Chapter 26: Seeking Control

Another rant, my head is full of ideas that it is clashing with each other. I need help and my head keeps popping out interesting new fanfic novels but I can't make it because there are many abandoned novels that I need to make first. Damn, my creativity knows no bounds.

I wonder if any writers are experiencing the same problem as me and maybe you can give me some suggestions

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Behind the mansion's backyard,

Yuuto leaned against a tree, patiently awaiting Koneko's arrival. Though his mind wandered elsewhere, he didn't feel too bothered by the wait.

'Hmm, Yumi, do I have Reaitsu?' Yuuto asked, his eyes closed.

Yumi's voice echoed in his mind, filled with a hint of affection. 'Of course, you do, my dear. But I've locked it away until you can unlock Bankai,' she playfully teased.

Curiosity piqued, Yuuto questioned, 'Is there a reason you've done that?'

Before Yumi could respond, another voice interjected from within the Inner World. It was a deep, serious voice that caught Yuuto off guard.

'Because she's afraid of me,' the voice revealed.

Yuuto found himself growing more perplexed, as he had always believed that only his Zanpakutou spirit, Yumi, could communicate with him.

'Who are you?' Yuuto inquired, even though he had a hunch about the man's identity.

Yumi's voice filled with anger, cutting off the connection between Yuuto and the man. 'Don't talk to him!' she snapped, desperately attempting to shield the man's existence from Yuuto. 'You don't need to know.'

'Is he like my hollow version, just as you are a girl version of me?' Yuuto questioned, trying to piece it together.

'Umm...' Yumi hesitated, searching for a way out.

'Don't lie to me, Yumi,' Yuuto spoke with a serious tone.

'Okay,' she sighed, surrendering. 'He is your hollow version. He calls himself White Yuuto. I don't know how he came into existence, but I'm aware you'll eventually meet him. I can't stop you, but please, Yuuto, be cautious. I don't want you to lose yourself,' she said, her voice filled with concern.

'Fine, I'll be extra careful. But we'll have to cut this conversation short because Koneko has arrived. See you soon, Yumi,' Yuuto said, opening his eyes and making his way towards Koneko.

'See you too,' Yumi replied softly before the connection between them was severed.

"How long have you been waiting for me here?" Koneko asked, noticing Yuuto resting against the tree.

"About half an hour or so, but now that you're here, let's begin your training," Yuuto replied with a smile.

Koneko thought to herself, "He's been waiting for me that long?" before asking, "What should I do?"

"Start by using your Neko form," Yuuto suggested.

Koneko's white cat ears and tail popped out, making her look adorable. Yuuto couldn't help himself and unconsciously reached out to touch her ears, causing Koneko to let out a moan.

"Ahh~" Koneko glared at Yuuto, prompting him to quickly retract his hand. "Pervert," she exclaimed.

Embarrassed, Yuuto scratched his head and let out a sheepish chuckle. "My bad, I guess I couldn't resist. You really do look incredibly cute. Anyway, please take a seat on the floor so I can help remove any corruption once you're ready to begin."

Koneko felt her cheeks warm up as she blushed, though she quickly covered it up and followed Yuuto's instructions, settling herself on the floor with her legs crossed.

Yuuto positioned himself behind her, kneeling down and placing his hand gently on her back. "Now, you can start absorbing Nature's Energy," he instructed.

With a mixture of hesitation and trust in Yuuto, she began absorbing the raw Nature Energy, including the corruptive elements. As she focused, something unexpected happened—the corruption started being drawn out by Yuuto. At that moment, Yuuto entered his own unique version of Sage Mode known as Gaian Sage Mode, which was made possible by the three swords within his body: Shadowbane, Sylvanheart, and Symbionblade.

Among the three swords, Symbionblade held a special ability—it maintained a delicate balance between Demonic Power and Nature Energy, enabling Yuuto to reach unparalleled levels of power.

As Yuuto entered Sage Mode, his appearance underwent a striking transformation. His once ordinary hair now shimmered with a vibrant shade of green, reminiscent of lush foliage. His eyes radiated a deep emerald hue, symbolizing his profound connection with nature. An emerald-hued mark glowed on his right hand, signifying the manifestation of his Sage Mode.

However, amidst this profound change, Yuuto remained focused solely on purging every trace of corruption within the raw Nature Energy. He was consumed by the task at hand, unaware of any external sensations.

After several minutes of diligently cleansing the corruption, Yuuto spoke up, his voice carrying a tinge of anticipation. "Can you try to balance your Nature Energy and Demonic Power?" he asked.

Koneko heard his words and determinedly attempted to achieve the delicate equilibrium between her Nature Energy and Demonic Power. Despite her best efforts, she struggled to strike the perfect balance. Her reserves of Demonic Power were insufficient for her needs, and her command over both Demonic Power and Nature Energy had not yet reached the level required to utilize Sage Mode, let alone unlock its full potential.

"You can stop absorbing now," Yuuto instructed, lifting his hand off Koneko's back. As he did, he finally became aware of the remarkable change that had occurred within him.

"Why do I have a glowing green tattoo on my right hand? Am I in Sage Mode?" Yuuto pondered, pulling up his long sleeve to reveal the complete tattoo.

A smile spread across Yuuto's face as he found the situation intriguing. Deep within his heart, he reflected, 'Who cares if this might be considered cheating? In this world, I need every ounce of power I can acquire. No wonder I felt such a comforting embrace from nature.'

Just as Koneko finished absorbing and turned around, she was taken aback by Yuuto's newfound transformation.

"Your hair is green now, Kiba-senpai. Are you in Senjutsu Mode?" Koneko inquired, a sense of safety and trust emanating from her as she looked at Yuuto.

"My hair is green," Yuuto exclaimed, running his fingers through his transformed locks. "Did my eye colour change too?"

Koneko nodded, her gaze fixed on Yuuto's eyes. "Yes, they're now a deep green, like sparkling emeralds," she replied, her mesmerized expression reflecting her awe at his metamorphosis. In his presence, she felt a profound sense of relaxation and security.

"I believe I'm in Sage Mode, but let's deactivate it for now," Yuuto contemplated, and as he willed it, his appearance returned to its normal state.

Curiosity filled Koneko's eyes as she asked, "What exactly is Sage Mode?" It was the first time she had come across the term, and her head tilted slightly in confusion.

"Sage Mode typically involves harmonizing one's power source, which, in my case, is Demonic Power, with the energy of nature," Yuuto explained. "By blending Demonic Energy with the natural energy surrounding my body, it grants me access to a new realm of power. "However, teaching you Sage Mode might prove challenging since I rely on my swords within me to maintain that balance. But I can guide you in discovering your own path toward achieving it," Yuuto explained, understanding that Koneko would have to embark on her own journey to unlock her potential.

"Will that form help me remove the corruption?" Koneko asked, seeking clarification.

"Yes, it can help, but you need to learn how to balance it first. I don't think it's the best choice for you at the moment, as you need to gain better control over your Demonic Energy," Yuuto expressed his opinion to Koneko, considering her well-being.

"Hmm, can you help me with that?" Koneko inquired, hopeful for Yuuto's guidance.

"Of course, I'd be more than happy to teach you some routines that can really amp up your control over Demonic Power," Yuuto said, his face lighting up with a warm smile as he gently patted her head. It was clear that he genuinely wanted to help her.