Chapter 167: KageYami
In the celestial heights, at the heart of Uzushiogakure, a floating castle emerged from the clouds, imposing and majestic. Inside, a water chamber with obsidian walls reflected the flickering light of a wavering fire. A man bathed calmly within.
His black skin contrasted with his long, white hair, wet and gleaming, topped with jet-black spikes. Standing over two meters tall, his imposing stature exuded raw power. His clawed fingers grazed the icy water, and three curved black protuberances adorned his forehead like a crown. On his chest, back, and arms, five stigmas glowed softly, pulsating with energy.
Water slowly flowed over his hair as he smoothed it back, lifting his face towards the dark ceiling. His eyes, entirely black as if absorbing light, opened slowly.
"I am awake. Everyone, assemble," he declared in a calm voice, yet filled with authority.
These words, though addressed to no one in particular, resonated in the minds of several individuals across the shinobi world. The key members of KuraYami.
...
In Konoha, amidst the chaos of war, Tsunade paused her medical treatments, lifting her eyes to the sky with a slight smile. But here, the Tsukuyomi had just ended. She still had to assist her hometown.
The Snake Hermit, deep within his laboratory, suspended his experiments, a glimpse of excitement and fear crossing his gaze. Each of the organization's principal members immediately understood: their leader, their sovereign, or for some, their tyrant, had returned.
Some considered KageYami a god, others a manipulative master, a lover, or a mentor. But all knew he was the central figure in their destiny. They set off, obeying without hesitation.
...
The main hall of the floating castle was a breathtaking sight. Large obsidian pillars rose towards an invisible ceiling, illuminated by flickering blue flames. At its center, an immense throne carved from the same material stood on a raised platform.
KageYami sat there, his dark gaze scanning the shadows. Behind him, a woman dressed in black stood motionless, a Shinigami mask concealing her face. Her posture was rigid, yet her aura exuded an icy coldness.
Shikai, leaning against the armrest, sketched a condescending smile as she took a slight step forward.
"So, how are you doing, Yuki?" he asked in a relaxed tone.
The woman slowly removed her mask, revealing a stoic face and short, blond hair.
"In perfect shape, KageYami. During your absence, I made sure everything went as planned. The Snake Hermit was a bit... turbulent, and the Slug Hermit seemed troubled by your supposed death."
Shikai nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips.
"Well done. You've done an excellent job."
He opened a file placed on the armrest, reviewing data compiled on Yuki, or rather Samui, his secretary and executor. He had changed bodies and thus lost his chip. And he had no further use for her, especially since she wouldn't last long in his organism.
[Name: Samui (formerly of Kumogakure)
Code Name: Yuki
Level: 93
Special Jutsu: Isobu (100%), Hyôton, Mastery of the Five Elemental Natures, Shinjutsu: Ice
Strengths: Ice Manipulation]
Shikai closed the file and nodded, impressed.
"The genetic manipulation was a success. You can now fully master the power of a bijû. Well done."
Samui blushed slightly at these unexpected praises.
"Thank you, Kage. I'll withdraw once you need me."
Shikai sketched a half-smile.
"Your reward will come later. For now, go."
She nodded and left the room, making way for a new presence.
Jura, a man of average height with silver hair and red eyes, entered the hall and knelt.
"Jura greets KageYami."
"Stand up," Shikai calmly ordered.
Jura, the first genetic manipulation prototype, was a key pillar of the organization.
"Your tireless work has allowed us to reach heights that no one could have imagined," Shikai declared. "I want to personally congratulate you."
Jura bowed humbly.
"I've only done my duty, Kage."
Shikai sighed.
"Don't be so humble. You deserve these praises. Now, tell me, what do you want as a reward? A position of power? A village of your own? A woman perhaps?"
Jura hesitated, slightly embarrassed.
"Well... if possible, I..."
Shikai sketched an amused smile.
"You should have said so earlier. Choose whatever you want. In any country or village, the number doesn't matter."
Jura, visibly embarrassed, nodded.
"That is... I would like your permission to spare Konan."
"Hm? She wasn't dead." Shikai narrowed his eyes.
"Th-..."
"Do you love her?"
"Sorry, KuraYami! But I couldn't kill her even if you-"
"Answer!" Shikai struck the armrest, and Jura shuddered.
[Name: Jura (orphan collected and genetically modified)
Code Name: The Toad Hermit
Level: 95
Special Jutsu: Dojutsu (Ranmaru), Hiraishin, Body Flicker, Toad Sennin Mode, Rasenka (Rasengan enhanced with Katon), Mastery of the Five Elemental Natures
Strengths: Speed]