Chapter 2: A New Beginning
In a dark room dimly lit by flickering torches, a man sat on an imposing throne. Jigen's cold, calculating gaze was fixed on the young boy standing before him. The silence was suffocating until Jigen finally spoke, his voice sharp and authoritative.
—Let's begin with introductions. My name is Jigen in this body, but my true name is Isshiki Ōtsutsuki. I come from a place far beyond this planet. From now on, you will be my loyal subordinate. In return, I will grant you power—far more than you have now—and give you a new name. Tell me, boy, what do you think of this?
The boy, who had been studying Jigen intently, smirked unexpectedly.
—If you're the one giving me a name, then I'll follow you anywhere.
His tone was almost mocking, but his smile seemed genuine.
Jigen's eyes narrowed slightly, his expression betraying brief confusion. After a moment of silence, he spoke again with indifference.
—You're a strange boy, but I don't care. As long as you're loyal and useful, I'll make you stronger. From this moment forward, your name is Ryuma.
—Ryuma? —the boy repeated, lowering himself to his knees—. I, Ryuma, swear before you, Lord Jigen, that I will remain loyal to you until the day I die.
Jigen observed him for a moment, as if testing his sincerity, before giving a slight nod.
—Good, boy. Now go and rest. You've just come out of that capsule, and you're barely able to stand. You'll need to regain your strength.
Jigen gestured toward the exit, and Ryuma stood, bowing slightly before leaving the room.
As he walked through the dimly lit corridors of Kara's hideout, excitement bubbled within him.
I'm the best! I actually managed to fool one of the most powerful beings in this world!
Hours Later
In a simple room, Ryuma opened his eyes, lying on a bed. The bright light from the ceiling irritated him momentarily, but he quickly adjusted.
—Well, I think I've accomplished something. —He stretched, staring up at the ceiling—. To Jigen, I'm now his loyal subordinate—or at least that's what I made him believe. I hope he really buys it.
Sitting up, he inspected his body, focusing on his hands and arms.
—Ryuma… it's a good name, honestly. And looking at myself... wow, I'm actually pretty good-looking! —He chuckled, amused by his own appearance.
But his expression quickly turned serious.
—Enough of that. I need to get stronger as soon as possible. I don't know what kind of experiments they performed on me, but from what I've heard, I'm considered a failure. That doesn't matter. Being in Kara means I'll have access to technology and resources that can help me reach the level I need to survive in this world.
His thoughts turned to the ninja scientific tools that Kara members often used.
—If every member has one, I'll probably get one too. But that's something for the future...
Suddenly, a bright light illuminated the entrance to his room. A familiar figure appeared in the doorway: a man with white hair and a cigarette between his lips, looking at him with disinterest.
—Hey, you. Come with me. —The man's tone was dry and commanding—. You've rested enough. It's time to make you stronger. Let's go, quickly.
Ryuma blinked, momentarily confused, before getting up from the bed.
—Ah, hello. My name is Ryuma, may I...
—Stop right there. —The man interrupted him with a sharp glance—. Is that the name Jigen gave you?
Ryuma quickly nodded.
—Yes, sir.
The man chuckled dryly.
—Fine, I suppose that's good enough. Let me introduce myself. My name is Amado. I'm the scientist in charge of this area of Kara. All the experiments that will be performed on you from now on will be under my supervision. Consider me your creator, in a sense. —He gestured toward a metallic table in the center of the room.
Ryuma followed cautiously, a hint of nervousness in his steps.
—Understood, sir Amado. Can I ask you something? Will this hurt a lot?
Amado fixed his sharp gaze on him, his expression unreadable.
—Let me be honest with you. While most of your body is still human, a part of you is cybernetic. You won't feel much pain because you'll be unconscious during the procedure. So don't worry.
Ryuma sighed in relief, climbing onto the table.
—Alright, sir. When do we start?
Amado approached with a syringe filled with a clear liquid.
—Right now, boy. Relax. This will only take a moment.
Before Ryuma could respond, he felt the prick of the needle in his arm. Slowly, his eyelids grew heavy as the sedative took effect.
—See you when you wake up. —Amado's voice was the last thing Ryuma heard before falling into a deep sleep.