Chapter 264 King of Hell's Dominion

After the King of Hell from Ryan's Rinnegan finished its work, Mahito's transformation became apparent. His previously monstrous, lifeless expression gave way to something more dynamic, his features twisting with the familiar traits of his human persona. 

Observing the transformation, Jogo let out a low chuckle, his jagged teeth glinting in the dim light.

"Congratulations," he sneered, gesturing toward the figure. "Another Special Grade Curse Spirit at your beck and call. Seems you've got a knack for twisting already twisted beings."

Ryan's gaze remained fixed on his new subordinate. The Rinnegan's power ensured loyalty, but the spirit's behavior and individuality remained intact. He didn't just need soldiers; he required tools that could think and act in line with their nature.

Jogo continued, a note of irritation creeping into his voice. "Don't think that means he's just a mindless puppet, though. Cursed Spirits like us... We don't lose what makes us who we are. He'll follow your commands, sure, but he's still himself—however dangerous that might be."

Ryan's expression didn't waver. "That's what I'm counting on."

Ryan listened to Jogo's words, but they brought him little satisfaction. His thoughts were elsewhere, preoccupied with the possibilities swirling in his mind.

This guy...

His gaze lingered on Mahito, now under his influence. The ability Ryan had used was tied to the soul, a realm of power so unique it sparked a new wave of curiosity in him.

If the King of Hell works on the soul itself, could it be used on someone proficient in soul manipulation? 

He wasn't entirely sure. This was uncharted territory—he had never encountered anyone with abilities like Mahito's before. Yet, as he mulled over the idea, another train of thought surfaced, calm and deliberate.

Regardless, he's under my genjutsu now. And if it doesn't stick…

Ryan allowed himself a faint, inward smile.

...then I'll just end him. One way or another, the mission is complete.

The faint pang of a lost powerful pawn barely registered in his thoughts. Success was all that mattered, and Ryan's resolve left no room for sentimentality.

With a slight movement of his hand, he dispelled the illusion encasing Mahito. Slowly, the cursed spirit's eyes cleared, his confusion evident as he scanned his surroundings. Testing his limbs, Mahito took in every detail until his gaze locked on Ryan.

At that moment, recognition flickered in Mahito's eyes, and without hesitation, he dropped to one knee. Bowing deeply, his voice carried both reverence and submission.

"Mahito is at your service."

Jogo, who had been observing the scene, broke into a wide grin, his joy spilling out in unrestrained laughter. "It seems your domain works flawlessly yet again!"

Ryan didn't respond verbally, but an inward surge of satisfaction flickered through him. There was no need for outward confirmation; the loyalty radiating from Mahito was undeniable. Ryan knew with certainty that, with a single thought, he could bend this cursed spirit to his will. Whether it was to fight, destroy, or end his existence, Mahito would obey.

With a measured nod, Ryan dismissed the momentary triumph and refocused.

"This time, it's a success," Ryan said, his tone authoritative yet calm. "Jogo, Mahito, proceed with the plan. Seek out the cursed spirits you know, defeat them, and make them my subordinates. We need their strength to challenge the socerors."

Mahito's lips curled into a twisted grin, his sadistic nature shining through as he chuckled. "Oh, this is going to be fun. Breaking them will be easy—let me take the lead on that." His playful malice was unmistakable, the thought of crushing others igniting a spark in his eyes.

Jogo, by contrast, folded his arms and sneered, his prideful demeanor intact. "Don't underestimate them, Mahito. Some of them are stronger than you think. But if we work together, they won't stand a chance." Though he acknowledged Mahito's power, his tone carried the superiority he always exuded.

Ryan's gaze sharpened, silencing their banter. "Get it done. No excuses."

The two spirits nodded, their differing personalities momentarily united by Ryan's command. Mahito, with his trademark arrogance, used his connection with their cursed network to reach out to his former allies, calling them with casual confidence. Meanwhile, Jogo, ever diligent and focused, concentrated on amplifying their signal, ensuring the spiritual energy would attract the cursed spirits swiftly.

Within minutes, Hanami appeared, drawn to the location by their combined efforts. His presence was undeniable. His white, plant-like body, adorned with black, vine-like patterns, emerged from the very air itself, as though he had materialized from the earth's will. Hanami's calm, steady nature was immediately apparent, his tone soft but firm as he addressed them.

When Hanami arrived, he was utterly unprepared. Trusting his companions implicitly, he had no reason to suspect treachery.

"What is this about?" Hanami asked, glancing at Jogo and Mahito. "You know I don't like to be disturbed unless it's important."

The attack came swiftly, brutally. One spirit struck directly at his soul, bypassing his formidable defenses, while the other unleashed an inferno of flames—his greatest weakness. The heat consumed him, scorching his body and spirit alike.

Within moments, Hanami was overwhelmed. His immense strength, revered among the cursed spirits, faltered. He collapsed to his knees, his body trembling under the weight of betrayal.

Confusion clouded his mind as he looked up at his assailants, the ones he had called allies. Why? The thought screamed through his head. What have I done to deserve this? Are they insane? Why would they betray their kind?

Mahito smirked, leaning against a nearby wall with a casual air. "Relax, Hanami. This is big. You're going to want to hear what we have to say."

Jogo, ever the pragmatist, cut straight to the point. "We've found a way to unite the spirits under a single cause. With Ryan's power, we can finally destroy the humans and take our rightful place as rulers of this world."

Hanami narrowed his eyes, his cautious nature coming to the forefront. "And you trust him? A human?"

Mahito laughed, his voice laced with mockery. "Trust? That's a strong word. But he's got the power to back it up, and that's all that matters. You're either with us, or you're in the way."

Hanami hesitated; his loyalty to his comrades warring with his skepticism of Ryan. But the idea of a united front, a chance to realize their shared goals, was too enticing to ignore.

As Ryan stepped forward, his Rinnegan glowed ominously, sealing Hanami's fate. The cursed spirit's resistance faltered under the overwhelming presence of Ryan's power, his form freezing as his will bent to the illusion.

When it was over, Hanami knelt, his voice calm but hollow. "I... understand now. Ryan-sama, I will follow you."

Jogo grinned triumphantly. "Another ally secured. We're building an unstoppable army."

Mahito, on the other hand, rolled his eyes. "Unstoppable? Let's not get ahead of ourselves. There's still more work to do."

Ryan's voice cut through their chatter like a blade. "Enough. You've got your orders. Find the others and bring them to me. I'll handle the rest."

Ryan had used the Rinnegan before, but there was always one crucial step he had to follow: defeat his opponent first, then implant the orb into their body. However, as he reflected on the current situation, a single thought surfaced.

Why make a move at all?

Why bother with the laborious process of confrontation when his growing army of loyal subordinates could fight for him? The thought struck him like a revelation. With enough powerful allies under his command, he no longer needed to get his hands dirty. His influence could expand effortlessly, like a well-oiled machine. It was a perfect, worry-free way to build his power.

At that very moment, Ryan already commanded three special cursed spirits, each one immensely powerful in their own right. Ryan's gaze fell on the three spirits before him. His voice was calm but carried an undeniable weight of authority.

"You three," he began, his tone commanding attention. "Are there any other cursed spirits typically in your group?"

He paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "If so, bring them here. Continue with the plan we discussed."

The three cursed spirits exchanged a brief look before they all shook their heads in unison, their expressions heavy with something less than hope.

"It's not as simple as that," Mahito replied first, his voice tinged with frustration. "The three of us usually worked together as a team, but there's... a complication."

He paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing.

"It's Kenjaku," Mahito said, the name hanging in the air like a shadow. "Kenjaku is no ordinary cursed user. He's been alive for centuries, a being who manipulates others' bodies to extend his life and orchestrate his plans. His true form remains elusive—he's a master of deception and manipulation, a threat so dangerous that even the strongest curses hesitate to cross him."

Mahito's expression soured, a flicker of frustration crossing his face. "I contacted him during the last operation, but I'm not sure if he caught onto anything. He's been dodging me, always with some excuse, and hasn't shown up when we needed him."

His eyes darkened as he glanced at the others, his tone becoming heavier. "I'm starting to doubt him. I don't know how to deal with him anymore. He's too unpredictable, and I fear he's already picked up on our odd behavior. I don't think we can keep deceiving him much longer."

Ryan absorbed the information, his mind already spinning with possibilities. His plans weren't going to be disrupted by a single unexpected complication. Not when he had so many pawns at his disposal.

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