Strengthening the Alliance

Chapter 12: Strengthening the Alliance

The underground chamber was dimly lit, shadows dancing on the walls as flickering torches cast an eerie glow. Ryo stood in the center, facing Kenjaku, who had taken Geto's body. Around them, the cursed spirits Jogo, Hanami, and Mahito watched with interest, their expressions varying from curiosity to disdain.

Kenjaku began, his voice calm and authoritative. "Ryo, to truly stand a chance against Gojo, you need to master barrier techniques and the ability to negate other sorcerers' abilities. These skills will elevate you to the level required to face him."

Ryo smirked, crossing his arms. "I've got this. Just show me what needs to be done."

Kenjaku smiled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Very well. We shall begin with the basics of barrier techniques. Pay attention."

For hours, Kenjaku explained the intricacies of barriers and the principles of negation, how it required a perfect understanding of one's cursed energy and absolute control over its flow. Ryo listened intently, absorbing every detail, his confidence unwavering.

---

Days turned into weeks as Ryo trained relentlessly. His progress was remarkable, his natural talent and determination pushing him to new heights. The cursed spirits watched, occasionally stepping in to challenge him, testing his resolve.

One day, Kenjaku summoned Ryo to a secluded training ground. "Today, you will face a high-level curse," he announced. "Consider it a test of your newfound abilities."

The cursed spirits gathered to watch as the ground trembled and a massive curse emerged from the shadows, its form grotesque and menacing. Ryo cracked his knuckles, a fearless grin spreading across his face. "Let's get this over with."

The battle was fierce. The curse lunged at Ryo with terrifying speed, but he remained focused, utilizing his barrier techniques to counter its attacks. His cursed energy flowed smoothly, forming barriers and negating the curse's abilities with precision. The cursed spirits observed, Jogo nodding in approval while Mahito smirked, clearly impressed.

As the battle reached its climax, Ryo utilized his negate ability mixed into a simple domain, trapping the curse within a confined space where its powers were rendered useless. With a final, decisive blow, he shattered the curse into nothingness. The ground was littered with the remnants of the defeated creature, and Ryo stood victorious, his breath heavy but his spirit unbroken.

Kenjaku stepped forward, a look of satisfaction on his face. "You have done well, Ryo. Your abilities have grown considerably."

Jogo approached, his voice gruff but respectful. "Not bad, kid. You might just be worth something after all."

Hanami nodded in agreement, while Mahito grinned wickedly. "Impressive. Let's see how you fare against real opponents next time."

Ryo's smirk vanished, replaced by a glare. "You think I'm some kind of newbie? I could defeat all of you easily. I'm just using this as an opportunity to get more experience. For the past 12 years, I've become an indomitable force. None of you even know my true power."

The cursed spirits exchanged uneasy glances, taken aback by Ryo's sudden burst of anger.

Kenjaku's smile widened. "Confidence is good, Ryo. But remember, overconfidence can be your downfall."

Ryo shrugged, unfazed. "I know my limits. And I know I haven't reached them yet."

As the training continued, Ryo's confidence and fearlessness became even more pronounced. He thrived under pressure, his arrogance often provoking the cursed spirits but also earning their respect. He was getting stronger, and with each passing day, his resolve to defeat Gojo and fulfill his goals grew firmer. The alliance with Kenjaku and the cursed spirits was proving fruitful, but he remained wary, knowing that trust was a rare commodity in their world.

---

Later that night, alone in his quarters, Ryo's thoughts turned dark. He gazed into the dimly lit room, eyes filled with intensity.

"They think they can look down on me. Treat me like I'm beneath them. But they'll see. Soon, everyone will see."

His mind flashed back to the years of rigorous training, the countless battles fought and won, the pain and perseverance that forged him into what he was today.

"For 12 years, I've honed my abilities. I've become a force that cannot be stopped. They don't even know what I'm truly capable of."

Ryo clenched his fists, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "No one will ever look down on me again. When I reveal myself, the world will tremble. I will shock them all with my existence. They will know my name and fear it."

With a final, resolute glare, Ryo made his silent vow. The time was coming, and soon, he would rise from the shadows, unstoppable and unchallenged.