Chapter 25: Kuzu Endo

Eighty thousand shinobi.Four kings of the great nations.One hundred and twenty thousand legendary warriors.The divine light of Goddess Amaterasu.And the beasts once thought to be myths, summoned from the farthest edges of the world.

Every last force they could muster—every warrior, every legend, every sacred beast—All to stop one man who rose above mortality.A man who defied death and destiny.A man who became a god.

CHERNOBOG.

CUT TO PRESENT DAY

A group of shadow users kneeled before a black-flamed figure, pleading for acceptance—seeking to join the shadow army.But Kaji, a ruthless enforcer of the Shadow Organization, did not see hope in their eyes. Only weakness.

He raised a hand, and from his palm, the cursed shadow flame erupted.In a flash of heatless fire, the petitioners were turned to ash.

"Worthless trash," Kaji muttered, his eyes gleaming cold and merciless. "All of you would've turned... eventually."

YAMI DISTRICT

Elsewhere, within the fortified walls of Yami, Gaki and Shidou arrived at the gates—carrying the battered, bleeding body of Koumei Kurosaki. The gates opened without a word. Medics ran to them immediately, lifting Koumei onto a stretcher.

Gaki stood still, his expression heavy with guilt.Shidou placed a hand on his shoulder. "We'll question him once he wakes."

Later that evening, while Shidou began training Kimikage and Katakuichi in Instant Teleportation, Gaki sat alone beside his unconscious brother. Shadows danced on the stone walls.

"'Become King,' you said," Gaki murmured, staring down at Koumei's pale face. "But I'm starting to doubt my dreams... Everyone close to me ends up like this."

Despite his injuries, Koumei stirred. His voice was hoarse, but steady."You will become king... Just you wait, brother... Have faith."

Gaki blinked. Then he gave a soft smile and gently ruffled Koumei's hair. "Stubborn as ever."

SOME TIME LATER

As Koumei lay resting, the dull glow of healing talismans casting gentle light over his bandaged body, Gaki and Shidou stood silently beside him. The room was quiet, save for the distant hum of chakra-infused machinery and the occasional flicker of flame from Gaki's restless shadow sparks.

Then Koumei stirred.

"They wore masks," he whispered, voice dry and trembling. "Every last one of them. Cold, calculating… faceless. But one of them spoke to me—one who seemed higher than the rest. He told me something few are ever allowed to hear."

Gaki leaned in, eyes narrowing. "What did he say?"

Koumei swallowed hard. "He said that weak shadow style users—those without control or strength—are doomed to become shadow demons. The corruption isn't random. It's a consequence. A design flaw buried within the art itself. The Yami clan has hidden this truth for years."

Shidou's expression darkened. "So the Organization is using that flaw to create more demons?"

Koumei shook his head. "No. They aren't nurturing it. That's not their goal. The man in the mask told me their purpose is far greater… They seek to resurrect Chernobog—the true Shadow King. To bring him back through his vessel and allow him to end all pain and suffering. That's their belief: that true peace can only be achieved if Chernobog awakens and reshapes the world in his image."

Gaki clenched his fists. "And the Yami clan…?"

"We want to kill him," Koumei said, eyes hardening. "The moment he awakens, the elders plan to strike him down before he takes form. But the Organization will protect the vessel at all costs. They believe he's salvation. We see him as the end."