Chapter 12: Bonaparte Warrior

"The successful transaction of the Three Suns and Moons Dance has been completed."

"Ding, Host, do you confirm that you want to learn the Three Suns and Moons Dance?"

"Ding, Host has learned the Three Suns and Moons Dance."

A series of notifications from the system rang out. Franz had spent 2000 silver coins to buy the Three Suns and Moons Dance body technique.

Three Suns and Moons Dance: This is Hayate's sword technique, focusing on speed to the point of creating afterimages.

Franz grinned, baring his fangs.

"Cousin, be careful."

He spoke, then charged at Geoffey with incredible speed, slashing toward him. The sword’s shadow split into three directions, aiming for Geoffey’s chest. Geoffey remained calm, spinning his spear and shouting:

"Break for me!"

Boom!

From the tip of the spear, a burst of energy erupted, dispersing the sword shadows and pushing Franz back. Geoffey spun twice in the air, creating a beautiful arc, and slammed his spear down toward Franz's head.

Clang!

Franz knelt down, gripping his sword hilt with his right hand and using his left hand to support the back of the blade, blocking the spear. His hands trembled slightly, and his grip cracked from the pressure. The difference in strength was too great.

"Cousin, stop pushing yourself. You've done well enough."

Geoffey smiled lightly as he spoke. Blood dripped from the corner of Franz's mouth. He sneered, biting his lip, and said:

"The Bonaparte family does not raise cowards."

Boom!

Franz's words silenced the crowd below. The young men and women stood in awe, gazing at Franz with admiration. A man like him, once considered a failure, had through sheer determination reached where he was today. Someone who had been bullied now stood here, fighting for honor. Despite being beaten to a pulp, he remained steadfast, refusing to give up. Could someone like him still be called a failure? Was he truly worthy of disdain?

"Franz!"

"Franz!"

"Franz!"

...

No one knew who started it, but soon the disciples of the family were chanting his name. Gone was the contempt and jealousy. All that remained was admiration, reverence, and respect. Franz was no longer seen as the useless member of the family but as a role model, an idol everyone aspired to follow.

"This boy truly bears the spirit of the Bonaparte family."

The elders nodded in approval. Duss wore a proud expression. This was his son. The son of Duss Bonaparte. Always carrying the indomitable will of the Bonaparte family, truly worthy of the bloodline of the Golden Lion King.

"This kid has a bit of my younger self in him," Heter muttered proudly from a distant corner.

The chanting of Franz's name didn’t stop. Geoffey smiled.

"Cousin, do you see? Everyone has acknowledged you. Don’t let them down."

Franz gritted his teeth.

"I know."

With a roar, Franz stood up, forming a circle with his thumb and index finger of his left hand near his mouth.

"Fireball Jutsu!"

Franz spat out a massive fireball aimed directly at Geoffey.

Boom!

The range of the Fireball Jutsu was 5 meters, and Geoffey, unable to dodge in time, was hit square in the chest. Blood spurted from his mouth, and his body flew backward.

Seizing the moment, Franz’s left hand turned into a pointing gesture, while his right hand raised his sword high as he shouted:

"Three Suns and Moons Dance!"

Franz zigzagged at such speed that his afterimages formed a butterfly shape under the dazzling sunlight. Seeing Franz charging, Geoffey retreated, leaning back and thrusting his spear forward, using a technique known as the "Return Thrust." However, when the spear struck, Geoffey realized he had only hit an afterimage.

"Slash!"

Suddenly, Franz reappeared above Geoffey, both hands gripping his sword as he slashed downward.

Thud!

Seeing no time to dodge, Geoffey decisively leaned to the side, and the Kusanagi sword was blocked momentarily by his shoulder armor before slicing down into his shoulder. Geoffey’s body froze. Franz knew this was the paralysis effect of the Kusanagi. Seizing the opportunity, Franz balled his hand into a fist and delivered a powerful punch directly into Geoffey’s left chest.

Bang!

Geoffey let out a pained scream as he was sent flying off the platform. The crowd was wide-eyed. Was it over? Had the family’s genius, undefeated until now, been beaten? And then, a new wave of cheers erupted.

"Franz!"

"Franz!"

...

All around, the family disciples shouted his name with all their strength. On the platform, Franz stood slightly hunched, panting heavily, but deep inside, a sense of relief washed over him. He knew the remaining fragment of Franz's soul had finally been freed. Franz’s wish to be recognized by the family had been fulfilled. He silently said to himself:

"Rest in peace, brother."

Suddenly, his vision blurred. Looking down, he saw his HP was only 1/5 left, and his chakra and stamina were nearly depleted. It seemed he was about to pass out. He vaguely saw a soft, dark figure running toward him.

"A beauty..."

Thud.