Hinata's eyes widened, crimson irises catching the morning light as a flush spread across her cheeks like spilled wine. "That's the second time," she said, her voice softer than Zumi had ever heard it, her fingers unconsciously touching and fidgeting with each other, showing her nervousness.
"You called me beautiful during our spar, too." She swallowed, the movement visible along the column of her throat. "Do you really think that?" Zumi leaned forward, his gaze never leaving hers. "You are breathtaking, Hinata," he said, each word deliberate and weighted. Her lashes lowered, the blush deepening until it reached the tips of her ears. "That makes me happy," she whispered, calloused fingers twisting together in her lap. "Most men see my scars, my strength, and they back away. They call me terrifying, never beautiful." A small, vulnerable smile tugged at her lips. "But when you say it, I remember I'm still a woman beneath the armour."
Zumi smiled at this. As he did, Gia appeared at his side, freshly showered and back in her tailored suit. He turned to her, his expression shifting to business-like efficiency. "Gia, I need you to secure the top five floors of the Hyatt Centric. Please inform the Gale Brothers that we need them cleared within three days—those will house our family. The lower floors can remain for regular guests." He paused, checking that she was noting his instructions. "Also, forward me the high school registration details, and have Bia meet me at the monastery at noon." His voice softened slightly. "Then take some time for yourself. You've earned it." Gia nodded crisply. "Yes, sir," she said, then slipped from the room to execute his orders. used, checking that she was noting his instructions. "Also, forward me the college entrance exam registration details. Once he dismissed her, she left the room to do all that he had instructed.
Zumi rose from the couch, sharply dressed in a black suit with a red tie, and turned to Hinata. "From now on I'm calling you Hina," he began. "You are my personal security—wherever I go, you follow. Gia will sometimes join us when she's free; she's my personal secretary and ranks among the top of the Kogane family. But you alone will always be at my side. I'm placing immense trust in you, and I know I can trust you completely.
"In any situation, I want you to intervene only if you believe my life is in danger. Most threats I can handle myself; if I sense one, I'll give you a hand sign. I'll change that sign each time so nobody notices. The moment you sense a threat, glance quickly at my hand. I'll tell you whenever we switch symbols. For now, the sign is a peace sign: when you see it, I'm aware of the danger and have it under control—do nothing. But if you ever sense a threat and don't see me give that sign, tug at my jacket or whatever I'm wearing to alert me so I can activate my threat-sensing ability and raise my guard. In those cases, you have full authority to act—and I will trust your judgment completely.
"There may even be times when I grant you complete authority to handle any situation as you see fit. Use your best discretion. And whenever we have free time, we'll spar—pushing each other to grow stronger. Outside of Bia (whom you'll meet soon), you're the only one who matches me in strength. I need someone by my side who will motivate me and be challenged by me in return.
"When we face the world together, you will be known as Hina the Fire Eagle."
Hinata's eyes widened at Zumi's declaration, her mouth parting slightly. "Fire Eagle," she echoed, her pulse quickening at the name. "I... I am honoured, Master."
Zumi's smile was faint, but genuine. "Rise, Hina. No need for formality between us. We fight, live, and breathe together now." He watched as she slowly stood, the muscles in her arms flexing slightly.
"I won't let you down, Master." Her voice was a passionate whisper, her eyes gleaming with fierce resolve.
"You never could," he responded, placing a hand on her shoulder. The contact was brief, but it sent a jolt of electricity through Hinata. It was a silent promise - of loyalty, of respect, of a bond that neither time nor trials could sever.
Their new chapter had begun: the Master and his Fire Eagle, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.
As they stepped out of the suite together, Hinata glanced at him, noting the strong set of his jaw and the determined glint in his eyes. She realized then that this was not just a job, nor was it just about loyalty. It was about trust, respect, their shared strength – this was about them. From that moment, she wasn't simply Hinata of the Yamato Family, she was Hina, the Fire Eagle, his protector.
The sun was high, bathing the city in warm, golden hues. The morning bustle had begun - vendors raising their shop fronts, laughter filled the air, and children chased each other down the cobblestone streets. It was just another day in the city.
Hina shadowed Zumi's steps, her eyes constantly scanning her surroundings while monitoring his every subtle movement. Earlier, during his meeting with the Yamato siblings, his system had pinged with a notification he'd deliberately ignored - the message in summary spoke about reuniting with four goddess lovers from the Monkey King's past lives. He already had Bia, goddess of force and strength, but still needed to find Seraphina of the underworld, Aurora of nature, and Athena of war. The quest promised rewards if he could make them acknowledge not just his identity as Sun Wukong, but surrender to him as Zumi Kogane through intimate connection. This particular detail lingered in his thoughts. For answers, he'd need to return to the monastery where he'd discovered Bia, but first, he wanted to visit a weapons shop known from the Monkey King's memories—a place with legendary arms in its basement. He'd promised gifts to the Yamato siblings and considered finding something special for Hina as well. As they moved through the streets, people instinctively cleared a path for them. Zumi carried himself with newfound authority, utterly transformed from the man he'd been before meeting Anna in that alleyway. Some pedestrians recognized Hina too, her fearsome reputation having spread through tabloids that named her the most dangerous of her siblings, a formidable figure in the criminal underworld.
Hina noticed their wary glances, their whispered conversations that quieted as they passed, and straightened a bit more. She was no longer a rogue operative, a feared ghost in the shadows. Now, she had a place, a purpose, and a name that resonated with power and honour - the Fire Eagle. She would stand beside this man, a symbol of authority and respect. And she would do so with her head held high.
As they neared the famous weapons shop, a group of young boys ran past them. One jostled Hina's shoulder in passing, immediately whirling to apologize. "Hina-san!" he stammered, face flushed with fear and awe. "I'm so sorry!" Hina smiled down at him, a softness to her gaze. She ruffled his hair, reassuring him that all was well, then sent him off again.
Zumi watched this interaction unfold with a small, approving nod. He understood, then, that Hina was not just a formidable warrior but also a revered figure among the city's people. He welcomed this realization, knowing it further strengthened their alliance.
Entering the weapons shop, the duo was immediately greeted by the elderly owner. His eyes widened as they landed on Zumi, a flicker of recognition passing through them. He bowed deeply, voice trembling with respect as he spoke. "Monkey King," he said in greeting. "We have awaited your return."
Pausing, Zumi offered the man a nod of acknowledgement, allowing a slight trace of a smile to play at the corners of his mouth. "And return I have," he replied simply, gaze sweeping across the vast collection of weaponry before him. Each piece was a work of art in its own right, meticulously crafted from the finest materials the Underworld had to offer.
Hina watched as the two men exchanged words, her eyes narrowing slightly as she observed the proprietor's deference. It was evident just how much reverence they held for Zumi. She found herself unable to suppress a surge of pride at the thought, a twinge of something warm stirring within her.
Despite the overwhelming spectacle, Zumi's gaze gravitated towards a particular weapon at the back of the shop. Encased in glass and bathed in soft light, the magnificent blade was forged from divine metal, its hilt adorned with intricate carvings of celestial beings. The blade's aura was unmistakably that of a holy weapon; one that would belong to a god - or a king.
Amidst their search for weapons, Zumi also noticed Hina's subtle interest in a pair of exquisite Gauntlets, as she was a martial arts expert who used her fists and legs to fight.
They hold a powerful energy," Zumi observed, following her gaze to the Gauntlets. They were sleek, tailored to fit the wearer's hands with unnerving precision and crafted from a unique alloy that could withstand celestial power.
Hina nodded, her fingertips tracing the cold, metallic surface. "I've always had a preference for hand-to-hand combat," she confessed, her eyes never leaving the pair of Gauntlets. "These... they feel right."
With that simple confirmation, Zumi made his choice. He summoned the shop owner, instructing him to prepare the divine blade for himself and the Gauntlets for Hina. The man nodded fervently, a triumphant gleam in his eyes as he asked if Zumi desired anything else. Zumi inquired about the legendary bow collection. The shopkeeper beckoned them to follow, instructing a teenage apprentice to watch the storefront. They descended into the basement, entering a chamber that hummed with ancient power. Weapons of every description lined the walls, each radiating its own distinct energy. These weren't ordinary armaments—they chose their wielders, merging with a compatible person's aura and evolving alongside them. Such was the kind of bow Zumi sought for Sakura. His gaze swept across a wall adorned with bows until it settled on one that stirred the Monkey King's memories within him.
The bow stood apart from the others—not for its size, nor for its ornamentation, but for the gravity it carried. Its frame was forged of black jade laced with threads of silver light, veins of starlight pulsing faintly as though the heavens themselves breathed through it. The grip shimmered faintly, reshaping in subtle flickers as if anticipating the hand that would claim it.
"This…" the shopkeeper whispered with reverence, "…is the Heavenpiercer. The bow once wielded by Hou Yi, the divine archer who felled nine of the ten suns—blessed by gods, reforged in celestial flame, and tempered in the silence of the stars. No arrow is needed—for it conjures its own, born of the wielder's will. Fire, frost, thunder, shadow…whatever the archer commands, the Heavenpiercer obeys."
Zumi's gaze narrowed, studying the elegant curve of the weapon as if the very air bent to its presence. Even standing near it, he could feel its weight—not of stone or wood, but of history, of the countless legends tied to its name.
"The one who takes it," the shopkeeper continued, "gains more than a bow. The Heavenpiercer grants its master the Eye of the Archer—sight that can stretch for hundreds of miles, piercing storm, shadow, even illusion. And once a target is chosen, its arrow will not miss. Nothing can shield them—not steel, not stone, not magic. It will find them, wherever they flee."
Zumi's expression softened, touched by memory. "Hou Yi's legacy…" he murmured, almost to himself. "Even among the heavens, his arrows never failed."
Wrap up the sword I ordered and Bow and gauntlets, Zumi commanded as he paid for them at the front of the shop. Hearing that Zumi was going to get the gauntlets for Hina's heart, quaked with admiration and gratitude towards Zumi.