Lucy's eyes narrowed as she surveyed the group.
"Who's the enemy, and who's the ally?"
Before anyone could answer, a familiar voice came from behind a nearby tree.
"I don't know if you still consider me your enemy, but I'm no longer your foe."
Lucy let out a weary sigh and cracked her neck.
"What a pain in the ass you are. Come out, you moron."
Sasaki slowly emerged from behind the tree.
"AHHHHHHHHHHH!"
A chorus of screams erupted from the group. Everyone recoiled in shock, except Lyon and Bash, who remained perfectly calm.
Alfie's eyes widened. His initial surprise quickly gave way to anger as he glared at Sasaki.
"Master, I thought you killed this man-monster. What the hell is he doing here?"
Lucy met his furious gaze without the slightest concern.
"Don't get so worked up, Alfie. He's no longer our enemy. I've already agreed to help him learn how to control his Renshi."
"That's impossible..."
Alfie and Rebekah exclaimed simultaneously.
Jackson stepped forward and pointed accusingly at Sasaki.
"Excuse me, Miss, but this man can't be trusted. He devours Darkside Spirits to obtain their Renshi. He's nothing more than a predator."
"Don't act so tough, all of you. Why can't you be more like the real man standing quietly in the corner?"
Lucy turned toward Marcel and gently rested a hand on his trembling shoulder.
Meanwhile, Lyon and Bash continued their conversation through telepathy.
Marcel was too stunned to respond. His mind was racing, struggling to make sense of what was happening.
She has no idea what she's doing. How can she possibly accept Sasaki the Reaper,and teach him to control his Renshi?
Lucy noticed how badly he was trembling and looked at him.
"Your heart is racing. Are you alright?"
"H-Huh? Y-Yes, yes. I'm fine."
Marcel forced a smile, though his voice betrayed his nervousness.
Lyon finally stepped forward, his gaze fixed firmly on Sasaki.
"Listen carefully, Sasaki. I don't know what made you change your mind about how you want to live, but understand this. If you hurt another human, I'll hunt you down myself."
Sasaki smirked.
In the next instant, he activated Switch Mode and appeared inches from Lyon's face.
"Don't get ahead of yourself. My loyalty belongs to her alone. You have no right to speak to me like that."
Lyon didn't even flinch.
"Don't get cocky, Reaper. You may be strong, but I'll say this only once. If you ever kill or harm another human again, I'll seal you away for the rest of your human life."
His eyes narrowed as his Renshi began to rise.
"This isn't a threat. It's a warning, Sa... Sa... Ki."
The two stared each other down, neither willing to back away.
Lucy finally stepped between them.
"That's enough. Sasaki, back off."
Her voice left no room for argument.
"He isn't joking, and I can feel it. You may be powerful, but he possesses abilities you know nothing about. If I were you, I wouldn't underestimate a Pro Darkside Knight."
Sasaki clicked his tongue but offered no response.
Alfie suddenly stormed forward, pointing directly at him.
"I don't care what you say. I won't let this man get away with whatever he's planning."
Lucy vanished with Switch Mode and reappeared directly in front of him.
"Listen to me, Alfie. Do you honestly believe any Shinra could lay a finger on me?"
Alfie froze, his fists trembling at his sides.
"But... Master, he... he tried to kill us just minutes ago. And now you're accepting him as an ally? How does that make any sense?"
Lucy's expression softened. She gently placed a hand on his head.
"Calm down, Alfie. Trust your master. Leave this to me."
Alfie immediately knocked her hand away.
"I can't accept this..."
He turned and walked off, his face twisted with anger as he kept his gaze fixed on the ground.
Rebekah stepped forward, still unable to understand Lucy's decision.
"Master, why him? What did he say that made you change your mind so suddenly?"
Lucy fell silent for a moment.
"Rebekah, I've lived a very long time. I've made countless decisions throughout my life, some right and others wrong. I've learned from my mistakes, and I won't let this young man become another one."
She looked directly into Rebekah's eyes.
"I promise you that."
Rebekah clenched her fists.
"He won't accept this. Don't forget that they came here to take him back to Guhan and use his Renshi for their own purposes..."
Marcel finally spoke from the side, his voice low and weary.
"Miss, I honestly don't know what to say. But please, think twice before forgiving your enemies."
He leaned against a nearby tree, looking too exhausted to continue arguing.
Jackson moved beside him, resting against the same tree.
"Whatever happens, I just hope you don't end up regretting your decision."
Bash's voice entered Lucy's mind through telepathy.
It looks like the kids aren't ready to accept him, Miss. If you want this to work, you'll have to make him earn their trust.
Before Lucy could respond, Sasaki activated Switch Mode and appeared directly in front of her.
"I can't force anyone to trust me, not even you. But I've made my decision. I'm your apprentice now. Do whatever you want with me. I won't leave your side."
Lucy clicked her tongue, frowning at him.
"Don't get cocky, you loser. I've got everything under control."
Lyon shook his head and turned away, walking toward Jackson and Marcel.
"From here on, the decision is yours, Lucy. I'm leaving for Guhan with the boys. Good luck on your journey."
Lucy's eyes followed him as he walked away.
"And what exactly do you plan to report to the Special Darkside Knight who sent you?"