When the spatial rift that had torn through the Hell Dimension finally settled within the precise force field of the manor's underground laboratory.
And the last trace of sulfur and despair had been filtered away by the efficient purification system.
A strange silence descended.
Under the laboratory's cold white lights, Loren spread open his palm.
The flame, compressed to the size of an egg and covered in ominous dark-red and black patterns, lay quietly in his hand.
Even though it had been completely suppressed and sealed by his Super Saiyan ki.
The cold, soul-scorching essence within the flame, as though it had condensed endless suffering.
Still pulsed faintly like a heartbeat, giving off low-frequency tremors that made the soul recoil.
He said nothing, merely lowering his gaze to examine this trophy from the Hell Dimension.
His blond hair still stood upright, though his golden aura had subsided.
Yet those Super Saiyan eyes seemed capable of seeing through every strand of flame.
Loren was not alone in the laboratory. 2B and A2 stood silently nearby, like two perfect sculptures.
Tsunade leaned against an analyzer in the distance, her arms folded.
With the dual interest of a doctor and a researcher, she studied the flame in Loren's hand.
She muttered under her breath, "What a wicked flame. It feels worse than the most poisonous slug mucus in Shikkotsu Forest."
The most eye-catching person, however, was Mai Shiranui, who stood slightly closer.
She could barely tear her gaze away from the crystal in Loren's palm.
As the rightful heir to Shiranui Style Ninjutsu, flame was, to her.
Both a weapon and a companion, as well as a part of her life itself.
She could sense with perfect clarity just how different Hellfire was.
It was not the fierce, uninhibited, life-filled ninja flame she