Money couldn't buy happiness—but it could buy the sight of Iori eating humble pie and obediently calling him "brother-in-law"! Spending these Source Points was totally worth it!
And so, under Iori's dumbfounded gaze, Cloud produced a pile of items radiating various divine lights and exotic fragrances—clearly unscientific three-no products—like some kind of street-corner snake oil salesman.
"Here, take all of these." Cloud handed him the pills and tea. "These are my exclusive secret-recipe Power-Up Pills and Smart-Smart Tea. Guaranteed to cure what ails you—tomorrow you'll be ready to compete on a game show."
After enduring half an hour of agonizing yet exhilarating marrow-washing, a brand-new Iori Yagami "rolled off the assembly line."
He felt like his entire being had become transparent.
That presence which had lurked in his bloodline for years, making him violent and irritable—the "Orochi curse"—had been largely washed away!
And when he instinctively unleashed his strongest power, a miracle occurred.
He didn't use his signature "Ya Otome." Instead, after countless practice attempts, enlightenment struck like divine inspiration. He pressed his palms together, and power condensed to the extreme exploded from between his hands!
"Ultimate Art: Mu Shiki!"
A beam of pure energy—free of any impurities, filled with the true meaning of "destruction"—erupted from his palms, blasting a distant artificial rock formation into powder!
Even more shocking was that his signature, sinister purple flames had transformed into a normal, sun-like blazing crimson!
"This... this is..." He stared at the unfamiliar flames in his hands, murmuring to himself.
Cloud's voice drifted over: "From today on, you are no longer the cursed Yasakani."
Iori looked at Cloud, his eyes filled with an indescribable mix of complexity and gratitude.
"Than—" He was about to say "thank you," but the words reached his lips only to be swallowed back down by his damnable pride.
He merely let out a cold snort, transformed into a streak of crimson light, and vanished into the horizon.
"Kyo Kusanagi! Come out and face your death!"
Cloud knew this guy couldn't wait to find his "old flame" and test out his "new skin" and "new skills."
Having dealt with the "big headache" that was Iori, Cloud was in an excellent mood.
Humming a little tune, he returned to his room.
The moment he entered, he saw a graceful figure sitting quietly by the window, warming a pot of sake for him.
It was Yata Tsukihime.
She looked at Cloud, her eyes as gentle as water, filled with gratitude that couldn't be dissolved.
[Ding! Intense emotional fluctuation detected! Yata Tsukihime's affection toward you has reached 100% (Devoted for Life)!]
[System Sass Time: Host! She's maxed out! She's maxed out again! I told you, sometimes to win a woman, you just need to win over her brother! What are you waiting for? Her brother just went out to pick a fight—he's definitely not coming back tonight! This is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity for alone time! Go! Push her down! Show her what the real power of the sun feels like!]
"There it goes again..." Cloud mentally rolled his eyes at the System.
But looking at this graceful, alluring beauty who clearly had feelings for him, his heart couldn't help but heat up.
He slowly walked forward and gently wrapped his arms around Tsukihime's slender waist.
"Thank you, Cloud," Tsukihime's body trembled slightly, her voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz. "Thank you... for helping my brother find himself again."
Cloud whispered in her ear, his warm breath making the maiden's ears tingle.
"We're family. I helped him not just because he's my brother-in-law..."
"But because... I didn't want to see his lovely little sister worry and cry over him anymore."
These "textbook-level" flirtatious words instantly shattered the last line of defense in Tsukihime's heart.
Outside the window, at some point, a gentle rain had begun to fall. Raindrops tapped against the eaves, playing a cheerful melody.
Tsukihime turned around and lifted her head—those hazy eyes, as if veiled in mist—gazed steadily at Cloud.
She said nothing, but her eyes said everything.
Cloud smiled.
He knew tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.
This outcome was exactly what she had anticipated and hoped for.
...
Cloud discovered that within Tsukihime's body flowed an extremely pure strain of "Yasakani blood"—not as violent as Iori's, but more supple and enduring.
This power was like the gentlest spring water, continuously nourishing his "Chaos Divine Bloodline," making him feel that the barrier to his impending breakthrough had loosened once more!
[Ding! After conducting in-depth, harmonious, and constructive exercise with the Yasakani Bloodline (Pure Version), your Chaos Divine Bloodline and Ultimate Power have received tremendous nourishment and enhancement!]
When the clouds parted and rain ceased, Cloud held the sleeping Tsukihime in his arms, sensing the vast power within him about to overflow. A satisfied smile spread across his face.
He knew he was just one final step away from that legendary "Cosmic Power."
He lowered his head and pressed a gentle kiss to the maiden's smooth forehead.
"Iori, you reckless fool. Before you get yourself killed, I'll definitely help your Yasakani clan... preserve the bloodline."
...
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