Aruna picked up the scroll, nodding as she turned to the portal. With a graceful step, she crossed over, and on the other side, she handed the scroll to a servant named Naoko, who took it with a respectful bow. Sora followed right after her, offering a quick smile to Kenshin before disappearing through the portal, followed by Kira.
As Kenshin turned, he felt a weight on his arm—Kaede had wrapped herself around him, her excitement barely contained.
Despite her confident demeanor, there was a hesitant look in her eyes as she approached the portal with him, one hand clutching his arm tightly. She hesitated, lifting one foot cautiously and placing it into the portal. A heartbeat passed, and nothing stopped her.
The hesitation melted from her face, replaced by unbridled joy as she realized the portal welcomed her. Her grip on Kenshin's arm tightened in exhilaration, and she stepped fully through, emerging beside him on the other side.
As Kaede stepped through the portal, she felt the surge of nature energy saturating the Shikkotsu Forest. Her body absorbed it hungrily, and with each passing second, her appearance seemed to grow even more youthful, her already striking presence now practically radiant.
She looked at Kenshin, a glimmer of sincerity in her usually impish eyes. "Thank you," she said, a rare note of genuine gratitude in her voice. "I can never repay you enough, master."
Aruna opened her mouth, about to speak, when a voice echoed from a distance. "Kenshin!" The air around them pulsed as Katsuyu's true form loomed into view, her enormous presence casting a shadow over the gathered group.
Her usually gentle tone was tinged with a rare edge of concern. "You disappeared so suddenly, and I had no word of what happened!"
Kenshin glanced up at her, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Let's see… after almost dying, then witnessing Kaede gouging out Kira's right eye, me giving Kira a Sharingan to replace it, battling Kaede to the brink of death twice, making her and Kira my summons, and finally completing my wind chakra mode… No, Katsuyu-sama, I am most definitely not fine." He sighed, shaking his head. "I need a hot meal, a bath, and a fresh change of clothes."
Katsuyu's eyes shifted, finally taking in Kaede's presence. Her tone grew sharp, laced with open disdain as she addressed Kaede. "Kaede. You made Kenshin your master?"
Kaede's brow lifted, yet she bowed her head slightly, though there was a hint of mockery in her tone. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't speak to me like that, Katsuyu-sama. I simply expressed my wish to master, he chose to uphold that wish himself."
Katsuyu's massive form shifted, her voice as cold as it was unwavering. "It's the only tone fitting for the one who dragged the Shikkotsu Forest into a century-long war between the cat tribe and the sage snakes. You don't deserve to be under that boy."
Kaede smirked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Well, the old snake thought he could intimidate me, like I was some helpless kitten who'd just run at the sight of him."
She laughed, the sound both amused and defiant. "As for master, I'll earn it. I swear. He will become the strongest being on this planet one day."
A tense silence settled between them before Katsuyu, without warning, split a portion of herself, forming a smaller human-sized clone that dropped heavily onto the ground.
She regarded Kaede with a critical eye, her expression unchanging. "You haven't changed a bit since your exile, Kaede. Eight hundred years, and you're still the same."
Kaede's face settled into a smug yet oddly respectful expression, an amused gleam in her eyes. But before she could reply, Katsuyu released a jet of acid directly onto her, the substance coating Kaede from head to toe in an instant.
Kaede let out a loud, lewd moan as her skin and flesh began melting away, the excruciating pain seemingly bringing her pleasure. Yet, in seconds, her body regenerated, her skin smooth and flawless once again.
Kaede looked to Kenshin, inclining her head respectfully toward him, reminding herself of the promise that she would restrain herself from retaliating.
Katsuyu, observing this, let out a soft sigh. "At least your thirst for blood has been tempered. For that, Kenshin, I am grateful."
With evident reluctance, Katsuyu continued, "Kaede, you may stay within the cat tribe's village, but you are not to venture beyond its bounds except when summoned by Kenshin. This is a condition you will honor."
Around them, the servants who had been watching the exchange in horror struggled to steady themselves. Many couldn't hide their shock or fear at Kaede's reaction to the acid—the way her apparent ecstasy bordered on the unnatural.
As they watched her body regenerate without flinching, one servant, hands trembling, stepped forward and handed her a robe. Katsuyu's acid had melted away the robe Kaede had been wearing, leaving her naked.
Kaede took the offered garment, draping it over herself with a smile that made the servant flinch.
She gave the girl a friendly slap on the back, chuckling as the servant squealed in surprise. "Loosen up," Kaede said with a wink. "I don't bite… not too hard, anyway."
The young servant stammered, still visibly shaken but managing a polite response, "Y-yes, ma'am." Kaede grinned with satisfaction, though her intense presence lingered in the girl's wide-eyed expression.
Naoko, ever calm and collected, stepped forward with a graceful bow, her composed manner instantly soothing the tension. She turned to everyone, addressing them with her usual respectful authority. "If I may, everyone, let's go inside. It's nearly afternoon." She gestured toward the estate, her voice steady and reassuring. "I've already arranged for a meal, which should be ready shortly."
Naoko then turned to Kenshin, bowing slightly. "Kenshin-sama, please allow me to escort you to your quarters." She nodded to another servant, who quickly stepped forward, ready to guide Kaede to a room that Naoko had efficiently prepared in advance.
As she led Kenshin through the corridors of the mansion, Naoko walked with her usual unhurried yet purposeful steps, her posture dignified. Her presence was always reassuring to the other servants, and her ability to anticipate needs and take action made her a quiet leader among them.
After a few moments of walking in silence, Naoko glanced at Kenshin, her tone as respectful as always but carrying a note of curiosity.
"Kenshin-sama, if I may be so bold, would you mind telling me what happened back there?" She hesitated only slightly, as if carefully choosing her words.
"How exactly… did you convince Kaede-sama to become your servant? From the way Nekomata-sama spoke of her, even if briefly, it's hard to believe that she would willingly become someone's servant."
Kenshin chuckled softly, glancing at her with a hint of amusement. "It's a long story, Naoko. But if you're truly interested, I'll tell you tonight—after dinner and a hot bath."
Naoko nodded respectfully, her usual composure softened by a small, grateful smile. She gestured for Kenshin to enter, following closely behind.
As he began to change, Naoko stepped forward, her voice gentle but insistent. "Please, allow me to help you, Kenshin-sama," she said, her tone brimming with gratitude. "After all you've done—protecting Kira-sama and fighting on our behalf—it is the least I can do."
Kenshin gave a slight nod, allowing her to assist. With great care, she took his sword from him, her hands steady but unfamiliar with the weapon's weight.
As she adjusted her grip, the blade slipped free of its sheath, revealing its jagged, chipped edge. Her eyes widened, the roughness of the once-smooth blade hinting at the brutal battle he must have endured.
She quickly looked up, a flush of apology crossing her face. "I-I'm so sorry, sir," she stammered, carefully sliding the blade back into its sheath and setting it aside with great care.
But as her fingers had touched the blade, the craftsmanship had been undeniable—even to her untrained eye, it was clear this was no ordinary sword.
The chipped edge, the wear—it all spoke to the intensity of his battle, and the reality of how close they had come to losing Kira.
Naoko's face softened, an uncharacteristic hint of emotion breaking through her usual calm. She hesitated, looking at Kenshin, a slight shimmer in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.
"Thank you for protecting Kira-sama and fighting so hard… even though you had every right to leave us to fend for ourselves. Our tribe will never be able to repay you enough."
With a final bow, Naoko excused herself, retreating from the room as she composed herself, leaving Kenshin in a quiet moment of respect.
After about ten minutes, Naoko returned, gently knocking on Kenshin's door. Her voice was soft but respectful as she asked, "Kenshin-sama, would you prefer to take a bath first? I understand you spent nearly a week inside the pocket dimension."
Kenshin opened the door and nodded. "I'd appreciate that," he replied.
Naoko bowed slightly and led him toward the bathhouse, her usual calm demeanor softened just a bit, showing a more relaxed air.
She opened the door to the spacious bathhouse, allowing him inside. As he undressed and began to settle into the warm water, Naoko stood nearby, politely averting her eyes.
Kenshin raised an eyebrow, curious, and Naoko explained, "This is at Kira-sama's request. She asked me to remain here in case Kaede-sama decided to join you."
She glanced at him, a hint of amusement in her tone. "I am to ensure that Kaede-sama doesn't attempt anything… inappropriate."
Just as she finished speaking, a splash echoed from the far end of the bath. A small black cat had jumped in, and with a puff of smoke underwater, Kaede appeared, her figure now visible as she rose from the water, her eyes glinting playfully. She pouted, crossing her arms. "Honestly, what is her problem?"
Naoko bowed respectfully to Kaede, maintaining her composed tone. "Kaede-sama, while I am unaware of your full intentions, I believe that occasionally, it is wise to follow others' requests. Allowing Kenshin-sama some time to grow comfortable may ultimately lead to a stronger bond between you." She hesitated briefly. "As you are Kenshin-sama's servant, may I offer you some advice?"
Kaede's curiosity was piqued, and she nodded, intrigued. "Oh? By all means, please do."
Naoko glanced at her calmly. "A servant's duty is to serve, not to test the patience of their master. Kaede-sama, it may be best to adhere to Kenshin-sama's wishes without pushing him beyond his comfort. Including… situations like this one."
Kaede blinked, a bit taken aback. She turned to Kenshin, noticing for the first time the flush on his face as he looked away, clearly awkward and embarrassed by her sudden appearance. Realization dawned on her, and she chuckled softly, stepping back slightly.
"Well, I suppose you do have a point, child," she said, her usual playful tone softened just a bit. "I'll give him a little space... for now."
After the bath, Kaede gave Kenshin a quick, teasing peck on the cheek before heading off to her room with one of the servants. Naoko, ever attentive, escorted Kenshin back to his quarters, leaving him with a respectful bow before quietly retreating.
Some time later, Naoko returned, gently announcing, "Kenshin-sama, dinner has been prepared and is served in the grand hall. If you'd like to join us, everyone is waiting."
As Kenshin entered the grand hall, he was greeted by the sight of a lavish feast spread out across the long table, showcasing an impressive variety of dishes.
Kira was already at the table, watching the food hungrily but waiting eagerly for Kenshin. Once he took his seat, she slipped in beside him with a grin, while Kaede settled on his other side, her gaze lingering on the familiar traditional dishes.
Aruna, seated at the far end, offered a quiet smile of approval, while Sora took her place across from Kenshin, her eyes bright with curiosity.
Kenshin was about to begin, but before he could even reach for any food, Kira and Kaede both leaned in, each picking up pieces with their hands and holding them up for him.
With competitive smiles, they took turns offering him bites, Kira choosing her favorites, while Kaede focused on the traditional dishes she remembered from centuries past.
"Try this one, master," Kira insisted, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she offered him a perfectly roasted piece of meat. "I just know you'll love it."
"No this," Kaede said, presenting a morsel from another dish. "Nothing beats traditional dishes."
Kenshin felt a bit awkward with the two of them vying to feed him, but he couldn't deny the warmth he felt in the attention. For a moment, he thought about how nice it was to have people who cared for him like this, even if it was new and unfamiliar.
Yet, amid the enjoyment, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt, knowing that Akane would be envious of this treatment, as she had always been closest to him and never had to share his attention with anyone before.
Despite the slight tug on his conscience, Kenshin managed a soft smile as he took each bite, appreciating the effort they were putting into making him feel welcome in their own unique way.
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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.