The Rise of a New Demon King

The morning sun barely pierced through the heavy clouds hanging over the Kagemoritai headquarters. The mood was as charged as the sky outside. Inside the Time Chamber, Shiro and Chiyo stood side by side, their breaths steady but their eyes filled with apprehension. Before them stood Kenzo, his stance relaxed but his expression unreadable.

Kenzo: "Today's training is simple. You're going to fight me again."

Shiro frowned, glancing at Chiyo.

Shiro: "Didn't we already do this? What's the point of repeating it?"

Kenzo smirked, rolling his shoulders as if loosening up for a fight.

Kenzo: "The point, rookie, is that you need to learn. Last time, you fought me as individuals. This time, I expect you to fight as a team. Because out there,"—he gestured vaguely, as if pointing to the entire world—"your enemies won't give you the luxury of a fair fight. It's kill or be killed."

Chiyo tightened his grip on his spear, his lips curling into a confident smirk.

Chiyo: "Sounds like fun. Let's see what you've got, old man."

Kenzo's grin widened.

Kenzo: "Cocky. I like it. But remember, I'm not holding back. And neither should you."

He assumed a fighting stance, and before either Shiro or Chiyo could react, he lunged.

Kenzo's fist shot toward Shiro like a bullet. Shadows erupted from Shiro's feet, forming a barrier just in time to block the attack, but the force sent him skidding backward.

Shiro (thinking): He's faster than before!

Chiyo wasted no time, charging forward with his spear aimed directly at Kenzo's midsection. Kenzo sidestepped with ease, grabbing the spear's shaft and yanking Chiyo off balance. With a sharp twist, he sent Chiyo sprawling to the ground.

Kenzo: "Sloppy. You're too predictable."

Shiro recovered, summoning Radiance in his off-hand while his dark energy coiled around his other. He darted toward Kenzo, slashing with Radiance in a dazzling arc of light. Kenzo dodged, but the faintest graze of the blade left a small cut on his cheek.

Kenzo: "Not bad. You're learning."

Chiyo sprang back to his feet, using Shiro's attack as cover to deliver a spinning strike. Kenzo blocked the blow with his forearm, the impact sending a shockwave through the chamber. He countered with a powerful kick, forcing both Shiro and Chiyo to retreat.

Kageboshi: "Shiro, stop reacting. Start anticipating. Work with Chiyo or you'll both get flattened."

Yamitsuki: "Chiyo, remember your training. Timing is key. Don't rush—wait for your opening."

The duo exchanged a quick glance. There was no time to talk, but their shared nod said everything. They charged together this time, Shiro's shadows weaving a path of distraction while Chiyo's spear thrusts kept Kenzo on the defensive.

For a moment, it seemed to work. Shiro feinted left while Chiyo struck from the right, forcing Kenzo to parry and dodge simultaneously. But Kenzo's experience showed. He swept Chiyo's legs out from under him while sidestepping Shiro's follow-up attack.

Kenzo: "Better. But not enough."

With blinding speed, he closed the gap between them, delivering a series of blows that had both fighters reeling. Shiro's shadows faltered, and Chiyo's grip on his spear wavered.

Kenzo: "You're relying too much on your powers. They're tools, not crutches. Show me your resolve!"

The fight ended as abruptly as it began. Kenzo delivered a final strike, sending both Shiro and Chiyo sprawling onto the chamber's floor. The regeneration kicked in almost instantly, healing their wounds but leaving their pride battered.

Kenzo stood over them, arms crossed.

Kenzo: "You've got potential, but potential means nothing if you don't put in the work. Meet me here tomorrow, same time. We're doing this again."

Shiro groaned, pushing himself up on shaky arms.

Shiro: "I'm starting to think you enjoy this a little too much."

Kenzo smirked but didn't reply.

Chiyo sat up, wiping blood from his mouth.

Chiyo: "Next time, we'll take you down."

Kenzo: "I'll be waiting."

Far Away at the Seal of Eternity

Orithius stood before the massive construct, the pulsating energy reflecting in his eyes. He placed a hand on the seal, feeling the immense power radiating from it.

Orithius: "The time draws near."

Footsteps echoed in the cavernous space, and the white-suited man emerged from the shadows, his presence as unsettling as it was commanding.

The Man: "Everything proceeds as expected."

Orithius turned, his gaze sharp.

Orithius: "And the promise?"

The man adjusted his hat, his blue eyes gleaming with cold determination.

The Man: "Have I ever failed you, Orithius? The worlds will be corrected. The Seal of Eternity… is the key. When the time comes, balance will be restored."

Orithius's lips curled into a smile, his hand tightening on the seal.

Orithius: "Then we are aligned."

The man's smile faltered for a moment, his voice lowering as he stepped closer.

The Man: "And what of the child? The heir… Kageboshi's host? Does he truly pose no threat?"

Orithius's expression darkened.

Orithius: "The host is but a pawn. Kageboshi's mission will either fail, or it will play into my hands. Either way, the Seal… will break."

The two figures stood in silence, the weight of their plans palpable. As the seal's light pulsed rhythmically, the fate of all realms continued to shift in their hands.