Special Test

"There are no major flaws in your skills, and you're not the type to fight head-on anyway. Meaning you just need to improve your overall abilities to get better." I stated with confidence.

Her case is one of the hardest, though, when it comes to getting stronger. It's all about breaking your limits, for this one. It should be fine since I'm preparing some stuff to do so.

"But that does not mean there is nothing you can hone right now... Let us begin, shall we?" I asked for her confirmation while holding back my evil laugh.

"I am ready anytime. What are the rules for this one?" She questioned with caution. Probably still feeling anxious about my attitude.

"Naturally, a special test means there are special rules. For this particular, you would mainly focus on concealing yourself completely. Think of it as a hide and seek game! If I were to find you without moving from this spot then you lose." I finished with a smirk.

And Kuki immediately disappeared, but not after flashing me a competitive smirk. It seems like she was in full-on serious mode this time, which is understandable since I challenged her on what people like her specialize in, Concealment.

"Back off a little Itto-boy~, or you might get hit in the crossfire~," Shuten warned the oni, making both our spectators, Ayaka and Itto warier.

"You shouldn't joke like that lady boss! It's just a game of hide and seek, there's no way it would suddenly become a dangerous test. Hahaha..." He replied, but still backed up a little due to his nervousness.

"What is he planning to do this time, Lady Shuten?" Ayaka asked curiously.

"Fufufu~, just watch closely dear~. You might even stand up for some reason." She left the princess even more confused by her description.

I finished my 60-second countdown and scanned the dojo with my eyes closed.

"No traces in sight left at all. Brilliantly done!" I applaud while checking out any reactions.

"Is he... trying to bait her out?" Ayaka pondered silently. It was loud enough for her neighbor, though.

"Maybeeee~..." Was all she heard from the problematic oni.

"Is this all you can do? Hide in cowardice? The Deputy Leader of the Arataki Gang ain't much after all!" I shouted in a rough tone.

(Am I a gangster or something now?...)

But nobody answered. I felt an ominous intent towards me, not even a complete second before it disappeared. Not enough to track her at all.

"That won't work boss! Shinobu ain't that easy to be led when she's serious." Itto proudly claimed.

(Meaning I would have to get serious too, is that it? Then don't mind if I do...Kukuku!)

"Was that a shortsword you used in our fight earlier? How can you be satisfied with just that? Come with me later, and I'll show you a better one..." I said lustily, before moving a few steps to my right in a hurry.

An electro-infused dagger passed my previous spot and almost hit Itto directly, but it was still close enough to graze his cheek.

"...You must have balls of steel say that, man. Even we in the Ataraki Gang don't want to face an angry Shinobu..." The shocked oni said with a salute, a gesture I returned.

"See?! Things like taunts are too easy for someone like me-"

"Whoa! What the hell, Ayaka?!!!" I shouted after barely dodging a cryo slash, aimed perfectly at my head.

(Is this crazy girl trying to kill me or something?!)

"That's not some 'provocation'. That's just plain sexual harassment!" The culprit, a flushed Ayaka in anger.

"I mean... It worked, so it should be one." I defended myself with a smirk. Shuten then, took it upon herself, to calm down the young lady. Good Job!

"But the game isn't over yet boss. That dagger throw was too fast even for me." Itto said.

"Don't worry! When it comes to tracking blushing women, It is of no difficulty... For me!" I uttered, then dashed suddenly to one spot. There, I found the annoyed shinobi and caught her by the neck.

"This needs to be worked on. You can't lose your composure that easily. I would love to help you with it, but it seems like you are too tired for today after all that happened." I stated as I dragged Kuki like some kind of doll.

(But still... Let me try something first. I'm too curious to let it go now!)

Shinobu was surprised when I suddenly removed her mask. The others were also stupefied by what I'd done.

"Hmm... You're quite the looker ain'tcha Kuki~. How about we continue on my offer earlier~?" I teased with a smirk, and the shinobi was slowly filled with redness. I can't tell if it is from embarrassment or anger, though.

But I trusted my gut and hurriedly hid behind my servant. Shuten obediently played along and coerced Itto into restraining the wrathful Shinobu.

"Let me go chief! That bastard needs to pay for what he did! And here I believed that rumors are nothing but rumors in the end!" A voice full of spite came out from the mad woman.

"Can you move away for a bit Lady Shuten? Please? Surely there is no need to protect him from what he'd done..." Ayaka said in an icy tone, but Shuten didn't budge.

(She is being obedient right now... She should be! After all the trouble she gave ever since I summoned her! But still... there is a chance, and I am willing to take it.)

"Paperwork, Shuten?" I hinted with some hope, using telepathy.

"Say that one more time and I'll feed you to these women~. I'll even join so it would be more fun~!" She replied cheerfully, but that is not nice at all! At least I tried...

"Are you fine about this hon~, that girl will surely hate you for a while~," she said with certainty.

"It's fine, it's fine. Infamy is not that much different from fame. I'll be living rent-free in that lady's head for a while." I said before getting out of the situation.

It would only get worse if I stayed, so I teleported myself to my next destination.

(It's about time I talked to Ayato about that part of my order. It should be enough for my next plan...)