Chapter 189: Trial by Combat
It had been three days since the initiation of Mizuki into Malik's "Second Chance Program." The scorching heat from the volcano made the air shimmer above the rocky ground of the quarry, where prisoners usually mined rocks, but today they had a brief reprieve. Instead, they watched the sparring match between Aoi Rokushō and Mizuki, both figures moving with intensity and focus in the harsh sunlight.
Malik floated high above, his pink and gold aura shimmering slightly in the heat, observing the match with a keen eye. His presence was a constant reminder to the guards and prisoners alike that this was no ordinary fight—this was training under Malik's guidance, and there was much to be learned.
Below him, the crowd was divided. The shinobi guards, clad in their standard uniforms, cheered for Aoi, impressed by her speed and agility. Although they didn't know her true identity, they referred to her as "Gold Mask," her sleek pink and gold ANBU outfit standing out against the dull gray of the quarry.
The prisoners, on the other hand, were rooting for Mizuki, who had become somewhat of an underdog to them—a fallen man trying to reclaim his strength. The tension between the two combatants crackled in the air, both of them aware that this was more than just a friendly spar; it was a test of their resolve.
Mizuki, now restored to his former strength, moved with power and precision. Every punch he threw seemed to carry the weight of a boulder, and his newfound energy coursed through his veins, evident in his fluid movements. He had regained his mastery over various techniques, and though they were mostly improvised, his creativity in combat was undeniable.
Suddenly, Mizuki performed-Earth Style: Earth Swim Jutsu
Underground Reflecting Fist Jutsu , sinking into the ground effortlessly. He emerged behind Aoi with his arm stretched out like a whip, aiming to catch her off guard. The ground trembled slightly as he moved through the earth, but it was nothing compared to the heat emanating from the rocky terrain.
Aoi was quick to react, her sharp reflexes allowing her to dodge to the side just as Mizuki's hand shot up from the ground. She twisted her body with the grace of a kunoichi, narrowly avoiding the strike, and in one swift motion, she brought her leg up in a spinning kick aimed at Mizuki's head.
Mizuki barely managed to block the attack, his forearm absorbing the impact. The sheer force of Aoi's kick made him slide back a few feet, his boots digging into the rock. A few prisoners whistled and cheered, but their support didn't waver. Mizuki was strong, and they believed in his power.
Aoi, on the other hand, had the advantage of speed and precision. Her movements were fluid and sharp, allowing her to evade most of Mizuki's attacks with ease. Every punch or kick that came her way was met with a calculated counter, her body weaving through the air like a dancer in a deadly ballet.
She was water to Mizuki's earth—flowing, elusive, and dangerous.
Despite her speed, Aoi was struggling with the conditions. The volcanic heat made the ground beneath them blistering hot, and her water-based nature type wasn't helping in this environment. Beads of sweat trickled down her face as she fought, her small but lean figure moving with a mixture of grace and raw tenacity. She hadn't spoken a word throughout the entire fight, her silence adding to her mysterious and deadly persona.
The crowd of shinobi guards, who knew nothing of Aoi's identity, cheered her on. "Gold Mask! Gold Mask!" they called, their admiration for her growing with every second. Aoi dodged another of Mizuki's punches, pivoting gracefully before landing a swift jab to his ribs.
Mizuki grunted, feeling the sting of her knuckles against his side. He knew he had the advantage in raw strength, but Aoi was far too fast for him to catch. His Earth Release techniques, while effective, were rendered almost useless in the bright, open quarry where Aoi had full visibility. His sight, adapted for darkness, didn't help much in the blazing sun. The heat, too, was wearing him down, though he wouldn't admit it.
Determined not to lose, Mizuki gathered his chakra and performed a combination of a binding illusion and puppetry technique. His hands moved swiftly through seals, and suddenly, a puppet—crudely made but deadly—materialized from the rocky terrain. It wielded a sharp sword, moving toward Aoi with deadly precision.
Aoi's eyes narrowed as she saw the puppet approach. She dodged effortlessly, her body a blur of motion as she sidestepped the blade. However, just as she was about to counter, Mizuki activated his binding illusion, causing her vision to blur momentarily. Her movements slowed, just enough for the puppet to close in on her.
But Aoi was far too experienced to be taken down by a trick like this. With a sharp intake of breath, she dispelled the illusion and flipped backward, her hand brushing against the rocky ground for balance. As she landed, she shot Mizuki a look of cold determination. She was faster, and she knew it.
With a burst of speed, Aoi dashed forward, slipping past the puppet entirely. She met Mizuki head-on, her fist aimed directly at his solar plexus. Mizuki braced himself, but the impact still forced him to stumble back, the wind momentarily knocked out of him.
The prisoners cheered for Mizuki, their shouts echoing through the quarry. "Come on, Mizuki! You got this!"
Malik floated above, his arms crossed as he watched the fight unfold. He smiled, admiring the contrast in their fighting styles. Mizuki's raw power was impressive, but Aoi's speed and technique were winning the battle. Despite the extreme conditions, both were pushing their limits.
Malik turned his attention briefly to the shinobi guards. Some of them were leaning forward, their eyes fixed on the fight. A few exchanged glances, clearly impressed with what they were seeing from both Aoi and Mizuki.
With a smile, Malik floated a little lower and called out, "I hope you're paying attention, Mizuki! If you're going to beat Aoi, you'll need to use more than brute strength!"
Mizuki, panting slightly from the exertion, growled under his breath. He knew Malik was right. Aoi was too fast—if he didn't change his strategy, he'd lose this round.
He steadied himself, focusing his chakra. Mizuki decided to tap into his Earth Release techniques once more, this time forming a series of stone pillars around Aoi, trying to trap her movements. Aoi dodged the first few, but as the ground shook and more pillars erupted from the earth, her space began to shrink.
The guards cheered louder, hoping for a change in momentum.
But Aoi wasn't done. She leapt onto one of the pillars, using it as a springboard to launch herself into the air. Her body twisted in mid-air, and she came down like a comet, her fist aimed directly at Mizuki's chest.
The impact sent a shockwave through the ground, dust rising around them as Mizuki stumbled back, barely managing to stay on his feet. He grinned, wiping the sweat from his brow. This fight wasn't over.
The two stood at a distance from one another, both breathing heavily, sweat pouring down their bodies under the intense heat of the volcanic sun. The crowd, both guards and prisoners, watched in eager anticipation. It was still anyone's fight.
Malik, floating above with a grin, knew that this was exactly what they needed. A test of endurance, power, and will.
Mizuki could feel the familiar rush of power surging through his veins as his Animal Cursed Seal began to take effect. His muscles bulged, his body growing larger as the green skull-like markings spread across his right forearm and up his bicep. His skin took on a faint, animal-like appearance, his eyes narrowing with a sharp predatory gleam. The tiger-like stripes that marked his body intensified, radiating energy as he entered Stage 1 of the cursed seal. His speed and strength increased tremendously, and with his new power, he could feel every fiber of his being ready to overwhelm Aoi.
Aoi, who had faced Mizuki in his cursed form before, watched carefully as his transformation took place. She wasn't intimidated; she'd defeated him before, but she knew this fight would be different. Mizuki had been training, and the hunger to win was visible in every move he made. His brute strength was terrifying, but she had one advantage—her agility and creativity.
Malik, floating above, offered his telepathic encouragement. "Don't worry, my sweet Copper Blue," his voice echoed softly in Aoi's mind. "Take the energy from our link. Use your Water Style—and trust me."
Aoi mentally responded with a bit of sarcasm, "On a volcano, Malik? Really? There's not exactly a lake nearby." She felt his reassuring presence as though he was standing right next to her, and then the sensation of a gentle kiss on her cheek through their connection. That was enough for her. She knew she could trust him, and without hesitation, she drew on the connection they shared, pulling his magic into her own chakra reserves.
Mizuki charged at her with blinding speed. His curse-enhanced muscles allowed him to move faster than any human could naturally achieve, and Aoi barely had time to evade. His fists were like wrecking balls, smashing through the rocks and volcanic stone with each missed punch. Dust and debris filled the air as the ground trembled under the impact of his blows.
Aoi flipped backward, landing with grace on one of the large, jagged rocks that formed the edge of the quarry. She needed distance—distance to prepare her counter-attack. Water Style required time, and Mizuki wasn't going to give her any.
The crowd of prisoners and guards cheered as the two combatants pushed each other to their limits. The guards, still rooting for Aoi, shouted words of encouragement. The prisoners, rallying behind Mizuki, cheered louder, hoping to see him land a decisive blow. But even as Mizuki's power flared, it was clear that the intense energy drain was wearing him down. His body could only sustain the cursed seal's abilities for so long before it began to burn him out.
Aoi, in the midst of dodging and weaving through his attacks, finally saw her opening. Mizuki was slowing down. His movements were still powerful, but the once-blinding speed had dropped just enough. She knew she had to strike now.
Water Style: Umbrella Shock Wave.
Aoi didn't have her signature umbrella on hand, but improvisation was one of her strengths. Her sharp eyes caught Mizuki's discarded puppet lying nearby, and without missing a beat, she grabbed it, spinning it in the air as though it were her trusty weapon. With a mighty swing, she generated a torrent of water from the puppet, a technique so strong that it was enough to ground Mizuki and shatter the rocks beneath him.
The shockwave of water blasted through the quarry, cooling the air around them as it sprayed across the prisoners and guards. For a brief moment, everyone was grateful for the relief from the volcanic heat.
Mizuki was knocked off his feet, his body crashing into the rocky terrain as the water wave overwhelmed him. The cursed seal on his body flickered, and then dimmed as his energy reserves drained away, leaving him weakened but still conscious.
Malik floated down gracefully, his bright eyes shining with amusement and pride as he approached the two combatants. "Well done, you two," he said, his voice smooth as he reached out to place his hands on both Mizuki and Aoi. Malik's healing magic flared to life in a soft pink and gold glow, restoring their strength and mending any injuries they had sustained during the fight.
Mizuki stretched, rolling his shoulders as he felt his energy return. His cursed seal had taken a toll on him, but Malik's magic had restored him enough to stand tall once again. Determined not to back down, Mizuki grabbed a nearby pickaxe, a gleam of excitement in his eyes.
"Let's go one more round," Mizuki said, pointing the pickaxe toward Aoi with a smirk. "This time, at least one ninja tool each. I won't lose every time. You better enjoy these victories while they last." His taunt was playful but filled with the fierce desire to win.
The shinobi guards exchanged glances before shrugging and nodding in agreement. One more round wouldn't hurt.
Malik smiled as he handed Aoi her umbrella. Before stepping back, he patted her on her nice butt, making sure no one noticed the intimate gesture. Aoi remained cool as always, pretending not to notice the affectionate touch as she prepared for the next round.
"Good luck, Copper Blue," Malik whispered, his voice filled with affection as he floated away to give them space.
The next round was set, with Aoi armed with her umbrella and Mizuki holding his pickaxe like a battle-ready weapon. The prisoners and guards braced themselves for another thrilling fight, eagerly anticipating what would happen next.
This time, both combatants had something to prove. Aoi was fighting to maintain her undefeated streak, while Mizuki was determined to claim a victory, no matter how hard he had to fight for it.
A few hours after the intense fight between Aoi and Mizuki had ended, the heat of the day began to fade, and Malik had provided lunch for the entire Konoha Strict Correctional Facility—both prisoners and ninja guards alike. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across the volcanic rock, Malik decided to pay Mizuki a visit in his cell.
The cellblock was dark, but Malik's keen senses allowed him to see through the gloom with ease. Mizuki's cell was tucked away, its cold stone walls illuminated only by the faint flicker of a distant torch. Malik approached quietly, floating just off the ground to avoid making any noise. His sharp eyes caught the sight of Mizuki's still form, lying on the cot with his back to the cell door.
Malik smiled, despite the silent greeting. "I wanted to thank you, Mizuki," he said softly, leaning closer to the bars. "For giving this a chance. I hope it leads to a brighter future—for both of us."
Mizuki didn't respond, but there was a slight movement as he waved Malik off, as if dismissing him with the air of someone trying to sleep. Malik chuckled at the gesture, not offended in the least. He pulled a small plate of freshly baked snacks from thin air and slid it beneath the bars, the aroma of sweet bread filling the air. Without waiting for further acknowledgement, Malik floated away into the dim hallway, leaving Mizuki to his thoughts and his newfound strength.
As Malik made his way toward the employee showers, he found himself distracted by a few beautiful ninja guards and prisoners along the way. The guards, dressed in their sleek uniforms, gave him subtle nods and soft smiles of recognition. Their eyes held admiration, knowing who he was and the impact he had already made on the facility. Their glances were professional, but there was an unspoken respect.
The prisoners, however, were less subtle. Hunger and desire flashed openly in their eyes as they watched Malik float past. Some licked their lips, their gazes trailing over him with a clear sense of longing and lust. They weren't shy about showing their interest, their stares full of yearning. Malik smiled softly, acknowledging their looks but keeping his focus ahead. He had other things on his mind, and he wasn't about to be distracted by the attention—though it did amuse him.
When Malik finally made it to the private showers, the air was thick with steam, the warmth from the volcanic region creating a dense fog that filled the space. The single shower room was dimly lit, shadows dancing across the wet tiles. Malik headed toward the shower stall where Aoi was waiting for him. He could feel her presence, even before he saw her.
Aoi stood there, her body barely wrapped in a loose towel that clung to her damp skin. The towel left very little to the imagination, revealing her toned, athletic physique beneath. As Malik opened the door to the shower room, the towel flew out, landing somewhere outside the stall. In the darkness, he heard Aoi's voice—low, teasing, and full of mischief.
"Come join me, Malik," she purred.
Malik didn't need any more convincing. He stepped into the darkened shower, the steam swirling around them, and disappeared into the warm embrace of the moment.
As Malik steps into the shower stall, the hot water cascades down his back, instantly relaxing his tense muscles. The dim lighting gives the room an almost ethereal quality, making the moment feel intimate and surreal. Aoi stands under the showerhead, her hair slicked back, her eyes shimmering in the soft glow of the lights. She reaches out and pulls Malik close, their wet skin sticking together, creating a sensual friction.
Their bodies mold together as if magnetized, Aoi's hands wandering over Malik's chest, tracing his chest with a tenderness that belies her fiery demeanor. Malik's hands explore the curves of Aoi's hips, pulling her even closer, feeling the heat of her body radiating through the water. The connection between them is electric, charged with unspoken desires and shared memories.
Malik's hands slide over Aoi's hips, pulling her close. He feels her shiver as his fingers dig into her skin, his thumb tracing lazy circles on her back. Their eyes lock, and there's a moment of understanding, a silent agreement to let go and indulge in the pleasure they have both been craving.
Malik's mouth moves towards Aoi's chest, capturing one of her small breasts. His tongue flicks across her nipple, causing her to gasp and arch her back, pressing herself further into his touch. His lips close around the hardening peak, sucking gently at first, then more urgently as Aoi's moans fill the steamy air. Her hands grip his shoulders, digging into his skin, a silent plea for more.
As the hot water from the shower streamed down Malik's back, he could feel her tension from the day's sparring and training sessions slowly melt away. She had been pushing gerself harder than usual, feeling the need to sharpen her skills to their utmost. Aoi, after fighting her sparring partner, stood by his side, her breaths still coming in heavy gasps from their intense workout. Her eyes shone with a mix of exhaustion and determination, a fire that never seemed to burn out.
"Alright," Aoi said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think I've earned this." She reached out and grasped Malik's wrist, her grip strong and unyielding. "Don't you think you owe me a little something extra?"
Her words lingered in the air, laden with a challenge and an invitation. "Your right, love," Malik said with her nipples still in his mouth, "Lean up against the wall of the shower for her, push her nice ass back, and spread your legs, I'll do all the work, you do need something extra."
Aoi follows Malik's instructions, leaning back against the shower wall and spreading her legs. The steam curls around them, creating an intimate cocoon of heat and moisture. Malik's hands explore her body, tracing a path from her hips to her thighs and back again. His fingers slide into the space between her legs, finding her already slick and ready.
Malik's fingers gently part her folds, feeling the heat radiating from her core. Aoi's breath hitches as his thumb circles her clit in slow, deliberate strokes. Her back arches against the wall, her hips instinctively thrusting against his touch. Her moans grow louder as he continues to tease her, his movements unhurried and deliberate.
Malik's fingers glide through the trimmed and neat hair of Aoi's green pubic area, the vibrant color adding an exotic allure to her already alluring body. Each gentle movement of his fingers brings forth gasps and sighs from her, her pleasure growing more intense with every stroke.
As his fingers continue to explore her, he leans in, his lips tracing a path from her earlobe to her neck, leaving a trail of wet kisses in their wake. His breath is warm against her skin, sending shivers down her spine. He whispers, "Do you want it like this again?" His fingers pause, waiting for her response, the anticipation hanging heavy in the steamy air.
Aoi's response is immediate, her voice husky with desire. "Yes, Malik. I want it again. I want to feel you deep inside me."
Malik's heart races at Aoi's words. He can feel the heat emanating from her body, the steam from the shower only intensifying the raw, primal connection between them. He removes his fingers, leaving her wanting more, and positions himself behind her.
Aoi's breath hitches as she feels Malik's hardness pressing against her. The sensation of his tip teasing her entrance drives her wild. With one swift motion, he thrusts into her, filling her completely. Aoi lets out a deep, guttural moan as her back arches against the shower wall, her body quivering with pleasure. Malik's hands grip her hips, holding her in place as he begins to move with a steady rhythm.
Each thrust sends a jolt of pleasure coursing through Aoi's body.
Malik's thrusts in Aoi's ass became more urgent, driven by her dirty talk and the slick heat of their surroundings. The steam enveloped them, creating an intimate and sensual atmosphere. Aoi's words, crude and raw, fueled Malik's desire, igniting a primal fire within him.
"You like that, don't you?" Aoi murmured, her voice dripping with lust. "Fuck me harder. Make me scream."
Malik growled in response, his hips working in tandem with her dirty talk. The sound of their wet skin slapping against each other echoed through the shower stall, mixing with Aoi's gasps and moans of pleasure. The water cascaded down their intertwined bodies, creating a chorus of sensuality that only heightened the intensity of their encounter.
"God, Aoi." "You're so fucking hot," Malik groaned, his voice strained from the effort of holding back his own pleasure. "You feel amazing."
Aoi's nails dug into the slick walls of the shower, her body trembling with each powerful thrust. "Yes, harder," she demanded, her voice trembling with the intensity of her arousal. "Fuck me harder, Malik. Make me come."
Malik's thrusts grew more forceful, the slickness of the shower making their movements smooth and unyielding. He could feel every inch of her, the heat and tightness around him driving him to the brink. He could sense her climax building, her muscles clenching and releasing in waves.
"Oh, fuck, I'm close," Aoi gasped, her breath hitching as she neared her peak.
With a primal growl, Malik's thrusts became more frenzied, driven by the urgency of Aoi's pleas. The sound of their wet skin slapping together filled the steamy shower, mingling with her gasps and moans of ecstasy.
"Yes, yes, just like that," Aoi cried out, her voice barely audible over the pounding water and the slick sounds of their bodies moving together.
Malik could feel her orgasm pulsing around him, her muscles tightening and releasing in waves. The sensation pushed him over the edge, his own release crashing over him like a wave. He let out a deep, guttural moan as he came inside her, feeling the warmth of his semen mingling with the heat of the shower.
Their shared release echoes through the steamy stall, their bodies entwined and slick with water and sweat. The rhythmic movement of their breaths and the gentle hum of the running water create a serene backdrop to their intimacy.
Malik's arms encircle Aoi's waist, pulling her close. Her back is pressed against his chest, her heartbeat a steady drumbeat against his skin. The warmth of their intertwined bodies and the intimate closeness create a bubble of contentment around them.
"You can keep going, I want more," Aoi whispers, her voice filled with awe and satisfaction.
Malik nuzzles her neck, feeling the damp tendrils of her hair stick to his cheek. "I could go forever," he admits, his voice soft and tender. "But I'm glad you asked, now bend back down." The moment Aoi bends over, her hair cascading down her back, Malik can't help but admire the sight. Her back arches, creating a perfect curve, and he places his hands on her hips. The warmth of her skin is intoxicating, and he can feel the heat radiating from between her legs. He lines himself up, his tip pressing gently against her entrance. With a smooth motion, he slides back inside her, savoring the sensation of her tightness.
Aoi lets out a soft moan as Malik re-enters her. Each thrust is slow and deliberate, allowing them both to feel every inch of their connection. He runs his hands over her curves, feeling the muscles in her back flex as she responds to his touch.
===
A few hours later, the night had fully settled, and Malik and Aoi found themselves atop the highest tower of the Konoha Strict Correctional Facility. The night air was cooler, though the heat from the volcanic activity below still kept the atmosphere warm. From their vantage point, they could see the lava flowing in the distance, glowing a brilliant red-orange in the darkness. The molten river cut through the rocky landscape, casting an ethereal, almost mesmerizing light across the ground.
Malik sat beside Aoi, their bodies relaxed as they leaned into one another. The view was breathtaking, the natural beauty of the lava making the night feel surreal. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, enjoying the calm after the day's excitement.
Malik finally broke the silence, asking, "So, are you going to stay and help Mizuki train with the brothers?"
Aoi nodded, her gaze focused on the distant lava. "Yeah," she said simply. "At least until we get summoned for a mission. It's a good way to pass the time."
She glanced at him with a knowing smirk. "Plus, you've got to report to Tsunade, and I shouldn't exactly be there for that. You know… being a wanted missing-nin and all."
Malik chuckled, understanding the delicate situation. "True." He unwrapped his arm from around her and turned to face her fully. Their eyes met, and in the soft glow of the lava, he leaned in and pressed his lips against hers in a slow, lingering kiss. Aoi, always cool and composed, returned the kiss without hesitation, though there was a softness in the way she kissed him back.
When they pulled away, Malik traced his finger along her upper lip, his voice playful and full of affection. "You're my girl," he said, his hot pink eyes sparkling with a teasing glint.
Aoi rolled her eyes at him but couldn't hide the small smile that tugged at her lips. "Yeah, yeah," she replied with her usual sarcastic tone. "Whatever you say."
Malik smiled, pleased with her response. He floated up into the air, preparing to leave the tower. As he descended, the Anbu that had been assigned to guard him appeared, masked and silent as always. Shisui was among them, her presence commanding without a word.
Malik gave Aoi one last glance, and with a small, playful salute, he floated off toward the Hidden Leaf, ready to face whatever awaited him in his next mission.