Breaking Seals

Chunin Exams Part 2

As Ryūsuke slowly opened his eyes, he bathed in the morning sun's gentle glow, its warm rays filtering through the curtains and filling his room with light. He blinked away the remnants of his dreams, the memories of his intense battle in his mindscape still fresh.

"What the hell was that thing" He said as he recalled the beast-like figure in his mind. "The darkness in my body? "

Ryūsuke's thoughts raced as he tried to make sense of the surreal encounter with his inner darkness. The memories of that battle were vivid, and the eerie voice of the beast still echoed in his mind.

"Why did it have a mask on? and that hole on its chest..." Ryūsuke said. "It can't be, it's in the same place where my injury hole would've been... the beast did mention something about there being consequences for me cheating death?" Ryūsuke said with his brows furrowed in deep thought.

As Ryūsuke pondered these questions, he couldn't help but feel a growing sense of unease. The connection between his near-death experience and the appearance of the inner darkness was becoming increasingly apparent, leaving him with a lingering sense of foreboding.

He knew that he needed to find answers, He didn't know how but he had an idea of where to start, With determination burning in his eyes, Ryūsuke decided to confide in Kusari, the sentient sword that had been with him for so long. Kusari might hold the key to unraveling the mystery of his inner darkness.

Ryūsuke sat up in his bed, resolved to seek guidance from his trusty companion, and whispered, "Kusari, You there?" Ryūsuke said, desperation laced in his voice.

There was no response.

"Could it be the beast did something to Kusari?" Ryūsuke questioned. "Dammit... there's too much I don't know, He said to himself frustrated.

Ryūsuke then got out of bed. "Well there's no point whining about it, I just need to keep it pushing and that if beast pops out again I'll get him to release Kusari, and then I'll kill him" He finished with determination in his eyes.

As he walked out of his room Ryūsuke was surprised to see Sachiko standing in front of his room with a slightly disappointed look.

"I was hoping to wake you up," Sachiko said pouting.

Ryūsuke couldn't help but chuckle at Sachiko's slightly disappointed expression. Her presence was a welcome sight, a reminder of the warmth and connection he had in his life.

"I'm sorry I woke up too early, I just had a bad dream," Ryūsuke said with a soft smile.

"I-it's okay I guess" She responded with a slight blush I guess.

Ryūsuke then kissed her on the forehead. "I'm gonna go take a shower Chiko, Be right back," He said.

Ryūsuke's gentle kiss on Sachiko's forehead made her blush even more, and she nodded in response to his words.

"Okay, I'll be here," she replied, her voice soft and filled with affection.

As Ryūsuke headed for the shower, Sachiko couldn't help but think about the events of the previous evening. Their confession of feelings for each other still felt surreal, and she couldn't wipe the smile off her face. 'Does this mean we're dating??!??' she thought with her face as red as a tomato.