Lucy's eyes narrowed, her voice sharp as steel.
"Who's the foe, and who's the ally?"
Before anyone could answer, a voice drifted from behind a tree.
"I don't know if you still consider me an enemy… but I'm no longer your foe."
Lucy sighed and cracked her neck.
"What a pain in the ass you are. Come out, you moron."
From the shadows, Sasaki stepped out slowly.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Everyone screamed in shock—everyone except Lyon and Bash.
Alfie's eyes widened, his voice trembling but furious.
"Master! I thought you killed this man monster! What is he doing here?"
Lucy met his glare with calm eyes.
"Don't get too serious, Alfie. He's not an enemy. I already agreed to help him learn to control his Renshi aura."
Alfie froze. "That's not possible!" he and Rebekah shouted at the same time.
Jackson pointed an accusing finger at Sasaki.
"Excuse me, Miss, but this man can't be trusted! He devours darkside spirits to gain their Renshi. He's a predator—nothing more!"
Lucy's expression turned sharp.
"Don't act tough, all of you. Can't you be like the real man standing quiet in the corner?"
She placed her hand gently on Marcel's trembling shoulder.
Meanwhile, Lyon and Bash conversed through telepathy.
Marcel's thoughts were panicked: She has no idea… I'm too shocked to even speak. How can she accept Sasaki the Ripper as a student?
Lucy felt his fear.
"Your heart's racing. Are you alright?" she asked softly.
"H-huh? Y-yes, yes, I'm fine," Marcel stammered.
Lyon then stepped forward, his eyes burning.
"Listen carefully, Sasaki. I don't know why you've changed your mind on your life, but hear this—if you do anything to hurt any human, I'll hunt you down myself."
Sasaki smirked, then vanished with Switch Mode, reappearing inches from Lyon's face.
"Don't get ahead of yourself, brat. My loyalty belongs to her alone. You have no right to speak to me like that."
Lyon didn't flinch.
"Don't get cocky, Ripper. You may be strong, but I'll say this once—if you ever kill or harm another human again, I'll seal you away for the rest of your human life. This isn't a threat. It's a warning,SA..SA...KI."
The two locked eyes, Renshi flaring, deathly silence pressing down on the group.
Lucy finally stepped in, her voice commanding.
"That's enough! Sasaki, back off. He's not joking, and I can feel it. You may be strong, but he has cards you don't know about. I wouldn't underestimate a pro darkside knight if I were you."
Alfie suddenly stormed forward, pointing at Sasaki.
"I don't care what you say, Master! I won't let this man get away with whatever he's planning!"
In a blur, Lucy appeared in front of Alfie, staring into his eyes.
"Listen, Alfie. Do you think any Shinra could lay a finger on me?"
Alfie froze, fists trembling.
"But Master—! Minutes ago, he tried to kill us! And now he's your student? How does that make any sense?!"
Lucy's tone softened. She placed her hand gently on his head.
"Calm down, Alfie. Trust your master. Leave it to me."
Alfie swatted her hand away, his voice cracking with anger.
"I can't accept this!" He turned and walked away, glaring at the ground.
Rebekah stepped forward, confused and tense.
"Master… why him? What did he say to make you change your mind so suddenly?"
Lucy's expression grew distant, almost weary.
"Rebekah, I've lived a long time. I've made countless right and wrong decisions. I've learned my lessons. This young man will not be my mistake. I promise you that."
Rebekah clenched her fists.
"Alfie won't accept this. Don't forget, they came here to take him back to Guhan—to use his Renshi for themselves. He'll never forgive you for this."
From the side, Marcel finally spoke, his voice low.
"Miss… I don't know what to say. But think twice before forgiving your enemies."
He slumped against a tree, too exhausted to continue.
Jackson joined him, leaning beside him under the shade.
"Whatever happens, I just hope you don't regret your decision."
Bash's voice echoed in Lucy's mind through telepathy.
"It looks like the kids aren't ready to accept him, Miss. You'll have to earn their trust back."
Sasaki suddenly appeared before Lucy with Switch Mode, his voice steady but proud.
"Lucy, I can't force anyone to trust me—not even you. But I've made my decision. I am your student now. Do whatever you wish with me. I will never leave your side."
Lucy clicked her tongue and frowned.
"Don't get cocky, loser. I've got this under control."
Lyon glanced back, walking toward Jackson and Marcel.
"From here on, it's your decision, Lucy. I'm leaving for Guhan with the boys. I wish you luck in your adventure."
Lucy's eyes followed him, sharp and calculating.
"And what do you plan to report… to the special darkside knight who sent you?