Naruto-ReBorn as a Baker

Chapter 239: Fugai's Final Test

The dim light of the fortress's command chamber cast long shadows across the polished metal walls. Fugai stood near a towering window, her violet eyes fixed on the rocky terrain of the Land of Earth as it passed beneath the mobile fortress. Her arms were crossed, her stance rigid, her mind replaying the events of the day. The echoes of her sparring with Malik, the heat of their shared moment—those thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps behind her.

"Fugai," came Haido's smooth, deliberate voice.

She turned, her gaze meeting the calm yet calculating green eyes of her lord. Haido stood tall, his bishop's robe pristine, the faint glow of the Gelel stone embedded in his hand catching the light. He studied her for a moment, his monocle glinting, before stepping closer.

"My lord," Fugai said, her voice steady, masking the flicker of tension she felt in his presence.

Haido nodded, his expression unreadable. "You've served me well, Fugai. Through battles, through trials… but now, the time has come for your final test."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, her body tensing with anticipation. "The last piece of the stone tablet," she said, her tone a mix of curiosity and resolve.

Haido clasped his hands behind his back, pacing slowly. "Yes. The map to the true Gelel temple lies incomplete, and without it, our journey ends in vain. That last fragment rests in the depths of the Land of Earth, guarded by ancient defenses and treacherous terrain. You, Fugai, are the one I trust to retrieve it."

She straightened, her pride swelling at the weight of the task. "Consider it done, my lord. Nothing will stand in my way."

Haido paused, his gaze sharp as it bore into her. "This is not merely about retrieving a fragment, Fugai. This is about loyalty. Strength. Purpose. The Gelel vein will reshape the world, and only the worthy will stand beside me when it does. This mission will test every fiber of your being—your resolve, your cunning, your devotion."

"I am ready," she replied without hesitation. "I will not fail you."

Haido's lips curled into a faint, approving smile. "Good. But know this: you may face more than physical obstacles. The closer we come to our goal, the greater the stakes, and the greater the temptations. Do not falter, Fugai. Do not let sentiment cloud your judgment."

Fugai's jaw tightened, her mind flashing briefly to Malik. She forced the thought aside, her voice firm. "I understand. My loyalty to you is absolute."

"Then prove it," Haido said, his voice like a blade. "Retrieve the fragment, no matter what—or who—stands in your way."

Fugai bowed her head, her fists clenched at her sides. "It will be done, my lord."

Haido reached out, his gloved hand brushing lightly over her shoulder, a rare gesture of something almost akin to affection—or control. "I knew I could count on you, Fugai. Do not disappoint me."

With that, he turned and strode toward the exit, his steps echoing through the chamber. Fugai remained still, her eyes locked on the spot where he had stood, her heart pounding with a mix of determination and unease.

This was it—her final test. The path before her was perilous, but she would carve her way through it with the same ferocity that had defined her entire life. For Haido, for the vision of a world shaped by the power of Gelel… and for herself.

As she turned back to the window, the reflection of her violet eyes burned with renewed resolve. Nothing and no one would stop her.

As Malik stepped away from the mirror, a satisfied smile playing on his lips, he turned to face Kiyomi. She was still sprawled on their bed, her silver hair fanned out around her, her large breasts heaving with the effort of catching her breath. His cum glistened on her hairy pussy, a testament to their shared passion.

Malik walked over to her, his eyes drinking in her naked form. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a searing kiss, his hands cupping her breasts, feeling their weight, their softness. She moaned into his mouth, her body arching against his, her fingers tangling in his hair.

But Malik knew he had duties to attend to. With a final, lingering kiss, he pulled away, his eyes filled with regret. "I have to go. The fortress needs feeding, and I'm its chef."

Kiyomi smiled, her eyes soft with affection. "Go on, then. But don't take too long. I miss you already."

Malik chuckled, giving her breast one last squeeze before turning to leave. As he walked through the fortress's corridors, he couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. His life was far from simple, but moments like these made it all worthwhile.

Upon reaching the kitchen, Malik set to work, his hands moving with practiced ease as he chopped vegetables, seasoned meats, and mixed ingredients. He hummed softly to himself, his pink magic dancing around him, helping him prepare the meals with swift efficiency.

As he worked, the sound of footsteps echoed in the corridor outside. Malik glanced up, his eyes narrowing as Fugai entered the kitchen. Her violet eyes were fixed on him, her expression unreadable.

"Malik," she said, her voice steady, betraying no hint of the passion they had shared earlier.

"Fugai," he replied, his tone neutral. He turned back to his cooking, his hands never pausing in their work. "What brings you to the kitchen?"

She hesitated for a moment before speaking, her voice low. "Haido has given me a task. A final test."

Malik's hands stilled, his eyes flicking back to her. He could see the tension in her shoulders, the determination in her gaze. "And what task is that?" he asked, his voice careful.

Fugai's jaw tightened, her eyes flashing with a mix of resolve and unease. "The last piece of the stone tablet. The one that leads to the true Gelel temple. I must retrieve it, no matter what—or who—stands in my way."

Malik's heart sank, but he kept his expression neutral. He turned back to his cooking, his hands moving automatically, his mind racing. "And what does that mean, Fugai? For you?"

She stepped closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "It means that I must follow my orders, Malik. I must prove my loyalty to Haido, to the vision of a world shaped by Gelel. And I must do whatever it takes to achieve that goal."

Malik set down his knife, his eyes meeting hers. "And what about all you have already done for your Lord Haido, Fugai?"

Fugai looked away, her voice filled with a mix of pain and resolve. "I... I don't know, Malik. I don't know what the future holds, but I know what I must do. I know what I must achieve."

Malik felt a pang of sadness, of longing, but he pushed it aside, his expression hardening. "I see. Well, I wish you luck, Fugai. I truly do. But know this: I will not stand in your way, but I will not make it easy for you, either."

Fugai nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of gratitude and sorrow. "I would expect nothing less," she said softly.

With that, she turned and left the kitchen, her footsteps echoing down the corridor. Malik stood there for a moment, his hands clenched at his sides, his heart heavy with a mix of sadness and determination.

He knew what he had to do. He had to protect those he loved, even if it meant going against Fugai. Even if it meant shattering the bond they shared. For there was more at stake than just their passion—there was the fate of the world. And Malik would not let it fall into the wrong hands, no matter the cost.