[Two Years Later]
Two years had passed — slow, uneventful, yet purposeful.
Arthev's soul power had climbed from 14 to 18, inch by inch. Progress was steady, but far from satisfying.
He had deliberately avoided tapping into the overwhelming force of tailed beast possession, choosing to lay a strong foundation first.
But now, the wait is over.
—––——
The morning sun poured over Notting City Junior Soul Master Academy, its golden light slipping through the dormitory window and warming Arthev's face. He woke early, like always, the quiet hush of dawn wrapping around him like a soft blanket.
Sliding out of bed, he stepped into the courtyard. The morning air was crisp and cool against his skin—perfect for training.
He dropped into his usual routine: push-ups, sprints, and practiced strikes against a wooden post. But ever since he hit soul power level 18, everything felt... different. His body was stronger, faster, more responsive. What used to leave him gasping now felt like a warm-up. His breaths were steady, his muscles buzzing with energy.
Finishing his exercises, he sat down on the grass, legs crossed, and closed his eyes. The world faded away as he sank into meditation. A calm peace washed over him.
"Level 18 really changed things," he thought with a small, amused smile. "My strength, stamina... it's like everything got a boost. But it's getting too easy. I'll need to push myself harder—find better ways to train."
As his focus deepened, his mind shifted inward, to that familiar place like expanse within his soul.
-----‐-------
(Flashback)
The massive tan beast lounged lazily, arms behind his head, sharp-toothed grin in place. His amber eyes gleamed with playful mischief.
"Hey, Shukaku," Arthev called out, his voice echoing across the sandy space. "You can use wind techniques, right? And magnet release too?"
"Yeh," Shukaku rumbled, stretching out a massive, clawed paw. "What's it to ya, Stunned Face?"
Arthev's eyes lit up with excitement. "Can I learn them too? Like—wind-style jutsu, magnet release… adding them to my arsenal would be huge! I keep thinking about Wind Style: Vacuum Blade—infusing a kunai with wind attribute until it can slice through anything. The range, the sharpness... it'd be insane!"
Shukaku flicked his tail, a deep chuckle rumbling from his chest. "Nope."
Arthev blinked, his excitement crashing into confusion. "What? Why not? I can already handle sand manipulation just fine. Why not the rest?"
"Kid, sand's one thing," Shukaku said, his tone rough but not unkind. "The other stuff? That's different."
"How?" Arthev asked, leaning forward in the mental space, a frown creasing his face.
Shukaku shifted and sat up with a grunt. "Alright, listen up, Stunned Face. Sand control—that's baked into my nature. I am sand. The moment you became my host, you got that power, no questions asked. It's part of the package."
He jabbed a claw in the air for emphasis. "But wind-style, magnet release? Those are different. You don't just unlock those by carrying me around. If you want access to that, I'd have to give you a chunk of my own soul power—directly."
Arthev's shoulders slumped, a dull ache of disappointment settling in his chest. "Oh," he muttered, voice low and tinged with a sigh. "So it's just a dream, then. No wind blades for me."
"Didn't say impossible, ya gloomy brat," Shukaku snapped, a sly edge curling into his voice.
Arthev's head shot up, hope sparking back in his eyes. "Wait—there's a way?"
"Yeh," Shukaku said, flashing a toothy grin. "Two ways, actually. First, I shove a chunk of my soul power into ya—let ya borrow the good stuff for a while. Or…" He leaned in a little, voice dropping with weight, "there's tailed beast possession."
"Tailed beast possession?" Arthev repeated, curiosity flaring. "What's that do?"
Shukaku's eyes gleamed. "It ain't like that lil' soul power cloak crap—nah, that's just stat buffs. Speed, strength, toughness… beginner stuff. Possession's the real deal. You tap straight into me. Not just raw power, but all my techniques—wind-style, magnet release, curse seals, the whole freakin' set."
Arthev's heart skipped. Memories rushed in—his fight with the guardian beast, that desperate moment when he'd drawn on Shukaku's power for the first time.
"Wait," he said, eyes narrowing with realization. "I've done it before… in the guardian fight. But it wasn't complete, right? Just parts of me changed—my claws, that sand armor…"
"Yeh, that was half-baked," Shukaku snorted. "You dipped your toes in, nothin' more. Scraps. Real possession? You'd look like a proper hybrid—tan skin, black markings crawlin' over ya, a tail swingin' behind like a boss. Full power, full access. Wind slashin', metal twistin', cursed marks flarin'. My power, flowin' through you."
Arthev's breath caught in his throat. His mind lit up with images—himself wreathed in sand, wind swirling around a kunai sharp enough to cut stone, steel rising at his command, cursed symbols glowing across his skin.
A grin broke across his face, eyes shining with awe. "That's… incredible," he breathed. "I could do so much with that."
"Heh, got yer blood pumpin', huh?" Shukaku laughed, rough and loud. "But don't get ahead of yerself, Stunned Face. Full possession ain't free. It takes sync—you and me, soul to soul. Ain't easy. First time's a killer. That mess with the guardian? Nearly knocked you flat."
Arthev nodded, the thrill in his chest cooling into focused resolve. "I remember. Felt like my body was ripping apart. But if I train, keep pushing my limits, build that connection with you… I could handle it. The full form."
"Maybe," Shukaku said with a shrug, though there was a hint of respect in his tone. "You're a tough little punk—level 14's not bad. Keep climbin', keep workin'. I ain't throwin' you into the deep end yet—I'd rather not peel what's left of you off the dirt."
Arthev's grin turned firm, his fists tightening with quiet fire. "Then that's the goal. I'll train harder. Strength, stamina, soul power—everything. When the time comes, we'll do it. Full possession."
"Big words, kid," Shukaku rumbled, but there was pride glinting in his golden eyes. "I'll hold ya to it. Just don't come cryin' when I send ya flyin' like a twig in a sandstorm!"
Arthev laughed, the weight on his chest lifting just a little. "Deal. Just wait—I'll master it. And when I do, you'll be the one eating your words."
(Flashback ended)
-----‐------------
Arthev opened his eyes, the courtyard snapping back into focus. The sun had climbed higher, casting warm light across the grass. His body thrummed with energy, his mind crackling with possibility. The path forward felt sharp now—training, growth, and a power just out of reach, waiting to be earned.
He stood, stretching out his limbs, every movement fluid. Today, he would push harder.
Footsteps crunched behind him.
Turning slightly, he saw Tang San approaching with his usual calm, fresh from his own morning routine. His gait was steady, his gaze focused.
"Arthev," Tang San said evenly, "how about we compare notes?"
Arthev turned fully to face him, one brow lifting with quiet curiosity. "Compare notes?" he repeated, his voice cool but inquisitive. "Why now?"
Tang San held his gaze, the corner of his mouth twitching—half challenge, half respect. The air between them seemed to still, charged with something unspoken.
To be continued...