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Although Shiryu was from Japan, he had been raised at the Five Ancient Peaks under Dohko's tutelage. Therefore He knew the saying, "A man only kneels before God and his parents." Yet—here he was, kneeling before Mu, pleading.
He wasn't doing this for himself, but for Seiya.
During their duel in the Galaxian Wars, Seiya, despite being battered and bruised, had seized a fleeting opportunity, a fraction of a second opening, and struck a critical blow, hitting Shiryu directly in the heart.
This had secured Seiya's victory—but it had also nearly cost Shiryu his life. His heart had stopped beating.
As Seiya collapsed, unconscious from his own injuries, and the medics prepared to carry Shiryu away, Shunrei had rushed forward—pleading with Seiya.
According to her, Shiryu, though his heart had stopped, wasn't truly dead. If someone could strike him in the back with the same force Seiya had used, his heart might restart.
And only Seiya could do it!
Hearing Shunrei's desperate plea, Seiya—despite his own injuries and barely conscious, had forced himself to his feet and delivered the blow—saving Shiryu's life before collapsing himself.
To Shiryu, this was more than just a life debt; it was a testament to their friendship. For orphans like them—friendship was their most treasured bond.
Seiya's selfless act wasn't just about saving his life, but about the strength of their friendship.
And now, facing the Black Saints and a corrupted Ikki—Seiya needed his Cloth. Therefore, Shiryu was determined to have it repaired, even if it meant kneeling before Mu and begging.
Their gazes locked, and after a moment, Mu extended his hand. He had seen the unwavering resolve in Shiryu's eyes. He knew this wasn't someone who would misuse a Cloth for selfish gain.
Shiryu stood up.
"There is a way to revive these Cloths."
"How?!"
"Your life," Mu replied gravely.
"My life…?"
"To use your life force to reawaken the Cloths. It's—highly likely you'll die."
"Are you willing to try?"
A smile touched Shiryu's lips as he recalled Seiya's selfless act, how he had risked his own life to save him.
"Seiya—I might die here, but my soul will always be with you. Let us fight together, to defeat the Black Saints."
"I'll do it, Master Mu," Shiryu said, his voice filled with unwavering resolve. He would sacrifice his life to honor their friendship.
Mu nodded. "I'll repeat myself: these Cloths are dead. To revive them requires a Saint's blood—at least half of yours. However, losing even a third of one's blood is fatal. Even Saints are still human. Do you understand?"
"My blood?" Shiryu chuckled. "If my blood can revive these Cloths, I'll gladly give it." With that, he slammed his wrists together, opening deep wounds, and walked towards the Cloths, letting his blood flow over them.
However, he deliberately let more blood spill onto Seiya's Pegasus Cloth.
"I'm going to die anyway—Seiya's Cloth must be repaired." He stood there, his blood staining the bronze armor, while Mika and Mu watched in silence.
Kiki, who had been fighting Shiryu earlier, was now moved by his selfless act, pleading with Mu to stop him. "That's enough, Master Mu! Please, make him stop!"
But Mu simply closed his eyes, waiting.
Only when Shiryu collapsed from blood loss did he move, catching him gently.
"To sacrifice your life for a friend's Cloth—I believe in you, Shiryu." He placed a hand on Shiryu's wounds, and they vanished instantly.
He gently laid Shiryu on the ground, then turned to Kiki. "Kiki—prepare the materials: Orichalcum—Star Dust Sand—and Gammanium."
"Could it be…?" Kiki's eyes widened as he rushed to Shiryu's side. "Shiryu, it's going to be alright! Master Mu is going to repair your Cloth!" Then, seeing his pale face, he asked anxiously, "Master Mu, will he live?"
"I don't know. He's standing at death's door. His survival depends on his Cosmo. But I will repair these Cloths, to honor his sacrifice." Mu took the materials from Kiki and began working.
Mika approached Shiryu. "We can't let him die here." He knelt beside him and gently touched his chest. Color returned to Shiryu's face.
"What did you do?" Kiki asked.
"I've stimulated his regenerative abilities and accelerated his blood production. However, it will take a lot of energy. Have him eat something when he wakes up," Mika instructed.
"So he'll live?" Kiki asked excitedly. Shiryu's selfless act had earned his respect and admiration.
"Of course. I wouldn't let him die."
"That's wonderful! I'll go prepare some food!" Kiki rushed off.
Only Mika and Mu, now focused on repairing the Cloths, remained.
"Such precise and targeted healing—your mastery of Cosmo is remarkable," Mu commented, without turning his head.
"Control is my specialty," Mika replied with a smile, watching him work.
——
"Mika…who are you?" Mu asked calmly as he continued his meticulous work.
"Who am I?" Mika chuckled. "I'm—Athena's Saint."
"Athena's Saint…?" Mu paused, his tools clattering softly against the workbench. He had his answer. "Has Athena awakened?"
"I believe so. After all, she has responsibilities to fulfill. She couldn't remain dormant forever. Hades's forces won't wait for her," Mika replied, leaning casually against a large boulder Kiki had left behind, his hands in his pockets.
"I see…" Mu smiled; Mika's words confirmed his suspicions. "Perhaps I should leave Jamir as well… It seems my skills are needed."
"I could accompany you. After all, we're heading in the same direction," Mika offered.
They had reached an unspoken agreement.
Mu nodded. "But first—I must finish repairing these Cloths," he said, glancing at the still unconscious Shiryu. "I will honor his sacrifice." He resumed his work.
"Of course. The Cloths are our priority. After all, repairing the Pegasus Cloth is crucial for Saori."
"Is it truly that crucial?" Mu recalled the records left by previous generations of Saints at Jamir and nodded slightly.
"I see." He focused on his task, falling silent once more.
"Do you mind if I observe? I'm quite interested in your techniques," Mika asked.
"....."
"—Silence means consent..."
He focused his attention on Mu's work, observing his every movement, analyzing his techniques. This was how he learned, absorbing knowledge like a sponge.
They both fell silent, the room filled with the soft clinking of Mu's tools. Even Kiki's excited chatter upon his return didn't distract them.
——
Five days passed.
Shiryu, fully recovered, had awakened. Learning that Mu was repairing his Cloth, he was overwhelmed with gratitude and wanted to thank him personally.
However, Kiki had told him that Mu was deep in concentration and shouldn't be disturbed. Therefore, he simply watched from a distance, his respect for Mu growing with each passing day. He and Kiki, had become close during this time.
As Shiryu watched Mu working, a bright light flashed, and Mu stood up.
"Master Mu!" Shiryu rushed over.
"Shiryu." Mu turned, a warm smile on his face. "As you requested, the Pegasus and Dragon Cloths have been revived and repaired."
"They're—repaired?" Shiryu's voice trembled as he looked at the gleaming Cloths, his eyes filled with emotion. He had fulfilled his promise to Seiya.
Mu patted him on the shoulder.
"Thank you, Master Mu!"
"You've earned it," Mu replied with a smile.
Shiryu, still reveling in his joy, suddenly noticed that Mika, who had been sitting beside Mu throughout the entire process, remained motionless.
"Master Mu, what's wrong with Mika?"
Mu glanced at Mika. "He's—integrating his newfound knowledge. He'll awaken soon." He had been observing Mika for the past five days. He hadn't expected him to be such a quick learner—absorbing his techniques so easily.
"Integrating his knowledge?" Shiryu was puzzled, then he remembered Mika's purpose: to learn from Mu.
If Mu said he was integrating his knowledge, it meant he had succeeded. They had both achieved their objectives—This filled Shiryu with a sense of satisfaction.
Soon, Mika stirred, stretching languidly. "I've learned so much." He turned to Mu and Shiryu.
"Thank you for your guidance."
"It was your own effort and talent that led to your understanding. I only provided the tools," Mu replied, his usual humility evident.
Mika smiled.
He turned to Shiryu and clapped him on the shoulder. "It seems you've recovered fully."
"Thanks to you, Mika. I won't forget your kindness," Shiryu said gratefully. He had learned from Kiki that Mika had saved his life.
Shiryu was glad Mika had come to Jamir with him.
While he didn't fear death, willing to sacrifice himself for his beliefs, he was still grateful to be alive. He had much to live for.
Therefore, he wouldn't forget Mika's kindness—especially since this wasn't the first time he had saved him.
"We can discuss gratitude later," Mika said with a smile. "Based on the schedule, Seiya and the others should be facing the Black Saints soon. I'll send you back to the Graad Foundation first."
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