Chapter 3: A Sudden Boost and a Sudden Bath
The sun was already climbing above the treetops when Ayman and Yoruichi left the village behind. They followed a narrow path into the forest, away from the prying eyes of Marines and nosy villagers.
Yoruichi walked a few paces ahead, barefoot, arms behind her head, hips swaying like she was modeling for a fashion magazine. Her red-and-white kimono looked both elegant and dangerously loose, threatening to slip open with every step.
Ayman kept his gaze firmly on the back of her head.
No distractions. Focus. She's your summon, not your… something else.
Still, it didn't help when she glanced over her shoulder with a teasing grin. "You're pretty quiet, Master. Something wrong? Don't like what you see?"
He cleared his throat. "Just thinking about strategy."
"Strategy, huh?" She stopped walking. "Let's talk strategy, then."
Before he could react, she appeared in front of him. One second she was ten feet away, the next she was so close he could smell her perfume. His heart jumped.
"W-what the hell—?"
"I'm fast," she said, tapping his chest. "Really fast. That's my thing."
He blinked. "No kidding."
"You summoned me, which means you can access part of my abilities," she added, stepping even closer. "But you'll need to learn how."
[New System Function Unlocked: Power Share]
[You may borrow 25% of a summon's combat abilities at your current level. To activate, establish a 'link.']
"Establish a link?" Ayman muttered.
Yoruichi chuckled. "Want me to explain it?"
"Uh… sure."
She reached up and flicked his forehead. Hard.
"Ow!"
"That's your first lesson: expect pain. Second lesson…" She pulled something out of her sleeve—a thin bracelet with a strange glowing symbol.
"Wear this. It syncs your energy with mine. Like tuning forks. Once it's on, your body starts adjusting."
He took the bracelet and slipped it onto his wrist.
At first, nothing happened.
Then he gasped as a strange sensation rushed through him—like a bolt of electricity that didn't hurt but made every nerve in his body vibrate.
Suddenly, the forest felt clearer. His hearing sharpened. His feet felt lighter. He dashed forward without thinking… and ended up halfway up a tree.
"What the… I just—?"
Yoruichi laughed. "Congratulations, Master. You're now a tiny bit faster than your average snail."
"Gee, thanks."
"Hey, baby steps." She smirked, then turned away. "Now then, how about we get clean? I passed a river nearby."
"Clean?" Ayman blinked. "You mean like—"
"Bathing. Yes. I'm not walking around smelling like travel and tavern grease."
Before he could protest, she vanished again—only this time, he could almost follow the blur.
She's seriously fast. But I can feel it… I'm faster too now. This is amazing.
Following her was easier than before, and soon he heard the sound of running water. He stepped through some bushes—and immediately froze.
There was Yoruichi, already waist-deep in the river, back turned, untying her kimono. The fabric slid down her shoulders, revealing smooth, bronze skin and a teasing curve of her back.
"A-Ah—!"
She turned her head. "Oh? Didn't think you'd catch up so fast. Impressive."
"I-I can wait! Somewhere else! I'll just—go climb a tree or something—"
"Oh, don't be such a wimp," she said with a wink. "It's not like I haven't bathed with men before. But if you're going to be shy, you might trip and fall in anyway."
"I'm not—!" His foot caught a root.
Splash.
Cold water shot up his nose as he landed face-first in the river. He flailed, sputtering, trying to stand up—but something soft and slippery broke his balance again. He ended up flat on his back, staring at the sky.
Yoruichi peered down at him, arms folded over her bare chest, her long hair cascading like a waterfall. She raised an eyebrow.
"You're lucky I'm not modest."
"I—I didn't mean—this wasn't—gah!"
She offered him a hand, grinning.
"Relax, Master. If we're going to be partners, you'll have to get used to this kind of thing."
He accepted her help, trying not to stare. She didn't bother covering herself. At all. And that smug grin of hers made it even worse.
[System Notification: Emotional Link Strengthened. Power Share Efficiency increased to 30%.]
[Warning: Overuse of borrowed powers may cause fatigue, nosebleeds, and/or 'accidental' ecchi situations.]
"You're not helping, System."
"Talking to yourself again?" Yoruichi asked, still holding his hand. "That's cute."
"Not cute. It's... strategic monologuing."
She stepped closer, water dripping from her skin. "Well, Mr. Strategist. Let's dry off and head inland. I heard there's a town two days north. Might be a good place for your next mission."
"Right," he said, focusing on a rock so he wouldn't look down. "A town. With clothes. And food. And hopefully people who don't strip in rivers."
She leaned in. "But where's the fun in that?"
He groaned.
This was going to be a very long—and very interesting—journey.
---
To be continued...