Chereads / Highschool DXD: Reborn as a true phoenix / Chapter 4 - Chapter:4 Rise of a phoenix

Chapter 4 - Chapter:4 Rise of a phoenix

Six years had passed since Raizer Phoenix left the gilded halls of his family's estate. Six years of relentless training, grueling battles, and pushing himself far beyond the limits he once thought possible. At ten years old, Raizer was no longer the weak and underestimated son of the Phoenix Clan.

Under Monkey D. Garp's brutal and unforgiving tutelage, he had transformed into a warrior who could make even the most arrogant devils take notice. The fire in his heart had burned away his insecurities, leaving behind a man defined by discipline, strength, and an unyielding will.

Training in the Depths of the Underworld

The underworld was vast, far beyond what Raizer had imagined as a child. Garp had led him through treacherous forests filled with magical beasts, across fiery plains where flames burned hotter than any Phoenix flame, and to remote mountains where the air was so thin it threatened to suffocate him.

Garp was an unrelenting teacher. He didn't coddle or waste time with encouragement. His philosophy was simple: strength came through struggle, and Raizer had to fight for every ounce of progress.

"Pain's just weakness leaving the body, kid!" Garp would shout, usually while throwing Raizer off a cliff or into a pack of rabid beasts.

Despite the harsh methods, Raizer thrived.

By the age of eight, Raizer had mastered the Rokushiki, the six fundamental techniques of the Marines.

• Soru, which allowed him to move faster than the eye could follow.

• Geppo, giving him the ability to leap through the air as though it were solid ground.

• Tekkai, hardening his body like iron to withstand powerful blows.

• Rankyaku, unleashing slicing air blades with a kick.

• Shigan, a piercing finger thrust strong enough to break stone.

• And Kami-e, a technique of evasion so fluid it felt like he was gliding through attacks.

In addition, Garp had drilled the foundations of Haki into him with a ferocity that left no room for failure.

Armament Haki, the ability to coat his body or weapons in an invisible armor, had become second nature to Raizer. His mastery was so advanced that he could harden entire portions of his body, turning his golden flames into devastating weapons.

Observation Haki, which sharpened his senses to near-superhuman levels, had become his constant companion. He could sense the presence of others from miles away, predict attacks before they landed, and even feel the emotions of those around him.

But there was one power Raizer had yet to awaken: Conqueror's Haki, the rare and overwhelming ability to dominate the will of others. It was a gift reserved for the few destined to lead, to rule, or to carve their names into history.

Garp had told him it couldn't be forced. "It'll come when it's needed, kid. Just don't hold back when the moment arrives."

A Fateful Encounter

The day began like any other. Raizer and Garp were traveling through a rugged valley near the edge of the underworld. The sky above was a deep crimson, and the air was thick with the scent of sulfur.

Raizer walked ahead, his movements precise and confident. His once-boyish frame had grown lean and muscular, his every step radiating power. He had traded the traditional devil robes of his clan for simple, practical clothes—a dark shirt and pants reinforced with leather, designed for combat and mobility.

Garp followed behind, chewing on a rice cracker and looking as relaxed as ever. "So, what's the plan, kid? You gonna keep running around with this old man, or are you thinking of heading back to your fancy family?"

Raizer glanced over his shoulder, a smirk playing on his lips. "I haven't decided yet. I'm not exactly eager to deal with their egos again."

"BAHAHAHA! Fair enough," Garp laughed, slapping Raizer on the back.

But before Raizer could reply, a sudden wave of dread washed over him. His Observation Haki flared, and his senses screamed in warning.

"Garp," Raizer said, his tone sharp.

The marine's grin faded as he straightened, his own instincts kicking in. "Yeah, I feel it too. We've got company."

From the shadows of the valley, a massive creature emerged. It was unlike anything Raizer had ever seen—a towering beast with jagged, obsidian-like scales and eyes that glowed with an unnatural red light. Its roar shook the ground, and the air grew heavy with its malevolent presence.

"A Hellbeast," Garp muttered, his tone unusually serious. "And a big one at that."

Raizer's flames flickered to life, his body tensing as the creature charged toward them. "Looks like we don't have a choice."

"Damn right we don't!" Garp bellowed, leaping forward to meet the beast head-on.

The Awakening

The battle was chaos.

Garp and Raizer fought in perfect tandem, their attacks landing with devastating precision. Raizer darted through the air with Geppo, his flames searing the beast's scales, while Garp's monstrous punches shattered its armor-like hide.

But the creature was relentless. Its claws tore through the ground, its roars splitting the air as it unleashed waves of dark energy that burned like acid.

Despite their efforts, the Hellbeast refused to fall. Its sheer size and power began to overwhelm them, forcing Raizer and Garp to retreat and regroup.

Raizer's breath came in ragged gasps as he wiped blood from his lip. "This thing's not going down easy."

Garp grinned, his fists coated in Armament Haki. "Good! It wouldn't be fun if it was easy!"

Before Raizer could respond, the beast lunged at them again, its claws aiming straight for him. Time seemed to slow as the attack closed in, and for a brief moment, Raizer felt a spark ignite deep within him—a spark of something primal, something untamed.

The world exploded.

A wave of raw, crushing energy erupted from Raizer, rippling through the air like a storm. The Hellbeast froze mid-attack, its glowing eyes wide with terror. The ground shook, the sky darkened, and the very air seemed to crackle with power.

Garp stepped back, his grin widening as he watched the display. "Well, I'll be damned. You've got it, kid."

Raizer stood at the epicenter of the energy, his flames roaring around him as the beast collapsed to the ground, its will shattered. The once-mighty creature whimpered before retreating into the shadows, its fight completely gone.

The energy faded as quickly as it had come, leaving Raizer standing in silence. His chest heaved, his body trembling from the strain, but his eyes burned with a newfound intensity.

"What… was that?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Garp clapped him on the shoulder, his laugh booming. "That, my boy, was Conqueror's Haki. Only the best of the best can pull it off. You just proved you've got what it takes to lead."

Raizer stared at his hands, the realization sinking in. He had tapped into something far greater than raw strength or skill. This was a power that could shape the world itself.

Return of the Phoenix

Two days later, Raizer and Garp stood on a cliff overlooking the Phoenix estate. The sprawling mansion gleamed in the distance, its golden flames burning bright against the crimson sky.

"You sure about this?" Garp asked, his tone unusually serious.

Raizer nodded, his gaze steady. "It's time. I've spent six years becoming stronger. Now, it's time to show them what I've become."

Garp grinned. "BAHAHAHA! Alright, kid. Let's give them a show they won't forget."

As they descended toward the estate, Raizer felt a mix of anticipation and resolve. He wasn't the same boy who had left six years ago. He was stronger, sharper, and more determined than ever.

The Phoenix Clan would soon learn that Raizer Phoenix was no longer a child to be dismissed. He was a force to be reckoned with—a rising phoenix ready to claim his place in the world.

This concludes Chapter 4, showcasing Raizer's growth, his mastery of Haki and Rokushiki, and the dramatic awakening of his Conqueror's Haki. Let me know if you'd like any changes or further expansion!