A massive shockwave burst from Jon's body, toppling huts and sending warriors flying.
Jon (in Gyūki's voice):
"I'll tear it all down! The weak… the liars… the traitors!"
Red chakra surged like a storm, twisting the air around him. His skin sizzled and cracked beneath the corrosive energy. His body was no longer in his control.
Asha stumbled toward him, ignoring the calls to retreat. She pressed her hand to her belly, panting but determined.
Asha (crying out):
"Jon! Please—come back! You're not a monster! You're not alone!"
Jon roared again, but his chakra flickered.
Then came Satsuki—her clothes tattered from the battle, but her hazel eyes sharp.
Satsuki:
"You made us a promise. You said you'd protect us—not destroy us!"
She hurled a binding seal scroll, which struck his chest. His movements paused.
Asha came closer, laying her hand over his heart, and whispered through tears.
Asha:
"We love you, Jon. Come back to us…"
His breathing slowed. His body trembled.
And then—the chakra vanished.
He collapsed to his knees, steam rising from his burnt skin. His cloak disintegrated. The corrupted beast's carcass lay still in the distance.
Jon fell forward, unconscious.
Asha caught him with trembling arms as Satsuki ran to their side. His body was covered in horrible burns, deep and searing across his chest, arms, and back. His breathing was ragged. His hands—once steady—were scorched and cracked.
Satsuki (horrified):
"He needs healing. Now!"
Asha (tears falling):
"I won't let you die… I won't…"
As the elders and spiritfolk medics rushed in, Jon's unconscious body was carried to the healing chambers beneath the Spirit Tree. His soul teetered on the edge—caught between life and death.
But the village would never forget that day.
The day the beast was slain…
And the monster within their protector awakened.