You are very strong, but my painting style is better than yours!

A punch imbued with demonic power landed on the ground, instantly creating waves of air that swept across the open space amidst a whirlwind!

After the wind pressure subsided, a large pit with a diameter of five or six meters and spiral patterns on the bottom appeared under Iori's feet.

"A semi-finished product... that's really difficult!"

Chapter 183: If you can use your mouth, don't make a fuss!

call!

A figure tore through the air, instantly traversing a distance of over a hundred meters amidst a sonic boom, and struck a ten-meter-high granite boulder with a punch, causing air currents to surge and spiritual pressure to churn—

boom!

Thousands of fragments exploded outwards, shooting into the walls and ground like missiles. The entire giant rock was hollowed out with a single punch, completely destroying two-thirds of its volume and creating a tunnel that ran through it!

"Hiss...hoo!"

The boy took several deep breaths while maintaining his punching stance. The spiritual pressure that had gathered on his shoulder gradually subsided and dissipated. He also straightened up and waved his hand to release the remaining force, which turned into a strong wind that dispersed the dust and mist swirling around him, revealing a handsome and elegant face.

—It was Iori.

Or rather, His Majesty Aizen, the Holy King of the New Empire.

"After half a month of training, this is all you've achieved? Your explosive power has reached its peak, but it's still difficult to maintain for a long time. You really need to put in a lot of hard work."

Strictly speaking, I studied for a week and then practiced for a week.

In the present world of "Bleach," Iori participates in the war against the Quincy as a subordinate of Shunsui Kyoraku, while in his spare time he learns hand-to-hand combat techniques from Yoruichi. The two, who are half teacher and half friend, work together to develop a technique called "Shunko."

He exhausted Yoruichi's technical reserves in just two or three days, but in order not to appear too shocking, he did not reveal his true progress and spent a few more days with Yoruichi... This made Yoruichi call him a pervert.

The current heir of the Shihōin family seems quite disheartened, fearing that Iori will overtake him in his strongest area, and has been working much harder lately.

Iori, not wanting to stand out, after gaining the necessary knowledge and insights, opened the Kido barrier that shielded her spiritual pressure while resting in her tent one night, opened the "door" she had obtained from Mayuri Kurotsuchi, secretly entered the Dangai, and later traveled into Akame ga Kill!

He wants to use this two-thousand-fold time difference to hone his "instant coaxing" technique.

It's fortunate that Yoruichi didn't know, otherwise she would have completely lost hope in winning against Iori...

After another week of self-exploration within "Akatsuki no Akame," Iori is now able to skillfully control the burst of Kido power and how to accelerate the frequency of Spirit Particle fluctuations. It can be said that he has gotten on the right track, and the next step is purely a matter of proficiency.

But for some reason, despite his remarkable progress, there was little joy on his face.

Two spectators were on the outer edge of the spacious training ground. They had been amazed by Iori's strength, but when they saw him standing there with a furrowed brow and looking unhappy, they came over to ask him what was wrong.

"It's nothing, I just feel it's a bit of a mixed bag."

Iori explained to the bewildered Sera and Akame, "This style combines energy and physical techniques, so it is extremely destructive, but it also requires a high level of self-control."

To perfectly master this technique, one must precisely control the energy fluctuations while performing physical skills.

"Control?"

Akame asked doubtfully, "Whether you're unarmed or armed, your combat skills have always been very refined, and your control is impossible to be poor, right? Besides, it was obvious that you succeeded just now."

"It did succeed, but it was only one move."

Iori shook her head slightly: "If you want to pursue destructive power, you have to release the energy all at once. But if the output is too large in an instant, it will affect the subsequent actions. You must have a certain interval to adjust your state. If you attack continuously, you cannot maintain it for a long time."

—In the words of the game, it means there is a skill recovery animation.

Akame was even more surprised after hearing this: "Using too much force creates an opening... This is a mistake that only an amateur would make. Experts will generally avoid this situation and leave some 'reserve force' while 'exerting force'. There's no reason you wouldn't know this, is there?"

"Of course, but the problem is that the difficulty is different!"

You're only talking about simple physical movements, how to control muscles to generate more power, and how to make the transitions between moves smoother.

However, in this school of thought, physical movements are secondary; the essence lies in controlling the speed and frequency of energy flow!

Even I have to expend a lot of energy on this, maintaining stability while unleashing bursts of power... it's like walking a tightrope while lifting a barbell.

If we were to use a martial arts novel analogy, Instant Harassment is somewhat like the Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms:

The moves are simple and unpretentious, but the methods of applying force are profoundly insightful.

Just as one cannot exert all one's strength in the "Dragon Soaring Too High" technique, one must leave some room for maneuver. Similarly, one needs to cultivate multiple forces to the point where one can control and release them at will before one can be considered to have mastered the art.

Of course, at this point in time, even its inventor hasn't reached that level yet!

Iori spread her hands: "To maintain 'Instantaneous Strike' for a long time, especially in intense battles, one must be able to control the flow of energy unconsciously without being affected... This requires a lot of practice to form another kind of 'muscle memory'."

"Is that so... I see."

Akame suddenly realized, then looked somewhat disappointed: "I only know normal swordsmanship and physical skills, and I know nothing about how to use energy, so I can't help you in this regard."

She really wanted to do something for Iori. From Akame's perspective, she had received too much care from Iori, and only in this way could her relationship with Iori be more equal.

However, while the wish was beautiful, reality was cruel. As time went on, the gap between the two widened further and further, both in terms of personal strength and social status!

Iori glanced at the forlorn girl with long, straight black hair, and a slight thought stirred within her:

Akame's talent isn't bad either. If she herself is willing, then when the third magic is ready next time...

Oh, and there's Esdeath too!

Sera, who had been listening attentively, pondered for a long time. A glint flashed in her red eyes, and she suddenly laughed: "Iori, if I can help you solve this problem and allow you to quickly master 'Instant Harshness' without a lot of practice, how will you thank me?"

"……Um?"

The other two looked at Sera in surprise, and Iori asked with delight, "You have a way?"

"Perhaps it's possible... Although I'm not absolutely certain, the idea should be sound, so let's give it a try."

Sera turned to Iori, deliberately giving her a playful look: "But I'm not in a good mood, I don't want to talk about it today, wait for me another day—um!"

Sera froze as her words were interrupted, like a small animal being preyed upon by a wild beast, while Akame's eyes widened instantly.

At that moment, Iori suddenly hugged Sera and kissed her fiercely!

"Uuuuuuu~"

"……call!"

After fully enjoying the soft, warm touch, Iori didn't push his luck and go any further. He promptly separated and looked down at the silver-haired girl, whose face was flushed and who seemed completely lost.

"Miss Sera, how are you feeling right now?"

Chapter 184: Iori: Even a Harem King Has His Limits! (4K)

"Hey! You can keep your sweet talk to yourself in private, I'm still here!"

Caught off guard by the sneak attack, Sera was momentarily dazed, while Akame became agitated: "Please be careful!"

"What's wrong? Are you in a bad mood too?"

Iori turned around and opened her arms wide: "I don't mind, you can come to me for comfort anytime~"

"—!"

Akame's breath hitched, a blush rising to her fair face. She almost gritted her teeth as she said, "Don't joke around!"

"Don't be so arrogant." Iori stared directly into those stubborn red eyes, as if she could see right through them, causing Akame to look away after less than three seconds of eye contact.

"Can you honestly say you've never fantasized about being held in my arms?"

"...How...how is this possible!"

Akame looked away, took a deep breath, and said, "I admit I have feelings for you, but it's only from a friend's perspective. After all, you saved Kurome, which is very—"

Her speech became more fluent, and when she looked at Iori again, she seemed to have calmed down.

But when she raised her head slightly, she found that Iori had already appeared in front of her at some point. The two were only about ten centimeters apart, and she could even feel the heat of his breath. Being looked down at by the boy, the former assassin girl felt her mind in turmoil and subconsciously took two steps back.

"Well!"

"Interesting reaction, why back away?"

Iori said with a half-smile, "Besides, not noticing someone getting this close is a bit too unguarded, Akame."

Was it because we've neglected physical exercise in peacetime, or was it because we were preoccupied with certain things that led to our carelessness?

"...You have a really bad personality!"

"Didn't you know this from the beginning?"

Iori spread her hands: "I've always been like this, but I've never pretended to be someone else in front of you."

But you've already fallen for someone with such a terrible personality, haven't you?

"Dream on! I have no intention of getting married in my entire life!"

Akame stubbornly said, "I've already decided that after helping Najenda through this crucial period, I'll take Kurome and go into seclusion in the countryside!"

...For someone like me, whose hands are stained with blood, being able to live a peaceful life is already an immense stroke of luck.

Half of it was said in anger, but as he spoke, some of his true feelings were revealed, and his red eyes dimmed.

Although the world is now at peace, under the emperor's authority, the new nation is flourishing like the rising sun, and the past can no longer affect Akame.

However, her cruel childhood and bloody killer days were destined to have an indelible impact on Akame.

Even if he escapes the identity of an assassin, he can't escape the memories stained with blood... Sigh...

Akame believes she can no longer return to a normal life, and she also needs to take care of her younger sister who is even more sensitive than her, so she has made up her mind to live a reclusive life.

As for things like lovers, marriage, and family, the kind of happiness that ordinary girls pursue... is irrelevant to her.

Even if she were dating Iori, it would be the same. Or rather, it's precisely because her partner is the emperor of this country that there are so many things involved that Akame has to cut the Gordian knot and end things decisively before they get out of control!

"Why are you talking about this suddenly?"

Iori frowned slightly: "Is something bothering you?"

"Do not……"

The atmosphere between the two gradually became heavy, and Akame gripped the hilt of the sword at her waist as if seeking a sense of security.

“I’ve always had this idea, but you forcibly stopped me when I wanted to retire last time… Now the new empire has stabilized, and your rule is impeccable. Even without the assistance of others, you can establish supreme authority, ensuring social stability and allowing people to perform their duties.”

I'm a useless executioner, a relic of the old era. The new world hasn't made room for someone like me... and I can't help you at all.

Once I've finished guarding Najenda, there'll be nothing left for me to do, so I can finally leave the capital.

"Red Eyes... why did you say there was no place for you?"

Although my country cannot be said to encompass the entire world, there is still room for a young girl to stand.

Even if the outside world cannot accept you, my palace can always serve as your safe haven!

Akame, I told you before, didn't I? In my eyes, you are—"

"I'm not stupid!"

The girl with long, straight black hair lowered her eyes, her gaze tinged with sadness: "I know you feel very much for me... and I want to reciprocate those feelings, but I'm sorry, I'm not suited to be anyone's wife."

"...Um, can we make a deal?" Iori thought for a moment.

"Ok?"

"If we only maintain a physical relationship, then we're not considered husband and wife, are we?"

"..."

Upon hearing this, Akame gasped, her right hand gripping the demon sword Murasame trembling slightly, almost failing to draw the blade.

"You bastard... just how shameless will you be before you stop?!"

"Hehe, just kidding, don't take it so seriously."

Iori laughed it off, then turned serious and said, "To be honest, I can't understand what you're afraid of."

Miss, aren't you a little too self-conscious?

Akame tilted her head and asked curiously, "What do you mean?"

"You believe you're stuck in the old era because you can't let go of the past—that's arrogance, Akame!"

Iori looked down at her seriously: "Do you think you're the only one tormented by painful memories?"

From officials and generals to ordinary citizens, everyone in this country comes from the old empire and has experienced hardships that others cannot understand. There are many sinners like you who have been forced to stain their hands with blood!

But unlike you, they did not become disillusioned with life. Instead, they buried their painful memories and rekindled their hope for life to move forward.

This is both a way to redeem yourself and a way to pull yourself together for your family—they don't even have the luxury of choosing to 'give up' like you do!