The air crackled with tension. Oni, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles whitened, glared at the celestial. His eyes, usually a dull grey, now burned with a ferocious intensity, reflecting the rage that pulsed through him. Every muscle in his body tensed, coiled like a spring ready to unleash.
"I don't care who you are," Oni growled, his voice a low, guttural rumble. "I've killed two of your kind. Get out of my way!"
The Serpent Celestial, Koharu, remained unfazed. A playful smirk touched her lips, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Make me, freak."
And with that, Oni exploded into motion. He wasn't just rushing; he was a whirlwind of bone and fury. "Akuma Curse: Maze Damnation!" he roared, and spikes of bone erupted from his body, each one a deadly projectile aimed at Koharu.
Koharu, however, moved with a grace that belied her deadly aura. She vanished in a blur of motion, reappearing behind Oni. "Serpent Numen: Venom Mist!" she hissed, and a swirling emerald mist erupted from her blade, engulfing Oni.
Oni screamed, his eyes watering as the poison stung. He stumbled back, clawing at his face, blinded and disoriented.
Koharu, her voice a silken whisper, said, "Next time, you and your… associates… will think twice before attacking anyone."
And with that, she moved with a speed that defied belief. A flash of golden light, and her blade sank deep into Oni's core. He gasped, his mocking words cut short. "That… that was… useless…" he muttered, disbelief clouding his mind.
But then, a chilling sensation washed over him. Darkness, cold and absolute, consumed him. He slumped to the ground, his body convulsing. "But… that was… just a slash…" he choked out, confusion and terror warring within him.
Koharu watched him with a detached curiosity. "You thought you were invincible?" she murmured, a hint of amusement in her voice. "My Numen isn't just a simple cut. It's a slow, agonizing poison, seeping into your very core, destroying you from within." She paused, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oops. Seems like you won't be causing any more trouble."
As Oni's body began to glow, transforming into a cold, metallic coin, Koharu sheathed her blade and casually pocketed the artifact.
The sun beat down on the Senshi Academy training ground, illuminating the energetic movements of the students. Yuito, his brow furrowed in concentration, practiced his Lightning Numen, mimicking Master Sada's fluid movements. Suddenly, a figure materialized beside him, her presence a palpable shift in the atmosphere.
"Hey, boy!" a voice, rich and melodious, startled him.
Yuito turned to see a woman standing before him, her eyes, like emeralds, sparkling with amusement. She wore a white robe adorned with a black serpent emblem, her aura radiating power and an undeniable sense of authority.
"Yes, ma'am?" Yuito replied, bowing respectfully. "What brings you to our dojo?"
"I'm here to see Sada," she said, her voice a low purr.
Yuito felt a shiver down his spine. Who was this woman, and why did she speak to Master Sada with such familiarity? "Yes, ma'am, but… may I ask who you are?"
Master Sada emerged from the dojo, a look of surprise on his face. "Yuito, don't ask questions. Do what your superiors tell you. Sorry, Lord Koharu, he's a new student."
"I see," Koharu replied, her gaze lingering on Yuito. "Teach him some manners, will you?"
Master Sada bowed his head. "Yes, ma'am."
Yuito was bewildered. Who was this woman, and why did Master Sada seem so deferential?
Before Master Sada could explain, Koharu interrupted, a playful glint in her eyes. "Have you ever heard of the term 'Celestial,' boy?"
Yuito's jaw dropped. "Y-you… you're a Celestial?!"
Koharu chuckled, her eyes twinkling. "Serpent Celestial, Koharu Souta, at your service."
Yuito bowed deeply, his face flushed. "I… I apologize, ma'am. I didn't know…"
Koharu reached out and playfully ruffled his hair. "No need to be so formal. But next time," she warned, her voice turning serious, "you'll taste the wrath of my blade. Got it?"
Yuito nodded vigorously, his heart pounding.
Koharu, satisfied, turned to Master Sada. "I wanted to warn you. I encountered Oni on my mission to eliminate a key member of the Datenshi. He was on his way here, intending to harm you."
Master Sada's expression hardened. "You have my gratitude, Lord Koharu."
"You're welcome," Koharu replied, her gaze sweeping over the training ground. "I must go now. They'll be expecting me."
"Safe travels, ma'am," Master Sada said.
As Koharu turned to leave, she paused and looked back at Yuito. "Hey, boy!" she called out.
Yuito looked up, startled.
"Nice moves," she said, a rare smile gracing her lips. "Make sure you pass your Senshi exams. I'll be rooting for you. Be that winner."
And with that, she vanished in a swirl of emerald light, leaving Yuito speechless.
"Wow…" Yuito breathed, his eyes wide with awe. "She's… incredible!"
Master Sada chuckled. "Good work, Yuito. You impressed even a Celestial. I'm so proud of you."
Yuito grinned, his heart swelling with pride. "Thanks, Master Sada! I still can't believe a Celestial complimented me!"
Master Sada smiled. "Now, show me the five forms I taught you on the Lightning Numen."
The students gathered around, eager to witness Yuito's performance.
Yuito took a deep breath, his confidence soaring. "Yes, Master!"
And with that, he unleashed a dazzling display of Lightning Numen, each move more powerful and precise than the last. The crowd erupted in applause, their admiration for Yuito growing with each passing moment.
Master Sada beamed. "My boy has become a man. I couldn't be prouder! Good work, Yuito! You're ready to ace that exam not to mention being promoted to Mabushi Taiyo!"
Yuito grinned, his eyes shining with determination. "Yeah, Master Sada! I'm going to make you proud!"
He stood tall, his future filled with promise, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. The encounter with the Serpent Celestial had ignited a fire within him, a burning desire to become stronger, to protect his home, and to honor the trust of the most powerful warrior he had ever encountered.