Nasu and Kus walked through the streets of Toki Toki City, a place where time seemed to converge and intertwine, creating a tapestry of endless possibilities. The city was a marvel to behold, with its eclectic mix of architectural styles spanning across eras. Ancient pagodas stood alongside sleek, futuristic skyscrapers, their surfaces gleaming under the golden light of an eternal sun. The air itself seemed to hum with energy, as if the very fabric of reality was alive and breathing.
Nasu looked around in awe, his dark eyes wide with wonder. "What is this place?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Kus smiled, her angelic features radiating with wisdom and knowledge. "This is where the Supreme Kai of Time resides," she explained, her voice soft and melodic. "It is a hub where warriors from different timelines are recruited to protect the delicate balance of space and time. The beings who inhabit this city are some of the most powerful in all of existence, even surpassing the likes of Goku, Jiren, and Lord Ruumosh."
As they ventured deeper into the heart of the city, Nasu couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation building within him. Each step he took seemed to resonate with the weight of destiny, as if he were walking towards a pivotal moment in his life.
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, her presence commanding attention. It was a woman of short stature, with skin the color of the most delicate cherry blossoms. Her eyes, a striking amber hue, seemed to hold the secrets of the universe within their depths.
"Kus, you've finally arrived," the woman said, her voice a gentle whisper that seemed to carry through the air like a soft breeze.
Kus bowed her head in a gesture of respect, her silvery hair cascading down her back. "Chronoa, it's been quite some time," she replied, a hint of warmth in her tone.
Chronoa nodded, her gaze drifting towards Nasu. "Indeed it has. Now, where is little Nasu?" She scanned the area, her eyes searching until they settled upon the tall, imposing Saiyan standing beside Kus.
Chronoa's eyes widened in surprise, her mouth falling open in a small 'o' shape. "Don't tell me... you're little Nasu?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
In her mind, Chronoa's thoughts raced, trying to reconcile the image of the small, innocent child she once knew with the fierce, powerful warrior standing before her. "When did he grow so much?" she wondered silently. "And what's with that intense, almost dangerous aura he's emitting?"
Kus chuckled softly, her laughter like the tinkling of wind chimes. "Remember, Chronoa, mortals age quickly compared to us. Nasu is already seventeen years old."
Nasu, his expression stoic and his posture confident, inclined his head in a slight nod. "It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," he said, his voice deep and rich, belying his young age.
Chronoa composed herself, clearing her throat. "Forgive my surprise, Nasu. It's just that the last time I saw you, you were barely taking your first steps. Time truly does fly."
Kus, her tone turning serious, addressed Chronoa directly. "Is the Time Chamber prepared? We have much training to accomplish and little time to spare."
Chronoa nodded, her demeanor shifting to one of purpose. "Follow me," she said, turning on her heel and leading them towards her temple.
As they walked through the corridors of the ancient structure, Nasu couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation building within him. He knew that the challenges that lay ahead would test him in ways he had never been tested before, but he was ready to face them head-on.
They arrived at a large, ornate door, its surface a deep, rich purple that seemed to pulse with an otherworldly energy. Chronoa placed her hand upon the door, her fingers splayed against the smooth surface.
"Beyond this door lies the Time Chamber," she explained, her voice taking on a reverent tone. "Within its confines, time flows differently. One year inside is equivalent to a single day on the outside. Nasu, you will spend a year training here, honing your skills and unlocking the depths of your potential."
Nasu's eyes gleamed with determination, his fists clenching at his sides. "I understand," he said, his voice steady and resolute. "I will enter the chamber and emerge as the strongest being in all the multiverse."
Kus placed a gentle hand on Nasu's shoulder, her touch a reassuring presence. "We have faith in you, Nasu. Your strength and courage will see you through this trial."
Chronoa, a mischievous glint in her eye, turned to Kus. "Kus, would you like me to personally oversee Nasu's training?"
Kus raised an eyebrow, surprised by the offer. "Are you certain, Chronoa? It would mean you'd be absent from your duties for an entire day."
Chronoa waved her hand dismissively, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Nonsense! I think Nasu would benefit from my guidance. Besides, I have a feeling he might grow bored training alone."
Kus sighed, a mix of resignation and gratitude in her expression. "Very well, then. I trust your judgment, Chronoa. Nasu is in capable hands."
With a nod, Chronoa pushed open the door, revealing a swirling vortex of energy that seemed to beckon them forward. "Shall we, Nasu?" she asked, her voice filled with excitement.
Nasu stepped forward, his resolve unwavering. "Let's begin," he said, his words a declaration of his readiness to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As Nasu and Chronoa disappeared into the depths of the Time Chamber, Kus couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and hope swelling within her. She knew that Nasu had the potential to achieve greatness, to become a legend among legends.
Meanwhile, back on the Sacred World of the Kais, Gowasu and Ruumosh sat in contemplative silence, sipping tea as the steam rose in delicate wisps around them.
Mulithim, one of the ten warriors chosen to represent Universe 10 in the Tournament of Power, approached Ruumosh, his brow furrowed with curiosity. "Lord Ruumosh," he began, his voice respectful yet inquisitive, "who is the tenth member of our team?"
Ruumosh took a long, thoughtful sip of his tea before answering. "His name is Nasu," he replied, his tone even and measured.
Mulithim's interest was piqued. "And where is this Nasu now?" he asked, leaning forward slightly.
Ruumosh set his cup down, his expression serious. "He is currently undergoing specialized training, preparing for the battles to come."
Mulithim's eyes widened, impressed by the revelation. "Is he powerful?" he inquired, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and apprehension.
Ruumosh nodded, his gaze distant as if seeing something beyond the present moment. "Nasu is, without a doubt, the most formidable warrior in our entire universe. His strength is unparalleled."
Gowasu, his ancient eyes filled with wisdom, turned to Ruumosh. "How do you believe Nasu will fare in his training?" he asked, his tone thoughtful.
Ruumosh sighed, a heavy weight seeming to settle upon his shoulders. "As much as it pains me to admit it, I am certain that after his training, Nasu will possess the potential to surpass even me, a God of Destruction."
Just then, Kus materialized before them, her arrival as silent and graceful as a gentle breeze. "Nasu is currently training under the tutelage of Chronoa herself," she informed them, her voice filled with a quiet pride.
Ruumosh's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his expression one of disbelief. "Chronoa? It's highly unusual for her to take on a personal student."
Kus smiled, a knowing glint in her eye. "I believe Chronoa has developed a fondness for Nasu. Perhaps that is why she chose to oversee his training personally."
Gowasu shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. "It's hard to imagine a Supreme Kai making such a weighty decision based on mere sentiment. Then again, Chronoa has always been a bit... unconventional."
As the deities of Universe 10 pondered the implications of Nasu's training and the impending Tournament of Power, the scene shifted to another timeline, a world on the brink of utter devastation.
In this alternate reality, the Earth lay in ruins, its once-vibrant landscapes reduced to ash and rubble. The sky, a sickly crimson hue, was choked with the smoke of endless battles and the stench of death.
Amidst the carnage stood Gogeta, his body battered and bruised, his Super Saiyan Blue form flickering like a candle in the wind. Before him, a figure emerged from the shadows, a Saiyan with hair cascading down to his waist and eyes that glowed a malevolent purple.
Gogeta, his spirit unbroken despite the odds, launched himself at the enemy, his fist aimed squarely at the Saiyan's face. But his opponent was too quick, too powerful. With a deft move, the Saiyan grasped Gogeta's arms, wrenching them from their sockets with a sickening crack.
Gogeta's scream of agony pierced the desolate landscape, echoing through the ruins of a world on the brink of oblivion.
The Saiyan, his voice dripping with disdain, regarded Gogeta with a sneer. "Is this truly the best this timeline has to offer? How utterly disappointing. Or perhaps I have simply grown too powerful for such trifling opponents."
Gogeta, his teeth gritted against the pain, spat out a defiant retort. "You... monster..."
The Saiyan's smile widened, a cruel, twisted thing that held no warmth. He extended his hand, a swirling vortex of dark energy coalescing in his palm.
"Die," he whispered, his voice a cold, merciless command.
With a flick of his wrist, the Saiyan unleashed the energy, a blinding explosion engulfing Gogeta and the surrounding landscape. The very foundations of the world trembled, reality itself seeming to warp and distort under the onslaught of power.
....
Chronoa and Nasu walked through the infinite expanse of the Time Chamber, their footsteps echoing in the vast, white void. They had reached the rest area, a small oasis amidst the nothingness. Nasu's gaze swept over the blank space stretching endlessly in all directions, a canvas waiting to be painted with the colors of their training.
"Be careful not to venture too far," Chronoa warned, her voice a gentle whisper against the oppressive silence. "You could easily lose yourself in this emptiness."
Nasu, undeterred, strode forward into the white abyss. As he crossed the threshold, he felt the shift in the atmosphere, the air growing heavier, pressing down upon him like an invisible weight. Chronoa walked to the side, her steps light and graceful, a stark contrast to the suffocating pressure.
"Well, shall we begin?" she asked, her tone playful yet tinged with a hint of challenge.
Nasu, his dark eyes fixed on the Supreme Kai of Time, spoke with a bluntness that cut through the stillness. "Don't take this the wrong way, but I didn't want to say anything in front of Kus. I prefer to train alone."
Chronoa's eyebrows shot up in surprise, her amber eyes widening. "Oh? And why is that? Do you know who I am? I'm quite an important girl, in case you weren't aware." She struck a peace sign, her demeanor a mix of confidence and mischief.
Nasu, unfazed by her display, continued, his voice laced with a hint of disdain. "You're a Supreme Kai, and to be frank, the Supreme Kais have proven to be rather useless as of late."
Chronoa cleared her throat, her expression turning serious. "I won't deny that some of my fellow Supreme Kais have been... lacking in their duties. But I assure you, I take my responsibilities very seriously. I excel at what I do."
Nasu's gaze raked over Chronoa, taking in her appearance from head to toe. "It's clear you put a lot of effort into your looks. I doubt you focus on what truly matters."
Chronoa's eyes flashed with indignation. "That's quite sexist of you, you know?" She sighed, her frustration palpable. "Let me make one thing clear, Nasu. Strength isn't just about physical power."
Nasu shrugged, his tone dismissive. "I know. Kus tells me that all the time."
Chronoa's hands clenched at her sides, her patience wearing thin. "And it seems you don't listen to her. So, shut up and let me train you, or what? Are you afraid you might fall for me?"
Nasu scoffed, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "As if I'd be interested in an old hag like you."
Chronoa's face flushed with anger, her voice rising. "I'm only 75 million years old! That's much younger than Kus!"
Nasu, sensing the futility of the argument, let out a heavy sigh. "Fine, fine. But if I see that your training isn't yielding results, I'll train on my own."
Chronoa shook her head in disbelief. "I can't believe you're setting conditions for the Supreme Kai of Time. But I'll let it slide, just because you're Kus's apprentice. Now, show me your full power."
Nasu walked a short distance away, his body tensing as he focused his energy. With a burst of golden light, he transformed into a Super Saiyan 2, his hair spiking up and electricity crackling around him.
Chronoa nodded, a hint of approval in her voice. "Impressive power."
But Nasu wasn't finished. With a primal scream that shook the very foundation of the Time Chamber, he unleashed a torrential wave of energy. The ground trembled beneath their feet as he ascended to Super Saiyan 3, his hair growing longer and his aura intensifying.
Chronoa, her eyes wide with surprise, asked, "Is that your limit?"
Nasu, his breath coming in short gasps, admitted, "Until recently, I didn't even know there were transformations beyond this."
Chronoa smiled, a glint of excitement in her eyes. "There's the Super Saiyan 4 form, but it pales in comparison to the power of Super Saiyan Blue. I recommend focusing on attaining divine ki."
Nasu, his curiosity piqued, asked, "And how do I achieve divine ki?"
Chronoa's smile widened, a mischievous sparkle in her gaze. "That, my dear Nasu, is what your training will be all about."
Meanwhile, in a tranquil corner of the Sacred World of the Kais, Kus sat beneath a towering tree, the sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows across her serene features. The sudden appearance of her father, the Grand Priest, broke the peaceful silence.
Kus, her voice filled with surprise and reverence, greeted him. "Father, to what do I owe the honor of your visit?"
The Grand Priest smiled, his presence radiating an aura of wisdom and power. "Forgive me if I'm interrupting, Kus. I know you must be busy recruiting warriors for the tournament."
Kus shook her head, her silver hair swaying gently. "We have our team ready, so there's no need to worry."
The Grand Priest nodded, his expression turning thoughtful. "I wanted to ask you something, Kus. What is Nasu to you? We call him little Nasu, but it's clear he's no longer a child. He's a warrior now."
Kus met her father's gaze, her eyes shining with warmth and affection. "He's my apprentice, practically my son. Why do you ask?"
The Grand Priest's smile softened, a hint of concern in his voice. "I just wanted to be sure. Remember the last time one of our kind became involved with another race. We angels must remain exclusively with other angels, not because it's my desire, but because of the potential dangers it poses."
Kus, her voice firm and resolute, reassured him. "Father, I assure you, Nasu is like a son to me. I would never view him in any other way."
The Grand Priest, his worry eased by her words, nodded. "I know, Kus. I just needed to be certain. Well, if you'll excuse me, I must continue preparing the tournament stage." With a respectful bow, he vanished as quickly as he had appeared.
Back in the Time Chamber, Nasu sat cross-legged in the middle of the white expanse, his clothing tattered from the rigors of his training. He was deep in meditation, his mind focused inward.
Chronoa, standing behind him, observed silently. Her thoughts raced as she took in his form, the sculpted muscles visible through the tears in his attire. "He's been training so hard these past six months," she mused. "Unfortunately, he still hasn't mastered divine ki."
She glanced over her shoulder, then quickly looked away, a hint of nervousness in her eyes. "What am I thinking?" she chided herself. "He's Kus's son... or adopted son. Whatever the case, I can't allow myself to be distracted."
Suddenly, Nasu's eyes snapped open, a vibrant red aura engulfing his body. Chronoa's face lit up with excitement. "You've done it! That's the Super Saiyan God form!"
But as quickly as it had appeared, the transformation faded. Nasu collapsed onto his back, his chest heaving with exertion. "It's... difficult," he admitted, his voice strained. "And that wasn't even a complete transformation."
Chronoa walked over and lay down beside him, her gaze fixed on the endless white above. "We still have six months, Nasu. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."
Nasu turned his head to look at her, his dark eyes filled with curiosity. "Tell me, Chronoa, have you met other versions of me? In different timelines?"
Chronoa shook her head, a soft smile on her lips. "No, you're the first and only Nasu I've encountered. Not everyone exists in every reality. It's like the butterfly effect."
Nasu nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I see."
Exhaustion weighed heavy on Chronoa's delicate frame as she pressed a hand to her forehead, her brow furrowed with fatigue. "Ugh, I'm absolutely drained," she sighed, her voice a breathless whisper in the oppressive stillness of the Time Chamber.
Nasu, his attention focused on assessing his energy levels after an intense training session, glanced up at her words, one eyebrow arched in skepticism. "You haven't done a thing all day, Chronoa," he remarked, his tone laced with a hint of exasperation.
"How cruel!" Chronoa pouted, her head tilted to the side in a childish display of indignation. "I'll have you know I've been meticulously monitoring your progress, and it's utterly exhausting work."
"Right..." Nasu muttered, his arms crossed over his chest, the very picture of disbelief.
With an exaggerated sigh, Chronoa extended her arms towards him, her eyes wide and pleading like a petulant child. "Carry me to bed, would you? I'm far too tired to walk on my own."
Nasu regarded her with a mixture of incredulity and resignation, knowing full well that she was merely seeking to provoke him, but also recognizing the futility of arguing with her capricious whims.
"You're impossible," he conceded, releasing a heavy sigh before bending down to scoop her up into his arms. Chronoa wasted no time in making herself comfortable, resting her head against his shoulder with a mischievous smile that she struggled to conceal.
"You're more comfortable than you look," she murmured, her voice barely audible, a whispered confession that hung in the air between them.
As they began to make their way towards the far end of the chamber, a sudden, overwhelming sensation filled the air, stopping them dead in their tracks. A colossal, dark ki manifested out of nowhere, its sheer power causing the ground beneath their feet to tremble and quake.
Both Nasu and Chronoa whirled around to face the source of this malevolent energy, their eyes widening in shock as a swirling black portal, edged with crackling violet lightning, tore open in the center of the chamber. From its depths emerged an imposing figure, a Saiyan with long, ebony hair cascading down his back and eyes that glowed an unnatural, haunting purple.
"Well, well, well," the Saiyan drawled, his voice dripping with malevolent amusement. "I certainly didn't expect to run into the Supreme Kai of Time so soon."
Chronoa, still cradled in Nasu's arms, narrowed her eyes at the intruder, her usual bravado now tinged with a flicker of unease. "Who are you?" she demanded, her voice sharp and unyielding.
The Saiyan's lips curved into a wicked smile as he took a step forward, his ki pressing down on the chamber like a suffocating blanket. "I am the one who will rewrite the divine hierarchy," he declared, his tone laced with dark promise. "I don't care for your name, but make sure you remember mine: Gaji."
With a gentle, deliberate motion, Nasu set Chronoa down on the ground, his eyes never leaving the ominous figure before them. "Stay back," he warned, his voice low and steady. "This isn't something you can handle."
"Wait, Nasu!" Chronoa protested, her voice trembling slightly despite her best efforts to maintain her composure. "His energy is too powerful. You can't face him alone."
Nasu glanced back at her, a reassuring smile playing on his lips. To Chronoa's surprise, he reached out and gently ruffled her hair, as if she were a small child in need of comfort. "W-what are you doing?" she stammered, her cheeks flushing a deep crimson. "Don't try to act cool with me!"
Without responding, Nasu stepped forward, putting some distance between himself and Chronoa. In an instant, his aura exploded around him, a blinding golden light that illuminated every corner of the chamber. His hair began to lengthen, cascading down his back as he ascended to the form of Super Saiyan 3, the raw power emanating from his body causing the very air to crackle with energy.
"I don't know who you are or what divine hierarchy you're talking about," Nasu declared, flexing his fingers as he settled into a combat stance, "but you'll make a good sparring partner. I want to see just how far I can push my new limits."
Gaji threw his head back and laughed, a deep, unsettling sound that echoed through the chamber. He tilted his head to the side, his eyes glinting with dark amusement as he appraised Nasu. "Interesting," he mused, his voice dripping with condescension. "Let's see if you have what it takes to survive me."
The tension in the room was palpable, a crushing weight that pressed down on Chronoa's chest as she watched Nasu and Gaji stare each other down, their gazes locked like two predators poised for the kill. The air itself seemed to pulse with barely restrained power, the very fabric of reality straining under the immense ki that radiated from the two warriors.
Gaji moved first, closing the distance between them in the blink of an eye. His fist slammed into Nasu's jaw with devastating force, sending the young Saiyan flying backwards. Nasu crashed into the far wall of the chamber, the impact sending shockwaves rippling through the air and leaving a crater in the pristine white surface.
But Nasu was far from finished. With a roar of defiance, he launched himself forward, his aura blazing brighter than ever. The two warriors clashed in a furious exchange of blows, their fists and feet moving at speeds that defied comprehension. Each strike unleashed a shockwave that shook the chamber to its very foundations, the ground beneath their feet cracking and splintering under the immense pressure.
Chronoa could only watch in awe and horror as the battle unfolded before her eyes. The sheer scale of the power on display was unlike anything she had ever witnessed, even in her countless millennia as the Supreme Kai of Time. The chamber itself seemed to groan under the strain, the walls and ceiling cracking and crumbling as the two titans continued their relentless assault.
Nasu's face was a mask of grim determination, his eyes blazing with an unquenchable fire as he pushed himself to his limits and beyond. Gaji, in contrast, seemed to revel in the destruction, his laughter ringing out over the din of battle like a twisted symphony.
"Is this all you've got, boy?" Gaji taunted, his voice dripping with malice as he caught Nasu's fist in his palm, the impact sending tremors up the young Saiyan's arm. "I thought you were going to push your limits, but it seems you've already reached them."
Nasu gritted his teeth, his aura flaring brighter as he poured every ounce of his strength into the struggle. "I'm just getting started," he growled, his voice strained with effort. "You haven't seen anything yet."
With a burst of blinding light, Nasu's hair began to change once more, the golden hue giving way to a vibrant, pulsing red. The chamber shook with the force of his transformation, the air itself seeming to hum with the divine ki that now coursed through his veins.
"Super Saiyan God," Chronoa whispered, her eyes wide with a mixture of awe and trepidation. "He's actually done it."
Gaji's smirk faltered for a moment, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his features as he beheld Nasu's newfound power. But it was only a momentary lapse, his arrogance quickly reasserting itself. "Impressive," he drawled, his tone dripping with condescension. "But it won't be enough to save you."
The battle resumed with renewed intensity, the chamber itself seeming to warp and distort around them as their divine ki clashed and intertwined. Nasu moved with a grace and fluidity that belied the immense power at his command, his blows striking with the precision of a surgeon's scalpel.
But Gaji was far from outmatched. His own power seemed to grow with each passing moment, his aura darkening to a malevolent purple that pulsed with an unholy light. The chamber began to crack and splinter under the immense strain, the very fabric of reality threatening to unravel.
"Nasu!" Chronoa cried out, her voice barely audible over the deafening roar of the battle. "You have to end this now! The chamber can't take much more!"
Nasu's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenching with grim determination. He knew she was right. With a final, earth-shattering roar, he unleashed the full might of his divine ki, pouring every last ounce of his strength into a single, devastating blow.
The impact was cataclysmic, the chamber itself seeming to shatter like glass under the immense force. Gaji's eyes widened in shock and disbelief as Nasu's fist slammed into his chest, the sheer power behind the blow sending him hurtling backwards through the portal from whence he came.
As the portal snapped shut behind him, the chamber fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the sound of Nasu's labored breathing. He stood amidst the ruins of the once-pristine chamber, his aura fading as he allowed himself a moment of respite.
Chronoa approached him cautiously, her eyes wide with a mixture of relief and concern. "Nasu," she breathed, her voice barely above a whisper. "Are you alright?"
Nasu turned to face her, a weary smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I've been better," he admitted, his voice rough with exhaustion. "But I'll survive."
Chronoa shook her head, a rueful smile playing on her lips. "You're impossible," she murmured, echoing his earlier words. "But you did it. You actually did it."
Nasu's smile widened, a glint of pride shining in his eyes. "I told you I wanted to see how far I could push my limits," he said, his voice filled with a quiet confidence. "And now I know."
The portal tore open once more, its edges crackling with malevolent energy. From its depths, Gaji emerged, his aura pulsing with a darkness that seemed to consume the very light around him. Nasu immediately fell into a defensive stance, his muscles tensed and ready for the impending onslaught.
"I must admit, I wasn't expecting that last blow," Gaji said, his voice a sinister purr that sent chills down Nasu's spine. "I was momentarily distracted, you see. I finally recognized you. I didn't anticipate encountering you in this particular timeline."
Nasu's brow furrowed, confusion and wariness warring in his obsidian eyes. "What are you talking about?"
Gaji's lips curled into a smile that was all sharp edges and malice. "You don't need to know the details. But let me make one thing clear: the difference in our power is insurmountable."
With those words, Gaji's power exploded outwards, a tsunami of dark, malevolent energy that crashed over Nasu and Chronoa like a physical force. It was a ki unlike anything they had ever experienced, a suffocating miasma of pure, unadulterated evil.
Chronoa's eyes widened, her voice barely a whisper over the roar of Gaji's aura. "I've never felt a ki this powerful before. He might even be on par with Kus."
Nasu's thoughts raced, a cold dread settling in the pit of his stomach. Kus was known as the strongest among her angelic siblings. If Gaji truly rivaled her in strength, then the gulf between them was unfathomable.
The pressure of Gaji's ki bore down on them like a physical weight, sending lances of pain shooting through their skulls. It was as if the very fabric of reality was buckling under the strain of his power.
In a blur of motion, Gaji surged forward, his fist slamming into Nasu's stomach with a sickening crunch. The young Saiyan's eyes bulged, a spray of blood erupting from his lips as he crumpled to the ground, agony searing through every nerve ending.
Gaji's laughter echoed through the chamber, a sound of pure, sadistic glee. "Well, well, you're a tough one, aren't you?"
With a flick of his wrist, Gaji opened another portal, the swirling vortex of darkness yawning wide before him. "If you're unlucky, our paths will cross again," he said, his tone dripping with cruel amusement. And then he was gone, vanishing into the portal as suddenly as he had appeared.
Nasu lay on the ground, his body wracked with convulsions as he fought against the searing pain in his gut. Chronoa was at his side in an instant, her hands glowing with healing energy as she worked to mend the gaping wound.
Slowly, miraculously, the flesh knit itself back together, the flow of blood stemming as Nasu's body began to recover. With a groan of effort, he pushed himself to his feet, his face ashen but his eyes burning with determination.
"Who the hell was that?" he demanded, his voice rough with pain and anger.
Chronoa shook her head, her own expression troubled. "I don't know. But he seemed to recognize you, Nasu. It's as if he knew you from another timeline."
A heavy silence fell between them, the weight of the mystery pressing down on their shoulders. Finally, Chronoa spoke again, her tone apologetic.
"I'm sorry, Nasu, but I'm going to have to leave the Time Chamber for a while. I need to investigate this Gaji character, to try and uncover his true identity and motives."
Nasu's jaw clenched, a flicker of frustration crossing his features. But then he nodded, his resolve hardening. "One more week," he said, his voice low and intense. "Give me just one more week of training, Chronoa. That's all I ask."
Chronoa sighed, her eyes softening with understanding. "Very well," she agreed, her tone resigned but not unkind.