Fu Gu's body ached as he made his way back through the streets of Inazuma. His mind was still reeling from the duel with Raiden Shogun. **"Musou no Hitotachi…"** He had read about it, the devastating ultimate strike of the Electro Archon, but experiencing it firsthand was a different story.
He rubbed his side, where the lingering pain from the attack reminded him of his near defeat. Raiden Shogun wasn't just powerful—she was calculating, precise, and relentless. **Infinity can't protect me against everything. I've got to get stronger.** The thought was thrilling, though it was tempered by the realization that he was far from the strongest in this world.
Beside him, Ayaka remained silent, but her eyes frequently darted toward him, concern etched into her features. Fu Gu couldn't help but appreciate her quiet support, but he could also feel the growing tension between them.
Eventually, Ayaka broke the silence. "I didn't expect you to face the Shogun in combat today," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of guilt. "If I had known—"
Fu Gu interrupted her with a dismissive wave. **"Don't sweat it. I'm still standing, right?"** He offered her a grin, though his insides were still twisted with adrenaline. **"Besides, I needed that. She's on a different level, but I'll get there. No point in hiding behind excuses."**
Ayaka stopped in her tracks, looking directly at him. "You're incredibly strong, Fu Gu. But you have to be careful. Inazuma isn't just about power… it's about balance, about knowing when to act and when to hold back."
Fu Gu looked at her, noticing the sincerity in her gaze. For a moment, he almost forgot that he had planned to stay distant from her. **She's kind, but… I'm not here for friends. I can't afford attachments.** He shoved the thought aside. "I appreciate the advice," he said, his tone softening slightly, "but I don't plan on holding back."
Ayaka's brow furrowed, but she said nothing more as they continued walking toward the Kamisato Estate.
---
The Kamisato Estate was a place of tranquility. It was serene, with delicate gardens and streams flowing softly around the main building. For most, it would be a place of peace and reflection, but for Fu Gu, it was just a temporary stop on his path to mastering his powers. He couldn't afford to get too comfortable.
As they entered the estate, a servant quickly informed them that Thoma was preparing tea. Ayaka excused herself to check on some clan matters, leaving Fu Gu alone to gather his thoughts.
Fu Gu sat by the pond, his reflection rippling in the water as he mulled over the day's events. **I was close… but she cut through Infinity like it was nothing. That's a problem.** He clenched his fists. The Template System had given him Gojo Satoru's incredible abilities, but in a world like this, where even gods walked the earth, he needed more. **I need to unlock the rest of the template, but that's going to take time.**
He lay back on the grass, staring up at the sky. **And the people here...** His thoughts wandered to Ayaka. **She's been kind, but I can't afford to get close. I need to keep my distance. It's not worth the hassle.**
He closed his eyes, trying to shake off the feeling of unease that was settling in his chest. **I'm not here to play nice. I'm here to get stronger.** Still, despite his thoughts, there was something about Ayaka's presence that made it hard to keep his guard up around her. She was unlike anyone he had ever met—gentle but strong, compassionate yet determined. And for some reason, she didn't look at him with the fear or awe that most others did after seeing his power.
"**You're thinking too much,**" he muttered to himself. **Focus on the system, on your growth. That's what matters.**
---
Hours later, as dusk began to settle over Inazuma, Fu Gu found himself restless. The encounter with Raiden Shogun had left him with too much energy. He needed to do something—anything to get rid of the jittery feeling crawling under his skin.
He stood and left the estate, heading for the city. The marketplace was winding down for the evening, but a few vendors were still out, selling last-minute goods. Fu Gu walked through the streets, observing the people of Inazuma as they went about their lives.
"Fu Gu!" a voice called out from behind him. He turned to see Ayaka hurrying toward him, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. "Where are you going?"
"Just walking," he replied casually. "Need to clear my head."
She looked at him for a moment before nodding. "Mind if I join you?"
Fu Gu hesitated, thinking about how he had wanted to stay distant from her, but something in her eyes stopped him from turning her away. "Sure, why not?" he said, shrugging.
They walked together in silence for a while, the cool evening air wrapping around them like a blanket. The tension from earlier seemed to fade as the quiet hum of the city surrounded them. Ayaka didn't push him to talk, and Fu Gu found himself oddly comforted by her presence.
Eventually, they reached a quiet overlook where the lights of Inazuma City glittered below like stars on the earth.
"You're different," Ayaka said suddenly, breaking the silence.
Fu Gu glanced at her. "Different how?"
"You don't seem to care about fitting in here," she explained. "Most people who come to Inazuma, especially those with power, try to earn the Shogun's favor, to integrate themselves into the system. But you… you seem to have your own path."
Fu Gu chuckled. "I'm not here to earn anyone's favor. I'm here to get stronger. That's all that matters."
Ayaka looked at him, her gaze searching. "Is that really all that matters to you?"
Fu Gu met her eyes, his expression hardening. **"Yeah. That's all."**
Ayaka frowned, but she didn't press the matter further. Instead, she turned to look out at the city, her voice softening. "You know, strength alone won't get you everything you want."
Fu Gu didn't respond. He didn't need to hear this. He had his system, his powers. He didn't need anyone's approval or guidance. Still, a part of him—the part that had been alone in this world since he arrived—couldn't help but wonder if there was something more to Ayaka's words.
---
The next day, Fu Gu woke up early. His body was still sore from the duel with Raiden Shogun, but that wasn't going to stop him from training. He needed to push himself harder, unlock more of Gojo's powers, and maybe, just maybe, he'd stand a chance the next time they crossed blades.
As he stood in the training grounds, preparing to test his limits, a familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Training already?"
Fu Gu turned to see Thoma approaching, a grin on his face. "You don't waste time, do you?"
"Can't afford to," Fu Gu replied, cracking his neck. "Not if I want to keep up with the Shogun."
Thoma laughed, though there was a hint of seriousness in his tone. "I don't think many people can 'keep up' with her, but I admire the determination."
Fu Gu watched as Thoma took out a spear, spinning it casually in his hands. "Mind if I join you? I could use a good workout myself."
Fu Gu considered it for a moment before nodding. "Sure. Just don't hold back."
They sparred for the better part of the morning, the sound of clashing weapons echoing across the training grounds. Though Fu Gu's cursed energy made him far stronger than any ordinary human, Thoma was skilled, using the spear with surprising agility. Still, there was no contest. Fu Gu had the advantage in both power and speed.
After their sparring session, Thoma sat down, panting slightly. "You're really something, Fu Gu. No wonder Lady Ayaka took an interest in you."
Fu Gu raised an eyebrow. "Interest?"
Thoma grinned, wiping sweat from his brow. "Come on, don't tell me you haven't noticed. Lady Ayaka doesn't spend this much time around just anyone."
Fu Gu's mind flashed back to the moments he had spent with Ayaka—her concern, her quiet support. He hadn't really thought about it before, but now that Thoma mentioned it…
**"Does she…?"** Fu Gu quickly brushed the thought aside. **"It doesn't matter. I'm not here for that."**
Thoma just laughed, standing up. "Well, whatever you say. But if you ask me, you might want to start thinking about it. Life's about more than just power, you know."
---
**End of Chapter 4**
I hope this longer chapter feels more satisfying to read! Let me know it's good or not:🌷