The great hall was eerily quiet.
Kalifa stood silently in a corner, her gaze sweeping over the two figures on and below the high platform. She thought, My boss has really stirred up a hornet's nest this time. I should probably prepare to run away with him later.
Nerona stared blankly at Chiga on the high platform. For some reason, after being slapped by Chiga, she felt a lingering sensation that left her flustered and unsure of what was happening to her.
Chiga had no idea what Nerona was thinking. He frowned at her still figure, then turned and sat down in the chair she had been occupying. He looked down and said,
"You, crawl up here."
"What did you say!?"
Nerona couldn't believe her ears. She never expected this Uchiha Chiga to make such a demand.
Is he even from this world? Does he truly not understand the weight of a Celestial Dragon?
Ironically, Nerona had unknowingly stumbled upon the correct answer to her question.
Seeing that she still hadn't moved, Chiga grew impatient and raised his voice,
"I told you to crawl up here. Can't you hear me? Or do you want to die?"
Startled by his tone, Nerona hesitated—then actually prostrated herself on the floor and began crawling forward, inch by inch.
As she crawled, Nerona was filled with humiliation—and confusion.
Why was she suddenly being so obedient? Why did his command trigger such a strong instinct to comply?
After some time, she finally reached Chiga's feet. She looked up at him, her face filled with shame, stunned by her own behavior.
Chiga hadn't expected her to comply so readily. He had only intended to provoke her. In his mind, there was no way a spoiled Celestial Dragon would actually obey.
In fact, he had been prepared to kill her if she dared to resist—but her reaction caught him completely off guard.
Since she was being so obedient, Chiga temporarily suppressed his killing intent. He extended a finger and lifted her chin.
"What, even a high and mighty Celestial Dragon would do something like this?"
Nerona said nothing, silently allowing Chiga to touch her. Her eyes shifted to the side, avoiding his.
Chiga frowned. No, did you forget you're a Celestial Dragon? Be arrogant, damn it!
But things still needed resolving. Chiga stood up and raised his hand, preparing to strike Nerona, who remained on the ground.
At that moment, Nerona finally spoke.
"Are you going to kill me?"
Chiga paused slightly, then nodded coldly.
"Whether I kill you or not doesn't matter. You already know that everything I've done tonight is unforgivable to someone like you."
"If I say I won't pursue anything that happened tonight... will you let me go?"
"Hm?"
Chiga raised an eyebrow. If she was telling the truth, sparing her might be an option.
After all, he had originally planned to climb the ranks of the Marines before making any drastic moves. Abandoning them now would throw off several plans.
But could he trust her? The reputation of Celestial Dragons wasn't exactly honorable.
Use genjutsu? She already seemed a little... off. If she fell into genjutsu, she'd probably lose her mind. The Five Elders might notice.
Thinking it over, Chiga shook his head and began gathering transparent chakra in his palm.
Seeing this, Nerona panicked and quickly said,
"I'm telling the truth! As long as... as long as you promise that when I come to Sabaody again, you'll protect me, I'll pretend none of this happened! I swear!"
After speaking, she blushed slightly and stole a glance at Chiga.
What the hell is happening tonight... Chiga thought. Her performance seemed oddly sincere.
After a moment of silence, he decided to be cautious.
He reached out and grabbed Nerona by the neck, lifting her off the ground.
Nerona stared at him in fear. Why is he still treating me like this? I was being sincere! How can he be so cruel?!
Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks.
Annoyed, Chiga snapped at her.
"Quiet! Look into my eyes."
"Huh? Oh…"
Startled, she immediately stopped crying and obediently looked up at him, murmuring,
"One, two, three…"
Chiga narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing?"
Nerona froze and stammered,
"Your eyes are so beautiful... I wanted to count the rings in them…"
"…"
Chiga lost count of how many times he'd been speechless tonight. Without another word, he activated his ability:
"Naraka Path: King of Hell's Judgment!"
A terrifying demonic face rose from the purple-flamed void behind him. Nerona's eyes widened in horror, and she began kicking her legs wildly.
"Behave!"
"Okay... but the monster behind you is really scary!"
"Stop talking nonsense. I ask, you answer. If you lie, this thing will rip out your tongue and eat it."
"Mhm, I understand…"
"Were your words just now true? Will you really forget everything that happened tonight?"
"Really, I swear!"
Nerona practically shouted. After a moment, she lowered her head and added quietly,
"But you have to promise to be my bodyguard when I return to Sabaody…"
Ignoring her, Chiga glanced back at the King of Hell. Since it didn't react, he knew she was telling the truth. He released his technique.
The terrifying face behind him faded from Nerona's view. She watched in awe as it vanished.
"Your abilities are amazing… Is that a Devil Fruit power?"
"Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask."
Hearing the warning in his tone, Nerona quickly shut up.
Chiga jumped down from the platform and walked toward Kalifa.
"Let's go," he said, grabbing her hand. He was about to leave when Nerona called out again.
"Are you leaving already?"
Without looking back, Chiga replied impatiently,
"If I don't leave, should I stay here with you?"
"There's such a good... uh, never mind... it's not impossible…"
"…"
Chiga was numb from her strange behavior. He grabbed Kalifa and disappeared in a flash of Flying Thunder God.
Nerona stood in place, blankly staring at the empty space where Chiga had vanished.
After a long while, the gulu-gulu sound of a Den Den Mushi buzzed from inside her clothes.
Snapping out of her daze, she reached in and pulled it out.
An old voice came through,
"Nerona, has Uchiha Chiga been there? What was his attitude like?"
Adjusting her clothes, Nerona stood tall and replied in a composed tone,
"His performance was excellent. I'm very satisfied with him."
"Hmm? Didn't he kill your people? Did he threaten you?"
"No. Just a few disobedient dogs. Colonel Chiga not only apologized, but also promised to be my bodyguard next time. He'll personally ensure my safety."
"Oh? Well, he sounds like a good fellow then. Very well, we understand."
As the call ended, Nerona let out a breath and patted her chest.
The matter was over… but why did she feel so strange?
---
Incase you wondering if she's ugly or not, answer is 'Nah'
So should she get added to the harem or not lol.
Send Powerstones !!