The sun rose over the Uchiha district, gilding the rooftops in gold — but for Ren, light was just a reminder of the shadows he now commanded.
He stretched lazily on the edge of the training field, eyes closed, sensing the pulsing energy inside his Pocket Hunting Dimension. A single shadow minion waited in the void, obedient, hungry to serve. It wasn't much — not yet — but it was a beginning.
[Daily Entry to Pocket Hunting Dimension Available][Companion Slots: 1/1 (Unlocked via Physical/Soul Resonance)][Resources Awaiting Collection: 3 Orbs]
Ren chuckled. A little tease, a little spark, and soon I'll have my first follower.
That afternoon, he found Aiko again.
Sharp-tongued. Strong-willed. Smart enough to ignore clan politics. Just his type.
She was practicing kunai throws, her form perfect — if a little too tense. He let out a lazy whistle.
"You throw like you're mad at the target."
She glanced over her shoulder. "And you show up like you own the place."
"I will," he said smoothly, slipping beside her and catching a thrown kunai mid-air without looking. "Eventually."
She blinked. "Tch. Arrogant as ever."
Ren smirked and leaned closer. "Confident. There's a difference. I've seen the future, Aiko. Yours… and mine."
She narrowed her eyes. "The hell does that mean?"
He extended his hand.
"Come with me tonight. I'll show you something that will change everything."
Later that Night
The entrance to the Pocket Hunting Dimension opened silently in the woods outside the village. Aiko, cautious but curious, followed Ren into the void.
Her eyes widened at the star-filled darkness — at the glowing orbs floating like suspended jewels in space.
"What… is this place?"
Ren stepped in front of her, his hand brushing against her waist, subtle but intentional. She stiffened — not from fear, but surprise.
"A world only I can access," he whispered. "And with me… only those I choose can enter."
[Soul Sync Possible][Confirm: Invite Uchiha Aiko as Companion?][Requirement: Physical Resonance]
Ren tilted his head. "One condition. A bond — physical, emotional, or… something deeper."
She blinked, heat rising to her cheeks. "Are you messing with me?"
"Do I look like I'm joking?" he said, stepping closer, lips inches from hers. "This isn't just some trick. This is a shortcut to power, to escape, to freedom."
She hesitated — then something shifted. Her instincts screamed danger. But her curiosity whispered possibility. And something about the way he looked at her — like she was rare, powerful, chosen — made her heart betray her caution.
"Fine," she muttered, cheeks red. "But if you're lying, I'll cut something off."
He grinned. "Noted."
[Resonance Successful][Aiko added as Companion][Companion Benefits: Shared EXP, Shadow Link, Increased Orb Drops]
As they stood in the void together, the darkness pulsed around them. Three glowing orbs floated toward them — one cracking open to reveal a skeletal warrior, another shattering into a stream of black energy.
Ren lifted his hand. Shadows coiled around him like a cloak.
[Shadow Summon: Skeletal Scout – Summoned][Army Count: 2/∞]
Aiko stared. "What… are you becoming?"
He looked at her, eyes flashing red and black — Sharingan burning, shadow energy rippling behind him.
"Something this world isn't ready for."
To Be Continued...