, waiting for her to speak, but instead, she leaned down. Her height made it so that she had to bend just a bit to meet his face. Her lips brushed against his softly, catching him by surprise with their tenderness.
Malik blinked, processing the kiss for a moment before breaking into a slow grin. "You know," he said playfully, "falling in love with me is an excellent choice. I'm pretty great at this love thing."
Kagerō didn't laugh, but her expression softened just slightly as she leaned in closer, whispering in a voice that was both soft and demanding, "Come back soon."
Before Malik could even respond, Kagerō launched herself into the air again, her wings spreading wide as she ascended through the mist. As she soared above the trees, her dress caught the wind once more, offering Malik another tantalizing view.
He chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. "I guess that's her way of making sure I don't forget about her."
Malik continued his walk, the forest once again wrapping him in its peaceful silence. He felt content, but not entirely ready to leave. As he moved through the thick mist, savoring the cool air against his skin, he found himself lost in thought. The serenity of the moment was interrupted, however, when a familiar voice called out from behind him.
"Thought I'd find you out here."
Malik turned to see Jiraiya stepping through the trees, his broad frame casting a long shadow in the filtered light of the mist. Malik offered a relaxed smile as the older man approached.
"Orochimaru's not here," Malik said with a slight shrug. "Probably hasn't been here for months, maybe even a year or more."
Jiraiya nodded, as if that was exactly what he expected to hear. "Figured as much," he replied. "But can't stop the search. She's got her hands in too many things to let her slip away that easily."
Malik considered that for a moment. He respected Jiraiya's dedication, even if it seemed like chasing a ghost. The legendary Sannin had a mission of his own, just as Malik did. They both knew how elusive Orochimaru could be.
With a wave of his hand, Malik summoned GrubGrub from his chest. The transformation was instant, and the once-small ball of light expanded and stretched into a magnificent, flying creature. GrubGrub took on the form of a massive, majestic bird with golden and pink feathers shimmering in the dim light of the forest. Its long wings cut gracefully through the air, and its sharp talons dug into the ground as it settled in front of Malik.
"You sure you don't want a ride back to the Hidden Leaf?" Malik offered, hopping onto GrubGrub's back with ease. "GrubGrub's pretty fast. Could get you there in no time."
Jiraiya laughed and shook his head. "Tempting offer, but I've got other places to be. More missions to handle, more leads to follow." He gave Malik a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Besides, wouldn't want to deprive you of your majestic ride."
Malik grinned, giving a mock salute before settling onto GrubGrub. "Suit yourself, old man. Good luck with the search."
As GrubGrub launched into the air, Malik looked down at Jiraiya one last time, watching as the figure of the Toad Sage disappeared into the thick forest. The mist closed in, wrapping around the trees like a blanket, and soon, Jiraiya was nothing more than a shadow in the distance.
Malik turned his attention back to the sky, the cool breeze running through his hair as GrubGrub carried him higher above the treetops. The mist cleared slightly as they rose, revealing the vast expanse of the forest below. Malik's thoughts drifted, not to the future or the past, but to what he'd cook next when he got home.
Shisui was probably going to be mad at him for being gone so long, but he couldn't help smiling at the thought. Malik knew that's what he loved most about his wife—her soft but sometimes cold temper kept him on his toes. And after everything he'd been through with the Fūma Clan, he was ready for a different kind of challenge: making sure she wasn't too mad at him.
As he soared through the sky on GrubGrub's back, Malik felt lighter, his heart full of warmth from the connections he'd made and the lives he'd touched. But now, it was time to go home, where love—and perhaps a little scolding—awaited him.