advance chapters on my Patreon
patreon.com/mati6x
Amado approached Code with a surgical scanner in hand.
"Code," he said with his usual professional calm, "I've analyzed your recent progress. It's time to consider the next step: scientific ninja tool implants. They will enhance your performance, increase your reflexes, and—"
"I don't want that." Code cut him off immediately.
The scientist froze, surprised by the sharpness in his voice.
"Why not? These advancements are essential for the development of special subjects. Even Delta, Boro, and the other Inners—"
"They need them," Code interrupted again. "I don't. I don't want cables or prosthetics. I want real power. I want to control my Karma and my Claw Marks as they are."
Amado stared at him for a few seconds. Something was wrong. Something was different. The boy showed determination, clarity… something that did not belong to the "Subject 02" he had known.
"You'll be slower without external enhancements," Amado warned.
"That's my problem," Code replied, turning toward the door.
As he walked away, Amado frowned.
This Code… he feels more self-aware. More dangerous. I don't know when he changed, but I'd better watch him closely.
The corridors of Kara were a technological labyrinth—massive shifting squares of machinery. Reinforced metal doors, emergency lights, columns filled with exposed energy cables, cameras on every corner. Code walked confidently, recognizing every space as if he had lived there all his life… because he had literally seen it all in the anime.
Knowing where I am and what awaits me is my advantage. I won't repeat the mistakes of the original Code. I won't show too much. I won't let them put limiters on me.
He arrived at Jigen's room.
"Enter," the voice ordered from inside before Code even knocked.
Jigen was meditating, unmoving like a statue. His presence filled the room.
"What do you want, Code?" he asked without opening his eyes.
Code knelt.
"I want you to train me," he said firmly.
Jigen's eyes opened slowly. A cold, but curious gaze.
"Train you? You're a defective subject. You are alive by my will. Don't confuse your place."
"That's precisely why," Code replied without looking away. "If I'm not strong, I'm worthless to you. I want to be useful. I want to be someone you can use without hesitation."
Jigen raised an eyebrow.
The original Code would have begged for recognition.
This boy demanded it through action.
"Very well," Jigen accepted, standing up. "We'll see if you have the potential to be worthy of my time."
A dense aura of chakra expanded, making the air vibrate.
"We begin now. Stand."
The First Tests
Jigen touched the floor. A wave of chakra shot toward Code.
The boy moved just enough for it to look like an instinctive reaction.
I can't show too much. Not yet.
"Slow," Jigen said. "Again."
What followed were tests of strength, speed, and endurance.
Blows that cracked the walls, sweeps that made the floor tremble.
Code resisted just enough to seem promising—without revealing anything extraordinary.
From an elevated corridor, hidden in the shadows, a man watched silently.
Kashin Koji.
His mask reflected the dim light as he analyzed the boy with interest.
"Hm…" he murmured. "This is not the same Code from weeks ago. He has more will. More control. Almost… strategy."
But Koji didn't intervene. He only observed.
That child might be useful later.
In another sector, in a room full of screens, Amado watched the training session between Jigen and Code.
"The response levels are… atypical," he said with a frown. "He's suppressing part of his strength. No one can control a Karma with such precision. Something doesn't add up."
He took quick notes, though he knew Jigen would never approve of an invasive intervention without reason.
"I'll have to keep a closer eye on you, Code…" he muttered.
Hidden Determination
Jigen ended the final test by slamming Code against the wall.
The boy fell to his knees, breathing heavily. Part acted. Part real.
"That's enough for today," Jigen said, brushing a bit of dust off his cloak. "You have potential. But you're still nothing more than an incomplete weapon."
A pause.
"Continue like this, and perhaps you might actually become useful."
Code lowered his head.
"I'll do what's necessary."
Jigen disappeared through a portal, leaving behind a suffocating pressure in the air.
Code remained alone in the hallway, body sore, but eyes firm.
I won't show my true power. I won't let them put limiters on me. I'll grow strong on my own. Stronger than the original Code, stronger than any subject. I will never allow myself to be humiliated like the original Code.
He clenched his fists.
This will be my path.
And for the first time since awakening as Code…
He felt excitement.