Physical Persuasion and Prophecy

The desert fell into deathly silence.

Only the wind's mournful howl as it swept over the dunes remained, along with Shukaku's heavy panting as Sage Art Iron Sand Spears pinned him to the ground, the sounds born of pain and unwillingness. His mountain-like body could not move. Every attempt to struggle triggered a backlash from the natural energy contained within the Iron Sand Spears piercing his body, bringing even more intense pain and a deeper sense of helplessness.

Sage Art Gundam: Mirage stood towering before Shukaku's enormous head. The green Senjutsu patterns flowing across its body gradually dimmed, returning it to its silver-white and azure primary colors. Yet its overwhelming pressure and icy stare still weighed upon Shukaku's heart as though they were tangible. The Natural Energy Puppet Core in its chest ran steadily, emitting a low hum as if proclaiming absolute power.

Shaye's voice came from within the Gundam, calm and even, yet more intimidating than any roar. "Have you calmed down now, Shukaku?"

Shukaku's enormous dark-yellow eyes shifted with difficulty, staring fixedly at the steel giant before him. They were filled with anger, humiliation, and a trace of undisguised fear. He blasted two scorching streams of sand-laden air from his nostrils and let out a muffled, unwilling growl. "...Damn it... you damned brat... What kind of power was that?!"

He could not understand why a human, relying on a lump of metal, could wield power so close to—perhaps even capable of restraining—his very origin. Natural energy suppressed Tailed Beast chakra.

"This is a new possibility born from the union of knowledge and power. It is also the necessary guarantee for upholding our agreement." Shaye did not explain the principles behind Senjutsu or the Natural Energy Core in detail. He merely controlled the Gundam and leaned down slightly, its