Flames and lightning burst through the hall as Akio and Akira stood side by side, ready to face Terrakula. Akio gripped his sword tightly, while Akira clenched his fists, his red eyes glowing with fury. His breathing was heavy, but he was fully prepared to fight.
Terrakula (with a smug smile):
"Oh please, do you two really think you can fight me? I'm over 300 years old… and you're not even twenty yet!"
Akio (smirking as he grips his sword):
"I'm sick of hearing your voice, you filthy monster. It's time to shut you up for good!"
In a flash, Akio shot forward like lightning! He disappeared and reappeared to Terrakula's right, swinging his sword at her—but…
CLANG!
Terrakula didn't even move. She simply raised two fingers and stopped his blade with a gentle tap!
Akio (eyes wide):
"Impossible!!"
At that same moment, Akira rushed in from behind with a punch aimed at her head, but just before it hit, Terrakula turned around at lightning speed and caught his fist between her fingers.
Akira (angrily trying to push forward):
"Damn you!!"
BOOM!
She released a wave of energy from her hand and blasted Akira backward. He crashed into a pillar and slammed to the ground hard!
Akio (rushing in again):
"I won't let you do whatever you want!"
But just before he could finish his attack, Terrakula vanished. In the blink of an eye, she appeared behind him and kicked him hard in the back, knocking him to the floor! Akira jumped up instantly, dashed toward her with werewolf speed, spun in the air, and struck at her neck—but she vanished before his fist landed.
She reappeared above him and kneed him in the stomach!
Akira (yelling in pain, flying back and crashing into a broken table):
"You bit—!"
Akio got up again, gripping his sword, eyes full of fury. He wasn't giving up.
Akio (quiet but determined):
"Not yet… I won't lose here!"
He charged up his body with lightning and launched toward her with wild speed, slashing over and over!
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
He moved like a storm of lightning, attacking from every angle, trying to outsmart her… but no matter how fast he was, he couldn't touch her.
Terrakula (dodging with a mocking grin):
"Is that it? Where's that cocky boy from earlier?"
Suddenly, she stopped dodging and grabbed his sword between her fingers again, tilting her wrist slightly—
CRACK!!
Akio (stepping back in shock):
"No… how?!"
Akira tried again, aiming another powerful punch at her head. She didn't even turn to look—she caught his fist mid-air, yanked his arm violently, and kicked him straight in the chest!
Akira (screaming as he flew back):
"Arghhh!!"
Akio jumped to grab his sword, but before he could reach it—
BOOM!
Terrakula kicked him straight in the chest, slamming him into a stone pillar!
Terrakula (brushing her red hair, calm):
"How disappointing. I thought you two had some skill… I was wrong."
Akio (holding his chest, breathing hard):
"Damn it… I can't give up, no matter how strong you are!"
Akira (slowly standing, wiping blood from his lip):
"Looks like… we're not even close to her level…"
Akio (stepping closer, whispering):
"Akira… what do we do? She's faster… stronger…"
Akira (gritting his teeth, watching Terrakula grin):
"I know… but every creature has a weakness. No one is unbeatable."
Akio (narrowing his eyes):
"Then we need to figure it out fast… I don't think she'll give us another chance."
Terrakula (arms crossed, eyebrow raised):
"Aww, are you two whispering something? Planning another dumb move? Neither of you will leave here alive."
Akira (whispering to Akio, smiling faintly):
"I noticed something… she never goes all out at the start. She toys with us first. That means she's holding back. If we push her hard enough, she might reveal a weakness."
Akio (grinning):
"And how do we do that?"
Akira (smirking):
"Simple. We piss her off enough to make her mess up."
Terrakula (raising an eyebrow):
"Oh? Are you two planning something? That's cute. I didn't think you could even think during a fight."
Akio (lifting his sword, grinning):
"Don't worry. We're just thinking of how to make this night more exciting."
Akira (stretching, adjusting his stance):
"And you, Terrakula-sama… it's time you regret underestimating us."
Terrakula (laughing, eyes narrowing):
"Haha… interesting. Fine. Show me what you've got, boys."
Across the ruined hall, Ann stood with difficulty, bruised and bleeding, but her eyes still burned with determination. She held the forbidden scroll in her hands, its ancient letters glowing brightly. Steve, still under Terrakula's control, stood in front of her, blank and emotionless.
Ann (breathing heavily):
"This is my last chance… either I succeed… or I'm done."
She placed the scroll on the ground and began forming ninja seals quickly. Her fingers moved with sharp precision, despite the pain from her broken ribs.
Ann (quiet but full of power):
"Forbidden Ninja Art… Shadow Embodiment Technique!"
In a flash, a wave of purple energy exploded from her body. Her shadow stretched unnaturally… then detached and stood beside her—it was a perfect copy of Ann!
Shadow (in a deep, double-toned voice):
"Orders?"
Ann (smiling weakly, wiping blood from her lip):
"Crush him."
At that moment, Steve rushed toward her like a rocket, his fist flying straight for her face. But he didn't realize the fight had changed.
BOOM!!
Just before his punch landed, Ann's shadow stepped in and caught it with one hand! The scene was terrifying. This wasn't an illusion. The shadow was real—and stronger than Ann herself, since her real body was wounded.
Steve (eyes wide, trying to pull back):
"What…?!"
Ann (grinning, her eyes shining):
"The surprises aren't over yet."
Then, in the blink of an eye, the shadow clone raised its other hand and punched Steve straight in the stomach.
BOOM!!
Steve flew backward from the impact, rolling across the floor from the force of the hit. But he wasn't finished yet—he stood up immediately, ignoring the pain.
Terrakula, watching the scene from afar, was clearly not pleased. She saw how Steve was starting to lose control in front of the shadow clone. She knew that using blood Vakin on him for so long had weakened his will.
Terrakula (coldly, with a look of disgust):
"How disappointing… Just a puppet who can't even fight unless I move your strings. Well, if you're that useless, maybe I don't need to keep controlling you."
At that moment, she slowly raised her right hand, pointed at Steve with one finger, and fired a wave of crushing pressure toward him.
Terrakula (soft, but deadly):
"I'll give you a choice, Steve… Fight now with full awareness—or I'll rip out your heart with my own hand."
Steve's body jolted. He couldn't believe it—he was free of the control… but it came with another curse. He slowly lifted his head, and his once-empty eyes began to regain their spark. His breathing was heavy, his face pale—but now, he was fully conscious.
Steve (whispering, voice shaking):
"Fight…?"
Terrakula was still dodging Akio and Akira's attacks while keeping an eye on Steve. He knew she wouldn't look away, and he had no choice but to fight to survive.
Steve (gritting his teeth, clenching his fists):
"Screw you, Terrakula."
In an instant, his hesitation vanished. Steve moved fast—this time, rushing toward Ann on his own, no external force… He was fighting by choice!
Ann (eyes wide, raising her dagger):
"What?!"
But Steve was faster!
BOOM!!
With a powerful punch, he smashed Ann's shadow clone, making it vanish.
Steve stood still after destroying the clone with his blow. But he didn't feel proud or satisfied—only angry. Not at Ann. Not even at the fight. He was angry at himself… for being a puppet that Terrakula had used so easily.
Ann (gripping her dagger):
"If you're still under her control, I won't hesitate to take you down."
Steve (quietly, but clearly):
"I'm… sorry."
He finally looked at her directly. His eyes were full of confusion, but they were clearer than ever.
Steve (firmer):
"I'm sorry… for being her tool all this time. Sorry that I couldn't control my body. But don't get me wrong—that doesn't mean I won't fight now!"
Suddenly, he raised his fists again. He didn't want to fight to win anymore—he wanted to fight to release his rage. He wanted to prove to himself that he was still alive—that he had control of his life.
Steve (angrily):
"I'm mad! Mad at everything! At myself, at this castle, at Terrakula—at all of you! So now… I'm letting it all out on you!"
Ann didn't wait another second. She gave a small smile, raised her dagger, and faced him. She could see the truth behind his words.
Ann (smirking, lifting her fist):
"Then let's see if you can keep up with me!"
Without warning, both of them launched at each other—and a new fight began. But this wasn't just a battle of survival anymore… It was a clash between two people trying to prove something.
BOOM!
Their fists collided in midair, sending a shockwave across the hall. It was the real start of their battle. The fight raged on—fast, brutal, neither of them holding back. Steve attacked with endless fury, and Ann dodged when she could, striking back with punches of her own. But over time, the toll on Ann's body showed—she was fighting someone almost as strong as her.
Steve (while punching):
"Why won't you give up?!"
Ann didn't answer. She leaped into the air and kicked at his head—he blocked it easily. Then—
BOOM!!
He punched her straight in the stomach!
Ann (eyes wide, feeling bones crack):
"Ghh…!!"
She froze, blood spilling from her lips. Her body flew back and hit the ground hard—but she didn't collapse. She was trembling and struggling to breathe, but she didn't let herself fall.
Steve (eyes wide, shocked):
"You're… still standing?!"
He thought that punch would finish her. But he saw how she pressed her hand to the ground, how she forced herself to rise despite the agony, how her eyes still burned with unshakable will. He raised an eyebrow—he felt something strange. Something he didn't understand, watching her.
Ann (breathing hard, but with strong resolve):
"I told you… I won't give up that easily."
She wiped the blood from her mouth and lifted her head to meet his eyes.
Ann (with a confident smile):
"I want to be the greatest ninja in the world… and I won't let anyone—even you—stop me from reaching that goal!"
Steve froze. Something about her words hit him deep inside. He didn't know why. But for a moment, he just stared—confused, overwhelmed, unsure what he felt. His heart pounded strangely. He didn't understand it… but he didn't have time to think.
Suddenly, he rushed at her again, raising his fist.
Steve (trying to hide his weird reaction):
"I'll crush you this time!"
Ann (smiling faintly, raising her hand):
"Not that easy."
Just as his fist came down, Ann grabbed his wrist!
Steve (eyes wide):
"What?!"
He didn't expect her to have enough strength to stop him—but he was wrong. Ann wasn't just some ordinary ninja. She looked up at him with her glowing purple eyes and smirked.
Ann (teasing):
"You're weak."
Steve, still trying to process what happened, felt his heart pounding hard. He couldn't take his eyes off her. Then—Ann spun with all her strength, using his momentum, and—
Ann (sharp voice):
"My turn!"
WHAM!!
She kicked him hard in the chest, launching him several meters backward before he crashed to the ground!
Steve (rolling, coughing):
"Dammit… she's not joking!"
He stood up quickly, wiped the blood from his mouth, and looked at her with wide eyes. He wasn't just shocked by her power—there was something else. He shook his head, trying to push the thought away. He clenched his fist and returned to his stance, staring at her—but this time, there was something different in his gaze. He wasn't looking at her like an enemy anymore.
Ann (smiling, tired but fired up):
"What do you think now? Do you get it? I won't give up."
Steve (exhaling, then smiling faintly despite his heavy breathing):
"You're just as stubborn as you were minutes ago… It's annoying."
Steve (tilting his head, raising his fist again):
"Alright… I'll try again. But this time—I'll make you fall."
Ann (clenching her fist, ready):
"Oh yeah? We'll see who falls first!"
BOOM!!
Their fists clashed again, sweat dripping from both of them. Neither one wanted to back down. Neither wanted to lose.
Steve (strained smile):
"You're tougher than you look!"
Ann (grinning):
"And you're weaker than I expected!"
CRACK!!
Ann used the tension in Steve's muscles, ducked low, slipped under his arm, and landed a solid punch to his side.
BAM!!
Steve (crying out, stepping back):
"Damn… you hit me clean!"
Before he could react, Ann flipped into the air with an acrobatic move, spun her body fast, and aimed a kick at his head!
THWACK!!
He blocked with his arm, but he barely held on. Before he could steady himself, Ann disappeared again!
Steve (looking around quickly):
"Where?!"
Suddenly—
Ann (from behind):
"Right here!"
She appeared behind him and threw a lightning-fast punch straight into his back!
BOOM!!
Steve (rolling on the ground, trying to get up with difficulty):
"Damn… this girl's insane…"
But Ann wasn't about to give him a break. She stood firm, grabbed the forbidden ninja scroll again, closed her eyes for a second, and as a purple aura rose around her, she began to chant.
Ann (calmly, but with an eerie weight):
"Forbidden Ninja Style… Embodied Shadow Technique!"
The air trembled around her. In seconds, two perfect clones appeared at her sides—same confident smile, same determined glow in their eyes.
Steve (eyes wide, stepping back):
"Oh, crap… this is bad."
Before he could react, Ann and her two clones dashed toward him with incredible speed and launched a synchronized assault!
Ann (with fiery excitement):
"Let's see if you can handle this!"
BAM!!
The first clone punched him in the stomach!
THWACK!!
The second clone jumped from the side and kicked him hard in the back!
BOOM!!
Then the real Ann appeared above him and slammed her fist into his face, smashing him down into the ground!
Steve (screaming in pain, his body barely holding up):
"AAAHHH!!"
But the attack didn't stop—the clones weren't illusions. They were just as powerful as the real Ann!
Ann (stepping back slightly, grinning fiercely):
"I'm Sarutobi Ann—and I won't lose to someone as weak as you!"
Dark energy swirled around her and the clones before they vanished from sight.
BOOM!!
The first clone struck his left side!
CRACK!!
The second clone landed a kick to his back, forcing him forward!
Finally… the real Ann appeared in front of him, her fist glowing with dark energy, and she drove it into his stomach with full force!
BAAAAAAAM!!!!
Steve (crying out, eyes wide from the pain):
"AAAAAAHHH!!!"
All the air was forced from his lungs. His body lifted slightly off the ground before he collapsed to his knees, gasping—unable to move.
Steve (barely breathing, blood trickling from his mouth, trembling):
"Damn… I can't… I can't move…"
He tried to raise his hand, but his arm wouldn't respond. He had nothing left to fight with. He was completely defeated.
Steve (in a broken whisper):
"It's over… I… I admit defeat."
His body dropped flat on the ground, eyes half-closed, barely breathing. Terrakula, who had been watching the fight even while battling the others, raised an eyebrow at his words—then smirked coldly.
Terrakula (in an icy tone):
"So this is how you end up, Steve? What a disappointment."
She slowly lifted her hand. Blood Vakin energy swirled around it, forming a blade. She pointed it at Steve.
Ann (eyes wide, spinning toward her):
"Wait—what are you doing?!"
Terrakula (eerily calm):
"He's useless now. I'm done with him."
She pointed the blade, ready to crush his heart—
BOOM!!!
In a flash, Ann jumped in front of Steve, arms wide to protect him, standing tall in the face of Terrakula without hesitation.
Ann (strong voice, despite her battered body):
"I won't let you touch him!"
Terrakula (laughing, amused):
"Huh? You were just fighting him—and now you're protecting him?"
Ann (clenching her fists, shouting):
"Because I wasn't fighting him to kill him!!"
But she wasn't the only one stepping in—Akio and Akira dashed toward Terrakula at lightning speed!
Akio (pointing his sword at her):
"You've gone too far, Terrakula!"
Akira (eyes blazing with rage):
"If it's a fight you want, then face your real opponents!"
Suddenly, Terrakula was surrounded. She had no choice.
Terrakula (laughing softly, slowly lowering her hand and absorbing the blood blade back into her body):
"Fine, fine… I get the message. You're all absolutely right."
She turned to Akio and Akira, her smile widening—but this time, it was terrifying.
Terrakula (dark and menacing):
"Well then, boys… now I'm really angry."
She vanished instantly—reappearing behind them and launching a surprise attack! Akio and Akira barely dodged, leaping back. They knew… she wasn't holding back anymore.
Steve (watching Ann in disbelief, barely breathing):
"Why…?"
His body throbbed with pain, paralyzed. But he saw everything—this girl who had fought him with all she had, now stood protecting him from death.
Steve (in a trembling whisper, clenching his fist):
"You… you could've let me die and ended it all…"
Ann (glancing back at him, her voice serious and steady):
"You idiot. Did you really think I'd let her kill you after everything? You were just another one of her victims."
Steve felt something stir in his chest—something unfamiliar. His heart pounded in a strange way. He felt breathless… overwhelmed.
Ann (squinting):
"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"
Steve (quickly looking away, pretending not to care):
"No reason… You're just… dumb, that's all."
Ann (frowning, hands on her hips):
"Still throwing insults? Man, I thought you'd at least thank me for saving your life."
Steve (quietly, more to himself):
"I didn't ask for it…"
Ann chuckled, even though she was clearly hurting, and sat down next to him.
Ann (with a teasing smile):
"You do realize you were gonna die, right?"
Steve (face turning red):
"Maybe… But I don't need a girl to protect me."
Ann (raising an eyebrow):
"Oh? So you'd rather die like an idiot than be saved by a girl?"
Steve (awkward and flustered):
"I just… didn't need help."
Ann (crossing her arms):
"Weird, considering you were on the ground, half-dead, about to have your heart crushed."
Steve's face flushed deeper, but he kept up his aloof act, looking away in frustration.
Steve (muttering):
"…Fine. You're right…"
Ann smiled brightly—and that made Steve's heart skip. He wanted to say something—but couldn't find the words. He just stared at her silently… then looked away again.
Steve (looking down):
"You're annoying."
His breathing was ragged. His whole body ached—bruises, bleeding, broken bones. He could barely keep his eyes open. Ann grabbed his arm and helped him up, slinging it over her shoulder to support him.
Steve (weak and pained):
"Ann… Leave me. You're hurt too…"
Ann (seriously, but still sarcastic):
"Oh really? You want me to leave you here so someone else can finish the job? Don't be stupid."
She started moving, dragging him with her toward the dark corridors of the castle. Her steps were heavy, but she didn't stop. Steve gritted his teeth and forced himself to stay awake. He could feel the heat of her body against his, feel how she trembled—but she held him up anyway…
Steve (whispering):
"You're… dumb."
Ann (smiling through the pain):
"Oh, I know. But I'm still smarter than you."
Steve:
"Why… why are you doing this for me?"
Ann (calmly but firmly): "Because I believe everyone deserves a second chance."
Steve's heart pounded again—and suddenly, a sharp pain hit his chest, causing his body to slump further against her. He couldn't hold on. His eyelids grew heavy.
Steve (in a faint voice, barely audible): "I… didn't ask you for this…"
His breathing was shallow, his head too heavy to lift. His eyes half-closed, teetering on the edge of consciousness.
Ann (whispering, feeling his weight increase): "Hang on. Don't black out now, Steve!"
He didn't respond—just a quiet groan escaped him, making her worry spike. She suddenly remembered something. With a shaky hand, she reached for the purple pendant hanging around her neck. It wasn't just decoration—it was much more. She remembered how Koto had given each of them one and told them it could summon her in case of an emergency.
Ann (looking at the pendant): "We're not dying here, Steve."
She flipped the pendant over and pressed the small button on the back. Immediately, it began to glow softly and sent gentle pulses into the air—like a silent cry for help.
Minutes later…
A swirling portal of glowing blue light formed in the air. It grew wider, opening into a glowing gateway so dazzling Ann couldn't look away. Then—Koto emerged from it, wearing her long white coat and carrying a large medical bag, her eyes full of focus.
Koto (hurrying over, looking at Steve with concern):
"You triggered the emergency already? What happened?!"
Ann (panting, barely standing):
"He's in bad shape… Steve took a beating. Broken ribs, internal bleeding!"
Koto (placing her fingers on Steve's neck to check his pulse, frowning):
"His pulse is weak… we need to work fast!"
She opened her bag and immediately got to work. She tore the fabric around his chest to examine the injuries and wrapped a bandage tightly around the bleeding area.
Steve (groaning softly, blinking slightly):
"Ugh… damn it…"
Koto (dryly, pressing on the wound):
"Oh, finally awake? Good, I wasn't planning to knock you out."
Steve (gritting his teeth, glaring at her):
"Do you… always torture your patients?"
Ann (smirking despite her fatigue):
"Suck it up, idiot. You almost died a minute ago."
Koto continued treating him, bandaging wound after wound. Despite the pain, Steve couldn't help but feel something warm inside as he glanced at Ann—the same girl who had just been fighting him, now refusing to let him die.
As Koto worked, she suddenly looked up and gasped when she noticed the blood on Ann's clothes.
Koto (shocked and angry):
"Wait a second… Ann, you're bleeding!"
Ann (waving it off):
"Oh, that? It's just a few scrapes—"
But Koto didn't wait. She rushed over and grabbed Ann's arm, examining her shoulder. Blood had soaked through.
Koto (sharply, gripping her shoulders):
"Scrapes? You think I'm blind?! You've got bruises, fractures, and internal bleeding! Damn it! Don't move another step—I'm treating you now, and that's final!"
Ann (resisting):
"But Steve—"
Koto (cutting her off):
"Steve's done. Now it's your turn. Shut it and sit down."
Ann (softly, clenching her fist):
"This… is all my fault."
Koto (blinking, confused):
"What do you mean?"
Ann (looking away, avoiding their eyes):
"If I hadn't fought him so hard… maybe he wouldn't be like this."
Koto raised an eyebrow, glancing at Steve—who was staring at Ann expressionlessly, saying nothing. Ann took a shaky breath and continued, her voice lower.
Ann:
"I broke him… crushed his bones, made him bleed. I didn't have to go that far, but I did."
Koto (hands on her hips, annoyed):
"Oh for crying out loud, Ann! This is not the time to feel guilty!"
Steve (closing his eyes briefly, then speaking clearly):
"You didn't do anything wrong… You were just fighting to win, weren't you?"
Ann (hesitating):
"But—"
Steve:
"You fought with honor… If you hadn't, I probably would've hated you more than I already do."
Ann (raising an eyebrow):
"You hate me?"
Steve (awkward, looking away):
"Uh… maybe?"
Ann (smiling lightly, eyes closing for a moment):
"Good. I don't want you to like me anyway."
Steve (eyes widening, then sighing):
"Oh, don't worry. That's impossible."
Despite the sarcasm, he felt something strange inside—something he didn't quite understand. Koto and Ann helped carry Steve to one of the nearby bedrooms. It had two beds.
Koto (exhaling, placing him on the bed):
"This guy's ridiculously heavy."
Ann (smiling tiredly):
"That's because he's full of stubbornness."
Steve (groaning, eyes half-open):
"Stop insulting me… ugh, my chest hurts…"
Koto (pulling a blanket over him):
"Of course it hurts. You've got at least three broken ribs, tons of bruises, and open wounds. What, were you expecting a spa treatment?"
Ann laid on the other bed, exhaling deeply, trying to ignore her own pain. She blinked as Koto placed a cold compress on her forehead, but let her check her injuries without protest. The pain grew sharper with each touch, but she didn't complain. Steve lay quietly, watching her.
Koto (firmly but softly):
"No more talking. If you want to heal, rest."
Steve (eyes closing):
"Sounds like a plan…"
Suddenly, a soft creak came from another door—one they hadn't entered from. A small boy with black hair and golden eyes, Lionel, stepped in nervously. He had been hiding nearby, and the noise led him here.
Lionel (whispering worriedly):
"S…Steve?"
Ann's head shot up. Koto turned in surprise. Steve opened his eyes slowly, and they widened.
Steve (weakly):
"L…Lionel? What are you doing here?"
Lionel (running to him):
"Steve, what happened?! Are you okay?!"
Steve:
"I'm fine… don't worry, Lionel…"
Lionel (tears welling up):
"But you promised… you said you'd get me out tonight! And now you're hurt!"
Steve (weakly):
"I'm… sorry…"
He turned to Koto with a serious look.
Steve:
"Doctor… you have to take this kid back to his family. Terrakula kidnapped him to drink his blood. He needs to get out—now."
Koto (nodding firmly):
"Leave it to me."
Lionel (sniffling but smiling):
"Steve… thank you for being nice to me. Please thank Akira too. If it wasn't for him, I'd be dead."
Steve (patting his head):
"Alright… it's goodbye now. Take care of yourself, Lionel."
Lionel smiled and stepped back. He looked at Koto and nodded, ready.
Koto (glancing at Ann):
"I'll handle him. Ann—make sure that idiot doesn't move too much."
Ann (smirking):
"Don't worry. If he tries, I'll punch him."
Steve (grumbling):
"I'm not an idiot…"
Koto took Lionel's hand. The boy looked back one last time, then followed her quietly.
To be continued…