Chapter 3: First Master
Ryuma opened his eyes slowly. His gaze met the ceiling of a metallic room. His mind was still foggy, but memories began to surface: Amado, the operating table, the needle, and then... darkness.
Sitting up with effort, he looked around. The gray walls and cold lighting felt alien, devoid of any warmth.
I need to understand what they've done to me.
He stood up from the table and walked to a mirror in the corner of the room. What he saw left him speechless. His hair, which had once been dark, was now completely white. He touched his reflection in disbelief, noting how different he looked.
—White hair... —he muttered to himself—. Code had white hair too, but only after Amado removed the limiters on his body...
He frowned.
—Does this mean something? Or do they think I'm so weak that I don't even need a limiter?
He stared at his reflection with newfound determination, his eyes blazing with a mix of defiance and ambition.
—I won't let anyone underestimate me. Ever.
—Who are you talking to, boy?
The deep voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He turned quickly to find Jigen standing there, his gaze a mix of curiosity and disdain.
—N-nothing, Lord Jigen. I was just talking to myself. Nothing important.
Jigen studied him in silence for a few seconds, his piercing eyes almost stripping him bare. Finally, he nodded, gesturing for Ryuma to follow him.
—Come with me.
Ryuma obeyed without a word, trailing behind Jigen through a long, narrow hallway. The doors on either side revealed glimpses of other rooms, where Kara members were training, some performing ninja techniques that seemed superhuman.
Jigen broke the silence.
—Amado tells me you now have scientific tools integrated into your body.
—Yes, sir, but... I don't know how to use them yet. —Ryuma admitted honestly, feeling a slight discomfort in exposing his lack of skill.
Jigen glanced at him sideways, his eyes sharp as daggers.
—I don't expect much from you. But if you prove useful, perhaps you'll find purpose here. I have a task for you in the future. If you meet my expectations, you'll live. Do you understand?
Ryuma nodded quickly, swallowing hard.
—Yes, sir.
Finally, they arrived at a room unlike the others. It was shrouded in shadow, illuminated only by a faint, flickering light. At the center stood an imposing figure dressed in a cloak, wearing a mask that obscured their face.
Jigen gestured toward the figure.
—He will train you from now on. His name is Kashin Koji, one of Kara's high-ranking Inners. He will teach you the basics of chakra and how to use the scientific tools integrated into your body. If he decides to teach you anything more, that's between the two of you. Understood?
—Yes, sir. I'll do whatever it takes to meet your expectations.
Jigen said nothing more. Without warning, he disappeared, leaving Ryuma alone with the masked figure.
The presence of Kashin Koji was oppressive, as if the darkness in the room gathered around him. Though his face was hidden, the eyes glowing behind the mask seemed to pierce directly into Ryuma's soul.
Koji stepped forward slowly, his movements deliberate, each step echoing in the silence. His voice, deep and laden with an ominous aura, broke the tension.
—As you heard, my name is Kashin Koji. I will teach you the basics of chakra and how to use the scientific tools that are now part of your body. But listen carefully, boy. —He leaned slightly closer, his intense, cold eyes locking onto Ryuma's—. Do not see me as your master. I am not your mentor or your friend. I will simply fulfill Jigen's orders. Understood?
Ryuma swallowed hard, feeling the weight of his words.
—Y-yes, Lord Kashin Koji.
—Now tell me, boy, what is your name?
—My name is Ryuma. —He stood up straighter, trying to compose himself—. I don't remember who I was before Kara.
Koji stared at him in silence for what felt like an eternity.
—I didn't ask about your past, nor do I care. All I need to know is if you can follow orders. —He paused, his tone growing sharper—. Now tell me, do you know how to manipulate chakra?
Ryuma lowered his gaze, embarrassed.
—No... I've never used chakra for anything.
Koji let out a frustrated sigh, though his composure remained intact.
—This will be difficult. —He thought to himself before speaking again—. Fine. Then we'll start from the very basics. But let me make this clear: I have no patience for weaklings. If you can't keep up, you won't last here.
Koji's voice was like a shadow, wrapping Ryuma in a shroud of uncertainty. However, the young boy clenched his fists and raised his head, his eyes shining with determination.
—I won't disappoint you. I'm ready to learn.
Koji didn't respond immediately. He simply stared at Ryuma, assessing him in silence. Finally, he stepped back and pointed to the center of the room.
—Let's see if your words hold any weight.