Kenshin gave Kira a teasing smile, confidently crossing his arms. "I'd like to see you try, princess. Last time I was still adjusting to the dense nature energy, and I felt lightheaded. But now, I'd like to see you try."
Kira's smirk deepened, her golden eyes flashing with an almost predatory glint. "Is that so?" she purred, leaning in close enough that Kenshin could see every fine detail of her fur-lined face.
"Careful what you wish for, human. I won't go easy on you just because you're… adapting." She grinned, her sharp teeth gleaming.
Kenshin kept his confident stance, arms crossed, and gave her a challenging look. "I wouldn't have it any other way, princess."
Sora sighed with a shake of her head, clearly amused by their banter. "Honestly, you two… if you keep this up, you'll tear the whole village down."
Aruna chuckled softly, her gaze settling on Kenshin. "You have spirit," she said with a glimmer of approval. "Perhaps, with time, even my daughter will come to respect it. But remember, nature energy is wild and unpredictable. Even with the strength of your heritage, learning to wield it safely will be… challenging."
Kenshin nodded, his confidence tempered by her words. "I'm ready, Aruna-sama. Whatever it takes."
Aruna's smile softened. "Very well. We'll see how you fare in training. And if you manage to keep up…" She glanced at Kira with a knowing smile, "…perhaps you'll earn more than just a few sparring matches."
Kira gave her mother a narrow-eyed look but said nothing, her tail flicking in restrained excitement.
Kenshin could feel the electric charge in the air as he held Kira's gaze, both of them grinning like they were about to jump into a fight rather than a lesson.
Aruna looked between them with amusement, a serene smile curving her lips as she began to walk toward a grand set of doors at the side of the chamber.
"Follow me," she instructed, her voice gentle but firm, "and I'll show you where we begin."
The doors swung open, revealing a massive stone courtyard surrounded by lush vegetation, glowing faintly in the waning light.
Unlike the mansion, which had an air of refined elegance, this area exuded raw, untamed energy. Wisps of nature chakra drifted through the air like tiny embers, and a soft, constant hum vibrated beneath their feet.
"This," Aruna said, extending an arm, "is the Heart of the Forest. It's here that we teach our young ones to understand nature energy, and where you will learn to commune with the forest's power. But beware—it is alive and… selective."
Kira smirked and leaned against a stone pillar, watching Kenshin with barely restrained anticipation. "Good luck, human," she teased. "This place will chew you up and spit you out if you're not careful."
Kenshin flashed Kira a confident smile, unwavering. "Guess I'll have to prove I can handle it."
Sora stepped forward, curiosity sparking in her eyes as she turned to Kenshin. "Before we get started… could you show us what you're capable of? I'd like to see human techniques up close."
Kenshin nodded. "Alright. Here, let's start with something simple."
He took a stance, forming a rapid sequence of ten hand seals. As he completed the final seal, he pressed his palms forward, sending a powerful burst of wind chakra from his hands, which blasted him back a good distance in the opposite direction. Landing nimbly, he smirked, enjoying the impressed looks on his audience's faces.
Sora's eyes widened. "That's incredible! You use the wind to propel yourself… I've never seen anything like it."
"Glad you liked it. But I'm not done yet." Kenshin took a deep breath, focusing chakra around his body in a thin, shimmering layer. "This is an incomplete form of something I call Wind Chakra Mode."
As the wind chakra encased him, Kira's eyes narrowed, her expression sharpening as she scrutinized his technique. Kenshin noticed her twitch but pressed on, concentrating the chakra around his forearm until it took the form of a gauntlet.
With a flick of his wrist, he shot several compact wind bullets that ripped through the air with a sharp whistle, smashing into a stone wall with intense force, leaving cracks and small holes.
Kira let out a low whistle, her smirk returning. "Not bad… for a human."
Kenshin grinned, enjoying the challenge in her voice. "Let's see what you think of this."
He performed a few hand seals, and in an instant, a massive stream of fire erupted from his mouth, followed by a swirling fireball that blazed brightly before fading away. The heat lingered, and Sora looked thoroughly impressed.
"And now for something a bit different." Kenshin walked over to a nearby pond, calmly stepping onto the water's surface. He took a few steps before leaping across the surface, landing lightly each time.
Kira's brow furrowed as she watched, clearly surprised. "So, humans use their chakra to walk on water? Interesting…"
Sora's mouth was open in amazement. "I never thought… you could use energy that way. Fascinating."
Kenshin flashed a quick grin before suddenly sinking beneath the surface, vanishing from sight. Kira smirked, folding her arms. "Got a little too cocky, didn't you?"
But just as she finished, Kenshin shot out on the other side of the pond, skimming through the water with blinding speed. He stepped back onto the shore and gave them a quick nod.
"That was 'Sea Snake,' an advanced jutsu from my village. It lets me move undetected and at supersonic speeds underwater. Although it's hard to maintain it for long since the air in my lungs is also affected by the speed."
Sora looked both impressed and thoughtful, while Kira raised a brow, clearly intrigued despite herself. Aruna gave Kenshin an approving smile. "It seems you bring more to the forest than just spirit."
With a steadying breath, Kenshin met Aruna's gaze. "I'm ready to learn, Aruna-sama."
"Good. Then let's see if you can handle the energy of the forest itself," she said, gesturing for him to step deeper into the courtyard.
Aruna's gaze softened as she nodded, leading Kenshin to the center of the courtyard. The hum of nature energy intensified around them, like a heartbeat.
"Now, Kenshin," she said gently, "close your eyes and reach for that sensation you felt when I shared my nature energy with you. Let the energy of the forest fill you, but keep your spirit steady. The balance is crucial."
Kenshin closed his eyes, focusing on that warmth, that potent energy he remembered. The feeling surged in him—wild, powerful, but slippery. He felt the energy begin to take hold, but something was off.
A strange tingling spread through his body, and suddenly, he felt his features beginning to shift, a feline sharpness trying to take over.
A sharp crack cut through the air as Aruna's tail snapped against his back, whipping the nature energy out of him. Kira and Sora both laughed, clearly entertained.
"Not quite," Aruna said with a calm smile. "Again."
Kenshin clenched his jaw but nodded. He tried once more, reaching for that elusive balance. Over and over, he attempted to hold the energy, but each time, it slipped through his grasp.
A hint of whiskers appeared; his nails sharpened briefly, then vanished as Aruna's tail hit him. His frustration grew, though he kept it in check, determined to succeed.
As the sky deepened toward sunset, a servant appeared at the courtyard entrance, bowing to Aruna. "Nekomata-sama, dinner is ready, and your bathwater has been prepared. However," the servant cast a curious glance at Kenshin, "we are uncertain if our guest would be… comfortable."
Aruna turned to Kenshin, an amused glint in her eyes. "Would you like to join us for a bath, Kenshin?"
Kenshin blinked, momentarily taken aback. "I… appreciate the offer, but it'd be inappropriate."
Kira crossed her arms, her smirk as sharp as ever. "Oh, what's the matter? Afraid you'd pass out just from seeing my mother naked?" She raised a brow, her teasing tone daring him.
Unfazed, Kenshin gave a small, matter-of-fact smile. "Actually, my mother is prettier, and I have no problem sharing a bath with her. But with Aruna-sama and you two, people of high status in this forest, I feel like I'd be overstepping."
Kira's eyes widened, her smirk faltering as a slight blush crept up her cheeks. Sora chuckled, impressed, while Aruna simply gave Kenshin a knowing nod.
"Very well, then," Aruna said with a hint of respect in her voice. "We shall continue your training tomorrow. Rest tonight and reflect on what you've learned."
As Aruna, Kira, and Sora made their way toward the bathhouse, Kira, humming a cheerful tune, wasted no time shedding her clothes along the way.
She skipped toward the bath completely naked, an unbothered sight that the servants took in stride, seemingly accustomed to her bold demeanor.
Meanwhile, an orange-haired servant approached Kenshin with a respectful bow. "Please follow me, sir; I'll guide you to your quarters."
Kenshin nodded, letting her lead him through the winding paths. When they reached his quarters, the servant paused, offering another bow. "Is there anything you require?" she asked, eyes lowered in deference.
He gave a small smile. "Thank you. I'll let you know if I need anything."
Settling in, Kenshin took a moment to look around the elegant yet simple room, its rustic charm blending seamlessly with the forest energy he had begun to feel so intensely. After a few minutes, he decided to step outside for a breath of fresh air.
To his surprise, he found the orange-haired servant still waiting patiently by the door.
"Were you… waiting this whole time?" Kenshin asked, slightly taken aback.
"Yes, sir," she replied with an earnest nod. "You said you would let me know if you needed anything. It is my duty to ensure our guest is properly cared for."
He scratched his head, a bit embarrassed. "You really don't need to stand by the door like that."
The servant's expression softened, though she shook her head. "I insist, sir. To be truthful, humans are like fairy tales to us, especially for lowly servants like me, and to most of the tribe. It's said that only the Nekomata family knows the full story of the last visit to the human world by our current Nekomata-sama's mother."
Curiosity sparked in Kenshin. "Aruna-sama's mother?"
The servant nodded, her gaze respectful yet tinged with awe. "Yes. Her experience with the human world left her wary, which is why she forbade the tribe from venturing there. Only the current Nekomata-sama and her daughters know of it now."
The servant offered a small, respectful nod as she continued, "As you have settled in, sir… perhaps you would be interested in a bath?"
Kenshin considered the offer for a moment, then nodded. "A bath sounds perfect, thank you."
She inclined her head. "Nekomata-sama and her daughters are currently bathing, but once they're finished, I'll have the bathhouse prepared for you."
"Appreciated," Kenshin replied, glancing around the mansion, curiosity glinting in his eyes. "Actually, while Aruna-sama and her daughters are bathing… would it be possible to get a tour of the mansion and maybe the village?"
The servant's eyes widened, and a hint of surprise softened her formal demeanor. "Oh, there is no need for such formality with me, sir. I am but a servant."
Kenshin's lips twitched in a slight smile. "And yet… I insist." His reply carried a hint of humor, echoing her earlier words, which she couldn't help but acknowledge with an amused nod. "By the way, what is your name?"
"As you wish, sir. And… my name is Naoko."
"Thank you, Naoko," Kenshin replied, giving her a polite nod. "Now, I'm ready for that tour."
Kenshin followed Naoko through the mansion, his eyes drawn to the details around him, each corner of the place reflecting the richness of the tribe's history and lifestyle.
As they walked, the dimming light from outside poured through the latticed windows, casting delicate, lace-like shadows onto the polished wooden floors.
Naoko stopped briefly at a wall covered in intricate carvings, depicting various scenes of the tribe's history. "These carvings tell our stories," she explained.
"From the earliest days, when our ancestors settled here, to the many leaders who have guarded and guided us." Her hand lightly touched the image of a regal Nekomata figure, surrounded by their kin.
"When a Nekomata steps down, their life force is passed on to their successor, empowering them and strengthening the clan. It is the ultimate act of loyalty—one that also takes the life of the predecessor."
Kenshin looked at her, surprised, as she continued. "The current Nekomata, Aruna-sama, took over from her husband, Kira-sama and Sora-sama's father, many centuries ago. And as the older and more skilled sister, Kira-sama is the next in line, destined to inherit the strength and wisdom that comes with this role."
Kenshin raised an eyebrow, considering this. "I see… Kira might be strong, although I haven't seen her strength yet, but she doesn't seem like the 'wise princess' type. If anything, Sora strikes me as more fit to lead."
Naoko's eyes widened in a moment of disbelief, as though he had spoken something borderline sinful.
Then her expression softened, and she gave a small chuckle, realizing it was merely Kenshin's impression of Kira. "Kira-sama is indeed a bit cold, only with you," she explained.
"She treats you that way because of her grandmother's… less than pleasant experience with the human world. Kira-sama is wise when it counts, and her playfulness only adds to her charm."
Naoko leaned in with a faint smile, her voice dropping to a whisper. "And between me and you, maybe a leader with a bit of levity won't be such a bad thing—though we all deeply respect Aruna-sama and her predecessors, of course."
Kenshin nodded thoughtfully, glancing at the intricate carvings that held centuries of history. "I want to see how Kira might surprise me in the future," he said with a smile.
They moved on, passing a series of indoor gardens, each uniquely themed. In one, tall, elegantly arranged bamboo stood next to a small, tranquil pond with colorful fish gliding gracefully through the water.
Another was filled with towering, ancient trees and glowing fungi, casting soft light that illuminated the deep green leaves above. Small birds with jewel-toned feathers flitted through, creating a sense of being deep in an enchanted forest.
"These gardens serve many purposes," Naoko said as they walked through. "Not only are they a place of beauty, but we also use some plants for remedies, and others for crafting. Every piece here has a purpose and a story."
As they entered a large, open hall, Kenshin noticed beautiful tapestries hanging from the ceiling, depicting various landscapes. One of them showed what seemed to be an ethereal scene of the Shikkotsu Forest itself under moonlight, its trees stretching endlessly under a sky full of stars.
Another depicted a massive feline form, curled protectively around a village, the Nekomata spirit watching over her kin.
Naoko stopped by the entrance to this hall, her voice reverent. "This is our Great Hall, where the tribe gathers for celebrations and meetings."
She looked at Kenshin with a shy smile. "Perhaps, if you stay long enough, you may see a celebration yourself."
Kenshin glanced around, taking in the scale and artistry. "It's… incredible. I can feel the pride and history of your people in every detail."
Naoko led him out of the mansion and into the village. As they walked along a narrow, stone-paved path, lanterns made of woven vines and glowing orbs of captured fireflies began to light up, casting a soft golden glow.
Tribe members moved through the village, each one stopping to gaze curiously at Kenshin, though they offered respectful nods toward Naoko.
To the left, Kenshin saw a small marketplace with stalls displaying beautiful wares: fabrics dyed in rich colors, handcrafted jewelry adorned with feathers and stones, and baskets filled with vibrant, freshly harvested fruits and herbs. One stall sold vials of a shimmering liquid that seemed to catch and reflect the light.
"That is moon dew," Naoko explained, noticing his interest. "Collected only on clear nights under a full moon. It is said to heal wounds and bring peace to troubled spirits."
Kenshin nodded, admiring the dedication to tradition and the wonder of their craft. As they walked further, they passed a group of young cat-children playing a game, their tails swishing excitedly as they chased each other through the trees, their laughter filling the air.
Some paused to look at Kenshin in awe before scampering away, giggling, with an extra burst of energy.
Finally, they returned to the mansion, where the grand bathhouse stood nestled against a cliff face, steaming in the cool evening air. Its walls were adorned with more of the glowing flora, creating a natural frame around the entrance. Naoko pointed toward the path back to his quarters.
"We'll prepare the bathhouse for you shortly," she assured him, bowing slightly. "For now, please feel free to continue exploring or rest. I hope this tour has given you some insight into our home."
Kenshin nodded, taking a last look at the surroundings. "Thank you, Naoko. Your world is… beautiful, in ways I never imagined."
The bathhouse was serene, its warm mist swirling softly in the dim light. Kenshin entered, feeling the heat embrace him as Naoko stood nearby, watching him with quiet attentiveness, ready to serve.
Kenshin hesitated, his cheeks warming almost as much from Naoko's presence as from the bath. "Um, Naoko," he began, scratching the back of his head. "I really appreciate you standing by, but I… I can manage by myself."
Naoko's gaze remained gentle yet vigilant. "It is my duty to assist you, sir. I cannot leave you alone."
He stammered, struggling to be both respectful and clear. "It's just… bathing with someone watching over isn't… necessary. I'll be fine, really."
Finally, with a small, understanding smile, Naoko nodded, though Kenshin felt like he saw a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "As you wish. I'll be nearby if you need anything." She gave him a respectful bow and left him alone, allowing him to relax fully.
Sighing with relief, Kenshin sank into the warm water, feeling his muscles unwind. Closing his eyes, he let his mind drift until he heard a faint patter near the edge of the bath. Opening his eyes, he saw a small white cat approaching, its soft fur practically glowing in the warm steam.
The cat looked at him curiously, and without much thought, Kenshin reached out, stroking its soft head. The cat purred, arching its back with a pleased rumble.
But in an instant, with a soft poof of smoke, the small cat was gone, replaced by Sora sitting cross-legged at the bath's edge, a content sigh escaping her lips.
"Ahhh," she murmured, stretching. "Being petted by a human feels so heavenly…"
Kenshin froze, staring at her in stunned silence. "…Sora?"
Noticing his expression, Sora chuckled. "Oh, right. You're new to this." She leaned back, unbothered by his surprise. "My mother, sister, and I all have cat forms. It's part of who we are, though our appearance isn't the only difference. Oh, and one more thing. Mother's other form is a tigress, not a normal cat."
She continued, her tone reflective. "Long ago, the Nekomata of our tribe were pure cats, without the human forms we have now. But as time passed, humans with cat-like features joined us, and the tribe began to change. Mother is directly descended from the very first human to become one of us—one of the daughters of Ashura."
Kenshin's eyes widened. "So… you're all descended from the Sage of Six Paths?"
Sora nodded with a small smile. "Through Ashura, yes. The original Nekomata could take on human form, which led to humans with cat-like features joining our tribe. Over time, we intermingled and created a new generation—a blend of the two worlds."
She glanced up at him, her golden green eyes gleaming. "So, that's why our family can shift between cat and human forms."
Kenshin absorbed the information, fascinated by the depth of history hidden within the cat tribe. "It's… incredible," he said quietly, genuinely impressed.
Sora slid into the bathwater with a graceful ease, sending gentle ripples across the surface. Kenshin's cheeks reddened again as he suddenly realized he was naked. He scrambled to cover himself, only for Sora to chuckle softly, her voice warm with amusement.
"Relax, Kenshin. Some things humans find embarrassing are quite normal here," she said, her eyes crinkling with mirth. "You don't have to be uncomfortable."
He took a deep breath, letting her words calm him, and settled back into the water. Sora swam closer, her movements fluid and effortless, before resting her head on the edge of the bath, watching him with a softened expression.
"I wanted to apologize for the way my sister has treated you," Sora began, her voice thoughtful. "She's… not easy on humans. Our grandmother had a terrible experience in the human world, and it left a mark on her—and on Kira too."
Kenshin listened intently as Sora continued, her gaze shifting to the steaming water as if lost in the memories she recounted.
"Our grandmother, with the help of Katsuyu-sama, went to the human world long ago," Sora said, her tone tinged with sadness.
"But instead of treating her as we've treated you, the humans were cruel. Some tried to take advantage of her kindness… and others, worse. They violated her. The pain of that betrayal lingered with her for a lifetime, and Kira was deeply affected by those stories."
Kenshin's brows knit together, understanding Kira's coldness in a new light. "That's… awful," he said, his voice quiet. "I can see why she'd be guarded. I never realized."
Sora nodded, her expression softening as she met his gaze again. "But Kira knows not all humans are like that. It's why she allowed you to come here, even if she doesn't show it in the most welcoming way. And believe me," she added with a small smile, "underneath her prickly exterior, Kira has a good heart. She just needs time to trust."
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Once again, thank you everyone for your continued support and power stones. And as always, please give me your power stones and comment your opinions. They make a big difference and motivate me to write more.
Re: Zero. The only show where you want the protagonist to die. I'm seriously rooting for the poor guy to reset already so that he can do it over and get some new intel.