The rain in Sector 13 had grown heavier.
Each drop clanged like a warning bell on the metal roof — cold, sharp, and unrelenting.
Renji stood just outside the depot, motionless, eyes scanning the empty street.
No fear.
No hesitation.
Just silence.
He wasn't waiting to fight.
He was waiting to survive.
---
> [System Alert: Black Halo Unit Detected – Codename: Gin Shisui]
Class A Assassin – Skill: "Hollow Pulse" (Erases all sound and movement in a 10-meter radius)
---
Renji opened the Curse Tree screen.
> Trial Points: 3
Suggested Node: "Blood Vow" — Link with one ally. Share damage, double willpower.
His gaze shifted to Yua, who was quietly packing essentials inside the depot.
She looked up. "What's wrong?"
Renji didn't answer.
He tapped the node.
> Node Unlocked: Blood Vow – You and 1 chosen ally now share pain and will. Link lasts 24 hours.
A glowing red thread floated from Renji's chest and curved gently toward Yua.
It pierced her heart — softly — and vanished.
She gasped.
"What did you just do…?"
Renji looked at her.
"Now, if I fall… you'll feel it too. So I won't fall."
---
15 Minutes Later — Rooftops of Sector 13
The wind was unnaturally quiet.
Too quiet.
Then —
A flicker.
A shadow zipped past the rooftop, faster than any bird.
And landed silently in front of Renji.
Gin Shisui.
White coat. Silver hair. A smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Target confirmed," Gin said softly, barely audible.
"You're smaller than I expected."
Renji didn't reply.
He'd never fought a Class A Hunter before.
But he could feel it — this wasn't a human.
This was a trained ghost.
---
Gin's eyes narrowed.
Suddenly, the world muted.
No sound. No movement. Like reality had paused.
> [Skill Activated: Hollow Pulse]
Renji felt it instantly — the air became thick, time slower.
And then —
Gin was behind him.
A flash of steel aimed at Renji's neck.
But Renji ducked — not by reflex, but instinct.
He'd seen this move in his dreams.
From another fight. Another timeline.
He rolled forward, summoned his blade from the Curse system.
"Blood Fang – Form I."
A dark, curved blade appeared in his hand.
He slashed upward blindly — and Gin was gone again.
---
> New System Alert: Passive Skill "Grim Focus" Activated – Clarity +25% in high pain mode
Renji's breathing slowed.
His mind cleared.
Gin appeared again — front this time, smiling.
"You're learning fast," he said. "But you're still just a child with anger."
Renji exhaled.
"No. I'm a curse that learned how to feel."
And then — he charged.
---
The rooftop exploded into a dance of speed, soundless slashes, and narrow escapes.
Every cut Gin made was calculated. Every dodge Renji managed was survival by inches.
Then — Gin's blade finally cut Renji's side.
Yua, miles away, dropped to her knees — clutching her ribs in sudden pain.
She screamed.
Renji felt it through the bond.
He gritted his teeth.
"She's… hurting because of me."
That pain became fuel.
---
> Trial Points +1 Earned for Enduring Shared Bond Damage
> Temporary Skill Unlocked: "Pain Echo" – Return 10% of total bond damage as energy pulse
Renji's hand sparked.
He slammed his palm onto the ground — and a pulse of red energy exploded outward.
Gin was thrown back.
Not far.
But enough.
---
Gin stood up, wiping his lip. Blood.
For the first time, he looked… impressed.
"You're not like the others," he said.
"You're not just surviving — you're evolving."
Then he smiled wider.
"Well then. Let's make this interesting."
He snapped his fingers.
Suddenly, four black drones hovered into view above the rooftop.
Each one loaded with a different hunter's symbol.
"This was just round one," Gin said. "See you after nightfall, Curseborn."
And then he vanished — into the rain.
---
Back at the Depot
Renji collapsed inside the doorway.
Yua rushed to him.
She had tears in her eyes.
"You idiot! You said you wouldn't fall!"
Renji smiled, weakly.
"I didn't… I'm still here."
She hugged him tightly — as if she was scared he might disappear.
And for the first time in weeks… Renji let himself rest.
Not as a curse.
But as a brother.
I'm yuv , just 17 — turning pain into stories and dreams into battles.
If this chapter hit your heart, comment "Fight on, Renji!" and show your support.
Every comment gives me strength to write the next war.