The Second Underground Level.
"Brother Yellow Hair really likes torture, huh?"
White Zetsu sighed, listening to Haruta's giggles fading behind them.
"Hey, Mirai-boy. When are you gonna let me have him?"
Mirai raised an eyebrow. "You want to avenge the Cursed Spirits?"
"Tch!" Zetsu put his hands behind his head. "We might be the same species... but I'm superior to those trash mobs."
"But..." Zetsu licked his lips. "That kid's technique is interesting. Miracles, right? Sounds tasty."
Naobito shuddered. Tasty? Does he mean... eating him to steal the technique?
"Not yet," Mirai said. "I still have use for him. Be patient."
"Aww," Zetsu grumbled.
They walked deeper into the tunnel.
The screams of Cursed Spirits faded, replaced by the rhythmic clang-clang of metal on metal.
At the end of the hall, a bald man with an apron made of human skin was hammering a glowing piece of steel.
Juzo Kumiya. The Butcher.
"Juzo!" Zetsu shouted, kicking the door open. "Are you done yet?!"
Juzo paused, wiping sweat from his brow. The black paint across his eyes made his glare even more menacing.
"Clan Head," Juzo grunted, ignoring Zetsu. "The order is almost complete. Give me seven more days."
Mirai's crimson eyes scanned the workshop. "Seven days. You know the consequences of failure."
"Rest assured!" Juzo grinned, showing his teeth. "If I fail, I'll turn myself into a coat rack!"
"Good," Mirai nodded.
"Hey! Iron Man!" Zetsu jumped onto the workbench. "What about my order? The gifts for the nieces?"
Juzo sighed. He reached under the table and pulled out two items.
Item 1: A massive, jagged cleaver.
"Dragon-Bone," Juzo introduced. "The blade absorbs kinetic energy and impact force. The user can release that energy from the back jets to boost the next swing."
"Perfect for a brute with zero Cursed Energy." (Maki)
Item 2: A pink revolver.
Juzo held it with visible distaste. "And this... abomination. Crimson Lotus."
"It stores Cursed Energy in the cylinder. When fired, it releases the energy as concentrated bullets. The barrel is modified for explosive impact."
"It can hold the reserves of five Grade 1 Sorcerers."
"Why pink?" Juzo muttered. "It ruins the aesthetic."
"Shut up!" Zetsu snatched the gun. "Pink is cool! Mai-chan will love it!"
Naobito watched in silence.
Weapons for Maki and Mai.
Dragon-Bone for Maki's physical strength. A storage gun for Mai's lack of energy.
He really is taking care of them... in his own twisted way.
...
The Test.
"Alright! Watch this!"
White Zetsu grabbed the meter-long Dragon-Bone.
He opened his mouth unnaturally wide.
Gag. Gulp.
He shoved the entire sword down his throat. The Inventory Curse inside his stomach absorbed it.
Slice.
The blade nicked the corner of his mouth. Black blood trickled out, extending his smile into a gruesome "Clown" grin.
"Ta-da!" Zetsu posed.
Mirai stared at him. "You look like an idiot."
"Whatever!" Zetsu tossed the pink revolver to Mirai. "Your turn. Charge it up."
Mirai didn't even touch the gun.
A withered branch shot out from his shoulder, connecting to the handle.
Hummmm.
Immense Cursed Energy flooded the weapon. The cylinder glowed bright red.
In one second, the gun was fully charged with enough power to level a building.
"Done," Mirai said, disconnecting the branch.
"Bring these to the girls tomorrow."
"Aye aye, Captain!" Zetsu saluted, wiping the black blood from his cheek.
"Now... let's go check on the Third Floor."
Juzo froze. Even Haruta stopped giggling in the distance.
The Third Floor.
Where the real monsters lived.
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