R9

Tora's Pov

Having the Knowledge that Byakko had passed on to me had given me a huge boost. Though I can tell that this is just the tip of the iceberg. The image of a tiger on the hunt, its presence not being seen, and its prey unsuspecting as the timer on its life was quickly running outplayed in my head. The tiger's strike was invisible and totally unseen by the prey until it was too late making it seem like the tiger vanished. A perfect way to envision the technique that I was about to unleash.

"KIERU TORA"

Spinning in a perfect circle without leaving the spot where I stood, I unleashed a slash that spread out in a circular motion around me. It was seen for just less than a second before becoming invisible to the naked eye.

A perfect line appeared around me before the darkness began breaking apart. Seconds later, it had completely fallen to pieces and my senses had returned to normal. What I didn't expect to see, however, was my attacker with his hands in the air in a state of surrender. Scanning my surroundings to make sure it was not a trick set up while I was in the dark I looked at him once more before he finally spoke...

Unknown Pov

This dude was seriously something else. Hell, he had more surprises in him than a bunny that had Easter eggs. The moment he destroyed my void technique I knew that with my level of power defeating him would be a pipe dream. Raising my hands to show my surrender I willed my mask to disappear so he could finally see my face before I spoke to him.

"You really are far more than I expected Sekizo Tora"

"What do you want?"

His eyes never leaving me, he placed his sword on his shoulder in a completely calm manner but I wasn't a fool. He had absolutely no openings even in what seemed like a relaxed posture. If he wanted, he could still attack me from that form.

"My name is Kuroi Kiri. I'd like to be in a group with you Tora."

"And the best way you thought to ask me was by attacking me instead of using words?"

There wasn't any trace of anger in his voice. He even sounded bored and didn't have the demeanor of someone who was just in a death match a few moments ago. Releasing the last bit of my power that was still active, I transformed my battle gear back to my normal outfit. Now standing in my well-tailored uniform I gave a bow as he took in my appearance. I waited a moment before continuing

"As you know, once you have reconnected, you are split into groups for further training before assignments are assigned. However, what most don't know till it's too late is that you can create a group by yourself before then and no one will object to it. So what do you say? Care to create a team with me?"

Tora's Pov

This guy sounded like he was up to no good. Taking in his appearance his innocent childish-looking face with raven hair and slim build, he didn't look like much. But his red eyes were a different story altogether. His gaze held a calculated sense of mischief behind them that any normal person will have to be wary of. But I was far from normal. Putting my weapon away, I looked at him and asked

"Why approach me? And in the manner with which you did, losing your life was almost guaranteed."

With a smirk, he replied me "Because you are interesting Tora. And our goals seem like they may align in the nearest future."

Looking at him with a guarded expression, I asked in a cold manner

"What do you know of my goals?"

I had never seen nor spoken to this boy and I sure as hell had never spoken to anyone about my goals. Pointing to his head he answered me with a smile

"With my ability, I can glimpse at the strongest desire of anyone I want. Think of it as mind-reading, but with a very specific purpose. Two days before your epic display at the chamber, your conviction was so strong that it sent out waves strong enough for me to feel. I'm sure anyone who is an empath must have felt it too as it was anything but subtle. At that moment I started watching you, then on the day of the reconnection, I confirmed my resolve on joining hands with you Tora. Join me, so that together we will shake the world with our achievements."

Giving it some thought after hearing what he said I reached a conclusion. Better to form my own team and it didn't seem like this guy wasn't able to hold his own in a fight. From this little display, it was obvious he could very well cause devastation from the shadows on unsuspecting enemies.

"Very well. Are there others you have in mind or have I been the only target of your stalking?"

"Of course there are others. You just happen to be the most important so I had to act before you got snatched up by someone else. I've already set things in motion so that our meeting will happen as naturally as possible."

He replied to me with the same smile still plastered widely on his face. This guy screamed trouble in every way. Well, better to have him on my side than have him cause trouble against me. I might have been able to fight him off but who's to say some other unfortunate soul won't die from his manner of approach.

"We will continue with this tomorrow. For now, I have to go."

As I began walking away he just smiled once more before bowing and then melting into the darkness that was now surrounding us as the sun had totally gone down. Pulling myself together I walked out while sorting through the knowledge I had gained today and thinking of all the practical ways I could put them to use. So many forms and variations played in my mind and a shiver of anticipation ran through me as I thought of all I could achieve while growing stronger with the power I now possessed.