News of Cloud defeating Billy Kane swept through South Town's underworld like a Category 12 typhoon overnight.
"Brick Bro" was no longer just a name that made small-time thugs tremble.
It had become a heavyweight title—someone who could go toe-to-toe with Geese Howard's top lieutenants.
Some said he was a rising star with limitless potential.
Others said he was a shooting star destined to burn out—because he'd crossed South Town's true emperor: Geese.
But regardless of the rumors, our protagonist Cloud was currently enjoying the most "painfully pleasant" time since his transmigration.
"Ow... Mai, gentle! Gentler! It's gonna fall off!"
Inside Cloud's crappy apartment, he sat shirtless, his bronze skin covered with bruises and wounds from battle.
Mai Shiranui wore a stern expression as she dabbed a cotton ball soaked in strong liquor against his wounds—roughly... tenderly... helping him clean them.
"Hmph, NOW you know it hurts?" Though her words were harsh, her hands had unconsciously become much gentler.
"Who told you to go underground fighting? Serves you right! You deserve to hurt!"
Her tone wasn't really scolding—it was more like pouting.
Those striking almond eyes held three parts annoyance and seven parts barely concealed heartache.
That night, she'd rushed onto the stage and embraced Cloud in front of everyone.
That action had silently announced to the world—and to herself—that something had changed.
"I did it to get stronger so I can protect you." Cloud grimaced but kept laying on the honey. "Think about it—what if some bad guys target you again? I can't just whip out a fire extinguisher. That'd be embarrassing."
"Bah! Smooth talker!" Mai's pretty face flushed, and she pressed harder on his wounds, making Cloud yelp.
Nearby, Yuri Sakazaki hovered like a devoted little wife, holding a steaming bowl of medicinal soup. "Mai, go easier on him," she reminded softly. "Cloud's still injured."
"Fine, fine, little busybody." Mai rolled her eyes but obediently lightened her touch.
These past few days, the two of them had been showing up at Cloud's place like clockwork.
One handled "physical therapy" (with bonus psychological attacks), while the other provided "nutritional support" (under Cloud's strong suggestion, Yuri's cooking had evolved from "biochemical alchemy" to "molecular gastronomy"—at least it was edible now)
...
The following days, the training ground took on an unusually "harmonious" and "efficient" atmosphere.
Morning at the training ground. Perfect sunshine.
Cloud stood shirtless, revealing a body of sleek, explosive muscle.
Sweat traced down his skin, glistening healthily in the sunlight.
Across from him, Mai wore her red ninja outfit. Under the intensity of training, her stunning figure left Cloud's throat dry.
The two were engaged in high-intensity sparring.
"No, no." Cloud easily sidestepped Mai's sharp "Butterfly Fan" strike, then extended a finger to tap her waist where her form had stiffened from exertion.
"Mai, I've told you so many times—the essence of 'Shiranui Style' is in the word 'dance.'"
"'Dance'?" Mai panted, confused.
"Yes, dance—as in dancing." As he spoke, Cloud naturally moved behind her, his hands hovering at her waist, guiding her movements.
"Your techniques focus too much on 'killing power.' You've lost the core 'rhythm' of Shiranui Style. See, 'Dance of the Blazing Sun' should be like this..."
Cloud's warm breath brushed past her ear, making her feel ticklish.
His strong hands seemed to carry magic—every adjustment gave her fresh insight into her own techniques.
Ever since Cloud's spectacular arena victory, Mai's attitude toward him had done a complete 180.
From "annoying jerk" to "strong... jerk" to "this jerk... is actually kind of charming."
Especially when she discovered that Cloud understood "Shiranui Style" even more deeply than she did—the legitimate heir—her shock and curiosity completely overwhelmed her previous tsundere act.
She dropped all pretense and taught him everything about Shiranui Style without reservation.
From basic body techniques to advanced ninjutsu, even some secret arts only direct disciples could learn—she held nothing back.
Cloud, in turn, used the system's powerful [Deep Analysis] function to deconstruct and analyze each technique, then fed back improvements in more scientific, efficient ways.
One taught, one learned. One analyzed, one practiced. They formed a peculiar "dual cultivation" dynamic.
Under this high-intensity "academic exchange," both improved by leaps and bounds—and their relationship grew increasingly... intimate.
"Hey! Cloud!" Mai's cheeks burned as she tried to escape his embrace. "You're... you're too close!"
"Don't move." Cloud's voice carried an unmistakable seriousness.
"Feel how the power flows. From your ankles to your core to your fingertips. Let the energy 'dance' through your body like water—not crash out like a stone."
His magnetic voice and the intense masculine presence radiating from him made Mai's heart race uncontrollably.
Her body felt weak. How was she supposed to focus on "energy flow"?
[Ding! Target "Mai Shiranui" affection change: +70 → +80 (This jerk looks SO hot when he's seriously coaching me...!)]