[Ding! Congratulations, Host, on achieving the great harmony of life with Core Bond Character "Mai Shiranui"!]
[Mai Shiranui's Bond Level promoted to: Bound by Life and Death!]
[Congratulations, Host! Special Reward obtained: Comprehension of "Shiranui-Style Ultimate Secret Art: Phoenix Rebirth" x1!]
[System Dual Cultivation function activated—Host's four-dimensional attributes each +10!]
Hot damn! One session of dual cultivation, and the rewards were absolutely luxurious. Spirit stats were notoriously difficult to raise, and spirit potions were rare drops.
Over the following days, the relationship between Cloud and Mai underwent a fundamental transformation.
Though they maintained "friend" distance in public...
The affection that unconsciously showed between them was impossible to hide.
The "sour stench" of their romance drove Terry and Andy to flee, and left Ryo perpetually scowling, feeling like his own sister might be "in danger" next.
Cloud held nothing back, teaching Mai everything about his understanding of martial arts and his insights into the Absolute Domain.
Under the "technical assistance" of this "human cheat code," the already gifted Mai's strength began rocketing upward at an insane pace!
Finally, on a star-filled night...
Under Cloud's diligent guidance...
Mai successfully condensed within herself that proof of a true powerhouse—
The Absolute Domain!
Though only 5%, she had finally crossed the threshold into the realm of true masters!
Sensing the new power awakening within Mai, Cloud's face broke into a deeply gratified smile.
A week of "cultivation" had finally produced results!
He knew that from now on, this beautiful fire phoenix would no longer be a "flower vase" needing his protection.
She could now soar alongside him through the highest heavens!
...
Half a month later.
Once South Town's situation had completely stabilized.
Once Terry and Andy had fully recovered from their injuries.
Cloud decided to embark on a new journey.
"Do you really... have to go?"
At the villa's entrance, Mai held Cloud's hand, her eyes full of reluctance.
"Relax, it's not like we're saying goodbye forever." Cloud smiled, pinching her cheek. "I'm just... going to meet some relatives. And maybe... resolve some internal family conflicts."
"Benimaru and I will scout ahead. Once we're settled, I'll send for you."
Yes—he planned to follow Benimaru Nikaido and Aoi Kusanagi back to Japan, to that legendary place...
Kusanagi Castle!
Partly to finally resolve the matter of his "illegitimate child" identity.
And partly to uncover more secrets about the "Three Sacred Treasures" and the "Orochi Clan" from the Kusanagi family!
Because he knew the KOF 95 invitation... was probably already on its way.
...
When Benimaru Nikaido's flashy private jet—emblazoned with a giant rose emblem—touched down in a clearing above an ancient, majestic estate surrounded by dense forest, Cloud finally understood what "heritage" truly meant.
Beneath them wasn't some modern airport, but a massive training ground paved with bluestone—large enough to accommodate several Boeing 747s.
At the training ground's far end stood a towering castle in classical Heian-era style—Kusanagi Castle.
The entire structure was shrouded in a faint yet palpable aura—scorching and sacred.
Cloud could clearly sense it: deep beneath the castle, something slumbered—an ancient beast composed of pure flame.
"Holy crap... this setup makes Geese Tower look like a dump." Cloud pressed his face against the window, letting out an awestruck gasp. "Now THIS is a real noble house. Geese's place was basically... a nightclub opened by a nouveau riche."
"Of course!" On the plane, Benimaru—who'd been trailing Aoi like a long-suffering nanny the entire trip—finally found a chance to chime in, pride evident on his face.
"This is the Kusanagi clan—guardians of the Three Sacred Treasures for eighteen hundred years! Every brick, every tile here has witnessed history!"
"Is that so?" Cloud stroked his chin. "I should ask them later—if this old mansion got demolished, how much would the compensation be?"
Benimaru Nikaido: "..."
He was starting to feel like he simply couldn't vibe with this guy's bizarre thought process.
...
When the plane landed smoothly and the cabin door opened...
The touching "long-lost eldest brother returns, tears streaming" scene Cloud had imagined... did not appear.
Instead, he was greeted by an incredibly formal, ceremonial grand welcome.
Hundreds of Kusanagi clan members in matching attire—each bearing the "sun" emblem on their backs—stood in orderly rows flanking the red carpet, expressions solemn, auras heavy.
At the carpet's end, Kyo Kusanagi and a distinguished-looking middle-aged couple waited quietly.
"Bro!"
The moment Aoi saw her family, she instantly reverted to her "good girl" persona, happily bounding toward Kyo.
"Benimaru! And Cloud—you're finally here!"
Kyo smiled, ruffling his sister's hair, then stepped forward to give Cloud a solid bear hug. His face radiated genuine joy.
"Welcome home, brother!"
Behind him, the middle-aged couple studied Cloud with extremely complex gazes—appraising and curious.
The man appeared around fifty, his features bearing a seven or eight-tenths resemblance to Kyo, though with added weathering of age and... a peculiar sense of guilt.
He wore a refined kimono and clearly tried to project "head of household" authority, but his shifty eyes completely betrayed his inner awkwardness.
This was the current head of the Kusanagi clan, Kyo's father—Saisyu Kusanagi.
The woman beside him was remarkably well-preserved, appearing barely past thirty, still elegant and graceful.
But within those beautiful phoenix eyes lurked an aura so commanding it could make all of Kusanagi Castle "tremble"—a queen's presence.
This was the mistress of the Kusanagi household, Kyo's mother—Shizuka Kusanagi.
...
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