Nine months had passed since Huo left to hone his strength, and during that time, Ravihiro and Haruno had built a peaceful life together. The anticipation of Haruno's delivery was palpable, and Ravihiro prepared for the event with meticulous care. He gathered supplies, ensured the home was ready, and even attempted to learn some basic midwifery techniques, despite his usual disdain for anything that didn't involve combat or training.
As the day approached, Haruno began to experience the signs of labor. The once tranquil atmosphere in their home shifted to one filled with nervous energy. Ravihiro did his best to stay calm, but every creak of the floorboards and every sigh from Haruno made his heart race.
Finally, the moment arrived. Haruno was in labor, and Ravihiro did his best to support her, trying to remember everything he had read about childbirth. His thoughts raced as he held her hand, encouraging her, trying to mask his own anxiety.
"Ravihiro," Haruno gasped, her brow slick with sweat. "I don't think I can—"
"Yes, you can!" he urged, a fierce determination in his eyes. "You're stronger than you think. Just breathe and focus on the next step."
Hours passed, filled with tension and exertion. Just as Ravihiro thought he couldn't take it anymore, Haruno let out a final cry, and the sound of a baby's first wail filled the air.
In that moment, the world seemed to freeze. Haruno collapsed back onto the bed, panting heavily, and Ravihiro's heart swelled with emotion as he beheld their newborn child. It was a son, her tiny fists clenching and unclenching as if she was already ready to face the world.
"Look at her," Haruno whispered, tears of joy streaming down her face. "We did it, Ravihiro. he's beautiful."
As they embraced their son, a knock at the door shattered their moment of peace. Ravihiro exchanged a wary glance with Haruno. He had been on high alert for years, ever since they had been attacked by those who sought to harm Haruno and their unborn child.
He cautiously approached the door, ready to defend his family at a moment's notice. When he opened it, he was taken aback to see Huo standing there, his figure silhouetted against the light of the setting sun.
"Huo?" Ravihiro exclaimed, surprised. "You're back!"
"Ravihiro," Huo said, stepping inside. His eyes narrowed as he sensed the change in the atmosphere. "I felt a powerful presence, and I came as soon as I could. What's going on?"
Ravihiro hesitated but ultimately decided to share the news. "Haruno just delivered our son"
Huo's expression softened, and a genuine smile broke across his face. "Congratulations! I knew you both would make it through."
As they stepped into the room to meet Haruno and the baby, the atmosphere shifted. Huo's smile faded as he caught sight of Haruno. She was exhausted but radiated a maternal glow that made the room feel warm and inviting.
"Haruno," Huo said, his voice gentle. "It's good to see you well. You've been through a lot."
"Thank you, Huo," she replied, her smile weak but genuine. "It's a relief to see you back."
But as the reunion unfolded, a sense of foreboding lingered in the air. Ravihiro felt the protective instincts rising within him. He was ready to defend his family against any threat, especially with the shadow of past enemies looming over them.
"Have you come back just to visit?" Ravihiro asked, the tension creeping into his tone.
Huo exchanged a glance with Ravihiro, and a serious look crossed his face. I came to finish my promise
Ravihiro says come outside let's see what you have got
They both in battlefield ready to face eachother
The battle beguns.
The atmosphere was thick with tension as Ravihiro and Huo stood facing each other, the air between them crackling with the raw energy of their power. Ravihiro's eyes narrowed, a deadly calm in his expression, while Huo's face was twisted in determination, his aura flaring with intensity. Neither spoke, knowing that words would no longer settle this.
Huo was the first to move, his body surging forward as he activated his Demonic Transformation, his skin darkening and muscles bulging as his sword and body moved in perfect unity-a terrifying display of Blade Soul Fusion. The ground trembled beneath his feet as he swung at Ravihiro with all his might, aiming for a decisive strike.
But Ravihiro was already moving, activating the Energy blast aro The ground glowed with complex symbols, radiating a blue energy that flowed up from the palms. He gathered the energy between his hands, releasing it in a concentrated beam aimed directly at Huo.
Huo dodged, barely evading the blast, and then closed the distance between them in an instant. His sword slashed toward Ravihiro, who shifted into his Kageha stance-his martial soul manifesting as dark shadows surrounding his body, enhancing his speed and reflexes. Their blows collided, creating a shockwave that sent debris flying in every direction.
Then Huo landed a powerful punch directly on Ravihiro's face. Blood dripped from Ravihiro's nose as he staggered back, wiping the blood with the back of his hand. But something was off. Huo felt a chill crawl down his spine, as if someone -or something-was laughing at him. A deep, dark chuckle echoed faintly in his mind, and he hesitated.
Ravihiro's voice cut through the air, low and filled with a sinister edge. "This struggle... just for a drop of blood?"
Before Huo could react, Ravihiro's fist connected with his core. The impact sent shockwaves through Huo's body, his demonic transformation flickering and fading
As the strength drained out of him. His body shuddered as if the very essence of his power was being stripped away. And then, he felt something else-like someone was crying, sobbing deep within his mind.
Ravihiro stepped closer, his tone cold and final. "Playtime's over."
With a swift movement, Ravihiro knocked Huo out, his body collapsing to the ground. The fight was over. Ravihiro stood over him, his expression unreadable, the echoes of the dark presence lingering in the air.
Haruno, who had witnessed the brutal end to the fight, rushed to Huo's side, her eves wide withHaruno, who had witnessed the brutal end to the fight, rushed to Huo's side, her eyes wide with concern. She looked up at Ravihiro, hoping for an explanation.
Without glancing down at Huo, Ravihiro simply said, "Take him to the room. When he wakes up, tell him I agree. Your marriage will be in two weeks. Inform his family... if they're still around."
Haruno nodded, her emotions conflicted as she watched Ravihiro turn and walk away, his figure disappearing into the shadows, leaving an air of finality behind him.