Abandoned Shrine - Outskirts of Kyoto]
Kuroka led Andrew to an old shrine deep in the forest. It was clearly abandoned—overgrown with vines, the wooden structure worn by time but it was dry and hidden from view.
Kuroka: "Sit. Let me see your back."
Andrew hesitated, then pulled off his torn shirt. The claw marks were deep, still bleeding despite his Saiyan healing factor starting to work.
Kuroka's hands glowed with a soft green light healing magic. She pressed them against his wounds, and Andrew felt the pain begin to fade.
Kuroka: "You heal fast. Faster than any human I've seen." Her eyes narrowed slightly. "What are you, really?"
Andrew: "Does it matter?"
Kuroka: (chuckling) "Fair enough. We all have our secrets."
They sat in silence for a moment, the only sound the gentle rustle of leaves outside.
Andrew: "Why did you help me?"
Kuroka: "Call it curiosity. You're strong for your age. Plus ur like 2 years younger than me. And you've got guts, taking on three Strays alone." She leaned back against the shrine wall. "Plus, I like underdogs."
Andrew: "You don't seem like the helpful type."
Kuroka: (smirking) "I'm not. Usually. But…"
Her expression darkened slightly. "Let's just say I've been in situations where I needed help and didn't get it. Maybe I'm trying to balance the scales."
Andrew studied her. In his past life memories, he knew who Kuroka was—a criminal in the eyes of devil society. A Nekoshou who killed her master and fled. One of the most wanted Stray Devils in existence.
But he also knew why she did it. To protect her sister from experimentation.
She's not evil. Just desperate.
Andrew: "You're on the run, aren't you?"
Kuroka's eyes sharpened. "What makes you say that?"
Andrew: "You're living in an abandoned shrine. You're cautious. And you have the look of someone who's always watching over their shoulder."
Kuroka was silent for a long moment. Then she laughed genuinely amused.
Kuroka: "You're perceptive for a kid. Yeah, I'm on the run. Did something that pissed off some very powerful people." She met his eyes. "You going to turn me in?"
Andrew: "No."
Kuroka: "Just like that? You don't even know what I did."
Andrew: "I don't care what you did. You helped me. That's enough."
Kuroka stared at him, something shifting in her expression. Surprise. Maybe respect.
Kuroka: "You're an interesting kid, Andrew."
Andrew: "So I've been told."
[Later That Evening]
Kuroka had cooked a simple meal—rice and fish she'd caught from a nearby stream. They ate together in comfortable silence.
Kuroka: "So what's your story? Why's a kid like you wandering around fighting Strays?"
Andrew: "Training. Getting stronger."
Kuroka: "For what?"
Andrew: "For whatever comes next."
Kuroka nodded, understanding that vague answer better than most would.
Kuroka: "You've got potential. Raw power. But your technique is sloppy. Self-taught?"
Andrew: "Mostly."
Kuroka: "Figures." She set down her bowl. "If you want, I could teach you a few things. Proper combat forms. How to read an opponent. Basic senjutsu."
Andrew looked up, surprised. "Why would you do that?"
Kuroka: (shrugging) "I'm bored. And like I said, you're interesting." She smiled. "Besides, it'd be nice to have some company for a while. Gets lonely, being on the run."
Andrew considered it. Kuroka was powerful—far stronger than him. Learning from her would accelerate his growth significantly.
And I know she's not a bad person. Just someone who made a hard choice.
Andrew: "Alright. Teach me."
Kuroka's smile widened. "Good. We start tomorrow at dawn. Hope you're ready, kid."
Andrew: (smirking) "Always