Chapter 7

After arriving at his home, Zero immediately moved to his training room located under his house. He took a meditation position and started to absorb the energy around him while increasing the density of mana he currently has.

    While absorbing mana, Zero began to think of various useful techniques to further support him in battle, and also thought about making a sword that would further increase his strength.

   Zero began to think about a good sword that matched his preference. he remembered a certain katana that had the effect of cleansing karma while cutting through fate and Destiny. That katana was Tsumukari Muramasa. The Noble Phantasm of Senji Muramasa. Even though he couldn't create an original one with his creation powers as his strength isn't enough, he can create a katana that imitates it.

It also can grow stronger with the user. Thinking of this, without wasting any time he started imagining its shape, with the help of the energy store around him he began to condense a lot of energy mixed with his creation skill to manifest Muramasa.

After spending a long time, and a lot of energy, there is a moderately curved Shobu Zukuri-style katana with a white and red colour scheme with a black hilt. He smiled happily, seeing his creation. The katana he made by imitating the Noble phantasm he saw. 

Zero also added some additional effects to this sword. And now this sword can only be used by him. 

Then Zero started condensing energy into his core and used every energy related to the elements he currently has, to further strengthen it. He also created a new skill named Instant Control to further support every technique he made. As he didn't want to lose a future fight because of his poor control over his skills. and he doesn't want to waste his time developing control of the techniques he invented.

   Zero also needs light and dark elements. As it will help him to harm enemies who have a weakness to these elements. For that, he needed to understand the concept of darkness. 

 He also created a concealment technique using dark elements earlier. So it will also be somewhat helpful for him to understand the concept better. Without wasting time Zero begins to condense mana into his hands and adds the concept of darkness. The bright mana ball began to change and become darker and darker as Zero used his dark element better,  

Now in his hands, There's a dark ball that continues to overflow with darkness. It's completely dark without any impurities. Taking it out of his hand, he continued to condense mana into his hand again and mixed it with the concept of light. then a bright energy ball appeared in his hand. It gave off a warm and soothing feeling. Zero can also increase its temperature inside to make it more deadly.

   After creating his new techniques, Zero continued to stay in his training room and began to absorb energy until it reached his limits. At the end of the day, his energy reached the Peak of the Ultimate class. And he also would need to make a breakthrough before Shuri could get attacked, As he wanted everything to be under his control, even if something unexpected happens.

Next, Zero teleported back to his living room and had his dinner. After finishing his dinner Zero went to his room to rest. Even though he was not tired physically and mentally, Zero wanted to maintain a normal life like this. After all, Sleeping is comfortable. 

   The next day Zero woke up and planned to visit Shuri to taste some of Shuri's cooking. He would try to approach Shuri and Akeno as naturally as possible. He doesn't want to be reminded of the sudden presence of him in her life.

 Getting up from his bed, he took a shower and changed clothes. He looked at the mirror to see a handsome young man with silver hair and red eyes wearing a simple white t-shirt and black denim jeans. After finishing, he walked out of his house.

  On the streets, many people started to pay attention to him because of his good look. Seeing this he just ignores these people and begins to concentrate on the new skill he created while he was walking. 

It's a skill that can help him to read the emotions of people. Called Empathy. This will make it easier for him to understand the emotions of the people around him. And also help him to get closer to the girls he is trying to take. also to distinguish people who have thoughts of hurting him. anyway, Zero won't be overconfident even if he has these powers. because having power doesn't mean no one can hurt him now. And zero wouldn't stop his training because he wants to be free in this life. and for that, he needs more power.

 He soon reached his destination. Arriving in front of the shrine, he rang the bell on the roof to warn Shuri and Akeno of his presence. and began to pretend like he's praying.

   After some time he saw a beautiful woman come out of the shrine and head toward him. She's wearing a priestess dress. As you can guess, it's Shuri. She looked very beautiful and charming in that white and red dress.

   Awakening from his lewd thoughts after seeing such a beauty, he ended his prayer and pretended to leave, like he didn't notice her presence. but just as he was about to leave, Shuri called out his name from behind.

   Shuri: Wait… Zero~san, why hurry back, I see you got better at praying than before. said Shuri while thinking how handsome this boy is when he's praying and how diligently he's doing it.

   Zero: Ohh. I didn't notice you before Shuri~san and as you said,  I'm a fast learner, but I won't refuse if you want to teach more.  especially with someone who looks so good in priest's clothes. Said Zero while smiling as he teased her.

   Shuri who heard Zero's words  slightly blushed and became embarrassed by his directness with praises, but She replied as she quickly composed herself 

   Shuri: Ara~Ara  aren't you good at flirting, Zero~san, if you are like that to every girl, they will fall fast for you. Said Shuri as she tried to act bravely to cover her shyness.

   On the other hand, Zero who saw Shuri trying to act boldly to cover her  embarrassment just smiled and then laughed

   Zero: Hahaha, in the end, you indeed look good in that priestess outfit. anyway, why am I teasing you shuri~san, by the way where is Akeno?

   Shuri who heard that become even more embarrassed

   Shuri: Well thank you for your compliment, zero~san. As it's rare for me to hear it from someone, hmm and Akeno, she's inside do you want to see her?

   Zero: Ohh rarely?  What kind of men are not fascinated by your beauty shuri~san? they are stupid or blind, aren't they? And yeah, Can you call her a bit because I brought a little gift for her, but as I didn't see you show up before, I wanted to go back and give this to her later.

   Shuri, who heard that, became a little dazed because she never saw someone as brave as Zero with his words. Moreover, a person who's so handsome as Zero, she didn't think he would act this way just to tease her who already has a child.

  Shuri: Wait a minute, zero~kun, I will call her.

   Shuri went to call Akeno. Zero saw that followed her there as he brought out a little gift package.

 Inside of it is a little hairband that has a  protective effect that could protect the wearer and the one who has a close bond with him/her. Zero wanted to give this to Shuri as it can help the duo if something unexpected happens, but how can he give a gift to a woman who he only just met. 

Even if he gave it, it would be weird and there's also a chance of her being distant from him. He didn't want that. So it's easy to give this to Akeno. And it also has the same appearance as the hairband that adult akeno used to tie her hair in anime. he made this match her eye colour and also added some sweet fragrance to it.

   A few moments later Shuri came out with Akeno who was shy and a little scared as hiding behind Shuri's body.

   Shuri: Hey Akeno, say hello to zero~san.

  With that, Akeno slightly sticks her head from behind Shuri as she peeks at zero.

   Akeno: H..Hello Zero~san. you visit us again.

   Zero: Hi Akeno, how have you been? come here and don't be afraid, I have a little present for you.

  Then Shuri and Akeno started to approach Zero and sat down with him.

   Akeno: Huh, What is the gift zero~san?

   Zero then took out the hairband and gave it to Akeno.

  Zero: Here. I have a new hairband for you. also don't be too formal with me, just call me big brother okay?

   Akeno who saw this hairband looked at Shuri for approval, Shuri who saw this smiled and just nodded. She didn't expect  Zero to be so good with her child, even though this is only their second meeting, but she didn't think much of it. Maybe she thought zero just likes to interact with little Akeno.

  Akeno, who saw Shuri nodding her head, was very happy and a beaming smile grew from her little lips. then immediately took the gift from Zero's hand. also didn't forget to thank him

   Akeno: Thank you brother Zero. Akeno thanked him while bowing her little head courtesy. After that, she started to jump up in joy, as this is the first gift she got from someone other than her mother.

   Meanwhile, Shuri also thanked Zero

   Shuri: Thank you for giving a gift to Akeno, Zero~san. This is the first time she got a gift from someone other than me. so she's very happy, I'm very grateful to you for that. And akeno let's stop jumping around. Come here mom will help you to tie your hair with the gift zero~san gave.

   Zero who saw them just smiled as he is very happy to see this mother and daughter happy because of his little gift. he also saw the protective effect he applied to the ribbon starting to work on akeno and connected to Shuri too, he gave this because he wanted them to be more careful with their protection if they get out of the shrine and not within the scope of the barrier he laid, the entire area around the shrine.

 After Shuri finished tying Akeno's hair, Zero saw a cute little girl with her hair in a ponytail. Akeno looked more and more like her adult version but now she's just a cute little girl.

   Shuri: Okay Akeno wait here and chat with zero~san while mom makes a cool drink for zero~san

   Akeno: Okay mom.

   Zero: Thank you..shuri~san.

   Shuri: No problem, zero~san.

   Then Zero started joking with Akeno and she asked him to play cards. They both had a lot of fun playing cards while waiting for Shuri.

  Shuri arrives at the kitchen and is also thinking of making lunch because it's almost time for lunch. And she will also offer zero to eat with them. After thinking that, she started to make some cool drinks for them.  once it's done  Shuri starts walking to the living room with it.

    Shuri then puts the drinks on the table.

   Shuri: Please zero~san. Here's the drink and Akeno, come here and sit down with me. don't disturb Zero~san.

   Akeno: Okay ma'am said Akeno as she obediently walked toward Shuri and sat down near her.

   Zero: No need to be so serious shuri~san. I like playing with Akeno, and thanks for the drink.  hmm, this is so fragrant and delicious you have good skills shuri~san, it would be great to have a wife like you haha.

   Shuri, who heard his sincere praise, just shook her head and tried to cover her embarrassment.

   Shuri: Ara, zero~san keeps teasing me, I already have a husband and child here. By the way, do you want to have lunch here with us zero~san? As it's almost time for that if you want I will make it now.

   Zero: I'm not teasing. it's just a fact. ohh yeah, where is your husband Shuri~san? I haven't seen him once, and don't bother yourself. Shuri~san,  I'm going to have lunch outside later.

   Shuri: My husband isn't here zero~san he's on an important trip. also, you don't bother us zero~san. It's just lunch and I'll make it fast. Said Shuri while looking down to hide her sadness that her husband hadn't come back after she got pregnant. 

   Zero, who saw Shuri lying and looking sad, became a little angry with her husband baraqiel. This made him even more sure to take care of Shuri in the future, also didn't forget to wait for Akeno to grow up. yes, this would make them a good mother and daughter pair hehe.

   Zero: Okay shuri~san I won't be polite then. so your husband is very busy I guess… and thanks for letting me have lunch here.

   Shuri who heard about her husband was very sad, but still tried to hide it,

   Shuri: yeah he's busy with his business. And stop teasing me zero~san. I'll make lunch then, and please play with Akeno, as she looked so happy before, Aren't you Akeno?

   Akeno, who heard her mother's sarcasm, was just embarrassed and lowered her head because she wanted to play with zero. She never had anyone else other than her mother who cares and wants to play with her.

   Akeno: Mom, don't embarrass me and come on bro. Let's play and leave mommy alone to cook. Said Akeno with puffy cheeks.

   Shuri and Zero who saw this just laughed.

   Time passed as  Zero and Akeno continued to play little games. After some time Shuri came out with the food and they started eating greedily while chatting happily.

   With zero he's so surprised with Shuri's good cooking skills, while Shuri who saw this kind of atmosphere was like seeing a complete and harmonious family, this made her even sadder and hated her useless husband.

   Time passed as they finished eating their food...

   Zero: That's the best lunch I have ever had shuri~san. I guess I'll be visiting here more often to eat it hahaha...

   Shuri: You're praising me too much zero~san. And of course, you can have lunch here, with us. After all, Akeno will be happy with your arrival I guess. Said shuri as she playfully wink at Akeno.

   Akeno who saw her mother blinked her eyes in embarrassment and her ears turned red

   Akeno: Hmph. Mother is a big bully, said with her red cheeks.

   Zero: Well,  then thanks for the hospitality  I'll go home as I have some things to do.

   Akeno: Brother Zero you will come back here right? Akron asked with a cute hopeful look.

      Zero, who saw that, just smiled and ruffled Akeno's hair, and said yes as he will come back later.

   Akeno, who heard that, was very happy, while Shuri who saw her daughter so happy was also happy. she had a little dream that her husband would become as good as Zero would complete her life but immediately erased that thought from her head.

   They then came out and Zero said goodbye to them. Akeno waved her hand and Shuri just looked at the back of Zero with some thoughts. After he was far away from the shrine, Zero just smiled then immediately teleported to his house.  and he planned to visit here more often to strengthen his relationship with the mother-daughter pair.