4 Chapter 4 : Benimaru

"We've arrived, Arata-kun," Shigure announced as they reached a hall where a powerful demon known as Kijin was held captive.

"Okay," Arata nodded and stepped out of the elevator alongside Shigure, entering a hall adorned with countless Oni masks.

Arata approached a majestic Japanese-style sword called a Tachi. Its hilt gleamed with a golden hue, while the blade was sleek and black, adorned with blood-red edges.

"I will proceed," Arata declared, stepping into the ritual circle without hesitation and grasping the sword firmly.

"Take care of yourself, Arata-kun," Shigure whispered, her voice tender as she gently caressed his face, watching over his body.

Within the depths of Arata's being,

"Hey, it's been a while," Arata greeted the demon who intended to form a contract with him.

The demon appeared youthful, humanoid, with a striking crimson complexion and eyes to match. Black horns protruded from his forehead, and he donned a vibrant red yukata, a long sword hanging at his waist.

"Arata is back," the demon acknowledged with a nod, extending a greeting. "Shall we engage in practice once more?"

"No... This time, I've come to make a pact with you, Benimaru," Arata stated, closing in on Benimaru.

"I see... You've finally made up your mind," Benimaru responded, his smile conveying satisfaction with Arata's decision to choose him.

"So, how do we proceed with the bonding?" Arata asked curiously, aware that illusions would not work against Benimaru and that an alternative method had to be employed.

"Fear not, there shall be no test," Benimaru assured, shaking his head gently. Having known Arata for two years, he had long decided to grant him his strength. "However, before we formalize the contract, I propose a duel between us."

With these words, Benimaru raised his hand, summoning a sword identical to the one at his waist and flung it towards Arata.

"Fight..." Arata murmured, a smile playing on his lips as he caught the sword Benimaru had thrown and affirmed, "That's good."

"Then, let us begin," Benimaru declared, lunging at Arata with his sword.

Arata, without hesitation, activated his limit breaker and charged at Benimaru, their blades colliding.

Ting* Tang* Tong*

"Shall we engage in some conversation during our battle?" Benimaru suggested, blocking Arata's attack.

"Go ahead," Arata replied nonchalantly, creating distance after Benimaru deflected his strike.

Benimaru proceeded to narrate a tale to Arata, who listened attentively amidst their fight.

The story revolved around a modest family residing in ancient Greece during the dark ages. Despite their poverty, the family found happiness in their lives. The father cultivated a small field to provide sustenance, while the mother tended to it in his absence, as he worked as a porter. The son, always wearing a smile, eagerly assisted his parents.

Time passed, and when the son turned ten, a younger sister was born. Recognizing her beauty, the boy vowed to protect her in the tumultuous world they inhabited. The family's life continued, their bond growing stronger with the arrival of the new addition.

Years later, the boy reached the age of sixteen. He had grown into a handsome young man, his hair and eyes a striking crimson. The sister, now six years old, possessed captivating pink hair and eyes.

At sixteen, the boy began working as a porter at the port, following in his father's footsteps. His sister, dissatisfied with his absence, often sneaked out of the house to visit him. Unbeknownst to the family, the girl's enchanting appearance attracted the attention of human traffickers who sought to sell her to nobles.

One fateful day, the boy remained at the port for overnight work and returned home at dawn, only to discover a devastated house, the lifeless bodies of his parents, and no trace of his younger sister.

"And what happened next?" Arata inquired, slashing at Benimaru's neck with his sword.

"Like all tales, the young man gained immense strength, avenged his family, and saved his sister," Benimaru replied, evading Arata's strike by leaping backward.

"And after saving his younger sister?" Arata pressed further, suspending the fight as he began to piece together the subsequent events.

"Ten years later, the girl succumbed to an illness. However, her brother resurrected her, bestowing upon her the same immortality he possessed. She became an Immortal Beast, just like her brother, who relinquished his humanity in exchange for power," Benimaru narrated, setting his sword aside.

"Why are you sharing this with me?" Arata asked intently, perplexed by Benimaru's revelation of his life prior to becoming a demon.

"Before I answer your question, I have a few inquiries of my own," Benimaru interjected, delaying his response to Arata's query.

"Go ahead. I'm all ears," Arata replied, his gaze fixed upon the starry sky.

"Do you know the origin of demons?" Benimaru inquired, his gaze also directed upward.

"They were initially humans turned into vampires by Shikama Doji or Shika Madou, and subsequently transformed into demons," Arata responded, recalling his knowledge.

"Indeed," Benimaru nodded, meeting Arata's gaze. "I must admit, I'm surprised that you're familiar with that individual."

"I am more acquainted with the subject than you might imagine," Arata remarked, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"I am one of the humans Shikama Doji turned into a demon," Benimaru revealed, his gaze shifting back to the sky, his expression distant.

"Unlike those transformed into vampires, I possessed a peculiar power to control black flames. This is why the First Ancestor had such high expectations of me," Benimaru explained, as black flames manifested around him, substantiating his words.

"The First Ancestor grew excited by the prospect of me becoming a demon. However, following my transformation, for reasons unknown to me, the First Ancestor became disappointed and decided to forsake me," Benimaru spoke with a cold voice. "I cared little for being abandoned. Yet, something happened that ignited my hatred for Shikama Doji. That's why I've pondered ways to kill him, and now, I entrust this task to you."

"A method to kill Shikama Doji?" Arata asked skeptically, fully aware that Shikama Doji was an undead monster.

"Yes, even though the chances of success are a mere 1%, I'm willing to wager on it," Benimaru declared, gazing at Arata with resolute determination.

"Why me?" Arata questioned, bewildered by Benimaru's choice.

"It's because you possess an enigmatic quality that defies comprehension," Benimaru replied honestly. "You emanate an unfathomable aura, and I sense something incredibly perilous slumbering within you. I'm placing my bet on that dormant force."

Arata fell silent, a knowing expression crossing his face as he grasped the nature of the slumbering power within him.

"As for your question, I don't really know why I'm sharing all of this. Perhaps it's because I sense that my time is running out, or maybe I want you to know that I, too, was once human," Benimaru confessed with a wistful smile, his reasons for divulging his life story elusive even to himself.

"Well, even though you're now a demon, it's not unusual for you to do things that may seem meaningless, as that's just how humans are," Arata remarked, offering a slight smile as he regarded Benimaru.

"We've spoken at length. It's time for me to grant you what you seek," Benimaru stated, preparing to relinquish his power and merge it with Arata. However, he paused as Arata interjected.

"Wait, does the process take that long?" Arata inquired, concerned about Shigure waiting outside.

"That's correct. It will require anywhere from two weeks to a month," Benimaru estimated, offering an approximate timeframe.

"If you could allow me a brief moment to speak with Shigure about this," Arata requested seriously, recognizing that Shigure would patiently wait for his awakening without eating or resting, just as Mito would do if she knew.

"Very well, I have waited for over a thousand years, so waiting a little longer is inconsequential," Benimaru replied, smiling as he extracted Arata from within himself. "And remember to inform Shigure not to worry when she sees the black flame enveloping your body."

Outside the chamber,

Arata opened his eyes, finding Shigure observing him with utmost concern, ready to intervene if anything went awry.

"Hello, Shigure," Arata greeted her with a smile, instantly dissipating the tension in the air.

"Did it work, Arata?" Shigure asked, perplexed by the absence of any demonic energy emanating from him.

"Not yet," Arata shook his head, informing Shigure that the contract would take anywhere from two weeks to a month. He explained that he had conversed with the demon and would be able to harness his full demon powers without the need for training.

"In that case, I trust you to inform Guren and Mito," Arata stated, making his way toward the necklace's circle. However, he paused and added, "My body will be enveloped by black flames, but it won't harm me. So, there's no need to worry, and I'll spare you the sight of my naked body."

Having spoken his piece, Arata stepped into the contract circle before Shigure could utter a word.

"Who wants to see you naked, you perverted brat?" Shigure muttered, her face flushed with embarrassment as she averted her gaze. Nevertheless, she couldn't help stealing occasional glances at Arata's body.

...

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