Path Of War

Chapter 264: ATRI

Chapter 264 - ATRI

Arthur was currently seen at his gym. He exerted himself beneath the heavy pull of gravity, performing one-handed push-ups that carved his will into his very muscles.

Sweat glistened on his brow, dripping onto the floor in a relentless cascade. Each drop became part of the training ground—testament to his indomitable spirit and relentless ambition.

Beyond the confines of his solitary workout, a small army was forming.

Kimimaro had transitioned surprisingly well in Sun Stream Plaza. With his return from death's grip, he had taken to assimilating himself among the ranks.

With his acquisition, that now made six individuals at Arthur's disposal. Each one brought different strengths that he used when the time called for it.

Tayuya had taken it upon herself to bring Kimimaro up to speed. While she offered to train him, he rejected, claiming that he was much stronger than his former comrade.

As her irritability clashed with Kimimaro's earnest nature, their interactions turned somewhat comical. While Tayuya grumbled to Arthur with incessant demands like a child, Kimimaro remained steadfast, frequently referencing Arthur as his lord, eager to fit into a role that they both now inhabited.

It was evident that Kimimaro had technically become weaker since he lost the curse mark. Yet even with it, that didn't mean that she was considered stronger than Tayuya. Tayuya herself, who also lost the curse mark, had been training with Athur's guidance, bringing her to his level.

Koko had actually brought an unexpected challenge to Kimimaro's authority. She was a point of contention. And when Kimimaro attempted to assert a semblance of leadership, declaring that Arthur would want this or that, Koko scoffed at him.

"Who do you think you are telling me what to do?!" she bounced, beating her small chest. Yet, her bravado took a turn upon witnessing Kimimaro's Kekkei Genkai. It wasn't that she was scared, more so disgusted at the display of bones tearing through flesh. "Ewwwww!"

Those were just the minor things Arthur had to deal with. His main focus still remained on training.

As he focused on pushing his limits, a strange sound echoed through the facility. It was a discordant clang that grabbed his attention. The lights flickered and then snuffed out entirely, returning the air to normal.

Calmly, Arthur stood and navigated to the control panel. Flicking switches and pressing buttons, he soon confirmed that everything appeared operational. There were no faulty readings.

He then went to the generator, only to find that it also functioned correctly.

His brow knitted together in consternation, Arthur made his way to the area housing the magnets. There, he discovered that one of the larger magnets had chipped. That was most certainly not good.

Without the full capability of the antigravity effects, of which his training ground relied heavily on, he wouldn't be able to continue strengthening himself.

He therefore ceased his training to focus on making repairs. And repairing something as complicated as this was not going to be easy.

A short stop at Diana's office was required. He, of course, did not need permission to cease her black card.

When he arrived at the black market,

"I'm aware," he flatly corrected her. "But they are not people. No one here is worth calling 'people' except the six who refuse to open their eyes."

She winced, suddenly reminded of the brutality of her own memories.

"Sorry... I forgot." Distantly, she recalled Iruka's brutal execution. "But after you killed Iruka... something in me snapped. I've been haunted by it. We all have."

It was clear that because of Arthur's actions, Kaito's face and name had made it to the Leaf's wanted list. And because he was wanted in the Leaf, that means their allied countries also wanted his head.

What was Kaito's bounty price? A meager one million ryō, nothing too insane.

"Then why are you here?" Arthur's gaze bore down on Alice, searching for signs of deception—but for once, she met his scrutiny with clarity.

"I need to know where you actually stand," she resolutely stated.

"Where I stand?" he pressed. "For all I know, you could be working for Alex or someone else."

At the mention of Alexander, she said, "I don't even trust Alex anymore. He lied to me about what happens when a player dies."

Arthur wasn't there for that. There had been a moment when Alice witnessed Alex's chakra fluctuate during one of their conversations. She only told Jasper about it.

Yet she remained inscrutable as Arthur questioned, "Why should I believe any of this? You seem to have forgotten what happened in the Land of Tea."

"You don't have to believe me," she softly said, feeling regretful. "But at least know that I'm not your enemy."

"That so...?"

"Yes, seriously!" she asserted. "Whatever you're planning, whatever path you're on, I'm not here to compromise it... I just don't like the idea of others being hunted or controlled. And as much as I may resent you for your past actions, I can't deny that you had your reasons. And maybe I'm a fool for playing this game, but if you give me a chance, we could find some mutual benefit."

At that bold statement, Arthur summoned the Thunder Sword and brought it threateningly close to her throat.