"Amaterasu… The flame that won't extinguish until everything in its sight is reduced to ash."
Gazing at the black flames that flickered before him, Kurogai muttered in awe, a glint of excitement flickering in his eyes.
This was the first time Kurogai had witnessed Amaterasu in person, yet it felt oddly familiar, as if it had always been part of him. He was well aware of its terrifying capabilities — a flame that could incinerate anything, persisting relentlessly until its target was consumed entirely.
The destructive aura radiating from it was undeniable, and Kurogai could feel its immense, suffocating power firsthand.
"This ability… it'll be a game-changer."
He grinned slightly, his voice low with satisfaction. The next moment, Kurogai activated his Mangekyō Sharingan, extinguishing the black flames with a mere thought. But he hadn't forgotten — another upgrade awaited him, and curiosity burned in his chest at what might come next.
"Ultimate Eye, upgrade the Third Eye Ring once more!" Kurogai commanded silently.
Immediately, a radiant light bloomed from the Ultimate Eye's Third Eye Ring, transforming into a warm, steady current that surged into Kurogai's eyes. A moment later, he opened them again. The familiar three-tomoe Sharingan had shifted into a complex six-pointed star, its ominous glow reflecting off the walls.
The Amaterasu flames reappeared before him — but this time, something was different. Slowly, the black flames twisted and condensed, shaping themselves into weapons: bows, arrows, and shields formed entirely from the unquenchable fire.
"Kagutsuchi," Kurogai whispered, naming the power that had just awakened within him.
Memories flooded his mind, fragments of ancient lore and knowledge. Kagutsuchi — named for the Shinto god of fire — wasn't just a flame. It was a technique allowing complete control over Amaterasu, shaping the flames into weapons, defenses, and constructs limited only by the wielder's imagination.
He could forge swords, spears, flame shields, or encase an opponent in a net of black fire. He could modulate the flames' intensity, or extinguish them altogether. In battle, this power had allowed Sasuke Uchiha to survive deadly encounters by cloaking himself in black flames, making even the boldest warriors hesitate.
"If I can fully master both Amaterasu and Kagutsuchi… they'll become my deadliest weapons."
A thoughtful smile crossed Kurogai's face as he considered the possibilities. Kagutsuchi wasn't merely a standalone technique — it was an extension of Amaterasu, a tool to control what was otherwise an indiscriminate, all-consuming force. Together, the two abilities could become a devastating killing move.
But this was only a fraction of what he could achieve. Once Susanoo was within his grasp — the colossal, chakra-armored warrior summoned through the Mangekyō Sharingan — the combination of these abilities would elevate his power to unimaginable heights.
That, however, was a challenge for another day. Kurogai forced the thought aside. Power not yet obtained was illusionary. For now, his focus would remain on mastering the deadly gifts he already possessed.
As Kurogai contemplated, a faint tremor disrupted one of the warning wards he had set around the house.
His expression sharpened. He stood, brushing invisible dust from his coat, and made his way to the door. He already knew who it was.
"Little one, what brings you here?"
Wanda had woken abruptly, alerted by the same protective magic, and quickly went to the front door. Outside stood a young girl with a worn backpack slung over her shoulder.
"My name's Skye," she said firmly, clutching the straps of her bag. "I'm looking for Kurogai. He told me he lived here. Who are you?"
It was, as Kurogai had expected, Skye. She had been reluctant to part ways with him when he left the orphanage, and after much pleading, he'd given her his address, fearing she might track him down on her own. Now, here she was — her expression wary as she noticed Wanda standing guard at the entrance.
An unspoken tension settled between the two girls, each sizing the other up. Skye, still young but sharp, immediately became guarded. Wanda, in turn, wasn't one to back down, particularly from someone appearing at their door without warning.
The silence stretched a little too long before Kurogai's voice cut through it.
"It's Skye. Let her in."
At the sound of his voice, Skye's face lit up. She rushed forward and practically tackled Kurogai in a hug, wrapping her arms around him.
"I thought you disappeared again, you big jerk! And who's this older sister?" she demanded, clinging to him while throwing an accusatory glance at Wanda.
Kurogai chuckled softly, already guessing what the little girl was thinking. He gently patted Skye's head, her hair ruffling under his palm.
"This is Wanda, a friend of mine," he explained patiently.
Knowing how the girl's mind worked, Kurogai decided to take this chance to introduce Wanda and her twin brother, Pietro, to Skye. He had plans for the future, and these two would be vital pieces in it. Getting them familiar with Skye now would help ensure her safety, especially during times when he might not be in New York.
Skye, naturally, wasn't aware of his intentions. She only seemed mildly reassured upon realizing that others lived with Kurogai and, for now, appeared to trust him.
After a moment's pause, Kurogai's expression turned thoughtful.
"By the way, Skye," he asked, crouching to meet her eye to eye. "Do you want to have power?"
An idea had sparked in his mind — something perfectly suited for her. And it was time to see if she was ready.
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