Naruto: Manipulation - Chapter 18: Susano’o and the Stirring Konoha

Every year, the Trial World summons chosen humans to face its brutal tests—deadly monsters, unpredictable trials, and the ever-approaching calamity that threatens to wipe out entire worlds. Only by defeating the Demon God can a minor world ascend and escape destruction.Leon Kael, born into a renowned family, awakens a Divine Talent on the day of his summoning—an ability that makes him stronger with every attack he delivers. Power isn't gifted freely in the Trial World. It's earned, carved out in blood, sweat, and unrelenting battle.Armed with this mysterious talent and the drive to protect everything he holds dear, Leon steps into the world of trials where every strike brings him closer to overwhelming strength. The path ahead is paved with bloodshed, glory, and the roar of defiance.If the gods must be attacked to survive—then let them bleed.

Martial Arts Grandmaster，who achieved the limit of human body, can fight a hundred foes alone as the founder of styles and schools. Yet, they could only reign supreme in ancient times. But the Immortals... Flying on the wind without relying on, they travel through the Azure Void, heading to the Northern Sea by dawn and reaching Cangwu Realm by dusk. Feeding on the wind and drinking the dew, transcending the mundane world, wandering freely with eternal life. That is humanity’s ultimate romance. Are Immortals fictional? Do they not exist in the real world? The outcome depends on the individual! The Martial Path was originally a defiance of the heavens, surpassing limits, turning the impossible into possible! So, what is wrong with desiring to become a Human Immortal, journeying to the Northern Sea Star by morning and reaching the Cangwu Realm by dusk? This is the story of someone in the modern world of martial arts who, armed with just a bit of informational advantage, ultimately became a Human Immortal and shattered stars with a single punch.

Elia is a poor university student until the night she’s taken to the world of the Anima—ruled by humans whose ancient hearts pulse with the blood of animals. There she’s forced into a battle to the death. But when Elia survives, and refuses to kill her final opponent, the King must either kill Elia himself, or take her as his mate.

Reth, the brutal King of the Beasts with the blood of lions, shocks everyone when he chooses the weak, human Elia to become his Queen. He promises her every comfort of his wealth and position—but he is clear: She will not warm his bed. He chose her to defeat those that were trying to corner him into blending his Leonine line with the Wolves.

Elia needs the help of the Anima to become stronger and rule them well. But the vengeful Wolves see only a weak human that brought them shame. As Elia and Reth grow closer, the wolves are determined to destroy her. Will Reth and Elia admit their feelings for each in time to fight for the Kingdom—and their lives—against the villainous wolf-tribe? Or will the wolves kill Elia and steal the throne?

[Mature content - no sexual violence]

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He stalked towards her, chin low so the shadow cast by his hard jaw cut across the thick fur collar of his vest. His hair had fallen over his eyes in the scuffle, so he peered at her through it like a lion in the grass. With each step, his graceful, rolling gait reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Despite the forest floor littered in twigs and leaves, he didn’t make a sound.

“Wh-who are you?” Elia stammered, backing away, her hands up. He met her step for step until she came up hard against the tree behind her—and didn’t stop until he loomed over her, so broad his shoulders and chest made a wall in front of her. She could feel the heat rising off his skin in the cool, night air.

“I am the Leonine King.” His voice was a dark, husky gravel. Behind him a chorus of wheezes, howls, and chirps of agreement rose from the people watching. “And you are?”

“Elia,” she breathed.

“Elia,” he growled, leaning in closer, bringing with him the scent of pine and rain and the musk of something distinctly male. “I am Reth.” He said the name with a strange, guttural roll in his throat. “I am King of Beasts. I am Clan Leader, and I am Alpha of WildWood.” Several snarls rose from the crowds behind him then, but he ignored them.

Elia swallowed as he leaned in until the scruff on his jaw rasped her cheek. “I am the King,” he said, “And you will be my mate.”

The forest behind him erupted.

Noel likes his world quiet, clean, and perfectly organized. He’s the kind of guy who alphabetizes his books, avoids eye contact, and considers a wild night one where he reads past midnight. Drama? Not his thing. Parties? Pass. Sharing a dorm with a chaotic stranger? Just another obstacle to endure—hopefully, temporarily.Enter Luca: flirtatious, chaotic, and chronically shirtless. A walking disaster with too many admirers and not enough awareness, he leaves messes—and broken hearts—wherever he goes. Loud, reckless, and charming, he’s everything Noel can’t stand… and somehow, everything he can’t stop noticing.What starts as a clash of lifestyles soon turns into late-night conversations, innocent pranks, and lingering stares. Somewhere between eye rolls and shared ramen, their rivalry begins to blur—until even Noel can’t deny his quiet little world feels empty without Luca.Noel wonders why his heart skips a beat whenever Luca’s near. And Luca? He’s realizing the one person who doesn’t fall for his charm might be the only one who truly sees him.Falling in love was never part of the roommate agreement—but hearts don’t follow house rules.---Vibes & Tropes:Grumpy x SunshineForced ProximityMutual Pining & Slow BurnSass, Snark, and Secret SoftnessMovie nights, pranks, cuddles, and the accidental love story