"And this Ura Style 185: Foundation of Zero—the energy circulation path is way too weird, isn't it?" Cloud pointed at another ultimate technique in the manual, his face full of "eager to learn."
This time, the gentler elder sister Maki came forward to guide him.
"Cloud, the key to this technique is instantly converting protective power into sealing power..." She extended her delicate hand, placing it on Cloud's back, guiding the energy flow within him.
Cloud immediately seized the chance, reaching back to grasp her boneless, silky hand, his face filled with genuine admiration. "Miss Maki, your hands are so soft and smooth, with such a lovely subtle fragrance. They're beautiful."
Maki's face instantly reddened. She tried to withdraw her hand, but someone had it gripped tight.
And so, what should have been solemn martial arts transmission was forcibly transformed by Cloud into a sweet, intimate "three-person date."
He was like a cunning hunter, using his "can't learn it" excuse to constantly create opportunities for close contact with the sisters.
Sometimes it was "accidental" physical contact while "correcting" movements. Sometimes it was intense eye contact while "asking questions." Sometimes it was a few perfectly-timed flirtatious remarks that left the sisters flustered and annoyed, yet utterly helpless.
Chizuru, with her more outgoing personality, would stamp her feet in anger at Cloud's "taking advantage" behavior and even chase him with her small fists—but the smile and sweetness in her eyes couldn't be hidden.
Maki, more reserved and gentle, would only lower her head with a flushed face each time Cloud teased her—like a water lily swaying in a gentle breeze. That shy demeanor made Cloud's appetite grow even more.
This pair of sisters—different in personality yet equally stunning—gradually and completely fell under the assault of Cloud, this veteran of romance.
Beneath the shrine's cherry trees, in the training hall—everywhere was filled with the sickeningly sweet, sour smell of their three-way romance.
And Cloud, while enjoying this blessed life of having beauties on both arms, quietly brought this thousand-year-old ancient family—and one of the Three Sacred Treasures they guarded, capable of influencing the world's balance—firmly under his control.
After a period of shameless, cavity-inducing "tutoring" at Kagura Shrine with the sisters, Cloud's strength received another "major version update."
[System Announcement: Congratulations, Host, for successfully mastering "Complete Kagura-Style Ancient Martial Arts" and "Yata Mirror Manipulation Technique—Master Level." Your combat system has been greatly enriched!]
[Bloodline Evolution Assessment: Due to Host's deep understanding of protective and sealing powers, the Chaos Divine Bloodline has been further refined!]
[Current Divine Evolution Progress: 20% → 30%!]
[Comprehensive Strength Assessment in progress... Due to bloodline evolution and expanded skill pool, your Absolute Domain has increased!]
[Current Absolute Domain: 96%!]
"96%..." Cloud felt the power within him—vast as a sea of stars, nearly overflowing—and nodded with satisfaction. "Not bad, not bad. One step closer to max level. This tuition was worth paying!"
Right now, he felt like if he went back to South Town and just breathed hard, he could blow Billy away. This feeling of getting stronger every day was better than winning the lottery.
And the most direct witness to his power surge was Chizuru.
During a routine "sparring" session (actually just flirting), Cloud casually used the "Yata Mirror Manipulation Technique" to create an illusion. The result was so realistic that even Chizuru—the legitimate heir—took a full ten minutes to identify it as fake.
"You... what kind of monster are you?" Chizuru stared at Cloud, her beautiful eyes filled with shock and fascination.
A powerful man held fatal attraction for any woman.
And Cloud—this man who was unreasonably powerful and devastatingly handsome—was basically "nuclear-grade" poison for her.
She was now completely convinced that never mind one Orochi, even if ten showed up, they probably wouldn't be enough to fill the gaps between this man's teeth.
Betting her family's and the world's future on him? Absolutely the right call!
Just as Chizuru's "love-brain" mode was fully engaged and her affection was about to break through the ceiling, Cloud suddenly made a suggestion that could only be called suicidal.
"Oh right, Chizuru!" Cloud munched on an apple while speaking in a tone like "where should we go for a picnic tomorrow?" "Can I borrow your family's Yata Mirror to play with? I want to go inside and see how old Goenitz is doing. Maybe see if he misses me."
"Pfft—cough cough cough!"
Chizuru sprayed her tea everywhere, choking into a coughing fit. Nearby, Maki, who had been playing the koto, flinched and struck a wrong note.
"What... what did you say?!" Chizuru's eyes went wide, staring at Cloud like he was an alien. "You want to... enter the Yata Mirror?! Are you insane?!"
"Why not?" Cloud looked perfectly innocent.
"Why not?!" Chizuru felt her blood pressure spiking. "Buddy! That's the Yata Mirror! A dimensional prison for sealing gods and demons! Not some amusement park day trip! Since ancient times, the only way in has been getting sealed! What living person voluntarily enters?! Once you go in, you can never come out!"
"It's fine, it's fine. Rules are meant to be broken." Cloud waved dismissively. "Besides, I'm now a certified Master-level user of the Yata Mirror Manipulation Technique. That's basically admin privileges. Going in for a stroll, checking out the scenery, chatting with the resident—no big deal."
"It's a huge deal!" The sisters objected in unison.
Though they had absolute confidence in Cloud's strength, this was beyond their comprehension.
Voluntarily entering a sealing space—how was that different from sticking your head into a tiger's mouth to count its teeth?
However, once Cloud made a decision, not even nine bulls could drag him back.
...
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