The war to destroy NESTS had ultimately ended in victory for the "Earth Coalition," but that ultimate showdown in space—a clash that could only be described as "gods fighting"—had left an indelible psychological scar on all the participating fighters.
This was especially true for the "old rivals" Kyo Kusanagi and Iori Yagami.
In that battle, their prized "Orochinagi" and "Ya Otome" had been like children's toy guns against a "law-level" enemy like Igniz—completely unable to break through his defenses.
Throughout the fight, they'd basically played the roles of "atmosphere group" and "cheerleading squad," occasionally shouting "Cloud-bro is awesome!" before being swatted away like flies.
This stark power gap had deeply wounded their proud hearts.
And so, after the war ended, an unprecedented wave of "competitive grinding" swept through the entire fighting world.
Kyo bid farewell to his carefree "eternal high schooler" lifestyle, spending every day in the Kusanagi clan's forbidden grounds—punching waterfalls, meditating before lava flows, training for his life.
He swore that the next time a BOSS showed up to cause trouble, he would be the "main DPS," not the guy shouting "666" from the sidelines like a useless fish.
Iori Yagami's transformation was even more jaw-dropping.
After being "stylishly demolished" by Cloud time and again, and then being treated as a "unit of measurement" by the final BOSS, this proud and aloof "Purple Flame Madman" finally began to question his existence.
He realized that his prized "manic power" was nothing but a joke before truly powerful opponents. Without Riot of the Blood mode, he couldn't even beat Kyo; with it activated, he became a mindless berserker who could only flail around screaming "YAAAAAHHH!"
"Weak, too weak!"
On a rainy night, Iori looked at his face in the mirror—twisted with frustration—and punched the glass to pieces.
Just as he was sinking into the abyss of self-denial, a gentle voice tinged with worry came from behind him.
"Brother..."
It was his sister, Yata Tsukihime.
She wore an elegant kimono, like a moonflower quietly blooming in the rainy night, silently bringing him a cup of hot tea.
"Brother, are you still troubled by the matter of your strength?" Tsukihime's voice was soft enough to soothe any restlessness.
Iori said nothing, only letting out a cold snort and turning his head away.
Tsukihime watched him and sighed softly, then said, "Brother, perhaps... you should go ask Cloud for guidance."
"What did you say?!" Iori whipped around, his crimson eyes filled with anger and disbelief. "You want me to... beg that guy?!"
"Brother, I know this is hard to accept." Tsukihime's gaze was unwavering. "But strong is strong. He not only possesses power beyond the gods—more importantly, he understands how to control power, rather than being controlled by it."
"The reason you suffer isn't because you're weak, but because you've been pursuing greater power in the wrong way."
"Let go of that pointless pride, brother. For the honor of the Yasakani clan, and for yourself."
Tsukihime's words struck Iori's heart like a sledgehammer.
He fell silent.
He recalled Cloud's effortlessly calm demeanor, his unfathomably deep strength, and how Cloud had pulled him back from the abyss of Riot of the Blood, time after time.
Finally, on a dark and windy night, Iori Yagami—a man who had been proud his entire life—finally lowered his lofty head.
He sought out Cloud.
Cloud looked at Iori standing before him, wearing an expression that screamed "I'm pissed off but I have no choice," and nearly burst out laughing.
"Well, well, a rare guest." Cloud sat with his legs crossed, drinking a cola that Kula had just "chilled" for him. "What wind blew you to my humble abode?"
Iori's face instantly darkened. He felt his fists tightening.
But remembering why he'd come, he forced down the urge to say "I'll kill you" and squeezed out a few words through gritted teeth: "I... want to get stronger."
"Oh? Want to get stronger?" Cloud feigned surprise. "Aren't you pretty strong already? Once you pop Ya Otome, nobody can see anything. That 'YAAAAAHHH' scream sounds pretty intimidating."
Veins bulged on Iori's forehead.
"Cut... the crap!" he growled. "What are your conditions?"
He knew there was no free lunch in this world. Getting any benefit from Cloud, this "profiteer," without paying a price was impossible.
"Conditions, huh..." Cloud stroked his chin and revealed a "friendly" smile. "Simple. From now on, when you see me, call me 'brother-in-law.'"
"You... dream on!"
"Alright then, nothing to discuss. See yourself out." Cloud waved his hand dismissively, looking like he couldn't care less.
Iori: "..."
He stood rooted to the spot for a full three minutes, internally wrestling with himself.
In the end, his thirst for greater power overcame his pathetic pride.
He closed his eyes and, using what seemed like all his strength, forced out through gritted teeth the word that made him feel utterly humiliated:
"...Bro... ther... in-law."
"There we go, that's more like it." Cloud nodded with satisfaction. "Stick with me from now on, and there'll be candy."
With that, he opened the System Shop.
After that "epic-level" plunder from NESTS, his System account was practically "overflowing with wealth."
Not only had he paid off all the "loans" he'd previously owed the System, but his account still had a whopping 400,000 Source Points sitting there!
"Give Iori a starter pack," Cloud said to the System internally. "The kind that can transform him completely, cleanse his soul, and preferably fix his terminal case of chuunibyou while we're at it."
[Received! Generating specialized enhancement plan for target Iori Yagami... Plan generated!]
[Yasakani Bloodline Purification Package includes:]
[1. Nine-Turn Marrow-Washing Pill x1: Reforges constitution, cleanses marrow and hair, expels bodily impurities (including partial Orochi blood curse). Price: 50,000 Source Points.]
[2. Bodhi Enlightenment Tea x1 pot: Clears mind and spirit, breaks through inner demons, greatly enhances comprehension of martial arts true meaning. Price: 50,000 Source Points.]
[3. "Ultimate Art: Mu Shiki" Skill Book (Trial Version): Forces user into "enlightenment" state to grasp the essence of "Mu Shiki." Price: 20,000 Source Points.]
[Total: 120,000 Source Points. Confirm exchange?]
"Exchange!" Cloud didn't even blink.
...
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